🌱 Just as pruning helps a tree grow stronger, the last newsletter explored ways to trim away old patterns. Here, we’ll delve into even more ways to nurture healthy growth. 🌱
While we can't predict the exact bumps life will throw our way, we know they're coming! Life's unexpected twists and turns are inevitable; preparing for them can make all the difference. You might have learned, like I have, that it often takes a few significant bumps (and sometimes minor ones) to appreciate the importance of being ready. Think about it: after going through life's curveballs, have you developed any mental strategies? Did you need to slow down, take deep breaths, or mentally prepare yourself in new ways?
Here's a little secret from my journey that might help if you consider sharing your experiences with others—perhaps even teaching a class or writing a blog about what you've learned. Sharing your experiences cannot only remind you of the valuable lessons you've gained from life's challenges but also empower and inspire others who may be going through similar situations.
Years ago, I embarked on a journey of self-reflection, particularly in my relationships with men. Looking back, I recognize that my relationship with my father, which was limited, influenced my choices. For example, I once dated a wealthy man who would ask me to split the bill—even after proposing marriage! It felt off, especially since he knew I was managing without child support from my child's father. After encountering a few people with similar behavior, I realized I needed to examine why I was attracting these dynamics into my life. This realization was a turning point, leading me to a deeper understanding of myself and my relationships.
I used a guided meditation I created that night, which is now posted on my blog. In the visualization, I imagined walking on a beach with a man—not someone I knew but someone with the feeling of a close relationship. During our walk, he suggested going to a war movie. I immediately stated, "No, I hate war movies!" But he insisted, saying, "We'll go to that one, then the next will be your choice." At that moment, I recognized a pattern: agreeing to things I didn't want just to keep the peace.
In my mind, I imagined an exaggerated response: I "shot" him (purely symbolically) to snap myself out of this automatic pattern. His spirit rose, asking why I'd taken such a firm stance, and I replied, "I don't understand why my 'no' wasn't respected." Surprisingly, he apologized, promising to listen and respect my choices. I told him, "If you want to go to war movies with your friends, go ahead, but don't bring back anger or resentment."
Through this process, I came to a profound realization: I was healing an internal disconnect—my left and right brain hadn't worked harmoniously. While I trusted my intuition for others, I hadn't trusted it for myself until that moment. This shift in perspective was a powerful one, healing the gap between my intuition and logical thinking, and empowering me to process things for my own life, not just others. It was a validation of the importance of trusting one's intuition, and it encouraged me to do so more in the future.
This change brought results quickly: the next day, I met someone who was genuinely respectful. And within six months, I met my third husband, to whom I've been happily married for 35 years.
I hope that whatever challenge you're facing, you find a way to balance your internal "hemispheres"—your intuition and logic—so they work together to support your dreams.
What patterns in your life might need rebalancing? How can you prepare yourself for life's bumpy rides? Remember, each bump has the potential to lead to growth and harmony.
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
