I am an Emotional Archeologist. Every day offers an opportunity for a new awakening…an opportunity to peel back another layer to examine. It may be a brilliant flash of insight…that A-HA! moment that helps you move forward. It may only be to discover a day of contemplating your slippered feet in an armchair with endless cups of tea is not necessarily a day wasted.

As I’ve navigated the mountains and valleys, the twists and turns of this journey, I have had many, many opportunities to work through the waves of grief. I know I am blessed to have had this time without the pressures of employment or the needs of others to impede my progress. I have been totally self indulgent in this quest other than the product of my writing. And every once in a while, I hit the lottery in the insight department and wonder how I could have missed that for so long.

I’m referring to the meditation series by Deepak Chopra, brought to us by Oprah. I am half way through a 21 day series on Core Beliefs. Day 10 spoke on the core belief that you are worthy. As the child of an alcoholic and the survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I struggled with issues surrounding my self worth for many years. When I felt unworthy, I was faced with controlling people who disrespected me. When I felt strong and whole, I was seen by others as worthy of respect.

But what happens if you’re grieving…if you’re sick…if you’re tired and you’re not feeling strong? What happens if you believe a lie? What happens when you have your really dark glasses of self doubt on and you can’t see how awesome you really are? That’s when you need a trusted, wise friend or family member who really knows you who will hold up a mirror and say, “Look at yourself! You are an amazing, insightful, talented, loving, generous, sensitive, kind, fun, adventurous, wonderful woman! Stop it! Stop looking at yourself through a smoky lens. Step out into the light of day and look in this mirror!” I am blessed with these wise women in my circle when I have moments of self doubt. They shake me by my collar and wake me up. This same wise friend shared something with me the other night and I wanted to pass it on to you.

"Guest House" by Rumi

This being human is a guest house. 
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows, 
who violently sweep your house 
empty of its furniture, 
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice, 
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

***Meet them at the door laughing because YOU know who YOU are and they cannot shake you!*** This was my message from a warrior goddess of a woman.

My wish for you today is to find your mirror…your own warrior goddess friend. See yourself as others see you. Take off the dark goggles of shame and self doubt. Our beliefs shape who we are. Stand up straight and tall, hold your head up high. Because, my darling….you are worthy!

❤️

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:8-9 NIV