Every year we welcome the new calendar with a bunch of resolutions. We tell ourselves that we will do this, that and then some. After several weeks we fall back into our comfort zone, giving up the idea of change. It seems rather unrealistic to continue the same pattern every year. What we forget to do is be grateful for the things we have acquired. What did you do last year? How did it make you feel? Did you accomplish things you wanted? If not, what will it take to change that pattern? Hold those thoughts and then move realistically from there.
I look back at the 12 months of 2013. I summarized them in a journal. It is amazing what happens when you stare back at the reality of events. I am grateful for each lesson. I am full of blessings for the journey. I am stronger, wiser and compassionate because of those things: the good and the bad. Ultimately the bad teaches me more than the good. My stubbornness apparently gets fed with difficult teachings. I am learning to be gentler on myself, with myself and for myself. I can be gentle with others without a problem. I have a tendency of bull-dozing over my own feelings. It’s a lifetime of habitual self-esteem issues. This is changing and evolving every day. I vow to speak more gently with me. I promised myself a few days ago that I would stop any negative chit chat that comes up. I will not entertain the ego’s lies about myself. I will treat myself like the greatest BFF.
Everything starts now. We forget that we are poets, artists, story tellers, parents, children, teachers and creators. We start exactly where we are in this life. Today is a new day. Tomorrow is another. In the process of creating we allow spirit to touch us, preciously speaking through music, painting, gardening, and interacting with others. We begin today. We continue tomorrow and so on. Whatever has seemed mundane or trivial will show itself to be the voice of divinity. Allow for it and follow through to wherever it takes you. Don’t be afraid. Move with the rhythm of the melody, the colors of the muse, or the touch of a stranger. I am so giddy with all that is waiting ahead. I will hold those vibrations to the highest form of spirit. And, when I lose my way I will make sure to return with humility and forgiveness.
If you allow for it the world will move you every day to a place of complete openness. The hardest part is allowing the heart to stay open enough to receive the gifts. Some gifts will be painful and force you to grow for the betterment of your spiritual evolution. Others will bring grace and love to bring you closer into the web of humanity. Give yourself the permission this new year to experience all the wow’s and aha moments while staying in the present. They will transform you forever. Take risks, move beyond the comfort zone, laugh more, love deeper, share your life with strangers, don’t forget to breathe and enjoy the ride. Make peace with the past and pay attention to the signs ahead. Give yourself the gift of living presently. Be the best you can be without silly expectations. Let the journey take you and mold you. I am so excited to see what will transpire. Happy New Year! 2014 will be full of serendipitous moments. Let them woo you with excitement!
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About the Author: Millie A. Mestril
After raising six children, working in the corporate world, and being part of a relationship for eighteen years, I found that happiness was not consistent in my world. I left the business world, ended a relationship that was deteriorating and headed to the mountains. My best friend and I bought a small motel in the middle of gorgeous country and began the greatest journey. What started as a visit to Asheville in May of 2010 became a permanent home for us. Now with only one teenager at home, I am able to be part of a wonderful world of meeting people from all walks of life. We’ve transformed an old gem of a place into a sweet and quaint oasis for others to find peace. To those looking into our lives it seems we saved Peaceful Quest Retreats, but the reality is that this place saved us. Every day brings joy, inspiration and a zest for life I never knew existed. The lessons have not always been easy but the ride has been scenic and delightful. I can’t imagine ever returning to a life that was not authentic to my spirit. ~ Millie A. Mestril
Please feel free to visit our website at www.peacefulquestretreats.com . I also have a personal blog at: www.momentswithmillie.wordpress.com
A Soul’s Peaceful Quest: Lessons from the Path
