Releasing What No Longer Serves Us

Just before the buds were forming, I took time and really noticed the trees – seemingly bare with many shades of grey as the light reflected off them; standing tall, reaching toward the sun.  As I looked more closely, I observed some dried leaves from autumn that were still clinging to some of the branches.  The dried leaves were few and although one tree had five or six, another, one or two, the next had none.  I pondered the thought of the old-fashioned winter we just experienced and wondered how in the world these dried, dead leaves were able to hang on.

Next, the idea of us came to my mind.  How we too can hang onto things from the past that no longer serve us.  They may no longer have a purpose and serve us, yet we allow them to hang on.  Our dried leaves may be beliefs, stories, disempowering feelings, trapped emotions and more. 

Just like the trees, when the season changes, new growth bursts forth from within us; however, unlike the trees, we are still affected by these things that hang on and refuse to be released.  These things may not always be obvious to us and we may even think we let them go.  Meanwhile, they are running in the background in our subconscious mind. 

Like software running in our computer, they affect our performance.  When our computer is not working to its full potential, we may run a scan, defrag, troubleshoot, ask for guidance, and discover helpful tips to remedy the situation.  So what do we do for us?  How do we uncover the things that no longer serve us and release them, so we can live more in line with our full potential?

This is the journey.  This is the path we are on.  Just as the things that no longer serve us were left behind year after year, the journey of releasing them, takes time.  We are in the process of learning how to release them fully.  

Many articles here on I’m a Shining Soul have shared tools of self-discovery and healing.  As well, there are many ways yet to be discovered. 

Healing the past and releasing all that no longer serves us takes time, focus and effort, but it is so worth it!  As we release what no longer serves us, leaf by leaf, our soul shines ever more brightly!

~ Sherry Buikema

YOU ARE Important

Do you equate importance with money and fame? Do you measure your self-worth based on your physical appearance?

If so, you need to dig much deeper to find your true value. True value comes from your heart, soul, mind—spirit. You are a powerful, sentient being who rises above what this world uses as a measuring stick for success and importance.

What makes YOU important? First, know that you were the moment you were given life. You are unique, no one talks like you, looks like you, thinks like you. And, most certainly, no one can live your life for you. That fact alone makes you important.

Repeat this truth and make it your heartfelt belief—YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND.

Think about that for a moment. One of a kind artifacts are rare, but they are also priceless. There isn’t a monetary value you can attach to them. How much more so is this true when it comes to you—a living being!

Why is it so often that as humans we base level of importance on financial success? Maybe it’s because we’ve been hurt, or we’re low. We can use money, or success, to hide behind, to derive comfort from. If we’re absorbed with chasing a buck, there isn’t time to reflect and ‘be.’

Think of Linus (from Charlie Brown) walking around with his blanket all the time. Metaphorically, is that how you picture yourself when it comes to your thoughts on self-worth? Do you shrink back and find ‘escape’ through distorted perceptions your importance? Do you medicate with alcohol or drugs to avoid true reflection? 

Just remember this: If all you had was yourself in this world, you would still be important!

The Pen is in Our Hand

A writer taps into their imagination and a story is born.  The writer becomes one with the zone of inspiration and the creative energy from within.  The unfolding journey of the two gives birth to a story.  The story is literally created and brought to life!

The purpose of the story may vary based on the desire of the writer.  Overall, the writer wants the story to be an enjoyable experience for the reader.   The writer may intend to take the reader on adventures of intrigue, mystery, love, and joy.  The reader experiences emotions while learning from the characters and themselves along the way.  Needless to say, the impression left on each reader is unique.

When it comes to our life story, metaphorically, the pen is in our hand!  In addition, we are all of it… the writer with a purpose, the creator of the story, and as the reader, the one who experiences the adventures along the way. 

The challenge for us though, is everyone is creating their story at the same time.  Sometimes another’s story choices seem to impact our story in a way we might label “negative.”  As a result, we understandably experience feelings of hurt and loss.  (Obviously, our story choices also affect others.)

What do we do when this happens?  We pick up our pen and start writing again, creating a response to this event that has unfolded in our story.  The way in which the story continues is up to us!

It may be helpful to look back to the beginning of our life story and ask, “What is my purpose?  Did I really have a story in mind of only love, joy and peace, without any of the other experiences?”  Without adventures to learn from, it would be one pretty boring story.  Isn’t it fair to say we simply intended to write and live our best life story with all of its highs and lows?  That is, experiencing who we are not, and then experiencing who we are, perhaps over and over again. 

If we go back to the zone, to the creative energy within, we will find our strength and guidance to pick up the pen and continue writing the story of our best life!

~ Sherry Buikema