01/03/2024
“I am the writer of my life: the more heartbreak, challenges and obstacles I encounter, the greater the story and the greater I may transform. If I should find myself feeling that I have missed out on my childhood or lost time, I will remind myself that no experience is ever wasted, nor lesson ever lost and I have in fact gained time, as I may now evolve more quickly and reach far greater heights than ever before. And if I should find myself looking back on the past and wishing I had experienced or chosen differently, I will remind myself that through each single decision I have ever made, I have grown and been rerouted, eventually finding my way, learning that I may find peace from even the greatest pain. For the past does not define me, and my present does not have to be like my past. And rather than remembering my past, I will choose to remember the vision I have for my future. For dreams are far more powerful than memories.
When looking to the future, I will remind myself that there are no rules in life as to what age I must be to achieve my dreams or find love, for we each have our own paths and destinies in life and no one path is greater or lesser than another.
Though those I love may come and go, I will trust that the people who are truly meant to be in my life will never pass me by, and it is never personal when they leave, for we each have our own paths and timelines in life which may intersect at certain times but separate at others. And when they leave, I will remind myself that it is never a reflection of my worth but simply a sign that they are no longer needed on my path, and I am no longer needed on theirs. And there is no use trying to convince them to stay, for their choices are completely their own, and there are others who will choose to be with me on the path ahead, and never wish to part ways or let me go. And so I will wish them well and farewell them with love, knowing that my happiness is never dependent upon another person and no one can break my heart without my permission. And when it comes to the people I am destined to love who I am yet to meet, I will become a chooser, not a beggar, trusting that when I live from a place of love, I do not have to chase love or search for it, but may attract it, as my presence is a gift to others.
And if I choose to begin anew in life, I will not feel discouraged or that I am behind where I thought I’d be, as with each new beginning, I am never truly starting over again, for I retain the wisdom I have gained along my path. And if I find myself feeling afraid, I will remember that the purpose of fear is not to paralyze me, but to encourage me to take action. And in moments of fear, I will remind myself that I am so much more than one emotion, and so I will let myself breathe through it, trust that times of pain, worry and sadness will not endure forever, as my life is continuously unfolding.
And if I find myself questioning my path and the success of my life, I will remind myself that what determines a life well-lived is not the level of comfort, joy and ease that I experience, but how I choose to evolve from each encounter and alchemise past pain into a story worth telling. For we are each given certain positive and negative experiences in life and it is what we choose to focus on and make of them that counts.
When I see the successes of others, I will feel strengthened and uplifted by them, knowing that what has been felt and experienced by them is also possible for me. For every victor was once a survivor, and every survivor was once a victim, but they chose not to be defined by their past experiences, but to transform from them. And in the same way, it is my own actions that make me who I am. For this is what it means to be self-made: to know that I am the one who determines who I become.”
Words by Tahlia Hunter
