Today I am honored to have as our guest, Megan Bord, from It’s All About Joy. Megan writes deep and meaningful pieces that touch very much upon that spot deep within us all, that connects us to our soul. And in that spot, she seeks to explore the joy we all have within us.
Read anything Megan writes, and you’ll quickly get a sense for just how deeply she believes this, that there is joy within us all. And that this joy is something we’re all entitled to. Isn’t that a refreshing thought! Joy is there for all of us, no matter where we are in our life journey. No matter what our past has been. A wonderful example of this is a recent piece she wrote, entitled Being The One, all about accepting ourselves as we are, today — and that being just where we should be — that there’s something very good about this place we’re in. I find that thought so life affirming!
Megan is a great friend, and writes words that come deep from within her soul. To keep up with what she’s doing, subscribe to her blog right here.
Today, Megan shares…
The Evolution of Our Heart’s Desire
photo credit: jah~ swamped
“For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” ~ Vincent van Gogh
Lance recently wrote a post entitled Detours on the Path of Life, which discussed life’s unplanned detours that force us to take a different path than what we may have intended. Davina at Shades of Crimson also wrote something compelling recently that ties in with what I’ve been thinking about related to my heart’s desires. (See her post entitled, A Sinking Feeling)
In my mid– to late-twenties, I had a lovely vision of how I wanted my life to go. I could see my big Victorian house on the New England coast, the partner I’d chosen to spend my time with, the one cat I would assuredly have, the career I’d excel in from the comforts of a home office, the car I would drive, the places I’d travel… You get the idea.
Like many spiritual seekers and students of a happier mind, I learned to mold my reality through the thoughts that I’d think. The more positive my frame of mind, the more positive my life turned out to be. I began this quest at age 25, and by the time I reached 30, I had read and studied a lot about law of attraction techniques. A couple years later, I became what some of my friends called a master manifester to the point that I could think a wishful thought and within hours or days, it would come true. Suddenly it’s as if in the blink of an eye I could have anything I wanted.
A funny thing happened, though, just after honing that ability: I became less inclined to seek things and more inclined to seek inner peace, gain a better understanding of my God-self, and come from a space of love in all that I do. The dreams I once had, while still lovely in their own right, no longer held the mysterious appeal they once did.
I think the shift took place earlier this year. In comments I’ve left on Kaushik’s blog Beyond Karma, I’ve talked openly about a moment of surrender I had this past spring. For ten months, from last year through the beginning of this year, I relapsed with an addiction that got the best of me. I fought it tooth and nail, too, arguing against everything it represented and pulling out every manifesting trick in the book to get beyond it. My dream at that time was to escape addiction once and for all.
The thing I hadn’t thought to do, though, was surrender. I was so busy trying to quantum leap my way past addiction using various visualization techniques that I never acknowledged the truth of the moment I was in. My denial kept me stuck, and that gripping feeling of being stuck petrified me. As a result, I kept spinning my wheels more and more until I was so jammed into the very state I tried to get out of that I had a minor breakdown.
One day in a flash, I spontaneously woke up to reality. I sort of fell to my knees in an all-out surrender, and for the first time in nearly a year, saw clearly the person I had become. I saw not what my conscious mind had been trying to portray I was all that time (the dream version of me), but instead I saw very clearly who I actually was. I saw what addiction had done to me, how I fooled myself into trying to dream my way past it, and how scared I was to face the facts.
In that very unmistakably awakened moment, I was freed.
Since then, recovery has been effortless. It seems less like something I do, and more like something I am.
And the same goes for those dreams of mine. I used to look at my dreams – the things I thought I wanted – and see them as something to strive for; something outside of me.
But now, as I look around with a fresh set of eyes which love the very moment I’m in no matter what that moment is, I see how my heart’s desires have evolved. Wherever I am is exactly where I want to be; however life is going is precisely what I want for myself right now. The day I woke up and embraced my addiction is the day I could finally release it. What a gift, since the process I went through helped me to realize that I’m living my dreams every second of every day and there is nothing I must wish into reality in order to be happier than I am right now. Whatever is, is my dream. And more simply than that, I am the living, breathing, walking and talking evolution of my heart’s greatest desires.
What about you: what do your dreams look like now compared to even a few years ago? Have your heart’s desires evolved over time?
“The thing I hadn’t thought to do, though, was surrender.”
I’ll confess: I still haven’t learned to surrender, accept, and just BE. Working on it, though.
.-= Vered — Blogger for Hire´s Last Fabulous Post ..Obama’s Speech to Kids =-.
Hi Megan and Lance — I really love this post. “I am the living, breathing, walking and talking evolution of my heart’s greatest desires” — what an astonishingly beautiful, and accurate, way of putting things! I really enjoy the way you have described moving towards finding expression of your true inner self (rather than ego desires), Megan!
.-= Robin´s Last Fabulous Post ..Love Gives Us Life =-.
Surrender is the key. I have had many dreams…some were perfectly in line with what I wanted and they manifested quickly. And then some others never manifested at all. I used to get so upset when those dreams did not materialize. I would get angry at the universe for not giving me what I wanted…but now looking back, it was for the best.
What I realize now is that it’s the journey to the dream that is most important. Getting the dream is just the icing on the cake…
.-= Caroline´s Last Fabulous Post ..Celebrate your body – water park edition =-.
I am a great believer in ‘Everything happens for a reason’. I also believe in ‘Energy flows where attention goes’ and if you are fighting something negative, then all your energy is wasted in the negative, whereas it should be focused on the postive. And I believe in:
’Anything you resist, persists — and gets stronger’ . And sometimes, by fighting against something (even a bad habit) you resist it and it actually becomes stronger. It’s like with hiccups. The more you try to get rid of them, the more they seem to stick. And once you stop thinking about them, they seem to mysteriously disappear
Surrendering is not the same as giving up though.
As Sue Ludwig puts it in her post (http://christinekane.com/blog/how-to-surrender-without-giving-up/ ):
Surrendering is a decision and it keeps you connected — and it is drama-free.
Surrender doesn’t mean you’re weak or you didn’t try. It means you’ve tried all you can and you’re consciously choosing to let go.
.-= Mindful Mimi´s Last Fabulous Post ..The future belongs to right brainers =-.
Megan,
I loved reading your experience of surrendering — I used to have bulimia and was in denial too until one day I looked into the mirror after a bout of throwing up and saw how scary I looked. So I literally saw what the addiction was doing to me, and I know you identify.
Funnily enough, my heart’s desires are in the opposite direction from yours. I used to focus so much on spirituality and inner peace and beauty. Lately I’ve started to enjoy the good things in life, and finally found the self-worth to spend lots of money on myself buying luxury brands and just enjoying the quality surrounding me now. I’m sure the pendulum will swing back one day and I’ll give away everything and become a hermit or something
Lance,
Thanks for sharing Megan’s post here today. You’ve got a really good roster of guest posters!
.-= Daphne @ Joyful Days´s Last Fabulous Post ..How Original is Your Faith? =-.
I love this post! And I’d like to copy and paste everything Mimi said cos it perfectly articulates my own thoughts. (Except for the bit about Sue Ludwig’s post cos I haven’t read it yet). But unfortunately I swing between surrender and resistance all the time — so I’m off to read Sue’s post, looks like just what I need
Thanks Megan and Lance — this was perfect!!
