Growing up is a funny thing to have happen to you. Lots of peculiar changes and unknown feelings that one has to become accustomed to. Alongside all the negatives surrounding us and poking us from all angles - aging - wrinkles, saggy skin, diminishing energy levels and health problems, there is something wonderful that happens. That extraordinary, inspiring thing is getting to know yourself.
When you are young, insecurities, worries and social awkwardness runs high. I'm not saying these things go away but we tend to feel the need to fit in, to be part of a group, accepted. You don't feel comfortable in your own skin and often times look at yourself in the mirror and feel utter revulsion.
Something changes over the years. That longing for acceptance seems to fade away as you begin to work and often times battle to accept yourself. You start wanting to simplify your life and yourself. It is almost like moving into a new home. You arrive and there is crap everywhere; all spread out and messy. Boxes and boxes of things - most of which you do not need. As you stand in your new doorway you look at the piles and wonder where in the world to begin. Just like any project or task you must start from somewhere and when you do you find a flow that feels good.
A lot of what is in your boxes however does not have a place in your new home. It may not fit or may not appeal to the new aura being created. Things start coming together, going on shelves, displayed for you to see, admire and connect with every day. You will inevitably throw things out - a lot of things. Doing so allows you to keep what you are willing and able to live with.
Just as one clears out when moving into a new home, that is how we clear out in our lives as we grow older. We find out in time what we like, what we need and what we want - and likewise what we do not like, what we do not need and what we do not want. Trial and error - we figure it all out as we go, chipping away at a sculpture, creating a masterpiece which we call our world. We surround ourselves with 'things' we love.
We accept ourselves and learn to love who we are. It never ends, we are constantly in this process of evolution. Learning and changing. I have a scenario in my head of a period of time that was really memorable. I was walking to class in the center of Athens with my headphones in. I cannot recall what the weather was like or what music i was listening to - they were obviously not significant enough. I do however remember how i felt. GREAT. Looking back i try and think of what it was that created this sensation, i never really get anywhere. I was living alone, i had no car, i was fabulously single. So much was happening around me - traffic, people, busy busy every day life and i walking, just like everyone else, oblivious to all chaos, anxiety or negativity. I was surrounded by a bubble. It wasn't too tight and it wasn't too loose - it was simply perfect.
When you are young, insecurities, worries and social awkwardness runs high. I'm not saying these things go away but we tend to feel the need to fit in, to be part of a group, accepted. You don't feel comfortable in your own skin and often times look at yourself in the mirror and feel utter revulsion.
Something changes over the years. That longing for acceptance seems to fade away as you begin to work and often times battle to accept yourself. You start wanting to simplify your life and yourself. It is almost like moving into a new home. You arrive and there is crap everywhere; all spread out and messy. Boxes and boxes of things - most of which you do not need. As you stand in your new doorway you look at the piles and wonder where in the world to begin. Just like any project or task you must start from somewhere and when you do you find a flow that feels good.
A lot of what is in your boxes however does not have a place in your new home. It may not fit or may not appeal to the new aura being created. Things start coming together, going on shelves, displayed for you to see, admire and connect with every day. You will inevitably throw things out - a lot of things. Doing so allows you to keep what you are willing and able to live with.
Just as one clears out when moving into a new home, that is how we clear out in our lives as we grow older. We find out in time what we like, what we need and what we want - and likewise what we do not like, what we do not need and what we do not want. Trial and error - we figure it all out as we go, chipping away at a sculpture, creating a masterpiece which we call our world. We surround ourselves with 'things' we love.
We accept ourselves and learn to love who we are. It never ends, we are constantly in this process of evolution. Learning and changing. I have a scenario in my head of a period of time that was really memorable. I was walking to class in the center of Athens with my headphones in. I cannot recall what the weather was like or what music i was listening to - they were obviously not significant enough. I do however remember how i felt. GREAT. Looking back i try and think of what it was that created this sensation, i never really get anywhere. I was living alone, i had no car, i was fabulously single. So much was happening around me - traffic, people, busy busy every day life and i walking, just like everyone else, oblivious to all chaos, anxiety or negativity. I was surrounded by a bubble. It wasn't too tight and it wasn't too loose - it was simply perfect.
I used to put a lot of pressure on myself for not being able to retain that feeling. My friend calls in the Rainbow Feeling (''that moment when you think, 'Damn! I'm so happy I'm alive!''') but it's unrealistic to think we can feel that way over time. I'm going to send you a post I read recently which brings to light the rejection of negative emotions. That is to say, why do we reject feeling sad etc when they are an emotion just like any other. Surely embracing all of us is the key to emotional health.
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