[blockquote source=”T.F. Hodge”]“Live what you be, not what you see.” [/blockquote]

I wrote a letter to myself, just over a year ago – and during a time in which I felt the need for a much needed, and kind-hearted reflection.

It was intended to serve as a reminder, of sorts – a little something to help keep my balance during difficult times. Posted prominently at the center-most portion of my bedroom mirror, it was quite literally the very first and last words of my day.

It read simply,

[blockquote]”Dear Tara,

I know things must seem difficult, at best. But trust, that this ‘now’ will soon come to an end. New days will yield a much brighter sun, and the pain of our yesterdays will soon fade away.

Until then, be centered, balanced and present in your own life; be a vibrant, inspirational, and dynamic force in the lives of others you know and love; share your heart freely and honestly with this universe and all those within it.

Be brave, but know that bravery wears well its own ‘mask’, one intended to shield it from the sharpened edges of this world.

My darling, there is no tragedy in these tears; nor, any sense of loss in these scars. Because, every single moment of your life has added depth to the ‘you’ that you are.

The Universe wants for you precisely what you want for yourself; may you never lose faith in this, your Divine truth.” [/blockquote]

The words found me during a late night ‘tipping point’ – and, on the heels of a day that had certainly taken its toll.

My world had been so keenly balanced in this space of who I thought I was.

And, I…had become far too comfortable there.

“I can’t…”

“It’s too hard…”

or,

“I’ll never make it through…”

I had been so caught up in my emotions, that I had nearly missed their much deeper meaning.

Change is one of life’s greatest blessings – forcing us to the absolute edge of our spiritual comfort zone. Shifting our perspective often ‘just enough’ to see things in an entirely different way.

The trick is, to keep our hearts open to all that may happen once we step outside that zone.

[blockquote source=”Pema Chodron”]”Inner strength is available to us at just the moment when we think we’ve hit the bottom, when things are at their worst.

As long as we’re caught up in always looking for certainty and happiness, rather than honoring the taste and smell and quality of exactly what is happening, as long as we’re always running away from discomfort, we’re going to be caught in a cycle of unhappiness and disappointment, and we will feel weaker and weaker.

If we use the opportunity when it arises, suffering will motivate us to look for answers.

“[/blockquote]

My dears, difficulty is inevitable in this human life – but, trust that it has a great deal to teach us, as well.

For, even in these seemingly ‘rock bottom’ moments – the voice of the warrior can be heard.