.-= Hilda´s Last Fabulous Post ..The A — Z of Happiness: E is for … =-.
Hello and thank you, Lance, for inviting me here today. What an honor! As I wrote in my email to you, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. and popped out of bed like it was Christmas morning. Eeeeee!!! (Happy noise, Happy noise!)
And I hope everyone is aware of what an auspicious day it is: 9÷9÷09 (a triple triple trinity… MY GOSH!)
On to the great comments (!!!):
Hi, Vered!
I couldn’t surrender until I did. I didn’t know how to just be until I was. I’m rather obstinate, and while I understand concepts and how important some things are, until I’m ready to live them, they stay very cerebral. The good news is that the Universe is always willing to nudge me where I need to go when I need to go there. I didn’t love what I was going through at the time, but looking back I couldn’t have learned about surrender and acceptance any other way.
I’m grateful for your good comment!
Hi, Robin!
Thank you so much for your supportive comment! I spent years trying to soothe my ego through meditation and get at life’s so-called true meaning. As I told Vered, though, I wasn’t able to live it — it stayed just a concept bouncing around in my head. I had to manifest the jarring experience that I did to shake me awake into a greater reality, and to give me in no uncertain terms not just a taste but an entire meal of what’s really important. Every day when I wake up (even at 4:30 a.m.!) I feel it inside of me, and it’s marvelous.
Hi, Caroline!
I can really relate to what you’ve written here. Whenever I didn’t get something in those early days I thought, “What the…?” I figured I did something wrong and lost my magical manifesting touch. Then a bit later I learned to accept that not getting stuff we think we want can be just as important as getting the stuff we think we want. And as I relaxed into the idea that everything in my life is perfect just as it is, well that’s when my heart sort of burst open even further and made the journey, as you said, more important than the destination. Thank you for sharing your good thoughts!
Hi, Mimi!
Boy I could have used your help to spur me along the path of recovery earlier this year! The funny thing is, I knew just what you said — I had studied it, given lectures on it, the works. I thought I was being tricky by trying to manifest my way past the unpleasant experience I was stuck in, not realizing that my subconscious is smarter than I give it credit for. I thought that by imagining what I did want (recovery, health, freedom), that’s where I’d float to. I didn’t think the subconscious would catch on and say, “Wait a second… By wanting something better, you’re actually resisting where you are. Hmm… I’m going to go with that old resist-persist manifest if you don’t mind.“
I love what you pointed out about surrender not being a weakened state, and enjoyed reading Sue’s post when it initially went live on Christine’s site. It spoke to me, as you have today. Thank you!
Hi, Daphne!
I identify with what you’ve said in more ways than one; thank you for sharing something so personal. I sort of chuckled when I read the next part of your comment, though, about living it up now and someday maybe resorting to hermit life and giving it all away again. Isn’t that just how this life goes? That constant ebb and flow of energies, lessons, desires, states of mind. I think it’s great that you shower yourself with life’s finer things — good for you! You are worth it, and if God didn’t want us to have fun he wouldn’t have surrounded us with such fun people and stuff to enliven our senses with. (My humble opinion!) Thank you for adding your voice and positive energy to what I wrote. I’m grateful.
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s a Jungle Out There =-.
Hi, Hilda!
Sue’s post was fabulous and very inspirational. I hope you enjoy it, and appreciated your comment!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s a Jungle Out There =-.
Hi Megan,
I just read it and realised a synchronicity while doing so. I kinda just posted about Surrender myself — only I called it Ease and Effortlessness. Off to check out your blog now — can’t wait
“The day I woke up and embraced my addiction is the day I could finally release it. ”
Thank you for such a lovely, thought provoking post. It’s just so inspiring to see how you were able to release and grow.
My dreams for myself change almost daily it seems. But the overarching dream is that I will be a good influence on all those with whom I come into contact, and the legacy I leave behind will be rich.
.-= Diane, Fit to the Finish´s Last Fabulous Post ..Support and Weight Loss =-.
Hi Megan,
Good to see you here on Lance’s blog! I loved this article and thank you for sharing it.
There is a certain power that comes from “letting go” or from vulnerability isn’t there? Visualization and the power of focusing our thoughts are are undeniably extremely “real” and effective tools for shaping our lives, but so is letting go, surrendering ourselves.
There is much joy in the journey and this is what I have discovered while chasing down my dreams. Took me some time to come to that understanding and it changed my life.
Thanks Megan!
.-= Keith´s Last Fabulous Post ..Your Mind The Helm, Your Thoughts The Rudder =-.
Megan -
What a wonderful post and message. It takes so much courage to share your story with others. I admire that.
Nothing turned out the way I thought or planned, but life is pretty good.
And there are new dreams always under consideration.
.-= Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Business as usual, food groups and games =-.
Oh, Megan! I just want to hug you! I’m so used to thinking of you as “Joy Girl” that it’s hard sometimes to imagine you going through your most difficult days. I’m so proud of you for overcoming such a huge challenge and coming through on the other side with beautiful life lessons to share with the rest of us.
The more I get to know you, the more you absolutely amaze me.!
As for me and my dreams?… complete turnaround. When I was in college and grad school I was going to “conquer the world”. All I thought about was MBAs, BMWs and LearJets to go see the world in. Now I don’t care one bit about ANYTHING money can buy. My dream now is for everyone I know to be happy. I guess now my dreams are “All About Joy!”
.-= Lisis´s Last Fabulous Post ..Adventure: Lessons From Niagara Falls =-.
Megan, what a great post! And how exciting to be a guest blogger on The Jungle of Life!
I think that my heart’s desires have evolved over the years, but they’ve always centered around the idea of writing. First I wanted to be a journalist, then I wanted to be the editor of Vogue (still kinda do if I could handle all of those mean women!), then I wanted to (and still want to be!) a published author. And, in the middle of that, I became a blogger too. I think it’s pretty common for people to have a central theme that sticks with them but for the ideas around that theme to change. Really great post. Loved it! 
.-= Positively Present´s Last Fabulous Post ..the difference between happy and not unhappy =-.
I recently lost my job in a corporate layoff. As they say, it has been the best of times and the worst of times.
My perspective on so many things has changed as a result from my priorities, goals, relationships, and dreams.
I know in the end that this change will result in something great. I just need to follow the joy. Thanks for the reminder.
.-= Joanna´s Last Fabulous Post ..Open House Party! =-.
The idea of quantum leaping is funny…amazing what our ego wants us to do. I also agree surrendering is something we want to white knuckle and at the same time have our way.
Megan this is an amazing post and the beginning of a book!
“Wherever I am is exactly where I want to be; however life is going is precisely what I want for myself right now.” This line says exactly what E. Tolle’s book is all about! And you’re there. How exciting is that?
I like what Lisis says, “My dreams are for everyone to be happy.” How loving…
Thanks for such a genuine and though provoking article.
Hi Lance!
