Allowing Love and Giving Thanks

Miracles and Melancholy

Often at the beginning of the year when we are thinking about our goals we think of a word that will be our mantra as we get going. My word was EMERGE (surprise!).

Now in December it is time to sort of take stock, see where we are and what we’ve accomplished. Did you reach your goals? Did I emerge more fully into my practice like I planned?

Too often we don’t give ourselves enough credit. We look at the things maybe that were painful. The lessons and the losses can take up too much brain space.

Retreat and renew

I decided to attend a day of retreat (workshop) on December 1st, to give myself the time I needed to take stock. In the workshop we were asked to write about all the good that happened in our lives these past 12 months. Not just the accomplishments. I filled 5 pages in my journal!

We then spent a bit of time in meditation getting direct messages from our Higher Selves and it was so nurturing.

During the group sharing process, I shared (and I couldn’t stop the tears) that I had accomplished and experienced SO much and yet my small mind had been telling me for the last month or so that it was not enough. Not enough. By saying it out loud in the room, I was able to silence that thought.

Celebration time

By giving myself the time and permission to celebrate my successes and silence that critical inner voice I was able to clearly see that 2017 has absolutely been my best year ever!

Now I know that many you cannot say that. There are some who are dealing with health challenges and some who have lost everything in hurricanes.

Surely life has it’s ups and downs and I’ve had my share of challenges in years past. But this year has truly been amazing.

Morning habits made all the difference

I believe this was a year of “WOW” because of some new practices I built into my life. Here is what was different:

  • I spent quality time meditating EVERY morning for 20 minutes. Some of that time was spent reprogramming my subconscious mind, some was spent in prayer for others
  • I spent 15 minutes EVERY morning writing 750 words. I’m on day 435 of this new practice and it helps me to vent when I need to and express my gratitude and focus on the good
  • I put my best foot forward in my leadership training classes. I met my goal of speaking and training (Delivered 49 gigs in 52 weeks) and I was focused on service excellence to the max! I made some mistakes but I learned from them.
  • I took off 7 weeks to renew and refresh myself and what a gift! I spent 4 of those weeks in June and July on the open road on the back of my husband’s Goldwing experiencing this spectacular country. A glorious check mark on the bucket list.

I also failed on several fronts. I haven’t kept up with social media or writing my newsletters for example. There’s more but I’m not going there. I do believe that every thing that has happened and is happening is in divine order and right on purpose.

Waves of melancholy

Yesterday during the snow storm, we put up our Christmas tree and wrapped some presents for the kids.

The holiday music was playing in the background while I untangled the lights. A song came on that reminded me of my Dad and his parents who are no longer on the earth but clearly still with me.

I felt a wave of melancholy come over me as I remembered past Christmas’s and how special they were. Some memories are precious.

There is always sadness at the holidays because our losses come right to the surface and can be triggered so easily. Especially if our losses are recent. Or if a loved one may not be here to celebrate with us next year and we are projecting.

I say allow the sadness. Allow yourself to feel the grief. It’s okay. This too shall pass.

My father’s death day is December 15th and this year marks the 15th anniversary of his passing. I don’t focus on this but I allow myself to cry when the sadness wells up within me. Allow this release.

Grand-babies are miracles

What I am focused on is this: living in the moment. I was able to spend time with my two grandchildren, Molly Mae (3 1/2) and Adalie (2 yrs) almost every week of this year. I’m talking quality running-around-the-house-I’m-gonna-get-you time.

There is so much more joy to come too! You see our daughter and son-in-law are expecting miracle #3 this week! And guess what? Her due date is December 15th. Oh the joy of it all!

Summary of my lessons from 2017

  • Mediate and write everyday to feed your soul.
  • Take time to deliver with excellence and abundance will follow.
  • Take stock in what you have accomplished.
  • Focus on successes not failures and celebrate them.
  • Feel the sadness when it arises and honor your losses.
  • Live in the moment and look for the miracles.
  • You ARE enough!

I wish you all a beautiful season of giving and receiving (not pushing and pulling). May you open your heart to allowing more of whatever love and goodness you can take in.

All my best to you and yours,
Maureen

P.S. If you are interested in learning how to manage your inner voice feel free to set up a complimentary session with me by clicking here: https://maureenrg.youcanbook.me

Scroll to Top