Color Me Butterfly

A life with meaning and joy is something we all aspire to.  We invest our thoughts, energies and time into steps necessary to make this happen, to invest into our best life, to forge ahead.  These are the building blocks of our dreams.  But there are other blocks we sometimes encounter along the way, that can detain us, even thwart us completely – blocks of doubt and fear, blocks of naysayer, blocks of our own negative self-talk.  These are the blocks that hold us hostage in a life of mediocrity and unhappiness. 
 
I propose we begin looking at both positive and negative building blocks as apparitions for life and spiritual enhancement.  It is indeed, a matter of perception.  No, it is not an easy thing to do.  But if done, the negative blocks loose their power over us, our dreams are achieved and our quality of life is enhanced. 
 
People often ask me how was it that I was able to overcome a legacy of 60+ years of domestic violence and abuse, teen pregnancy, and all the other perils that stump our lives.  My response?  It took sheer diligence and perseverance, traits that I learned from my grandmother and mother – women although abused, still somehow managed to impart values that manifested and allowed me to overcome even the most bleakest and difficult moments of my life.

So many women, like I, encounter the worst that domestic violence and abuse has to offer.  And when I travel from coast to coast, my message is one that teaches self empowerment and perseverance.  I come from a school of thought that laments that no matter your circumstances, you have the power to overcome any obstacles.  You hold the gift to change your life.  Only you can keep YOU from moving forward.

I, for one, understand how bleak life can sometimes look when you’re wallowing in the pits of abuse.  I totally understand how it feels to have your self esteem, your self worth, your SELF, stripped away from you.  I know the perils that dampens your spirit and forces you to want to ‘give up’.  But I also know that there is nothing that can keep us from the life we deserve.  A life full of healing, good health, and happiness.

My life credo?  To always know that no matter your circumstances, you can change.  Take one breath at a time; one step at a time; one walk at a time.  YOU have the courage and the creed to persevere.  Do it!