‘To be witnessed and embraced for all that we are; the good, bad and ugly; as striving human beings daring to reach for the stars, is a gift beyond measure.”

These words came to me as I was writing a chapter for a soon to be released co-authored book called Embraced By the Divine: The Emerging Woman’s Gateway to Passion, Power and Purpose.  They speak so clearly to the struggle that I and many people face when attempting to circumnavigate life’s sometimes treacherous waters. I would much prefer to be a shining example of love, Zen composure, acceptance, compassion and approval, and yet there are moments (blessedly few these days) when I feel angry, cranky, miserable, frustrated and judgmental.  Sometimes I view myself as  superior to those who stumble more than I do and other times, I seem like the clumsiest person on the dance floor, tripping over my own two feet.

I hold back expression when I may want to throw a mini or full blown temper tantrum over something that at the moment, my ego feels is unjust.  What would people think if I did?- queries the part of me that needs to keep it all together. As silly as it sounds, when I am writing an article and despite my best efforts to save it, it disappears, I let out a stream of expletives that would do a scurvy pirate proud…there now, doesn’t that feel better, darlin’? and then I can get back to writing.  Although I don’t experience road rage, I do my share of growling if someone cuts me off en route to my destination.  If my values are tested, I am now standing up and speaking out, rather than retreating in fear of disapproval. If my gut and heart tell me that something is amiss, I honor their wisdom. I still consider myself relatively low maintenance, cleaning up after myself both physically and emotionally, without leaving a mess in my wake.

As I am taking off the mask that I had worn to be presentable, not rock the boat or make waves, I am allowing myself to be seen for all that I am. It is not always a secure platform which to stand, but the view is spectacular.