Just like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, we can lose our way when life throws us curve balls as well as difficult obstacles to overcome. Like Dorothy, we seldom realize that all along we have had the power to return to that place of sanctuary, that safe spot where we can exhale a sigh of relief . Home is not so much a physical location as it is being comfortable in our own skin, and realizing that no matter where we go or travel to, we take ourselves with us, which in the truest sense is home.
Being at home with ourselves, means knowing who we are at the deepest level. It means being in touch with our emotions, values, beliefs, and our spirituality. It means trusting ourselves enough that we are not swayed by others value systems, and not changing who we are in order to fit into someone else’s paradigm or to meet their expectations. Becoming chameleons in order to please others is not only exhausting, but a fundamental denial of who we are as individuals.
To thine own self, be true. Always, always stay true to who your are unless you are harming yourself or others. March to the beat of your own drum. Take the road less traveled. Take risks, and above all, don’t be afraid . If you don’t risk, you don’t truly live. There are no mistakes, but there are plenty of opportunities for learning. Everything is subject to revision. If one path is blocked or doesn’t lead you to where you want to go, then take another one. Don’t keep running down the same blind alley only to find yourself at the same place, wondering why nothing ever changes.
During those times when you find yourself stressed, tired, overworked, anxious or depressed, check in with yourself. Ask yourself what you need in the moment to be OK. Perhaps its a warm bath, or settling down with a book. Maybe it’s a cup of tea. Make sure you take time to relax and de-stress, never forgetting that you trust yourself enough that you are going to make loving choices for you.
Here at Serenity cottage we kick our shoes off and sit barefoot on the porch, listening to the hum of bees in the garden, the rustling of the wind in the trees, the chorus of birds, ensuring that we are living entirely in the present. That’s the meaning of home. Being present to self.
