" Surrender ... "

“ ... Surrender every word, every thought every sound.

Surrender every touch, every smile, every frown.

Surrender all the pain we've endured until now.

Surrender all the hope that I lost you have found.

Surrender yourself to me

I think I found a flower in a field of weeds,

I think I found a flower in a field of weeds.

Searching until my hands bleed,

This flower don't belong to me ...

(Surrender) I never had the nerve to ask ... “

~ Billy Talent ~ Surrender ~

***

It takes a quiet knowing within to understand you were born for something unique, something more.  And answering our personal calling is a walk of raw courage.

I have come to understand that surrendering is allowing and surrendering is receiving.  Because when it comes to accessing the courage to step into this life and who we really are, self-doubt rears its ugly head.  Inner criticism, groundless-ness, confusion ... all part of the journey.  So surrendering is a yielding to the calling within.  Avoidance of it, halts our spiritual growth.

When we surrender to our calling or our path, we feel uncomfortable, hidden and misunderstood; yet, the deepest healing, growth and inner transformation takes place.  Because it is in surrendering to the process of the call that we find our whole.  We are brought back to truth.  

Each one of us has a unique gift to share, some just haven’t taken the time to unravel it yet.  Surrendering is part of the unravelling and easily misunderstood as passivity.  Yet it is change in stance, state of being.  It is a softening, a coming home to.  it is what we receive when we’ve made peace with life.  We feel a softness, not striving in our lives.

Take meaningful action and find your true self.  Wake up to what it’s all about and what all the circumstances are for, LOVE.  Begin to see how life is releasing exquisite gems to you in every moment, like water dripping from the tap.  And realize that connection and tenderness are available for the faces that grace your life.

www.walkstrong.ca

" Growth ... "

The only thing constant in the world is change

That's why I stay, I take life as it comes

~ India Arie ~ Growth ~ 

***

For those of us that are involved in personal and spiritual development work, the path can be rough and challenge us in different ways ... especially when it comes to relationships.

Inevitably there will be people in our lives that are not interested in this sort of thing.  They would rather go out late and party, sit around and gossip, or procrastinate about their career or do anything else but.  

You see, once you plunge headfirst into finding out about your life, your intentions, your motivations, your thoughts ... you begin to face what you need to heal and then you have a chance to release and let it go ... you change as a human being ... you are not the same as you were.  You see the illusions, you attempt to lift the veil ... and those around you that are not on the same path may find you just plain ... odd?!

Why ... well you engage in different kinds of conversations, where it seems impossible to pretend any more ... no matter who long you’ve “known” each other.  You are more comfortable with space, silence, introspection ... others feel awkward, uncomfortable and anxious.  

So, no one said this was going to be easy ... 

if you find yourself in a similar scenario there are some ways to cope.

Start by stopping ... the urge to convert your loved ones.  And this is a tough one, because personally speaking, this path has enriched my life and I want to share it.  I want everyone to come along for the ride.  But pushing does more harm than good by pushing them away.

Second, not everyone is interested.  Interested in your experiences that is.  I have found that those that aren’t are looking for the quick spiritual fix because they don’t have much time.  That is not to say that the thirst for inner peace is not present ... just not everyone is interested in what you have to say.

Last but most important ... don’t let other’s choices define your experience.  In embarking on the path of spiritual and personal development you have made a choice.  A choice that freedom matters to you.   That you are tired of the crap ... the one you carry around and also that others so graciously bring into your life.  Respect each others paths.

Staying true to your choices and what best for you is what matters.  You are worth the investment ... trust me.  You will find a whole new group of people who are willing to meet you exactly where you are, in this moment.  Go ahead and surround yourself with a community of people who are "awake, conscious, inspiring, and changing the world in their own unique and extraordinary ways".  

These people make a choice that lead them to a life full of gratitude ... 

And send blessings to those who choose a different path and adventure.  Their view of security, safety and reliability will match your embrace for freedom and the unknown.  Both are beautiful in their own way.

... Loving with an open palm is the way you bless others ...

www.walkstrong.ca

" Happy … "

It might seem crazy what I’m about to say

Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break

I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space

With the air, like I don’t care baby by the way ...

