Today’s Forgiving Fridays: A New Years thanks & letting go of feeling unlovable!

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 whatever inspires YOU to forgive and choose love.  Maybe it’s a photo or inspiring quote, or a poem, or you can share about letting go of an old feeling like I did.

***This post is my contribution for The Daily Post’s 2017 Favorites and Frank’s Challenge, Quotidian. Frank I am seeing the old me with new love! Thank you!***

Today’s Forgiving Fridays is New Years thanks and letting go of not feeling loveable!

First, I want to thank you for participating with me this year in Forgiving Fridays. What an amazing year it’s been, right?!!  I am grateful to know you and to read your WONDERFUL posts and comments about what forgiveness is for you.  ❤

This week, I’ve been looking at an old way of seeing myself — as unloveable.  I remember one night this week, I didn’t think I could make it with the depth of sadness inside.  I felt almost empty, because I could not see the love of who I am.

Each day this week, I came present with myself and forgave myself for judging.  For those of you new to my blog, I do something called “Self-forgiveness” —  it’s letting myself off the hook for my judgments.  Boy is it freeing!

Here’s an example: I forgive myself for judging myself as unloveable in any way. ❤

With all the Self-forgiveness I’ve done, I still have that feeling inside, it’s like a heaviness and a fear of not truly being ok.

Right here and now on this blog, I am affirming my goodness.  I am receiving in the grace of my own forgiveness.  I may have missed that this year — that one of the keys of forgiveness is to receive in our own loving.

I feel like this blog is a little rambling, and that’s ok.  I’m learning how to see myself in an entirely new way, and that may be a little messy sometimes.  How cool is that?!!

The key that I am aware of is to show up every day with an intention to communicate love with myself and others.  To keep on forgiving.  And to affirm the truth about myself: I am the presence of love (as are we all).

Here’s a photo I took this morning right before I did this blog – it’s on my new pillow I got during my retreat, and I’m saying, “I LOVE MYSELF!!”  I’m also including a few photos from the retreat — it was a beautiful space in nature and a profound opportunity to look deeply inside and experience the love of my Soul.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I also did a video this morning to share my gratitude for you & give some tips on self-forgiveness when we’re feeling unlovable:

To wrap up, I looked back at the very first Forgiving Fridays blog I wrote, and there was a picture I took of a sign that said “LOVE” everywhere, again and again!

New Year thanks and letting go of I'm not loveable

My wish for all of us for the New Year is that we love ourselves like this.  As one of my favorite poets Rumi says, “Don’t you know yet?  It is your Light that lights the worlds.”

****

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

Etta of  Simply Etta D. gave us THREE wonderful posts  – great tips to help us stop chasing and start living; a second contribution to wish us all fulfillment; and a third post on the value of gratitude to bring light in our darkest hours.  Bless you, Etta! ❤

DeBorah of Roaming Urban Gypsy shared a photo collage of whimsical trinkets in a coffee shop in NY to remind us of the little ways we can bring humor and nurturing into our lives.

Elsie of Ramblings of a Writer shared a beautiful post on her path of healing and the importance of accepting and loving ourselves.  Thank you, Elsie!

Pragalbha of Infinite Living gave us two great posts – an exquisite poem on the courage and faith it takes to open up and share who we truly are & another one on truly receiving the gift of learning in the ebbs and flows of life.

Revived Writer shared a beautiful poem on the freedom and peace that comes with forgiveness – and the Light of new life if we choose it!

Robin of Words for Life wrote a gorgeous poem on how finding our truth inside sets us free. A first-time contributor!

Ali of Flashlight Batteries gave us a profound poem on looking through the eyes of love in the midst of uncertainty, and how forgiveness helps us to see into the miraculous!

And in case you missed it from my last blog: 🙂

Xenia of Whippet Wisdom shared an inspiring service project that matches inmates with retired greyhounds and wrote an exquisite haibun on second chances. So positive, including photos of her dogs, Elvor and Pearl.

****

I love you.

Have an amazing New Year celebration! ❤

Love, Debbie

 

Here are the guidelines of #ForgivingFridays:  

Letting Go of Comparisons - Rumi

  • 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?
  • Include #ForgivingFridays in your tags
  • Create a pingback link to this post so I can find you. 
  • Have fun – you are awesome!!  

 

 

 


72 thoughts on “Today’s Forgiving Fridays: A New Years thanks & letting go of feeling unlovable!