Megan,
It has been wonderful to come to know you of late. I agree with Lance that your heart is so open and receptive, it is a joy to be with you, even in the blogosphere. Like you, I have walked the path of “manifesting” and did make most of my dreams come true, including being a published author and finding (finally!) deep and profound love. But these days, things are different. I am less goal directed, and more inner directed. I welcome what this loving Universe has to offer, both invitations and “detours.” (Though, truthfully, I think all detours are invitations…) There is great power, joy and contentment in living with ease, with grace, with elegance (as Chogyam Trungpa states): with an open mind, an open heart, and open hands to receive what we are given–then making a life out of that. It’s a wonderful peace-filled way to live. And, amazingly, dreams still do come true! Love to you and thank you for sharing your gifts…
Megan, thanks for sharing such an inspiring story. Reconnecting with that ever-serene part of yourself shifts perception of what matters. You remember the soul only knows perpetual bless.Everythng else is a temporary distraction from your natural feeling and expressions of love.
.-= Liara Covert´s Last Fabulous Post ..When do you reframe destiny? =-.
I don’t consider the timing of your post coincidence. Just today I had a revelation and was therefore able to embrace the reality of a situation that has been dogging me for years. I always attempted to use my “mind power” (and partly, denial) to conquer it, but today I embraced and acknowledged it; declared that my own human strength means and is nothing, that is what gave me this new peace I’m experiencing today. I’m going to nurture this revelation and enjoy the benefits of coming out of that dogged situation. Your post is confirmation that I did the right thing…finally!
.-= Yum Yucky´s Last Fabulous Post ..Return to Bizarre-O-World, Episode 6 =-.
Hi Lance — You keep knocking every post right out of the park. You are in the blogging Zone. I just thought everyone should agree on this before I got to Megan.
Hi Megan — This post is enormous. It’s huge. There is gigantic spirituality enveloping and proclaiming the concept of surrender. We surrender to Christ in Christianity, to a higher power in 12-step programs, to powerlessness against the greatness of Allah or Yahweh, to the innate wisdom of Confucius, , to the paradox within the zen, and on and on. We stop trying so hard. And in the absence of striving, we are more highly capable. We ignore the ego, who is the source of friction. We are a molecule in the stream of life. It’s as though the bonds loosen, like Houdini’s, when we relax. The reality of who we are then bursts forth in joy. In our acceptance, we become new again. And then we can be.
What a fabulous place you inhabit now! It is stunning to reflect on achieving a greater reality than the one we live in when we are only self-propelled. Thank you for sharing the magic of what has happened.
Awesome post. I think it’s amazing that when we surrender, how much changes in our lives. What amazes me is that we get into personal development because we want our lives to change, yet part of making those changes is doing so with no resistance to our current circumstances. I think it’s one of the most challenging components of personal growth.
.-= Srinivas Rao´s Last Fabulous Post ..Uni-tasking to control ADHD =-.
Ahhh yes, learning to let go. More than anything else, I’ve been struggling with this concept lately. So many things that I know I need to just…let go. I need to surrender, and trust that everything will work out OK. It’s hard though. It takes a great deal of faith, and my faith has been shaken to the core recently, so I just don’t trust like I should.
.-= Jay Schryer´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Last Boy Scout =-.
This is an amazing post. Thank you so much for writing and sharing it. I have been learning a lot about letting go and surrendering in the past few weeks — truly trusting that things will be okay and as they are meant to be. Saying the words, well, that is much easier than actually doing it as different events keep coming to light asking me once again to trust, let go, and surrender.
And yet, with surrender comes that ability to live in the moment and flurish…
I love this post!
.-= The Exception´s Last Fabulous Post ..Blank Paper =-.
Hi Lance, Hi Megan!
Megan, this is a wonderful, insightful and thoughtful post. Your story is compelling–and the way you have learned and grown so much from your experiences is absolutely awesome. You are the embodiment of living from the inside out! I am deeply touched to know you!
.-= Jodi at Joy Discovered´s Last Fabulous Post ..Off the Shelf: 365 Tao~Time =-.
Lance — SUPERB choice in featuring Megan! Hugs for that!
And Megan, you little sweetheart! FABULOUS post! You are wise wayyyy beyond your years! What I love is how you so soulfully reveal to us all the reasons you are such a Joy Girl and the lessons you’ve learned.
Surrender. Great teacher! You know, when we are young, we are sort of taught that surrender means giving up, folding, collapsing in a failure to maintain something. To me, that is only PART of the meaning, like the black side of it, the lay down your sword side. There is a gentler side of it. You learn that when you come to a full understanding of your personal limitations without judging them as a bad thing. Pairing surrender with acceptance, and the fine art of letting go reduces the trauma/drama and the crushing-to-the-spirit feeling that can accompany “surrender”.
That being said, I spent many years in the White Flag Factory! Black and blue knees to boot! It’s only now, now that I have a harder time getting UP from being on my knees, that I’ve learned to just say, “This is working for me, let’s try something else” and I say it to myself with love.
.-= suzen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Neurotic, Normal, or No Limits? =-.
Megan, I too know that wonderful Christmas Morning feeling of being on Lance’s blog. Isn’t it great!!
Surrender to be truly free, in so many things. Surrender is true strength.
God bless and thank you so much for opening your heart and sharing.
.-= Jannie Funster´s Last Fabulous Post ..What To Do When The Power Goes Out =-.
Hi Megan,
First of all, congratulations on the guest post! Yay! That is awesome.
Like you, my mid-life crisis started when I was 25. There is something about that age because I have met so many people who started to question their lives at that time.
For me, there was a time when I wanted to have a certain kind of career, a certain kind of life and so on. Looking back at it, it is kind of funny because now none of those things seem like bliss. If anything, they seem quite shallow.
As for surrendering, we all have to reach that awareness eventually. I am happy that you reached it already. You go, girl.
.-= Nadia — Happy Lotus´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday Song for September 6, 2009 =-.
Megan sweetie,
If only it were possible for me to come and hug you physically right now.….
I had tears in my eyes.…and cried for nearly an hour after reading this.
Two reasons this beautiful journey of yours got to me:
1]I saw myself in it.…I remembered all i went through to get to this point where i am Now.The perfect place for me to be.
2]I couldnt imagine My Megan…all full of joy and always spreading so much joy with every comment.…to be stuck in an addiction phase. But i guess we are all human, and are bound to make mistakes. In learning from them do we become better and grow spiritually. And you grew and are now safely flying to great height of spiritual awareness.
I am so glad you shared such a personal life altering experience with us here. Is has deeply moved me and led me to think of my evolved desires. The childish, materialistic desires.…that have evolved to quite, serene and more spiritual desires. The one most important desire for me today is to attain Oneness with my Maker through service to others. Please pray Megan(my joyful angel), That i am successful.
Did i tell you what an honor it is for me to have met such a beautiful soul such as yourself??
Lots of love and hugs to you.
Hi Lance,
Youre just awesome to let Megan do a guest post here. She has brought so much joy today to your jungle of life and to all who have come here today. Thank you Lance
.-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s Last Fabulous Post ..Self Realization =-.
Now you hit on a topic that is dear to my heart. One I am currently writing a post about. I’ll share some of my thoughts here.
I have found that American culture (and many other cultures) all too often doesn’t take into account the SOUL. And we not only don’t take it into account we RUN from our souls. Soul is not all neat and tidy and it is like a deep powerful river with a will and agenda all its own. We humans like to be in control, like to think that we can just use our mind to move beyond or control anything we don’t like or which makes us uncomfortable.
