Reflection

Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m somewhat of a nerd. I genuinely love learning new things. I’m curious, always asking questions, always eager to listen. Everyone has a story, and I never meet a stranger. That’s just how I move through the world.

Over the past few weeks, I have found myself in deep reflection mode. I try not to dwell in the past, what’s done is done, but I do believe in looking back to honor where I’ve been. Every experience, whether beautiful or painful, has shaped me into who I am. It’s shown me what to release and what to embrace more deeply.

This week, as I step into my 44th year, I find myself grateful. I thank God for the journey so far and stay open to what He has in store for me this year. I’ll keep my birthday wishes to myself (just in case saying them out loud jinxes anything!), but I will say this: I’ve been good. Well, maybe just a little bad, but I know God knows my heart, and He’s not holding that against me.

As I was journaling this morning, I looked up the word reflection. The dictionary gave me a few different definitions, and each one felt so aligned with the season I’ve been in. So I thought, why not write about each one?

1. "Consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose."

This is what most people think of when they hear the word reflection. And that’s where I’ve been lately…reflecting on who I’ve become, what I’ve let go of, and what still lingers. Over the last few years, I’ve done some deep soul-cleaning: facing rejection, abandonment, unworthiness, fear, etc.  But today, as I scan those old wounds, I see only a faint layer of dust.

The triggers still pop up, sure. But they don’t own me anymore. I can see them, thank them, and keep it moving. Every experience, every scar, is part of the destination. And the journey? That’s really where the real magic happened.

2. "A production of an image by, or as if by, a mirror."

This definition made me smile. Mirrors show us what’s really there. And lately, I’ve learned to approach my triggers as mirrors by asking, “What is this person or moment reflecting back to me? What lesson am I being invited to learn?”

When someone or something triggers me now, I don’t get upset. I look inward. I thank the situation, send love to whoever was involved, and ask what part of me still needs healing. These moments are teachers.  They are here to reveal something about myself that’s ready to be seen, healed, and cleared.

3. "An instance of reflecting: the return of light or sound waves from a surface."

This is my favorite definition! I’m putting them in this order for a reason. First, we reflect internally. Then we learn from the mirrors around us. And finally, we shine!

This is the phase I’m in now: “returning to the light”

Recently, I asked a friend what word she thinks of when she thinks of me. Without hesitation, she said, "The sun." I laughed and asked, “The sun?” And she said, “Yes. You’re bright, cheerful, and warm. You light up the room.”

That touched me more deeply than she probably realized.

I guess I do try to be a little beam of light for others. Maybe you’ve been in the dark for a while too, and your flame is finally coming back. Maybe you’re finding your light again, just like I did. If so, welcome to the other side.

I truly believe every heartache, every moment of pain, every storm I’ve walked through has prepared me for this next book of life. So, I’m here to shine as brightly as I can, not just for myself, but to help light the path for others along the way.

Because the more light and love we bring into the world, the brighter it becomes for everyone. I hope your next chapter of life is the best yet!!