Cee’s Black and White Challenge |

“Rock bottom became a solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” -J. K. Rawlings

Kaikora, New Zealand

Cozy Nook

Riverton Beach, New Zealand

We have learned to start over since childhood. Piles of paper crumpled on the floor as we started rewriting an assignment. Rebuilding a sandcastle destroyed by a playful sibling. Or maybe redoing kindergarten to ensure foundational knowledge was gained.

I once tried to cut my own hair. Talk about an epic fail. The stylist told me it looked like it had been cut with a knife and spoon. Thank God for Google because I didn’t give up doing it myself. I needed to start over and gain some skill.

I’ve had to rebuild several times in my lifetime; financially, in love, in career, and physical and emotional health.

I imagine in the darkest hours of one’s life, “begin again” would seem useless or uncaring advice. But it is indeed the answer.

All life challenges bring about an ending–and the chance for a beginning. Starting over produces fear, anxiety and sadness but with the right, solid foundation a new start can bring unimaginable benefits.

For me, faith has been the most solid place to begin to rebuild. From this foundation, I have applied truths of forgiveness, gained courage and reassurance, and applied wisdom for making better decisions than I had previously.

Have you ever had to start over or rebuild in your life? What was the foundation you found most beneficial?

A rock is a symbol of stability, dependability and strength.

When beginning again or rebuilding make sure to check that you are building on a solid foundation.

Cee’s Black and White Challenge: Rocks

Individually, we are one drop,

Together, we are an ocean. (Unknown)

We need each other. We are social beings and we are not meant to be alone.

Our heart has an amazing capacity. Without much effort at all, it refills-with love, compassion, and tenderness. If you don’t believe me, take notice the next time someone makes you angry. We don’t don’t stay angry forever.

Why do you think we try so hard to build walls and fortresses around our hearts?

Fear?

True.

We are afraid of being hurt, yet again.

I know. We desperately want to protect our hearts from pain.

But have you ever noticed how hard we have to work to build the protective walls and fortresses around the heart?

Have you ever thought about it?

It’s so easy to “say” that we will never love again, or no one will ever get that close again…but to maintain that stance actually is a lot of work.

Because, the heart returns to love as naturally as breathing.

Our heart fills to the brim and can’t help but overflow -we need to give AND receive love.

That is why the lack of love is so painful, why we search for others willing to accept the love we have to offer and are disappointed when we feel rejected.

Humans need to give and be given:

care

tenderness

hugs

touch

emotional support

love

companionship–sharing fun and laughter, play, adventure and everyday life

and

help -someone to have our back

Individually, we are a drop but together we are an ocean. Drop by drop, the ocean of love in our hearts streams outward without ever draining itself completely dry. The heart is constantly refilling.

And honestly, isn’t it worth the risk?

I’m not convinced we could stop if we tried. I think, the heart will always seek other hearts to accept its spillage. In fact, I’m pretty sure of it.

Go ahead, let drops begin to trickle outward…until the flow becomes a stream and together we produce an ocean of love.

Someone is thirsty for the compassion you have to give. And a hug is a great place to start (just in case, you need a little help to get going!) 🙂
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Cee’s Black and White Challenge: Water From A Drop To An Ocean