  1. I love you Debbie ❤ ❤ Thank you for teaching us how to love, forgive and accept ourselves, I am so looking forward to your lessons for next year. Not sure I would've made it through the year without your encouragements #WWDD….I created that Hashtag for myself whenever I'm feeling down or feel like quitting, it's my "What Would Debbie Do?" Hashtag 😉 You have shared much of yourself on here, you are one of THE strongest women I know and I will forever be grateful for your valuable contributions via your blogs. Now I'm rambling. lol! lol!
    Thank You!
    Hope you have a wonderful New Year Celebration!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Oh Etta, thank you! I am so touched by your comments. Really glad that my forgiveness blog has been valuable for you this year. Your hashtag #WWDD is hilarious. It’s a great question, for me as well. 🙂 🙂

      I am so grateful to know you, Etta. Your demonstration of courage and willingness to forgive is truly inspirational, as is the wisdom you share in your blog. THANK YOU for being you, for your constant Forgiving Fridays posts, and for your love. I love you as well. ❤ Happy New Year, my friend, and many blessings for a magnificent, shining 2018.
      Love and Light,
      Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

      1. (((((((BIG HUGS)))))))) Thank you Debbie, I meant every word, you are truly a beacon of light to the lives you’ve touched.
        Wishing you lots of love and light in 2018!! xxxxx

        Like

  2. Happy New Year! Your videos are food that helps sustain my soul. During a year of heartache and soul searching I’ve never lost my sense of humor which is reflected in much of my Photography. Also I immerse myself in my artistic creative pursuits to be revitalized and invigorated. Plus I get Joy from being with my brother Stephen and my cat Sylvester. Love, Acceptance, Loyalty and Support. Thank you and God Bless! ❤ Hugs! ❤

    https://roamingurbangypsy.com/2017/12/24/stephen-christmas-haul/

    https://roamingurbangypsy.com/2017/12/23/our-afternoon-along-pitkin-avenue/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. DeB this is beautiful! To me, you are sharing keys to forgive and choose love: artistic creative pursuits, humor, connection, and your willingness to receive support. So glad you are here and that my videos have been of support to you, my friend. Sending you and your brother Stephen so many blessings for the New Year. I’ll check out your posts and include them in my first Forgiving Fridays of 2018 (yay!!) Love, blessings, Light, and more love — Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Manuel, you are welcome! So glad to have your comment. Your presence is full of beauty and peace. I am grateful to know you and read your creativity through your poetry. Many beautiful moments for you in 2018, and beyond. Blessings, Debbie ❤

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Aww thanks, Robin! Peace and love to you too. 🙂 It was an honor to share your poem. Feel free to contribute to Forgiving Fridays anytime – you can do it any day of the week. Your poetry (and your presence) brings a big smile to my face. Happy New Year, and blessings for your 2018!! Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I used to really struggle with feeling unlovable. It was so deeply ingrained in me that I didn’t even know it was there until I turned 20 or so. That part of me has been mostly healed, and I’m happy that you are discovering your loveliness. ♥

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That is so awesome! Really glad to hear it. I am grateful to let go and open to loving, each day, moment-to-moment. ❤ Your contribution to Forgiving Fridays is awesome. Feel free to contribute anytime, you add a lot!

      It's a blessing to know you, thanks so much for being here. Happy New Year!!! Peace and love to you, Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Pragalbha, you are so welcome. It’s an honor to include your poems in Forgiving Fridays – your contributions add so much wisdom, loving, and grace.

      I love your intention to acknowledge the goodness in you. John-Roger (my spiritual mentor) has said that intention is the direction we want to follow. 🙂

      Much love and Light to you in the New Year!! And to your children as well, Pragalbha. ❤
      Blessings, Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Jennie!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂 🙂 Grateful for you and your blog, it touches my heart (as I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned numerous times!) Sending you many blessings for the New Year. Have a great rest of your weekend — Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Debbie, I sincerely appreciate the way you share your authentic journey. Poetry is one way I gain insight into forgiving myself and others. Thank you for sharing my words here. May you continue to heal and share your amazing love in 2018. I will be walking alongside you. Peace & love, Ali

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh Ali, this comment really touched into my heart. I know you’ll be walking beside me on this path of forgiving. Your poetry is truly a gift and an honor to share in Forgiving Fridays! One of the things I appreciate is how different people have their unique ways to open to forgiveness – I can see how poetry opens you! I love that.

      Happy New Year, Ali. All the best for 2018.
      Blessings,
      Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh Quirky Girl, Happy New Year to you too! Thank you for your good wishes, right back to you. 🙂 🙂 Thanks for being here, and for your en-lightening 🙂 blog. You make me smile. Sending blessings your way, and to your entire family (including your dog) — Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Thank you for all your love and support this year Debbie. My first year of blogging and I am blessed to have made so many wonderful connections like yourself. I wish you all the best for 2018. May you have a blessed and joyous New Year. Sending you a big virtual hug. Xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh Lorelle, you are so welcome! It’s wonderful to support people as awesome as you! I don’t remember exactly how we connected, and I’m very glad we did. Your blog, and your contributions to Forgiving Fridays, are full of gratitude for everyday life. I so appreciate that, and you. Happy New Year and a wonderful next year of blogging for you, Lorelle. ❤ Thank you for being here and for sharing! Love, Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

  6. You are amazing, Debbie!!! Your posts always lift my spirits. I need these reminders tremendously! I wanted to pop by and wish you happy holidays and a happy New Year. I am thankful for your friendship over this last couple years. Thank you for spreading such positivity and love. I can’t wait to see the big things you do this coming year. Sending big hugs to you, my friend ❤

