I melt into the navy leather arm chair, feeling my body rest down into it as never before.
My shoulders relax, and something in my chest area starts to open and calm as I listen to Martha Beck say that all we ever have to do is this moment, right now.
As I relax into her words of comfort and reassurance, saying that no matter what happens, you’ll always have the strength for THIS Moment. Just this one. And that nothing else is ever needed.
I’d heard my dad talk about the “Power of NOW.” He became quite obsessed with it, and rightly so, in my opinion. That was a time in his life where he needed the message, and it found him.
This was a time in mine, where, while I’d tried to practice it with some success beforehand…
There’s nothing quite like every moment of your own life becoming a complete and utter uncertainty, to help you open to something new.
And that is what had happened.
Away from school and my job as a teacher, sick with never-ending vertigo and a slew of concussive symptoms, my life had been changed forever. And I was now on a journey through taking Life Coach Training, that at the time, I don’t think I even realized had begun.
As often happens with illness, the very capabilities of your body to do what you’re accustomed to doing changes.
I’d lost my health, and with that, my job, uncertain of when, if ever, I’d be able to return. And with that, my community — both my students and the teachers with whom I’d worked. Many of my friends, my financial stability…all of it, gone. Seemingly overnight.
Sound familiar?
While there are MANY differences between much of what I went through and what so much of the word is going through now, I see the similarities. The golden threads of hope — which to me, offer a new perspective, and a new way of doing things.
When things fall apart, we’re given an opportunity to go inward.
When we don’t know what to do, we’re given the opportunity to open to something new.
Once we let the old fall away — so painful! — we can find, sometimes quite unexpectedly, a brand new beginning that is brighter than we ever dreamed it could be.
So I offer you tremendous compassion today, for whatever feelings you’re feeling, whatever situations you’re facing, whatever loss you’ve suffered, whatever you find swirling around you or within you in any given moment.
And I pray that you find the strength to keep going — to keep offering yourself the love and kindness you deserve.
Because you are worthy of so much love, dearest one — ALL the Love in the Entire Universe, in fact! 🙂
This is a song I listened to often about 5 years ago, in one of those layers I mentioned of opening to something new.
And there was one stanza that called out to me in particular. So much so that I took a gold-colored sharpie and wrote it out on a little index card that I used to keep by my bed.
It read:
“May the light of a thousand suns shine through.
Live the life of grace that you were meant to.”
So in whatever way, today, this week, may each of us open to the new level of being, and the new way of seeing that has become open to us.
May we find hope where there is heartbreak. And peace and love in all things.
And if you feel like playing with some feelings, I’m hosting a free call on Thursday called Funky Emotion Paragraphs. 🙂
Every time I’ve taught this process or shared it with someone one-on-one, it has been a hit, and magical things have happened. So now seems like the perfect time to share it again.
It’s a process for looking at an emotion in a creative way, that takes it out of the context of the situation where you find it arising, so that surprisingly wise (and often funny!) insights come through. I’d love to have you join us! 🙂
No need to register. Just use the link below. 🙂 And I’ll hope to see you there!
Topic: Funky Emotion Paragraphs 🙂
Time: Apr 2, 2020 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
May you be blessed with infinite peace today, and each day, as we go through this great big process, and unfolding of whatever is going on — together.
Much love,
Caitlin
P.S. If you and/or your kiddos are feeling like a cozy story time, I did a Facebook Live over the weekend with a reading of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. If you’d like to snuggle in and listen, you can do so here. Love you lots! 🙂 (Also, if you enjoy, please let me know and I can make it a regular thing while we go through this pandemic together.)
P.P.S. I’ve received a couple requests to offer another Gratitude Call, where I shared a new way of gratitude journaling that I started playing with over the winter months. If you’d be interested in something like this, let me know! 🙂 (Just comment below, and say, “YES! I want to play with gratitude journaling!” — or something to that effect 🙂 and I’ll know to put it on the calendar. Wink!)
