Life lesson:
Nothing about my story is exceptional. Not the pain of my past, abuse, survival, or mental health obstacles. Nothing about my life was ever a unique or unusual story. Truly I tell you, the chapters of my life are common.
Many people out there have suffered beyond what we can imagine, worse than my worst. Several survivors in the same story have succeeded beyond a broken past. Many people never share a word about what they lived through; they just live-valiantly and remarkably. They learned to let the past go and embrace their hope in today, and plan for their tomorrow.
The only thing unique about me is how I, individually, have responded to the hurts of the past to joyfully live through the pressures of today. My triumphs opened my heart to reflect love, the same love shown to me by my Savior. Like others, I chose to love myself beyond the shell I once was. I continued to love unconditionally, but with my conditions- that I never give up and I never put anyone above my God.
Maybe my lesson is the one you need today. Maybe your pain is still holding you down, even to the point of wrapping itself around your throat and constricting every breath you take. Perhaps you are so stuck amid your anger and tragedy that YOU are the one strangling yourself, and you never noticed.
You can’t move forward when you are sitting smack dab, making excuses, in your past. The past doesn’t run into your present or future with you. You choose to stay back there in the muck, covered in the filth and fire. Internally dying yet burning with a desire to leave, but never realizing all you have to do is stand up and walk away. Also known as moving on.
Nothing about my story is unique. I am just one face in the crowd with some sadness, hurt, and one incredible journey to healing.
I chose to survive. I never gave up. I worked tirelessly to live free. Forgiveness was the key to letting go. Acknowledging and accepting the trials that damaged my heart but never stopped it from beating.
As long as you have breath, you have the ability to cope, accept, forgive, and to move on. It is that easy.
We must choose freedom. Nothing in the past can intercept the blessings of today. No matter what it is that you must face, the time to do it is now. You do not deserve to live as a prisoner to the toxic memories or habits anymore. So lay it down and march forward in your freedom.
Today is your day.
Your friend,
Lisa
Authentic Truths 