Bring me down… can’t nothing…

Bring me down… my level's too high…

Bring me down… can’t nothing…

Bring me down, I said (let me tell you now) ...

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you know what happiness is to you

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

~ Pharrell Williams ~ Happy ~

***

There seems to be a constant reminder regarding the ticking of most women’s biological clocks ... with one purpose only and that is to have children.  Yet, there are many of us that live a full and satisfactory life without them.  And thankfully, it is widely accepted by free thinking women that it is quite alright to not reproduce.  Giving it some thought being Mother’s Day, I felt safe enough to write about why some don’t.

Recently I had a conversation with a couple of girlfriends.  Both getting married, one was interested in children and the other ... not so much.  
Her reason ... over population.  

Coming from a place of curiosity rather than judgement, maybe it is possibly that not having children means two people are making a choice regarding conception and not letting it choose them. 

Personally speaking, I LOVE children and have my entire life ... but loving children and RAISING children are completely different.  And oddly, people automatically assume you have sadness from not having children and your life is hollow.  That you marriage may be unfulfilled due to not having reproduced and even possibly a shame because you have not procreated ... yes there are still those views out there.

“Not having children means a couple is able enjoy together humanity’s insightful conquest of nature”

So whether you are a Mom or celebrating your Mom … appreciate their desire, passion and yearning to have YOU.  Today is a day to celebrate THEIR love, guidance, support, comfort, nurturing and sacrifices.  I think of all the women in my life who have provided these elements for me during my life and I thank them on this day ... please honour yourself for what you have given and continue to give to others in your life.

www.walkstrong.ca

" How Far … "

There's a boat, I could sail away

There's the sky, I could catch a plane

There's a train, there's the tracks

I could leave and I could choose to not come back

Oh, never come back

There's a chance I could change my mind

But I won't, not 'till you decide

What you want, what you need

Do you even care if I stay or leave

Oh, what's it gonna be

And it's up to you to say ...

And it's up to you to say how far ...

~ Martina McBride ~ How Far ~

***

There are times when you need to reflect back on your journey and take a look at how far you’ve come.  We get caught up in our day to day living that we can lose perspective of what our life use to be like.  

Reflecting back ... three years ago today, 

we had our first day at the Gerson Clinic in Tijuana, Mexico.

Our worlds focus so much on what we lack .. wealth, vanity, image or love, that we get caught in the need to have, be, or do more before thinking that it is good enough at this moment, now.  Reflection allows you to celebrate your progress, however you measure, big or small ...

Looking back, I am amazed as to how this chapter of my life started and where it has lead me today.  I feel a huge sense of accomplishment that I am here, still.  This journey has been tough, adjusting to this new life ... and many times I took rest with my family and friends who gave me comfort and assured me that my journey was still worthwhile ... immense gratitude.

Finding blessing, discovering the gifts, appreciating what is, knowing all is well ... sometimes life’s pivotal moments help you identify your true calling, your true passion.  Life is funny that way, it can through you off course so that you get back on course.  And then the time comes when you are living your ideal life even in an un-ideal circumstances.  

You manage, you cope, you adapt, you live ... Yet one of the best pieces of advice I received was when you fail to acknowledge how far you’ve come, it robs you of a lot of joy and price ... so just because I may not have figured it all out, I still come a long way from.  

It is about finding a balance for striving for your goals but also celebrating your mini-victories along the way ... As you go about your day, try to notice when you shift towards your goals, however small the step may be ... and then honour it in some way.  And although our lives are a constant work in progress, take the time to bask in everything you have achieved thus far ... because the best motivation is to cherish & celebrate each step along the way.

Without deep reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people

 * Albert Einstein *

" Worthy Of ... "

Am I worthy of? ...

Am I strong enough?

To maintain this love

You’ve got me questioning (yeah)

Got me wondering (yeah, yeah) ...

Am I worthy of? ...

Am I strong enough? (strong enough, yeah)

To maintain this love (to maintain this love)

You’ve got me questioning 

Got me wondering (you got me wondering, yeah) ...

