Chapter 1: Embracing Transformation

In the heart of New York, our local CSA program has been inundating us with an abundance of luscious tomatoes this season. The plants have thrived under the perfect blend of rain and sunshine, and I’m feeling a strong urge to ensure that not a single tomato goes to waste. So, I've embarked on a mission to create tomato sauce, which I plan to freeze for those colder winter days when summer feels like a distant memory.

During my sauce-making frenzy last week, I made the mistake of turning on the Vitamix without securing the lid properly. In an instant, my kitchen corner looked like a chaotic mess. It was quite the adventure!

I had to strip everything from the counter and thoroughly clean the entire area because the situation was quite the disaster. As I scrubbed away, I was reminded of the initial days when my kitchen was newly installed—fresh, uncluttered, and unadorned.

This kitchen was the final stage of renovations I undertook after my divorce and moving to this house six years ago. The two events happened almost simultaneously, and the experience was both overwhelming and exhilarating, as it marked the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.

Before the electrical work was complete and the walls were painted, my children and I penned our aspirations on the kitchen walls. We started with complete affirmations but soon resorted to simple words: JOY, PROTECTION, PEACE IN THIS HOUSE, LOVE.

As I cleaned up the tomato explosion, I reflected on the love embedded in our home—not just from our written wishes but from the intentions we carried as the residents of this space.

The intentions we nurture—the desires we hold for our lives—shape our journey. Healing is rooted in our willingness and determination. It involves the courage to rise above childhood traumas or painful experiences. We must open ourselves to new possibilities, even if they feel entirely foreign.

Determination is equally crucial. It empowers us to refuse to let negativity or heartache define our identities. It pushes us to remain committed to the process, even when we feel lost.

Mother Teresa once shared her struggles of feeling disconnected from God. Hearing this deeply resonated with me, as it contrasts the saintly image many hold of her. Even she faced moments of separation from the divine presence. It was her faith that guided her during such times, rather than fleeting inspiration.

Many of us can relate to this feeling of disconnection, questioning our purpose and experiencing that nagging sense of, "Why am I doing this?" My meditation instructor often reminded us to take pride in our presence, even when faced with distractions. Yet, there were times I questioned my choices, wondering why I chose the difficult path.

These moments are not unusual. We all face them, whether forgetting why we entered a room or questioning our life choices. These experiences compel us to consciously reassess our values, an essential practice throughout our lives.

The love we carry for our journey, for our loved ones, and for the goals we aspire to can become stagnant if not examined regularly. When we feel disconnected from our purpose, that’s when determination becomes vital.

Determination translates to the belief that our love outweighs our fears. It means our passion can overcome feelings of emptiness and despair. Our commitment to living a fulfilling life remains vibrant, guiding us through periods of fatigue or disconnection.

Faith plays a pivotal role in this determination. It embodies the courage to persevere, to seek guidance from our higher selves, and to take steps forward, even amidst uncertainty.

In Buddhism, the antithesis of faith is not doubt, but despair. Doubt is encouraged, as it allows us to critically examine our beliefs and discover our truths. However, despair is a more troubling state, often leaving us feeling isolated and hopeless.

The beauty of faith is that it is not contingent on our emotional state. It can meet us wherever we are and work with us, as long as we maintain even a flicker of willingness—like a single dry twig that can reignite a fire.

When we find ourselves in the quicksand of despair, the remedy lies in invoking faith. We can take inspiration from Mother Teresa's struggles and acknowledge that feelings of disconnection do not equate to failure in our healing journey. Instead, they remind us of our humanity.

By releasing judgment towards our struggles, we can invite faith back into our lives. We can ask for guidance, even if we cannot see our path clearly. "Show me" becomes a powerful prayer, embodying humility and the desire for collaboration with Life.

Next time you feel lost or ensnared in despair, try adopting "Please show me" as your mantra. You might be surprised by how Life responds to such openness.

Life is continually trying to guide us, constantly communicating and pointing us toward insights. The challenge lies in breaking free from our routines and distractions, allowing ourselves to receive what is being offered.

When we do this, our mundane paths can transform into something truly magical.

This first video titled "Hope is Not a Feeling, and It is Opposite of Despair" dives into the distinction between hope and despair, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hope in challenging times.

Chapter 2: The Role of Faith and Commitment

As we navigate life, we must remember that faith is intertwined with our determination. It encourages us to persist, to call on our higher selves, and to take those essential steps forward, even in uncertainty.

The second video, "Doubt, Despair, and Faith | Mark 5:21-43," explores the relationship between doubt and faith, highlighting how navigating through despair can ultimately lead us back to faith and purpose.

Learn more about my private coaching practice, book, podcast, and free offerings at: www.marywelch.com Thank you for reading!