We are a group of people who almost frantically, desperately clings to “mind power” to charge our thoughts and lives, to manifest away anything we don’t like or anything we “want”. And this CAN be a powerful and highly useful skill in terms of living happier more joyful lives.…BUT that said, I believe that all too often we deny the Soul its pithy journey of underworld discovery. Soul has little use for social edict, law of attraction, or mind over matter, or any of the “raise up the spirit” type of things we are all so drawn to of late. Soul thrives on learning through gutsy experience (face in the mud experience), and in ways that often don’t look remotely neat, serene or socially acceptable.
Even many of our psych professionals and beliefs crush Soul buy wanting to rush in and “get to the cause” not always with the intent to explore but with the intent to fix it, get it under control, make it go away, transcend it, make it presentable, and so forth. I would go so far as to say that we often define the manifestations of soul as “illness” where prescription drugs are brought into play to “get under control” the errant personality. I’m not saying that there might not be times when this is truly needed. But we live in a society that is using prescription drugs to control and even eradicate Soul.…and our very evolution. There are currently Ph.D.s who are starting to suspect that ADD and ADHD and other related “disorders” may be part of our evolution. You might enjoy this article: http://www.opednews.com/articles/Why-The-Increase-In-ADHD-D-by-Dr-Kevin-Emery-090820–471.html
I realize this strays from “addictions” but I have found and know friends who have explored their addictions as one would go on a Soul Journey. It is a portal to deep vast growth and evolution of the soul. I never had drug, alcohol, food, sex, TV, computer, or any of those type of addictions, but when I was much much younger I came face to face with emotional addictions, modes of emotional response that I was addicted to. I am writing about it in my second book (first book is with my agent). Anyway, I learned that most of us have addictive behaviors and don’t even know it UNLESS it manifest in a flagrant way.
You are embarking on a great Soul Journey. All that is happening, including the addiction, is a“part of” and NOT a “apart from” your Great Journey. There is little in us that is “to be got rid of”, and only that which is to be explored, understood and flowed through and “with”. Everything is perfect and in love. You are not made up of parts, good and bad, right and wrong. You are ALREADY a whole and intrinsic human being. I wish you well as you continue to explore your Soul. Keep faith, go with great courage into the Unknown and TRUST that your soul, that Life, knows what it’s doing. It had to have known what it’s doing or YOU would not be here.
Sorry this so long, but your brave heart and honesty inspired me greatly. I think I will use much of my writing here in my post. Thank you dear soul. Robin
.-= Robin Easton´s Last Fabulous Post ..Dare to Take Risks =-.
Hi, Diane!
Thank you for your warm, supportive comment. It means a lot to me. At the time I didn’t think I’d say this, but I’d go through the whole experience again based on what it allowed me to accomplish at the deepest levels of myself.
The dream you shared for yourself is so beautiful; I can’t think of a better overarching dream to have, frankly. Inspirational and very loving. A rich legacy, indeed.
Hi, Keith!
Thanks – I love being here on Lance’s blog. It’s like taking a vacation to a really cool place with all of my closest friends.
You said a mouthful about the power that comes from allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. The best things in life have been welcomed into my energy when I’ve simply let go. I love that you’ve found joy in the journey. Our journeys aren’t always easy, and yet I’m learning that they’re always perfect to teach us exactly what we need to know at any given time.
Here’s wishing you a lifetime of joy and dreams come true!
Hi, Lynn!
Thank you for showing such support and warmth. I get nervous sometimes at admitting my truth to others – fleeting fear, as I call it – but truly it’s authentic, and I’m learning to honor every part of who I am, even the uncertain parts!
I am reassured by your statement that despite life not following the exact path you may have envisioned, it’s turned out all right. Better yet, I love the phrase you used here: “there are new dreams always under consideration.” So hopeful and full of life! I’ll remember that in the future, and appreciate your good energy on this topic.
Hi, Lisis!
I’ll take that hug and send one back for your awesome use of my blog name in your comment! Man, that was creative. Thank you for sharing such loving sentiments. My goodness, you’ve made me feel very secure and appreciated, which I’m grateful for.
The new dreams you shared – I really relate to that. The “stuff” doesn’t matter as much to me anymore. Sure, it’s nice to be able to pay bills comfortably, but if I had to choose between that and the security of knowing the people I love felt happy and peaceful, the latter would win out effortlessly.
Thank you for adding your brilliant light to this conversation.
Hi, Dani!
Thank you for not only sharing your enthusiastic comment, but for sharing your dreams. You’re a wonderful writer with a contagious affect; I think the world is your oyster shell!
Hi, Joanna!
I’m so sorry about your current circumstances. I have many friends who were laid off earlier this year, and that’s never an easy thing to handle. I’m sending big, positive energy your way. In the meantime, anything you can do to stay focused on the positive aspects of life can only help. I’ve always held tightly to the notion that “Man’s rejection is God’s protection” as well as the old saying “everything happens for a reason.” We can’t always see why when we’re knee-deep in something, but later on it becomes wonderfully clear. Good luck and lots of love to you!
Hi, Tess!
Oh if only you could see what the monkeys inside this head of mine are up to on a regular basis. Quantum leaps are just the beginning. There aren’t enough bananas in the world to keep these guys quiet!
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. When I’m able to quiet myself and step back with a third-person observer mentality, I am frequently overwhelmed at how fast it seems I’m learning certain lessons. It’s humbling, really. And yes, Lisis’s dream for everyone to be happy was so touching and beautiful… I loved reading it. I’m grateful for your good support!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s a Jungle Out There =-.
Hi, Jan!
The company I’m in is just astonishing – so much love, talent, and kindness abound throughout this community. It takes my breath away. Thank your for what you said, as well as what you shared. “I am less goal directed and more inner directed.” What a fabulous way of putting that. I also deeply appreciated reading “with…open hands to receive what we are given-then making a life out of that.” I needed to read that exact sentiment today when I did. Jan, every time we connect it’s like you’re right in front of me, reaching your arms out and welcoming me into your heart. Thank you doesn’t seem nearly enough, but for now it will have to do. ( * bow * )
Hi, Liara!
I’m glad that, as you said, the distractions are temporary. Perpetual bliss is the loveliest thought, and I’m always grateful for how you word things. You remind me of my soul’s greatness. Thank you!
Hi, Yum Yucky!
What an incredible thing to share; wow! I’m thrilled for you and wish you continued peace and freedom. Thank you so much for commenting!
Hi, Betsy!
“We stop trying so hard. And in the absence of striving, we are more highly capable.” What an incredible writer you are; gracious. I should have had YOU write this post! I will be reading your comment another few times because it’s packed with magic and inspiration. I feel like everything you wrote is what I hoped to convey… Thank you for sharing your awesome energy!
Hi, Srinivas!
I agree completely with you – letting go of our resistance, in theory, should be easy. Throw an over trained mind or ego into the mix, though, and all bets are off! My greatest accomplishments have been when I let go a little, and allowed, as Betsy said, the reality of who I am to burst forth and shine.
Thanks for your great comment!
Hi, Jay!
When things are the diciest is when we need to walk our talk more than ever, and yet those times are when it feels the hardest. For me, anyway. I’m sending big energy your way. Surrender and faith have ways of finding us, even if we’re not willing to go looking for them. And I know like I know that everything works out for our highest good.
Thank you for sharing here today. I’m very grateful.
Hello to The Exception!
(It feels funny writing that, but in a good way!) I see so many people lately in situations that are begging them to let go; to give in and allow the Universe to work its magic. I know how tough that can be, and as I said to Jay, I always believe that everything works to move us in closer alignment with our highest good. With who we really are, and where we’re meant to be. I have faith in you. You will, indeed, flourish!
