Feelings Aren't Facts...

BUT, what happens when the facts are causing the feelings?

I recently found myself comparing myself to who I used to be, and it robbed me of some joy. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "comparison is the thief of joy." I have found that comparison also leads me to stagnation. When I stay too long in the reflective state I find myself stuck or going in cycles that really don't serve me. These are the moments that rob us; of not only joy, but also time. 
These moments are also my greatest teachers. I allowed myself to feel all of the weight of comparison, and then I moved into gratitude for the fullness of all I used to be and how she made a way for me to be who I am presently. Then, I moved into release.

​I release what I cannot control, and trust that I am right where I am supposed to be in every moment. I give myself grace in my becoming. 

When I chose to commit to my healing I also chose to commit to showing up for full experience of it; even the terribly uncomfortable ones. I am currently amidst so many deep growing pains that are stretching me in ways I have never been stretched. But, what I do know about growth is that it requires us to leave something behind, and in this season I am faced with leaving behind past versions of myself in order to become who I am truly meant to be. 
I also know that the more we are stretched the more flexible we become, so I welcome the discomfort; it's making room. 

Grieving ourselves, like healing, isn't a linear experience. We are on a constant journey of becoming while also simultaneously shedding former versions of ourselves.
The molting really ain't cute, but it's necessary.
I recently co-facilitated a Grieving Ourselves workshop with Sarah Jenè at Bluemind Coffee in Indianapolis. So many emotions rose to the top in that container, and while I am deeply grateful I also understand the processing work required in order for me to take this new information and alchemize it into my awareness. 
​More molting...more stretching...more room...

S    T    R     E     T     C     H   

​I love myself even when I don't like who I am.
I am more than my grief.
Who am I, now?
I am grateful for who I had to be in order to still be here.
Grief is a requirement for me to live the life I desire.
​If I didn't grieve I wouldn't be where I am right now, and I like it here.
It's okay to wonder about what could have been or who I might have been.
I give myself room to become and permission to evolve.
I will take my time.
I am more than enough in every season.
​Growth requires us to leave something behind, grief causes us to remember and love is the catalyst for perseverance.