Today’s Forgiving Fridays: Acceptance and a Surprise!

Posted on by Forgiving Connects

Happy #ForgivingFridays everyone! Yay! This is an opportunity for you to share about forgiveness & post about it ANY DAY this week! See guidelines below. ❤ You can post a poem, a quote, or a photo (or even a photo of building peace bridges like one of this week’s contributors), or you can write about acceptance like I did. Whatever inspires YOU to forgive and choose love.  

***This post is my contribution for The Daily Post’s Crescendo and Frank’s Challenge, Water. Frank, I used a few photos of jumping in the deep end – I took all but one of them!  🙂 ***

Today’s Forgiving Fridays is Acceptance and A Surprise.

I’ve been talking with a lot of people who have significant change going on – a move, physical illness, change in career, etc.  I am one of them.

As you may know, I’m looking for a place to live.  I’ve been pretty hard on myself in the process, with a lot of “shoulds”.  The biggest one is that I should be happy where I am.

Are you hard on yourself too?  There is another way, and I’m taking it.  It’s acceptance.

Really truly accepting myself as I am.  That I want to move out of an absolutely gorgeous place, because there’s a voice inside – a still voice – that whispers this is true for me.

When I am hard on myself, I am not making space for that still voice to speak.  It’s showing me what’s next.

Well, I’m listening!  I’ve been scared to jump in the deep end and surrender to what my heart is speaking.  I forgive myself for judging myself for feeling scared and I accept myself as I am.

Best I know, I want to find a small, cute place to be my home of peace.  Where I can garden, and nurture myself.  I want  to travel for forgiveness  – to share Forgiving Fridays around the planet.  I want to write poetry, and share my life with a partner who does forgiveness with me.

Here I go.  I really support myself.  And I ask for Spirit’s support to help me remember – to get with every fiber of my being – that each step I take (that all of us take!) we are walking hand-in-hand with love.

Wow, what a surprising gift of grace.  I didn’t fully realize that when I accept myself and ask for Spirit’s help, I open to the strength of my inner guidance and courage.  ❤

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I am grateful for all of you who contribute to Forgiving Fridays.  I learn so much from you!  Here are this week’s contributions:

DeBorah of Roaming Urban Gypsy gave us a gorgeous photo of bubbles with a reminder of the Light that comes in with forgiveness and nurturing ourselves.

Etta of  Simply Etta D. shared how to expand to accomplish our goals – what would happen if we took small steps with acceptance and forgiveness to own our strength!

Andrea of Thriving Under Pressure contributed a great post on how freedom comes from letting go – and to be easy on ourselves in the journey.

Stella of Giggles & Tales  gave us such a beautiful blog on the purity of water and being grateful for the little things in life…and the grace of the gifts we are given.

Xenia of Whippet Wisdom contributed a tanka (very cool poem) she wrote on the smell of heather and the place where peace resides.  A gorgeous photo of her dogs too!

Ulli of Urban Liaisons created a thought provoking piece on how to let go and even to forgive in this world today – building bridges of peace.  A first time contributor!

Magda of Rinse Before Use wrote a fantastic post on the challenges and benefits of forgiveness so that we can move on, with a realness to her writing that is beautiful.  A first time contributor!

And in case you missed it, here’s a great post I came across on kids and peace ❤ :

Jennie of A Teacher’s Reflections gifted us with a heartfelt sharing of her young students’ responses to “What is Peace?” – I learned so much!

****

I’ll end today with a poem I wrote when I did a 7-Day Challenge on quieting my mind.  Here’s an excerpt from it:

Forgive.
Forgive.
And forgive again. So be the Soul’s
journey home.
-D. Roth

I love you.

Love, Debbie

ps – I did a video a while ago about how to accept and forgive when we feel vulnerable.  I’m including it below in case it is helpful for you.  Plus I ran a half marathon on Sunday.  Here I am after the race.  Talk about a great reminder of strength and jumping off the deep end!!!

