Dear Readers,
It's Day Number Six of the Gratitude Challenge.
Today, get out there and partake in this challenge. Tell a friend something you admire about them.
I want to salute my beautiful, creative, resilient writer friend in Tennessee...Ms Lena Reagon.
The link to her books is posted within this blog post. Please support her!! Lena is a kind, authentic and sweet soul!! a major talented not to be missed.
https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AL.G.+Reagon&s=relevancerank&text=L.G.+Reagon&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1
You INSPIRE me, lady!!!
For all you have been through, the storms you have weathered...the shifting sands...the trials...loss of your brother, for the horrors you have suffered...I am deeply honored that you have chosen to be my friend and confidante.
The Universe brought me a unique and wonderful blessing in a soul sister like you!!
You have always supported my writing career... and for that, I am DEEPLY GRATEFUL.
May the sun always shine on you, dear Lena.
May you only know joy, love, laughter and boundless riches!!
Love,
RR xo
Showing posts with label friend. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friend. Show all posts
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Sunday, January 6, 2019
VULNERABILITY IS YOUR SUPERPOWER
I've come to a startling conclusion about humanity: we are AFRAID.
We let this fear run our lives, in turn, filtering into all aspects of our lives, including our workplace, friendships and romantic interactions.
What are we afraid of? Well, being NAKED, of course. Before you jump to the wrong conclusion, I'm not talking of the "clothing optional" factor. No, I'm touching on the fact that so many of us put up walls, don a mask and put on a show for the world. We are scared to death that someone might find out who we REALLY are underneath those layers and layers of conditioning that our parents, boss, peers,co-workers, friends or colleagues placed on us. So we cover up with makeup, hairstyles, designer clothing, labels, or facade that hides our true spirit, so NO ONE gets to know the real US.
Do you know how painful it is to carry that burden around your whole life? It's EXCRUCIATING, to bear the weight of the FALSE SELF and the baggage that comes with it.
"If you really KNEW me and saw the REAL ME, you wouldn't really like me," we tell ourselves.
We fear being VULNERABLE and letting someone in, because once they come in, they also have the chance to hurt us or leave us. But that's the risk we must take to feel authentic connection. We must risk our hearts in order to find the best match for us.
What a shame that we hide the real person, when in reality someone out there is dying to find us. There is a man or woman searching for YOU right now...Yes, YOU!! They've written a WANT AD to the Universe, and everything on that list matches what you have to offer them.
But fearfully, you sit there hiding behind the walls you've built around yourself like a stone fortress, not letting anybody in. What is your pay-off? What does it profit you? To hide the beautiful person you are, that someone is desperate to know and love.
I learned long ago that VULNERABILITY is my superpower. When I really assessed myself, tore down the walls, let others see THE REAL ME...that's when the magic began to happen. People CONNECTED with me, REALLY connected. They let their walls down, too. Suddenly, they were comfortable in their own skin and the fact that they could show up AS THEY ARE. No front or facade needed. No one is perfect. We all have flaws, cracks, blemishes we don't like about ourselves. Ah, but that's where our true beauty lies. In those cracks and flaws. The things we hate about ourselves, others find charming, cute or quirky. Guess what? They want MORE of it!!
So, please stop hiding yourself. Is your laugh funny? Loud and boisterous...or an awkward squeal? Let it out. Do you have freckles you hide under concealer? Show them once in a while. Those love handles you cover up and act ashamed over...who cares? We all have imperfections. This isn't the Victoria's Secret Runway Show...this is REAL LIFE. It's where real people and real problems happen everyday.
Next time you meet someone new...maybe someone you really like...try being real with them. Wait and see what happens. I'll bet 100% they will love you for it. Let's share ourselves with the world. After all, you are a gift. No other person will ever match you, never again in this life. The mold was broken when you arrived. That's the beauty of it.
Stay open, stay vulnerable. Let people see you for who you really are.
Cheering for you always,
RR xo
We let this fear run our lives, in turn, filtering into all aspects of our lives, including our workplace, friendships and romantic interactions.
What are we afraid of? Well, being NAKED, of course. Before you jump to the wrong conclusion, I'm not talking of the "clothing optional" factor. No, I'm touching on the fact that so many of us put up walls, don a mask and put on a show for the world. We are scared to death that someone might find out who we REALLY are underneath those layers and layers of conditioning that our parents, boss, peers,co-workers, friends or colleagues placed on us. So we cover up with makeup, hairstyles, designer clothing, labels, or facade that hides our true spirit, so NO ONE gets to know the real US.
Do you know how painful it is to carry that burden around your whole life? It's EXCRUCIATING, to bear the weight of the FALSE SELF and the baggage that comes with it.
"If you really KNEW me and saw the REAL ME, you wouldn't really like me," we tell ourselves.
