Happy Forgiving Fridays––and welcome to the first Fall Moments of Forgiveness and Compassion newsletter.  It’s lovely to connect with you!

This edition is about the grace that occurs with co-creating your exquisite life.  Or, in other words, what happens when you consciously bring forward what love is calling you to do––and slow down to see that beauty comes in forms that you may not have expected!

Recently, I’ve really been sitting with the word, exquisite, as a focus for my vision.  When I really tuned inside, here’s what I heard about it:

I dove in a little deeper, and realized how important it is for me to experience beauty in every detail.  What might my life be like if I slowed down to appreciate this very moment, and if I slowed down to open my heart to the blessing of this moment, and of ME in it?

For months, I tracked action steps to help me live into this, such as picking a flower for myself and journaling experiences where I shifted into being fully present and the miracles I witnessed. (Below are some photos of me creating my very first garden, talk about exquisite beauty!)  And, what really helped me live into the message that my heart had, beyond anything else I did, was taking pauses to be with the parts inside of me that needed my loving support. 

As just one example of this, one day I felt so much self-doubt about an email I sent to someone that I cared about. I kept going it over and over again in my head….and got pretty down on myself.  This is a pattern I’ve had for years, and I haven’t been the greatest at being gentle with myself when I’m in it (up until now!) Usually, I’ve wished it would go away, and would get knots in my stomach––and then I’d distract myself with things like TV or looking to someone else for validation, i.e., to say that I was “ok” or “lovable.” 

In this case, instead of pushing it down, I decided to really pause, connect to my heart, and listen fully to what this part…this “self-doubting” aspect…had to say.  It was so beautiful!  It turns out this was a younger part of me, and she said that she felt like she always made mistakes, that she thought Dad had never loved and accepted her for who she was.  She told me if she doubted, she hoped that I would pay attention and fix things so she’d then get the love that she deeply wanted from people. And, she felt really alone. 

I held her, and I loved her.  I told her that I would be there for her, that I accepted her and was totally her cheerleader and supporter!  I promised her that I would pay attention to her and talk to her when she felt lonely, or worried.  Talking with her reminded me how transformational it is to look inside for love, and to really celebrate all aspects of my expression. This is such good timing as I’m opening to a new romantic partnership––and me loving ME is where it starts. 

Had I just pushed down this part, and forgotten that I was going for my exquisite life moment-to-moment, I might have lost this opportunity to sit with the majesty of seeing her––and give her space to heal and be loved.  Awe and beauty come in many forms, and this is definitely one of them.  (In fact, when a client and I were working on exploring the blessing in an old pattern she struggled with, we called it “The Awe in Your Flaw.”)

What especially strikes me about this personal exploration is how much freedom that we all have each day to live the life that aligns with our deepest purpose.  The life that makes us want to get up in the morning and SING in joy, and honor the gift within every aspect of ourselves.  That is a true game changer, and my invitation is for you to join me on this adventure! 

Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself to get started:

• And a bonus: If you co-created your exquisite vision, what results do you anticipate experiencing? What outcomes––both inner and outer––would really move your Soul?

I invite you to slow down with these questions, and really give yourself space to answer each one.  Let your love guide you to your higher inspiration, and see what gems come forward (everything in your heart is a gem!)  Just you being with the possibility of what moves YOUR Soul, and giving yourself permission to dream and play with this, is a great blessing. 

As a way to wrap up this edition, what if we all send Light/love to what ignites each one of us to live fully and in joy?  When we come together as a community with an intention to uplift from the heart––and support each other as we go––miracles truly occur! 

I’m sending all of you so much loving.  And, here is a quote from Hafiz that has been my guidepost for co-creating my exquisite life, may it touch your own dreams with grace: 

Love,
Debbie

ps – here are photos of the night when I created my roof garden.  Slowing down with these beautiful plants has opened me to grace, and exquisiteness, in the most delightful ways!