TAKING OFF ARMOR

Wow, it's almost been a year and I've learned so much about myself here in Hawaii. I've learned lessons I didn't know I needed and I've grown a newfound appreciation for myself, others and the world through compassion and empathy. I see things differently than before - I'm actually learning to live in the gray. ___ In NYC, I used to wear a thick coat of armor to protect myself from negative people, places, and vibes because I didn't know how to live any other way. In my mind it was right or wrong, black or white (situations, not people). It actually took a friend here in Hawaii to help me recognize that I was wearing this thick armor due to trust issues; constantly on my guard, deflecting emotions and shielding myself from all energies. I'm a Scorpio, go figure. ___ Now my armor has significantly reduced and I literally feel lighter. I'm still me but I've cleared out chunks of the past in order to make room for opportunities in the present; I'm giving without expectation, and learning to trust instead of control. ___ Learning to just be and to live in the now is challenging AND rewarding. I have a better understanding of my feelings, emotions, boundaries and connections than I did before, but I think feelings/tolerance/acceptance are always a work in progress.