Recently, as a result of all the focus on aligning my outer life to match my inner life, I had an amazing realization that I wanted to share with all of you.
As you may recall, I do not write very fondly of my childhood and teenage years. Those were very dark and painful times. Unlike for many people, those years of my life are years that are pretty much blanked out in my memory and mind. They were very difficult times and often during those days I wondered how in the world I would ever overcome such pain.
My emotional baggage back then was quite huge. Ironically, despite all my agony, I was determined to overcome it and not have it define the rest of my life. When I was in my twenties, I began to work on healing myself and for the record, I had no idea how or what would happen. All I knew was that I wanted to break free from my pain.
My pain felt like chains that just kept me stuck. They were not pleasant and getting up each morning was not easy. The only thing that kept me going was hope. I knew in my heart that there was another way of being…I just did not know how to get there but I was determined to give it my all.
Part of getting over one’s issues is that a person becomes self-absorbed in those issues. Everything revolves around getting over that pain and trying to analyze why things happened and seeing the side-effects. It was hard labor. I had no sense of self due to all my pain and I had to build a sense of self from scratch. It was not easy and took a lot of time.
I remember sitting with books and doing exercises in an effort to figure out why I did some of the things that I did. I made myself look back at painful events and see how they affected the way I thought and behaved. I dug deep into my soul and many times I just sat and wept at the things I had been through.
However, that hard work paid off. I was able to build a sense of self and got over my pain. I am a very different person than I was back then. Whenever people ask me about my past and I tell them some of my experiences, they are amazed that I am the way that I am. To give you an idea of how bad it was, two friends of mine who had similar experiences both were institutionalized for a brief period of time due to the trauma of it all.
I was so fortunate that I did not go down that route. Spirituality is what saved me. I am so grateful to have discovered spirituality because it changed everything for me. (Thank you, God/The Universe, for giving me such loving parents who provided the foundation for being open to spirituality.) My life also proves that anyone can change if they really want to change.
As a result of that work, I started to notice towards the end of last year that my focus in life was no longer about me. This was a weird thing because for so many years all my focus was on getting rid of my baggage. Now all my focus is on doing what I can to make the world a better place. And I have to tell you…this is kind of scary.
It is scary because for the first time in my life, “I” am no longer an issue. What does this mean? It means that I have made peace with my past and who I am. I know I am not perfect and that is cool. I know my good points and my not so good points. I can tell when my ego is talking and when my heart is talking. The amazing thing is that my focus in life is no longer on myself but on others.
This is so new to me and like I said…it is kind of scary because I feel like I am looking at the world for the very first time. It is like an old book has been closed and I am now opening a new book with new eyes. It is one of the best feelings I have ever had.
I am still not exactly sure as to what lies ahead because I do not have much experience in living life without having to deal with my baggage but I am so happy to be at this stage. It is like a dream come true and just thinking about it makes my eyes fill up because I can recall days of wondering if I could ever overcome all the pain.
One thing that I have come to notice as a result of my journey is that we all have our baggage. None of us is immune to emotional pain. We make decisions and act in ways that are reflective of our baggage. Yet the beauty of life is that at any given moment we can free ourselves from that baggage.
It is not easy work and at times it will feel like someone is pulling your teeth out without any anesthesia to numb the pain. But ultimately the hard work is worth it because the joy of being here at this moment was earned.
If someone like me with my past could become a happy person and change their life completely…then anyone else can do it too. If I can help you in any way, just let me know. We each have the ability to help one another because we all have wisdom we can share. We are not here just to dwell on ourselves. We are here to help make the world a better place. We each have a method of doing that for we all have a purpose.
We just have to take the take time to figure out who we are and make peace with whatever it is that may be holding us back. When we are at peace with who we are, then we are better able to help others. We cannot give something we have not experienced.
If you have anything that is holding you back, do what you can to overcome it. You are not meant to be enslaved by your pain. You are meant to break free from it and shine bright because you are here for a reason. Take the time to figure it out. It is worth the effort. Trust me, it is a journey that will make you a better person in every way.
Special Note: Here is the link to my newest article at Elephant Journal.