We fear being VULNERABLE and letting someone in, because once they come in, they also have the chance to hurt us or leave us. But that's the risk we must take to feel authentic connection. We must risk our hearts in order to find the best match for us.
What a shame that we hide the real person, when in reality someone out there is dying to find us. There is a man or woman searching for YOU right now...Yes, YOU!! They've written a WANT AD to the Universe, and everything on that list matches what you have to offer them.
But fearfully, you sit there hiding behind the walls you've built around yourself like a stone fortress, not letting anybody in. What is your pay-off? What does it profit you? To hide the beautiful person you are, that someone is desperate to know and love.
I learned long ago that VULNERABILITY is my superpower. When I really assessed myself, tore down the walls, let others see THE REAL ME...that's when the magic began to happen. People CONNECTED with me, REALLY connected. They let their walls down, too. Suddenly, they were comfortable in their own skin and the fact that they could show up AS THEY ARE. No front or facade needed. No one is perfect. We all have flaws, cracks, blemishes we don't like about ourselves. Ah, but that's where our true beauty lies. In those cracks and flaws. The things we hate about ourselves, others find charming, cute or quirky. Guess what? They want MORE of it!!
So, please stop hiding yourself. Is your laugh funny? Loud and boisterous...or an awkward squeal? Let it out. Do you have freckles you hide under concealer? Show them once in a while. Those love handles you cover up and act ashamed over...who cares? We all have imperfections. This isn't the Victoria's Secret Runway Show...this is REAL LIFE. It's where real people and real problems happen everyday.
Next time you meet someone new...maybe someone you really like...try being real with them. Wait and see what happens. I'll bet 100% they will love you for it. Let's share ourselves with the world. After all, you are a gift. No other person will ever match you, never again in this life. The mold was broken when you arrived. That's the beauty of it.
Stay open, stay vulnerable. Let people see you for who you really are.
Cheering for you always,
RR xo
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
HEART WIDE OPEN
I've been blessed to recognize this when it shows up. Time and time again, no matter what the trials or tribulations in my life...this magic resurfaces. It might be a person who comes to make my day, or a magenta sunset that just burst across the sky and stole my breath away. It could be a brand new song just released from my girl Mariah, sending my heart into flight. Or maybe it's the friend who surprised me after work and drove me home. She stopped in at the local Starbucks and bought us both iced pumpkin spice lattes...to die for! Tonnes of whip cream and cinnamon on top. The perfect treat after a long day slaving away. You get the gist.
When my soulmate died 2 years ago, I feared the magic would be gone forever. I went into a brief depression because losing My Trent was the most painful, riveting blow to the heart. It's been 27 months since he died and broke my heart. Everyday the ache still lingers...but it is much more bearable.
Sometimes a person steps into my life and just makes it really beautiful again. Fortunately, I have radar for when this rare soul shows up. My feet have a spring in their step...my heart a little lighter...the days brighter and even a workload is less a burden because my thoughts have shifted to the sweetness of that muse who helped me feel alive again.
For a romance author, finding a new muse in which to channel fresh material is a godsend. Even more so...one who inspires me to reach for the stars and yearn for the best in life. He's reminded me that I'm capable of achieving so much more than the mediocre life I'd been settling for since Trent passed. The biggest fear I carried with me was that my heart would close up and shut down. But the exact opposite happened. My heart broke wide open, with love rushing forth, like a river, ready to make a grand adventure. In this discovery, I found that invincible summer within me, knowing my courage and heart had grown tenfold.
A heart wide open becomes a magnet for miracles. My brand new muse is someone I needed in my life. To inspire. To relate to. To fulfill a need. A mission. I can't express fully how grateful I am that he has come along. In the coming weeks and months, I hope we grow as friends and support one another in a warm connection. My heart is at peace that he is here. He's got a major project in the works and I've jumped onboard to help support the campaign.
That's the thing about a heart wide open. It wants to give and never hold back. To offer freely its time and services to those it holds dear. Unconditional love at the helm of the ship. Steering straight into the blue horizon.
I feel like a kid all over again. Joyful. Abundant. Free. Wealthy. Loved. Blessed.
Magic is everywhere and I'm loving how it's touched my heart.
I love you, my new friend. I'm proud of you beyond measure. May you always have the blessing of the gods on your side. May the sun always shine on your face. May you always be in my corner.
Thank you from my heart.
Cheering for you.
RR xo
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
REST IN PEACE SHILOH: WE WILL MISS YOU
On August 13, 2018 my beloved family pet was euthanized. Trust me. This was not an easy decision to make. Shiloh, our beautiful white haired Schnoodle, was 12 and aging badly. He'd not been eating properly for five weeks. It had gotten to the point where I was hand feeding him morsels from a can of chicken flakes. Poor thing refused to eat any kind of dog food. He knew he was on his last days. Animals try to speed up the death process by deliberately foregoing meals in hopes to end their pain.