“We all live in a yellow submarine, yellow submarine, yellow submarine…”
Photo by Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash
This Beatles song keeps popping into my mind and unexpectedly flowing out of my mouth over the last few days and weeks.
Sometimes the songs I hear, or find myself singing (seemingly out of nowhere) have messages, or strange synchronicities that make me smile.
I found myself wondering what this might be about.
(Especially given the fact that I’ve never been a huge fan of this song.)
And then it hit me, it’s like we’re all in a great big yellow submarine together.
Some of us more closely, given the quarantine and shelter in place and social distancing precautions.
But even more than that, it’s the message that…
We’re all in this together.
This great big planet spinning through time and space is like a big ship…or a yellow submarine, that we’re all trying to find our way through and learn how to navigate, together.
One person’s joy affects the multitudes. Each small action, whether fearful or loving and filled with peace, affects everyone.
That’s why my motto or mission during this time so far has been to anchor as much joy as I can.
My theory (just because it feels good :)) is that this virus can’t survive JOY.
Of course, if you’re feeling sad or scared or panicked or even just a low grade sense of anxiety or helplessness, PLEASE allow yourself to feel those things. I’ve felt them too, and it’s important not to just set them aside for some pretend joy thinking that’s going to help.
Fake joy can’t help, but true, genuine, smile-from-the heart-so-big-that-it-lights-up-your-face joy — I believe that can.
So do whatever you find joyful today.
And if joy feels too far out of reach, try offering yourself the compassion you would offer a sweet, innocent, beautiful and amazing child. What kind thing would you say to a little one who is afraid?
You would comfort them, not berate them for feeling their emotions. (Unless you’re trying to avoid your own.)
But yes, kindness always matters. Especially when you can begin to find a way to offer it to yourself.
You are worthy of kindness.
You are worthy of respect.
You are worthy of feeling heard and appreciated for who you are.
So today, as we float through the sky in this great big yellow submarine, know this…
You’re not alone. Anything you’re feeling or experiencing, others are likely experiencing it too.
You are loved. You are worthy of infinite compassion and grace, especially during hard times. Often, those can be the times where it can feel hardest to offer ourselves the kindness we deserve, and this is when we need it the most. So offer yourself some kindness, be gentle with yourself and know that as you follow the flow of that, only good things can happen — from the inside-out.
I appreciate you. You are appreciated, seen and heard for all that you are. You are a blessing in this world and I’m so glad you’re here.
Remember that.
You are loved. You are not alone. And you are infinitely appreciated for the gifts you bring to this planet…to our yellow submarine. 🙂
Wishing you peace and infinite blessings always,
with a side of gentle clouds and soft sunlight to light your way,
Caitlin
P.S. If you’re feeling stressed out and would like to play with some coaching or writing to see how that can help (HINT: It is AMAZINGLY helpful) just send an email and let me know. We can find something perfect — supportive and kind — just for you. ❤
I still remember standing outside visiting with people after church. I could feel the warmth of the sunlight on my skin, but I couldn’t feel the compassion or understanding of those around me. It felt like an invisible curtain appeared right in front of my face as I talked with them — you couldn’t see it, but you could feel it. An invisible barrier laced with the belief that no one cared, that they couldn’t understand.
And to be honest, they probably didn’t. I’d recently lost my dad, and even those who had experienced loss couldn’t express their sentiments in a way that I could feel. Somehow their genuine concern got lost in translation.
They had already made it to the other side, to a place where their grief was no longer felt at the same depth as mine. They were no longer standing in the very same hole that I felt I’d been plopped down into.
I wanted someone who could crawl down into that hole with me and keep me company while I was there.
And that’s what I’d love to do for you — crawl down into whatever exact, uniquely shaped, and sized hole you are in, and shine some light, share some love, and walk beside you or sit with you with compassion.
Compassion is my specialty.
Just ask anyone who knows me, and it is often one of the first traits people will mention.
