I HOPE YOU...

I was laying down thinking about all the steps of courage I have taken in order for me to be who I am at this exact moment. I have been knocked down physically and mentally by life a thousand times. I have felt alone, scared and defeated many times on this journey. And yet, I am here sitting in abundance with so many things I have prayed for. For every single time I have chosen to just go for it and go after my desires, there’s been another patch added to the beautiful quilt of my life. That I will leave here when I am gone. 

I am alive because of my courage. I am alive because of my mother’s courage, her mother’s courage and the courageous act of labor and delivery of every woman in my direct blood line. One time for all the courage that's gotten us to this breath we're taking right now. 

+ I hope you realize the courage that you displayed today in your ordinary life. 

+ I hope you have the courage to fully prioritize yourself tomorrow. 

+ I hope you are not relying on another soul to actualize a single thing for you. 

+ I hope you have the courage to love fully, deeply and vulnerably. Even if you’ve never been able to before. 

+ I hope you have the courage to save yourself. And your own heart. 

+ I hope you can choose your soul's loving perspective over ego. 

+ I hope you have the courage to take the first step towards that one thing you want the most but are terrified of. 

+ I hope you say FUCK ALL OF THAT to any words of negativity spewed from others stopping you from going after your dreams. 

+ I hope you can lovingly agree to disagree with that person you are at odds with. 

+ I hope you can courageously ACCEPT THE BODY THAT IS KEEPING YOU RIGHT NOW, not waiting until your weight reaches a certain number.

+ I hope you know it’s not too late. And won’t be until you are not breathing anymore. 

+ I hope you choose to love again, despite the hard layers of protection around your heart. 

+ I hope you don’t wait for it to be perfect, because it never will be. 

+ I hope you have the courage to remove yourself from that situation that is hurting you more than it’s loving you. 

+ I hope you have the courage to turn your gaze towards the goodness of your life. And appreciate it deeply. 

+ I hope you snatch up the courage to do whatever you want to right now.  

Many of these acts of courage still cripple me, but my deepest desire is to just show up and try to take the step when I can. Even if it’s a baby step. Take your step. Whatever you need.  

SHANI