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For now, all I can say is
and some more 
Some wise person said, fill the cup till it overflows. Fill the heart with joy till it can’t be contained and starts to flow into the world and everywhere.
Hi Uzma,
Thank you so much for all the : .
I love that quote your shared. That definitely was a very wise person. Once we make peace with our pain and baggage, we are better able to help the world. One teacher once said that the best thing a person can do in life is to be of service to others. It is my wish to be able to do that.
Dear Nadia, thank you so much for sharing this. We definitely all have our baggage and I so admire you for being able to make peace with your painful past, not many people are able to do it.
I love Eckhart Tolle books, they help me to live in the present moment completely letting go of what happened in the past, but I know that with strong painful past experiences it is often a very hard thing to do. You are such a great example to follow and I am sure lots of people will be inspired and encouraged by this post.
It is amazing how after loving ourselves and making peace with who we are, we are able to love and accept others.
I used to be very insecure and introverted during childhood and well into my early twenties and was confident that people didn’t like me and I didn’t like them in return.
Then I came across Louise Hay books and started saying this little affirmation to myself in front of the mirror- I love you, I accept, I forgive you, I am always here for you. Amazing, but the world started changing around me. I started liking people who I thought didn’t like me, I started noticing more and more people who loved me and life became much brighter.
I truly believe it all starts from loving and accepting yourself. Only after that can we give love to others.
Lana-Dreamfollower.com´s last blog ..How To Clear Your Limiting Beliefs
Hi Lana,
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and for all the kind things you wrote.
Our experiences in childhood are very similar. Being that I was the first ethnic kid in my neighborhood, I was isolated a lot from other kids simply because I looked different and that my parents were immigrants. That evolved into being picked on and tortured by my fellow classmates every single day. Please know that I am not being dramatic in the words that I use. That is exactly what happened. The teachers were not any better and just were so abusive.
The very first time I heard a compliment, I was 19 years old and it took me by surprise. I had no idea that some people could be so nice and mean it. A bunch of other stuff happened too which only added to the pain.
Ironically, I was telling my husband that I see all that past pain as a huge blessing in disguise. I did not see it that way for many years. But now having reached some type of peace with it, I see the wisdom in what happened.
I think we all can overcome our baggage, we just have to want to do so. Look at you, look at how much you overcame and you even left your homeland to pursue another life here in America. Talk about someone overcoming their pain…you have done so. Not many people have the courage to leave what they know and move to a new land with new customs and language.
You should be very proud of yourself! Keep shining bright! And amen for loving ourselves to that we can give love to others!
I love life’s epiphanies, and don’t we all feel better when we are doing things for others and it’s not “all about ME”. Keep enjoying the journey.
Mick Morris´s last blog ..Real men can, and should, cry!
Hi Mick,
It is so nice to you here!
Life epiphanies totally rock and truly are life altering. It is nice to be able to focus on others…you are so right in all that you wrote.
I plan to keep enjoying the journey and please do the same!
Nadia, I’m so happy for you in this shift… happy writing for this new book!
of your life! luv and hugs, Jenn
p.s. I dedicate this song to you.. Pacific winds by Ryan farish
http://www.myspace.com/ryanfarish
enjoy! thank you for sharing your heart ..
Jenn´s last blog ..Mondays: Tea & Heart Stories
Hi Jenn,
Thank you so much for the song and for all the support! I really appreciate it.
Hope all is awesome with you. Love and hugs right back to you!
Hi Nadia,
Wise ideas and well said. The way you changed, the way you let go of your baggage is inspiring and moreover the courage and the strength which you had to continue the journey towards who you are is the blessing which shines you everyday in this blog. We all must need to gain courage to seek our true selves like you and this post provides the kick as I feel.
Thanks a lot ! Have a nice day !
vikum´s last blog ..Developing the achievement muscle
Hi Vikum,
Thank you so much for all the support and for all that you wrote.
We all have the ability to change our lives…we just have to want to do the work required in order to have it happen.
Change does not come by just sitting there and doing nothing. It has to be earned and no one will earn it for you.
Of course, there are stumbling blocks but that is part of the journey. Life is what we make of it.
Have a beautiful day too!
