Today’s Forgiving Fridays: Making Peace with My Mind – Part 2!

Posted on by Forgiving Connects

Happy #ForgivingFridays everyone! Yay! This is an opportunity for you to let go and forgive.  You can do your post ANY DAY this week! Anything that inspires YOU to forgive and choose love – even if you’re struggling.  e.g., write a poem, share a quote or video, do an act of kindness, forgive yourself or someone else. 🙂 I look forward to see what you do!

Today’s Forgiving Fridays is Making Peace with My Mind – Part 2!

If you read my post last week, I focused on making peace with my mind as a 7-day experiment. I did one act each day to acknowledge myself (so important) and rated myself on a 1 – 4 “making peace with my mind” scale.

I had so much judgment come up this week!  This makes sense, because the mind is where judgment originates — where I make a decision that something is right or wrong, and where my limiting beliefs are.

Even so, I was floored by how much I struggled with myself.  Often, I felt like I could barely make it from one minute to the next.  Old memories from when I was a kid surfaced, especially how I felt deprived… deprived of love, of attention, of money, and I’m sure more.

What I was reminded is how important it is to be gentle with myself.  In the past, when I struggled like I did this week, I may have made my mind wrong.  This week, I tried a different approach.

I honored the upset, I took myself in my own arms, and I made it ok.  I simply was with myself and gave myself hugs.

This is so helpful!  To get to the forgiveness, I started with acceptance, compassion, and relaxing into myself.  (There’s a great quote on how Self-forgiveness is the little bell that lets you know the door opened – and that maybe you need to step back and stop pushing. THAT is what I did this past week.)

In the workshops that I do, I talk about how as we take each step, it’s important to pause and make peace with what’s present.  In fact, it can be the solid foundation for our next step.  Boy I get this on a deeper level now…. each time I paused this week, I added to my own foundation of self-love!

I wrote a poem on Peace to illustrate my experiences.  See below.  🙂

My intention is to continue with making peace with my mind — a second 7-day challenge!  And this time, each day I plan to do one act of giving to someone as a way to open to peace.  Giving opens my heart.  And each night, I’ll rate myself on my peace scale and do Self-forgiveness (I’m ready now).  Here I am this morning, ready to go, to begin anew this day:

❤

I also want to share with you that I’m considering asking my partner David to contribute to my blog.  He’s an amazing photographer and writer, and he also has an incredibly peaceful presence. Here’s a joke he did of me as Mother Teresa!:

Endless Possibilities March 2 2018

 

More soon with David!  Collaborating is new for me, so please send positive vibes.

****

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 an open and honest exploration of depression and opening to a deep listening of each person’s experience. What a great way to make peace inside!

DeB of Roaming Urban Gypsy contributed a blog post showing the development of her acrylic art painting, plus feeding a neighborhood cat Pat. Creativity and caring – two great keys to forgive!

Frank of Poetry, Short Prose and Walking gave us an incredible couplet that illustrates the flow and sacredness of forgiveness. I relaxed and opened up as I read it!

Revived Writer wrote a poem to make peace with her mind this week, reminding herself that love is so close by her always.  Thank you – I love this!

Lacey of Big and Pinky Toes does a weekly review each Friday, with lots of creative and nurturing stuff.  This week she also highlighted my blog.  Thanks Lacey!

Jennie of A Teacher’s Reflections wrote an incredible blog about a Crossing Guard who began engaging kids in dialogue – even the quietest girl responded. He eventually created a list of favorite quotes by the kids. A moving story!

Nikki of A Kinder Way shared a phone app to help you do affirmations with lots of neat features.  You can even set it to give you a daily reminder.  What a great way to choose love!

Pragalbha of Infinite Living wrote a poem on awakening that reminds us how forgiveness is so key to our dreams coming true.  Love this Pragalbha!

Anita of Healing Words shared an affirmation she says before meditating to help her experience inner peace. What a gorgeous prayer of forgiveness!

My Forever Blog shared the importance of forgiveness based on her Christian faith, as well as the relaxing and letting go through prayer. Thank you and welcome!

****

I’d like to end with a quote from a great book, The Blessings Already Are – it really sums up my post today:

“Manifesting the blessings is not really anything that is complicated or even difficult. Clear out what is not serving you or no longer actively being utilized. Give and share joyously. Receive graciously. Make amends. Adorn yourself first with inner beauty so the outer beauty may benefit from your best intentions.” ~John Morton

I love you.