The choice to put him to sleep was excruciating for me. To watch him in pain day after day, week after week, was so painful. I felt selfish, because I wanted him alive, to be near as he always had, the faithful companion and the buddy who greeted me at the door as I came in from work. But seeing him deteriorate was more than enough to bear.
When my time comes and it's someone's choice to pull the plug, it won't be easy for them to make that call. We love those close to us and we beg God for "just one more day" in hopes of cherishing those 24 hours forever. Or praying for a miracle.
Shiloh was in my arms, so frail, in that vet office, when they came to take him away. I opted not to watch as they injected him. Instead, I stayed in a side room, sobbing hard. The tears fell like Niagara Falls and I felt so ashamed. What was my problem?He was going to be pain free, finally, and cross that rainbow bridge to doggie heaven to join the other loving souls. He would be at peace and his pain finally gone. But here i was...bawling like a baby. It was for the best, the vet assistant told me, trying to reassure. Yet we love our pets and we linger...hoping for one more hug, one more doggie kiss or wag of the tail that reminds us we are our loved and that we mattered to them.
My Shiloh is resting with angels now. Perhaps he has been greeted by Mr. Lou, our other Schnoodle who passed in October 2012. Or maybe he met with Lady, our beloved Springer Spaniel who died Dec.12, 2000. It's a nice thought to relish. At any rate, he is better off. Me? It took some time to adjust. I would lie in bed after his passing and swore I heard more than a few times his small whimper at my bedroom door to alert me that he wanted in. And I would wake in the morning before work to see his doggie bed was empty. How truly depressing that was. No more 6:00 a.m walks before I hurried off to work.
Now, though, there's a void where Shiloh inhabited my heart. I caught myself on kijiji the other day, perusing ads for puppies. One known breeder of CKC registered English Springer Spaniels had a litter of gorgeous pups born June 11th. Another slap in the face for me. The anniversary of my soulmate Trent passing. It's like the Universe just grabbed my heart and mocked me with a rollicking laugh that echoed off the walls. I cringed at the irony.
I know one day I'll own another dog. Because dogs love you like no one else. Humans leave you, betray you, mock you, deceive you...but dogs...they love you UNCONDITIONALLY. All they ask for in return is for a scratch behind the ears, a full food dish, walk to the park and some water. Not much at all.
My heart is heavy tonight. I miss you Shiloh. You were a good boy and faithful friend. Rest in peace. Till we meet again. Adios.
RR
The choice to put him to sleep was excruciating for me. To watch him in pain day after day, week after week, was so painful. I felt selfish, because I wanted him alive, to be near as he always had, the faithful companion and the buddy who greeted me at the door as I came in from work. But seeing him deteriorate was more than enough to bear.
When my time comes and it's someone's choice to pull the plug, it won't be easy for them to make that call. We love those close to us and we beg God for "just one more day" in hopes of cherishing those 24 hours forever. Or praying for a miracle.
Shiloh was in my arms, so frail, in that vet office, when they came to take him away. I opted not to watch as they injected him. Instead, I stayed in a side room, sobbing hard. The tears fell like Niagara Falls and I felt so ashamed. What was my problem?He was going to be pain free, finally, and cross that rainbow bridge to doggie heaven to join the other loving souls. He would be at peace and his pain finally gone. But here i was...bawling like a baby. It was for the best, the vet assistant told me, trying to reassure. Yet we love our pets and we linger...hoping for one more hug, one more doggie kiss or wag of the tail that reminds us we are our loved and that we mattered to them.
My Shiloh is resting with angels now. Perhaps he has been greeted by Mr. Lou, our other Schnoodle who passed in October 2012. Or maybe he met with Lady, our beloved Springer Spaniel who died Dec.12, 2000. It's a nice thought to relish. At any rate, he is better off. Me? It took some time to adjust. I would lie in bed after his passing and swore I heard more than a few times his small whimper at my bedroom door to alert me that he wanted in. And I would wake in the morning before work to see his doggie bed was empty. How truly depressing that was. No more 6:00 a.m walks before I hurried off to work.
Now, though, there's a void where Shiloh inhabited my heart. I caught myself on kijiji the other day, perusing ads for puppies. One known breeder of CKC registered English Springer Spaniels had a litter of gorgeous pups born June 11th. Another slap in the face for me. The anniversary of my soulmate Trent passing. It's like the Universe just grabbed my heart and mocked me with a rollicking laugh that echoed off the walls. I cringed at the irony.
I know one day I'll own another dog. Because dogs love you like no one else. Humans leave you, betray you, mock you, deceive you...but dogs...they love you UNCONDITIONALLY. All they ask for in return is for a scratch behind the ears, a full food dish, walk to the park and some water. Not much at all.
My heart is heavy tonight. I miss you Shiloh. You were a good boy and faithful friend. Rest in peace. Till we meet again. Adios.
RR
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