As we prepare to step into the New Year I felt drawn to revisit my old posts that came at a similar time. It was like visiting the previous versions of me and how the felt sense of life has kept evolving for me, year to year. This year I feel fairly removed from feeling the years as separate blocks of time. The year ahead feels like a continuum, a knowing of how I am going to be changed as a person yet there is no rawness of curiosity in it. I feel focused and open for new directions.
Following post, first posted on Jan 5, 2017. I loved repeating this to myself, so I shed some more layers of confines I place on myself.
Step into the New …You
It is too long that you stayed in that shell …to keep others comfortable.
There are some around you who have always loved you, with whom you are amazing and it is easy. You feel safe being yourself. Then why walk on eggshells in the rest of the world? Why numb and dumb down the goodness and brightness in you ? Sometimes to the point that you feel like the most ungracious or insensitive person?
Nobody realizes that you are trying to be just the opposite, or simply trying to fit in. You value them too much …more than yourself! They are getting used to that …your misery even. And you are getting comfortable with that. In your mind you are being nice to them …stop …just stop!
They are taking your appreciation and praise, for everything about them, as your weakness, or worse jealousy. When you soar higher than what they perceive you to be (and you are still nowhere in your perception) …what will you take their unappreciation of your journey as? How will you look at their lack of acknowledging of your existence?
Look at those who really ‘see’ you. You seem to do everything right towards them.
Break the shell, crack open …Do what it takes! It’s worth it! They will find others who feed their comfort. Yes, give them the shock …stop hurting so much!
They will have to step up, to be able to understand you and cheer you in your growth. They will have to know the pain you pay as your dues. The grace you are showing as you choose to crack open and take flight.
You in your truthfulness will mourn your perceived loss of some of them, because you truly cared about them. That’s why you kept them comfortable while you suffered being trapped in an unwholesome reality.
Yes, I know you also have done some things wrong to some. Those too will reach out to you or you to them, in your growth. Just that you are not accountable to all of them this very minute, so don’t judge yourself so hard.
Go ahead take that step, a small change, break open, fly. The ones ready for growth will grow with you, or even break some towards their own growth. Some will fall away, as you both cannot see eye to eye now.
Forgive yourself, forgive them, love yourself, love them, allow yourself to Be, allow them to Be. Trust me, trust me, trust me it’s worth it. When you feel stuck and choose to wiggle out, it hurts, it’s worth it.
The ones who care for you and the ones you care for, will have to accept you as you are today. Let them know you want ONE with them, you are one of them. But be stronger on your own path. Some of them Never let go!!
Break out of anything you are keeping yourself in …one step at a time!
Following post, first posted on December 31, 2017. I have picked lines of the poem to share here because I feel exactly the same in a very different way, as I look back to 2018 and head into 2019. Title is linked to full post.
Looking Back in Time & Curious Ahead

My family at a beach on Kauai island, Hawaii – December 2017
Looking back 2016 had felt like a poetry
It’s rhythm evident towards the end
Miraculous intensities as if waves undulatory
Looking back 2017 feels like chunks of prose
Blocks of emotions riotous, faced to fend
Unbeknownst intensities dealt to come to close
Now I see tremendous success in simply Being
The freedom and liberation is sweet
Without the need to justify with achieving
A lot of life is hidden in the slow living
Follow into the next choice after deep listening
All the voices in my head that created turmoil
Most many of them were not mine
When I decided to do nothing
Exact things happened that meant something
Universe is becoming my family
Soul interactions touching me deeply
And there’s us souls committed to each other
Deemed as Family for this lifetime
We hold hands together in joy and trust
To make it through with our individual soul calling
Each of you dear one who reads
I wish you too a curious & glorious 2018 (now 2019)
May you find a ground steady as you tread
The waves of life with each twist and turn
May we all embrace the beauty with mirth
Of this finite vacation on planet Earth
Following post, first posted on December 31, 2016. Title is linked to the full poem.
Times that become the year

My family at the Sand Dunes of Death Valley, CA – December 2016
I will be on a break from this blogging space for a month from now. If I don’t respond to any of your comments this is why. When I return I will resume my visits to your wonderful works that I am going to be missing 🙂 My heartfelt Gratitude & Love to all of you and this precious virtual space where we often have our most treasured conversations.
