I’m excited to share the story that led to this week’s topic of transformation. I recently gifted my friend, Deb, a tarot reading for her 50th birthday. I don’t generally read tarot cards; however, we both thought it would be a fun way to kick off her next big chapter! I asked Deb to pull a theme card for her year (followed by 12 cards for each month). The theme card she pulled was transformation. At first glance, we were thrilled by the idea of transforming at 50! Then, we noticed that the archetype for the transformation card is death. This felt uncomfortable because the word ‘death’ is often associated with sadness and loss of loved ones. After some research into the tarot card meanings, we were relieved to discover that transformation is about letting go of the false power of ego (the death of old falsehoods) to make space for your areas of divine growth.

This reminds me of a quote by Anaïs Nin that I read in Elizabeth Lesser’s book, Broken Open. The quote reads:

“And the time came when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

I interpret this as, there comes a time when the risk to stay closed in old ways [of thinking] is more painful than the risk to open up to your own true story.

When we open our minds and hearts to new ideas that support our true calling, the experience may be hard and uncomfortable. But, when we deny our truth, the consequences to our well-being are harmful and soul-crushing.

Transformation requires you to transfer power from the external voices (serving your ego) to the inner voice (serving your soul). I like to think about it in terms of breaking through a layer (or cycle) of “old self conditioning” that just doesn’t feel right anymore. You have outgrown the old narrative.

Transformational shifts may include:

• Letting go of the idea that your strength is tied to your physicality and embracing the truth that strength is maintaining the balance of your mental, physical and emotional states of being.
• Letting go of the idea that your beauty is tied to external attributes (beautiful body, perfect skin, amazing hair, etc) and embracing the truth that beauty is inside you. It is experienced through the love and kindness that you have for yourself and for others.
• Letting go of the idea that your family of origin is your home and embracing the truth that unconditional love is your safe place.

There are some helpful books to get you thinking about ways to transform negative patterns into positive growth. If you’re nearing the mid-life awakening time, may I suggest that now may be a good time to start reading stories about transformation?! Your bud is opening!

I have recommended these books before, but I strongly recommend reading them again (and again!):

• The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
• The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
• Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser

Transformation is a process of letting go of old ego-driven habits and beliefs that aren’t true for you anymore and embracing what feels true for you now. Perhaps those old beliefs served you for a time or, maybe, they never felt true for you. The beauty of being here in this moment is that you are present and open to expansion. You are confronting your ego by raising the voice of your true self. And, we are taking these hard steps together.

This is the path to freedom, joy and authenticity. Thank you for being here. Next time, we’ll explore the topic of boundaries.

Let’s journey together.

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With love,