Crossing Rough Waters - Journey from Fear to Freedom is about our faith journey. Do you believe there is a higher power to see you through, especially during life's challenges? Do you believe you are never alone in these moments? These rough spots can provide lessons to help us grow stronger.
Childhood experiences of emotional and physical abuse were difficult in my life. Until I began to learn lessons from these experiences, people in my life were emotionally abusive. Some of my lessons were (1) to learn to like and love myself even when I didn't measure up to my own expectations; (2) I learned not to compare myself with others because I am a unique person who is not like anyone else on the planet; (3) I learned that I am very intuitive and I am able to feel the mood of people and environments almost instantly; (4) I learned that by approving of myself, my self-esteem and confidence improved; and (5) I learned to say YES to having new experiences instead of being afraid to change.
What is happening at the moment that is creating the rough waters in your life? Are you willing and able to face your own truth and fears. I believe that it is important not to blame anyone else for difficult situations or discomfort, even though they may have created some of the turmoil. People in our lives are acting out their parts in our life play to help us learn lessons. I believe that we are mirrors for each other. I know that children cannot protect themselves from abusive situations. But, as adults, we are able to think back on those times and consider what it might take for us to become stronger. Experiences of the past must not block us from experiencing our best possible life opportunities today. What lessons are you learning today and how are you becoming stronger?
Today there are many reasons that we might be fearful. These are challenging times. Please know that God is with you - you are never alone - even in the bleakest times. What are you grateful for? Make a list that you can refer to often. Know that you are a terrific human-being. Consider the many God-given gifts and talents that you have and how you can use them, even in the smallest ways. How can you make a difference in someone else's life, even when your circumstances are challenging?
I look forward to our times together in this Crossing Rough Waters blog.
Be Unique. Be Faithful. Be Loving. Be Strong. Be Kind. Be God's Gift in the World.
Read: Crossing Rough Waters - Journey from Fear to Freedom
by Sarah Payne Naylor - Author/Life and Career Coach
Available at crossingroughwaters.com or from Amazon.com
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your posted article very much. I pray and hope for Peace and Justice in the World.
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you in that prayer. I pray that each person will be peaceful in their heart so that justice can reign in the world. Yesterday I attended a presentation by the U.S. District Attorney for Arizona. I was encouraged that he seems to be very sensible on immigration issues and other justice issues that he faces. Even in this Arizona political climate, I hope for peace and justice. Thanks for your post to my first blog article. I hope you will send it to friends for their comments. Take care.
Thinking about your message and the tree analogy. Reminded me of when I went to my cousin's funeral in 2008 and we took a family photo next to the tree my grandmother planted over 75 years ago for her family. She wanted us to have deep roots as a family and it made me question if we are living our lives deeply and rooted as a family and as individuals. The answer is probably not to the intention my grandmother had those many years ago but I guess we are all doing the best we can. What my grandmother envisioned as the family unit has changed through the years. I am sure it will keep evolving.
ReplyDeleteRelating this to the 'GRATITUDE TREE" blog, your story reminds me of the Immancipation Tree that stands at Hampton University in Virginia where slaves were read the Immancipation Proclamation and told they were free. That tree also has deep roots. It reminds me of when my husband and I were given the privilege of planting a tree in Jerusalem when we went to Israel with the Jewish Federation of Phoenix, Arizona. I think trees hold a lot of meaning of rootedness and freedom like the kind your grandmother meant for you and your family. How fortunate you were to have a grandmother who held that level of wisdom and intention for her family. The fact that you, as one member of the family, understood her intention may be all that is necessary. I think that we all relate to life differently and everyone may not GET IT in the same way. The important thing is that we hold on to those intentions to live the very best life that we can. That was really her intention for you. The fact that you got it says to me that you are a good person and living a good life.
ReplyDeleteI think about the strength of the trees we have had intimate relationships with and what are the messages I am supposed to glean from them? What responsibility do we have, as people, to insure their continued existence? When I take my thoughts to this level, I am led to think about "All My Relations", the prayer of American Indian people who believe that every thing and everyone is related. Our thoughts about our world can expand out, just from thinking about trees. Isn't it amazing?
When you ask "What is happening at the moment that is creating the rough waters in your life?" it reminds me of the importance of staying aware of the current moment. What is our mind creating right now, and how do we manage it, if it's focusing on some misery from the past or anxiety in the future?
ReplyDeleteThanks to you and for all the tools that you have shared with your readers, I now like to practice staying consciously aware of what's happening in my mind, and being able to instantly respond with my heart. Let go of mind chatter and replace anything negative with love and compassion.
What a gift you have been and continue to be, to give us the tools to constantly remind us that yes, we are indeed God's gift to the world!
Bron