Becky
For all outward appearances, I was having a great life. Married, two great kids, a husband who devoted his life to making sure we had everything we wanted. I was busy, busy, busy. My husband and I set goals for ourselves, striving to attain a certain way of life, for our security, for our children, and sometimes to prove a point. In the process, I sacrificed my inside self, my childhood hopes and dreams. And the emptiness, that feeling of “Is this it? Is this all there is?” came creeping into my life, disturbing the surface of “normal” that I tried so hard to maintain. A feeling of dissatisfaction with my life, my husband, my family, was settling into my heart. Something was wrong with everyone else and it was making me withdrawn and sad.
About this time, a woman moved into our neighborhood who became a dear friend. I watched healing occur in her life as a result of a series of workshops she was participating in, for herself and her family. It caused an ache in my heart for something more, the piece that was missing in my life. I was so afraid to commit to attending the first workshop. I thought my husband needed to go first, he was the one with all the problems!
Recently, I completed the Soltura workshop trilogy. It took tremendous courage to put myself out there, to work hard and take a chance that there was more. Trusting myself, the facilitators and the other participants required a huge leap of faith. The facilitators are women who have walked this path. They shared, guided, and encouraged me to find my own way. The results were life changing for me and for everyone who attended. I am moving forward with confidence that I can be and do what my heart desires.
The first workshop laid the foundation, a chance to open up and let go. The second workshop gave me tools to challenge my fears and free myself to listen to my heart. The third workshop was the icing on a cake, prepared with love, attention and a great deal of caring. Combined with the previous experiences, the miracle of stretching myself during the third workshop, brought a realization that there is a place for me to live, be alive, a home that is mine always. I am living out loud, with peace in my heart, and feeling who I am; it is my choice.
I have trusted friends in the women who bravely walked the path with me. When things are tough, when I swing to fear, I have only to pick up the phone and people who know me, are there to listen and encourage me as I work my way back to love.
Becky — Illinois
