DEAR, HEART.

It may be necessary to encounter defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, and learn you can still come out of it.” Maya Angelou

There once was a time when suffering ceased to exist.

Recall the moments where shame didn’t reside.

Happiness, laughter, and joy abounded.

Go back to that time.

Return to the moments.

When everything was pure, beautiful and light.

Hear the waves crashing around you.

Don't be afraid.

You are not alone.

Nobody talks about how it feels to outgrow survival mode.

You are safe now to release the intense confusion.

Let go of the enormous grief that youve towed.

You no longer need to emotionally withdraw.

When you have endured dark places, it can feel like you're buried.

But perhaps you were planted so you could grow.

Embrace all the things you did or didn’t do.

Life is not a rehearsal.

Accept you did the best you could while living out your purpose.

We are only mortal for a limited time.

Who do you want to be?

Concede that you deserve to be loved.

Sometimes God removes the thing you never dreamed of losing.

Creating space to replace it with something you never imagined.

Impeding illusions while allowing fear to cultivate your faith.

Allow yourself to feel the joy of being alive.

Sing hallelujah while these dry bones come to life.

Do what makes your heart smile and your soul dance with delight.

Be courageous, my love.

You are stronger now and capable of many things.

Believe in yourself for you are cherished and adored.

EMH2023