For so much time I held life with clenched fists, doing my best to control the outcomes. 

I thought if I held my hands tight, maybe I could keep all the good in and keep all the bad out. 

But even with closed fists, there is loss. 

You hold on to “it”

Whatever “it” may be for you. 

Dreams, desires, people, ideals, idols. 

But unfortunately, you can’t enjoy something if you’re too desperate to keep it captive.

And if you hold something too tight, eventually you wring the life out of it. 

This has been a season of letting go. 

Of releasing closed fists and sitting with open hands. 

Inviting good and accepting bad to come as it may. 

A little less expectation and somehow a lot more joy. 

SOMETHING TO PONDER 

Where in your life are you holding on too tightly for a specific outcome? 

Within any given emotion contains the potential of infinite depth.

Depth that at it’s core contains a contradiction. 

By feeling grief, you can better experience joy. 

By embracing your anger, you can become more compassionate. 

By experiencing your fear, you can more easily find courage. 

There’s no need to master your emotions. 

You just have to feel them. 

And allow them to evolve. 

SOMETHING TO PONDER 

Reflect on a recent experience where you felt a strong emotion. What unexpected insights can you gather from feeling that particular emotion.

Forgiveness is not merely an act of kindness toward others; it is a profound act of self-liberation. 

When we extend forgiveness, we release the burdens that weigh us down, healing both our hearts and souls. 

By forgiving others, we unlock the door to forgiving ourselves, embracing growth, and finding inner peace.

As you forgive, let go of resentment, bitterness, and anger.

And make room for compassion, understanding, and healing.

Remember, forgiveness is really a gift you give yourself.

SOMETHING TO PONDER 

What would it mean for you to truly forgive? How do you envision forgiveness transforming your life and relationships?

In the chaos of everyday life, we often forget the power of simple acts of self-care. 

But these seemingly small moments hold incredible transformative potential. 

They remind us that even the most overwhelming challenges can be conquered, and that within us lies the strength to rise again. 

So, let’s honor our needs, embrace these moments of solace, and watch as the mountains before us become manageable hills.

SOMETHING TO PONDER 

Recollect a time when you allowed yourself to release emotions through tears. How did it make you feel afterward? Did it bring you clarity or a sense of relief? How did it affect your perspective on the challenges you were facing?