“The spiritual life is always about letting go. It is never about holding on.” ~The reverend Jesse Lee Peterson
This year has been my year of brave. I decided to cultivate a life that was more authentic. More true to myself. But, I didn’t really know who I was. I knew my titles (Mom, Wife, Daughter, friend), but I didn’t know who I was really underneath all that.
I haven’t really arrived at who I am exactly, it’s more like becoming and unbecoming, and becoming some more. At some point I had to decide to be brave and just be. Not be defined by a title or even a purpose. Those things are important and they have their place, but they can become a shadow that looms over everything. What happens when my kids don’t need me the same way anymore, or a friendship ends. If I am only defined by the words in which I define myself I am missing being my true self.
This spiritual life I am leading has me letting go of so many things. So much that I had been holding onto that just wasn’t serving me or those around me. Letting go of pride and anger, envy, and negative self-talk. Loving myself has been really hard, and honestly, some days it just feels like too much. But, the holding on is harder.
I am brave and I know that I am more than just a title or an accomplishment. I am a loving, kind person who wants to spread as much love to those around me as I possibly can. You can be brave too. You can step away from the comfort of your created identity. You don’t have to keep being the one who does it all, or doesn’t. You can just be. You are enough exactly as you are.
We cause so much suffering by our feelings about the past and our anxiety about the future. The courage to be, is about letting go of both the past and future to embrace the present. I know this goes against everything our culture tells us. That’s what makes it such a narrow path. I promise you it’s worth it. You are worth it. You are already ok. Forgive yourself my love. Forgive those that have broken your heart. Then do the hardest work of all and love yourself just for being. Take heart, you are worthy of every good thing. There is no one else in the entire World exactly like you. You are a freaking miracle in every way. Breathe that in right now, and then practice breathing it in more and more until you know with every fiber in your being that you are magic.
Sending YOU all my love~Erin
Ahh, I loved your message! I started working on myself a few years ago and I have learned so much but also I still have lots to learn. I have a blog post started about it but wasn’t ready to finish and share it yet. Love you, Erin. Thanks for your posts!!!