I'VE BEEN BUBBLING WITH ANTICIPATION for weeks now - waiting to learn what new phase I'm entering - or even what I have to give up. These milestones usually involve a some sacrifice and some hard inner work. And sure enough, this initiatory work was required this time, too.
I'm realizing that I sometimes withhold love when I'm afraid others will ask too much, or more than I'm willing to give . . . afraid I will 'run dry'. And I sometimes resist giving wholeheartedly if I feel obligated to give.
That resisistance is a block to wholehearted living. I must surrender to the call of my soul and open my heart wider, without fear, but with discernment.
I think that's what this new phase is all about for me. OPENING MY HEART. As Brene Brown says: "Authenticity demands Wholehearted living and loving -- even when it's hard . . . Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are."
OK . . . my blog is Authentic Adult Woman and I even gave a little talk on Authenticity at a retreat last week. So I asked myself, "how can I be more authentic . . . more real . . . more true to my nature, my essence?" I wanted to just BE ME, no airs, no withholding, just lots of trust.
I ended up loving the opportunity to share of myself, loving each of the lovely women at the retreat. I led them in a collage experience where we chose, cut and pasted images which reflected our authentic selves. The collages were woncerfully heartwarming and AUTHENTIC.
I did this one for me, and I love it.
IT FEELS LIKE A NEW ADVENTURE . . . A MORE JOYFUL, PASSIONATE LIFE . . . TAKING RISKS IN ORDER TO BE TRUE TO MY NATURE,
MY AUTHENTIC SELF.