Seed of Hope

A phrase I use often when communicating this topic to others is that if one loses sight of hope, there is nothing left. This beautifully rich word packs a punch of goodness and hardship all in one. A seed of hope can be planted just about anywhere. However, even while weathering the storm, the seed needs to be nourished and watered, watched and cared for. I know all too well how hard it is to lose sight of hope during painful times. 

I vividly remember after my fifth miscarriage that I, too, lost the vision of hope in my heart. I was caught up in the whirlwind of emotions, the most prominent being blame and shame. They overshadowed any last bit of hope I had. I was self-critical. I was comparing myself and my life to others. I was filled with the deepest feeling of unworthiness. Looking back, I wish I had given myself more kindness and grace. 

Have you ever felt like this before?

Letting go of societal pressures and unrealistic image standards is one of the best things a woman can do for herself. Switching comparison for praise and judgment for acknowledgment supersedes meeting anyone else’s expectation of you. People are often blinded by what they think will bring them happiness. Money, status, security, power and beauty. No one is ever taught how to ask for less. Knowing what you need is always so much more than knowing what you want.

What is it that you truly need? 

Personally, the only thing I need is to know how to open up to life and evolve. Truly eliminating the ego’s insatiable desires for extrinsic gratification and focusing on peace and harmony within. 

That is the key to leading a life of love and connection. 

By Lauren Pacheco