I care. Deeply. And it’s one of the things the people I’ve coached thank me for most.
And it’s also one of the things I’ve practiced most deeply in my life — learning to care for and be kind to myself.
Do you have that challenge too?
My guess is, if you’re here reading these words, you might also be on a similar life path of learning to offer yourself the same kindness and grace that you so readily offer to others.
And I’d love to work with you.
I’d love to shine a light in all of the dark corners and lift them up with evergreen grace.
I’m here for you. All you have to do is decide you’d like to open your hand and welcome some fresh love in.
Try it right now. Open your hands, palm up and feel the love that is here for you.
Now — let me know where your “hole” is located and I’ll be right over! With your favorite cup of tea and a beautiful strand of twinkle lights.
We’ll shine some twinkle lights in the darkness until you find the light and strength of your own. And we’ll do it, together.
You don’t have to go through any of this alone.
I’ve got you. And I care.
And that’s a winning combination.
Not that there’s anything to win. But the ability to feel better, even when the circumstances around you don’t change, is one of life’s greatest gifts. It’s something I’ve learned again and again in new and deeper ways, and continue to practice every day.
So if you feel curious about the idea of hanging some twinkle lights to bring a little light and ease to any challenges or losses in your life, I’d love to talk with you.
Schedule a time on my calendar for a free 30 minute, Shine The Light On Your Life call where we can talk about your dark hole of a challenge or loss, and what some possible twinkle lights might look like in your life right now, even if it’s just one teeny tiny bulb to add a little glow.
In the meantime…here are 10 ways to feel more connected when you’re feeling alone.
Feeling disconnected and unable to connect with the people around you, whether because of loss or illness, is one of the most gut-wrenching experiences I believe we can ever have. I also believe that it is an opportunity to get creative and find other ways to support yourself in feeling connected.
I know from personal experience how hard it can be, and whether you’re in a tough place right now or not, I know these can help. They are my top 10 favorite ways to connect! Enjoy!
1. Take a 5 minute nature break.
Spend some time sitting or walking outside, or looking out the window. Just take some time to notice your breathing and look at what’s around you — notice the rocks, the leaves, any trees, or blades of grass. Even if you don’t FEEL anything, just keep noticing. Keep observing. And eventually you’ll start to feel more connected both to yourself and to your surroundings.
(Bonus: Make note of how you’re feeling both before and after your 5 minute nature session to build evidence for yourself if it’s helpful and to watch how your experience changes over time.)
2. Write down how you feel.
Science shows (and I’ve learned from personal experience) that naming your feelings can help lessen the severity right away. And then writing them down is an even deeper way to acknowledge your feelings and offer yourself compassion and support. Take 1 minute and write down as many feeling words as you can that describe what you’re experiencing.
(This can be a post it note, a note on your phone, the back of a letter or piece of mail, anything nearby will work.)
They don’t have to be complete sentences either, anything goes! Scared, alone, twist in my stomach, hard to breathe, numb. Whatever it is, write it down. See how you feel when the minute is up. Any better? Want to keep writing? If so, keep going. If not, move on with a greater sense of connection to yourself and awareness of your emotions and experience.
3. Do a Lava Volcano Quick Write.
This is where you set a timer for 5 minutes and just write down EVERYTHING that comes to your mind. And when I say everything, I mean everything! Every thought, even if it’s “this is a stupid exercise.” Letting whatever is swirling around in your head flow out through your pen onto the page (or note on your phone, etc.) is one of the easiest, and most powerful ways to set that energy free. Try it and see how you feel!
4. Connect with your breath.
This is one of the easiest ways to begin feeling more connected — and also one of the most challenging to remember or make time for…or, let’s be honest, find the motivation to actually DO. But it’s effects are far reaching and healing in ways our minds can only imagine.
To do this, simply stop wherever you are.
Notice your breath in, and feel what the air and oxygen feels like as it fills your body. Does your belly expand, your chest rise? Do you feel it in your neck, head, shoulders, feet?
