Joy in change

It's warming up here in Seville. Warming up as in: it's okay to not wear jackets, people are starting to wear shorts, I am using my space heater less & less, more ordering iced coffee at starbs, I sit outside hours a day enjoying the warmth of the sun, and I am most definitely working on my tan :)

On to more important things, this is what I've been reflecting:

The act of letting go of things from the past (distant or near) and to feel liberated in mindset & heart is hard. By letting go, I mean: expectations of others, frustrations, miseries, baggage, broken relationships, feelings, thoughts, perceptions, memories, financial issues, career choices, or anything else being a hinderance to a satisfied and purposeful life (those are just some examples).

People's opinions & feelings towards you, external world issues, today's crazy technology, and society's views, are some walls blocking us to let go and be liberated-- it's hard to let go completely; to meditate, pray, reflect, and fully surrender everything to God is a talent. I believe we are naturally inclined to let go, but sometimes we value society and other people's opinions above us so we cling on to the past. A piece of advice from Psalms 46:10 says it short and sweet:

"Be still and know that I am God!" This can mean something different to each person, but right now to me this means to to let go, relax and let God take control. Joy has come in my life with this simple verse.

Letting go is about change.

Letting go creates change.

In life we go through changes, whether they are positive or negative; Iv'e learned we must accept these changes with our whole being. If we don't, it's hard to let go and be at peace. For example: all relationships, friendship or love, have the potential to fade for whatever reason. Maybe the reason is moving, different points in lives, or two people just grow up and don't find much in common anymore. If you accept this, you can focus on your new relationships and healthy friendships rather than wasting time being upset that a certain friendship dwindled or a dear friend moved in a different direction.

When trying to let go, we often try to change others in order for our own fulfillemt in life. Through my relationships, I have learned we can't change people to suit our needs. People are not here to bring fulfillness in our lives. That comes from our relationship with God. People can, however, encourage, support, and keep accountable for you. After all, relationships and love are the most important thing on this Earth. I wouldn't be the same person I am today if it wasn't for past (I cherish all of my friends I have grown up with) and present relationships. Each one of my relationships have helped form who I am today.

...Fill your life with people that are positive, encouraging, and help bring you to the full capacity of your being.

When you do this, you will find yourself surrounded with real and genuwine friends who care about your progress and self improvement in life. They will help you get through change or letting go of whatever needs to be left.

As I look outside, it's a beautiful sunny day here in Southern Spain. I have a few months left, look forward to my remaining time, yet I am excited to come home :) I hope you all find a piece of joy in your day today!