There is so much happening in the world around us: turmoil, confusion, financial challenges, relationship worries… . What is the world spiralling towards, and what is the point?
I hit menopause about 15 years ago, at about the same time I left my husband and my home, my kids had grown up and moved out, and our family dog died. I slid into a 4-year depression. It seemed to me that there was no reason to live. I was no longer needed, and all I had ever dreamed about, I had already experienced. I had never imagined a life for myself that spanned into "my wisdom years'. The status quo of what my life looked like was not the life I wanted for myself forever. Instead of giving up, however, I was given the challenge to find purpose and meaning each day at a time. I believe I achieved this quest, and it is now a practice I continue to expand into.
I have come to understand that, as a human, it is in my nature to try to make sense of my experiences, and that the superpowers I possess are revealed through my ability to choose. Oh sure, I like snow way better than I like rain, but what I do with the rain is up to me. My choice is to buy a raincoat, rain pants and boots! Others, I know, choose differently. Some people choose to focus on the things they would rather have be different, and then to complain about them. Haha, don’t get me wrong, you might catch me complaining too! I know staying in that mindset doesn’t serve my desire for a world that is a happier place for everyone together, though. (Plus, optimism just happens to be one of my top values). People who complain aren't wrong. That's just how they choose to live their lives.
I had to get some papers notarized today and was quoted $200. UGH! I arrived at the office, met Chris, who was helping me, and we had a lovely time talking about nothing much important. We even found opportunities to laugh together. After our business was concluded and I was at the counter, settling my bill, Chris bounded down the stairs and reduced the fee by $50! WOW! I don’t know why he did it... I don’t think he did either. Nonetheless, I took the gift as a small confirmation to continue being authentically myself, and a beacon of light, to the best of my ability.
I believe there is an Infinite Energy that encompasses all life. We can never be separate from this Energy. We are all connected IN It, BY It and AS It. Your existence is exactly what is needed to make all of Life whole. Without you, there would be a void - and the Universe abhors a void. Just by existing, each one of us has purpose - that is, we bring wholeness to Existence. More than this, even every way that you and I are different is significantly important. This is HOW we bring meaning to Life. The tricky part, is that there is no recipe to follow. There is, however, an internal urge we can recognize that wants us to express ourselves. It is up to each of us to listen, trust and follow our unique calls. When we get quiet and seek inner knowing, we find the deep connection to a life that wants to happen BY us and THROUGH us. We must make time to get quiet, though.
There is a young family that moved across the street from my home. My kitchen window looks right at their house, so I am witness to the action of their living. It is normal to see one of the parents heading off for a walk. They shared with me that this is how they create space in their lives - away from the pull of four children and the demands of work. Their walks are only half an hour long, but the practice is a gift they give to each other. “Ok, your turn. Be back in 30.” More than their quiet walks even, I also see their strength as a dedication to their faith, a belief in something greater - a meaning beyond understanding, and living a life that celebrates possibility.
I used to the sort of person who struggled with a perspective of "me against the world". I was desperately trying to figure out what the equation of factors I had been handed in life added up to. I spent my time filling in the gaps, and aspiring to a good life, even though it seemed like it wasn’t working. If you were to look at my life now as compared to then, you wouldn’t be blown over by any great external changes, but what has made my life more fulfilling for me, is my faith. I live in this miracle called Life, and have the freedom to craft the life I desire in any way I can imagine. Sure, we are all born into circumstances, some of which seem more advantageous than others, on the surface. We all equally have the same power to mold our situations into something special for ourselves, though.
What I mean by this is, for example, when I kiss and cuddle my dog, it isn’t for any gain. It is merely for the sheer joy of sharing a moment. When I sit down to write my weekly article, it is for the passion I have to shine a torch on other ways of seeing things that may be different from the norm. If how you are living right now isn’t joy-filled, perhaps it is time to give another way a chance.
If you are ready to go deep and get really quiet, I invite you to attend our retreat that'll be running from May 1st - 4th. It will be a great way to pivot, hear the call of your heart, and be inspired to follow its lead. I got you!
You are a miracle. Remember that. When you forget, reach out and I will remind you of the truth. You make the world complete.