A friend asked me about my blog the other day, and I realized, I don't really know what I am going to write about this week. I don't feel like I really have anything to say. So, I decided to just get on here and post some pictures of what I have been doing this week. Right now, it is all about self care and connecting with my inner peace and joy. This just flowed onto the screen. I hope it resonates with some of you! Much love, Andrea

This past week has been one of quiet introspection, spent enjoying the outdoors, connecting with friends, and taking care of myself. I am learning to respect myself, and not cling to others for validation; instead, learning to validate myself for the amazing leaps and bounds of growth I am experiencing. All my life, I have searched for the ever elusive "inner peace," and I am realizing that it is not a destination, but a journey. And it is a journey I must traverse alone, at least for a time. I have amazing friends who support me, and I lean on them from time to time, but for the most part, I have to find my inner peace and strength to propel me forward. It is a path that I have walked many times, but I have always had someone with me. This time, I must push past the fear, and the sadness, and the old programming that tells me being alone is sad, bad, or wrong in some way. There is nothing wrong with being alone. The key is WHY you are alone. Are you alone out of fear, and self flagellation? Or, are you alone because you enjoy being with yourself? 

An old friend has recently resurfaced in my life. When I was younger, he was one the most important people in my world. He was my first love, and we stayed friends over the years, not talking for long periods of time, but always reconnecting at some point. Our relationship was tumultuous, as many young loves are, but he told me many times that I helped him through some dark times, and that made me feel good. This time around, he is again having trouble, and I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I soon realized that he is going around in circles, and instead of me lifting him up, I was being dragged down. I have the deepest compassion for him, and others like him, but there is a new awareness in my heart and mind. I cannot help those who don't want to help themselves. If you are not willing to do the work, I cannot do it for you. It will keep us both stuck in an old paradigm, one which does not serve anyone any longer. 

I have come to realize that these people who have been so important to me in the past, are all part of my "project list," and I have attracted people who need to be healed, out of my desperate need to be needed. I am really good at "fixing" people, and that is why I have become a life coach. But the line has to be drawn, and I don't want to have friends who are basically just clients who don't pay me. I have to learn the distinction between coaching others, and fixing them. None of us need to be fixed, we are not broken. Instead, we all need to be empowered to heal ourselves, and then, we can support others in their awakening. Out of love for ourselves, we find compassion for others. It is only in that space that we can truly help and support the growth of others. 

I feel like I am in a little bit of a hibernation, and every day brings me new epiphanies. This week has been extremely illuminating and enlightening, in many ways. I have realized that my entire relationship pattern has been about me, desperately seeking attention and validation, and so I am regrouping and understanding that I must provide those things for myself. Many of my actions are designed to draw the attention of men, and I have become a bit of an expert on what men want, and how to give that to them. What I missed is that what I want, ultimately, isn't always congruent with that. So, I am re-examining all my choices, and asking myself with every turn, "Am I doing this for someone else, or is this my truth? Is this REALLY how I want to use my energy, for myself?" I have found some surprising truths in there. 

I am excited to welcome the spring, and the Equinox, and all the changes that March is bringing me. I have learned to embrace change, as it always brings me something better than I could have imagined! I am embarking on a new adventure, and I have no idea where it will lead, but I know it is going to be amazing. I am open to whatever the Universe wants to give me, because I feel confident that it will be a blessing, and that is ALWAYS a good thing.