Even on the cloudiest of days, the sun is always there but we can’t see it. It’s the same with life, it ebbs and flows…some days are unbelievably great and the sun is all around us and then we get blindsided by something really horrible. In spite of that, every day is a chance to grow and to see the sun through the clouds if that’s what you choose.
The biggest obstacle you will ever have to overcome is your own mind. If you can overcome that, you can overcome absolutely anything and it has to be a daily practice. If you choose to put your energy into thinking about “how bad things are”, you are only going to get more bad things. What you focus on expands and the more you complain, the worse things get. Sometimes, in the depths of what feels like the greatest despair, it’s hard to remember that things will get better. My friend Britt gave me a beautiful little book for my birthday and bookmarked this poem. I have re-read it so many times over the past week and I wanted to share it because it has helped me so much.
Permission Granted
Why is it that we never feel entitled,
To take care of ourselves,
When we most need care?
Even the storm takes care of itself,
Raining until there is no more rain,
Not asking anyone’s permission,
To light up the sky, fill the gutters and leak into the kitchen.
A storm has come into your life, wreaking havoc and chaos,
And you’re the one needing permission?
You have it:
Permission to feel overwhelmed, but not undone,
Permission to pause, shed a few tears, take a breath,
Permission to sit with a cup of coffee and find the still center of yourself ~
In the eye of the storm~
where all your strength lies in waiting.
Storms come and pass, and you are stronger because of them.
It’s stormy now.
You have permission to feel the power of the storm, and seek the shelter within yourself.
~ Susan Koefod
What’s showing up for you in your life, is a reflection of how you see yourself. One of the things that “A Course in Miracles” teaches is that we have to learn to step away from ourselves and be the observer, and to re-remember that we came from love. To be able to step away from the madness of life and go to that space where we can observe ourselves as we really are. Peace is found in that stillness.
I know that the thing I want most in my life right now is peace, but I also know that I have been engaging in negative conversations and thoughts that are bringing me anything but peace.
I have the power to choose, my thoughts and my actions…so today, I choose to believe that even though things are bad, they will get better. I am blessed in so many ways and that is where I choose to focus my energy. I don’t believe in darkness, I just believe in the absence of light. I want to shine as brightly as possible and believe that “this to shall pass” and I will come out on the other side and see the sun!
Happy Monday! Thanks so much for reading today!
Beautiful post and so true. Love your look too and those flowers are gorgeous! Happy Monday!
Cheryl
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
I hope you had the best Mother’s Day ever!! You are such a sweet friend! Sending you love today!
Sending tons of love and hugs, Suzanne. You certainly have the right perspective during this hard time, and I’m here for you!!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you Jodie!! You are an inspiration to me! Thank you for your love and support!
I have always found that, even though we can’t see it right away, there is always a reason for the tough times. If we let ourselves feel it all while going through it, we can learn from it and be better in some way on the other side. Even if it just makes us better able to help others, be more empathic, be stronger…….but we have allow ourselves to feel.
I know there is a reason for all of this. I am learning more every day about how to be strong and stand on my own two feet. I am so grateful for my friends (social media friends included) and all of the support that I receive every day! Part of the reason that I decided to share on my blog is because I know others are going through similar things and it’s good to know that you’re not alone. Thank you so much for commenting!
Suzanne, while it has been a while that I have been going through "stuff" in my life and your post helps me to remember the storm will pass. Self love and a open heart is what is most important for you right now. You do shine bright and I know that you are going to shine even brighter as you journey down a new path in life. We are all in this together. If you ever want to talk, I am here. Sending big hugs!!! xo
Stuff is a good word. I know that eventually things will get easier but it’s tough right now. I’m leaning heavily on my friends, trying to stay busy and also not let that negativity creep in! You are so sweet to comment…thank you because it really means so much!
What is A Course in Miracles?
That’s not a question that can be answered with a short answer so I’m copying the first paragraph from the website,
A Course in Miracles is a complete self-study spiritual thought system. As a three-volume curriculum consisting of a Text, Workbook for Students, and Manual for Teachers, it teaches that the way to universal love and peace—or remembering God—is by undoing guilt through forgiving others. The Course thus focuses on the healing of relationships and making them holy. A Course in Miracles also emphasizes that it is but one version of the universal curriculum, of which there are "many thousands." Consequently, even though the language of the Course is that of traditional Christianity, it expresses a non-sectarian, non-denominational spirituality. A Course in Miracles therefore is a universal spiritual teaching, not a religion.
Marianne Williamson teaches from A Course in Miracles. Hope this helps!!
You are strong you cry those tears, we have your back if you want to talk!!! Take care of you!!
I know you do! Thank you!!! Staying busy is good!
Hi Suzanne,
It’s all about perspective, and staying the course in a positive way. Easier said than done, but it sounds like you have an excellent attitude and good friendships that will help you through the storm. I realize that lately I have been focused more on the negative aspects of things in my life that I can really only change by focusing on the positives that I want in my life. Like attracts like, correct? That is so difficult to remember sometimes, but I am working on it every day, and reminders like your post today are very helpful! Thank you, and I hope that you feel the support and encouragement I am sending you!
Xo
Heidi
Yes I truly believe that everything is about perspective! Some days are easier than others for sure. I do have good, very supportive friends and it seems that my friendships have grown stronger as I’m going through this hard time and leaning on them. I will say that it means so much to me to receive supportive comments and I appreciate every time I get one from you. Thank you so very much!
Very moving post. Our thought life ultimately controls our feelings & you’ve put it so wisely in your post about managing or harnessing negative thinking. Sending love.
Thank you Renata! It’s so true…if we can gain control of our minds, we have gained control of our lives. Some days it’s definitely easier said than done! You are so sweet to comment!
AMAZING post!! I understand what you are speaking of … I’m walking a similar path … going it solo … sending you hugs and thanks! Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem I’m going to share it with Resilientista ladies … <3
Thank you so much! It’s not easy, but I think we’ll both discover so much about ourselves along the way. I’ve been struggling for a while and have just now really started to be open about it and I find that people are so supportive. Better to lean on friends to get you through than to try to go it alone! Thanks for sharing!
Hi – I am glad you found meaning and comfort in my poem. Thank you! Susan Koefod