I love those perfect days, the ones where everything just seems to go your way. I had one of those yesterday. And, this morning, as I contemplated over my gratitude for the day, I realized that the sweetness I experienced yesterday was made so much more enjoyable by the bitterness I have encountered on previous days.
I am in a very introspective period of my life, and I am finally learning to embrace some of the things about myself that I have been at odds with. The "faults," the imperfections, the shadow, the darker parts of my being. I am learning that the more willing I am to embrace and accept my own darkness, the easier it is to love and accept others when they are in theirs. It is the bitter components of us humans that make our brilliance that much sweeter.
I am not advocating or experimenting with dwelling in or focusing on the shadow, but my observation is that the more aware I am, the more forgiving I am, the more accepting I am of the shadow, the more I am able to embrace and recognize the light. In acknowledging the negative, I am able to begin the enterprise of healing it. It makes Oprah's advice possible, "turn your wounds into wisdom."
I am grateful for the "bitter." It is the tears, sleepless nights, doubts, fears, and pain that make the joy more intense and meaningful, and take me closer to fulfilling my soul's purpose.
Thank you, my friend. Thank you.
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