For your consideration…..
“Don’t get boxed in.” This message seems so simple but it is really tough to do.
Each of us are unique and here for our own purpose. Yet we long for companionship and to be accepted. We long for those affirmations of our value. We seek out those of like minds and hearts to validate who we are. That is all good.
But too often what happens is things we don’t necessarily believe in, both spoken and unspoken, are lumped in with the whole. They become requirements of us if we want to be “members in good standing.” This happens in politics, religion, organizations and clubs, families and with friends.
Yesterday I was stopped in the grocery store parking lot and asked to sign a petition to add 4 different items to the fall ballot. I agreed with 3 of them but not the 4th. The choice was all or nothing. Why? I took the nothing.
Today we are being told to resist. Don’t get boxed in. Be who we are and speak our hearts’ truth. Don’t go along with something that we simply do not believe in. Silence is no longer an option for us. We are being asked to stand up and simply state our truth with love and well intentions. There is nothing to argue about. It just is. Our belief, may not always win…..this time……but as long as we have spoken from our authentic self we will remain whole and intact and free on our life’s journey.
Respectful disagreement coming from truthful hearts is healthy. It gets unhealthy when beliefs are crammed down someone’s throat under the ruse of being good for them because someone else has deemed it so. That’s when we get boxed in and start to suffocate. It is where unhappiness or discontent sets in. It is where resentment and discord comes from.
We must be true to our hearts and respect others right and will to do the same. Where is it written that we must belong to one political party or one religion? Where does it say that we have to agree with everything our club, boss, union or family member says or does? The question becomes, “or what?”
Contrary to popular belief, we will become stronger and more powerful when we stay true to our authentic self. Everyone wins when we stand in our authentic truth. That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…….
-Meditate/pray. Remember who you are and what you stand for. Bring that forward in all you do.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths. I just have to share this. As I type this blog, out my library window are 2 ladies from the neighborhood. They are taking their morning stroll and needed a rest. They have made the best of it and simply sat down on their walkers and engaged in a chat. Don’t you just love it?
-Drink lots of water. Maybe I should take some out to these ladies.
-Go for your own stroll, stretch or exercise.
-Journal what made you happy yesterday.
-Did you ever feel conflicted? Why? Journal that and create an affirmation to turn it around.
What made me smile yesterday…..
-I got to have nice chats with both my girls
-A great team teacher.
-Shopping done.
-A beautiful sunshiny day.
-A picture of my sis and Aidan. Congrats Aidan. You are officially a Kindergarten graduate.
Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
Chris
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