Hi, Jodi!
Thank you incredibly for sharing such love and warmth. I’m honored by your words as well as your always radiant energy.
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s a Jungle Out There =-.
Megan,
Reading your post today was uncanny..is that the current adjective to describe that my writing on my blog today was about surrendering to my situation and that I’ve decided to dream big and realize that dream.
My best friend battles and addiction that faith can’t touch yet. It is a tumultuous time and hard to watch doubt and fear close someone down. But a poignant daily reminder of what faith can do if you allow it.
Thank you for promoting joy in the world. There is such an abundance and in this somewhat challenging universal time joy is not only abundant, it is free!!!
And I love the picture..ethereal one that I am:)
Beautiful, insightful post. Thank you Lance, for allowing Megan space.
Lots of peace:)
.-= Joy´s Last Fabulous Post ..Enjoying the day =-.
Hi, Suzen!
Oh goodness, I love how you make me smile (and laugh, and just feel so good with your lighthearted energy!). Thank you!
Pairing surrender and acceptance – what a perfect thought. I found myself nodding along with what you wrote about being younger and what we’re taught about surrender at that point. You’ve helped me realize that part of my struggle is conditioning, and I know I can work to release or change that.
I am constantly learning from you, and am grateful! (What visuals you give me, too!)
Hi, Janine!
I first learned about you through Lance’s blog, and always enjoy the comments of yours I see around this awesome community of ours. Surrender is true strength – yes. And as Suzen said, paired with acceptance it’s quite an elixir.
Thank you for lending your great energy to this post. I appreciate it!
Hi, Nadia!
Oh gosh, I’m happy, too! I’d love to get all the hard lessons out of the way early while I still have the energy to write about them. (wink) Whenever I read about the growth you’ve experienced, where you came from and what you’ve accomplished, I’m amazed. You inspire me on a daily basis, so for that and for your always wonderful comments, I thank you.
Hi, Zeenat!
Well now I’m going to cry! Goodness, you’re so full of love and kindness in all you do and say. I often don’t have words to express just how much knowing you – sharing the same time/space continuüm – means to me. I must have done some things very, very right in a former life to deserve the love and friendship of someone like you. (Thank you, God!)
One day I would like to hear more about your journey. I have a feeling it would stop me in my tracks. The lessons I set up for myself in this life pale in comparison to others, but they teach me, nonetheless. They teach me how to love in the grandest sense, without limit and without expectation. And then I see people like you, who inspire me through their daily actions and ability to spread positivity far and wide. I will pray for your success, Zeenat, but that seems like praying that the sun will rise. It seems that you are destined to have, do and be anything you want and you’re already well on your way to a life of serving others. In this comment, alone, you served me incredibly.
Huge hug to you, and gratitude.
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s a Jungle Out There =-.
Surrender is so hard to actually do. I admit that I have my addictions too. They aren’t life consuming, but I do rely on them to make me feel better. I’ve been working on replacing my addictions with more positive habits. Instead of needing a beer on the weekend I meditate. Instead of staying on Twitter I practice Yoga. This doesn’t always happen, but it does happen more and more as each week passes.
These more positive habits have helped me improve my happiness and health. Which really go hand in hand.
My dreams have definitely evolved. I wanted to be rich by the time I was 30. I now know that what I always wanted was to teach other people be happier. As my goals have changed it’s been interesting to see what actions I pursue.
.-= Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s Last Fabulous Post ..Career Renegade Interview =-.
Hi Megan and Lance. It’s funny how our biggest struggles often result in our biggest gifts. Megan, it’s so great to see how you’ve come out the other side with a higher self awareness and new lessons learnt.
My dreams have evolved quite a lot. They are far less materialistic now and more about giving back. I’ve also found they are based around creativity — something I’ve previously thought I didn’t have a lot of!
Thanks Megan, off to practise surrendering!
.-= Sami — Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Importance of Being Selfish =-.
Thanks for sharing your powerful story. People need to hear that there is hope! I do believe that we spend all our energy fighting against something and that energy keeps it alive and well. We must surrender, release our grip and let God decide what will be. I love what you said about it’s not something you do, but something you are. That is wonderful. Congratulations on escaping your own prison! Only the strongest of the strong can do that…
.-= Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Fearless =-.
Thank you Lance for asking Megan to write this wonder full post and sharing it here.
The moments of surrender for me have always come in crisis — I did not know what they were or what to call it when as I child I would manifest this feeling. Then when sitting in the hot steamy bathroom rocking an ill baby who could not breath — would call upon that childish notion of surrender and pull the infection out of their body or ear or throat until the breathing became normal and they surrendered to healing sleep. I would sing to them until I could release and put them back to their bed — and fall into a very deep sleep.
I have had the feeling recently that I used up all my credits gained in childhood on my children because I can not now do this for myself. It is a letting go I am wanting to achieve.
Thank you
.-= Patricia´s Last Fabulous Post ..Book Review: The Science of Passion; The Art of Romance ~Ken Tanner =-.
Hi Lance and thanks so much for having Megan! She is exactly as you described in her writing, and her personality which comes through without mistake in every word.
Hi Megan!
My God, what a beautiful, authentic, deep and moving reflection. It is amazing that you were able to reach that level of manifesting, but even more so that you came to grow to understand and uncover much deeper truths, about life and about yourself! That is freedom indeed.
I absolutely was so moved by what you said near the end that “whatever is, is your dream” — yes, yes, yes!!! So often we go searching for things and people to bring us happiness, but that happiness was always within us to begin with. We just have to be open to it!
.-= Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Akashic Record Reading With Akemi Gaines =-.
Hi Megan — that sounds like a powerful experience, and it’s always amazing to me that allowing whatever we’re feeling is available to us in every moment, whether we’re talking about something that seems really significant like an addiction to something run of the mill like a minor irritation.
amazing post Megan. I can so relate to that feeling of fighting (or striving) and not getting anywhere and how much I grow and accomplish when I let go. Wonderful perspective. thanks for sharing!
.-= brandi´s Last Fabulous Post ..delicious encourager spotlight:: melly =-.
Hi Lance and Megan,
This is a beautiful, honest and thought provoking post. Like others who commented before me, my favorite part is where you said, “…I’m living my dreams every second of every day and there is nothing I must wish into reality in order to be happier than I am right now. Whatever is, is my dream.” What a powerful statement.
Megan, thank you for opening your heart and sharing part of your journey. Your words are a great reminder to live in the moment and to make each moment count.
P.S. Like you, my dreams and hearts desires have changed. I know for certain, happiness lies within me, and cannot be found in a possession.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s Last Fabulous Post ..Recipe For Blog Success =-.
Hi, Robin!
Thank you for your incredible response to my post. Wow… I’m speechless at how much time and energy you spent responding, and with such wisdom and heart. I need to visit the link you provided, and look forward to reading the post you’re working on. You really have intrigued me, and I so appreciate everything you said about the fact that what I went through was a part of my journey, and doesn’t mean I was apart from my soul’s purpose. I truly believe that.
I’m honored to have read your wonderful words. In gratitude!
** ** ** ** ** ** **
I’m off to bed for a few hours after returning home from a surprise birthday party for my brother. The four-hour drive that was well worth it. Thank you for your patience, amazing comments (I’m in awe… ), and love. I look forward to responding further in the morning!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s a Jungle Out There =-.
