As I celebrate my birthday today I look back over this past year and acknowledge how far I have come; it’s been a year in which I have experienced a major transition in my self-love journey. A year in which I have been focusing on not letting personal insecurities stand in the way of shining my light.
Over the course of the last 12 months, I was put to the test in various areas of my life, having to overcome some very difficult and often traumatic events that showed me what hitting rock bottom really looked like. As I sit and write this week’s blog, I realise that what has helped me the most this year, what has allowed me to finally see the light again after being stuck in a long, dark tunnel, was a deep trust and knowing in the Universe; a knowing that even though life throws us curve-balls, even though there are days when we simply cannot see the light, there is always beauty to be found even in what seems like the darkest of times. I understand now that spiritual growth is not always brought to us under sunny days and clear blue skies. Spiritual growth is often the consequence of having been surrounded by grey clouds, by stormy days and by visiting very deep, dark places
This year has definitely been one for the record books. The amount of difficulties, the ups and downs I have faced have been remarkable and at times overwhelming. But what I discovered is that even though it seemed like the pain would never pass, it always did and always does. Nothing lasts forever. As the Sufi poet Attar of Nishapur said, ‘’this too shall pass.’’
This brings to mind two lines from Rudyard Kipling’s poem If:
‘’If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same’’
The underlying themes for me this past year which have presented themselves disguised in each shattering moment are growth and resilience. The bumps we experience as we journey through life are there to serve a purpose; bumps exist so you can explore other paths and discover the deep, hidden parts of yourself that you never knew you had. So as I begin another new year, I am filled with gratitude for the emotionally resonant lessons I have learnt over the last 12 months and fully integrate them as I continue to travel along my spiritual path and connection to my higher self. I am deeply thankful for the gifts the Universe has bestowed upon me and I vow to be present and aligned with my passions and potential, appreciating the life that I have manifested for myself so far. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I am moving beyond the internal blocks which have been keeping me playing small my whole life.
If, like me, you have experienced or are in the midst of dark times, or your wounds are still healing, your heart still mending, or your hopes still faltering, remember that the Universe is showering you with blessings (even though it may not appear that way right now) and these gifts appear when you learn, through strength, courage and resilience, to embrace life as it is.
Have a blessed week. In love and light
Patrizia x
Patrizia Pisano 