The Universe continues to teach me lessons in the most interesting and unexpected ways, including through the gift of a Christmas angel.
Several years ago, my parents gave me the Christmas angel that they’d had since their very first Christmas together over 65 years ago.
A few years ago, I remember taking her out of the box to put her on the tree and noticed she had lost all her hair and was bald, her hand had fallen off, her wings were cracked, and her paint was chipped.
Seeing her in this state, my first impulse was to go to the craft store and buy something to make a wig so she would look prettier. I would essentially give her an upgrade; restore her to her original beauty.
But before I could get there, something stopped me. My inner voice said, “She doesn’t need a wig. She is beautiful exactly as she is. Why do I need to change her in any way?”
This was profound. Not only did it apply to my angel but to myself and any thoughts that had me believing that I needed to change something about myself to be “enough”.
That’s what it came down to.
We have been programmed in some way shape or form, that we need this or that to be enough, to feel whole or complete. We should or shouldn’t…feel/act/speak/be…this way.
But is this really true? Or is it a belief pattern we follow blindly?
This month my beautiful angel is over 70 years old.
And once again I am graced by her presence, beauty, and wisdom. She gently reminds me that she is enough, and I am enough.
This Holiday season is going to be a different one.
There are so many things out of our control.
What if we gave ourselves the gift of self-compassion? To be our own best friend? To be enough just as we are.
And it doesn’t mean we are perfect at it. For me it simply means it is my intention and I am open and curious.
Maybe we want to rest and be alone.
Maybe we want to move or be with someone.
Maybe we want a warm cup of tea, to go for a walk, or read a book.
Maybe we want to have a warm bath or enjoy some yummy food, watch a movie.
Maybe we want to laugh out loud, or cry out loud.
Maybe we want to say ‘no’ instead of yes or say ‘yes’ instead of ‘no’.
Being our own best friend may look different for each of us. We are unique.
So, I encourage you to honour yourself, exactly as you are, where you are. I hope that you’re able to appreciate the resiliency you’ve built during this past year. We could all use a little extra loving kindness and compassion, let’s start with showing it to ourselves and allowing it to radiate out from there.
Take good care of yourselves.
Diane