Wendy K. Laidlaw

It's about you being seen, heard, and valued in this world, firstly by yourself and also by others.

It's also about recognizing that if another is not receptive or respectful, then you may have to examine or re-examine if they have the same definition of relationship that you have, AKA perhaps your definitions and their definitions are different.

the famous writer Rudard Kipling had a phrase, Oh, the East is East and the West is West and never the twain shall meet.

So maybe never the twain shall meet with people.

Meaning when two people or things are different or completely different or unsuitable for each other or unable to agree, then perhaps it's time to let go of the nostalgia surrounding the title of that person and sadly see them for who they are.

It's what I call sometimes a bless and release.

And obviously this can take time through the journaling to explore the grief of who you wanted them to be and who they actually are.

But holding them earner means we shine light on others, but also on ourselves.

Sometimes we need to grieve the loss of the idea of someone or something, which was, in fact, very different from their reality.

That happened for me with many relationships, unfortunately.

But it was I see in hindsight that was better to see people for who they are in a reality sense rather than

project my fantasy of who I hoped that they might be if they would invert a comma as change.

But above all, holding the mirror will help you realize that you are more than you think you are.

I finish with Marianne Williamson's very powerful and famous quote, which I ask you to read out aloud in the mirror and notice what feelings and emotions may come up for you.

You may feel a little bit uncomfortable, but go into the bathroom, lock the door, look in the mirror, hold up the mirror to yourself.

And obviously afterwards, write down in your journal what came up, but read this out to yourself.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, talented and fabulous?