I have become a Strong Independent Person. Its something that others admire. I also admire in others… and in myself.
This knowledge assures me, and it feeds this part of me. We have become quite attached to each other, SIP and I.
As long as I embrace this persona, and default to it in times of difficulty, then I find it hard to be vulnerable and dependent on others.
The dependent part of me I still judge as “weak”. I am also too ready to judge others who appear dependent and “weak”.
We all have a shadow side, which can be masquerading as our “good side”.
The ego is like that. It creates a story about what we want to admire in ourselves, and therefore what we see in others.
Yet, when the ego is in charge, it blocks off the heart and our ability to empathize and be truly compassionate.
My heart tells me to not be so strong. To allow myself to open more to others and trust in them and their goodness. To let go of trying to control with strength and will. To open to the inevitable.
May we all find acceptance of the shadow and the light within us, and find inner harmony.
Find Your Middle Ground 
may we all find the balance –
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed Beth 💛
LikeLike
Inner Harmony … a delicate dance, Val. I fought a long time being “dependent” on my husband who enjoys doing for me. He overdoes a bit and if he had his way would end up suffocating me. Um no. But, as time passed, I began to appreciate what he does do and acknowledge it’s OK to be dependent on someone as long as I don’t become so dependent I end up unable to do anything. Being dependent is beautiful in balance. To gain that balance, however, is where the delicate dance comes in. I LOVE my SIP yet my Heart is open in allowing another to do for me, knowing that is his way of showing Love to me. I’m also working on “asking for help”. Hmmmmm ….. Your show of honesty here today is commendable, dear friend. Stay strong and may your Light get ever stronger! As I see it, your Light is Beautiful as is. BIG (((HUGS))) Amy 💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Amy for sharing your own insight and perspective here. I appreciate your honesty and authentic way … and your caring heart ❤️ 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice blog post Val, very open and honest. We all struggle with these things from time to time. Keep and open heart and an open mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Heart and mind fully open today 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are all vulnerable sometimes Val and good to see, that you also show your vulnerability. I feel, that when I hurt inside, I easily close my heart and try to find myself and the inner peace, before I feel ready to be open to others.
I try my best not to judge others too, but it happens anyway. When it does, I do recognize it and know, I saw a mirror here and then stop the judging. By judging others, we do also judge ourselves, which is not necessary or needed at all.
Namaste ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing your reflection Irene. Self inquiry is such a helpful practice to bring us to compassion for own humanness! and inner harmony.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I first read this an hour ago and didn’t know how to respond. Read it aloud to Jean and she acknowledged that it was difficult to reply to. Then it came to me.
That it is all about being honest with oneself. Having the opportunity to share the most private and intimate feelings. Made easier by having a real friend in one’s life. Made easiest of all by having a dog who loves one unconditionally and will ‘listen’ so patiently when one speaks from the heart to one’s furry best friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your reply Paul! I wanted readers to reflect on being open and honest with themselves. Looking inwards to see what comes up for them. And you did this so beautifully.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Val. It was your post that did it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So well expressed, Val. I appreciate your message and the beauty of balance and being human, thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jet for your humanity and humanness 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, Val. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and understanding, Ann 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this, Val…it’s beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jill for your kind words 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
each of our
mighty atoms
holding strong
kindly keeping us
from bursting
apart 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Love this reflection David. Mighty Kind atoms are good to have around 💕
LikeLike
Your honesty about vulnerability is universal. This is very difficult for men to do as well, and for the same beliefs that you have described, that it is weak. We all have a long way to go in this area, but the more each of us speak about this and share our vulnerabilities with each other, as you have Val, the more we will normalise it. Thank you beautiful Val 💕💚
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you insightful and kind Karen. May we shine our light for others along the way 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you for sharing this Val…i think about trust…staying soft and feeling…also appreciate the thread here…i think of you as a peaceful warrior from your posts…compose a beautiful day ~ smiles 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Hedy. I appreciate your thoughts and kind words💛
LikeLike
Yes, that balance is so important. Good to be strong and independent, but not at the expense of your heart and trust. I remember going through a time of being afraid to appear weak. Asking for help, almost impossible. Feels better to be vulnerable and let others help. It is a gift for them too. Great post, Val.
LikeLiked by 1 person
THank you Mary. So glad it resonated with your inner being. 💛🙏💛
LikeLike
“The ego … creates a story about what we want to admire in ourselves, and therefore what we see in others. … , it blocks off the heart and our ability to empathize and be truly compassionate.”
Beautifully said, Val. I shall make a special effort to allow myself to be vulnerable today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Janet for being you and your intention 💕
LikeLike
Beautiful reminder. ❤ Love requires vulnerability and vulnerability requires courage and faith. Strength and independence are different qualities to me, also valuable unless they are the tools of fear. So much to ponder, Val. Thanks for the wisdom.
LikeLike
What a great topic to be shared. It it true, emotions and vulnerability is blocked when there is an ego at play.
LikeLike