I'm looking out my window, and snowflakes are falling to the ground so softly. I find it relaxing to watch.

I'm listening to the Song 'Let It Be' by the Beatles. The words 'there will be an answer, let it be' come at the perfect time, going right to my heart and soothing my soul.

Right now, I am in a place of change. It's that place of knowing that change is happening, but I don't have a clear answer or what direction things will go.

As I continue to explore on a deeper level the "being okay with not knowing," I'm noticing that the more willing I am to be in the unknown, the more natural and comfortable it has become.

Resting in a place of not knowing can be disturbing, even scary. It can shake us up at the core, depending on what we are facing. Whether it be our health or someone else's, financial security, relationships, or world affairs, there is so much out of our control and can leave us feeling vulnerable or raw.

As I write this, I am reminded of a time when things were out of my control, and I started to practice self-compassion in a way I had never before.

Six years ago, I had a concussion and for many months I was unable to do much. I meditated for long hours, and I went for walks, but I couldn't handle much stimulation.

During this time, so much came up for me to feel and heal. I knew it was helping me to grow spiritually, but I didn't always like it. The feelings that came up were intense. It was tough.

There was so much uncertainty - not knowing when and how I would heal and when could I work again. I tried several times to go back to work but my brain wasn't ready.

I chose to have a healing session with a new practitioner. She started talking about how to heal my Inner Child with self-compassion. I thought I was doing that already, but I realized there was much more to explore. It was still easier for me to love and support others than to love myself.

So, my practice began. I faced many days filled with fear and darkness, and when I chose to love and support myself, it was life-changing.

The love from within grew and continues to grow.

The more I love myself and offer tenderness, the more grounded, safe, and content I feel, and the more connected I am to my true essence.

I can't control many things, but I can choose to be gentle and loving towards myself. I find this empowering.

These times of change or uncertainty allow us to offer ourselves self-compassion and support ourselves like we would a dear friend. To hug and hold the part that feels unsure.

To offer love just because.

Can we offer ourselves self-compassion?

Can we be our own best friend?

Can we gently hold the part that feels this way when fear shows up?

Self-compassion helps us to feel safe. It develops resiliency and deepens the love in our hearts. This is my experience.

Something that comforts me…

I place one hand on my heart, and I place one hand on my abdomen.

I breathe into the feeling.

I breathe in love, compassion, and support.

I keep breathing consciously.

I might say to the fear, "I love you" or "I'm here for you."

I do this throughout the day for as long as it feels right. I am letting this part know 'I support you no matter what.'

Research has shown that touching our body, whether our arm, hand, or chest, relaxes our nervous system. I find that fascinating and true for me.

If a little girl or boy were scared, we would most likely hold them and reassure them it would be okay.

Can we hold ourselves tenderly like we would a dear child?

There is a part of us that wants to be held. It is beautiful when we can receive that love and support from others, and it is so healing when we can also offer it to ourselves.

In those times, we feel alone, confused, and have no answers – remember, your breath is always with you—a sacred gift there for us whenever we choose to become aware of it.

You may also find comfort in calling on the Divine, God, Goddess, True Nature, your angels, or someone you connect with for guidance and comfort. I find solace in asking for support in this way.

This journey we're on requires perseverance, courage, strength, and also a tenderness toward ourselves. So go gently, my friends.

With love,

Diane

P.S. I want to share a memory...

Four years ago I was recovering from a traumatic event that happened in my life. One day, out of the blue, my great-niece Maya came up to me and said "I want to give you my teddy bear." She was 4 years old and she knew intuitively I needed it. I love my teddy who I hold and feel comforted by.

What gives you comfort?