Today’s Forgiving Fridays: Letting Go of Old Habits (yay!)

Posted on by Forgiving Connects

Happy New Year & Happy #ForgivingFridays everyone! Yay! This is an opportunity for you to let go and forgive & 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 poem, or a photo or inspiring quote, or you can share an old habit you let go of like I did.

Today’s Forgiving Fridays is Letting Go of Old Habits (yay!).

As you may know, I have a 3-step tool to help me do forgiveness: (1) Self-forgiveness; (2) Letting Go; and (3) Gratitude.

I’d like to focus on LETTING GO today.  What old habits can I let go of, and how?

Well, this morning I kept seeing myself drinking a yummy drink from my new Vitamix.  I realized that today, this is my way to forgiveness.  Let me explain.

When I was growing up, I had a tough time being nurtured.  My mom and dad split up when I was young, and my mom brother and I moved into a little apt.  I don’t remember a lot about that apartment, except that I was unkept (my mom was mentally ill and couldn’t take care of herself, much less two kids I suspect).  I have a sense of me with knotty, wild hair.

So….  I never quite learned how to nurture me.  How to take care of and appreciate myself.  I developed a little, shall we say, limiting thought that I am not worthy of love. And certainly not worthy to pause & receive love.

My spiritual teacher has a great saying, “The doing of it does it.”  (or something like that)  Forgiveness for me is a direct action to give myself the message that I love myself, I am worthy of taking care of myself, and that I am choosing to receive it each time I say, “I forgive.”

AND now here I am.  I choose to forgive today by doing an act that take care of my body – it’s like I’m bringing healing to that little girl by giving myself the self-care I was so looking for. ❤

So today, in my own kitchen, in my gorgeous Light-filled home, I made a new Vitamix drink to take care of myself.  This is huge, because I talked for years about making greens drinks!  And as I blended the drink, I repeated to myself “I love myself, I forgive myself.”  I even put on a sparkly pink scarf on my wrist to show my little girl how joyful it is to nurture myself with good, healthy food.

This is a simple and ordinary way to have a direct experience of loving myself from that part in me that knows who I am.

I paused at the end and I gave thanks to my mom with a cup “Cup of Sunshine”, which she would have loved.  Because without my mom, I never would have stepped into this experience of compassion, of kindness, and of the peace of letting go of old habits.  I love you mom.

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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 a wonderful post (and very sweet photo) with an invitation to listen to that inner voice of courage … great illustration of forgiveness and standing in love. Bless you, Etta! ❤

DeBorah of Roaming Urban Gypsy shared her creative writing and how this helps her to focus on the positive – so true!  Here’s an example from her blog.  Thank you for your joyful energy, DeB!

Miriam of The Shower of Blessings gave us a magnificent post on counting her blessings – what a tender way to see through the eyes of love.  Welcome back Miriam! ❤

Frank of Poetry, Short Prose and Walking  contributed a simple and profound poem (with gorgeous photos!) on gratitude and on the different ways that birds fly. There are many avenues to forgive, all part of the exquisite dance of life.

Pragalbha of Infinite Living gave us two exquisite posts – the first is reflections on how to be in a healthy relationship & the second is a poem on opening to the grace of her unique self-expression …. with such caring and joy.

Nikki of A Kinder Way wrote a post on a new exercise program that really works for her. She stayed committed when she could have given up — and found a fun & balanced way to love herself. Go Nikki!

And in case you missed it from last week: 🙂

Ali of Flashlight Batteries wrote a gorgeous poem on releasing shame and accepting and loving ourselves exactly as we are. An exquisite way to heal and let go!

Xenia of Whippet Wisdom shared a tanka and heartwarming video that illustrate how wonderful life is … and includes a joyful set of photos of her dogs, Elvor and Pearl.  A must read.

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I’d like to end with a quote I found when I was looking through old photos. It’s from St. Francis, and boy is it true. When I did this simple act of blending a drink, I paused at the end – after I took a big sip! – and received in the love I gave to myself.  It was awesome, such lightness in my body.

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What is an old belief that you can let go of today?  Give yourself a moment with this for Forgiving Fridays.

I love you.