Beautiful! Enjoy your time with family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Change can feel uncomfortable, but it may be better than not changing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
True Frank. It is a good discomfort to choose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like you have been giving yourself a hard time about being exactly who you are … we can never fulfil others expectations of us so being true to ourselves and those closest is essential 🙂
Enjoy your months break and the seasonal celebrations … I will be waiting .. I like you just as you are …very quiet and unassuming 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did take a long time and consistent effort to find my true self, and I am not done 🙂 Thank you very much for your wishes and thoughtful words for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes it is difficult if you’ve been a people pleaser for too long … I could never please my family and so I’m most grateful that that gave me the freedom to be me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am with you on the gratitude for how these contrasts helped bring out the choices towards freedom to be our own selves 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved your writing, soulfull as always. We are being pulled by the Cosmos the Galaxies from whence we came to become who we really are and step onto our paths more securely as we cast off those no longer required on our journey and we reach out to our fellow travellers worldwide and into the Cosmos. Peeling off the protective shell to reveal to the world who we are. May you and your family be blessed with miracle upon miracle and success upon success.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for leaving such a profound comment in this space.
“Peeling off the protective shell to reveal to the world who we are.” – that is a very agreeable and courageous intention that I would wish to choose. I greatly appreciate your wishes for miracles and success for my family. Much Gratitude.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful words so well written, Pragalbha. Such profound writing. Enjoy your time with your family and friends and blessings to you wherever you go. Great post dear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for your kind appreciation and thoughtful wishes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this perception Pragalbha, and I loved the post ‘step into the new you.’.
Hope to see you back soon 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much Moushmi, happy to know 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Pragalbha, I am coming back to re-read in depth and answer later, as I am going out in twenty minutes, and want to absorb your insightful post more my friend.. speak later my beautiful friend 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking back and appreciating the distances traveled and the growth attained will keep you from turning back. Wonderful post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes truly said! Your posts are such nuggets of wisdom as is this comment. Thank you for taking the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this share, PD! Sometimes the words resonate with pure inspiration. Wish you a wonderful holiday season!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am happy to know as always that you enjoyed and found resonance. Wish you too a glorious New year ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
To you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you’re finding your way forward, shedding the shell of people pleasing. May 2019 be a year of thriving, beauty, and comfort in who you are. Hugs and blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it does look like I have shed lot many of those layers, when I look back. Your wishes for me carry such strength and peace, as I feel through your words. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful PD!
LikeLike
Profound words. You’re evolving into a new you. Many blessings in the new year ~ Bernice
LikeLiked by 1 person
It surely seems so as I continue to welcome more change 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and your blessings Bernice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am back to leave you my comment dear Pragalbha.
I so know what you were saying.. As you try to please others ‘walking on eggshells’ instead of being you and true to what you feel..
Indeed ( Do what it takes ) it is worth it.. Especially when we understand that we wound ourselves by holding this unworthiness that others have cast upon us..
Those who SEE you understand YOU..
Those whose shadow is cast over you are best to say goodbye to..
Loved how you went on to say do not judge yourself too hard..
Looking back..
I see you have come a long way dear Pragalbha.. You have taken not only small steps, but giant leaps in my estimation..
Wonderfully written..
And I am so proud of how far you have come dear one..
Enjoy your blogging break… I too will be taking a long break over Christmas..
