While attending a church service recently, during the sermon
it was said, "we wear the burden of our lives." It was mentioned,
"we can bloom wherever we are." There was a strong conviction
in the tone of her voice. And I spent a great part of the day thinking
about it.
Reflecting on my life, I saw that she had a good point; we can
bloom wherever we are. I think that first a person must want to
change and be committed to going through the process, no matter
how difficult things seem. The commitment to making
changes can't be based on someone else. I mean, it has to be a
selfish act - 'I want this for me.'
There are no perfect people in this world. Everyone has
fallen short and made mistakes. Some are more serious than
others and consequences vary - but the mistakes don't have to
keep you bound. We can learn from them. Viktor FrankL wrote a
book called "Man's Search For Meaning", and in the book he
says, "everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life to
carry out a concrete assignment, which demands fulfillment.
Therein, he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated.
Thus everyone’s task is as unique as is his specific opportunity
to implement it."
"As each situation in life represents a challenge to man
and presents a problem for him to solve, the question of the
meaning of life may actually be reversed. Ultimately, man should
not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather he must recognize
that it is he who is being asked. Each man is questioned by
life and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life;
to life he can only respond by being responsible." Every person is
unique and each person can offer something to life that no one
else can.
How can we be responsible, by blooming where we
have been planted? I mean, letting go of the things we can’t
change and have no control over. Letting go of the burdens of
our lives, things that we allow to alter who we are; that we have
carried in our addiction or in the form of guilt, shame, pain, and
low self-esteem. I am talking about that ache in the heart and
soul that has hindered us from becoming the best we are capable
of being. It’s important to see ourselves as we want to be
and appreciate life for what is valuable—the blessings we have
been given.
I see the masks' people here wear everyday - because I
have worn them myself, I recognize them. Be yourself! Love
yourself! Forgive yourself! It's time to grow and want more for
others as we want for ourselves. The petty arguing, fighting,
jealousy, has to stop here. We cannot bloom doing things like
that. To bloom is to grow, mature, expand and reach your full
potential. We can bloom by being humble, learning new things,
keeping an open mind, applying ourselves to the programs and
mental health groups that are provided, being kind and compassionate
to each other.
It's only by giving that one can receive. What I mean
is, if you want respect - be respectful, if you want friendship - be
a friend, if you want love - be loving. If you want forgiveness -
be forgiving. If you do not like being judged - stop judging others.
Life is reflected back to us. Unless a person changes the
way they look at things - the way they look at things won't
change. Thoughts and attitudes are like magnets - what you
think or focus on is what you will bring into your life. There is
more than one truth, so be open to new ideas. You don't have to
agree with it but allow others to be where they are at so they can
bloom too.
This prison environment does not have to be the end of
our hopes, dreams or aspirations. It can be a place of preparation,
where we work on making positive changes in our lives.
Therefore, when opportunity comes we will have nurtured ourselves
and be ready to bloom. What do you want for yourself?
Are you looking forward to a better future? I'm sure that within
your heart there is an answer. It will come if you spend time
thinking about it. We must not give up on ourselves—even if
the world around us seems to have done so. We must bloom!
We are here for a reason—in this moment in time—so let’s
bloom and help others to do the same.
A final thought from Viktor Frankl, "the meaning of
life differs from man to man, from day to day and from hour to
hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general,
but rather the specific meaning of a person's life at a given
moment." What choices are you going to make at this moment
in your life? "The flowers are opening, the birds are singing new
songs. No matter what is going on in the world, spring brings a
time of renewal and hope. (Dr.E. Novek )"
Will you bloom and become the person you want to be
or will you allow this environment to cause you to wither
away?
Much Love!