Love,

Debbie

***This post is my contribution for The Daily Post’s Variations on a Theme and Frank’s Challenge, Old. Frank I used an old habit to create something so much more nurturing and fun.  🙂  Plus I found an old photo that I used to remind myself how forgiveness brings lightness into the shadows!***

 

Here’s the video with a step-by-step on the Vitamix drink – so fun!

 

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

 

❤ ❤ ❤

Expressing my gifts and talents Feb 12 2017_Ink_LI

61 thoughts on “Today’s Forgiving Fridays: Letting Go of Old Habits (yay!)”

    1. Thanks Ana. I support DeBorah in her blogging – she has a creative self-expression that is courageous and for her is a representation of forgiveness.

      So glad you’re here. Bless you and Happy Sunday my friend. Smiles!
      Debbie

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    1. You are so welcome. The “cup of sunshine” makes me smile and feel so warm inside!!

      Thank you for being here & for all your love and contributions for #ForgivingFridays. That brings a lot of Light to this creative prompt!!! Hope you are having a beautiful day …. blessings & sunshine 🙂 Debbie
      ps – you are really gifted in your writing.

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  5. Deb As Always Thank you for featuring me on your blog. We are on the same train of thought. Continuing me efforts to develop healthy eating habits which like you include Juicing and I also take Vitamin Supplements chock full of B12.

    I also find beauty and wonder in stones, rocks, pebbles, quartz and crystal. Solid seemingly unyielding but witness to Earth’s Creation. Their stories are available for all who seek.

    https://roamingurbangypsy.com/2018/01/26/rocks-stones-quartz-and-crystals/

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    1. SO beautiful, DeB! I love your post and am aware of how important it is to have a solid foundation of beauty, healing and forgiveness. I’m honored to feature your blog on #ForgivingFridays, and I’ll do the same for this post 🙂 🙂 Good to hear that you’re nurturing yourself with healthy foods and supplements as well.

      So important to take care of ourselves, and you are worth every goodness that you give to yourself, DeBorah. Lots of love, have a great week — Debbie

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  6. Aww, this is my fav post of yours for ages- I love that you are nurturing your little girl, and that you don’t blame your Mum for not doing so- such a mature psychological development! I’d love to share a green Sunshine drink with you Debbie, it’s my fav way to start the day : ) Blessings to you from Australia, G xOO

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    1. Gabrielle, I am so touched by your comment. Thank you for seeing how I’m nurturing myself and opened to such thankfulness in regards to my mom. I’d love to share a green Sunshine drink with you!! Or at a minimum, we could swap recipes from across the ocean 🙂 🙂

      Many blessings to you too Gabrielle. Thanks again for your caring, I’m moved into my heart. ~Debbie

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      2. Oh that sounds great!! I’ve not used coconut water yet. Neat idea Gabrielle.

        I don’t have measured out recipes. 🙂 I’m like my grandmother was…. when I was growing up, she made the most delicious things and threw in a little of this and a little of that!

        One of my favs so far is: water, apple, carrot, collards, kale, fresh basil and pinch of cinnamon and salt (and ginger if you like it). I’ve also experimented with other recipes with more powders, such as the one I mentioned in this blog. Here’s the recipe: (note – it could use a little more sweet, I just got frozen pomegranate seeds they could be good!)
        Lemon
        Touch of Ginger & Basil
        Water / Ice
        Yogurt (optional)
        Cacao powder
        Flax Seed
        Chia Seed
        Carrot
        Kale
        Pinch of salt

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      4. Sure! One caveat: I’m not sure about putting cacao powder with greens. It’s been somewhat interesting. Works for me I think b/c I put a dash of salt and that somehow seems to tie it together. 🙂 Anyway…. blessings!

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    1. So glad you enjoyed it! Very happy to have you here, and I was quite touched by your poem on letting go. It was beautiful and full of love. 🙂 I’ll be sharing it this week for #ForgivingFridays. Blessings to you, and welcome to my blog!
      Debbie

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    1. Pragalbha, you got it! So glad you’re here & that these forgiving and letting go posts are valuable for you. And thank you again for your contribution to #ForgivingFridays. Your poetry adds so much wisdom and love!!
      Blessings,
      Debbie
      ps – really nice to connect with you by Facebook.

