We’ve all seen them. The quotes on Facebook, Pinterest, Intagram and Twitter. They seem so bold, inspiring, liberating and freeing.
But it dawned on me, it’s the universe itself speaking to me, in a moment so clear I could almost swear all those around me had heard it.
It said “you do not have to leave the woman you were, in the past. You do not have to leave the person you were as a child, as a teenager, or as a yong adult.”
We do not leave these people behind, we carry them with us. Not as weight, or a burden. Not with hurt, or pain; but we carry them with us as knowlege, as healing, as a surrender from all the past trauma. As a rememberance of all the sweet smells, grandmas hugs, feelings of our hearts brimming with joy and love.
As a teenager and the first heart break, being bullied, or growing up faster than one should. Becoming responsible and capable, feeling proud, wanting so badly to belong, being understood,
Knowledge allows us to reach others.
Wisdom to see that although there was hurt, we grew tall and strong in spirit.
We carry them as teachers, as reminders of who they were then. This is a valuable journey we take today.
I will not leave any of me behind. The child I was, the gangly teenager, or the woman I have become.
Beyond the things we carry, there are things that carry us. Those things are hope, joy, confidence, vulnerability and faith. They are the little miracles that get us through the day. They are there when our legs fail and we need a little help to get back on our feet. One foot in front of the other walking down many paths, with many purposes from all we once were and all we are today.
I will be all those people, all at once; and walk through this universe with multiple purposes. In spite of it all….
I MADE IT!
Becky Shaffer
bshafferliveinconfidence.com 