From the Ashes
Maybe from the ashes we each rise? As Paulo Coelho makes a compelling observation, “When we constantly race, we stumble into foolish mistakes. We miss the details in our rush. Chasing relentlessly, we trip and potentially harm others.”
There’s an ironic twist to life—it often gifts us when we think we’ve lost everything. Suddenly, when we have nothing left to lose, we gain it all. It’s a paradox that echoes with profound truth.
Let’s take the phoenix’s tale as an example. The mythic bird concludes its life by bursting into flames, only to be reborn from the ashes. It represents resilience and transformation, highlighting how anything is possible. We are gifted an opportunity to build, invent, and emerge with presence.
Paulo Coelho also notes, “When I ceased to be who I am, I found myself.” Sounds perplexing, right? But think about it. When we shed the expectations, self-doubt, and fear that once defined us, we uncover our true self. It’s a process of transformation, akin to a snake shedding its old skin to reveal a new, vibrant layer.
Self-judgement is a feeling we all know to some degree. Those moments make us feel insignificant, small. Yet, it’s those very moments that carry immense power. They teach us that we’re free to shape our own path and that there is no need to judge any more. Like coal transforming under pressure into a diamond, these experiences harden us, build our resilience, and give us the power to navigate with greater freedom rather than fear.
Remember, life is a journey, not a destination. Each ending signals a new beginning. Every loss offers the potential for gain. Every disappointment plants the seed for growth. When we lose ourselves, it’s an opportunity to discover who we truly are. And not everyone comes with us.
As the saying goes, “The only way out is through.” So, let’s keep creating. Because on the other side of the journey, we find not only our sense of adventure but our true essence. Let’s take control of writing our story and bringing meaning to every step.