feeling very human

Dear Reader,

Lately, I have been feeling very human. I have made mistakes. I have hurt feelings. I have had moments where I wish I had paused longer, listened more carefully, or chosen my words with more tenderness. Sitting with myself in the muddy waters of my own actions has been humbling, but it has also reminded me that being human does not mean getting everything right.

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To be human means we will sometimes stumble. We will sometimes speak from fear, exhaustion, defensiveness, or misunderstanding. We may not always say or do the right thing in the moment, but we can always take a deep breath and return to ourselves.

We can apologize when the circumstances call for it. We can hold ourselves accountable without abandoning ourselves. We can listen, learn, repair what we are able to repair, and move forward with a little more awareness than we had before.

This, too, is part of practice.

Not the polished part. Not the peaceful part. Not the part that looks beautiful from the outside. But the honest part. The part where we choose growth over shame. Compassion over self-punishment. Responsibility over avoidance. Love over the desire to be perfect.

This week, I invite you to consider what it feels like when you are beautifully human. What can your mistakes teach you? Where might an apology, a pause, or a little self-compassion be needed? And how can you move forward from a space of love, humility, and care?

With warmth,
Liz

Inspire | "You are never alone. You are eternally connected with everyone." Amit Ray

Listen | Lately, I have been very drawn to this chamber version of The Old Religion by Florence + the Machine. It feels appropriately spooky for the season.

Try This | Take a deep breath in through your nose. Hold the breath in the lungs as you count to four. Exhale as slowly as you can through your nostrils. Repeat 3-5 times and notice if how you feel changes.

What is one way you can embrace your humanity this week?