Embarking on an inward journey begins with the most important relationship you will ever have—the one with yourself. Compassion, love, and respect for who you are at your core are essential. You can not pour from an empty cup; before you can give to others, you must first nourish your own spirit. Realizing this allows you to create your reality from every thought, word, and action.
We often live in an analytical world, focused on logic and reason, but true transformation happens when you tap into your creative genius. Creativity isn’t just about art; it’s about how you approach life, how you reimagine your experiences, and how you envision possibilities that once seemed out of reach. When you embrace your creativity, you move beyond rigid thinking and open the door to healing and self-discovery.
A crucial part of this journey is recognizing the power of the subconscious mind. Your thoughts, whether conscious or subconscious, shape your reality. Negative beliefs, often formed early in life, limit your potential. But you have the power to reprogram your mind and shed these limiting beliefs. Healing modalities such as Reiki, affirmations, decrees, theta, Ho’oponopono, and mindfulness offer ways to realign your energy, thoughts, and emotions. They help protect you from the damaging narratives that may have held you back for too long.
Healing yourself is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous practice of reframing your mind and rekindling the magic in your life. As you heal, you make space for new, positive energy to flow through you. Be open to this process. When you are in alignment with your true self—filled with self-love and acceptance—you naturally begin to attract and manifest the reality you desire.
The key to manifesting your dreams lies in healing from within, reprogramming your subconscious, and nurturing yourself with the love, respect, and compassion you deserve.
Trust in relationships
Trust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship, sometimes even more so than love. In my case, there was never deep love between us, but there was trust—something I valued more than anything else. I believed that trust would be enough to sustain us, and it gave me faith in the connection we had. I was loyal and would have remained so for the rest of my life. But when that trust was shattered, it left a wound far deeper than I could have imagined—one that hurt at my very soul.
Betrayal of trust cuts through the core, leaving behind a pain that lingers long after the initial shock wears off. When trust is broken, it’s not just the relationship that suffers; it’s your sense of self, your judgment, and the world you built around that person. Betrayal makes you question everything—how could I have been so wrong? How could someone I trusted so deeply be capable of causing this kind of pain?
The absence of love in our relationship may have left me vulnerable, believing that trust and loyalty were enough to protect me from heartbreak. But betrayal, especially when it’s unexpected, feels like a blow to the soul. It’s more than just disappointment or sadness; it’s a deep sense of loss—loss of faith, loss of security, and loss of a part of myself that trusted so freely.
I now understand that betrayal goes beyond the act itself. It leaves emotional scars, ones that take time to heal. It shakes your confidence in others, and sometimes, in yourself. But even in this pain, there’s growth. I am left knowing that trust is precious, fragile, and should be guarded, not taken for granted.
The Power of Unconditional Self-Forgiveness in Healing
Healing begins with a single, transformative step: unconditional self-forgiveness. Whether we’ve hurt ourselves or others knowingly or unknowingly, consciously or unconsciously, forgiveness is the key that unlocks our path to recovery. It’s the foundation upon which true healing is built, and it allows us to break free from the weight of guilt, shame, and self-judgment. Only when we forgive ourselves can we truly manifest the life we desire and deserve.
Self-forgiveness is not about excusing harmful behaviour or avoiding responsibility. In fact, it’s the opposite. It starts with taking 100% responsibility for your actions and their consequences. This means owning both your mistakes and your successes, acknowledging that you are in control of your life and the way you respond to the challenges it presents. By accepting responsibility, you reclaim your power and begin the process of healing on your terms.
However, taking responsibility must be coupled with compassion. You are human, and to err is part of that experience. Holding onto self-blame and guilt only prolongs your suffering, keeping you stuck in the past. Forgiveness allows you to move forward, but it must be unconditional—it can not be based on whether you feel “worthy” of it or on external validation. You must grant yourself permission to heal, regardless of the severity of the actions involved. This is essential for personal growth and emotional freedom.
The journey of healing also requires you to acknowledge your emotions fully. Rather than suppressing or denying your feelings, allow yourself to experience them in their entirety. Guilt, anger, sadness, regret—these emotions are all valid, but they don’t have to define you. By embracing your feelings without judgment, you gain clarity and insight into the root causes of your pain. Once you become aware of your emotions, you can begin to release them, creating space for healing and transformation.
Taking full responsibility for your own feelings is empowering. It means no longer blaming others or circumstances for how you feel. Instead, you recognize that while you can not control everything that happens to you, you can control how you respond. By being responsible for your emotions, you shift from a victim mentality to one of empowerment, which is crucial for healing and growth.
