Be You, Bravely

Bravery is being the only one

who knows you're afraid.

Franklin P. Jones

A common misconception is: if I leave my job, relationship, or neighborhood, I can begin my life all over.  Starting fresh  is a wonderful opportunity; however, if we do not address the underlying problem, we simply drag it along with us to the new job, relationship, or neighborhood.  In order to create new beginnings, we must alter or adjust or resolve the issue triggering our unrest.

To be able to make corrections, we must first be aware of what we need to change.  We need to review what we learned from our family of origin and older generations, such as levels of secrecy or money values or relationship patterns.   Viewpoints on these subjects were impressed upon us at a very young age and we may not be aware of the extent they impacted us.

By shedding outdated belief systems or unhealthy life style patterns, we experience a freedom.  We have prepared an opening for which satisfying new behaviors or beliefs can be instilled to both our actions and our thought processes.

By truly breaking negative family cycles, we discover the ways we have been limited and prevented from a more fulfilling   personal identity.  It takes bravery to give ourselves permission to change in order to reach our individual potential.  It is not an easy task but it is a highly rewarding one.  Be you, bravely!

Bittersweet

The curious paradox is that

when I accept myself just as I am,

then I can change.

Carl Rogers

The fall wind blows and the autumn leaves float by my window, dancing their way down in their last free fall.   I cannot help but wonder if their spinning is filled with joy or sorrow.  Perhaps the experience of the great fall is bittersweet.

This particular autumn, I find myself to be similar to the leaves.  I am in a free fall, floating in and out of bittersweet thoughts.   The swirling motion of the wind jumbles my feelings and blows my sense of balance away.  The sounds of the branches shaking the leaves, drowns out spiritual whispers usually supporting me.

When left to spiral alone, too easily I forget who I am.  The critical gust from others shakes my confidence while old flight patterns surface in the air and carry me farther away from where I yearn to be.

Once the wind calms, I find myself gently floating down a stream.  My reflection reminds me of all that I am and all there is left for me to be.  The tug of the current pulls me forward and I am excited, ready to embrace a bittersweet change in me.