This is so, so inspiring!
Mama Zen´s last blog ..Sky In Bloom
Hi Mama Zen,
Thank you so much!
By the way, everytime I see your name, it makes me smile. There is something about the name that is just so happy-ish!
Hi Nadia,
It’s a shame my husband’s ex-wife doesn’t realize that she, too, can get over her pain and become a happy person. The choice is always hers. It was sad to watch her spiral downward last week, but kind of cool to realize that as she tried to enlist others in her turmoil, including me, that we all declined.
Like you, these days my focus is a lot less on “me” because I’ve gotten my baggage to a very small carry-on…things are still there…the invisible…but I’m armed with the tools and resources to deal with any invisible underlying issue that may crop up.
Have a Happy Day!
Peggy
Peggy´s last blog ..Your Moment of Bliss
Hi Peggy,
I can totally understand how your husband’s ex-wife might feel. When I was in my misery, I used to so much want people to come to my assistance and when they did not, it only added to my pain. I just could not understand why they were not more compassionate. That frustration kept me stuck for a long time. Eventually, it came to my attention that the only person who could and would help me the best was my myself. And thus began an intense journey of inner work.
Good for you for getting your baggage down to a very small carry-on! There will always be stuff to learn…that is the nature of life. When we know our good and not so good points, we are better able to navigate the waters of life!
Have an awesome day!
“Part of getting over one’s issues is that a person becomes self-absorbed in those issues. Everything revolves around getting over that pain and trying to analyze why things happened and seeing the side-effects. It was hard labor.” You say it so well. It’s hard work and it’s self centered (not in a bad way). To be able to give back to the world, our cups have to full and getting rid of bagagge is necessary to get there. Emptying for filling and then emptying for giving. You’re right: everyone can do it. But not everyone wants to because it means taking responsibility for one’s life. And that’s a huge step.
Great post!
Maryse
Maryse´s last blog ..Labor of Love
Hi Maryse,
You are absolutely correct! Taking responsibility for one’s own life is really hard for some. It is easier to blame external forces such as fate or lack of luck or something else than to really look within and see what is it that we could be doing better.
To be candid, it was very hard for me to learn to take responsibility for my life. So much of my suffering was caused by other people and so it just justified the feeling that I was a victim. That one thought kept me stuck for so long. Only when spirituality came into my life, I started to realize that I could change my fate and that began a hard journey of dealing with all my inner crap.
If I could do that with all my drama, anyone can do it. I am not a special person. I just worked really hard to overcome my pain. We all have access to those tools. The difference is that some people are willing to engage those tools and others are content to sit by and just lament.
Hope all is well with you!
As someone who is still working through the baggage of an unwanted divorce, you are an inspiration girl!
I’ve come a long way and learnt a LOT but there is still work to do. I’m OK with that because the experience, though hugely painful, has made me a better person and given me amazing gifts I never would have thought something like divorce could give you. I can only imagine what it’ll be like when I get to the other side of it.
I totally get the focusing on self thing too. I’m definitely looking more outward these days but it’ll be awesome when I don’t need to focus on the baggage at all.
Thanks Nadia! Great post.
Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..Random Acts of Kick Arse – Gratitude
Hi Sami,
The other day I told my husband something that I never dreamed I would utter. I told him that I now see all my suffering as a child and young adult as a huge gift. For the first time, I was able to look at it with true love as opposed to seeing it as a tragedy. If I could get to that point, you WILL get through the baggage of an unwanted divorce. I have no doubt about it.
I think even when we have made our peace with our baggage, there will always be something to learn and to master. That is the nature of life…we are here to learn and grow. So even though I have made my peace with my past, I know that there will be new challenges to deal with and I am cool with that because it will be something different.
As much as suffering hurts, it is the way that we grow. Things happen for reasons and often they are blessings. It is wonderful that your love for life and sense of humor has not been ruined by the baggage of your divorce.
Keep smiling!
