As we enter 2020, I smile, I am choosing to have a jolly interesting, life affirming 2020, full of friends and family moments, cycling with Mr. B, walking to see beautiful views with Eddie dog. Growing as a physiotherapist attending workshops where I am the student, enabling me to have space to reflect and grow. Providing workshops where I can share and teach knowledge gained after 30years of treating people.
2019 was a challenging year, where at times I felt choice had been removed, what was interesting was how I reacted. I would say I am resilient character formed in childhood. However, as the year went by throwing all sorts of challenges my way. I could feel myself being unable to choose. With an inner growing belief that I was helpless to change events and experiences around me, I became stuck in a sense of powerlessness overwhelmed by my perceived sense of lack of choice, I began to lose sight of my own personal power.
So, thanks to having space over the holiday period, I found myself with my copy of Jack Kornfield’s ‘The Wise Heart’, Buddhist psychology for the west.
On page 40 there is a wonderful quote form Majjhima Nikaya, ‘Develop a mind that is vast like space, where experience both pleasant and unpleasant can appear and disappear without conflict, struggle, or harm’.
This reminded me that I had let the years events seep into my soul, dampen my light. There are moments of last year that where not within in my power to change, there were others, where I had found myself holding on to painful feedback, after all it was only feedback, only their truth not mine.
Consequently, I am choosing to remember who I am, a funny, kind, energetic, knowledgeable, wise woman of 60 years, with lots still to share and give.
Another wonderful quote by Caroline Myss ‘Always go with the choice that scares you the most, because that is the one that is going to help you grow’
What will be your choice for the coming year, ??
P.S Picture of my favourite reflecting field 🙂
Wonderful and thought provoking words Sue. I have recently starting meditating with an app called Head Space. I’m finding it really useful in grounding me and keeping me positive. When negativity and unhelpful chatter starts creeping into my mind I try to remember these are just thoughts and not who we are. I’m now moving ion with visualisation, which again calms my mind . It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed and lacking in choice at times. However it’s during these difficult phases we actually learn so much about ourselves and it’s often just the opportunity we need to grow and become more resilient. I’ve also decided that this year I will only surround myself with positive people. Those who encourage and rejoice with me in good times, but are also there with a steadying hand during the darker days.Keep on being the vibrant, upbeat and positive you, and here’s to a fabulous 2020 ,whatever it holds!
Love and hugs to you lovely lady xx