Introspection

          It is so easy to get caught up in the dramas that unfold around us each day, whither it be our own or someone else's. Somehow, being apart of that drama can make you feel connected to the world around you. Yet, does it really connect you? Or does it suck away your life force, pull you away from what is truly important, and keep you in a constant state of "I can't believe this happened", or "If only things were different"?
           I am no stranger to drama. The past few years alone have been filled with enough drama to supply a Soap Opera with  enough storyline fodder for a years that would draw in viewers like flies to honey and keep ratings at an all time high.
            At times I have let this drama rule my life. I have fallen into despair, let my emotions rule my actions, and played the "victim card". I am not a person you'd want to be around when I am in that state; I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who can relate, if not think of someone who has does the same.
            Yet, when I take a moment to calm and center myself (which isn't always easy), I realize, just because things appear to be one way, does not mean they have to continue down that path. And the only way to change the situation, is to be willing to change my perspective of the situations at hand.
            Change is never easy. In fact, everything in your body and mind can scream at you, trying to prevent that change from happening, convincing you things are fine as they are, when really they are not. We are creatures of habit, unfortunately, and will always fall into the path of least resistance if we let ourselves.
           So what can we do to break the cycle of drama driven living?
           There are many tools, self help books, and people dedicated to helping you break out of the drama habit, but the most important thing we can do is CHOOSE.
          Choose to be in control.
          Choose to recognize drama for what it is.
          Choose to be in charge of our life and the world around us.
          Once you make that choice, however you want to go about creating a better situation for yourself is entirely up to you. But that first step of choosing to do something about it, is critical in bringing about real change.
         For me, I made the choice to detach from drama, yet still found myself getting sucked back in, time and time again. I would let my ego convince me, that there was no way, but the way it was, and I was better off feeling sorry for myself and the situation, then look for an alternate solution. So i kept searching for tools and resources that could help me get out of the funk I was in.
         Surprisingly, what helped me get out of my funk the most was Vitamin D. Turns out, I was quite deficient. After two weeks of being on a regiment, my energy levels came back, along with my color, and my mood was greatly improved. Who knew? I was able to think clearly again and quiet my ego from telling me "this is how things are, this is how they will always be." I found myself able to chose to detach from the drama, see a different way. A way that would lead me to the outcome I wanted.
        I know that in the days ahead things will only get better. I have set my sights on my goals, not letting the drama of the moment deter me from attaining them. 
         Detaching from drama, and bringing about real change in our lives can happen.
         We just have to choose to believe we can change.
         Remembering, we are the ONLY ones in charge of our lives; not the drama that surrounds us.

Welcome, 2012!

         Happy New Year! There are just a few minutes left of the first day of the new year and I figured it was about time I sit down and write. Something I had resolved to do in 2011, but for one reason or another, found other things to do instead.
          2011 was tumultuous year, to say the least. There was drama, heartache, twists and turns. Just when things were looking up, something would happen and challenge my resolve once more. Yet, here I am, a little bruised, slightly weary, but more empowered than ever.
          The year, as tumultuous as it was, was not a bad year at all. It simply brought to light a lot of things that were broken and no longer working or useful in my life. From the way I handle situations, to how I interact with people; every shadow and insecurity were laid bare, and I am forever grateful.
         While I'll admit, sometimes it is far easier to turn a blind eye to the shadows in our lives, and blame someone else for our problems, it is far more rewarding to man up and take responsibility. After all, who is in charge of your life? You? Or someone else?
         There is no time like the present to pause and take note of all that is happening in your life. What makes you happy? Unhappy? Are there things you'd like to change or wish would change?
        Only you know the answers.
        Only you can bring about change.
        So, Thank you 2011, for bringing out the darkness that was cluttering up my life. Thank you for making me face my biggest fears. I couldn't have done it without your assistance!
         Welcome, 2012! May you guide me into the light even more.