I can write

/

I can write with the love that my family fills me up with

I can write with the pieces of forgiveness that make it easier to breathe in this world

I can write with my expansive heart

I can write with the sound of the ocean scooping up my fears and worries

I can write with the stars that carry my wishes and dreams until the moment they come true

I can write with the darkness that creeps in telling me that I am not good enough

I can write with the adventure that takes me places I have never seen

I can write with openness showing the world my heart and soul

I can write

connection

/

I am reflecting on my word from 2010 ~ connection

It is amazing to see all the ways it has manifested itself

Without me even knowing it was hard at work

Connections with my family have grown deeper and stronger

Forming bonds between different individuals

Watching some push themselves to achieve their goal

Soaking in the sunshine at the beach

Vacations 

Art nights

Surprises

Coming together in a time of need

Games played and

laughter

shared

Memories made

Lemon crushes being poured

And just knowing that "if you play it, they will come"

My roots have also grown deeper with my tribe

Using all sorts of technology to stay connected

The little message that arrive in the palm of my hand

The card in the mailbox

Encouraging words and kind comments left

All of them lifting me up right when I need it most

Leaving me feeling seen for exactly who I am

Traveling to North Carolina and being

engulfed by love

All of it leaves my heart feeling full with joy

It continues to amaze me how we each support one another

I love watching it all unfold

Other individuals stood by my side and held my hand

Right when I needed it

An unexpected connection

A conversation that changed my life

Moments where I shared pieces of me

And they in turn opened up to share pieces of themselves

What a beautiful experience

I had unexpected adventures with friends

Watching them push themselves

Just a little bit further than they thought they could go

Laughing as

silly string

covered my apartment

Watching the beauty of

fireworks

light up the sky

Listening to one another over a cup of coffee

Dinner together

Backyard games

All sorts of fun shared

I learned a lot about myself in 2010

About what moves me

What makes me drag my feet and waste my time

I let go of things that I was holding onto in my heart

Things that were weighing me down and no longer served me

I forgave myself

And

shared

this story of forgiveness with the world

I also declared that just as I am in this very moment

I am enough

Even in January I knew I was

exactly where I needed to be

I feel a deeper connection to my heart and soul

And an inner confidence I did not have before

I soaked up the wave of weather that blesses the east coast

Walking in the snow

Being a

book fairy

Hiking in the woods

Traveling into nyc alone

Feeling the rays of sunshine as the sun kissed my skin

I got lost on my bicycle

Dug my feet into the sand

Found new places

Explored the area around me

Went off on an adventure to Philly

I spent a lot of time breathing in the fresh air

2010 has been a year of deep connection for me

Manifesting itself as I went out and lived life

Allowing me the opportunity to giggle in the rain

reflection

/

2010 is coming to a close

Take time to look back

On all the love that has surrounded you

The things that brought tears to your eyes

And the moments of your greatest triumphs

Even look at your deepest inner struggles

They all link together

Each a piece of your puzzle

Forming you

Whole and full

Reflect on it all

Embrace each memory

Be thankful 

For all that surrounds you

All that encompasses you

Life is a beautiful journey

Each day you take a step deeper into it

"i'm better for it"

/

I have been holding onto a story deep inside

Playing it on repeat in my mind

Ashamed for the decision I had made

Guilt clouded over my perception of who I was

Until I got brave

I told my story

I wrote it out of me

Guilt, shame, sadness, fear, loneliness, heartache

I gave all of these feelings a voice

Pieces of my wounded heart began to heal

I was finally able to see clearly again

I learned that I am not my past decisions

Yes, they are a part of me

But they do not define me

I am much more than the choice I made

I am worthy of love

I am capable of love

I do not need to be afraid

I shared the truth of my story

The messy parts

The ones we tend to not want others to see

In doing so I healed my soul

Forgave myself for my mistakes

Showed compassion for the situation

And now I can breathe a little bit easier

The weight I was carrying around has been let got

If you would like to read my story you can find it

here

 over on my dear friend Kolleen's blog ~

Heartwing Sisters

.  I am so grateful for her giving me the space to share my story.  "I'm Better For It" is a beautiful collaboration of real stories from the heart where people share what is they are better for going through.

sit next to me

/

Come sit next to me

Tell me what it is that is deep in your heart

Whisper to me those words you have been to scared say

I will listen to whatever it is you have to say

Giggle with me

And let the sun shine down on us

Come sit next to me

Share your dreams with me

Together lets explore them

I want to hear what you have to say

I want to see the look in your eyes while you speak

I want to be there for you

So come, sit next to me