Tag: grateful

Twenty – You

2020

A new decade. 

Any day can be the day we start something fresh or close a chapter of our lives, but to me there is something invigorating and magical surrounding this time of the year. It’s a time to realign ourselves – to become even more of who and what we want to be.

Happy New Year. 

This platform is a space I created so I could be authentically and unashamedly myself. I share it with all of you because my writing is a process I use to organize the chaos in my soul and heal my spirit. If it resonates with or can help any one of you feel understood, not alone or better able to connect with someone then my purpose of sharing my thoughts is fulfilled.

That being said, I cannot muster up enough words (even for me – hard to believe, I know) to articulate the immense sense of gratitude I feel that you are taking time out of your day to read the pieces I write. If you’ve been with me since the beginning of twentysomethingchronicles or have entrusted me with your time along the way, I thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for entering into this sacred space with me.

“Just because I carry it all so well doesn’t mean it’s not heavy.”

Over the last year, my life was uprooted in more ways than one and my heart just ached with grief and fear of the future. Let me tell you something – grief and fear are one hell of a toxic combination. The anger, confusion, emptiness and emotions attached are intense. My heart felt as if it had weakened. My confidence diminished and I found myself losing sight of who I was and what direction to go in. It brought me to a place where I needed to reevaluate who and what aligns with the life I strive to create for myself. Whether it be staying complacent in any aspect of our lives or harnessing relationships with the wrong people, the universe works overtime to make us uncomfortable when our growth is being hindered.

I feel incredibly grateful for the unwavering love, support and guidance from the people I am surrounded by in my life. The people who saw the darkness overpowering my soul+spirit and refused to jump ship. These individuals are the people you instinctively cherish the most because they are the ones who love you with the same conviction as you love them, even in the moments when you can only show up in pieces. It was also in my harder times when I was introduced to some new incredibly special people. By embracing our vulnerabilities we were able to connect openly, honestly and create bonds because we saw each other through the lens of compassion.

Throughout all of this, I learned some really important lessons. Release the people who took a piece of you, your heart or your spirit. The pain they ensued was merely a reflection of them; the pain does not define who you are or your worth. You are the ONLY ONE who defines your worth. And please, do not allow the hurt to inhibit you from opening up to new people and allowing yourself to be seen as all that you are. The people meant for you will embrace you, love you and fill your life with joy and I promise you this – it will be reciprocated.

“This is your life. And if you want to change it, the first step is realizing that you’ve had the power all along.”

No one can build your life for you and you must remember that YOU (and only you) have power over what the narrative to your story is going to sound and feel like. Please know that the healing process is not linear. Some days just being able to say to yourself, “I am exactly where I need to be and I am doing the best I can do right here, right now” is enough.

The only person you can rely on showing up day in and day out for you is yourself. Show up for yourself. This is your journey and there is no right or wrong way of traveling it. Our lives are not one-size-fits-all.

Connect with your truth – what are your core values? 

Determine them. Show up for them. Be loyal to them.

These shape your behaviors and ultimately your habits. When you are aligned with these values, they dictate your day-to-day. As they say, “you can’t just talk the talk, you must walk the walk.” And as a result, you authentically love yourself. You are proud of the life you are cultivating. And you will no longer be a prisoner of other people’s judgments or malicious actions.

“The most important relationship you are ever going to have is the one you hold with yourself.”

A loving reminder from me to you – your powers come from within.

Head up, heart strong.

Expressions of Gratitude

My words, written and spoken, come from a place deeply rooted in my heart and soul. A great deal of my work is about understanding the aching, demanding, chaotic and confusing moments that we endure; viewing them in a favorable manner. I try to make sense of my  world, and share it with all of you because there’s a little bit of sunshine, even on the rainiest days.  

I am passionate about life. I wholeheartedly believe that love can heal all. That is why my mission is to spread as much love as I can.

As a human, I am so flawed. But my soul, man. My soul is so genuine and whole that it could light up the darkest room. That is why I am here. I want to help light up the darkest parts of your lives.

It is easy to talk about the bad things. The things that make us hurt, angry or frustrated. But today I want to talk about gratitude. Expressing our gratitude is vital to our well-being and joy.

Grat·i·tude : the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Yesterday, when I was experiencing some anxiety, my gracious friend Natalie stood in front of me and told me to list 10 things that I was grateful for. In my hazy mindset I started to think. I did not want to list just any 10 things; I wanted them to count. As I began telling her the things I was grateful for, I felt more grounded. The haze lifted and I smiled. I am thankful that Natalie invited me to take a moment to reflect upon the things that make my heart full. Her approach inspired me and I wanted to share it with all of you because I think it will inspire you too.

I encourage you to take 30, 60, or 90 seconds out of your day to list 10 things that you are grateful for. Share them with someone. It will spread a positive light. It is a small act of kindness to yourself and to others. Let’s say thank-you and cultivate full hearts. It’ll be worth it, I promise.

Thank you for reading my words and for adding passion and purpose into my life.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” // Melody Beattie

Head up, heart strong.