Hope — Today, Tomorrow & Always
For the “Hope Is Life” series
This article was prompted by Desiree Driesenaar as she reached out to Illumination writers for her NEW series, ‘Hope Is Life’. She shares, “Help me get some hope out there in the world.”
It was five years ago that my normal life changed forever. It was then that I first heard the term NEW normal and began to embrace it. I remember speaking about it in the meetings that I led. I could see others were not familiar with this NEW term.
That term is now quite popular. It seems in these times many are sharing that we should, need, must, will — look to a NEW normal in our lives as we move forward. What exactly does that mean?
Have you thought about what a NEW normal would be for you?
When I first heard the term, it was by the brilliant Iyanla Vanzant, a spiritual mentor of mine (and many). I had the privilege to hear her in person twice.
Both times were in different places, both crowded conferences where I felt compelled to sit where I did. One of the times, after I took my seat, I really questioned why I sat there, as it was towards the back of the room, off to the side. My head was telling me to get up and move closer and to the center, my heart said to stay put.
Both of those times Iyanla came from the back of the room to walk to the stage. I did not know she would do this. As she walked out, she would speak, making her way up to the front. Both times Iyanla stopped and stood RIGHT NEXT TO ME — I could have touched her…And the time I almost moved, was the time that she stood next to me the longest, just talking to all of us, while I just stood there in awe.
I share this with you as it is a beautiful example of following your heart. Even when your head begins to question — always follow your heart. Always.
We are currently in a NEW normal, we’ve not been in a situation like this before. To me, it is an invitation to follow our hearts and get out of our heads.
To stop hiding — and step out of your comfort zone.
To stop numbing — and start feeling.
How many live a life in shutdown… are dead…before they actually die…
Awaken
This is a time for us to come alive, just as the season we are currently in — Spring. A time for NEW beginnings. Tree buds opening, flowers blooming, the warmth of the sun…
…We have been given time to blossom into who WE ARE NOW MEANT TO BE…
When Iyanla spoke her version of the NEW normal five years ago, it was in regards to divorce or death of spouse. She shared, “Honor yourself and move forward. You are living a NEW normal and it’s nothing like what was in the past. Your life will not be the same. Stop holding on to wanting your life to be what it was, it never will be. Stop causing yourself to suffer over this. Accept and transform”.
That was so powerful to me! My life was no longer what it was and I was hurting. My husband left and I was faced to move forward alone. I wrote those words down and read it every day, and cried — until one day I didn’t.
What if you were told that from this moment on, your life would never be the same again? How does that make you feel?
Move yourself to silent reflection…
Does this make you sad? Does it make you cringe? Are you afraid?
Does it make you happy? Does it make you rejoice? Are you excited?
Let out the things you hide…
What are you hiding — from yourself? Things in your life that you don’t want to admit or think about because you are afraid. Of what it might mean to others, of what it might mean to you? The unknown.
The feelings that keeps running inside you…
Will you take this time that we are now in, this time we now have and use it? Step into the unknown — with the thought of something more?
Letting out the things you hide…
Could now be a time of metamorphosis? Going from a caterpillar to a butterfly…
What is in your heart — the dream, the vision that you are ignoring because you don’t think it’s possible. Stop thinking — start feeling.
Listen to that small, still voice that’s whispering. Don’t wait for the big boom.
What is in your heart — the dream, the vision that you haven’t noticed because your life is so busy and hectic and you are just trying to get by. Stop doing — and start being. Stillness.
In this time that many would deem full of despair — I see hope! Hope that if we choose, we will create a better life for ourselves.
COVID 19 typically affects the respiratory system, the lungs. I believe, as others do, our body is speaking to us. Physical issues, diseases that we have, come from dis-ease from within.
Louise Hay, in her book, Heal Your Body, Heal Your Life, writes that when someone is having issues with their lungs, the probable cause is Depression.Grief. Fear of taking in life. Not feeling worthy of living life fully…
Another mentor of mine, Brian Seth Hurst, confirmed on a conference call I just listened to that our lungs represent Our right to take in life fully…
Cycles of fears with the longing and tears…
Whether you believe in this or not, isn’t it interesting?!
I am not ignoring what is happening in the world right now, but wondering: Could this virus (that again typically affects the lungs) be here for us — to actually live a better life? Step into the next level?
End the old that doesn’t serve us and move into something NEW?
Move into a fulfilled life — whatever that might mean to you?
To let out the things you hide…
Here is Desiree Driesenaar fabulous article with her call to action:
Who’s next?? If you’re reading this, is it you? Please tag us in so we can read :).
If you are not familiar with me — I’d like to introduce myself:
Until next time ~
Sending you light, love — and hope.
Be Well,