 

Acceptance and Owning My Strenght - Jumping Off the Deep End

 

Here are the guidelines of #ForgivingFridays:  

  • Every day is Friday!  Do a post today or anytime this week.
  • Be creative – there’s LOTS of space for your expression! Write a poem, take a photo, post a quote, share your story …  what opens your heart?
  • Tag your post with #ForgivingFridays
  • Create a pingback link to this post so I can find you. 
  • Have fun – you are awesome!!  

 

Here’s the video on accepting when we feel vulnerable!:

80 thoughts on “Today’s Forgiving Fridays: Acceptance and a Surprise!”

  1. Wish you lots of ease, joy and fun as you find the place and life of your dreams. I too am hard on myself …lately softened a lot into acceptance. Your post always falls perfectly for me, to nudge me and affirm me. Love, Pragalbha

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    1. Oh Pragalbha I am so happy to hear that you are accepting yourself more, and that my posts are helpful for you. You are such a sweetheart and your contributions for #ForgivingFridays are a gift! Thank you for being here. I am grateful. Blessings to you and your sons, 😊 Love Debbie

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  2. Thank you so much for linking my tanka and I love those images from the shoreline! I hope you find the home you are looking for where you can garden and nurture yourself. It is a true blessing to find a space that brings you peace. Your poem is very powerful – the Soul’s journey home is lighter when we can let go of any thoughts that hold us back. We wish you a wonderful weekend and send love and blessings your way :o) xxx

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    1. Oh Xenia, thank you! I so get the love and caring in your comments. I’ve been looking at places this weekend, and I just reread my blog & inspired myself again to be true to the calling of my heart. Love what you shared about our Soul’s journey home with letting go. You are amazing. Light to you and Elvor and Pearl ❤ And thank you again for your contribution. It's beautiful, as are the photos of your dogs! Have a blessed weekend — Debbie

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  3. Congratulations on finishing completing the Marathon! Now that is an achievement and a major accomplishment! Amen Sister Debbie!
    Truly you have run the race that is set before you. You are unique and wonderful in the sight of God and all the prophets. I know that it can be difficult to find a place to live and to make the wise choice. Of course I’d pray on it. Consult your Pastor, Rabbi or religious leader. My Japanese Buddhist girlfriend consulted with her Ministers many times before making an informed decision. And for practical purposes check out the neighborhood not only during the day but at night to see how it is and what goes on there. Affordable rent is important but you also want to see what kind of people and who will be living around you plus check for amenities like banks, shopping, grocery stores, etc….

    Hebrews 12:1-2
    New King James Version (NKJV)

    The Race of Faith
    12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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    1. DeB, you have such compassion and caring. Thank you for sharing it on my blog, God I love this.
      Your blog on crescendo is also gorgeous … reminds me how creativity opens me to forgiveness and the loving of my heart. Thank you for being here, DeBorah. You are a shining star! Hope you are doing well this weekend, and blessings —- Debbie

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    1. Yep got it! So neat DeB …. I saw that you linked my post to your blog. I am so honored! You have such a creative and beautiful way of expressing yourself. You inspire me to greater self-love and acceptance. Have a beautiful Sunday, DeBorah. I so support you. Love, Debbie

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    1. Andrea, thank you for your contribution – it upleveled my Forgiving Fridays post this week. Truly. You are welcome to contribute anytime. Your blog is full of wisdom, especially simple tips for opening to our own self-acceptance and loving – and the peace of that. 🙂

      Have a great weekend (well we’re at Sunday, so have a great day!). So glad you’re here.
      Debbie

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  8. You are an inspiration. I will do my best to find a picture that brings me absolute joy! And I do have a few things I have to shrug off and forgive that happened this week. So, I will!

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    1. Oh I love that! If you find a picture that brings you joy, feel free to share it with me! And you’re welcome to contribute it for Forgiving Fridays. (Let me know if you have questions on how to do a contribution). So glad this post was helpful for you, and I really support you in forgiving this week. Yay. 🙂 Blessings, Debbie

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  9. Congratulations! WP needs to upgrade so I can post emojis and gifs in the comment seconds. Congratulations on your achievements, the marathon and not being so hard on yourself! I love your smile it lights up the room and makes the worries disappear! If only for a short while. xxxx

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    1. Aww EttaD, I love that! 🙂 Glad my smile lights up your room – I hope it brightens up your day. You certainly brighten mine. Take good care of yourself, and celebrate you, Etta. You are so worth it. Blessings, Debbie
      ps – I hope you got your emojis to work again! (I love them ❤ )

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    1. God I love this. Is it ok if I share this for Forgiving Fridays this week? It would be an honor, Miriam. Your way of being is a beautiful presence on my blog, and on wordpress (and I’m sure in your life). Love love love, Debbie xo

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  11. What a beautiful reminder, asking us to quiet the noise all around us and really listen to that voice within who casts breadcrumbs for us to find if we are brave enough to follow and yes, you are that brave and you will find your place in this world!

