Making Space for Love
Holding your baby for the first time, saying "I do," a long-overdue embrace; Love is the most beautiful thing in this world. It fills you up with hope, excitement, and a warmth that permeates your whole being. Love is like walking on a cloud or being enveloped by the warmest, softest blanket. They say that love is what makes the world go around.
Love does, however, trip and stumble. It is imperfect and requires great grace and acceptance. Love can quickly become a weapon when it is influenced by fear. It wields its enormous sword and can cause great destruction. Within us lies the capability to exude love or erupt in hurt and anger when we are hurt. We choose.
I have had the most incredible opportunities to work with amazing coaches as I work my way through love and hurt. It has afforded me the chance to dig deep to unveil my deepest, darkest "secrets" that I have suppressed for decades upon decades. Unwrapping these feelings and experiences takes enormous courage, and I couldn't be more proud of myself. I look squarely at myself in the mirror and have the chance to release that which I have remained shackled to for too long. I choose to respond to this hurt and pain in a manner that doesn't perpetuate the destruction. It couldn't have happened at a better time. But then again, that is the way the Universe works?
This perfect timing collides with the week that would have been my 13th wedding anniversary—a silent acknowledgment of dreams that weren't actualized—also, a second chance at a relationship with a man I love ended. So much sadness and grief held and released.
As I sit here writing this entry, incredible support, and love surrounds me. My friends, family, colleagues, and people I have met through working with my coaches share words of encouragement and care, which fill me with so much appreciation. I continue to experience pain and sadness, but know that I am worthy of love. Celine Dion sings a song called "Ashes," and the words she sings resound in my body, "let beauty come out of ashes." My heart breaks, but out of these heartbreaks comes an opportunity for new love, beautiful love, and appreciation for what I have and what is to come.
Message to my Daughters: Love is the most potent force in this world. It fills you up until you feel like you might explode in happiness. To love or be loved is one of the greatest gifts. Even when love cuts you to the bone, it is worth it. Living vulnerability and showing up as your authentic self is the only way to live. Embrace the love that exists in this world and let it wrap you in its warmth.