| It is Saturday morning 6:50am here in Belgium.
And there was something that I wanted to share with you.
These past few days have been of the toughest in my life. In closing down my other company, things aren't going smoothly at all. This week I have been really knocked out by the betrayal of one of my employees about who I cared I lot.
Lots of action had to be taken to resolve the situation, but even more important was how I dealt with it on the inside.
I was completely devastated by the behavior of that person and looked into myself why it affected me so deeply.
What was there to learn for me? What was the valuable gift in the pain?
I have been through many, many challenges in life (grew up with an addicted mom, survived a stage 4 cancer, ...) and I have always been the strong person for the people around me. I have never, ever dwelled in stories of pain and misery and always focused on the silver lining.
I always saw the good in every person... I saw the opportunity in every challenge... I always kept faith when I was so ill...
And to survive the often very harsh situations, I HAD to be strong, being strong was my safe place. I have never allowed myself to feel the pain, to be weak because it felt unsafe.
So these last few days, the only thing I wanted hear was: it's ok, Barbara, you are allowed to cry, it's ok to feel sad, it's ok to wanna lay your head on someone's shoulders and be silent, just breathe and feel the care and compassion of another person.
And while writing all of this down, I realize that the one allowing all this, had to be ME. I have to surround myself with all the tenderness and compassion I have in me.
Only by dealing with the pain right now, taking a deep look into it, not running away and not pushing away, I can clear and heal myself. I can say goodbye to the situation, realizing what it had to teach me.
By releasing myself, I open myself even more for all the good that is coming my way, I expand myself and know how valuable I am so I can guide others and reflect their beauty.
And this is what successful people do, when they have major setbacks, they deal with it, on a practical AND emotional level. And the inside growth that is coming out of dealing with the challenge is the real reward.
A huge setback is always an invitation for huge growth.
This is what I wanted to share on this Saturday morning. I wish you a wonderful weekend!
Sending lots of love, Barbara.
PS if you are going through some tough times and you need guidance from a person who went through a lot of storms in her life, do not hesitate to contact me.
| 