Melissa Roth -- Freespeak Blog

I have come to realize that when people have trouble letting go of things, treasures, mementos, projects, and souvenirs it is because they believe those items define them.  It is part of an identity, an image or vision of self.  We think the things we own, surround ourselves with and carry with us are "us".  Have you ever known a person who due to physical limitations, space limits, or aging is encouraged to stop X but won't because it threatens their independence.  Or so they believe.  Well, our things are like the symbols of independence.  They are symbols of our image of ourselves, our what could have been, and what was.    The truth is that we  evolve throughout life and circumstances change.  What was true or part of our path at one point changes and becomes something new.  The trouble comes when we keep clinging to those symbols of who we were rather than embracing the who we are now. And, even if you have to dow...

I lost the mission.  Slowly, over the last year.  An erosion of my faith and sense of purpose.  Bits of silt and debris built up in my psyche and algae grew on the stagnant water.  I felt as though I was in a dark, cloudy, muddy creek bed.  I lost faith, then trust, and finally hope.  My spiritual soundness and stability was completely shaken. There were too many losses and fears.  I couldn't move and couldn't see what way was forward.  I felt like I was in a vicious storm-- tossed from one crises to another and I couldn't find anything to hang on to.  I couldn't see a path that didn't end in death and devastation. I didn't even see a way out.  A lapse in faith, a storm of stress, trauma, loss, fear and weariness have taken their toll.  I am not who I was or where I was.  In the last month things have changed.  A tiny eddy started and grew and stirred up the water.   What began with slight movement is no...