Don’t apologize for who you are
by Heather
Be yourself no matter what they say. –Gordon Sumner, aka Sting
There’s no one alive who is Youer than You. –Theodore Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss
Our first assignment at the SoulCollage retreat I attended earlier this month was to make a card using only two images. I’d brought a small stash with me in my carry-on, and I asked myself which image was strong enough to carry a card all by itself.
This one, which I’d chosen at my very first SoulCollage workshop and saved ever since, came immediately to mind. The background image I’d found only the night before. I think they’re perfect together, and I love the strong, unapologetic energy of this card.
Toward the end of the retreat, we were assigned to write down a question, draw three cards blind (face down), and ask the cards’ advice about the question.
My question was about how to make nice in a situation where I’d been thrown together with someone who probably wouldn’t have chosen to spend any time with me, and vice versa. This card was the first I drew, and her advice was simple:
Don’t apologize for who you are.
What good advice this is.
Just because someone may be judging, disapproving, reacting, doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Sometimes that’s just what people do.
Each of our personalities is, in my view, integral to the sacred missions we’ve each come here to carry out. To learn and grow, to love, to face and overcome challenges, to resolve karmic debts, to move closer to the realization that we are all one.
So be yourself, your best self, no matter what they say.
This post is illustrated with my new SoulCollage® card Queen of the Night.
SoulCollage cards are for personal use, and are not for sale, barter, or trade.
About what matters 
Heather, you post hit home today–your words were exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you.
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That’s really good to hear, Hannah. Now why is this so hard to remember? 🙂
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I love this message, powerful and empowering. Great exercise in getting there too.
I’m overdue for a SoulCollage(R) retreat, the last two I was very interested in just conflicted with plans already in motion. I have not given up, the right one at the right time will present itself soon 🙂
Is it really that October 2015 was your latest post? I was worried I was missing some, I hope everything is okay. I enjoy your insights and writing but I know reading/writing these blogs can get away from me time-wise! All the best, Heather 🙂
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Thanks, Michelle 🙂
I went to a SoulCollage retreat in February, and I’m headed to another next month–the same retreat where I made this card last year. I’m looking forward to uninterrupted time all but off the grid (electricity, but very little cellphone reception, pitch black at night except for the fireflies). I find retreats are great for making different cards than I’d usually make, or more complicated ones. I already have some ideas in mind …
It really was October 🙂 Initially I’d planned to take 3 months off, and I see it has stretched into more than that! I’m doing fine … last fall was a bit confusing for me … I felt it was a good time to be quiet and listen. I have all my cards posted on Pinterest though 🙂
Not long ago I had the idea of posting the Latifah prayer illustrated with SoulCollage cards here … so perhaps I’ll do that before much longer.
Hope you’re doing well too, Michelle.
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That’s wonderful, the retreats sound like good experiences–in the cards that could come out of them as well. As far as your break, I think it’s honoring some good wisdom in allowing (and valuing) precious time to be quiet and listen, something we should each create more moments for. If you go with your idea in posting the Latifah prayer illustrated with your cards, I can’t wait to read those. It’s an inspired idea and I don’t think I’ve ever seen the two integrated. I look forward to your writings on that, or in any way you share 😉 Cheers for now.
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