Sailing Stormy Seas
Photo Credit: Marcus Woodbridge
“Family is a life jacket in the stormy sea of life.” ~ J.K. Rowling
In the stormy sea of life, it’s easy to get lost when the salty waves crash against you and blind you. When you’re in a tough spot and it feels like your family doesn’t have your back, when their love feels conditional and unforgiving, it’s easy to lose sight of the blessing of our families. Don’t let the dark storms cloud your vision.
Sometimes when it feels like your family members aren’t supporting you, it’s because of something they’re dealing with that you aren’t aware of. Don’t take it personally, or as a sign that they don’t love you. Instead, fill your heart with compassion. Offer them loving kindness. It’s possible they’re battling their own stormy seas, and they need a life jacket too.
Sometimes when it feels like your family doesn’t have your back, it’s because of something broken inside of them that needs healing. It has nothing to do with you, or their love for you. Rather than jumping to a negative assumption, imagine that they are unable to lend a hand because their hands are full, trying to navigate their stormy seas.
Just because love feels conditional, doesn’t mean it is. Perhaps your perception of their unforgiveness is pointing to your need to forgive them? It might be a sign that you need to stop blaming yourself. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t help to respond to hurt with more hurt. Love has the power to overcome. You only have one family. Don’t give up on it too easily.
At the same time, there are instances when your blood family is too dysfunctional and unhealthy for your love to overcome. In those situations, it is better to let them go and love them from a distance. It’s a practice that requires discernment, healthy boundaries, mindfulness, compassion, and inner wisdom. It takes time, patience, and commitment.
No one said the journey through life would be easy. There was never a promise you would only sail calm, serene seas. The key is to strengthen your vessel and build a strong foundation of inner peace. To sail through the stormy seas without drowning, you need to reach for the life jackets that come your way. Sometimes family isn’t blood. Sometimes family are people you choose.
I’m not taking the gift of my family for granted. I’m doing my best to strengthen family relationships with those who can receive my offerings of love, whether by birthright or by choice. For those being tousled about by the stormy seas of life, I will be a lighthouse beacon. What, dear reader, will you choose?
COMING UP…
Books & Projects:
· All four of my books are available online at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, and Barnes & Noble. You can also find them at select Chapters-Indigo and El Hombre de la Mancha bookstores.
· I am pursuing representation from a traditional publisher for my fifth literary fiction, a psychological drama that explores the complexities of mental illness and trauma. Stay in touch by signing up for my blog or following me on social media to find out when it will be published.
Reviews & Interviews:
· You can read, listen, or watch a large selection of reviews and interviews on my website.
Events:
· There are no events currently scheduled in my calendar.
YouTube Channel:
· Watch The Rogue Scorpion trailer.
· Watch The Holding trailer.
· Watch The Healing trailer.