Lessons that Carry Us

We’ve all seen them. The quotes are on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. They seem so bold, inspiring, liberating, and freeing.

But it dawned on me, it’s the universe itself speaking to me, in a moment so clear I could almost swear all those around me had heard it.

It said “You do not have to leave the woman you were, in the past. You do not have to leave the person you were as a child, as a teenager, or as a young adult.”

We do not leave these people behind, we carry them with us. Not as weight, or a burden. Not with hurt, or pain; but we carry them with us as knowledge, as healing, as a surrender from all the past trauma. As a remembrance of all the sweet smells, grandma's hugs, mom's proud looks, Dad's pipe smell, and the laughter of siblings if we are lucky enough to have those feelings of our hearts brimming with joy and love.

As a teenager and the first heartbreak, being bullied, or growing up faster than one should. Becoming responsible and capable, feeling proud, wanting so badly to belong, being understood.

Knowledge allows us to reach others.

Wisdom to see that although there was hurt, we grew tall and strong in spirit. Every challenge shapes you, but it doesn’t define you. It's like a tree weathering storms. The winds may have bent its branches, but its roots grew deeper, and its trunk stood tall.

We carry them as teachers, as reminders of who they were then. This is a valuable journey we take today.

I will not leave any of me behind. The child I was, the gangly teenager, or the woman I have become.

They are all part of your story, strength, and wisdom. You’re not discarding the past; you’re integrating it. Not carrying baggage, but embracing the fullness of who you are.

Beyond the things we carry, some things carry us. Those things are hope, joy, confidence, vulnerability, and faith. They are the little miracles that get us through the day. They are there when our legs fail and we need some help to get back on our feet.

One foot in front of the other walking down many paths, with many purposes from all we once were and all we are today.

I will be all those people, all at once; and walk through this universe with multiple purposes. Despite it all….

I MADE IT!