Reflection
How do you end something substantial or begin it more robust when you are in the whirlwind of disappointment, frustration, anger, sadness, regret, and worry?
Is it possible to feel anything outside what continues to be a repeating cycle of ups and downs?
When will the rollercoaster stop long enough for you to jump off the ride?
Raise your hand if I am speaking to you. Amazingly, we are in December 2021. This year started with a lot of uncertainty, and for many, it feels like it is ending the same way.
Of course, you have had some success, surprises, joys, and relief, but it hasn't been anything like you hoped for, particularly at this stage of your life.
I encourage you to try this exercise. Get a piece of paper, fold the paper in half. On one side of the paper, write, "I am grateful for at the top." On the other side write, "I wish I could change at the top." Allow yourself space to be completely transparent about what you are grateful for and what you wish you could change. No justification, no shame, guilt, only authentic feelings released. List everything that comes up. Turn the paper over, at the top, write, "All the lessons I have learned." No blame, just lessons learned. Take a deep breath. (This may take a couple of days, be patient with yourself)
Pay attention to how your body feels now that you have completed it. What are your thoughts? Do you feel regretful and grateful for the lessons? Not sure how you feel or what you think? Remember, try not to justify, qualify, or condemn the lesson. It is a lesson. You have learned something you hadn't embraced or known before the experience. Take a Deep Breath.
At this moment, allow yourself to choose your gratitude. Choose gratefulness. Allow yourself to commit action in your day-to-day journey that reflects the lesson learned. For example, if the experience taught you to trust your instincts and not go beyond what you sense as not suitable. Forgive yourself for ignoring, acknowledge the lesson, and commit to honor yourself by not ignoring what doesn't feel right for you. Take a deep breath.
It is important to honor yourself with forgiveness. Love yourself with the gentleness you have given to others while negating your God-giving right to live a life fully and filled with joy, abundance, and peace. Take a deep breath.
Closing 2021 is more about acknowledging, forgiving, and committing to honor your commitment to self. 2022 allows you and me the opportunity to create a world that is not manifested from the space of inner peace and power. That which is within is what is without. What we focus on, how we internalize, and who we choose to show up in the world will determine our next-level experiences.
This exercise offers you an opportunity to close what is in the past, no longer serving you or others, and begin with a fresh perspective, and space for a new experience. It is not comfortable, but it is necessary. Inner Power Purpose is not found in the doing. It is lived in the being. I encourage you to make this a monthly or even weekly practice. Learning to trust and honor yourself will become stronger. If you are having a challenge with the language because you feel like it is leaving GOD out of the picture. Never forget it is impossible to love GOD, and not love yourself. Take another deep breath!
Peace, BElieve, and brEAThe,
iRiS Jones