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    1. This is beautiful … I love how you put things!! It’s quite soothing and full of love. ❤
      One of the key learnings on my path is that I am always home, inside of me. Forgiveness (and acceptance!!) really helps me to access this higher awareness. Thank you for helping me remember this, and for your well wishes on my search. You’re a sweetheart.
      Blessings – have a great week,
      Debbie

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    1. Jennie, thank you so much. Your caring really comes through your comments … I feel held and listened to. ❤ Sharing your post again is a true blessing for me. Have a wonderful rest of your week! Blessings to you and the kids. Love, Debbie

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  13. HI Debbie– It’s wonderful to read your clear, concise goals– what you truly want to do. So I’m hoping and praying you find your “home of peace.” Are you staying in CA?? Happy home hunting dear girl. hugs from here. xox

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    1. Thank you Rhonda! You are amazing how cheerleading you are. ❤ You are such a beautiful Soul. I'll have an update soon on my move. Right now, I just want you to know that I receive your hugs, and they are a real help. Hugs back to you Rhonda. Love, and blessings – Debbie

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    1. Sam this is beautiful – thank you so much for posting your comment. ❤ It's lovely to have your presence. I became aware tonight how acceptance is accepting the good and the bad, and how that can open me into greater peace. Huge. Great to connect – thanks again. Debbie

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  15. Just a short remark concerning searching and finding. You know I live in a big town with lots of people and traffic. So finding a free parking space for the car is usually quite difficult or also impossible, but mostly not for me. I drive then through the town like in trance. The ratio is switched of and I am not searching actively such free room for my car. Something else in me is leading me to the desired place which is just waiting for me to come. In fact this place somehow finds me. Wishing you siimilar success! @ Ulli @

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    1. Yes, Ulli! I so relate to what you are saying. I’ve had this experience, and it is how I live my life (or I do my best) … letting it find me. In fact, my place just found me! I’m moving in on Friday. Oh Ulli, it’s exactly what I needed right now. A nurturing home of peace.

      I hope you are having a beautiful week. Grateful to know you. Debbie

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  16. Debbie, it’s great to hear that you are starting to accept yourself while there is coming a big change in your life. The road to finding happiness, isn’t always easy. Definitely in your case, finding a home where you could be really happy in is hard! I hope you find a new place soon, where you can really settle yourself. I’m still thinking of joining a Forgiving Fridays, you invited my so often already! I hope I can participate soon with a great blogpost about forgiving or something similar. Have a great week! Love, Anne ♥

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    1. YOU ARE AWESOME, Anne! I’m so glad that you commented (yay) & that my sharing on acceptance touched you. ❤ ❤ For Forgiving Fridays: you are welcome to post anything you want to that helps you forgive. It could be simple, it could be more involved – most importantly, keep it real for you! Your post could even be just about what you're struggling with, or an awareness you had. Or how an act of kindness or sharing moved you. Trust your creativity! And have fun, Anne. 🙂
      Lots of love,
      Debbie

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  19. Hello dear Debbie,
    Another raw and honest post from you. I can feel your emotions well up in your lovely video. Such a special message there.
    Congratulations on your half marathon too! That’s awesome going💐💐💐
    Wishing you well in finding the new home for you…trust you will be guided to the one for you…
    Much love
    Di 🙋🏻💕💕

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    1. Aww, Di thank you! ❤ I am so touched that you took the time right now to comment on my post, given that you must have a lot going on with your move. I found a place, and I know your prayers really helped. Moving this weekend — from one place of peace to another. It's right by the ocean, with room for a garden and a whole space full of Light and nurturing.

