A triggers is a notification: Similar to the red dot notification on our feed, the trigger remains until we begin to acknowledge and read it. We have several choices: 1. Ignore 2. Distract ourselves (with socializing/avoiding, TV., doom scrolling, substances, etc.) 3. Read, acknowledge, and process it 4. Blame the messenger and give them the power over our emotion The emotional reaction/response we feel as a result of a person's actions or behavior are showing us the crack... The crack is where the pain from the past seeped in that made us feel a certain way. This often resulted from a 'conditional' love response, from a parental figure, that was not consistent with our desire and need. And so the subconscious loop begins... as our inner child continued to attempt to seek and receive the the desire or need. This invites similar characters, in different suits, into our lives to continue to play out that script. As we become more conscious/aware of the root, it can ignite a dark night of the soul. The initial cracking of that protective barrier is uncomfortable. This can sometimes feel, in the moment, even more painful than the ignorance. Substantial change can be, at the very least, 'uncomfortable,' because it is 'unfamiliar.' The ego may desire to cling to what we know, what is predictable, and what we believe to be true. This may cause one to retreat, and yet, it's practically impossible to go back to 'sleep' after we're 'awake.' The choice is ours to lean into that pain and truth.... Evolve or repeat. This can come with grief, for who you have been, who others' in your life have or haven't been to you in relation to the shadow. It may require a tremendous amount of forgiveness within ourselves. It calls us to give ourselves the unconditional love that may not have been modeled, received, or desired. The truth is, we have choices on what we invite, tolerate, and allow. That 'work' of acknowledging, feeling, releasing, and re-patterning takes effort, support, and a whole lot of grace and self-compassion.

On my morning walk with the pup yesterday, I noticed a sign on a school window. As I passed by the janitor collecting the parking lot signs, I pointed to the sign and asked him, "what are you going to do to make a difference today?" He shrugged. I replied, what if you already are? "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?" The big moments and gestures are not always the things people remember. It is often the smallest, seemingly insignificant moments, that become unforgettable. You are powerful beyond measure! I am grateful for this community that Aaron built and the stories, guidance, and wisdom that we all share. Every day we wake up, is another opportunity to make a difference. So I ask you, "what are you going to do to make a difference today?" Wishing you all a beautiful Saturday! Dana 🤍🌹🖤