When the Petals Drop
Once all the flashy, outer expression has been displayed, a subtler, more refined beauty can unfold. The same is true of us. After the need to be seen, heard, or understood, an inner beauty of raw reality is exposed...and we finally blossom.
Many people go through their early twenties and thirties trying to show the world how amazing they are, what they have to offer, and how they're living the "American" dream. Mostly this pathway feeds the ego and is often an empty camouflage covering up for uncertainties and the feeling of lack. But, as long as we can display it on the outside via our attire, the car we drive, the house and spouse (or lack thereof) then the perception is one of success.
It is only after we have matured, or been battered enough, that we let go of having to be seen in a particular way. We drop the pretense and step into our true power...one that is supportive and not over another. We learn to speak our truth and share our hearts from the framework of compassion and understanding that not everyone has reached the same understanding of life. And so, we mentor and coach with the rudder of inner fortitude that comes from a life that has been unearthed like an archeological dig, discovering the richness and strength that lies beyond the outer shell of illusion...and we become sages and wisdom keepers that wield internal power and strength and outer gentleness through grace.