Love,

Debbie

***This post is my contribution for Frank’s Challenge, New. Frank, I have two new things.  First is how when I’m simply with myself in each moment, I make peace with my mind.  (And I took a photo of me ready to begin anew today!) Second is that I’m introducing my partner as a possible contributor to my blog  – I hope it’s ok to include a fun photo he did this week as well.***

Here is my poem on peace:

Peace, or No Peace?

When I am in

TROUBLE (Oh no)

I can not move, the

freezer in my heart,

or so I think,

doe, a little drop

of

SUN.

What? Said the mind.

I do not under-stand.

The doe is not

In my

VOCABULARY.

Mind, I say, come

over

here.  And I hug it,

and it, in-

side itself, relaxes

the doe, it comes,

runs, walks, pauses,

+ says,

“It was here all

along, only you

could not stop.”

 

Ah, in that, Be-

Loved (and is it

one or two words?)

is Peace.

~D. Roth

 

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!!  

 

Forgiving Fridays banner facebook

David Sand photography

 

53 thoughts on “Today’s Forgiving Fridays: Making Peace with My Mind – Part 2!”

  1. Debbie, your journey makes my heart glad. I appreciate your commitment to grow and generate peace in the world through forgiveness.
    “I took myself in my own arms,” – This was a great visual reminder to hold myself in love.
    Have a beautiful day my friend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh Ali, thank you! It’s great to connect with you….been a little while since I was on a blogging break.
      I woke up on Friday morning with that line “I took myself in my own arms” — so glad you were reminded to hold yourself. Have a beautiful weekend! Much love.
      Blessings,
      Debbie

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      Reply
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    1. Right?? I know, Lacey! He’s incredible – and really funny and spiritual all at the same time. 🙂
      I hope you’re feeling better. Sending you and your whole family (including your baby on the way) so much love and Light. Blessings, Debbie
      ps – thanks again for your contribution to #ForgivingFridays. It was wonderful, Lacey.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I am just now starting to feel better (finally)! I hope your weekend was good?
        Thank you and thank you for sharing my contribution.

        Like

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  6. Hi Debbie, your post reminded me that how important it is to forgive our own selves ❤ I'm happy that you made it.

    The poem is wonderful, full of wisdom. And, David has done a great job with your picture. You are looking so peacefully elated in the guise of St Teresa. As she lived and worked in my city, Calcutta/Kolkata, I once had the opportunity to visit her orphanage. She was an epitome of kindness.

    Lots of love to you and best of luck to your collaboration with David… 🙂

    Like

    Reply

    1. Maniparna, I’m so glad this post spoke to you and reminded you how important it is to forgive yourself. So true! And wow, you visited Mother Teresa’s orphanage? That must have been incredible. If you ever want to write a blog post about it, I’d be happy to share it for #ForgivingFridays.

      Lots of love to you too, Maniparna. Thank you for your thoughtful comments, you touched me with your caring.
      Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!
      Blessings,
      Debbie

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      Reply

    1. You are so welcome, Jennie! So glad that you were ok with my highlighting your post for this week’s #ForgivingFridays. It’s truly a remarkable story of how one person can touch so many kids. I love how even the quietest girl responded with quotes that were meaningful for her. Bless you, Jennie!
      Love,
      Debbie

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      Reply

  8. This is my second attempt at posting a comment, I keep getting distracted by searching through your partner’s photos 🙂 …..I admire your strength and commitment to self. Like I’ve said before you inspire me like you do so many others. I can’t thank you enough for being your true self and sharing your life with us. SO looking forward to seeing your partner’s contribution to your blog……And the photo of your as Mother Teresa is amazing, it so depicts your nature as a loving, caring spirit.

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    1. Etta, thank you. I really appreciate your appreciation. 🙂 When I write my blogs, they really come from my heart and my experience. I also pray before I write each one. So glad that you are inspired by my authenticity!

      And aren’t David’s photos amazingly beautiful? I can see how you’d get lost in them. I feel like they’re masterpieces of music and art.

      You are so strong too, Etta. In our conversations, one of the things I’m struck by is your wisdom. This really moves me.
      Thank you so much for being here – I love you!
      Blessings,
      Debbie

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      Reply

      2. You are most welcome Debbie! Sometimes I don’t feel so strong nor wise but thanks for the compliment as I find the same qualities in your 😊

        Like

  9. “I took myself in my own arms, and I made it ok.” – I so deeply love this!! Your journey is so profound and your strength and commitment to Self is such great inspiration. That photo of you is just divinely beautiful!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Pragalbha! And that’s how I experience your poetry — you taking yourself and your reader into your arms with each one. Thanks for contributing this week for #ForgivingFridays!! Your presence brightens up my blog, which I know I’ve said before 🙂 🙂
      Many blessings to you, and have a beautiful week.
      Love,
      Debbie

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      Reply
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  11. What a powerful collaboration, you and David! Many blessings ahead for the Beauty that the two of you will be expressing, creating and sharing.

