Choosing to See the Blessings

It's been almost a month since I last officially blogged but writing is almost a part of my being, a second nature for reflecting and digesting the joys and sorrows of life. I have had both this past month. My dear friend, Autumn became an angel a little over a week ago after battling stomach cancer. And yesterday I completed my 125 hour transformational life coach certification. Sorrow and joy. Joy and sorrow. The ebb and flow of life. The high and low tides of the sea. The darkness and light. Ying and yang are not fanciful, they are reality. And one of the most powerful take-aways from my life coach training--although there are so many nuggets--is learning to ride the waves and be grateful for even the low points, for it is then when we can take time to refuel and reignite our flame, our inspiration, and through that regain momentum to move forward in the direction of our dreams. The road to our dreams is beautiful with all its curves, twists and turns, ups and downs, and essentially it is life. So why not make the most of it? Why not reframe it into something positive? I am thankful for my momma who has always taught me through her example to reframe. When I would say I have to do something, she would always rephrase it as I get to do something. It's subtle but so powerful. A slight shift in the way we view our lives can make a huge difference. It can bring us up from the low points so that we can open our wings again and soar. I know life isn't all about soaring. We must be grounded as well. And what a perfect time to practice grounding when you're down low! But it is always equally essential to feel grounded and in our centers when we are soaring so that we can really feel every feeling and be conscious of the amazingness of our current situation. To feel everything fully is one of the greatest challenges and blessings in life.

I haven't had as much time as I wanted to really truly grieve my friend's passing this past week, but throughout each day, I see signs. They are everywhere. Beautiful angel clouds. Hearts in the sky. Little rainbows. Dragonflies. Butterflies. Birds. Pennies. Feelings of love and reverence when I look up at the sky. These signs bring so much comfort and I can't help but feel blessed to have such a wonderful friend. I know our friendship continues into the afterlife. And I am so grateful for all the signs. For being mindful and aware and even capturing many of the signs with my camera. For the angel clouds bring comfort and hope to all who love her. Thank you, Autumn, for lighting up my life while you were on Earth and now that you're in Heaven. You are truly LOVE.

In sweet honor of Autumn Knopp Stockwell