Hi Nadia,
It fills my heart with joy to read this. Anytime we can take painful experiences, examine them and then set them free, the world (and we) are better for it. I went through a lot of work, like you, to examine my history and analyse the affect on me and then re-work the present day and future I wanted for myself. You are right, for a while there is a lot of self-absorption involved. No matter where you go, your baggage comes along for the ride. And everything is viewed through the lenses of this history. But to make it through to the others side, and feel *whole*, and even to go so far as to be able to give back, well that is an arrival worth celebrating!! So, I raise my glass to you! Cheers, Nadia!! I wish you many blessings going forward!!
Jodi at Joy Discovered´s last blog ..Great Expectations
Hi Jodi,
Thank you so much for all the support and blessings! I raise my glass back to you too!
It is wonderful that you made peace with your baggage too. That is beautiful.
Often with pain, it consumes our being because we just want to get rid of it. The irony is that the more we are obsessed by it, the more it keeps us stuck. It is like the hamster on the never ending wheel. We just dig ourselves deeper and deeper. Finally, there comes a time when you just want out and I think it is at that moment where we can really do the work required.
Many blessings to you too!
Hi Nadia! Wonderful posting. “It is like a dream come true and just thinking about it makes my eyes fill up because I can recall days of wondering if I could ever overcome all the pain.” Me, too, me too. I cried a lot in my youth, then luckily I turned to journaling and drawing. I can re-read my own journey anytime, but I rarely ever feel like doing it now. When I was in pain, I’d re-read the entire previous year or two and cry some more, wondering why I did what I did. Then I started reading tons of self help books and pulled myself out of my self-dug hole. It was hard work, but fascinating, too. The work never ends because once one issue is healed, another is revealed. Kudos to you for doing the work!
Jessica´s last blog ..Emotional connections
Hi Jessica,
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all of us. There will always be something to learn and something to master. That is the nature of life. The learning never ends and that is just beautiful.
I think we just have to realize how we function and recognize our patterns. Our behavior is influenced by our past and we carry that past where we go. At some point, we have to break the cycle and that is when the hard work comes into play.
Hope all is awesome!
There have been things in my childhood that I have blocked out…I’m not sure if these things continue to effect me or not. I suppose, deep down, they do. I will say that I’ve been pretty good not getting too attached to any particular outcomes in my life and that I seem to start a lot of new books in my life
Or at least new chapters.
I am sorry to read about your situation growing up, but I’m happy to learn about your renewed outlook…to be able to approach things with new eyes and a beginner’s mind. I am kind of looking at things in new ways, too. I’ve been doing a lot of exercises related to my career and my strengths and I think they are slowly uncovering some things that I haven’t been aware of. Thanks for sharing some great thoughts about shining our light out into the world. I wish you continued good luck in your journey.
Hi Tim,
In my experience, it is amazing how little events that impact you without realizing it. I remember doing this one exercise years ago that dealt with issues of self and I wrote down this one thought I had. I was so surprised that I had felt so badly about myself but then as I dug deep, I remembered the exact incident that caused me to feel that way. We are all impacted by the events that take place in our lives. Some impact us more than others and our behavior is rooted in past events. So it is cool to see why we do what we do.
Good for you uncovering some things about possible careers and your strengths!
That is wonderful.
Thank you too for the well wishes! Here’s to creating a life that you love!
Nadia,
Your story is an inspiration to me.
Most recently in interacting with people I realize I still love their stories because it teaches me much, but I like to hear the recent story–what happened to you *today*, made you happy *today*, are you involved with today. Because yesterday may shape us, but it is over, and I want to know you in this moment today. And that is what I like to share about myself as well.
I believe in filling space with good and letting that space be so full negative cannot grow. To extend that I believe in being most mindfully present right now that my past has no bearing and my future has no pull.
Thank you for the valuable insights that you share Nadia. Very encouraging and inspirational to me!
Hi Joy,
Thank you so much for all the kind things you wrote. I am so touched.
The present is all that matters. You are so right. In the moment, that past means nothing as does the future. That is the ideal way to be and it is wonderful that you live your life in that way. You go, girl!
Hi Nadia
I love how you noticed it is no longer all about you and yet it still is but in a different way.
Was the first way exclusive and closed, now it is becoming inclusive, open and connected.
It sure is a journey to get there, but a very worthwhile one which indeed requires us to focus on ourselves a lot.
