"Every day is a privilege and not a guarantee." What a great reminder. This resonates so much. I woke up this morning in fact and in light of your comment one of my first thoughts was (with equal measures of relief and appreciation), "good to be here for another day."
I feel so privileged to have partnered Louise in this exercise.
It was wonderful to feel so connected, and alive and free. We seemed to easily connect and begin the repetitions. Louise's eyes were warm, open, honest and safe.
When she said "you have beautiful wrinkles" - wow!
A little history here ..... I have been on a journey of self -discovery, -acceptance and -love over the last couple of years and have learned so much about myself, and especially that I Am Good Enough - a revelation that freed me significantly just over a year ago (I now have this tattooed on my forearm!)
One of the things I have recently been grappling with is encroaching age, and particularly wrinkles!! For Louise to pick up on one of the most contentious parts of me, and describe them as "beautiful" was mind blowing! I felt it physically like a punch to the abdomen. I felt acutely emotional.
But as we progressed with the repetition, I began to accept that, yes these wrinkles are part of me and they are beautiful - they show my life story, my struggles and victories, and they are part of me. Of who I am. I have no need to be ashamed of my wrinkles. They are beautiful! It felt profound.
I began to not only accept this, but to proclaim it proudly!
Then Nicole said to imagine we were looking at our own future self/past self.....
Louise broke. I was devastated.
Immediately I began to 'think' not to 'accept everything' but gradually I caught back up, and started to see the younger 'me' in front of me.
I dont even recall what words we were repeating. but I know that I was telling her - its ok, you are strong, you have this, you can trust yourself, you are worthy, you are Good Enough!!
I saw her beauty, her strength and her truth.
What an incredible and wonderful experience. Thank you. Louise ! xxx
This happened on an amazing women's retreat - The Unmasked Woman - when I faced things from my past which had ingrained unworthiness into me. It was a profoundly deep experience and I am so grateful to have finally accepted my own worth :)
Fascinating read. You are so right about looking in the mirror and feeling that disconnect.
I literally look sometimes and think "who the hell is that?"
But then I remind myself that every day is a privilege and not a guarantee.
You learn that when you lose someone at a very early age.
"Every day is a privilege and not a guarantee." What a great reminder. This resonates so much. I woke up this morning in fact and in light of your comment one of my first thoughts was (with equal measures of relief and appreciation), "good to be here for another day."
This is the other Louise!
I feel so privileged to have partnered Louise in this exercise.
It was wonderful to feel so connected, and alive and free. We seemed to easily connect and begin the repetitions. Louise's eyes were warm, open, honest and safe.
When she said "you have beautiful wrinkles" - wow!
A little history here ..... I have been on a journey of self -discovery, -acceptance and -love over the last couple of years and have learned so much about myself, and especially that I Am Good Enough - a revelation that freed me significantly just over a year ago (I now have this tattooed on my forearm!)
One of the things I have recently been grappling with is encroaching age, and particularly wrinkles!! For Louise to pick up on one of the most contentious parts of me, and describe them as "beautiful" was mind blowing! I felt it physically like a punch to the abdomen. I felt acutely emotional.
But as we progressed with the repetition, I began to accept that, yes these wrinkles are part of me and they are beautiful - they show my life story, my struggles and victories, and they are part of me. Of who I am. I have no need to be ashamed of my wrinkles. They are beautiful! It felt profound.
I began to not only accept this, but to proclaim it proudly!
Then Nicole said to imagine we were looking at our own future self/past self.....
Louise broke. I was devastated.
Immediately I began to 'think' not to 'accept everything' but gradually I caught back up, and started to see the younger 'me' in front of me.
I dont even recall what words we were repeating. but I know that I was telling her - its ok, you are strong, you have this, you can trust yourself, you are worthy, you are Good Enough!!
I saw her beauty, her strength and her truth.
What an incredible and wonderful experience. Thank you. Louise ! xxx
Oh Louise, our experience deepens! Being able to hear your perspective on this is so precious and poignant.
Do you mind if I ask, what was the turning point for you that made you truly and finally accept yourself and realise that you ARE good enough?
This happened on an amazing women's retreat - The Unmasked Woman - when I faced things from my past which had ingrained unworthiness into me. It was a profoundly deep experience and I am so grateful to have finally accepted my own worth :)
You are a role model! And can’t wait to see your tattoo (if I may) when we next see each other!
Really insightful Louise 👊👊👊😊
Thank you Rich! Please to be able to share this experience with you!
This is so beautifully written, and I feel this on so many levels - I wish I could have been there to witness this unfold
Would loooove to hear about how this resonates with you. When we first met IRL, you had me at The Artist's Way! <3