Every Step is Guiding You (even if you feel lost)

Acceptance & Gratitude

Last weekend, my oldest daughter and I went to Massachusetts to visit Libby. I love how that’s become our thing. I am so grateful that Libby has so quickly become a major part of my life and family. During this stay, we did a lot of easeful things. We walked (of course), went to the ocean, ate good food, and laid around with hot cups of tea. Life is always slower when we visit Newburyport. The smell of salty air and the sound of heavy rain this trip made me feel more at home than ever. Each visit becomes a softer and more lush landing place for peace.

On one of our walks, we strolled with a dear friend of Libby’s. I learn so much from Lib's circle of sisterhood. Their wisdom is abundant and welcoming. The beach was quiet that morning, just us—and a couple of fishermen. The water ebbed and flowed to shore, chasing seagulls away who were looking for their next catch. As we walked, we talked. I slowed down more than a few times to gather seashells for my children and listen to the breeze that danced around us. The sand felt heavy to walk through like I had bricks on my feet. Step by step, I found myself thinking about the heaviness I trekked through to get to where I am today. I spent many days thinking I’d never be able to create the life I wanted. And even with that disbelief in tow, I still managed to find a way to heal, grow, and change. My feelings were big as I stood in front of the ocean’s glorious vastness, approaching my 365th day of walking with Libby close by, and the big love in my heart that I have for the life I’m living.

My eyes started to fill with tears of joy.

I felt emotional because my younger self had no idea we’d get here today. She wanted this so bad—this self-love, this sound mind, this deep sense of worthiness and wholeness. I spent a lot of time praying that joy would come and wrap its embrace around me. It felt like it took a lifetime to find what and where my happiness was—but I found it. I find it daily because I’ve learned to accept that my healing is in my hands. There is no running from that truth.

I’m at a point in my life where I trust that acceptance of what was is how I will continue to find inner peace, joy, and gratitude. I am able to be with what is when I am in a space of acceptance. Even though I have walked through my fair share of heartbreak, storms, and sadness—I’ve also walked through healing, sunshine, and celebration.

I am grateful for possibility.

I am grateful for tomorrows.

I am grateful for each high and low.

I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but your peace and purpose are important. Every step you take, even if you feel lost, is leading and guiding you. Do not lose sight of how far you’ve traveled in this life. I know that every path hasn’t been beautiful. I know that some days it feels hard to walk through the sandy parts of the journey. Release the idea that your pain needs to speak for you. Yes, it can have a voice and take up space—but your pain isn’t the leader of your path. Love is.

A song for your weekend: “Alright”by Ledisi

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