Heartbreak

Heart
I can almost guarantee there will be people and experiences that will break your heart. It’ll ache with loss or it’ll be broken by betrayal. Our hearts are full of contradictory emotions – it expands with thumping beats when it’s elated and contracts with stings of death when it’s sad. At times, the unbearable searing pain of sorrow rips our hearts apart and leaves emptiness deep within our souls. And so we begin to carry the heavy weight of our hearts into isolation and despair.

We can respond to heartbreaks in two ways, we can make a vow to never give our hearts away or we can risk being vulnerable again – to simply be human. It takes courage to choose the latter.

Let life not harden your heart or let people break your trust in humanity. Let your heartache not paint the canvas of your life with protectiveness, fear and disillusionment – for this isn’t truly living life to the fullest. Rather acknowledge the pain, take time to mourn the loss and have the courage to open yourself up again because life is beautiful, yes, even in the painful moments. I’ve learned that beauty is born out of our struggles, our losses and the excruciating pain in life. It’s what makes us beautiful, sensitive and compassionate.

Allow your heartache to transform you. Let your sorrow enlighten you. And use the pain to make you stronger, not in the sense of being unbreakable but being malleable. Trust me, in time your heart will heal…

Stay open. Be vulnerable.

©2013 Susie Lee

Introvert vs. Extrovert

I Like Being Alone

In my life, there are seasons where I’m an introvert and at other times an extrovert. I don’t believe we can define ourselves as one or the other because we’re gradually changing over time. Our moods are influenced by our outward circumstances and our attitudes are affected by our inner state of mind. We’re also, influenced by the people around us – we may take the backseat around those who are more exuberant than us or take the limelight around those who are quieter than us.

Lately, I’ve learned not to judge myself or put myself in a box. There’s no right or wrong, better or worse, good or bad. Rather we need to learn to embrace the mystery of who we are in the different stages of life. We’re both wonderful and beautiful, simple yet complicated, whole yet broken. There are so many contradictions within us, so many colours of emotions, so many arrays of thoughts, things we do in the shadows of our intent. There wouldn’t be enough lifetimes to discover everything about ourselves because we’re constantly changing. Be self aware but not self-critical. Let it lead you to a place of beauty, truth and love of yourself.

©2013 Susie Lee

True Friends Forever

Find SomeoneWinnie the PoohBe With Someone

Love Takes Work. It’s Worth It.

Love Takes WorkSuccessful MarriageSuccessful Marriage 2

 

Puppy Love. Forever.

What is loveHappy Valentine’s! May you embrace those around you – family, friends and pets. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing celebrate love throughout the day!

Love’s a Choice, Not a Feeling

love-over-fear

Lately, I’ve had this thorn in my side… that’s been the struggle to love (or perhaps accept) someone who’s rude, mean, and selfish. It’s much easier to tolerate this behavior from a stranger but much harder from a person who’s close to you.

My first instincts are generally to avoid them – whether it’s seeing them or interacting with them. But realistically, I know I can’t avoid them forever. And I know deep down in my heart there’s a lesson to be learned. I’m learning that my worst enemies are, ironically, the best teachers – they teach me how to be patient, how to love unconditionally and how to practice forgiveness. It’s not easy but I’m learning to embrace these seemingly difficult people (and situations) in order to learn and embody love, kindness and compassion. This is what transforms lives and touches hearts, especially mine.

Every morning, I make a conscious decision to love because I know it’s the right thing to do. I make a conscious decision to forgive because I want to be set free. I make a conscious decision to have a positive attitude because I know everyone’s a work in progress, including me. I want to let go so I can move on – to love and live in freedom. Happiness isn’t a feeling but a daily choice. But you have to want it. I mean really want it. Choose love. One day at a time.

©2012 Susie Lee

Poster of the Week | Small Acts, Big Impact

Don't ForgetI’m totally guilty of this. I’m so busy with ‘my life’; work, deadlines, plans, hopes and dreams. That I sometimes forget (or underestimate) to reach out to my parents in simple small ways I know would make their day – a phone call, a hug, a smile, a meal, a ride, a thank you note, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a unexpected visit. As they get older, I believe it’s the small acts of kindness that’ll touch their hearts rather than the once-in-a-while-big-events. My greatest hope is that my actions will always be motivated by love rather than by fear, expectations or guilt. In our parent’s season of change, may we honour them by expressing and showing how important they are to us today, and in the days to come.

©2012 Susie Lee

It’s Never Too Late or Too Early

“The loneliest people are the kindest.
The saddest people smile the brightest.
The most damaged people are the wisest.
All because they do not wish to see anyone else suffer the way they do.”
-Anonymous

I thought of my dad when I read this quote as it describes him. Especially over the last few years of seeing him in physical discomfort and with increased loneliness of growing old. I’ve been told that you’ll never fully appreciate your parents until you have kids of your own or until they’re gone. I don’t want to wait until that day to fully appreciate and embrace them. As the holidays draw near, give the gift of time (and thanks) to your parents. It’s never too late or too early. Wishing you the best. Always.

©2012 Susie Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is what my dad looks like. All the time. Truly.

Video of the Week | Parents Are Awesome

Every so often I come across a video noteworthy of being Video of the Week. This Parent Rap Video is noteworthy. I not only love this creative video because it made me laugh but because of it’s truth. I know, sometimes, life can be tough but I believe parenting can be tougher. During those tough times, keep the love and laughter close at hand and see the big picture when those small things drive you insane. Have a fun week!

©2012 Susie Lee

Count Your Blessings

With US Thanksgiving Day right around the corner, I thought today’s post would be quite fitting. Let’s celebrate our blessings 365 days rather than just 1 day of the year. Here’s to you and your loved ones during this Thanksgiving Day.

©2012 Susie Lee