I also like what Joy says, we are who we are now, today and there is a difference in using the past as an excuse or to see it as something that shapes us.
Hugs Wilma.
Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Ann-Marie on ‘I don’t know’ so I say STOP
Hi Wilma,
For so many years, I carried my past into every single thing and it only kept the pain alive. Thankfully, I was able to stop that process. Took a lot of work but it was so worthwhile.
I agree with you about Joy’s comment. She hit the nail on the head. The key is to live our life being fully engaged in the moment where the past means nothing nor does the future.
Hugs back!
Knowing the difference between when your heart or when your ego is a true gift for the world. If everyone could get to the same place in life, think what a much more understanding world this would be!!
That you want to help people above anything else in life is the nicest thing to read!
Your path can only lead to good things.
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Gratitude
Hi Jannie,
Thank you so much for all that you wrote. It brought a smile!
We all can know the difference between when our heart is talking or when our ego is in control. Your comment gave me an idea for a post, so thank you for that too. I will write more about to become more aware of both.
To be of service to others is the best way to live and I truly hope I can help people in some way.
One day I just woke up and realized how much I liked myself and being with me…I have a mission to inspire people to be their best self….now I have to find the peaceful part of myself…
wow woman and to think the peak of creativity is about age 65 for women…you are just going to rock this old world….it will not be scary…it is just one step at a time…there are grand canyon moments, but one still tackles those one step at a time…
Go forth – good journey…
Patricia´s last blog ..Vitamins
Hi Patricia,
I am such a freak. For most of my life, I have always been between being older than my actual age and yet being a very late bloomer in other ways. For example, when it comes to career and my personal life, I am at least ten years behind. When it comes to spiritual stuff, I am like ten years ahead. This used to bother me so much because I never was just my age. My childhood was more like an adulthood and now my adulthood is more of like a childhood. However, I have made my peace with being such a freak and see the beauty in it now.
As for what I will be at 65, I cannot think that far considering I have no idea what the future holds!
And yay for one step at a time. That is all we can do. May you achieve the peace you are seeking. I am sure you will.
Nadia, This resonated with me very much. Thank you. People often think that my life has been super rosy because of my outlook and my approach. But it is one of those things that I know within the true journey that it took to get here and gives my journey its depth. It makes the joy filled life I live more powerful to me. I have always thought to myself as you said, that we may each have our baggage,yet I believe we get to choose our scars. By this I mean, I believe deeply that we have the ability to go through the toughest of situations and they will shape us and help create who we are becoming, but we have the right to be able to free free and new in each moment. I am grateful for the power of release and allowing the vessel to be filled anew. Smiles and congratulations to you, Nadia.
Hi Katie,
You are so welcome and thank you for sharing your thoughts and for the well wishes! You rock!
Isn’t it interesting how people think happiness means a person has not suffered enough? I get that a lot and it used to really bother me because I feel that happiness is earned. It is not given on a platter. Happiness looks great and simple but anything that looks so simple usually is not. It took me a long time to re-train how my brain perceived certain things. With time, it became a habit.
Happiness is a choice on so many levels. We can either choose to be stuck in our pain and feel that we are right in being viewed as a victim or being in a circumstance caused by fate. Or we can see the possibilities and choose a way out. No one is condemned to one path unless they choose to not change.
By the way, I loved how you wrote that we can choose our scars. That is so true!
Congratulations for dealing with your baggage too and spreading the importance of laughter!
Hi Nadia, thank you so much for sharing this with us, it was a powerful post: honest and straight from the heart. I know exactly what you are talking about as I have only recently left my baggage behind and it’s such a great feeling and I wish you all the success in the world.
Steven Aitchison´s last blog ..Focus On Your Output, And Restrain Your Input
Hi Steven,
Thank you so much for the well wishes! I really appreciate it.
And congratulations to you for recently leaving your baggage behind! Doesn’t it feel great?
I also found that the greatest changes took place when I did inner work. My previous tendency was to bury or avoid feeling pain altogether. But it was only when I decided not to run away and to face my fears that I started to experience breakthroughs. I am sure that you’d agree with me that the “lighter” feeling is truly awesome!
