Letting others carry their own load

Dearest,

How do you fell in this moment? Give yourself a moment to check in with how your body feels physically - do you find tightness anywhere? Now for your mind - is it racing with thoughts attempting to steal you away from this moment? And now your precious spirit - that part of us that is harder to define - not our mental or physical - that something else, how does the very essence of you feel?

It's Tuesday morning as I write this and I'm blessed to be sitting outside as the sun rises higher (though scientifically speaking the sun hasn't moved at all so perhaps I should really say "as the planet I'm plonked on turn towards the sun").

I'm enjoying a bagel smeared with peanut butter and sliced banana along with a fresh steaming cup of tea. I've been for my morning walk and today have also filled a basket with feijoas. Theres something satisfying about each of those and all before 8.30am.

I'm so grateful for my morning walks which I started after leaving my corporate job. I now have the time. No more waking to alarms, I'm syncing back into my natural rhythm and it is bliss!

While walking this morning, I started thinking about getting to where I am. I realised the best bits involved me doing the mahi - the struggles were when I was awaiting someone to "come save me", as if I was owed something. The struggles also came when I was trying to carry someone else's load - trying to "save" them.

Life really flows when we each walk our own journey. I'm not suggesting that we do it alone - a hike with loved ones creates amazing memories. Rather, it's acknowledging that you carrying someone else's pack and making them walk you path isn't actually helping them - it's diverting them from their own unique experiences. Experiences that will be both joyful and painful - cos that's what a full and satisfying life is.

Or you allowing someone to carry a load that is yours. You are only cheating yourself of satisfaction, resilience and ultimately a life of your own. I've been guilty of both in the past, and now try harder to recognise it - progress not perfection aye!

Is there anyone's load that you have been carrying that you should put down with kindness? Perhaps this week, Dearest, we become a little more conscious about what we carry and we create space for those around us to take responsibility for themselves, as we do the same.

The sun's warmth is being overpowered by thick grey clouds which sends a shiver through my body. A good prompt to get changed and start my working day. I hope whatever the day holds for you, you experience joy in the simple things and kindness from yourself and those around you.

Take care Dearest - of yourself, of others, of your thoughts, of your actions and of our beautiful world.

You are worthy - always

Ngā manaakitanga xx