Then exhale slowly and notice the physical sensations in your body there as well — does your chest collapse and relax forward, do you feel an openness in your belly, sleepiness in your eyes?
Whatever it is, just notice. And then at the end of your exhale pause, and wait for your body to naturally inhale. Follow this sequence for as long as feels good and notice how little effort it actually takes — that you’re not the one who has to MAKE breathing happen, that in fact, you’re the one being breathed.
5. Write a note to a friend.
Whether it’s a text message, an email, or a handwritten letter, reaching out to those we care about can have huge mental health benefits. But what do you do when you don’t FEEL connected? Reach out anyway. Send a kind word, a thought about how your day is going or ask for some support. If there’s something you need — ask. This is SO hard, I know from personal experience and it’s harder for some of us than others. But even if you simply write to wish THEM a wonderful day or to say “I’m thinking of you,” there’s some part of you that will receive that kindness too.
6. Write a love letter to yourself.
Take some time, set aside maybe 10-15 minutes and write out some of the things that are troubling you. Then, look through your list and imagine your dearest friend was experiencing these things. What would you say? What words of comfort or compassion would you offer? Now write “Dear, (and your name),” at the top of a fresh page, and begin pouring out all those loving and kind words of support to yourself. Allow yourself to gush as much as feels comfortable — and know that it might not feel comfortable at first, but that’s okay. The more you practice this, the easier it will get. And before you know it, you’ll be connecting with yourself in an easy and compassion-filled way each and every day.
7. Listen to a song with a melody or lyrics you love.
Let the music wash over you. Get up and dance if you feel inspired, or sit and wrap yourself in a blanket and allow yourself to cry if they lyrics move you. Allow yourself to feel connected to the rhythm, the harmony, the connection of another person’s words and music, knowing that anything that artist could write or compose or sing about, is something they’ve experienced too. So if it moves you, know that there is a connection there. A life and a spirit of compassion and love. An empathy of sorts — being sent out through time and space in the sound waves of this favorite song.
8. Do a short loving-kindness meditation.
Find a calm and quiet place where you can relax. And sit down, or lie down and close your eyes. Call to mind the image of a pet or family member or friend who naturally makes you smile. Hold them in your mind’s eye and send them all the love and support that naturally arises. Do this for at least 3 breaths.
Then see yourself standing there next to them, and continue offering the same loving support, and any kind phrases or wishes that come to mind. “May you be blessed with peace / ease / gentleness / kindness / love / forgiveness / healing.”
Now, imagine that this friend or other person or animal needs to go somewhere else for a bit (they can always come back if you need them!), and see yourself standing there in the golden glow of this love, and all of the wishes and kindness you have offered.
Now spend 5-10 breaths sending even more love and support directly to yourself — this vision of yourself you’re holding in your mental movie screen. Offer her all the love and beautiful wishes you can and see how you feel.
Repeat as often as necessary, and as mentioned, you can always bring that loving family member or friend back if that helps make it easier to send the compassion and love. You’ve got this. And you’re infinitely loved. Allow yourself to step into that circle and receive some love yourself. You so deserve it.
9. Pet, snuggle, or play with a pet.
This can either be your own pet, or someone else’s. (And if you don’t have access to a pet, try watching a bird or squirrel out the window, or pulling up a cute animal video online.)
Connect with your pet — talk to them, pet them, invite them to sit on your lap if appropriate, stroke their fur, play a game with their favorite toy — anything that helps you connect. What do they like to do? Offering one of their favorite things and watching them enjoy it can help you feel more loved and connected in turn. And can even help spring forth some new feelings of joy and relaxation. Enjoy!
P.S. If you’re really struggling this might even look like sitting in a favorite chair with your pet on your lap or by your side, not engaging but just sitting together, looking out the window or staring at the wall. Do whatever feels best to you and fits your situation. You are so loved!