Take care my dear friend.. Love and Blessings ❤ Sue ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sue it is so much my privilege to have you here to acknowledge, empower, encourage me – I so appreciate your loving pat on my back that gives me a gentle courage and strength to keep going. I did come a long way yet change is felt in such small increments that it is easy to overlook what could be giant leaps. I wish you the most amazing peaceful and joyful times through the holiday season and into the New Year. Look forward to connecting back again! Much Gratitude, Much Love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy, and sending you so much Love.. ❤ Take care.. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved looking back at these past posts of yours. Thank you especially for that first post. I do indeed see how I often show my magic with some people but then numb myself in other parts of the world. Your post was a good prompt to help me be mindful of when I do this and to ask myself why? I want to live a life of no numbing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
” how I often show my magic with some people but then numb myself in other parts of the world” – I loved reading this sentence of yours, shows me a mirror to what deep tendency I have had of this. I am with you in the mindfulness of living a life of no numbing. Thank you my friend, our resonance is happiness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have looked at a few of my old posts from this time last year, and it’s interesting to see the differences. I will miss seeing your posts for a month, but I hope you enjoy your time away and look forward to seeing you back in the New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is amazing and amusing to see the difference 🙂 In some ways we become such different persons from the ones in the past. Thank you and look forward to catching up with your work when I am back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All of these thoughts and reflections….I suspect they are part of many human natures. As I read your words I recognized myself at different points in my life.
Happy Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so delighted to read first your comment waiting for me, as I return from my break! I look forward to visiting your posts that I surely would love 🙂 Wish you a glorious year ahead!
LikeLike
Thank you Infinite, I hope your break was fabulous. Here’s to a beautiful year for us both!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Since reading your post a few minutes ago, I have been pondering the paradox of each version of ourselves as being the same “self”, yet different. Though we can shed the confining layers we’ve placed on ourselves at any time, the transition from one year to then next provides extra impetus for us to peel them off and step into our new self. All the very best to you in the New Year, as you continue on your path of discovery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much Magarisa for this thoughtful comment waiting for me! I trust the process for us that works so powerfully as we step into our new versions 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome, Pragal! I’ve missed your presence online.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy your break and recharge your batteries. Thank you for sharing your light with the world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for your loving and bright wishes waiting for me 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
An Evergreen post packed with sound advice. Wishing you and your family a merry christmas and happy new year
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much my friend 🙂 Wish you a glorious year ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Belated Happy Year. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2019
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful empowering posts those were…felt a surge of life in me reading this whole piece. I’m sure you’ll keep growing as you are someone who keeps an eye on her actions, and analyze them minutely…and so many of those analysises find their way to your well maintained blog and enrich many others…always a pleasure to read your work and comments Pragalbha…have a great year ahead..✌👍✌
LikeLiked by 1 person
You gave me such a joyful smile with your thoughtful comment for both how you see me and my work here. So very kind of you! Says a lot about your keen observation too. Wish you a glorious year ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s to looking forward to the New You in 2019 Pragalbha, Wishing you a wonderful New Earth Year ahead my friend. Sending love and Blessings
Sue ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your wishes, love and blessings are such positive contribution to me dear Sue, Thank you! I look forward to visiting your posts 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your words have always been so healing and nurturing.
Send your a way lot of self and thanks for putting so much good out there.
Happy New year Pragalbha, wishing you a year of Joy and growth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much dear friend for such kind and thoughtful words waiting for me! Wish you a glorious new year ahead!
LikeLike
Perfect words penned at the perfect time of the year. Your posts are always filled with warmth and light. Wishing you and yours all the very best in this new year
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such happiness to have your kind and beautiful words waiting for me 🙂 Wish you a glorious year ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much.
May 2019 be wonderful for you and yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful and profound 😊 happy New Year
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Have glorious year ahead! 🙂
LikeLike
I’m so glad that I decided to visit today. I always feel like I get this deep warmth and understanding for my own self as you express yourself.
Also I feel you are so fortunate to have this: “There are some around you who have always loved you, with whom you are amazing and it is easy. You feel safe being yourself.“ I think it really helps to come out of your shell when the people around you support you to be exactly who and as you are, giving space for your freedom of discovery and for seeing you as a changing, growing wonderful and amazing being! Naturally I see that in you.
I really hope you enjoyed your time away, and I know you are/have.
Many blessings to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a joy to return from my break and have your wonderful words to read here 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful reflections!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I love this! So beautifully expressed… calming, reassuring and inspiring. Thank you for sharing it again…a perfect piece to carry into 2021.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so very glad and grateful that you found this helpful! I too thought it had come back to me to empower me, finishing touches as if to my own process stepping into 2021. Thank you for letting me know :))
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lot of your writings are timeless….and very healing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for saying that, it helped me this moment.
LikeLike