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  12. Your beautiful words just made my day. Thank you so much for adding such magical drop of words in my jar of motivation.I feel blessed by your writing right now.
    I found delight love in what you just said in your post.
    Again such a beautiful write up on your blog.
    Keep the vibes on.

    #PATRICKSTORIES
    Peace ✌and Love ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Oh, Patrick, I’m so glad you found this post helpful! Your comments put a big smile on my face. Thank you for being here. Come anytime, you are so welcome. Have a great week, and take care of you.
      Many blessings,
      Debbie

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      Reply

  13. Thanks    for accepting and following my blog.

    I’m available to read your post at my convenient time.

    You have such an interesting topic I will love to read in
    your blog.

    I still remain  the simple blogger…..

    #PATRICKSTORIES
    Peace ✌and Love ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  14. Deb, I understand and honor your journey. I felt that there was too much negative energy in and around my home so today I burned Sage and prayed. I said some Hail Marys and the Lord’s prayer. God and the Holy spirit impressed me to declare several times that My Home is God’s Sacred Space. House Blessings.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh DeB, thank you! I love what you shared, and this is so true: My Home is God’s Sacred Space.

      I also love your contributions this week for #ForgivingFridays. Just saw the one on Brooklyn flowers, and I’m about to check out the other one right now. You are a ray of sunshine, do you know that?

      Have a great Sunday.
      Much love, Debbie

      Like

      Reply

  15. That quote about an instant of time…wow. I love that quote. Looking forward to seeing how you collaborate more with David.
    The poem is lovely. My favorite part:

    And I hug it,

    and it, in-

    side itself, relaxes

    Sending love.. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh, Nikki, thank you! I love that you love that part of the poem. 🙂

      Isn’t Kabir great? I think he’s a mystical poet around the time of Rumi, or possibly before that. I used that quote for a relationship workshop I did!

      I love you, Nikki. You’re the best. Thanks again for your contribution — the affirmation app is completely cool and so great to know about.

      Blessings, Debbie

      Like

      Reply

  16. Thank you so much for writing this! I was especially drawn to your words “I honored the upset, I took myself in my own arms, and I made it ok. I simply was with myself and gave myself hugs.” How I needed to read these words and take them to heart when I am struggling with the pain of my memories. Hugging myself and the little girl inside of me has been so important on my journey, yet I sometimes forget. Thank you for the reminder!

    Terri

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh Terri, I am so glad! I really appreciate what you’re sharing. I am sending you much love as you work through your memories and bring healing to them. ❤ Feel free to reach out anytime, if you want to. My email is weloveyou@forgivingconnects.com.
      Thank you for your comments, and for reading, Terri.
      Blessings,
      Debbie
      ps – I loved your blog post about your husband for Father’s Day.

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      Reply

  17. Peace of mind is worth so much. Agree with you Debbie!! I love the verse “Be anxious for nothing, but with thanksgiving let your requests be made known, and the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. We are going through the most difficult circumstances we’ve faced in our 66 years and the peace we have (most of the time!) is God’s gift to us. thanks Debbie.

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    Reply

    1. God, Rhonda, that is so well put. Thank you for sharing that Bible verse. My spiritual teacher John-Roger talks also about the peace that surpasses all understanding. To me, there is such comfort in that.

      Sending you and your husband much love and Light. Feel free to be in touch with me anytime, by phone or email. My email is weloveyou@forgivingconnects.com.
      Much love, Rhonda – Debbie

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  26. Your poem is beautiful Debbie and is the fitting way to end a truly heartwarming post of forgiveness and self acceptance. Peace rarely comes easy, particularly after a lifetime of the opposite, but it sounds as though you’re taking all the steps that will lead you to that inner place of healing and self love. Warmest wishes and blessings to you Debbie, particularly on your new collaboration, and sending you my love from across the ocean. xx

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    1. Oh Miriam, this came at perfect timing. I’m driving in Arizona on vacation, and my partner and I may do a Forgiving Fridays blog together. Thank you for your encouragement for your love, and for your presence, Miriam. I’m truly grateful that we came across each other. Much love. Blessings, Debbie 💜

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