10. Sing a song.
I know this may sound silly, but there’s nothing like the power of singing a song to help you connect to the voice and the power within yourself. It’s like you connect to yourself through your song. Any song that comes to mind is perfect, or maybe a lullaby your mom sang to you as a child. Maybe you have a favorite song that always brings tears to your eyes or helps you feel relaxed and at home. Even if you don’t have a song in mind, just humming whatever random sounds or tones come to mind can help put your mind at ease and connect you with yourself as you notice the vibration and humming sensation in your body. Give it a try!
I hope this helps the next time you find yourself feeling low, or alone and like no one understands. There are so many other ways that you can connect with the people around you — but when all else fails, don’t ever doubt the connection you have with yourself, and the power of tapping into that with compassion.
I’m sending you so much love, and I’d love to know — which one of these ideas was your favorite? Is there one you feel like you could put into practice today or sometime this week?
Hit reply and let me know! I love hearing from you.
And as always, sending lots of love and many blessings your way,
Caitlin
P.S. You’re Invited…
I wanted to do something beautiful for us as a community, and so I thought, hey, wouldn’t it be fun if we had a virtual tea party!? So…
Join me August 1st at 3pm Pacific for a cup of tea, some journaling, Q&A and conversation. We’ll go wherever the wind blows so be prepared for an adventure!
All you need to do is subscribe here, if you’re not already, to receive weekly newsletters and the link to where we’ll meet at the designated time.
Make sure to bring a cup of tea (or other delicious beverage of choice) in your favorite mug, a cozy blanket, your journal if you have one and something to write with. Looking forward to it!
One day as I was walking through the woods, listening to the birds chirping from the trees and watching my cute little dog Dino run along the forest trail, happily sniffing everything in sight…
I decided I wanted to have a summer of JOY.
If you’re not familiar with Susan Hyatt, this thought was based on her Summer of Yes. If you’d like, you can learn more about her work here.
It’s all about making your summer memorable, and saying yes to the things that light you up, or in my case, with the inspiration of the lovely Marie Kondo, spark joy.
I’ve wanted to have a Joy Diet Book Club FOREVER. It’s based on one of my favorite books by Martha Beck, The Joy Diet.
And so I’ve decided — it’s time.
It’s time to say yes to the power of joy, and summer, and beautiful forward momentum in a way that is nourishing and provides a sense of community and belonging. A summer that Sparks JOY.
Because I believe that as we follow our joy, we’re led to the ways we can make the biggest difference — and have the greatest impact in the world.
Our joy matters. Just as our stories, our mission, our experiences, and even our pain do.
Joy can be a tricky one to claim. It can often feel elusive and is one of the most vulnerable emotions, as noted by Brene Brown.
So why not do it together? And follow the steps, practices, and insights that Martha lays out in her book, The Joy Diet. Here are the chapters, or as she calls them, ingredients:
#1: NOTHING
#2: TRUTH
#3: DESIRE
#4: CREATIVITY
#5: RISK
#6: TREATS
#7: PLAY
#8: LAUGHTER
#9: CONNECTION
#10: FEASTING
Here’s how the Book Club works.
When you sign up, you’ll get:
Access to a private Facebook Community to connect with other Book Club goers 🙂
A series of 10 Live weekly group Book Club Calls on Wednesdays @ 10 am, starting on July 24th
And, practices and journal prompts to accompany each of the 10 chapters in the book.
As a bonus, you can also select an option that includes an individual coaching session with me, or a package that includes three sessions, all in addition to the book club itself.
I once heard a spiritual teacher ask the following question:
If all was well and wonderful in the world, and no one needed a single thing from you…what would you do? How would you spend your time? What feeling state would you bless the world with?
THAT is your mission. That is your purpose and part of why you’re here.
I’d love to know your answer!
Mine was Joy. My immediate answer was, “dancing around singing” like I did when I was a little girl.
So if you’d like to carve out some space for yourself this summer to invite more joy into your life, then I whole-heartedly and joyfully invite you to join us.
