Sunday, May 31, 2009

Freedom of Self

“…each day is a gift and not a given right. Leave no stone unturned. Leave your fears behind and try to take the path less traveled by. ..that first step is the longest stride.” ~ Nickelback



I have taken that first step to self discovery and it absolutely IS the longest stride. I’ve been living life full of self doubt, low self esteem, and with rose colored glasses. Life has these ways of bringing you to reality when you really need it the most – for survival. It may be humiliating and the pain you feel is worse than you could ever have imagined, however, the benefits of coming to the other side is refreshing.

Freedom of self is divine.

The road getting there is quite possibly a bumpy one so be prepared. Every mistake that you make has its benefits – you should learn from them. The old adage of “you cannot love another person until you love yourself first” has more truth than most people give it credit for. I’ve spent the past 31 years not really being so nice to me. Everyone else was more important than me. That is where I’ve come to notice that when you are walking on THAT path – you lead yourself as a doormat for others to wipe their feet on. There is nothing wrong with being unselfish. It’s important to be in touch with your feelings and your subconscious self. That tiny voice we usually ignore is trying to protect us. I’m just now learning to listen. I now appreciate the small things in life. That crappy job I complain about – yeah I’m glad I have it. There are so many people that would be happy to be working at all and can’t get in with how the economy is taking a downturn.

Do you ever really take time to soak in your surroundings? I have taken drives and in the midst of a traffic jam – noticed a butterfly just dancing in the air. How about the dog that sticks its head out the window to enjoy the simple joy of the feeling of the breeze? Take time to notice the little things and appreciate them.

Appreciate yourself. Appreciate LIFE.