Inspiration

We all are inspired by different things, a moment in time when someone says just the right thing, or a piece of advice that stays and affects us profoundly. Here are a few that we like, you may want to add some of your own, to help us and other members!

One survivor who was only just starting out on his recovery from abuse was really struggling to understand how to learn to look after himself. People kept telling him to start being kind and loving himself and he just didn’t get it. Then he had the great opportunity to talk to another older survivor who had been working towards his recovery for a number of years. The younger man asked the older guy what people meant about ‘self-compassion’ and ‘self-nurturing’.

The old guy thought for a moment and then said “ You know kid, I reckon I battle with this every single day. It feels like in my head I have two beasts that mean something different. The first beast represents all the bad thoughts about myself and about how what happened to me has left me feeling. This beast is full of hate, sadness, regret, doubt, anger, rage, anguish, pain, self-recrimination, punishment – he’s a vicious animal, dripping with poison. The other beast is the exact opposite – this one represents love, warmth, support, empathy, understanding, kindness, care, nurturing, safety, gentleness – he is a beautiful beast who smiles and wants us to feel better. And these beasts fight every single day”. Then older guy went quiet.

Confused the young man still didn’t feel that he had an understanding so he asked ‘Yes, but which one wins?”

“The one that’s fed well”, replied the older guy

happiness

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labours and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

happiness



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