Questions? Email me at coachingwithcaitlin@gmail.com and I’d be happy to talk with you and sort out whatever you need.
Much love, and many blessings always,
With infinite grace & compassion,
And with much joy,
Caitlin
P.S. I was recently selected as one of 25 people to receive a partial scholarship to an online business school because they loved my vision and mission for my writing & coaching program! If you’d like to support the mission but aren’t available or interested in participating in the Book Club right now, you can still donate to the cause here. (Just make sure it’s set to “friends and family” since it would be considered a gift.) Even $5 makes a difference!
Thank you so much!
And here’s a cute picture of Dino for good measure. 🙂
You get a free copy of the book before anyone else, and you get to connect with me, and the rest of the group, leading up to launch week — and even after, if you’d like!
And you commit to read the book (or play with a few of the prompts that speak to you), leave a review on Amazon, and help to share and spread the word during launch week —
which could look like anything from calling and telling a friend, posting on social media, or writing an email to your audience. The sky is the limit and the “how” is completely up to you!
It’s a chance to gather and celebrate and share the book with anyone you think might enjoy it, or benefit from a tender loving presence and safe place to write during their experience of grief. ❤ And, of course, get a free copy for yourself! 🙂
Having returned home from a trip to Easter Island, at one point it dawned on me–
Grief is like being plunked down on a distant island in the dark — strange terrain, not knowing your way, not even with a simple street light to guide you.
There is no map. No clear road ahead.
Only your inner compass, and the light of the moon overhead.
The stars are like your loved ones, shining down on you from Heaven above.
And the light of all, a reflection, of the light you hold within you.
And as you tune in very closely and listen to this light… you’ll find that it guides you every step of the way and you never have to go it alone.
From the light of the moon you gain your strength, the courage to take the very next step. And as you step and step and step…the landscape becomes less scary.
Before you know it, you find your way, with all your treasures in your heart and in hand.
Walking as a brave new person, with a new landscape to unfold.
By then it becomes an adventure — a daring new experience by the sea.
To walk and fumble, and hold yourself in love, until you finally find yourself free.
…This was another excerpt from my forthcoming grief journal. AND…
I now have a selection of the Top 3 favorite title options from the various writing groups I belong to…and I was so surprised by the overwhelming favorite.
But first I’d love to hear from YOU! Which one do you like best? Or do you have a DIFFERENT idea that you think we’d all love?! Click here to submit your vote!
And if you have an extra idea, you can always email me here, or leave a comment below!
Much love, and many blessings to you always, Caitlin
And I couldn’t help but remember the way I watched my dad stand in the doorway breathing in the scent of the rain with every fiber of his being.
And the way I shared this memory as part of a different experience with rain from a few years ago that I wrote about, called Gentle Afternoon Rain.
For the last few weeks things have been quiet on the blog because I’ve been sharing past beauties and insights via email.
If you’d like to receive posts and other surprises, and just all around inspired goodness straight from my heart, you can join us here. And I’d love to connect with you each week.
Here are the links to some of the posts, and more, I’ve shared, if you feel like a weekend Scroll-Through-And-Savor session. 🙂
Did you enjoy this post? Would you like to receive future blog posts, along with fun surprises & other beautiful things by email each week? You can sign up here.
I have a note from my dad taped up on my bedroom wall. It is a note he tucked into a package he mailed to me while I was in college. It contained very precious cargo — a dress I wanted to wear to an upcoming school salsa dance.
I kept the note because it made me smile.
Written in his signature-style handwriting and on his new (at the time) OHSU Foundation letterhead, it reads:
Caitlin–
Have a terrific
time at the dance!
Love,
Dad
I pulled the note out again a couple years ago, and having lost my dad several years prior, I burst into tears.
But not for the reason you might expect.
I burst into tears because it felt like a message for the moment —
To live my life.
To enjoy my life.
To enjoy the dance
that is life.
The great cosmic dance and play of being human.
