Are you accepting what is?

I hope that you are having a wonderful holiday week with loved ones.

I know what it feels like to desperately wish that aspects of my life were different. One of our children has a rare disability and her path and our path have been far from "normal". I have spent many nights crying after my kids went to sleep feeling sorry for her, myself...for all of us. In addition to sadness, I have felt guilt, grief, fear, anger, resentment, and anxiety. For years and years, I was also extremely self-critical and did not feel worthy enough as a mom.

Are you experiencing waves of painful emotions at times? Are you accustomed to judging yourself and being highly self-critical?

One book that our parenting coach recommended to me is: Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach. Her book and meditations have been very supportive. 

Step One begins with accepting absolutely everything about yourself and your life. You can learn to embrace being awake to it all and caring for your moment-to-moment experiences.

You do not need to be okay all of the time. You are complete right now. The goal is not to be happy all of the time.

For the next week, work to embrace your life in all of its realness. It is messy, broken, and beautiful all at once. Pause at times and place your hand on your heart and notice what you are feeling.

Enjoy the last week of the year and I wish you a Happy New Year,
Tia