That can keep you happy

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

I wanna keep you happy

~ Justin Timberlake ~ Worthy Of ~

***

Most of us have seen the commercial with the tag line ... “because your worth it”.  Which is all good and fine but the question is, do you really believe you are?

The issue of worthiness comes up all the time in our lives.  Unconsciously, we ask ourselves if we are worthy of success, love, happiness, etc.  We are not sure if we are good enough, if we deserve it and if we are truly worth it.  

But of course we are ALL worth it ... 

so why do we put ourselves through this cycle of suffering?

Well I think we lose sight of it ... we forget our value.  And maybe it starts with spiritual teachings of “love your neighbour as yourself”.  Although this is a beautiful practice, it is important that as we give and give to others, we don’t give out.  We don’t neglect ourselves, because once we do, we cannot help anyone.  

I remember as a child being told not to brag or be selfish.  I remember as a teenager, minimizing my accomplishments to avoid appearing conceited and just wanting to fit in.  And I recognize as an adult how I have developed a false humility to avoid looking prideful.  This engraves a pattern to not like yourself and believe that you don’t deserve anything. 

“Self-esteem suffers while self-worth is forgotten”.

The reality is that you must love and value yourself before you love others.  And you must have self-respect and acknowledge your own self-worth so that you can truly help thy neighbour.  Selfish, not at the least ... responsible, absolutely.  

Self worth comes from within and you not from having more money, more friends, a fancy car or a big house.  It is something intrinsic.  There are no replacements who can take over and live our lives for us ... no other person who has had the exact same experiences we have had, who has access to the same resources and relationships, nor who carries the same message to share with the world. 

It is your duty to treat the amazing creation you are in an amazing manner ...

Once you accept that you are here to fulfill a particular purpose, a purpose that no one other than you can bring to fruition, you will not longer question whether we are worthy.  And your purpose may be large or small ... remember, small acts of kindness share the stage with large acts of sacrifice.  

Believe we are all equally, exactly, and completely worthy of being here in this life.  Accept that we have been called here to serve and take the steps required to listen and respond to what our lives are asking us to do.

Why ... because you really are worth it and yes, so am I.

" Sabotage ... "

I can't stand rocking when I'm in here

'Cause your crystal ball ain't so crystal clear ...

'Cause what you see you might not get

And we can bet, so don't you get souped yet

You're scheming on a thing that's a mirage

I'm trying to tell you now, it's sabotage ...

Why

Our backs are now against the wall?

Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage

~ Beastie Boys ~ Sabotage ~

***

Do you believe that you deserve good things, happy times, true friends and lasting happiness?  If you truly don’t believe this, you could be sabotaging your life.  

Self-sabotage ... comes from years of human conditioning.  

You sabotage yourself every time you do something that you don’t really want to do, that doesn’t inspire, because you are denying the essence of who you are ... you are denying your true self.  Think about the last time you did something out of obligation rather than joy.  You reinforced to yourself that you don’t deserve to choose how you spend your time.  If you continue to say “yes” when you really mean “no”, you start to lose yourself, you demise your spirit, your creativity and your right to live a life that is fulfilling.  When you do what you want, you emit a different energy, attracting different experiences in your life.

You sabotage yourself every time you alter the truth, make excuses and lie to yourself.   When you think you deserve less, feel miserable and powerless to change your life, you are altering your truth.  You modify your situation because you are not ready to face reality.  You lie because you don't want to hurt others.  But even though the truth may seem harsh, it will set you free once you release it ... regardless as to how unpopular it may be.   When you consciously choose to live a more fulfilling life, instead of shades of truth, you start to carve out your own style, and your own way.

Sadly it is easier to deny who you are, to create false truths and to excuse your choices and behaviour.  Society favours those that follow status quo, rather than making their own choices.  

Self-sabotage stems from FEAR.  Some of us are scared and others have the courage to face it head on, move past it and forward onto a life deserved.  Check in and see where you are and how that's working for you.  Feed your dreams and starve your doubts ... have the courage to recognize your sabotaging behaviour.  Choose to believe in yourself ... accept yourself just as you are and stop comparing yourself to others.  Value your unique qualities, celebrate them because the difference between ordinary and "extra" ordinary is YOU.