> I learned to mold my reality through the thoughts that I’d think. The more positive my frame of mind, the more positive my life turned out to be.
Very well put. I like how you turned your positive thinking into positive doing.
.-= J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..What’s Their Story =-.
All — Thank you so much for the deeply thoughtful and caring comments to Megan’s article here. She has shared so openly herself with us, and in turn — I really believe that helps all of us be more open to expressing ourselves. Your words have much meaning for me, everyone of you — and I’m moved by the expressions of love I’ve felt in all of this.
Megan,
The real gifts are your words and all the amazing comments. And I really believe that speaks to how much this article really touched people. You have a gift of being able to connect through the written word, in how you express yourself — that really creates a “safe” environment for open dialogue. I’m honored to witness that here today.
It’s easy to mask our real image. To believe we’re seeing ourselves as we really are, when in reality, we’re seeing only the mask we put up. The real us is there, though, always. Even when it’s the not person we really want to see. Taking off those masks can be difficult and even scary. We’re exposing the real us to ourselves. Yet, if we don’t — who are we fooling? Only ourselves. And getting to our deeper core, that isn’t going to happen when we’re swayed by images we’re making up for ourselves. I’m guessing we’ve all been there — where we see ourselves in a different light than our true presence. I know I have. If we can get to that point, though, that spot where we “surrender” — and let the real us shine (tarnished as we may be) — that’s when we start to make real progress toward that something deeper within us.
And here in this space, the real us exposed — our true heart is exposed. And there’s much beauty in that — even when it feels like there isn’t. Because I believe it does lead us to what matters at a much deeper level. And these are the dreams that are so worth pursuing. My dreams today are much more focused on being deeply meaningful for me. And that has become things like deeper connections with others, and really touching upon ways to leave the world a better place. I don’t know, maybe that sounds a bit “pie in the sky”, and I know that some days these dreams are the last thing from my mind. Still, when I look deep, and when I can really connect with that spot, that’s what’s there… Now, getting to make that more of a focus in life…I’m working on that…
Megan, thank you for sharing so openly and courageously. I feel your heart pouring out in these words, and that’s a beautiful gift you’ve given to the world!
Hi Megan .. that was really interesting — whatever our addiction, be it not a true addiction (in your sense), but just an irritating habit that we can’t step off the band wagon for .. we need to learn to accept that we are it .. and only we can help ourselves — even if the only word and course possible is a shout of “help”.
Thanks very much — Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..Nuts with Peepholes, a name for talking about … =-.
Hi, Karl!
I listened to a talk given by Adyashanti a few months ago where he said that the conscious mind is the biggest addict imaginable (i.e., our egos). Whether it’s affection, attention, drugs, booze, food, sex, TV, what-have-you – we’re all addicts.. Hearing him say that really meant something to me. My addiction wasn’t life threatening, either, in the medical sense. Yet it definitely detracted from my life in noticeable ways. Mainly the fact that my brain was consumed in everything but the present moment.
I liked how you’ve been able to identify your own distracters and take steps to lessen or eliminate them. I think that’s huge, and obviously very empowering as your experiences have pointed out.
It was also cool to see how your dreams have changed. I wonder if in our teens and 20’s most of us want those normal egoic types of things, such as wealth and fame? But then, maybe, as we get older our brains naturally evolve so that more of our divine nature comes to life and surfaces, thus driving our actions? I’m sure someone has studied that, and I should probably look into it!
I can’t wait to read your latest post, by the way. Thanks for commenting here; I’m so very grateful!
Hi, Sami!
I love the energy you add to all that you do. When you guest posted at the Jungle a couple months ago, I remember thinking, “Wow, that girl is really onto something in this thing called life.” I appreciate what you said about my evolution (thank you!), and moreover, feel myself changing in the same ways you described when it comes to dreams. Less materialistic, definitely, and that creativity thing — I never thought I’d say this, but I do love creating moments of connection with other people through words… And saying that aloud, well, it feels really good. My dream is to be able to continue doing that for a living. I felt a great kinship reading your comment. Thank you so much!
Hi, Audra!
Well said – what we resist persists… Gosh, how many times have I heard and spoken that phrase to people, only to have it sneak in the back door of my life and show me I hadn’t yet learned how to live it?! I’m grateful for your good energy and support on this post. Your words touched me. Thank you!
Hi, Patricia!
Your story about childhood – calling back to it to help another… I almost don’t know what to say. Such an intense vision went through my head as I read your comment, and when I saw your words, “I cannot now do this for myself…It is a letting go I am wanting to achieve.” As I said to Jay, I honestly think that when we say to the Universe, “I want to learn this lesson” then the lesson is set up for us in a perfect way. I like to add “…under grace, please!” so that I don’t have to work through crises. Admittedly, my relapse with addiction, despite how horrible it felt in the moment, was actually fairly graceful and all under my control.
I am sending you hugely positive energy that you may rise to your greatest wish for yourself, and continue expanding in the glories of love.
Hi, Evita!
Thank you for offering such a lovely comment; I feel very reassured and affirmed, and for that I’m grateful. ( * bow * ) Even as I was reading people’s lovely comments yesterday and this morning, and traveling out of town in the midst of it, I had to once again apply surrender to a situation that’s very near and dear to my heart. I feel as if the Universe is giving me more and more chances – and closer together at that! – to walk my talk, and by golly I’m determined to do so! I read your comment and saw you reflecting back to me today – in this moment of sitting here at 9:45 a.m. after receiving what could be disappointing news if I choose to view it that way – HOPE. Fearless faith. Going within and letting myself be like water that flows wherever I’m directed to flow. Thank you so much, and thank you for what you wrote on your own blog yesterday. You’ve piqued my interest tremendously, especially given these new circumstances I’ve manifested!
Hi, Chris!
Great point you made about surrender always being a viable option. And what I’ve learned is that whatever we’re going through that we feel we need to apply surrender to — big, small, what-have-you – when it’s us in the midst of it, there is no context and it feels so very important. A minor irritation can feel the same as addiction; that much I know!
We can always choose to just be flexible to the moment; to what the Universe is nudging us to do. Thanks for commenting!
Hi, Brandi!
Thank you for sharing such a lovely, supportive comment, and one that shows me I’m never alone in these lessons and struggles of mine. Joy & love to you!
Hi, Barbara!
It was truly my pleasure to open up and share here on Lance’s awesome blog. My gosh, I still feel overwhelmed by the positive energy everyone sent out through their comments. You, included! I feel a strong connection to everyone who understands that love is the most valuable, potent and tangible energy in this world – one that can move mountains, and make surrendering a sweet, almost inviting, experience. I was so glad to read that like me and many others, your dreams have changed, too, and become much more personal and of a higher nature. And reading the last sentence you wrote reminded me of that famous phrase, which makes me smile whenever I see it “Happiness is an inside job.”
Love and joy to you!
Hi, JD!
Thank you! That was the first thing I learned when I stepped onto this path of self-realization: positive begets positive. From there, I just kept expanding upon it. Life today is sweeter than I ever dreamed possible, and some mornings it’s all I can do not to bust out of my skin for all the bliss I feel inside. I appreciate your comment!
Hi, Lance!
