Open My Heart

Picture this…It’s Sunday morning…we woke up, we prayed, ate breakfast, and enjoyed coffee. As I sit here beginning to write this post, I look over and he’s writing as well…working on part four of his novel series. Dash (my dog) is sitting in between us, and I just feel an overwhelming abundance of happiness and satisfaction.

In the background a movie on Tubi is playing and two lines stuck out to me: “You have to learn to see yourself differently” and “You always have to be ready”. Two things I’m learning to do these days. I spoke in one of my previous posts about how I used to be more of a “behind the scenes” person. Since then, I’ve done a couple of speaking engagements and if I must say so myself, Wine and Gossip is going very well. I could complain that I don’t write and post enough, but I feel things are going at the right speed as I add writing to my already packed schedule.

So, you know I’ve been talking about my plan to pivot and write about all the good that is happening in my life. Now...I know I went down the dark road of depression in my last post but focusing on my many blessings is one of the actions that keeps my mood and spirit up…that and being open to what I’m beginning to receive. I prayed for this, right?

Right before #NewOldBae made his way back into my life, I had decided that I was going to break from dating. Me and God had to have a serious conversation about this and as Whitney Houston said in Waiting to Exhale “God’s got some explaining to do”. He was really working things out in other areas of my life, and I just didn’t understand why this area was so different. I prepared myself to be alone until He sent who was for me. The plan was to work on Wine and Gossip, speak my truth, and enjoy my life as it was. We pray our prayers, but are we really prepared when certain things begin to come to past?

Nothing is forever…except change. - Buddha

I’m beginning to realize that change is inevitable and while I used to be severely allergic to it, I’m learning to embrace it and enjoy all that change and growth brings through prayer. I’ve come to understand that while what I prayed for required change, somewhere deep down, it just wasn’t clicking…and I didn’t know how to achieve what needed to be done to accept it. This year has been an acclimation period and I've been opening myself up to inevitable changes and to removing limits on how I respond to my answered prayers. It has been really enlightening. While receiving the manifestations of my dreams continues to be a journey, I feel and see daily how I am blessed. I just need my conscious mind to catch up and give me the full picture...I’m visual!

Without remaining open to change, we can not remain open to life. – Ron Dass

One of the things that I love about #OldNewBae is that he NEVER limits his sight, and he pushes me to understand that what I don’t see in myself, others do. His faith is strong and never waivers. I can say the same about my parents, who constantly remind me of who I am and always provides positive reinforcement.

To better train my mind to accept change and be open, I’m:

• Lessening endless chatter of all that is wrong in the world (the pandemic, senseless crime, bad economy, politics, student loans LOL!) and focusing more on the things that are going right

• Realizing that life is a gift and I’m blessed for every day above ground

• Diversifying my friend circle and understanding that they all play an important role in my life

• Being confident in the choices that I’ve made, whether good or bad (there’s always a lesson)

• Making meaningful and effective small changes daily, which will help me better deal with the unexpected, and

• Being versatile in how I deal with certain situations

Enjoying success requires the ability to adapt. Only by being open to change will you have a true opportunity to get the most from your talent. – Nolan Ryan

In my friend circle, I was the one always considered “the strong one”. How many of you can relate? I never shared how outcomes really affected me and rarely showed any vulnerability. Thus, I was always a shoulder, with barely a shoulder for me when it came time. What’s amazing is that now that I’ve learned to open up, it’s been amazing! I’ve been able to use my love and talent for writing to change the outcome of how others respond to me. Showing a side of myself that’s not so strong has been an adjustment, but positively received. I’m so thankful that everyone continues to read and enjoy my posts…with absolutely no judgement.

I went into this year with goals and focus, and I continue to consistently pray for guidance and resolution. But now that I’ve shifted my thinking from negative to more positive and adapted to His answers (not mine), I feel my potential to live abundantly as He intended is limitless.

This week, I challenge you to think about how open (or not) you are to receive what you’ve prayed for and how you adapt with changes that come along with manifesting the plan for your life. Comment down below if you’re open to sharing.

Thanks for listening…until next time!