Be Still and Know

One of the unfortunate side-effects of having a narcissistic parent is the high alert that follows you into adulthood. This manifests as people-pleasing and feeling guilty when you just sit still. My father, who cut me out of his life when I was 19, ingrained in me the constant need to “do”—to keep him happy, to meet his needs, to avoid punishment. 

Habits established in childhood are very hard to break.

For the past 15 years or so, I’ve been practicing meditation—being aware of the moment—and that has helped. Yoga has helped even more, although you’re not still in yoga, you are profoundly focused on your body, balance, and, for me, the humor every time I gracefully fall out of half moon pose. Yoga isn’t for anyone but myself, and it certainly doesn’t feel busy or pressured. Regular worship in community also makes me be still and know/trust.

Sometimes, we just need to be still, be in your own skin in the moment, and trust God or the universe, or whatever you call that higher power. 

Being still can be a good thing. 

And today’s card preaches that. Inspired by THIS PIN, my version simplifies the inspiration piece a bit. The colored squares were painted with shimmery watercolors. Sentiment is from Simon Says, and I honestly can’t remember the source of the die…Poppy Stamps, maybe? Or maybe Simon Says? 

Anyway, I love the softness, the shimmer of the squares and bling, and the peacefulness of the card. The design leverages the “angles love curves” design rule, pairing the right angles of the squares with the graceful curves of the die cut branch and flowing layout of the bling.

Make some time to be still today, and be at peace. 

Mercy, grace, peace, and love,

Susan