Beauty from trauma

We recently spent over a week in lovely Eden on the Far South Coast of NSW – a coast that has been shaped by the forces of ancient volcanoes and the on-going power of erosion. This has resulted in some beautiful rock formations, and it got me thinking about how the traumas of life also shape beautiful characters.

We are shaped by our past

In fact we cannot let go of our pasts, as they become an integral part of us and of our life journeys. We may deal with the intensity of emotions and reactions so that they lessen over time, and we can view past events from new perspectives and with new wisdom that comes from experience, but we cannot erase the past.

Trauma can create beauty

The lines of strata in this rock have been laid down over time and then uplifted to form amazing new patterns. Some of the loveliest people I have worked with have been those who have been victims of domestic violence and/ or childhood abuse.

The development of character

The words of Helen Keller echo others who have written similar sentiments:

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only though the experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.

I will leave you with some more images of Eden’s coast.

Organising our lives

When we think of being organised our thoughts often turn to things like de-cluttering, making lists, a place for everything and everything in its place, and time management. And here is a good source of inspiration if you are that way inclined:

http://organizingmadefun.blogspot.com.au/p/about-me.html

We could also talk about daily and other routines (like morning rituals) and being able to multi-task and budget/ live within our means. We could further talk about planning and having organised homes/ workspaces.

However these are all “doing” things, and with a dose of creativity, we can balance them with “being” and take a new look at addressing this issue. Then organising our lives might also include:

• Organising to do things we enjoy – we can choose to take the time to plan to do things that enrich us and to include relaxation time in this plan.
• Organising who to spend time with – we can choose to be mostly around people we can trust and who make us feel good about ourselves, rather than around those who manipulate us or leave us feeling confused or put down. We can learn from others and use help that is offered. And we can balance this with maintaining independence and liking our own company, as we allow time for ourselves.

• Making wise decisions – we can stop and think before we act, and work at things until they feel right. Sometimes we just need to let things work themselves out.
• Sorting through mental baggage – carrying old unresolved feelings and reactions around in our heads can leave our brains feeling very disorganised. We may need to clear our heads by processing and offloading these issues so that we are not burdened with unwanted baggage. We may also need to seek order in, and work through, chaos.

• Being creative with new ideas and ways of doing things – sometimes approaching things from a new perspective can lead to changes in how we might organise our lives. Being flexible and making use of unexpected spin-offs can result in more ordered lives.
• Looking after our needs – we can choose to take time out when needed and consider ways to have our needs met, especially when we are overwhelmed with the needs and wants of others.

Isn’t it interesting that we use the phrase “being” organised, when often we are referring to “doing”?