No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
I woke up this morning with the above quote in my heart. It’s one of my favorites ~ along with the woman who spoke the words with such knowing and authority. Think about how many conversations and/or arguments you’ve had with others where you’ve started the sentence with “You made me …”, “You forced me to …”, or “It’s your fault I feel…” and the remainder of the words directed toward a negative thought or action. We’ve all received PhD’s in taking things personally and more than likely very early on in our lives. We shoulder the responsibility for the happiness of our friends and loved ones, as well as the occasional stranger who happens to scowl at you on the subway. Based on my own experiences, I know when I embrace the unhelpful and pessimistic opinions of others (whether these thoughts and ideas are directed toward me or not), it’s because I’ve become disconnected from my spirit. I have forgotten my light and how powerfully it runs through me and radiates outward touching many people and situations.’
A week ago today, I came back from a two-week trip to Florida where I visited my family and threw a surprise retirement party for my parents. This was not even close to a vacation because prior to the wheels touching the runway at Tampa International Airport our itinerary was set with very little wiggle room. To make things a touch more interesting, I was sick for the first two days. Everything hurt and all I wanted to do was to sleep. I had planned an actual break from work for myself where I wouldn’t blog, publish Michele’s Daily Dash, or connect to my various social networks. I rationalized that although this trip was not a traditional vacation, I could at least give myself a reprieve from part of my daily work life. For the most part, I stuck to my decision. I didn’t read emails, personal or professional, and I didn’t share any affirmations, daily challenges or questions of the day. Most people might have enjoyed this break, but I didn’t feel like my mind, body or spirit was being refreshed and rejuvenated. In fact, it was just the opposite. With each day, I felt more and more disconnected.
I was thrilled to have my nephew with me and loved seeing everyone, yet I felt my ego challenging me each and every day. Old tapes were replayed spouting false truths and realities that I had grown up with and owned for many years. I found my former role in the family dynamic tapping me on the shoulder and whispering in my ear, “Come on. Just get involved in this one issue because you know you can fix it. You know you want to say something. Go!” Ugh! And by the way, no one forced me to feel like this or to doubt and question the dynamic and delicious life I am so grateful to have created for myself. No one or no thing has the power to take away my good and they most certainly don’t have the power to dim my light. And while I know this to be true, why did it appear that these ego-based thoughts were gaining so much control?
When we landed back in NYC last Monday, I had a busy week ahead of me. I was looking forward to getting back to writing and working with my clients. I had missed Michele’s Daily Dash and the interaction with my social networks. When I woke up Tuesday morning I couldn’t get out of bed and for the next two days pretty much did not. The most accurate visual I can give is that of John Coffey’s character in the movie The Green Mile. I kept calling it the flu, but it wasn’t. For two weeks my ego had battled against my spirit. Part of who I am is what I do. My light is very much about reaching out to as many people as I can to inspire, support and co-create with them ridiculous lives filled with positivity and living the beauty of their dreams. To cut that off is to cut off an arm. To stop connecting with others drains my energy. Let’s just say that Tuesday and Wednesday were spent releasing a whole lot of toxins!
When we keep ourselves away from what brings us joy, stay anchored in thoughts that prevent us from stepping out on faith, and embrace the ideas and opinions from outside influences instead of trusting our heart and shining our light, no one wins. We were blessed with unique gifts so they would be shared ~ not hidden. Trust me, you do know when you are not living your absolute truth. Everything feels hard. It’s an effort to get up in the morning. You constantly feel like you’re going against the grain. Walking your talk and living YOUR life’s purpose isn’t easy either. There’s no magic pill that if taken once a day keeps you on your divine path. Just as no one can make you feel inferior about yourself, no one can make you live what you love. You have to want it. You have to stand up, shout and know, “Yes, my time is now! Yes, I deserve this! Yes, I chose me!”
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