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Laura Coleman's avatar

Beautiful poem, I too feel this, fluctuating between acceptance and self doubt; but as the years pass I begin to see through it all and embrace the grace that falls at my feet. I also write with a similar feeling, here is my latest post, hope you’ll check it out. πŸ™πŸΌ

https://open.substack.com/pub/fairiesandgnomes/p/to-be-born?r=19igav&utm_medium=ios

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Susan Elizabeth's avatar

Thank you, Laura.πŸ™

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Humanity's Future's avatar

Because of my intrinsic personality plus my upbringing (nature and nurture), I have spent too much of my life feeling that who I am, what I contribute, is never enough. Really, I’m only coming out the other side of it at this point in my life. β€œLate”, I tell myself sometimes, which can lead to harmful regret. But, I still have road left ahead of me in this life, and within the context of my higher soul, β€œall of us” (all of my soul lives) are aware of and integrating this piece of learning. I find solace in that. This is a wonderful piece you have written with an important perspective, Sue, and I hope all of your readers listen and take it to heart.

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Susan Elizabeth's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Susan. I love that you’re β€˜coming out the other side’—it sounds like you’ve arrived in just the right place to move forward. Your awareness of your higher soul and the progress you’ve made is truly beautiful. I’m so glad this piece sparked some thoughts and this conversation with you. Thanks so much for your kind words.🩷

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Humanity's Future's avatar

I’m enjoying your space. Thank you, Sue. :)

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Susan Elizabeth's avatar

I’m so glad we’ve connected, Susan. It really feels like we’re kindred spirits.😊

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Humanity's Future's avatar

I hail from the same home country as you, although I have traveled and lived abroad with my partner for more than two decades. I miss home most at this time of year. I do think β€œkindred spirits” too. :)

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Susan Elizabeth's avatar

Wow! That’s not surprising to hear. I too miss this time of year most, it always was my favorite season. What country do you live in at the moment?

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Humanity's Future's avatar

Ecuador. We lived in a few countries on the other side of the world for a while. Brought a rescue cat from Thailand with us, so could relate to your story about moving your dogs. Also know Australia, so can't imagine the red tape between Canada and there. Ugh. There is way too much bureaucracy now. I was outraged about it. We were trying to bring a homeless cat that no one else wanted. Lol What a world.

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Dawna Kreis | Emberkeeper ❀️‍πŸ”₯'s avatar

Thank you for this reminder, Sue. πŸ’– I honestly don't have answers for you questions in this moment. I do think I will sit with them tonight, though.

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Susan Elizabeth's avatar

Thank you, Dawna. You’re so right, the questions don’t need answers straight away, just gentle sitting with.🩷

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Tony Mette Aamodt's avatar

Good reflections SusanπŸ’Ÿ As long as I remember who I am , follow and trust my heart I feel it’s enough. I wonder quite a lot though , because I am curiousπŸ˜‰ Curious about Life itself. There is so much we don’t know. I still in awe for so many things in Nature , and feel The belonging there is my anchor in life πŸ’šπŸŒΏ

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Susan Elizabeth's avatar

Thank you, Tony.

Your reflection is beautiful. I love how your curiosity and wonder seem to open you to life. And it’s wonderful that nature gives you such a strong sense of belonging and grounding.🩷✨

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Leanne | crestingthehill's avatar

Hi Susan - shutting out the noise helps - not comparing, letting others do their thing while we quietly go about finding our centre and living authentically from there. It's a journey - but it does happen when you finally let go of the stuff that really doesn't matter. Maybe it's an age thing too?

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Susan Elizabeth's avatar

Hi Leanne, I love the way you’ve described that, quietly finding our centre while letting go of what doesn’t really matter. There’s such freedom in that.

I do think age can contribute if we allow it, though sometimes it can work the other way, with ideas becoming more fixed over time.

Thank you for sharing this thoughtful reflection. πŸ’—

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Capry Cains's avatar

I agree , Leanne..

Shutting out the noise and do our thing.

How beautifully you have summed up the subject in few lines.

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Leanne | crestingthehill's avatar

Hi Capry - I chose Equanimity as my Word of the Year for 2024 to remind me to centre and ground myself and tune out the noise of this world we need to live in. :)

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Leo in L.A.'s avatar

Yeah, I so relate to this.

Waiting for integration. And there’s no warning. You just wake up one morning and old impulses are quieter, and new impulses have taken root.

My therapist describes the process as a spiral staircase. Every time you come around the view may look the same, but you *are* making progress, and the view eventually evolves. ☺️

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Susan Elizabeth's avatar

I’m so glad this resonated with you, Leo.

β€˜Waiting for integration’ is such a perfect way to describe it. And I love the way you put it, β€˜new impulses have taken root.’ There really is such relief in noticing that shift.

The spiral staircase image is wonderful, too… it captures the feeling of progress so well. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughtful perspective.β˜ΊοΈπŸ’•

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Capry Cains's avatar

Nice write-up Susan.

I don't think there is enoughness in life for ordinary people.

It requires extraordinary mental strength to cultivate that thought and insight to free the mind from MORE.

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Susan Elizabeth's avatar

Thank you, Capry. I appreciate your thoughtful comment. I love the way you put it, β€˜to free the mind from MORE.’ That’s so insightful.

You’re right, it does take mental strength. And I wonder if it can also begin gently, in small moments, when we notice that nothing is missing right now.🩷

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Capry Cains's avatar

Yes Susan , we can begin with small moments .

When contentment shows up , the need for 'more' dries up .

The perpetual dreams of 'wants' ceases and peace overtakes ..

But again , I feel , the mental strength and the wisdom is required to make that first effort to cultivate this mindset ...

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Susan Elizabeth's avatar

Yes, I get what you’re saying, Capry. That first effort sure does take strength and wisdom. Thanks for sharing this so thoughtfully.

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