I've been focusing a lot on forgiveness this month. It's seems to fit right in with the transition of summer to fall. I love fall! Every year I view it as a reminder that daily we are reborn, given another chance to start anew. Watching the leaves change and descend signifies this; we are not dead, but shedding the old and creating the new.
It's funny, being my focus, everywhere I've been I keep hearing - or seeing - signs of forgiveness. I do wonder how we use our word to say I love you, yet use the same word to curse our enemies.
14 years since 9/11 this year, CRAZY! Every year that passes I think of where I was and how I felt that day, remembering it like it was yesterday. When I visited New York, it made me relate even more to how tragic it must have been looking outside your window and seeing that smoke. I see a lot of hate created because of that day.
When thinking about forgiveness, do we also forgive acts like that? I would think so... the big man upstairs says to "love your enemies, bless those cursing you, and do good to those hating you."
There is so much we don't understand about each other. How we were raised, what experiences we have experienced, how our culture has affected us differently and how we have conformed to it all.
I wonder if we were a little more open about our struggles, we wouldn't feel so alone when going through difficult times. Maybe it would help make our world a more loving and compassionate place.
I've tried staying out of social media a bit more lately due to the fact that it feels bogus. Not that I don't think people are motivated, inspired or happy, but how often do we see the "look at me," or keeping up with the Jones' taking place? I also think it breeds competition and insecurity in our little ones (let's be honest, in adults, too). It's almost another place that shows our kids this is how we should look, this is what we should have and these are the type of experiences that should be occurring.
Watching Miah turn into a teenager, I see the insecurity and sizing up that happens with she and her friends and hurts my heart that that is their truth.
We many times feel that we are what we have or what we do. What if that was all taken away?
Too bad we weren't taught we are perfect just the way we are, to love and be compassionate with one another, and to be content and whole with just us, as we are.... rather than how our culture is today. "Be this way," "stuff it down," "chalk it up," and "take this pill." (ha maybe a bit over exaggerated) Luckily we get a chance to teach our littles differently.
I know I'm not innocent. We are all guilty in someway, but I'm more aware these days and just want to work on being a bit more genuine.
I've had a few opportunities to stand in my power and fight for what I've felt was right. As well as accepting things as they are, choosing love and continuing on this course of forgiveness.
My therapist says there is too much emphasis on forgiveness. Of course we want to forgive so we can move forward but the truth is, the hurt we felt is still known. My pastor said it's really about letting the hold that the person you need to forgive has on you and moving into a space where you won't let it happen again. Like a dog on a chain... if he bites you, the next time you'll figure out how long the chain is and make sure it doesn't happen again.
The Blood Moon came at the perfect time this year, it didn't show to be dooms day like many believed. For me, it was a time of powerful changing, endings and beginnings.
Astrologers say energetically, this fourth Blood Moon Eclipse is going to open a new doorway that is going to give rise to a new way of being - a new Earth that is higher in consciousness and more evolved. <-- WOW!
With forgiveness, I've learned it's not necessarily accepting what has happened and letting it go, condoning any type of behavior, or even telling or interacting with the person you are forgiving; but instead, looking for the sweetheart message (the lessons learned) in the experience we feel has wronged us.
I believe everyone who comes into our life comes for a reason and sometimes when they (or we) have given (or received) all that we needed to, they (we) move on. The unfortunate part is sometimes it's not always in the most peaceful way, and that's ok. At the end of the day, my biggest take away was this: although forgiveness is necessary, it was myself that I needed to forgive and feel whole with the most... and it's a process... so be patient.
So... where do we go from here? I say... live, learn, create, love, say sorry, stand in your power, and make mistakes; but always look for the gift (or lesson) given in all experiences.
Now for the month... :) I think one of the reasons I enjoy fall so much is because life seems to slow down a bit. We had a final camping trip with the besties over Labor Day. I have to say, I haven't had that much fun in quite some time - I appreciate them so much! We went to the Dub J Derby, of course had more soccer, went to Park Silly days, watched lots of Football, celebrated my Momma's retirement (Finnally it's happened to her, right in front of her face and she just cannot hide it!!) and the love of Chelsea and Ally, Bbq'd with friends... and that's about it. It's been nice.
Next up is the Holidays.... 12 more week's til Christmas - aaaahhhhhhh - my favorite!
<3
Love this and love you. Thanks for lunch and spending time with me. Always love being arouND you
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