There is a subtle line between codependency and caring for many. When you see others suffering, remember they are capable of finding this within themselves and your expression of joy merely accentuates the desire for that experience. Let them have their experience surrounded by love and compassion rather than any level of interference trying to shoulder their burden for them.

When we embrace the intricate makeup of our being, and learn our unique way of weaving love into our daily lives then it really starts to shift things. In the integration of our various layers - lie signposts and signals as to where to find the alchemy of transformation.

Heading to Laura’s Invitation to Love retreat. I’m expecting to face transformation, which is sometimes hard, messy, and scary.

Back in 2015, I was struggling so much in my marriage. Lackluster might be one of the words for it. It wasn’t as if there was no connection. I still had a best friend in the relationship, but I wanted so much more than that. Over 20 years of raising three kids, being in two full-time careers, and building a business together, it all had a deadening impact. It really isn’t an easy task to maintain passion, intimacy, and connection with the standard modern model of life we have.

 We all deserve to be cherished, loved, and appreciated for the unique beautiful beings we are — and that includes all parts of ourselves our hearts, our gifts, our presence, desires, the way we show up,  our bodies (even in imperfection), our quirks and much more.  

When you long for something more in your relationships or long to a new kind of relationship, it is a call to love. It’s the most natural thing in the world to desire.

Last time I shared about my battle with shame in my youth. When I entered the workforce, I discovered a whole new realm of shame and perfectionism. In the workplace, my perceived failures were now measured by more tangible things, such as dollars, promotions, and opportunities. No matter how I succeeded, I could always point to a peer or a friend who was doing better or who had succeeded a little bit more. This added a new dimension to my feeling of shame.

If you weren’t with us last week, you can catch up here. This week, I promised to share my biggest challenge, a secret I harbored in my body, that was like a monster under my bed. I managed to suppress it from my conscious awareness for a very long time, but fear was still present.