As we stand on the threshold of a new year, many of us carry the echoes of the past, the imprints of our trials and tribulations. As January draws to a close, the initial zest of the New Year, with its promise of new beginnings and aspirations, might be waning under the weight of routine and old habits. Perhaps the patience we need is eroding as desired outcomes remain out of sight, or unforeseen challenges threaten to extinguish the spark we've kindled.

The year 2023 marked a tumultuous chapter in my life, reminiscent of a period thirteen years prior, a time equally fraught with personal upheavals that reshaped my essence. It was then, amidst the chaos of losing my business, navigating a divorce, and facing the stark reality of the mortgage crisis, that I experienced an acute sense of unraveling. A photograph of me with my children, then just toddlers, captures a moment where everything seemed to hang by a thread.

The loss of my business was a blow, but it was the sudden and devastating departure of my friend, who chose to end his own life, that plunged me into profound grief. Financial pressures mounted, and as I watched my house slip away, the strain began to consume not just my finances but my spirit.

One particularly harrowing night, during a hospital stay precipitated by this relentless stress, I found myself teetering on the edge of an abyss. In this dark space, my mind grappled with unworthiness, questioning my ability to be the mother my children deserved. The weight of the world felt crushing, and the glimmer of hope within me flickered dangerously close to extinguishment.

Yet, it was in this crucible of despair that the most unexpected of lifelines appeared. Voices—distant and ethereal—began to infiltrate the shadows, whispers that seemed to echo from the depths of my soul, murmuring, "Don't give up." Exhaustion had become my constant companion, and yet these whispers beckoned me to resist surrender to the darkness.

Then, amidst the sterile silence of the hospital, a voice pierced the stillness with such clarity, it was as if its owner was beside me, speaking directly into my ear. The message was simple yet powerful, a rallying cry from the universe itself: "Rise."

The following day, thinking of my children, an epiphany struck with the force of revelation. Their eyes, filled with innocent light, reflected back at me the very spark I feared losing. I realized that to give in to the darkness would be to dim their brightness too. They deserved a mother who fought, who showed them that even in the face of overwhelming odds, perseverance was not just possible—it was necessary.

Looking skyward, my heart heavy with doubt, I sent out a plea: "I don't know if you're out there, but I need help. If you exist, now's the time." What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. It felt as though a spiritual battalion heeded my call, sweeping in with a force of compassion and assurance that defied explanation. This invisible legion carried me from that place of despair, setting me on a path of slow but certain recovery.

The road from that hospital bed to the present day was not adorned with rainbows. It was often arduous and wrought with challenges. Yet, the profound connection to spirit that was fortified in that hospital room has been a beacon throughout my journey. It has illuminated my darkest days and guided me through uncertainty.

As I reflect on the parallels between the struggles of then and now, I'm reminded that the trials we endure are not just random strokes of misfortune; they are the sculpting hands of destiny shaping our character and fortifying our spirit. Those moments in the hospital, where hope was reborn through the whispers of the unseen, have become a wellspring of strength that I draw from to this very day.

That strength was the armor I donned as I faced the adversities of 2023, reminding me of the resilience and determination that carried me through the storms before. It becomes a living testament that our lowest points are not the end of our stories but rather pivotal chapters that lead to greater heights.

The spirit connection, once a faint whisper in the night, has grown into a constant, guiding presence in my life. It is a reminder that we are more than our circumstances, that within us lies an indomitable force capable of transcending the darkest nights. This connection to something greater, whether we call it spirit, the universe, or simply hope, is a powerful ally on our journey through life.

It is this realization—that every day offers the chance to renew our spirit, to reaffirm our connection to the divine, and to redefine our existence—that I wish to impart through my teachings and my story. The photograph of my young children and me, taken during that tumultuous year, serves not as a symbol of defeat but as a beacon of survival and the transformative power of hope.

Now, as I sit with the wisdom and scars of those experiences, I embrace the mantra, "Every day is the first day of the rest of my life," with a profound sense of reverence. It is more than a phrase; it is a lifeline, a promise, and a challenge. It invites us to leave yesterday's shadow behind and step into today's light with courage and the knowledge that our spirit allies are ever-present.

So, to those who find themselves in the throes of their own personal trials, know that the journey through darkness is not a solitary one. The voices that call you to rise are echoes of your own resilient spirit, amplified by the universal forces that walk alongside us. Embrace the lessons of the past, hold firmly to the present, and look to the future with an open heart.

Let's move forward into the rest of 2024 with a collective resolve to honor the sacredness of each new day. Let's nurture our spirit connections, draw strength from our past, and embark on each sunrise with a commitment to renewal and growth. Remember, the path ahead is yours to shape, and every day is an opportunity to begin anew. Every day is indeed the first day of the rest of your life—may it be a journey of healing, discovery, and boundless possibility.

Listen to “In My Blood” by Sawn Mendez for a boost of inspiration. You deserve to take space up in this world. Your fucking amazing beauty owns a piece of the world. Go out and find your patch of peace and joy.

#protectmypeace #blockoutthenoise

Love From My Universe to Yours,

Renee

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