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Oh Mackenzie, I’m so glad to hear it!! Yay, and love and Light to your lifting spirits. 🙂 It’s funny that you commented today, because I was JUST thinking of you (with a lot of loving). Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you Mackenzie. Truly I’m grateful to know you in this wordpress community, you make such an impression on me. You have a fantastic presence. Give my love to DJ and many blessings for your 2018 ❤ And thank you for your wishes for my blog, I receive. With love. Love, Debbie xo

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Awwww!!!! Thank you so much, Debbie!! That means so much that I was in your thoughts! And your words mean the world. I will pass on the love! ❤

        Like

    1. Thanks Andrea!! I really appreciate your encouragement, support, and caring. You are amazing and have a fantastic blog (which I think I’ve said numerous times 🙂 ). I’m grateful to know you, Andrea! Big hugs and much love for you this new year. ~Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much Debbie. We’ve never met — yet you feel like a sister to me. And your continued encouragement of my writing is beyond motivating. You are a gift. 🎁❤️

        Like

  7. So beautiful. This post really touches me. Thank you! I too have been labouring under the illusion that I am unlovable. Now no more! Blessings of love to you.

    Liked by 3 people

  8. Thank you for sharing your journey and your love with us here Debbie and the natural beauty in the location of your retreat looks very healing and inspiring. Thank you also for sharing my Second Chance haibun while I was on a blogging break. I hope the New Year will bring you the peace, love and healing you seek and that you find a way to make loving yourself and treating yourself with compassion your first option. Sending you love from all of us here and may many blessings come your way :o) xxx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh Xenia!! I am grateful to know you, and Elvor and Pearl too. ❤ Of course re: sharing your Second Chance haibun while you were on a break. It's an honor!

      Thank you for the loving and the blessings – Your caring is important to me and a part of why I enjoy blogging.
      May 2018 bless you with joy, peace, grace, healing and compassion….and more.

      Lots of loving, and Happy New Year!!
      Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Deb, I always listened to your videos 2 or 3 times to get the full understanding and impact. You say many things that are hidden within my heart. Something I plan on doing for 2018 is to try Bikram Yoga. I believe this will help me with my arthritis and joint pain. Also expand my Vitamin Infusion program. I need those B12 shots. In addition I purchased Red Lip Stunna from Fenty Beauty by the singer Rihanna. Therefore their will be more Self-care and pampering in 2018. I’m about to be a Stunna for 2018!! Booyah!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh DeB, this is amazing – yay!! Kudos to you for your clear action steps for your Self-care. I’m sending you blessings of love, gentleness and grace. For me, taking care of myself is a message I give to myself to say “I love me.” 🙂 🙂 🙂 Go for it DeBorah!!! Love and blessings, Debbie

      Like

    1. Thank you so much, Kathy!! And happy New Year to you too. Sending you love, peace, and joy for 2018. Really glad to know you. ❤ Big hugs, I love you — Debbie ps – feel free to contribute for ForgivingFridays if you'd like to. 🙂 xo

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Hi Debbie– I so agree that there is a large measure of grace in forgiveness. I just read Jen Hatmaker’s new book– Of Mess and Moxie– and she had such an encouraging and convicting chapter on forgiveness. I wish I could send you the book! Thank you for continuing to work through all this and sharing it with us… hugs blog-buddy!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. No kidding, Rhonda thanks for letting me know! Very present to the blessing of grace …. and opening to receiving it. Seems so important !! ❤ Rhonda I'm so glad you're here. Many blessings for your 2018. Hugs back to you xo Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Xenia, your tanka is exquisite! So full of grace and beauty. I’m honored to share it tomorrow for #ForgivingFridays. Thank you and much love to you, Elvor and Pearl. Lovely photos of them. So full of thanks. 🙂 Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

  11. I love popping by for the beautiful reminders to always be willing to forgive and forever love ourselves…your words are a bright light that cuts away the stubborn bits of darkness that we sometimes hold on to! Thank you for a wonderful year of lovely words and sharing…I hope this brand new year finds you happier and stronger no matter what, Debbie!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Kimberlee! So glad you stopped by. You are welcome anytime. And feel free to email if you ever want to share more or have questions for me. Many many blessings and HAPPY New Year — you brighten up my blog post with your presence. Debbie

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Hi Debbie,

    Happy New Year!

    So sorry for my absence here without a word. I took a trip to the US and couldn’t meet up with my blogging routine. Well, all that is in the past now. I’m back here and hopefully, will be prompt with my entries for Forgiving Fridays this year.

    I made a post stating my wishes for the world. I believe that wishes do come true and hopefully, someday, humanity will enjoy true peace.

    Best of the year to you. Have a wonderful weekend and God bless. 🙂

    https://simpledimplesite.blog/2018/01/03/the-daily-prompt-treat/

    With love,
    Stella

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yippee, Stella!! Welcome back, Beloved peace sister and friend. 🙂 🙂 So glad to have your presence here. I got your blog post and shared it for #ForgivingFridays. It is a beautiful prayer of peace and love for our world. You are inspirational, and my love to you for the coming year, Stella!! I really get your caring of your heart. Thank you for the gift.
      Blessings,
      Debbie

      Like

Leave a comment