Unfinished: A Personal Journey of Healing, Self-Discovery and Resilience

The other day as I was working in my garden, I saw what at first I thought was a leaf. However, on closer inspection, it was anything but. There before me was a perfect shell of a grasshopper that had shed what it had simply, outgrown. Fascinating!

As I inspected the intricate details of what had been left behind, I came to the realization that this was a striking example of each of our lives. From the time we are born, we unknowingly create layers and grooves that reflect our experiences and beliefs. Over time I let mine define me, not realizing how much they were blocking my growth. I shared many of these issues with you in the pages of my memoir.

As I continue on my journey, I have realized that these layers keep on unraveling, forcing me to choose - do I hang on to what is familiar or do I look deeper and take the risk of changing my behaviour and attitudes? I do know that the universe never gives up on anyone of us. It will continue to put things in our path to teach us what we need to learn. Many times I have thought, "Okay, I get it. Lesson learned!"
And then, lo and behold, another layer is revealed and I am met with the stark realization that I have more work to do. Some of my layers have been easier to shed than others. But then there are those that are so deeply rooted and masked by the part of myself that is terrified of the unfamiliar and of showing any vulnerability.

Sonia Ricotti once said: "Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be."

Just as the grasshopper had to shed a layer in order to grow and move on, so it is with us. I wish for you and myself that we will find the courage and strength to do just that. In doing so, there will be nothing to stop us from being wild, strong and free!