Unlocked

"Adulting"- a fine word to describe responsibilities and obligations that take priority.  The excuses we make when we have to pass up something fun and possibly irresponsible to do something, well... more responsible.  There has to be more to life- right?! When we take a step back (and possibly because we're being pulled in multiple directions and trip over our own two feet and fall back) we're able to gain a new perspective and learn to balance.  From here we can appreciate all the stepping stones and building blocks we've conquered. We may even realize it's not about being an ADULT, but just doing what's right and changing perspective.  Release that hold of negativity by unlocking a new vision to bestow on each situation.  Instead of saying, "I have to..." we can say, "I get to...".  Not everyone can pay their bills every month.  Some people may not have a washer and dryer to do laundry.  'Tis the season to continue to be grateful for everyone we share our lives with and all that we've been able to experience in our lives thus far.  Sure, we've gone through some not-so-great times, but with that comes learning, growing, and strength building, if we're lucky enough to seize the opportunity.  

 

I'd like to share an experience I had while I was in session with a family.  It left me with my jaw-dropped and inspired as lessons can come from the most unlikeliest of places.

 

I asked my 13 year old client to describe how she is feeling after her first heart break.  She has difficulty expressing herself into words and it worries her parents since she experiences bullying.  Usually when we ask her questions like this we get, "UGHHHH I DON'T KNOW!" or "I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT!".  Of course, when I asked her about it, she scoffed and whined, "I don't know! Can I just show you a song that says how I feel?"  Her mother and I looked at each other and let her play Taylor Swift's song Look What You Made Me Do.  We briefly talked about how and why Taylor Swift might write a song like that and what she might be going through, a conversation we let our 13 year old lead.  Then I came back to the question and asked her to describe how she is feeling after her first heart break.  She scrunched her face as though she didn't want to revisit the question, took a minute or two and she reluctantly responds, "It feels like my heart is broken to pieces, you know? Like when your heart breaks it becomes another shape so the piece that used to fit there doesn't fit anymore and that's why it hurts.  It hurts because you're trying to force something that doesn't fit.  Now you need to find a better piece to fit the new shape of your heart and I don't know if I'll ever find that special piece."

 

I know, right?!  Her mother and I looked at each other and told her that was said beautifully, gave her some feedback, and had her write it in her journal.   Let's fix our face and pick our jaws up for a second.  How eloquently said and observant of her to realize when there is a need to let things go even though it hurts, knowing it's not right for you and there is better for you elsewhere.  I am so proud of her and want to encourage her and others to always find your own words or your own outlet to express yourself.  Listening to music is wonderful as the saying goes, "When words fail, music speaks" but I hope everyone will unlock their own voice whether it's a simple discussion, writing in a journal, writing a song, playing an instrument, or even through dance, but just get it out and let it come from you.  Find your key and unlock your hesitations and express yourself.  The longer we hold things in, stay in denial, and/or just try to force pieces that aren't meant to fit, we're just wasting our time. 

 

As November is coming to an end and the last month of 2017 is fast approaching, let's continue to unlock all that tries to hold us back.  Unlock your voice, follow through with your actions and don't stop.  Be true to yourself and honest with your situations.  Set yourself free and follow where your heart and soul takes you.  You'll come across so many wonderful experiences along the way... and you'll find your special piece.

 

 

Love Always,

Lainey

 

 

 

Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved

Leave It Alone

It seems this roller coaster of life keeps circling the sun faster and faster and sometimes I get dizzy.  Through all the seasons and phases of the moon, we are brought right back around (if we're lucky enough) to see another day to make beautiful.  That's right, we MAKE each day beautiful.  Yes, our Creator (or whatever you may believe- no judgement) made the day flawless for us but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?  In my previous posts I've mentioned doing one thing a day that makes me happy, and as often as possible, doing something that scares me.  Essentially, by taking these seemingly small daily goals, it's given each day purpose.  It's made each day BEAUTIFUL... and if we're really lucky we also make the most magical nights where we are more often allowed to be at our most vulnerable and truthful selves.  Where the deepest conversations can be held.  Where the make-up is off and the hair is messy and there is a safe space.  A feeling of peace and need to explore some mystery in the comfort of the dark. 

 

Speaking of late night, deep conversations during a magical night... Have you ever had a gut feeling so strong you can't ignore it no matter how hard you tried?  I know I sound strange, but right now it's pretty late at night and I'd like to continue to share experiences and outlooks I have; should anyone have even the slightest idea of what I'm talking about.  I'll be happy if this can serve as a gentle reassurance to follow your intuition.  You're not crazy!  Our inner voice is so easily drowned out by the screams of society telling us what to do, we often forget to listen to ourselves... and if you're spiritual like I am, we drown out our angels too.  

 

I've had the pleasure of talking to a few people who experience the same types of intuitive pulls for direction.  Through these conversations, I've learned others experience different feelings of pull (repetitive and intense dreams, a heaviness in their chest, repetitive and intense goosebumps to name a few) but basically it's the same concept.  I have had these gut feelings all my life.  It's hard to explain, but I'll try.  Physiologically for me, out of no where I'll feel a small "drop" sensation in my gut.  You know that feeling when you're on a roller coaster and you suddenly drop or free fall?  That's the feeling, a slight ongoing drop sensation that slowly intensifies if I ignore it.  If I ignore it, it becomes butterflies in my stomach, and if I continue to ignore it, I get this warm, tingly, electro-magnetic-type of sensation all over my torso reaching my shoulders, neck, and upper arms.  If I concentrate on it, pray, or meditate, the sensation calms down and I feel like I know what to do... this has guided me through decisions such as who to stay away from or get close to, choosing a college or job, making phone calls to check up on family/friends, going to certain places where I end up meeting my now long time friends, etc... and sometimes it's a warning.    

 

The reason I brought this up is because I'm getting that feeling now.  I concentrated on it and prayed and I now know what I'm being pulled towards.  It's a good thing but sometimes just knowing is enough for now. 

 

So instead of doing anything about this nagging "happy" gut feeling, I've just written this poem. It exposes my stubborn side I show too often... this internal struggle I face as I'm learning to trust again.          

 

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Quiet nights when moments are still

lift the veil of moonlight over your eyes

hear the lullaby dance from star to star

echoing how far you've come

and you've just begun

 

Learn to trust with your eyes closed

let go so you can fly free

where you'll go, you don't know

and you've done it all on your own

so leave it alone

 

Let the light in

go ahead and see how the colors fade

it's okay, hold out your hand

 hold onto the ones who understand

there's beauty from the pain

 

Chase the sun and hold onto time

feel the sand slip through your fingers

let the moon change the tides by the hours

make it count, make it ours and you'll know

fate doesn't change

don't force it

just leave it alone

 

 

 

Love Always,

Lainey

 

 

 

Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved