My Wish For You

I wish for you that you don't suffer.

I wish for you to know that all living things are connected.

I wish for you to know that you are not alone in anything you are going through even though sometimes it feels that way.

I wish for you to know that you are worthy of happiness.

If you can say you've learned something in the past year or you connected to more empathy and healthier boundaries, then it was a year of worthwhile effort.

And if you can't say that, I hope you know that it's never too late to take responsibility for your own journey - your behaviors and the meaning-making that creates empowered beauty.

I wish for you to remember that none of us do it alone.

I wish for you to know that labeling an emotion or experience doesn’t create it but it can give relief from the weight of it.

I wish for you curiosity.

I wish for you continued attempts at radical acceptance and hopefulness. And to know the difference between those concepts versus giving up or unrealistic optimism.

I wish for you to know that accepting, loving, and grounding are the foundations of powerful change.

I wish for you to connect to your body and the messages your emotions and physical expressions are desperately trying to share with you.

I wish for you kindness - toward yourself and others.

I wish for you calm thoughtfulness and bold courage.

I wish for you protection and guidance.

I trust our journey and I hope you do, too.

I Get To Walk Away

I walk away from the moment of impact in what feels like slow motion. Moments before I could have had my whole life taken over by the issue - the topic that would have been yet another struggle to overcome.

It’s pure luck. Sometimes you get hit hard and sometimes you get to walk away - knowing full well the hurt and healing you are bypassing.

The relief is inexplicable. The fear of being too happy too soon. The shock that the ordeal is really over. You’ve hoped for so long. It feels surreal now.

When it’s safe and you are clear from the fire in the rear view mirror, you begin to feel the depth of exhaustion you’ve been in for so long. You feel elation that is indescribable. You feel honored by the glimpse into another world you got to see but don’t need to stay in. You feel guilt for the many that you leave behind in the wreckage.

And it’s the little things after - that bring you the most joy. Just to be a normal person with normal worries and normal errands to run. A simple day. A chance to end the day with no existential life questions. Just rest. Just a moment of peace. Just a whisper of gratitude.