Bold Dreams Merit Bold Acts

 Letting go of something or someone you love is gut–wrenching.  However, when that something or someone is not nurturing your soul and impedes the ability for you to live up to your highest purpose, letting go is warranted.  It is hard as hell, but the pay-off is worth the discomfort.

I am in that season of re-evaluating every aspect of my life in an effort to renew my energy and reengage in things that I love.  This process is not easy because it will likely result in me discontinuing some friendships, eliminating volunteer activities I once supported with passion, and demands that I still in meditation as I become intentional about the next few chapters of my life.  This “cleaning house” is an effort to make room for the reintroduction into my life of what lifts my spirit and empowers me.

Getting to this point has required fortitude on my part and the patience of my friends and family who have listened to my stories of heartache as I have worked through these current challenges in life.  For those of you who know me well, sitting still is not a skill set I’ve mastered so the meditative aspect of this period is grueling.  I have watched Eat, Pray, Love five times over the past two weeks in an attempt to glean some tips on how to survive the next few months.  I even read the book by Elizabeth Gilbert that inspired the movie to dig deeper into what she did to transition into a new phase of her life.  Ms. Gilbert lived in an ashram for several months practicing meditation to facilitate her healing.  Moving to India for four months currently is not an option for me, but I will be using my yoga room more, that’s for darn sure.

During the past few months I have learned much about myself, some of it I don’t like at all.  A few days ago, a friend told me that I can be mean when I have been hurt by others.  Yep, I resemble that.  Shame be damned.  I am not ashamed to admit that I am human and do not always have the most evolved response to heartache and disappointment. But by owning the behavior I am able to change and am resolute in my commitment to becoming a better person!

A girlfriend told me last week that I accept disrespectful behavior directed towards me, which obviously is much less than I deserve!  Whether the disrespect is a result of me not being prioritized in my relationship, not being taken seriously on the job, or in organizations I serve, I deserve better!   I really don’t like admitting that she is right.  But she drove her point home by asking me if I would want for my daughter that same treatment I am accepting from others for myself.  My resounding no in response to her query was a wakeup call.  If I don’t want someone I love to be disrespected, why would I allow it for myself?  So be on notice, I will not tolerate disrespect.  Neither should you my friend!

I have been offering my energy to people and organizations that offer me little or no return spiritually or emotionally and it has to stop.  I should be investing in activities and people who nourish my spirit, respect my value, and build or strengthen my physical body.  Therefore, I am committed to practicing yoga for mind and body wellness.  Volunteering only when an organization’s mission and vision align with my values.  And most importantly, conducting an inventory of those people who want what is best for my life, and ensuring that I hold on to them by investing in our relationship.  Also I must focus on eliminating from my life those whose purpose misaligns with mine. Thus making room for more of the “good people”.  I can’t resist a “#ByeFelicia” right about now.

All joking aside.  We all owe it to ourselves to assess the people we allow into our hearts and we must evaluate where we spend our precious moments in life because as we all know; tomorrow is not promised.  I am committed to getting it done.  No more waiting until tomorrow.  The work begins this moment.  I hope you join me in conducting a life inventory and pray that you find the strength to stand up for yourselves.  Bold dreams merit bold acts.  I promise you will face challenges, but you will reap the rewards of a fulfilled life.