Growth.............

Growth is a funny thing in your life......as a kid and you begin to grow, and the growth we think of or refer to comes by way of actually growing......physically.......then you start to grow as a human, and in how you view the world....behave in the world......some people growing quicker or in different ways then others......and others plugging along slow but steady......I have mentioned before that I feel my growth the last four months has been more than my entire life combined......it is really exciting but requires true mindfulness to stay in that path and be conscious of my actions as it relates to my journey......yesterday I had the opportunity to apply some of this growth to a real life situation that desperately needed it......and the results were absolutely amazing......by staying in compassion and peace.........I was able to help transform a situation that had previously not gone so well........and for the first time I felt I was inviting somebody into MY peace instead of joining them in their chaos, and that the peace inside my heart was visible.......palpable to another.....and that sense of peace that runs through my veins these days is most certainly my prized possession......I will never give it away......or sacrifice it not ever again.......I am a much more peaceful human these days in all places......at work......at home.......all day......and when I hit those landmines and my peace gets jostled I am able to find it again quickly and pull it close to me, or use it as a shield.......my other big growth piece has come by way of compassion and feeling it deeply.....even for those that have wronged me in the most painful and deepest of ways......compassion is another thing that is worth it every single time.....if you are strong enough to stand in it.....stay in it.......feel it........and extend it to another person who is suffering......who others may not deem worthy of such a kind gesture because of what they have done.......and by sharing these things and allowing myself to let them wash over me, allowing myself to extend it to others......I am strengthening them in me........As I grow......I am embracing all the change.....all the confusion......trusting the journey implicitly.........and when I get scared or feel doubt, my faith brings me back and I let go and get back on track......I feel those lighted stepping stones daily guiding me, pulling me......helping me reach my destination......or parts of my destination....not sure I will ever say "I have arrived," and that will be it......I feel like I will have more monumental places and stops along the way........yesterday was one.....it was an arrival of sorts......an arrival to stay in my best self......and offer it to another.....even when it was hard.....even when it challenged my heart......even when it required immense self control.......even when.........because I get to choose how I walk this........and I am choosing good each and every day.......or at least trying as hard as I can.........my heart is grateful.........truly......