Category: symbolism

Who Are You Calling Fragile?

Over the past few years I’ve learned the benefits of vulnerability and the value of opening yourself up to other people. As a self proclaimed “counterdependent,” I often have a hard time sharing myself with others one-on-one, or showing who I am due to fear of making a connection:

But connection is powerful.

Taking back the narrative of your life and owning your truth is a gift that takes time, but reaps immeasurable results.

I opened myself up to many different people this past year- some in recovery, and some not. Thanks to my friends in sobriety, I learned to safely share my story with people who understand.

However, sometimes you open up to people who don’t- or won’t. That’s okay too.

I was recently in a situation where I was called “fragile” by someone I hardly knew- simply because I am sober in recovery and showed my vulnerable side. What?!

I’m not sure who he thought he was talking to, but I do know today to keep my standards high and my expectations low.

After years of settling for less or compromising my own morals, I’m no longer willing to let someone else dictate my value or worth.

Struggle brings strength, and although I haven’t always made the best choices in my life, I survived my difficulties and have been able to thrive because of them.

The butterfly represents transformation and new beginnings- if she hadn’t struggled to emerge from the cocoon, she wouldn’t have the strength to spread her wings and fly.

She may be delicate, but she certainly isn’t fragile- and neither are you.

A Fresh Agenda

We all have our things.  For some, it’s chocolate, gambling, porn, or collector’s items.

For me, it’s paper goods.

This includes, but is not limited to, books, stationary, calendars, journals, and day planners.  If you can purchase it at a book store, I probably want it.

I told you that we all have our things.

The other week I indulged in a new day planner to jump start this new era- an era where I’m even more authentic, organized, and aligned with all things that bring me purpose and joy.  I threw away my 2018-2019 planner (where I had already ripped out entire months so I didn’t have to look backward) and decided to move forward with fresh pages.

That sentiment is appropriate for all aspects of life, isn’t it?

Although we can learn from the past, we can’t dwell on it.  My new agenda reminds me that my future is fabulous, no matter what the previous pages may have told me.

Twists and Turns: Opening To A Fresh Page

I’ve never been a fan of routine.

In an effort to add some excitement to my morning walk to work, I took an unusual turn.  Instead of walking down the same street, looking at the same storefronts and sights, a little voice in my head told me to do something different today.

As I strolled down the tree lined street, I noticed something shiny on the ground.  I walked toward it, noticed it was a notebook, and picked it up- wet and all.  Wiping off the morning dew, I opened it, expecting it to be filled out; left on the sidewalk as trash.

It was brand new.

Not only were the pages blank, but it matched my aesthetic: blank and rose gold, complete with a heart.

I thought about the feminine design, symbolizing my own willingness to open my heart- and to open to a new page.

We may hold onto the past or regret decisions we have made, but every twist, turn, and detour has a deeper purpose.  These turns may have an unexpected outcome or a beautiful surprise, but when we live in the present moment, we will discover an important lesson:

Our true purpose is to live in the joy of our everyday journey.

Sometimes we just have to start our day off a little differently and be open to what comes our way.