When I look back at my more-than 50 years on this earth, I see growth. I see a woman who has made drastic changes, and small changes. It hasn't always been easy! Most of the time I feel like a phoenix rising from the ashes to re-create myself, yet again. In hind-sight, I am always amazed at the blessings received by each iteration of myself. Each new version of me has been an upgrade! Each door closed is a blessing and an opportunity for a new experience. Without fail.

And this is why I see it that way.

I know who I am, and I know what I believe.

I am a Soul having a physical experience on earth. I believe that within, and around, this physical body is my soul, and that I am an aspect of God/Goddess/Universe/Spirit/Source (take your pick, I interchange on the regular). This means that every interaction I have with someone else, every thought I think, every emotion I feel, every experience, EVER, is shared by God and my soul, or what I call my Higher Self.

My Higher Self has had a lot of input as to how this whole life experience thing will go - if I make the conscious decision to listen, that is. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. Usually things go MUCH better when I go with the flow and pay attention to what my Higher Self is advising.

It is my Higher Self that draws experiences that will provide opportunities for soul growth. (This is usually where the phoenix-rising-from-the-ashes situations come into play.) So even when it's hard to go through, I know it's good for me. I try my best to honor any emotions and reactions that show up.

I do really well on some days, and other days it's an ego-fest free for all.

What a life! How cool is this?