What a mess! Invasive vines, brush and weeds had overrun my wooded back yard. So much so that I could not walk through to the beautiful forest beyond. One day I got sick and tired of this mess and decided to do something. I became a woman on a mission. All my free time was spent ripping out vines, digging up brush and cutting away dead limbs while I endured bug bites, scratches, ripped nails and poison ivy. But it was worth it. Once cleared, all kinds of possibilities opened up. I used dead limbs and trees I had cut as edging to create paths while envisioning my grand kids running around them. Any odd object or interesting shaped wood became an art piece. My once overgrown mess became a creative experiment and playground. Not only did the vision of children running and playing in this area come to pass but the paths were wonderful to use as contemplative walkways.
On one of my meditative walks I realized this area mirrored may life. When I was younger I had not taken care of myself nor made healthy decisions. This led to an unhealthy lifestyle and dysfunctional relationships that I felt trapped in. My life was a jumbled mess that I could not see beyond. One day I got sick and tired and decided to do something about it. I became a woman on a mission. Unlike my yard this was not a month long task, it was a commitment to myself to become the best version of me.
It was a battle as old habits die hard, but I would not give up. I got professional help, I changed my thinking from victim to overcomer, I used words to empower rather than defeat, I forgave myself and others, unhealthy friends were slowly replaced with positive people, and I listened only to uplifting media. I endured heartache, tears, letting go, and admitting I was wrong but it was worth it. Once the mess was cleared all kinds of opportunity opened up and I now have a great life with wonderful relationships.
Recently I was walking around my paths and I noticed a corner of this area was reverting back to the invasive plants. As I cleaned it up I was reminded that even though my life is on a good track I cannot become complacent. Old habits, fears can sneak back in or new circumstances can bring up something else that needs weeding out.
So this woman is on a mission, I worked hard for my beautiful woods and my wonderful life and I am not going to loose it because of laziness or apathy, I’ll keep on top of it because the world needs the best version of me!
