Sunday, December 1, 2013

Use your power to love and heal--not to judge or hurt.



     One thing that I have realized the importance in as I have grown into being a woman is that we must listen to the wisdom of others. To think we know everything only limits ourselves from growing into more knowledgeable, genuine, and caring human beings. I used to think I knew everything and if anyone tried to tell me differently, it would "go in one ear and out the other" (as my parents and grandparents used to say). Yet, as we grow, we learn that we are never truly finished learning. The day that we think we know everything is truly a sad day in our existence because we are only limiting ourselves from fantastic things ahead.

      The holidays are a difficult time for many of us-for many different reasons. We all have our own individual reasons that we hold deep in the crevices and inner depths of our hearts. The mistake we make is in thinking our problems are bigger than anyone else's. The mistake we make is when we point fingers and give blame to people without even hearing their stories. Instead of blaming or doubting or questioning another human being, why not let them open up to you? Why not let them know that their life and their story is just as important to us as our own? 


"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" - John Watson (aka Ian MacLaren)

      I recently found myself struggling with years and years of body image issues that had been locked up under my armor of strength. The armor of strength seemed to shatter when old feelings of self-doubt and lack of acceptance for just being me started to seep through the surface. I overcame my feelings with positive help and support from loved ones who guided me to put my "armor" back on. Yet, I know many people do not have this support system. Many people feel lost and alone spiraling into negative thoughts of worthlessness and grief. 

We need to use our own power for love to help those who feel lost. 
We have all been lost, and we need to use that strength that we have gained through our experience to help others-not hurt them or judge them.

      Instead of judging people because of their life, their body image, their relationship, their religious beliefs....why don't we take the time to listen to their story so they know they have at least one person who wants to hear them and not judge them? We never know any story unless we take the time to open our hearts and minds and ears to the person sharing the story. 

      I recently had a dear friend share with me a story. She wants to use her experience to help others realize that they are not alone. This is what life is ABOUT, people! We can use our experiences, our pain, our joys--to HELP others--not hurt them. Her story touched me, and I am sure it will move you, as well. 

"I wanted to share something with you.. I always read your inspiring messages and keep up with your blog. I wanted to ask you a favor...or maybe just reach out to you. My husband and I have been struggling with infertility for the past 2 years going on 3 and it has to be the most difficult thing we've ever been through. I used to blame myself and despise my body every day because I was incapable of doing what every woman should be able to do. With that being said the holidays have always been our favorite time of year but I've been finding it so difficult to be happy this year around. For the past 3 Christmases now my only wish was for a chance to be a mom. I want you to spread awareness (if you want) about infertility. People ask me daily why we don't have children and offer their advice..I know they don't mean any harm but If only they knew. I want women to know that we shouldn't hate ourselves for things that are out of our hands. I want you to spread awareness of the importance of getting checked yearly as well. I suffer from an endocrine disease called pcos and it is extremely common"

      Here is a perfect example of a beautiful, kind, and genuine woman who is always caring to those around her. She is struggling with this internal battle and have had others question her rather than just show her gentle love and support for being who she is. She wants to help others who are struggling and raise awareness. Please--remember that your body is a beautiful gift. Take care of it and L.I.S.T.E.N. to it. My yoga teacher always says that our body starts telling us something is wrong with a whisper, and if we do not listen to those whispers, it will start to YELL. Don't wait for your body to yell. Here is a link for more info on PCOS:  http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html

      I am asking all of you to remember that there is not a single human being who knows the story of all the people we meet. We must listen to each other, love each other, and support each other. Please, open your hearts this holiday season to the stories of others and feel the overwhelming love and peace you can feel in unconditionally accepting another human being. 

"Love one another and help others to rise to the higher levels, simply by pouring out love. Love is infectious and the greatest healing energy"
-Sai Baba