Evelyn Lim´s last blog ..Cultivate The Power of Imagination
Hi Evelyn,
The lighter feeling is definitely truly awesome!
I think it is human nature to want to run away from our problems. No one likes how it feels and I think we unconsciously figure that if we ignore it, somehow it will be resolved. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Good for you for doing the inner work required and sharing your light with the rest of the world. Keep smiling!
Hi Nadia! How inspiring and loving you are – wow! Isn’t it fantastic to be “done” with lugging around the baggage that serves to purpose and does nothing but weigh us down? You know, I think that that when we drop the baggage, there is actually and empty hole where it used to be and perhaps the hole is what is so frightening at first. It’s necessary to have though because that is where you put all the GOOD stuff – you fill the hole with love, compassion and forgiveness – and boy that is so effortless to carry forward!
I can feel your relief to be done with all that heavy baggage and indeed, once that’s accomplished, it feels so darned good you want to help others experience that lightness as well. You are beautiful, Nadia!
And hey, I’m glad I read all the comments! Patricia said creativity peaks at 65 – oh YAY – let SOMEthing peak besides my flabby upper arms!
Hugs,
suZen
Hi SuZen,
I have seen pictures of you…you do not have flabby arms. I hope I look as good as you do when I am your age. So there!
You are right about the feeling of having an empty hole. That is just a perfect description and it does add to the feeling of fear because it is such an unknown state of being…not to have the baggage.
When I first started to notice that I no longer was lugging around the baggage, I was so surprised because it just kind of happened even though I did so much work on healing the baggage. I just did not know when it stopped being present in my life. (I hope that makes sense.) And as the feeling remained, I started to wonder what would come next because it felt like something was missing. Sounds crazy but that is how it felt.
Ironically, this all happened at the same time as I was becoming aware that I needed to align my outer life with my inner life. Now with the whole idea of exploring the idea of starting my own business, life has gone in a direction I never imagined. The Universe works in interesting ways.
Hugs right back to you!
Hi Nadia
That was so beautifully written. It is filled with so much hope and inspiration.
Yeah, it’s funny nothing particularly “bad” happened when I was in high school (and I had a really nice childhood) but I have erased 90% of my high school and early 20’s memories as I too found that to be a painful time in my life. There were just too many ups and downs, and I couldn’t understand why people treated each other the way they did. I ached for people to respect each other and be honest, loving and caring. But saw through the fake facades and because I am deeply emotional this didn’t sit well with me. So a series of events drove me too, to collect myself and make myself “whole” never needing the external world to fill in missing gaps. I realized that wasn’t the way to true happiness, and than my path turned to spirituality and today I love every minute of life.
I am so happy you got to the point you did too. The peace that comes with it is just…well, perhaps the greatest gift we can give ourselves. And being of service to others makes for such a deeply fulfilling life.
Evita´s last blog ..Essential Energy With Cyndi Dale: The Shopping List of Opposite Sexes – Significance versus Security
Hi Evita,
Thank you so much for the positive feedback.
You are so blessed to have had a good childhood and teenage years! What a gift!
The interesting thing about life is that we will all have to face our share of struggle and suffering. No one is immune to it. Good for you for working through your dark times and for making yourself whole. That is wonderful. Yay!
What an inspiring message of hope and healing for everyone, and I love that you’ve offered yourself as a resource to those who need it.
Like you, I’ve recognized that everyone has their emotional pain. I try to keep that in mind before I jump to negative conclusions about someone who may have grated my nerves.
We’re all capable of living peaceful lives, filled with love and joy.
Happy Friday!
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..5 Amazing Ways to Bring the Joy Back to Your Job
Hi Megan,
Happy Friday to you too!
Thank you so much for all that you wrote regarding your views about this post.
We definitely all have our share of emotional pain. No one is immune to pain and suffering. Often, as you know, our behavior is rooted in that pain and we do things for a reason. The irony is that we often forget that when dealing with others and then judgment occurs. Good for you for reminding yourself of that reality when you nerves are being grated.
And amen for having peaceful, loving and joyful lives! It is our birthright!
