The journey towards healing from pain and trauma can be quite lonely at times, especially in the beginning. It is not that we are ever truly alone but that we have abandoned ourselves somewhere in life. The most common place of self-abandonment is romantic relationships, I personally can attest to that, I almost completely lost my sense of self in a dead-end relationship. Trauma experienced early in life can be the most challenging to overcome, especially if it occurred during the first five years of life.

There are countless roadblocks to attaining freedom, from relationships, food, jobs, to even religious and spiritual groups. We, ourselves can also be the biggest hurdle, the ego is a trickster. I often found myself wanting to bring along my family or friends on the journey but I’d soon find that the journey was mine and mine alone and that I had to respect the path of each individual. It’s not that I didn’t love or care for them it’s that it’s difficult to go anywhere with baggage, we are already attempting to let go of our own personal baggage now imagine having to carry that of another along the journey.

The best leaders are those that have already walked the path, those that walk the talk, they know what it will take and how difficult the journey truly is. Once someone is experienced, they become better at helping others find their own truth- their journey home. Anyone who truly wishes the freedom of another will not attempt to control or manipulate what or how the other person walks their path- they will be there as guides like the stones along the river going to the ocean-many streams, one ocean. There is no right and no wrong way, it is all perfect and in divine order.

The most challenging part for me has been learning to let go, there have been so many different levels to letting go I could almost write a whole chapter on it, it’s mind-blowing. The biggest step I took in letting go was leaving the city, friends, and family that I grew up with and moving many miles away, I grieved for about a month when I left. Today, as I continue to travel and go where Spirit leads me, I sometimes find myself missing my family, yet I have no regrets about my path. I am grateful for the opportunities that have presented themselves to me and the mercy of Creator for allowing me to serve my purpose on this Earth.

Have faith, the journey is long, yet love is stronger- let it lead you home.