Reconciliation comes from the Latin root meaning back and bringing together. Bringing back together is the original meaning of the word. Today, the meaning speaks to me and I feel moved and inspired.

My work with myself and others is about emotional maturity and spiritual empowerment. I believe that we all have within us an untapped potential of profound spiritual power and resources. Each and every day begins with meditation and prayer and throughout the day I return to this meditative place inside of myself, whether writing, exercising or attending to the affairs of my family. Even within the context of this priority of spiritual living, I am confronted regularly with my own ego, emotional immaturity and self-seeking ways. It keep me busy in my own pursuit of maturity but more importantly, it keeps me humble.

In studying mystics and spiritual sojourners, I have found that each and every one of them confront their own ego and have their own self-will that requires Spiritual attention. We all have ways to overcome. Some have physical ailments, others societal and family obstacles and others the dark nights of the soul and descent into emotional and soulful despair. It is said that misery loves company and in this instance, I must admit this is true for me. Perhaps this is why I resist welcoming reconciliation into my life.

I resist forgiving others and often I find self-righteousness energizing. It's embarrassing to speak that aloud as I mentor and teach about emotional intelligence and spiritual maturity, but it is one of my own shadows.

I have a belief that if I do not recall and continue to remember how I have been "wronged" by another, I leave myself vulnerable to being hurt again. Therefore, forgiving someone and bringing back together my heart with someone who has hurt me seems like putting myself at risk for being hurt again.

The wisdom of the 12 step program originating with Alcoholics Anonymous teaches us that resentment is our number one enemy. Today, I choose to trust the wisdom of this spiritual program and let go of my own self-will and beliefs that keep me frightened and justified. I choose to be responsible to care well for myself and at the same time, I welcome forgiveness and the sacred gift of reconciliation.

I believe that our most profound healing and transformation begins with an intention and a speaking aloud of this intention. So in this moment, I choose to speak aloud my intention for reconciliation. I choose to believe in the power of forgiveness. I also choose to bring back together my heart with those that I have loved and felt hurt or betrayed by. I believe this will unite my spirit and soul with their spirit and soul. Today, I choose to believe that forgiveness and reconciliation is an act of self-love and a blessing for the whole.

While it remains a bit scary, I believe it an important statement and intention to have. I trust that in surrendering my own fear around being hurt, that I will be able to embrace more emotional and spiritual maturity. We teach what we need to learn and today I am student as well as humble teacher.

My invitation to you is to look within to see where are your resentments and where might you resist forgiveness and reconciliation in your own life.

Blessings to you on your journey,

Sally