In conclusion, healing begins with unconditional self-forgiveness and taking full responsibility for your actions and emotions. It’s a process of acknowledging your feelings, owning your experiences, and showing yourself the same compassion you’d offer to others. When you heal yourself, you open the door to manifesting a life filled with peace, joy, and fulfilment.
Embracing Impermanence: Rebuilding After Trauma
Life teaches us that nothing is permanent. Everything we cherish—relationships, material possessions, even our own identity—exists on a kind of lease. This realization often hits hardest after we experience trauma. When life as we know it falls apart, it’s easy to feel lost, but there is power in recognizing that while permanence is an illusion, growth and change are constant.
Trauma has a way of shattering us, breaking apart our sense of self and our understanding of the world. But after the dust settles, we’re left with a choice: we can stay broken, or we can start putting the pieces back together in a new way. Acknowledging this process is the first and most important step toward healing. It’s not about returning to who we once were, but about creating a new version of ourselves—one shaped by both the pain we’ve endured and the resilience we’ve discovered.
Acknowledgment doesn’t mean passively accepting what happened or trying to erase it. Instead, it’s about confronting the trauma head-on, recognizing its impact, and allowing ourselves to feel everything that comes with it—grief, anger, confusion, or even relief. It’s giving ourselves permission to rebuild without trying to glue the pieces back exactly as they were before. Trauma changes us, but it doesn’t define us. The pieces we put back together can create a stronger, wiser, and more compassionate version of ourselves.
This process isn’t linear, and it’s certainly not easy. There are days when it feels like nothing will ever make sense again. But slowly, over time, we start to see how these broken pieces can form something new, something perhaps more beautiful and meaningful than before. We learn to let go of the idea that life needs to be perfect or permanent. We accept the fluidity of our circumstances, knowing that everything we experience—good or bad—is temporary.
Ultimately, life is about embracing this impermanence and recognizing that the only constant is change. When we accept that nothing is forever, we free ourselves from the need to control everything. We stop fearing loss and begin appreciating the present, knowing that whatever happens, we have the strength to rebuild. Trauma may break us, but it also offers us the opportunity to grow in ways we never imagined possible.
Death is unpredictable.
A death serves as a stark reminder that life is unpredictable. We often take time for granted, assuming there will always be another opportunity to reach out, share love, or express how much someone means to us. Yet, life doesn’t come with guarantees, and moments pass us by faster than we realize.
Why do we wait for the “perfect” moment to connect with our loved ones? Perhaps it’s because we’re caught up in the routines and demands of daily life. Or maybe we fear vulnerability, worrying about how our emotions might be received. But in waiting for perfection, we miss out on what truly matters—the chance to be present, to let others know they are valued and loved while they’re still here.
Death teaches us that time is finite. The perfect moment doesn’t exist; what we have is now. Instead of holding back, we should embrace the imperfections of life and take every opportunity to express love and gratitude. A simple “I miss you” or “I appreciate you” can create moments of connection that linger, reminding us that the most meaningful interactions are often the ones we don’t wait for.
Recognizing Limiting Beliefs to Foster Healthier Relationships
We often form subconscious beliefs about others based on assumptions or past experiences, and these limiting beliefs can deeply affect our relationships. Over time, we create mental images of the people around us—partners, friends, or family members—rooted in our perceptions, fears, and expectations. Unfortunately, when these beliefs go unchecked, they can distort reality and hinder our ability to connect authentically.
Limiting beliefs are mental barriers we subconsciously create, and they influence how we interpret behaviour, communication, and emotions. For instance, if you’ve previously been hurt by someone, you might begin to assume that everyone has the potential to hurt you. This assumption affects your ability to trust, keeping you guarded in new relationships. Or you might believe that your partner “never listens,” creating a narrative where even genuine attempts at communication go unappreciated.
The most damaging part of these limiting beliefs is that they often operate without our awareness. Our subconscious beliefs colour our perception of reality, convincing us that our interpretations are objective truths. In reality, they might be far from accurate. When we cling to these distorted views, we limit our ability to engage in open and honest communication. Relationships begin to deteriorate under the weight of assumptions and unmet expectations.
The first step to breaking free from limiting beliefs is awareness. Take time to reflect on how you perceive others. Are your thoughts and reactions based on assumptions, or are they grounded in present realities? By consciously questioning your beliefs, you can begin to identify which are serving you and which are holding you back.
Once you recognize your limiting beliefs, it becomes essential to communicate more openly with yourself and others. Instead of assuming someone’s intentions, ask questions, seek clarity, and be willing to hear their side of the story. This conscious approach allows for deeper connection, understanding, and empathy.
In the end, relationships—whether with ourselves or others—thrive on trust, openness, and adaptability. By operating more consciously and recognizing how our beliefs shape our interactions, we pave the way for healthier, more authentic connections.
