I have.
Last month, when millions of women took to the streets to stand up for what they believed in, My Heart urged me to sit down on the couch and stay home.
The Voice In My Head was incredulous.
“SERIOUSLY? WHAT KIND OF A WOMAN SITS OUT THE WOMEN’S MARCH?!!
EVERYONE WILL BE THERE! IT’S HISTORIC. STOP BEING SO SELFISH AND LAZY AND BLAH-BLAH-BLAH-BLAH-BLAH….”
But My Heart understood that ever since the fires terrorized our magical little town of Ojai, I’ve been shaken to the core.
Though deeply grateful for my own blessings, I feel the sorrow of all those less fortunate and the primal fear of every living creature whose life was threatened by the fire.
My Head told me to “GET OVER IT.”
But my Heart gave me permission to wrap myself up in a cozy blanket of peace and quiet so I could be part of the Women’s March in a way that felt good to me.
Be your own activist.
How many times a day do you say “yes” to things that you wish you could say “no” to?
How many of your sentences begin with “I should” or “I have to?”
Listen, I’m not advocating selfishness as a lifestyle but I am learning that the world won’t end if I make myself a priority.
In fact, the more compassionate, loving care we give to ourselves, the more we have to give to others. And the world.
Have a heart-to-heart with yourself.
If, like so many of us, you were programmed to please others before yourself, it’s hard to even know how you feel.
Here’s a little something that works for me:Take a few minutes to yourself, somewhere quiet, preferably in nature. (It helps you get grounded.)
Close your eyes and ask your Heart, “Does this feel right to you?” Or “What would bring you peace?” Or joy? (Or whatever words feel right to you.)
The more you ask, the more your Heart will have to say to you.
And instead of always thinking about what you should do, you’ll find yourself feeling into what you want to do.
Self-love is the answer.
Even if you didn’t live through a fire, just living through these times is enough to burn anyone out.
Instead of pushing ourselves to do more, I say push the pause button. And feel more.
By feeling our fragility, we find our strength.
By surrendering to our fears, we become fierce.
By giving ourselves time To Be, we know what To Do.
Now, if you feel like it, I’d be so grateful if you’d share what’s in your Heart below.
With soaring love,
xoWendi
So wise and so helpful. It really meant a lot to read this. Thank you for always reminding us we are okay following our personal path, Lainey
Hi Lovable Lainey! Yes…this is an issue I grapple with always. And am continually working on listening to the voice inside
as opposed to the collective. Sending so much love your way. xoxo
Just sent you an email sweetie…give me a call when you can. HUGS!!!!!
Yes, we need to talk, Fredie! Miss you and love you. xoxo
Love this! I spent most of my time at the LA March this year behind the booth for SeaChange – a PAC created by my congresswoman, Karen Bass, to focus on turning Red congressional districts in SoCal Blue in the next election through canvassing and phone banks. Last year, I was in DC marching and so thankful for the sense of uprising and solidarity, but this year for me it was all about WHAT CAN WE DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD. I skipped the marchers, the crowds and the speakers, but left DTLA feeling like I’d done my small part of turning the ship of our country (now heading for a massive iceberg) in a better direction.
Elya, I admire and respect that you found a way to contribute that felt right to you. Now that I’m getting stronger, I’m feeling into how I can do the same.
Wendie, Love it! your open heart and words are
so inspiring .
Thank you for sharing!
Anat
Thank you, Anat…your loving message means a lot. (Nice rhyme, huh?)
Thanks for sharing your story.
It’s a conversation I have with myself too. And yes listening to and following one’s heart helps live in today’s chaotic times. Kudos for living your truth and being strong. Beautiful writing. 😍
Thank you, Diane, for your insight and support. You always find the words that make my heart so happy.