(Extra fitting given his love of the mantra “Carpe Diem.”)
Have a terrific time at the dance all of a sudden had new meaning and I couldn’t get over it — crying and crying at what a magnificent miracle it seemed to be. It felt like a Divinely timed message just for me, in some way, from the great beyond.
And I cried with the perfection of it all. The grief. The loss. The glory. The grace.
Crying not because I was happy. Crying not because I was sad.
But crying because I was so moved by the power of it all. The epiphany, the grace, the metaphor, the love…
The perfection.
It felt absolutely perfect.
And in that moment, I realized the true power our words hold.
Whether you write a letter, a text message, a bestselling novel, or an entry in your personal journal…
They all matter.
Those words — your words — have the power to transform lives long after you’re gone.
Let alone the healing they can bring to your own life while you’re here on earth.
The course came about because of a writing class I took one summer while I was teaching first grade.
The writing I did held such potent healing power that once I found myself in life coach training years later, I knew it was a process that could help others too.
It includes 8 weeks of live coaching calls and writing exercises that all fit together to help you create a narrative about your loved one — a treasured story that you can bring to life on the page and hold in your heart forever.
Allowing some of your most treasured memories and experiences to be brought into the light of day through writing is one of the most priceless gifts there is.
Say yes to yourself. And yes to your memories.
YES to the power of your words.
I’d love to have you join me. The course begins on this coming Thursday, April 25th and registration is now open!You can sign up here.
In the spirit of flowing forward with this metaphor of dancing, I’d like to share an old blog post with you called: I hope you dance. (Which you’ll find below.)
I’ll also include some journal prompts for you to play with this week if you’d like.
I hope you enjoy!
Journal prompts…
What would it look like for me to show up and dance in my life this week?
If I could do anything — if I had unlimited resources to do whatever I wanted to do this week, what would I do? Who would I spend time with? And who would I be?
I hope you dance.
(Original post from March 9, 2015) — happy to say that I am physically dancing again now, too! 🙂
I love to dance.
And for a year and a half now, I have not been able to.
So Lee Ann Womack’s song that goes, “And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance,” even as just a metaphor for life, somewhat breaks my heart. That’s because physically, I’ve been doing a lot more sitting than I’ve ever done before or ever thought I would do–especially at 28 years old.
Literally sitting, not dancing.
But by sitting, I’m playing my part right now; stepping up to do what my body and soul have asked. Which means that what I’ve been doing IS dancing. That’s right, I am dancing even though I physically can’t dance. How cool is that!?
Dancing is living with courage.
Life is calling us to take a leap in every moment; each one unique in its shape, size, manner, and purpose. But having the courage to show up, THAT’S dancing.
Sometimes that might be going for a run along the river, when at other times it means staying still and curling up in your favorite chair.
Sometimes it might mean opening up a flower shop because it’s always been your dream or it might be appreciating the beauty of a single flower sitting on your coffee table.
Sometimes it might be speaking up and sharing your message with a group of people, and sometimes it might mean quietly acknowledging and accepting your own truth.
Each of us has the power to recognize which kind of leap we’re being called to next. And when we feel that pull, we have a decision to make.
Did you notice that in the song she doesn’t say IF you get the choice, but WHEN you get the choice?
That’s because we always have a choice.
We choose. We decide whether to walk toward life or turn away from it.
I choose courage. And I choose stepping out onto the dance floor of life, whatever form it takes.
So let’s dance.
May you dance in exactly the way life is calling to you right this very minute.
***And if that means signing up to join us for The Heart-Mending Wordsmith, then I’d LOVE to dance with you!***
Love,
Caitlin
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You don’t have to do what others expect. This is your life, and you get to live it the way you choose.
You do not have to follow the crowd, or others’ expectations of you.
This is your life. How do you want to live it?
How do you want to feel? What do YOU want to be doing, right here, right now?
Follow that wave.
Allow one little seedling of an idea to expand into a mighty oak tree.
