The Power to Thrive

As I sit in front of the computer and touch the keys I am reminded of how good it feels to write.

It has been far too long since I put any words out for the world to see. I have been quietly writing, but not sharing. When I am in turmoil, it is so much easier to share. When the world around me is in turmoil, and I am thriving, feeling happy and at ease, I hesitate to share.

By no means am I blind to what is happening all around me, the recent political wars, the angry language between friends, the division, the hate and the real threat of the virus which has shaped this crazy 2020 year. But it isn’t what I live and breathe and I have been doing my best not to tap into the collective negativity. If I did, I would be stuck and broken. Instead I am choosing to shift my perspective into the positive.

A while back I intentionally surrendered to all that is and asked the powers above to use me as a tool of love and positivity, and to make me a channel of light. I cannot fulfill that destiny if I myself am not calm, peace- filled and radiating light.

This past year started out with all the elements of greatness; adventure, growth, new understanding, and abundance. And on a dime, all that was routine was no more. I was thrown off for a bit, feeling a little uneasy, scared, and stressed, but it didn’t last that long. I started learning new ways of doing, of being, and my perspective began to change. After a bit, I was functioning from the positive again. Things I had always dreamed of, like living at my cottage, teaching from home, spending more time with my husband, just dropped into my lap. What seemed scary and unreal at the outset, turned into something I had always craved. I grow more and more introverted as I age, I love deep connections, but dislike crowds, so staying “in”, has really worked for me.

Using technology has become a way of daily life for me, something I approach with unease at times, but no longer see as the beast I once feared. I can do what I do easily, what I love, and what I believe I am meant to do — teach people how to tune into their bodies and inner wisdom, virtually, from my two havens (home & cottage). It was a surprise to realize my long time vision board wish came true in 2020, to live (and work) from my cottage for six months out of the year and have my husband with me.

While the world around me has changed significantly in the last year, in several ways mine remains relatively unchanged. I am a homebody by nature, rarely eat out, love quiet time to create art or walk with the trees, dislike shopping and am never bored. The one thing that has changed is my face to face time with people. Connection is important to me, my loved ones and friends and all my students are missed. Yet, I am staying connected as best I can and constantly sending out good vibes to all those who need them.

I am so blessed I know, and I am very fortunate. This Thanksgiving was different for sure, yet it gave me plenty of time to reflect on how much I am thankful for, how much life has changed for the better for me. It has been several years now, yet I still remember a november walk where I struggled to find anything to be grateful for. On paper my life was just as blessed as it is right now, but something was seriously off inside of me. I was in a dark place. The transformation started with one intentional step out of the darkness, a big life change, a leap of faith and a resolve to follow my heart.

I saw someone else’s post recently which said it was okay to “not feel grateful” this year, and not to beat yourself up with comparison and shoulds. Be where you are it said, and to a certain extent I agree with her statement. But I will add to it. Be where you are, but fight for your happiness, create the life you have always wanted. Make a change. Take a break. Step down. Step up. Shift your focus. Try something new. Whatever it takes. You are worth it.

If you find yourself struggling, ask for help. I know it is hard to be vulnerable and reach out, but the only way to realize you are not alone and you have support all around you, is to take the first step. I truly believe in everyone’s individual power to persevere and overcome. I have no doubt you have the inner courage to fight your way out of the darkness and into the light of positivity.

If you are shining bright in these uncertain times, keep radiating your light to show others the way. In my quest to be the best version of me, I wish to be a beacon of light, a champion for growth, and sometimes a helpful prod forward for others who need it. I intend to keep shining my brightest light in hopes it inspires others to find their way.