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What has staying true to yourself taught you about gratitude? It's the little things that bring me the most joy. I say "thank you" to green lights. LOL.

What emotional baggage that does not belong to you do you need to put down? Taking on other people's pain as if it's something I need to fix. Not my circus...

What do you know to be true about your life and how far you've come? I have separated from the abuse I endured (verbal, emotional) and I cherish that little girl's strength and resilience, but I no longer need to protect her. She's fine. She has a voice. No need to shout on her behalf anymore.

Thank you for this beautiful post, Alex. xo

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Thank you for sharing your reflections!

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This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you!

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Thank you for reading!

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Echoing echoing. Precisely what I needed at this very moment. I appreciate you, Alex.

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Big love, sweet sister. 🫂

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I love the 12 step slogan - 'what other people think if me is none of my business' - or something like that - as you say, we don't have to take on other people's pain... And as you say, not always easy to hand it back! Thank you.

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🙏🏾 thank you!!

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Jun 16, 2023Liked by Alex Elle

Love this! Thank you.

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Thank you for reading!

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Isn’t it amazing how the shift into empathy can open up so much more possibility in the world? It makes the hard work worth it.

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Stepping into this more and more daily. It can be so hard sometimes when you are equally triggered by actions or words but feeling the healing version of me and acknowledging her when I pause or take deep breaths instead of reacting has been such a source of peace. You gathered so many of my thoughts so beautifully in this post. Thank you for your offerings

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Alex, Thank you for sharing the mantra. D

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You’re welcome, friend!

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What has staying true to yourself taught you about gratitude? That I have the right to make plans for myself and have self care. So grateful for solitude and time with family but solitude is a must!!

What emotional baggage that does not belong to you do you need to put down? Other people’s reactions and emotions to their situations. I need to be true to me and let the other person figure his/her way. Can’t be everyone’s escape goat.

What do you know to be true about your life and how far you've come? Too blessed to be stressed! Enduring challenges and trials that come only make your character stronger and wiser. We also may not know who we may help w the same battles.

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Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾

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Gorgeous images. Beautiful essay, thank you.

Staying true to myself, a lifetime of work through which I am making progress, has taught me to appreciate non-reactivity. The maturity, in myself or others, of a little space to allow the light to get in before responding to the situation. I can't always pull this off but I recognize it when it happens and am grateful.

The baggage that I need to set down that doesn't belong to me is a long list! Notably dragged along by my ancestors is the need to a) look on the side of the glass being almost empty and b) being in constant service at the sake of self.

What is true about my life is that I can do hard things. I know that now. It is possible for me to earn the respect of my soul by showing up fully.

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Love this. Thank you.

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Your writing! Wow Alex, thank you for speaking the words I feel and don’t know how to express. Beautiful work.

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Thank you ❤️

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Jun 16, 2023Liked by Alex Elle

Spot on timing 😭 thank you ❤️

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Glad it reached you when you needed it!

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Beautiful as always, Alex. Thank you for these insights - will sit with the questions. ❤️

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Congratulations on this realization💫. Looking forward to more such lessons of your journey of self-realization and growth.🫰

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Thank you. 🙏🏾

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Jun 17, 2023Liked by Alex Elle

I needed to read this tonight. Thank you for sharing.

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Thank you for reading!

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Jun 16, 2023Liked by Alex Elle

Thanks 🙏🏾

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You’re welcome. 🫶🏾

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