I cannot thank you enough for this rare, wonderful and affirming opportunity. I realized yesterday morning that by being a guest writer on your blog, another manifestation had come to pass. I’ll share the details with you offline sometime.
And what you said about the gift you perceive in me – Christmas not only came early this year but apparently stuck around for a couple of days! I’m beyond honored by what you wrote, especially since I so very much respect and admire what you do.
You said, “…things like deeper connections with others, and really touching upon ways to leave the world a better place.” I see that in you day in and day out, Lance. So many of us do, so please know that you are living your dream, and that it’s not at all pie-in-the-sky — or if it is, you’ve managed to close the gap between earth and sky in ways that look effortless.
For all you do, all you share, and everything you are, thank you! You lead by example, and I’ve been taking notes since meeting you.
Lots of love & joy to you, my friend!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s a Jungle Out There =-.
Hi, Hilary!
You put that in such a powerfully simple way; I love it! And when I read your words, “learn to accept that we are it,” it struck me in two ways:
1. That we are our addictions. There’s no separating “us” versus “them.“
2. That, as you pointed out, we are our saviors in every situation.
Thank you for sharing a comment that made me think — I always love viewing things from dual perspectives.
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s a Jungle Out There =-.
Hi Lance and Megan, I enjoyed this post. To realize that you already are what you’ve been seeking is a major shift. Regarding dreams, I like what Megan said, “dreams are something outside of me.” I feel this is it, right here, right now. Every moment is a miracle.
.-= Diane AZ´s Last Fabulous Post ..Almost Wordless =-.
Hi Lance & Megan,
Megan, thank you for your candor. You are just so cool and in touch with yourself that it is a pleasure to see all the layers revealed. We each have our breaking point and we each have our epiphanies, but at both points we never lose touch of our dreams. They still swirl around us waiting for us to grab them. We just have to know when to drop what we have and reach for what we want.
Though my main dreams have not changed, I have learned to add parts of other dreams to them. For instance, I never would have imagined that blogging would be so fulfilling. So in that sense, it is still satisfying my heart’s desires in a different way than expected.
Lance thanks for presenting Megan in all of her joy.
Megan thanks for presenting yourself openly and joyfully.
.-= Alexys Fairfield´s Last Fabulous Post ..Where Is God? =-.
Wow were we on the same page today or what!
Yes, you had a moment of awakening and in that awakening you discovered though you had the power to manifest anything you wanted, you wanted something much deeper and that was your authentic self! What Joy!
.-= Mark´s Last Fabulous Post ..Confusion of Our Desires =-.
Hi, Diane!
I love how you’ve said that, and agree that truly, every moment is a miracle. There is a gift for us in each breath we take. Connections to the moment are what enliven me these days. I feel bliss from experiences I never dreamed could bring me such happiness — even just waking up, and knowing that the day ahead is my own. I’m so glad you commented; thank you!
Hi, Alexys!
My gosh, I feel so very grateful for what you’ve said. I read this line twice because I liked it so much: “We just have to know when to drop what we have and reach for what we want.” I spent many years of my life afraid to let go of what I had, even though I knew it wasn’t bringing me into alignment with what I dreamed was possible. I was so fearful that I wouldn’t be able to replace whatever “it” was. When I finally did surrender and release, amazing new things rushed in and left me speechless.
And similar to you, I never imagined that blogging could bring me such joy, but each day my mind expands as I learn from my colleagues, and my heart opens even wider. I’m so thankful to you, Alexys, for your beautiful energy and support.
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s a Jungle Out There =-.
Lance and Megan, Beautiful hosting/sharing!
I love the quote at the top! It’s exactly how I feel right now.
This post is so relevant and inspiring Megan! I could relate to so much which you shared. Thank you for being so transparent in love!
What most resonated with me was ‘learning to surrender’. I also reached this point this year and it took so much for me to give it up — why? because (I had a trust issue) so often we see it as vulnerability where at a point in our past was abused and so we took on a personal belief system which said: “I will never be seen as weak or become weak again. ” wall created/ At the time it served us well as protection, defense mechanism. But it no longer serves us. We can let it go, but we have to be the ones to acknowledge and will ourselves away from it any longer. I found the best way to slowly embrace this concept was to think of it as ‘yielding’. & then to ‘consciously’ ask for (divine) help.
I’m also learning that I do not wish to ‘manifest alone’; I enjoy the pure feeling of becoming who I really am. It is a cozier feeling and it just feels right! This to me is true happiness — free spirit!
Namaste!
~Sharmila/ Jen
.-= Sharmila´s Last Fabulous Post ..Unexpected Joy: Living from Within =-.
Dear Megan,
What a wonderful post. I realize how late I am to the party over here…but gosh darn it, for some reason this blog is blocked at work (and don’t tell anyone I blog at work!)
You know, I had that surrender moment when I was watching a notary sign my living will and DNR paperwork. In fact, I called it “my coming to Jesus meeting.” I surrendered my entire life. “Here you go God…it’s all yours.” I left the notary’s office feeling freer then I don’t know what because I had never experienced something as liberating as that.
Today, 5 years later, I’m “cancer free,” married to the love of my life, pursuing my passions, I have a wonderful family, amazing kids and the most beautiful grand daughter. Life is better than good!
xxoo
.-= Peggy´s Last Fabulous Post ..Desire in Action =-.
A life without goals or dreams is a life unfulfilled. I have attained so many wonderful goals and dreams over the past few years that I am amazed by how many more I seek. The key, for me, is balancing all the hard work with the rest of all the good and important things in my life.
peace,
mike
livelife365
.-= Mike Foster´s Last Fabulous Post ..Change Is Good =-.
Hi, Mark!
I like the way you put that, and definitely felt that it was an awakening to a much deeper part of myself. I’m so glad it happened when and how it did, too, especially since today I really feel free — for the first time, maybe, in my whole life.
Thank you for sharing such great support!
Hi, Sharmila (Jen)!
I love how you used the word “yield.” It has a nicer feel to it in my mind than surrender, even. Another phrase my friend uses is “making way.” The acceptance part is key, too.
I really resonated with what you described as being how we build our walls after going through past vulnerable experiences. I see so many times when I put yet another wall went up. No wonder surrendering seemed so difficult! I had a veritable fortress built around me. (smile)
“I enjoy the pure feeling of becoming who I really am.” YES! For me, too — that’s worth everything I’ve learned up until now. To be ME, in my purest form, is bliss.
Thank you for adding your love and positive energy to this post!
Hi, Peggy!
It makes me so happy to read your words (not the ones about blogging at work, but come on… Who doesn’t blog at work?!!). I honestly cannot imagine what it would be like to visualize the end of my life — or to sign paperwork giving instructions on what to do after I’m gone! Especially at such a young age, as you were. Whenever I read about your journey, just like with Zeenat, it stops me. I take stock and give thanks, not only that the friends I care about are okay now and living the life of their dreams (I’m so happy for you!), but that they’re able to share what they’ve learned with others. I am constantly learning from you, Peggy: how to be strong, graceful, funny, and wide open. Thank you!
PS — the party never ends over here at Lance’s blog, and you could never be too late!
Hi, Mike!
How great it is to read that you not only achieve your goals consistently, but that doing so brings about more you’d like to accomplish. The balance aspect is so important, and for me I’m learning how to add more “fun” things into my life so I feel more well-rounded. I spent many years being stuck in the doing mode of life, and for the first time ever I’m enjoying just “being.“
Thank you for lending your voice to this conversation and inspiring us through your accomplishments!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s a Jungle Out There =-.
