Eight years ago, when I was at my lowest, I NEVER imagined I’d be where I am right now.
My kids were grown and didn’t really need me anymore. My marriage of 25 years was coming to an end. And I had just put my mother into assisted long-term care. I say “I” because even though it was a family decision, I was the one to physically take her there and settle her in. She had no idea that was the plan. She had Alzheimer’s and it was no longer safe for her to stay with my dad nor stay where they were living. It was the most loving thing we could do for her, yet it also felt like the most unloving thing. I still remember the look in her eyes when she realized what was happening. She was wanting desperately to leave and looked at me for help. Our eyes locked and I watched her come into a moment of knowing, then acceptance. Then the blankness returned. The mom I knew was gone again. My heart broke into a million pieces, for the millionth time.
I never thought I’d feel whole again.
I never thought my heart would be — could be — fully happy again.
Yet it is.
On the other side of pain there can be joy.
In fact, what I’ve learned is that our pain can help us find our greatest joy.
With every life change I went through, my identity — who I thought I was — was challenged.
If I’m not a stay-at-home mom, what am I?
If I’m not a wife, what am I?
If I’m not a daughter, what am I?
Life offers us challenges so we can grow.
…so we can ask ourselves, “Who am I really? Who have I always wanted and imagined myself to be?”
It’s no wonder this stage is called ‘soul searching’ because it’s an opportunity to reconnect and realign with your soul and create a life that makes you heartfully happy.
I was able to let go of who I thought I was and step into who I really am and have always wanted to be: Me — someone who likes to follow her curiosity and freely explore the world. And what I know for sure is, no one would be more proud of me than my mom.
Every change offers a chance to consciously and deliberately create your next act.
Who are you really — behind the roles you play in life?
Who have you always wanted to be?
It’s never too late.
Let your heart and soul lead the way.
It’s your time, and it’s your turn.
If you’re ready to start listening to and trusting the whispers of your heart but aren’t sure how to begin or you’d like some guidance, I invite you to take my on-demand course called, Write To Your Heart. It will help set you on the path to a heartfully happy life. To learn more, click here.
