When Will You Begin the Long Journey To Yourself?

I received a wonderful book for Christmas titled “How to Be Like Women of Influence – Life Lessons from 20 of the Greatest”. I’ve read it chapter by chapter one each day as part of my New Year’s Begin Again - Begin Within practices. Topics include: Compassion, Love, Courage, Resolve, Values, Sincerity, Wisdom, Strength, Vision, Persistence, Daring, Steadfastness, Empathy, Faith, Focus, and Integrity - developing a perfect prescription for a New Year and New Me.

I am more fully committed to being honest with myself and others. This sounds noble and easy just from the words. However, the emotional impact ranges from complete terror and panic to absolute joy and bliss. I am willing, willing, willing. I AM.

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I was especially inspired by the writing of Anne Frank in this book, relative to courage. I was struck by so many facets of what I can learn from her life and example that include: 1) how she felt grateful for the hiding place and at the same time, experienced momentary doubt or disappointment when another person was brought into the space. Ego’s sense of “need” “want” and “selfishness”. Because she was acutely aware of the mind and how it caused her to leave herself and her nature, she could choose again and return to reality and to her heart; 2) how her mind compared the small hiding place negatively until she considered the conditions of other Jews; then the small hiding place became a paradise; and 3) how after doing honest self-inventory, she believed it was then imperative to correct the areas she considered weak or under-developed.

Here’s a quote from Anne Frank’s Diary from July 15, 1944, she was 15 years old: “I can watch myself as if I were a stranger. I can stand across from the everyday Anne and without being biased or making excuses, watch what she’s doing, both the good and the bad. This self-awareness never leaves me...I know my faults and shortcomings better than anyone else, but there’s one difference: I also know what I want to change, will change and have already changed greatly!”

My birthday is February 5th, (shout out to fellow Aquarians) and I am celebrating my life, my past, my growth, my courage and my willing heart to continue to work at changing the aspects of myself that are not authentic, aligned with who I have come here to be, or in integrity to my chosen path of living. I am more grateful than ever for what I have, for what I am and “I AM” and for the solid foundation that supports me through all things.  I am more and more aware that the place to look is INSIDE.  

I would love you to do, yes actually do, something generous for yourself this month that would give you a quiet conscience. If it feels right, send me a note or email about it. I receive great inspiration, fuel, life and love from your expressions of these great attributes lived out through your actions in the world and your INNER discoveries.  May you realize an extended moment of JOY.  

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