Megan — What an amazing story and post. I loved these words, “But now, as I look around with a fresh set of eyes which love the very moment I’m in no matter what that moment is.” To me, that’s one of the biggest life struggles — to not look to the past or to the future — but to really live the moment you’re in. You should proud of yourself for what you’ve done and realized. I think by allowing yourself to fully surrender, you opened your soul to the healing power of the Universe:~)
Lance — Thanks for letting Megan share her story on your site and for introducing her to us. I’m going to go visit her site right now:~)
.-= Sara´s Last Fabulous Post ..KindLike.Us: A new kindness community =-.
Megan, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your story. Acceptance and surrender are such a beautiful things. I remember reading a post about surrender on Tess’ blog, The Bold Life, several months back that meant so much to me. It really helped me in a project that I was taking on at the time. Surrendering is such a liberating thing. It’s neat — as I was reading your post, I kept taking deep breaths. Somehow you helped me to surrender some things. Thank you.
I’m so happy for you now. I wish you all the best.
.-= Jennifer´s Last Fabulous Post ..What Do You See? =-.
Hi, Sara!
Thank you for your incredibly kind words. I believe you’re right that surrender opens us to the healing powers of the Universe. It’s certainly been my experience, and I’m so grateful for your good energy on this post. Blessings & joy to you!
Hi, Jennifer!
Gracious, thank you for your good thoughts and support; they touched my heart! I’m so honored by what you said… I wish for everyone that they can surrender when they need to, and have an open, accepting heart that takes in the beauty of the Universe on a daily basis.
I’m a big fan of The Bold Life — I’ll have to go back and look for that post. It may have been written before I discovered her great blog.
Lots of joy to you!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s a Jungle Out There =-.
Well, I’ve certainly detoured all over the map tonight. Started off with Megan’s blog (playing catch-up on her last post), found myself checking out some of her commenters blogs (awesome) and then here. Followed Mr. Linky on the above 2 posts (detours and sinking feeling) and clicked on some others’ blogs and gee whiz I think I got lost for a while. Finally ended up here where I’d started. It was a really fun detour and I learned a lot from blogging buddies. More than I would had I stuck rigidly to my blogging list.
Have I manifested my dreams? No — I think I’m having nightmares. My world crashed 7 years ago when my husband was diagnosed with COPD. He’s still very sick, on oxygen and cannot leave the house. Our life as we knew it came crashing down. Oh, I know, we’re not alone. There are many others facing difficult challenges. And over those 7 years I have evolved tremendously. Blogging has helped me to grow and change. To learn to see the “real person” in the mirror. To start on the pathway of trusting my creativity. Trusting my creativity? What the heck does that mean? Not being afraid to be creative. Not worrying that somebody else will hate what I do. Putting myself out there. I still have a looooooong way to go. But by surrendering to our circumstances (we certainly can’t change things) I am feeling more open and joyful. I truly believe in “everything is as it should be” even though sometimes thats a very very difficult place.
So what about my dreams? Don’t know how I got here. I can’t see how I dreamed up this situation, but I hope to dream my way out.
Thanks for a thoughtful and honest post.
.-= wendy´s Last Fabulous Post ..Painting the Deck =-.
What a beautiful post Megan.
Your cure was so simple as the basic elements of life usually are. Why do we complicate things so?
Thank you for sharing and as always, thank you for your meaningful comments on my website.
.-= Jillian´s Last Fabulous Post ..I’m Having a 9/11 Meltdown =-.
Wow!
.-= Mama Zen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Review: The Mystery Of The Third Lucretia =-.
Hi, Wendy!
My gosh, first of all, my heart goes out to you. I’m so sorry about what you and your husband are going through. I’m sending lots of love and peaceful energy to both of you. Sometimes there are situations in life that I know I’ve felt overwhelmed with, and wondered (or asked to the Powers that Be): “Why is this happening?” I’m learning more and more that our greatest challenges in life bring about our biggest evolutions, forcing us to grow. It sounds like you know that, which I give you so much credit for.
As for dreams, letting your creativity shine is really huge in my eyes. Trusting that no matter who you are or what you put out there, it’s all good. God doesn’t make mistakes, and in you, he saw a masterpiece that needed time on earth. I believe you’re here to teach all of us how to bring out our own inner creator, and to love ourselves and others more deeply along the way.
I think you’re an incredibly strong, inspirational woman with a heart as big as the sun! Whenever I read your comments I feel a sense of lightness in my own energy — gratitude for such truth and positivity, which you always share so freely. ( * bow * ) Thank you, Wendy.
Hi, Jillian!
I’m not sure why my own mind likes to complicate things, but it really does. It’s a drama queen, I’m fairly certain! Thank you for taking time to read and comment on this post; and of course, I love your blog! It brings me joy to read it. I hope your weekend’s been a great one so far.
Hi, Mama Zen!
And Wow back at you! (smile)
Happy Sunday!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s a Jungle Out There =-.
Hi Lance and Megan.
This was a powerful post! Letting go and surrendering is courage in action. In a way, letting go is inviting more in because once we have let go, we step out of the way from blocking the flow… if that makes any sense. My dreams change shape over the years in form only. The core essence remains the same — to JUST be happy.
.-= Davina´s Last Fabulous Post ..Island Thyme Bed & Breakfast =-.
And I almost forgot… thank you very much for sharing the link to my blog. Much appreciated.
.-= Davina´s Last Fabulous Post ..Island Thyme Bed & Breakfast =-.
yes –tremendously! Never have I appreciated life and everything in it more than when I heard “We found cancer” Just sad that’s what it took as a wake up!
.-= Lisa’s Chaos´s Last Fabulous Post ..Getting a handle on Macro Monday =-.
Thanks, Lance and Megan. This was really powerful. I had a wee mini meltdown myself, recently. Lots of contributing factors, but an awareness that I was on my way to becoming addicted to blogging was one of them. I’ve always written and have no negative associations with writing at all, but blogging is a different beast, one that raises the spectres of every human ego issue you ever thought you’d dealt with.
.-= janice´s Last Fabulous Post ..The House of the Thousand Horrormoans =-.
Hi, Davina!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, and you’re welcome. I loved that blog post you did and felt it was timely. Your analogy for letting go as a way to let more in makes really good sense to me. That’s just how it happened. What I wanted was being blocked, so I can attest to the power of surrender in getting what we really (really!) want.
Love & joy to you!
Hi, Lisa!
I’m so sorry that cancer had to be the wake-up call, but nonetheless it seems like you’re in a good place to recognize awakeness (or awareness) no matter what, and I think that’s tremendous. Good for you, and thank you for inspiring me with your energy and strength. Thanks, too, for commenting.
Hi, Janice!
Addicted to blogging — I could see how that would happen. Just today I slept in a little bit and then felt guilty because I have blog comments to respond to, and posts to write, and comments to leave! Your mention of the range of emotions is so interesting. I’ve been there in small ways, and I have to believe we all have. But for you to face it as an extension of ego’s wants or addictive tendencies is pretty intriguing to me. I hope you’ll write about that at some point. I’d love to read it. Thanks for being here!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..Runners, Bloggers and the Power of Applause =-.