How often do we hear clichés bandied about with such abandon that our minds switch off to their true meanings?  So many wise words are used with such frequency and so inappropriately that to many they become worthless clutter in our minds.  I have come to realise that there is so much wisdom behind so many sayings when they are used in the correct context and when the timing is right.

For many years people have thrust quotes upon me with the enthusiasm of fanatics at a protest march.  So emphatically were they shared with me that often they left me feeling deeply inadequate because I had not reached the goal referred to in the quote.  I would agree wholeheartedly and then crawl away to lick my wounds and assure myself that one day I would reach that place of such freedom that I too could share such wisdom with others.  One day I too would be in a position where I could become a superior being who had attained the state of euphoria which came from letting go, forgiving, loving myself so as to allow others to do so as well, accepting perfection for what it is, etc.

Interestingly as I have moved along my path, sometimes with assistance, most of the time alone, I experienced a settling calm within me.  I have learned to let go of the things that weighed me down and fogged my mind; I have learned that in forgiving myself I have indeed simultaneously forgiven others; I have learned that the person who needs my love and respect most is myself and in giving myself this gift I am much better equipped to love and respect others also.  When I say ‘love and respect others’ I mean that I can now allow others to be who they are.  I have learned that while I do not have to like a person the most important gift I can give them is to respect that they are who they are and allow them to live as they choose to live.  While their choices may not be the same as mine they have a right to make those choices just as I do.

So many times I have been told that when the time is right things will unfold.  Absolutely, I could not agree more! However, what often is omitted here is that we have to have enough courage to believe in ourselves and what it is that we want.  We have to trust in ourselves, listen to our inner voices and filter out what is the residue of others thoughts and opinions (because after all everyone has an opinion and most are only too happy to share it!) and be strong enough to be true to ourselves.  Yes, when the timing is right things will unfold, but it also takes a little effort on your part.  Don’t just sit back and wait for things to happen, for the Universe, or God or whoever you believe in to hand it to you on a gold trimmed platter.  Make some conscious decisions, take charge of your own thoughts, and ignore the well-meant advice of others.  We must remember that no matter how much someone wants to help us they can only give us thoughts from their own perspective.  Only you can see, think and feel things from your own perspective, therefore only you can know what it is that is your truth.

The funny part is that now that I have actually made it to this place where I really do love myself, the person I really am, I have no desire to spruik the clichés.  Yes, there are times when I do use them, apologetically mostly.  The real truth of it has struck me in recent times.  The absolute wonder of becoming my own person with my own thoughts and my own feelings capable of making my own choices astounds me with its simplicity.  The truth is that once you love and accept yourself you have no need to feel in any way superior.  The liberation that comes with non-judgement is what creates our inner peace.  It is called compassion.

Next time someone throws a line out to you, before you grasp it look closely and ascertain if it is in the form of a cliché from another’s ego or wisdom from another’s heart then decide what you choose to do with it.

Until next time….