Hi Nadia .. I am so pleased that you’ve worked it through to this point of realising that you have made peace with your past and know who you are .. that must be a wonderful feeling. To have struggled to find your way through after all these years – must be such a relief .. who knows what lies ahead .. may be there’s some unified connection out there – we can tap into to benefit the world.
Love the way you describe it as closing an old book and starting a new one – well I shall be so happy to be here reading and learning from your future discoveries .. Have a good weekend – Hilary
Hilary´s last blog ..Groundhog Day, Candlemas and Jannie the First …
Hi Hilary,
Thank you so much for always being so supportive! I really appreciate it.
It is a wonderful feeling to have reached this stage. It is a dream come true. I know that the road ahead will have its own share of challenges but it will be different. I am just grateful to have made peace with the past and see it as a gift as opposed to a tragedy. I am so blessed and grateful.
Have a beautiful weekend too!
Nadia, you have a way of writing as though you’re speaking with me one on one. I feel your words, your sincerity and your genuine desire to be helpful. I always get that when I’m here. Thank you for that gift.
These words in particular struck me: “I started to notice towards the end of last year that my focus in life was no longer about me.” I can relate as this has happened for me, too and I attribute it to having a child. It’s a liberating thing to have my focus not be about how to make myself happier, richer, more successful and whatever other things plagued me in the past. Now, my focus is outward: How I can raise a happy, healthy child, how I can contribute to society, how I can be a better wife, sister, daughter, friend, how my being alive will benefit others. It makes for a meaningful existence to be there for others rather than to always be thinking of myself and what benefits there are for me to reap.
Hi Belinda,
Thank you so much for all that you wrote. I feel like a broken record because I thank everyone but that is what is in my heart. Your words about my writing touched my heart.
What you wrote about how becoming a mother impacted you was one of the most beautiful descriptions I have ever read. In my experience, many mothers complain about the demands which is very understandable. It is hard to be a mother. It is always nice to read the joys about motherhood and you wrote it with love which just makes it even better.
I am so happy that being a mother has brought you such a sense of love and a desire to make the world a better place. That is wonderful and may our dreams of a more peaceful, loving world become a reality sooner than later.
Keep shining bright!
I truly wish more people would embrace the fact that the past is just that…past. We do not have to allow it to affect our present…My parents…did NOT show me how to move forward…How to let go of the past. I had to do that all on my own. Sometimes, it rears it’s ugly head, and I get sad, or mad…or wallow. Fortunatly, it is usually short lived. I tend to be a very happy person…even if things around me aren’t always condusive to that.
Let go of what happened in the past…even if it just happened yesterday. There is no need to even try to figure out why it happened…or what it’s affect has been. Just let it go…
xoxo 2 you for choosing to let go. You took your own path, and came out upright in the end!! Bravo!!!
Dawn´s last blog ..Turning the Page
Hi Dawn,
Thank you so much for all the x’s and o’s! Right back to you! And good for you for seeing the importance of letting go of the past! That is wonderful that you were able to see that on your own and do something about it.
I think the reason why people struggle with letting go of the past is that we often define ourselves and our outlook of life based on past events. So we carry that history into everything. Just because so and so did this to us, we some how unconsciously figure that any future person will do the same.
However, the beauty of life, is that we can get over our crap if we want to do so and I think there does come a time when we realize that dwelling on the past pain really does not do any good. May everyone realize that sooner than later.
Have a beautiful day!
Wow, your process of self-evolution sounds amazing. I am sure your journey will help others on their journey–it already has! I hope great things come your way and you accomplish all you want to accomplish.
lena´s last blog ..Invention of Lying: A Review
Hi Lena,
Thank you so much for all that you wrote. I hope that I can be of service. I am not a special or extraordinary person. I just want to help people see how amazing they are and to make the most out of what they have. I wasted so many years being stuck in my pain. I am blessed to have been able to overcome it. I want to take what I learned and help others so that they do not have to be as miserable as I was for so long.
By the way, since we are in the midst of a blizzard over here, we are planning on watching a movie and we are thinking about seeing “Invention of Lying”. So I want to read your post so that I can see if we should rent it. So thank you in advance.