You have not gotten anything wrong. And you are infinitely and abundantly loved.
You cannot get it wrong here. Tune in and ask, what does your heart want to do?
Just like the Lady and the Tramp, or Aladdin, and the magic carpet ride…
When did you last let your heart decide?
Compromising what you know to be true for yourself with the belief that it will somehow help others, serves no one.
It does not help anyone to shine brighter or feel more filled up with peace and love and joy, all of the very things you are hoping to bring to this planet, yes?
You are infinitely and Divinely blessed as you follow the steps from your heart that you are guided to take each day.
Follow your heart.
Let your heart decide.
Allow your heart to lead the way, and follow in the magic and the mystery and the love of it all.
Everything will be okay in the end. Have no doubts or fear here.
You are enough.
All that you want is destined to come to fruition.
How can you be easier on yourself in the meantime?
How can you bring yourself feelings of sweet surrender and deep peace?
What brings you feelings of deep peace — the things that help you sleep better at night, relaxing into the unknown, this is where your heart’s treasures are waiting for you.
It only takes the courage to look — to take a peek deep inside and see what your heart wants to share. What pain needs to be healed. What scars need to be allowed to mend. What treasures you are here to find. What gifts you are here to bring the world.
All is right here within your very own heart center.
Allow yourself to breathe into this space within your heart today with the knowing that you’ve already won. That there’s nowhere to get to. That there’s no battle left to win. You have found your way home, inside your heart. What’s next is purely Divine.
Allow yourself to drink in the freedom that is yours. The freedom to live. The freedom to feel. The freedom to make your own choices and decide what you want your life to be.
You can do this.
I have no doubt. You are are stronger than you know. More brave than you can possibly imagine. And I am with you.
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I used to love this quotation. A long time ago it made me laugh, it gave me a way to approach my life and the huge challenges with a bit of humor. And it was a way for me to, even if only subtly at first, recognize and acknowledge, and then accept my pain.
You see, the only way to make it to the other side of our pain, is to walk straight through it.
Not to ignore it, deny it — but face it. Head on.
Now this is more difficult to do than it might seem. It sounds simple enough.
But like so many of the simple tasks in life, the simple lessons, the simple actions or habits — they’re often not so easy.
Simple and profound. Easy? Maybe.
Maybe not.
Either way, it is by walking into and through the fire that we find the peace and freedom that getting to the other side of our trial brings.
And I would argue that it isn’t so much about getting to the other side — being in a place without the fire — that brings us peace.
But it’s who we have become by walking through that fire that gives us the peace we crave.
When we get to the other side, it is in knowing that we can do it. That we can face whatever life throws our way.
That no matter what we can always look to the light. And that God and the Angels will be there for us and guiding us along the way.
No matter what.
It’s about facing the things we can’t change. And allowing them to transform us. So that when we make it to the other side, we have freedom.
Not the freedom of peace. Or absence of trial.
But the freedom of fire. The freedom that comes from allowing the fire to burn away anything you don’t need — all the layers of who you thought you were and who you used to be, in order to make room for who you become.
Because who you become, that beautiful golden seed within you now, as it begins to blossom, will only sprinkle out little bits of confetti and love in celebration as you shine.
When you reclaim your voice. When you reclaim your place. All of Heaven smiles.
Just like I am smiling for you now.
So whatever challenges or trials you face today, know that whatever the fire is burning away is only to help reveal the most magnificent being that you already are.
Hold yourself close in the pain. Whisper kind words of compassion to yourself in your suffering.
And know that you are being created, molded, into something far greater than you could ever imagine — the purest essence of you.
And you, my darling, are the most radiant soul in all the earth.
And I’m so proud of you.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep walking through your fire, so that when you reach the other side, you will smile, with peace and satisfaction with how you have emerged — transformed.
You can do this.
You are a brave soul. I’ve got you and I believe in you every step of the way.
Much love to you always,
Namaste.
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