There comes a point in any persons life where you hit the stage of surrender. A surrender you will stand strong for, rebel against and heck, even fight off. But sometimes there is no other way in life than to just wave the white flag. A moment of defeat. A moment of sadness. A moment of pain. Revel in it. Enjoy it. Take pause for that moment. Because ultimately you haven’t been defeated. You have won.
The raindrops surround my apartment on this cold night. Taking pride in their presence, consuming all that they may touch. The sound is sympathetic toward the ear, bringing some form of ambiguous comfort. No one wants to be out in the rain, but we all want to listen to it. Ironic isn’t it?
The darkest of evenings has fallen upon us. It’s simple beauty. The deepest scene encapsulates me whilst I sit snug in my home. The darkness has never felt brighter for me. There’s much to behold in the quietest and murkiest of times. This moment is magical and I will hold onto it forever… because I see light! Even in this deep darkness.
A flutter of light catches my eye, through the window and out into the world. A small bird flutters its glorious wings as its beak reaches high into the sky. A simple leaf lands on my balcony. We both pause for a moment. The wind inevitably wins and the leaf takes flight, twirling, swirling and escalating higher before me. Nature is gorgeous isn’t it?
Have you ever thought about the actions of others and the discord they may bring? I often do. I sit and wonder why those behave the way they do. Why would you say these words, why would you entertain these situations? It takes more understanding than some silence and a glass of wine I can assure you of that!
There hasn’t been much in my life that hasn’t shocked me. I have been exposed to the mightiest of situations and have developed through those moments. But what seems to always bring a sudden electric bolt of shock is when those closest to you follow suit. I have been witness to this so recently.
But this moment isn’t for harking onto the past, or for deep diving into the reasons why people behave the way do. This moment is for us. Just us. And I’m going to try and give you ways to overcome these feelings and build the self worth we all deserve. Imagine this; something catastrophic has happened in your life and you still smile? It’s so possible and I have a few personal tips which may help you to power through and bring your joy.
Step 1 (yes let’s do this). Do one simple thing each day which makes you happy. It can be the easiest of things. Something that doesn’t cost much but enriches your soul. My examples; I feed my fish, water my plants, tidy my room and read a few chapters of my favourite book with a glass of wine. This centres my soul and brings me back to reality. I also sometimes just sit and watch as the beautiful world exists around me, those unafraid by its truth but solemn in their own. Or I jump on the nearest pilates class and really disconnect from everything.
Step 2. Breathe. Life is stupid and all consuming. Take a minute to just step back, look at your surroundings and take a deep breath: Centre yourself. The oxygen flow is apparently scientifically proven to help in these situations?! (i dunno the jargon) but for me, that moment to yourself of deep breath provides the ultimate release.
And finally, step 3. Have fun! This world, although encapsulated in beauty can be exponentially rough! Be free and enjoy being bloody human! I can’t stress this more. LIVE YOUR LIFE! It’s yours and no one else’s. Take that minute to feel the joy! Take that minute to equally feel the pain. I always allow myself one day to feel like absolute shit but then promise myself I will bounce back the next day. Allowing time to feel things makes us truly whole. Enjoy everything life throws your way. Even the tough times. Because inevitably, they make us stronger!
Stay wholesome,
Roro XOXO
Rowan Barr 