Dear Nadia,
It is so wonderful to return to your blog.
I am very happy that you have made peace with your past in your journey of aligment.
I trust that you will continue to shine throughout all your experiences, as it is those that unconver who we truly are.
Blessings of Love to you dear friend
Ana Goncalves´s last blog ..Share your gifts with the world and shine
Hi Ana,
Nice to see you again!
Thank you so much for all that you wrote. I really appreciate it. Life has an interesting way of taking us to places we never expected. I am very grateful to be where I am and this process of aligning my outer life to my inner life has been a huge gift.
May we both keep on shining! Many blessings to you too!
Hi Nadia,
i have got to get here sooner 
Our past lives seem similar to me…I too had those years when everything was a blank..and i just didnt want to remember. It took a long time for me to realize that those experiences have made me who I ma today…so i should face them…and be thankful! They led me to my spiritual awakening…am still not perfect…..but am clean…rid of all baggage….ok still dealing with a little bit
Your journey and your spirit shines every-time you write! And I am truly lucky to be on the receiving end of such wisdom.
Thank you Nadia always for stirring me the right way….
You are my “spiritual fix” for sure
Much Love,
Z~
p.s.i always manage to be one of the last commentors
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..RAOKA: The Gratitude Ritual
Hi Zeenat,
Being one of the last commentors is as important as being one of the first. I am just grateful that you choose to read my blog and feel compelled to leave a comment. So I am happy either way.
Thank you so much for all the positive feedback and for always calling me your spiritual fix. I am so grateful.
I noticed that when I was in the midst of my pain (and my pain was really dark and deep), I used to really be worried about not seeming perfect. As a result, I became a perfectionist. Everything had to be in order and appear flawless. Regardless of the event, it had to be perfect. I made myself so miserable, that I ended up having some really bad stomach problems.
One thing led to another and my spiritual journey began. I started to realize that if we were perfect, we would not be here. That one thought made me begin to desconstruct my obsession with perfectionism. It took a lot of time but eventually the Type A stressball that I was no longer existed.
I think one way to heal from our pain is to accept the fact that no one is perfect. We are all works in progress. Yes, we should still grow and learn but there is no need to torture ourselves for having flaws. A perceived flaw is an opportunity for mastery. Either accept it and work with it. Or try to change it. The Universe is merciful and we have to be merciful with ourselves too.
Lots of love and blessings to you!
Nadia,
Your soul is so beautiful, and it shines through so brightly today here. What a gift you are. And what a beautiful place for you to be at in your life, and to be so connected to your heart. Nadia, I am so honored to call you a dear friend.
With love and peace,
Lance
Lance´s last blog ..RAOKA: Gratitude
Hi Lance,
I am honored to call you a dear friend too.
Thank you so much for all that you wrote. People are just mirrors for one another. So you are a beautiful soul too. Otherwise, you would not see it in others.
Keep shining bright!
Lots of love and blessings to you!
You found the perfect pictures to punctuate your perfect prose.
> just thinking about it makes my eyes fill up because I can recall days
Powerful and well put.
J.D. Meier´s last blog ..Top 10 Lessons Learned in Spirituality
Hi JD,
Thank you very much for all that you wrote. Sometimes choosing the pictures to go with the post takes more time than actually writing the post. I really want the pictures to match the theme of the post.
Looking forward to ‘reading’ all the new chapters of your life as they unfold!
Hi Janice,
Thank you so much for always being so supportive! Life has an interesting way of taking us places and I never thought I would be where I am now. It is all very beautiful.
okay last one for the day. man I always have this issue of holding myself back too, I’m going to try and act more on instinct and do less thinking. I always seem to talk myself out of doing something.
Hi Tony,
I think a lot of people do that…talk themselves out of doing something and/or hold themselves back Fear is a big issue in life and it appears in such situations. No one wants to take a risk because of fear and yet nothing of value was ever accomplished without risk. So it is an interesting process.
Hope all is awesome!
It is a great feeling.
Jared´s last blog ..Dr. Wayne Dyer’s The Shift and the Realization That Everything You Need is Already Within You
Hi Jared,
Totally, dude!
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