In my line of work, I spend a lot of time reminding folks that they have worth just for being born. Period. What moves us away from that knowing are the messages and experiences we encounter that make it hard to see that truth. That light of truth gets covered by blankets of darkness made up of lies and pain caused by hurt and trauma. I’m a witness and guide for people trying to find their way back to their light. It gets hard to watch someone navigate their way through the thorny and painful barriers that keep them away from the most valuable thing inside them – self love. But, it’s the only way to untangle and cut through the vines. I’ll stay witness to their solo endeavor and support them in their search for their truth. I’ll hear them and see them as they bravely claw through this pain and try their best to make it back to who they really are. I’ll remind these searchers of their courage, grit and strength proven factual because they’re sitting before me and asking for help. As they scrape, scrap and dig bare-handed to uncover their light, I’ll remind them of another fact too- they can do terrifically, hard things because they’ve done it before and here they stand. And I thank them for allowing me to stand beside them and offer me a bird’s eye view of what the human spirit can accomplish in the name of love.

I roll in the joy that pours from a seeker’s body when they’ve found their way home and back to their light. The air in the room changes because heaven celebrates at that very moment too. The frequency created by the love that rains from the sky cannot be contained and the room tingles with truth and possibility. I’m always filled with gratitude when I witness this rebirth and another’s brave attempt to try again a little smarter and a little wiser gleaned only through hard work and struggle. I’m filled with a million thank-yous for the opportunity to see an awakening and watch someone start again. It’s a reminder to us both to hold on tightly to our light of truth because our lives depend on it. That light is the most important compass and lantern we’ll ever own to keep us from getting lost from ourselves again.

Staying close to your truth is a life-long endeavor and you have to pay attention. It can be tricky sometimes. It means that you do your best to stay aware and on guard in terms of what you let in and accept and what you put out. So, how do we stay close to our truth? By reminding ourselves of who we really are and doing so a lot. What follows the word “I” matters. If they’re words that remind you of your gifts and create a sense of purpose, keep on saying them! If they’re anything close to affirming that no matter what mistakes you make, you still have value and will always be a beloved child of God, then repeat them daily. If they’re words of encouragement, honor and self-compassion, then say them often to help you hold on when needed. And when words of kindness and love are spoken to you from another, drink them up with humbleness and gratitude. Pushing away heart-felt words of appreciation for who you are is not being humble, it just means you need to work on becoming more comfortable holding your truth in your hands. So, just say “Thanks.” Because, when you just say “Thanks”, you acknowledge who you are, the good you’ve done and it keeps you going. Remembering all the wonderful things you have the potential to do in the everyday moments will always keep you close to your light. And living out your truth will always be enough to keep that light shining. So, “Thanks!” for being you and doing the best you can to make this world brighter and your life more meaningful by sticking by your own light and fighting to never let it go.

Questions/activities to ponder or good journal prompts!

1. What did it require of you to seek out your truth when you were removed from it?
2. What keeps you from noticing all you are capable of doing?
3. When have you experienced a shift in the “frequency” of a room based on the experience playing out in that room?
4. When you witness someone else rebuild their life and find their light again how does that affect you and why?
5. Saying “Thanks” indicates acknowledgment and appreciation. Why do we sometimes deflect or push away the heart-felt compliments of another?