      Hope that your new home is full of blessings … and that you are doing really well. You are such a gorgeous Soul and I love how you share and follow your heart. Bless you Di ❤ ❤ , Debbie

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      1. Hello gorgeous Debbie,
        You are very welcome and thank you for your kind words.

        I’m so thrilled your new place made itself known to you and you found each other. It sounds stunning. May your days be filled with the peace that it sounds like…
        Thank you for your very kind wishes about our leaving here on Sunday.
        Until we connect again,
        Sending love and may you be showered with blessings.
        Love, Di 🌈💕💕✨✨

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      3. Thank you so much for your warm support and thoughts dear Debbie.
        You are very kind.
        Until I can connect again, much love your way from me 🙏🏼🙋🏻💕💕

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      5. Hello lovely Debbie!
        We are actually stopped over in Dubai en route to London. I think it’s your bed time there so when you wake we will be there.
        I’m looking for a place on Wed morning London time while my hubby hits the ground running going to the office.
        Hope you are happily settling into your lovely sounding new place?
        Love and hugs from me 🙋🏻💕💕🌈

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      6. Wow Di welcome home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

        I am getting settled & now about to take a trip to Spain and Portugal. So will bring the blessings of love back to my new home.

        I am so happy for you and your husband, Di. May your home – and your time in London – be blessed with grace, kindness, generosity, and community. Love Debbie ❤

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      7. Hello my friend!
        Oh wow…we will be just a hop skip and a jump away from each other!
        What a wonderful sounding trip for you. Enjoy every moment Debbie and thank you for your very warm wishes and words for me.
        May you be showered with many magnificent moments and meeting people on your travels.
        Hugs and love from me 🌍💕💕🌺

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  22. Wow Debbie, I am so impressed. Running a marathon, moving house, stepping out of your comfort zone and best of all accepting yourself. That is so awesome. I wish peace and love as you step into all of these changes in your life. It’s never easy but we can make it so by being kind to ourselves, as you’re being. Love this post. Big hugs to you xo ❤️

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    1. Thank you so much, Miriam. It completely brightened my day to get your comment. How do you do that? ❤ Hope you are well my friend. I am sending you so much love …. you are such a presence of peace on this blog!!! And so talented and gifted. Blessings and huge smiles to you Miriam, Debbie

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      2. ps – I just wanted to let you know I’m moving today. Into a peaceful home that’s a retreat for me. And still, I am a little scared … loving that part of me Miriam. ❤ Can you keep me in your thoughts & send over a little hug?

        Thank you so much Miriam! ❤ May you be blessed this day. So glad to know you!

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      3. It’s so normal to be scared Debbie but you’re brave too so don’t worry. Everything will work out. Of course I’ll be thinking of you. I send you a big warm hug from across the ocean and warmest wishes that al goes wonderfully well. Take care xo ❤️

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  23. What a beautiful post Debbie. First of all congrats on completing a marathon (I am in AWE!!). I loved your short video and positive 4 steps. So simple yet so useful. Thank you. I’m guilty of being hard on myself (not all the time and definitely not a bad as I used to be) and it can crowd out the inner voice trying hard to speak my truth. Quietening my busyness and monkey chatter can really help me tune in. I wish you joy and luck in finding a perfect nurturing space in which you can look after both yourself and a garden. Lots of love ……. Judith xx

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    1. Aww thank you so much Judith! From your mouth to God’s ears — I found a super nurturing space with a big outside area. Very excited, I’m starting to move in tomorrow. What better way to spend Forgiving Fridays. I hope you are having a wonderful week and an even better weekend. Remember how beautiful you are. Love, Debbie ❤

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    1. Yay, thank you Brigid! You are such a sweetheart. And I love your emojis. They remind me of you. Will go over to visit your blog shortly. I really appreciate you. Have a great weekend — and many blessings, Debbie

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    1. Got it, Xenia. I was so happy to see your comment that I got a big smile on my face. Thank you!! I’ll share this beautiful tanka for Forgiving Fridays tomorrow. Please give Elvor and Pearl my love (and lots of pets). Blessings, Debbie 🙂

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