Gratitude time ~ Your Word "IS" Bond!

October 8, 2019

Dear Sparrow,

It is so much truth when saying "Your Word IS Bond" vital in relationships and important to be true to yourself. I had to take a second view at this fact after further assessment of myself and understanding more intently utilizing my Red Umbrella analogy. I am an umbrella girl. I love umbrellas, fancy umbrellas, and BIG umbrellas as they protect, they cover and they shield. When you protect, cover, and shield that should be your identity, that should be your word, that should be your character ... all of those things are to be protected, because its your identification.

Your word is bond, and could also be contradiction if you un-layer a few points. I say this because Maya Angelou has a quote that states, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." That's a heavy weight to accept sometimes, especially when I realized WE as a people has been conditioned and are basically residing in a selfish space of expectation of others treating us as WE want to be treated. In reality, we are to accept others for who they are and respect them for who they are. The mere thought of having someone else to respect us for what we want and need in our lives ~ more so speaking for myself and thoughts. I had to step back and assess that from a different view.

Doing so, I have learned to simply accept while respecting them in their truth although I may or may not agree with it. I for certain do not like the feelings I receive when someone does not follow through with what was promised to do, and does not bother to extend an apology when they don't. There realistically is no right or wrong answer, simply a view of the circumstance at hand regarding "Your word is bond" whichever pleases the individual in their heart and soul, nobody else's. Subconsciously we can become chameleons by transforming to the need of others to keep the peace; however, compromising myself, yourself. Where is the respect in this space and to whom? When showing themselves authentically, I respect them in it as they un-apologetically BE themselves wholeheartedly, as I do me.

Sparrows, I say BE you and BE fabulous while doing so, and not compromising yourselves for anyone or anything ~ I don't. Granted credibility is at stake and possibly shot as I cannot believe nor trust you anymore due to the actions and behaviors displayed. Trust is a huge factor. The balance in this is I have opportunity to choose who I allow or shall I say include in my life that I disturbs my chi or make me feel some sort of way at times giving me the option of accepting them in my life, or the option of not accepting them into my life. If I choose to accept them into my life, I also accept the responsibility of the feelings and emotions associated every time they make a promise to only break it.

My grandfather John David Miller always said "Your word will go farther than you." I know first hand how difficult it is to bounce back after disappointment; therefore, I no longer expect anything from anyone other than God. Also, a definitive reason why I have my umbrella of protection. Although I give a full arsenal of trust to everyone entering my life upon connection and allow you or them to determine the shifts of our relationship moving forward or not. Trusting my spirit directs my paths and relationships in my life. I control and decide who I include in my life or not, I've learned to pay attention and respect the outcome as I value me and others also allowing our words to be bond true to ourselves in every aspect.

Forgiving has become second nature for me as I continue to evolve in my life, and know extending it to others as well as myself is necessary to full circle accept their true identities and not putting them in a pigeon hole of having someone else become who we want them to be when in our presence or in our lives. BE mindful of the text of decision having to be made according to authenticity of identity or someones character traits when deciding if they warrant remaining apart of my life or your life or not. Simply Be You and Be Fabulous at all times while doing so.

Another lesson I've learned is to monitor my feelings and embrace acceptance when someone truly displays themselves in the moments. I respect you for being you even if it doesn't feel good to me or exude a behavior of something I may not agree with. Who am I to tell you who you need to be? I am not, I cannot and won't; however, it's up to me to either accept you unconditionally and love you regardless or leave you. I am grateful for your word as well as my word is bond.

What are you grateful for today, Sparrow?

Grace & Gratitude!

Valerie Miller