I Am My Own Sanctuary
I woke up this morning, opened the newspaper and read the tragic news of 2 young women killed in a grisly car accident the night before. These young ladies were 17 and 18 years old respectively. I looked at their photos, obviously taken during happier times and thought of all they would never experience.
And then the thought hit me: they lost themselves so very young, whereas I’ve been losing myself by bits and pieces throughout DECADES. A sad realization I’m sure I share with many Midlife women and men.
Life has a way of stomping us flat. Sometimes it does this all at once: the death of a loved one, divorce, crushing poverty and/or bankruptcy, disease; cuts so brutal they slice us to the bone.
Yet for others, life stomps incrementally: dashed dreams, missed goals, lost opportunities, bad relationships and the heartbreak and torment they bring, slow forming addictions that keep us from our full potential, aging parents losing their way, wayward children we can’t reach no matter how hard we try…
Before we know it, we’ve lost all connection with that Young Person that still lives inside each and every one of us. That Resilient Spirit who knows how to find joy in life, who still believes in the sanctity of dreams… who still recalls how to laugh, hope and believe….
Once that connection is gone, we’re cast adrift and it’s a mighty rough sea out there.
During my life, I’ve been blessed to have some rather profound angels on my path; strong, older women willing to mentor me. One of these angels is a dear friend who implores me at every turn to reconnect with that part of me she calls ‘Carrie Girl’. She promises me that, if I do, I’ll find the answer to my every question and the supply for my every need. She tells me often that ‘Carrie Girl’ knows me better than anyone ever could. ‘Carrie Girl’ recalls the early passions, hopes, dreams and longings of my life, and ‘Carrie Girl’ remembers Who and What I really am.
Newsflash: You too have your own inner guide. When was the last time you acknowledged It? When was the last time you shut off the world and really LISTENED?
As you read this, we’re heading into the New Year and, if you ring it in like most folks, you perhaps will over-indulge in numerous ways; be it food, booze or excess spending- making you a prime candidate for a hefty load of self-loathing. Perhaps too, as the ball in Times Square dropped, you were furiously making your New Year’s Resolutions, vowing to do -and BE- better ‘next year’.
Just a tiny question here but one certainly worth pondering: does it seem wise to make promises to yourself when you’re bloated, exhausted, depressed and over extended in every possible way?!?
I used to make New Year’s Resolutions with the very best of them but now, as I embrace my 5th decade, I’m pleased to announce that finally, Sanity has found me. She can -and will- find you too, if you allow her to.
Instead of the usual litany of self-flagellation: lose weight, work out three hours per day every day without fail, make a fortune, win awards in my field, become a mogul, meet Mr. Right, drink two gallons of spring water per day, never eat junk, learn to play the violin, I’m making only ONE Resolution. Granted, it’s a well thought out ONE, and is all encompassing, but the rationale behind it comes from a fresh perspective; one of self-love and appreciation. I so hope you’ll join me!
Right here, right now, I resolve to acknowledge that I am my own Sanctuary. It’s up to me to connect with my Real Self, converse with her, listen for her and surrender to her. She is connected to the very wisdom of Spirit and she remembers just why it is that I was so wonderfully and fearfully made… what my True mission in this life is and why and how it matters in the grand scheme of things.
By resolving to reconnect with the Sanctuary within, all my decisions and choices will be authentic, wise, loving and healing.
There will be days in which I rest, and days in which I exercise. There will be days when I choose a cocktail and days I choose spring water, days I choose to laugh and days I choose to cry. By choosing to honor the Sanctuary within, I will be led to eat better, sleep more soundly, make better choices to nourish myself each and every day, listen and heed, commune, seek and understand and I can make that all powerful shift NOW. After all, ‘Now is the appointed time’ and Now is all we truly have.
17 and 18 is way too young to lose ones’ self, but then again is there ever really a convenient time to realize that we’re lost- and are so because we’ve been our own worst enemy? This is a mighty tough question to ask at the tail end of the season of festivity but doing so- and then heeding the answer- ushers in a clarity, focus and sweet release that only Truth can.
Recently, that dear friend of mine I mentioned earlier lost her son to an aneurysm. He was there one second- and gone the next. I know she needs someone to remind her of her Inner Self. I will pick up the phone and do my best to do so.
My wish for all of us is that we do just that- for ourselves- and for each other. Happy New Year! May it be the VERY BEST ONE YET – for all of us!
© copyright 2017 Carrie E. Pierce all rights reserved.
Health and Beauty has been Carrie E. Pierce’s career focus for over 28 years. Throughout her career, Carrie has served as: Guest and Corporate Makeup Artist for numerous major, international cosmetic companies and as a Hollywood film, TV and special effects makeup artist. She’s provided skin care and makeup services for the fashion industry, as well as restorative make up procedures for burn and scar patients, cancer patients, domestic violence survivors and women suffering with self-esteem issues. Carrie is a licensed Aesthetician, Certified Color Analyst, Menopause Skin Care Specialist, Author, Public Speaker and served as co host of the syndicated radio show ‘Magnificent Menopause & Beyond©’. It’s her mission and her passion to help women be the best they can be – especially as they move through Midlife! Find out more www.MidlifeMystique.com
Author: Carrie Pierce
Carrie Pierce has worked exclusively in the Health, Beauty and Entertainment industries for over 30 years. She’s a Licensed Aesthetician, Certified Color Analyst, former Hollywood Film and TV Makeup Artist, syndicated Radio Talk Show Host and a published Author, specializing in Midlife Health and Beauty issues. It’s Carrie’s mission -and her passion- to help make Midlife the very best it can be- for women and men everywhere!