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  11. Hi, Debbie! I’ve always loved your post. It’s so full of positivity and I can’t help but affirm you on this. Also, I can really see that you are a happy person from that beautiful smile on your face! 🙂 hope you can also drop by hellodewww.wordpress.com 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much! I really get the caring of your comment. 🙂 Your note about my happiness made me smile even more. So glad you’re here & love the blog. Blessings Debbie

      ps – I stopped by your website. Congrats on your medical school studies, that’s quite beautiful.

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    1. Oh Anne, thank you! It really was fun and so valuable to claim and experience such a thankfulness with my mom. Love that you wrote “Go Forgiving Fridays!” That brings even more fun to the day & helped me enjoy it even more. 🙂 🙂 Much love my friend.

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    1. Thank you, Xenia! It was so great to nurture myself with that greens cup of sunshine … and a big dose of love 🙂 🙂 And it’s an honor to re-share your contribution from last week. Your posts bring such life to #ForgivingFridays, including Elvor and Pearl’s positive energy. What great dogs! Many blessings to you, Xenia and have a wonderful week ahead. Debbie

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    1. Oh Frank you are so welcome. I really appreciate your comment, thank you for taking the time to do that. Very kind. 🙂 It is an honor to participate in your photo challenge. As you know, I get a lot of value from doing them … especially this week. Blessings to you and to your wife, too. Debbie

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  18. What an inspiration you are Debbie. Honouring your imperfect past by stepping with conviction into a new future and way of thinking. Old habits don’t just go away magically do they, but with nourishment (of both body and soul) we can heal and release the past. Thank you for sharing you and your story Debbie. Love and blessings to you 💜

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    1. Miriam, I love how you put this! “Old habits don’t just go away magically do they, but with nourishment (of both body and soul) we can heal and release the past.” Nourishment is such a beautiful word isn’t it?

      Thank you for your loving and warm presence on my blog. You truly brighten up my day and my whole website! Sending you blessings of caring, letting go and great joy. 🙂 Hugs and love from across the pond.
      ~Debbie

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    1. Oh Amy that’s great! So glad you’re working on putting yourself first. Taking care of ourselves is so key. I had a recent experience where I said “yes” to something that was a big leap of faith, and I got overwhelmed. I NOTICED (huge for me!) this & consciously asked myself how I can nurture myself right now. It was awesome. Sending you many blessings, and if you ever want to chat, feel free to email me at weloveyou@forgivingconnects.com. So glad you’re here. 🙂 With Love, Debbie

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  21. Hi Debbie,
    1. How cool: Everyday is forgiveness Friday. What bad habit can I let go of? I am going to spend more quality time with my family, friends, and my job. How will I? Get rid of blogging tasks that don’t do much for me.
    2. Look at all this engagement! Congratulations!
    3. I met you at Nikki’s blog party she had over the weekend. Maybe you can check out my blog if you need any blogging tips. That’s what I write about. I also have blog parties like Nikki.
    4. If you’d like to check out my site, please click this link:
    https://mostlyblogging.com. For some reason, when people click my name or picture, it takes them to a blog I haven’t published at in three years!
    5. I think I detect you’re wearing a Jewish star! As well as both being lady bloggers and knowing Nikki, we share a religion.
    Nice to meet you.
    Janice

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    1. Janice thank you for this amazing comment! It’s lovely to meet you. 🙂 I love what you shared regarding a habit you’d like to let go of, as well as a step to take you in that positive direction.

      I appreciate the link to your blog and offer of blogging tips. This is wonderful! I’ll have a look shortly.
      Sending you blessings and a smile,
      Debbie

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    1. Me too, Frank. It’s so simple and true! And THANK YOU for contributing to #ForgivingFridays this week. I read it & it’s beautiful. I love your poetry …. really moves me. I’ll include it tomorrow in my post.
      Many blessings,
      Debbie

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  25. Hi Debbie– sounds like you are happily all settled in your new home. Interesting to hear your growing up story. You’ve been through so much. And I wonder what happened to your brother. Is he nearby?? hugs friend.

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    1. Wow, that is so touching that you asked about my brother. Thank you, Rhonda. ❤ He lives in Minneapolis, and we keep in touch. He comes to visit LA sometimes, although not for a while. Funny, because we just spoke about him coming to visit. We are close in the sense that I love to nurture him.
      Hope you are having a wonderful weekend with your family!!! And that little Lois is doing beautifully 🙂 Love, Debbie

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