The Addiction to Freedom: A High Like No Other
Pursuing freedom can be the most exhilarating and empowering experience in life. Unlike fleeting highs that come from external pleasures, the addiction to freedom stems from within and offers something far more profound. It’s a liberation of the mind and spirit, an escape from the invisible cage we often build around ourselves — a cage where the door is always open, but we hesitate to step out.
This “golden cage” represents the comforts we cling to: material success, social validation, or familiar routines. These can provide a sense of security, but they also limit our potential and keep us trapped in cycles that prevent true fulfilment. The door is open, yet we remain inside, scared to abandon what’s known for the uncertainty that comes with freedom.
However, once we take that first step out of the cage, we discover that the freedom to live authentically is high like no other. It’s the freedom to choose, pursue passions, embrace who we truly are, without the weight of societal expectations or self-imposed limitations. It’s addictive not because it numbs us but because it awakens us to endless possibilities. We become addicted to the feeling of living on our terms, unshackled from fear, guilt, or conformity.
In this addiction to freedom, we find clarity, purpose, and a sense of boundless growth. It’s not just a temporary escape but a lasting transformation, where every moment feels richer, more vibrant, and truly our own. The golden cage may have been comfortable, but nothing compares to the thrill of living freely.
Watch Your Words, Your Thoughts, and Your Company
The power of words, thoughts, and the company we keep can not be underestimated. Words shape how we interact with the world; they can uplift or tear down, both ourselves and others. Positive language fosters confidence, creates connections, and helps us build supportive relationships. In contrast, negative words can perpetuate self-doubt and conflict.
Similarly, our thoughts are crucial in shaping our mental state and the quality of our lives. What we think consistently becomes our reality. Positive, empowering thoughts help us overcome challenges, build resilience, and stay motivated, while negative thinking can trap us in fear, insecurity, and inaction.
The company we keep influences our thoughts and actions. Surrounding ourselves with people who encourage and inspire us can elevate our mindset and drive us to achieve more. On the other hand, toxic relationships can drain our energy, reinforce negative thinking, and keep us from reaching our potential.
To live a fulfilling life, we must be mindful of our words, guard our thoughts, and choose our company wisely. By doing so, we nurture a healthy mindset, foster supportive relationships, and create an environment where growth and positivity flourish.
Relationship like Tom and Jerry
Some relationships are like Tom and Jerry. You can’t live with each other and also without each other. Going through all the hardships and crossing the obstacles makes for a strong personality. That is what Tom & Jerry stood for. No matter what happens, every scar is a story to tell, and every experience is a lesson learnt.
Make peace with yourself
Until you make peace with yourself and your current condition, you’re powerless to change. Until you say yes to what your life experience is right now, you’ll continually find yourself in a state of conflict, wanting things to be different. How can you be in harmony if you’re at war within, hurting yourself with your thoughts and behaviours? How can you affect lasting change in your life if you’re spending so much energy hating and judging yourself?
Do you believe that you and the people around you need to be perfect in order for you to be happy? The beauty and harmony that you seek in the outer world is actually within you. When you accept all aspects of yourself, you’ll discover that this includes the part of you that wants to “pig out” at lunchtime or that seeks fulfilment through food.
If you can’t come to terms with (and give love and redirection to) all the parts of you that aren’t currently on board with your goal, you’re going to hit a wall of frustration or emptiness over and over. Like a child clamouring for his mother’s attention, any part of you that you reject can take on a life of its own and act out in very destructive ways, such as out-of-control eating.
We all tend to separate and judge parts of ourselves, creating an inner environment of separation and angst. Well, you can choose to stop doing this, even if it feels unfamiliar to be at peace inside. Be merciful and love yourself, even as you’re perceiving your weaknesses.
All too often, you may forget to have compassion for your own humanity and the difficulties and challenges you face. Even if you feel disconnected from your sense of kindness and are much more in touch with cynicism and judgment, you still have the capacity to return to your true, innate attribute of love.
When you’re forgiving toward yourself, it doesn’t mean that you condone actions that hurt you or sabotage your plans. You won’t say, “Oh well, I binge on an entire bag of chips almost every night, and that’s okay, so I’m not going to do anything about it.” What you’ll do is stop spending time beating yourself up and instead focus your energy on looking at some of your motivations, discovering where you’re going wrong, and figuring out strategies that can help you fulfill your own needs and achieve your heart’s true desire.
You may think that if you’re hard enough on yourself, you can force yourself to change. In fact, the opposite is true: Berating yourself gets you feeling so miserable that you give up any motivation to persevere toward your goals. When you truly honour and accept yourself exactly as you are right now, however, it’s much easier to transform your thoughts and behaviours.
Rena Greenberg
SELF LOVE AND SOUL HEALING 