journey-to-balance

[journey-to-balance]

Wanting... The more you chase, the further it seems to run. But, there is a secret, a word, a state of being, that dissolves this illusion, and unlocks the hidden code, in the paradox of wanting. This word will trick the universe into thinking you've already received what you most want. This word is - Gratitude. Gratitude does not beg, it does not grasp, it simply is. It tells the universe, I have already received, and, in doing so, it bends reality in your favor, drawing more and more into your hands. For the one who is grateful lives closest to the source, aligned with the great rhythm of existence. Without it, you are but a beggar at the gates of abundance, blind to the riches already within you. There are but two choices, free will, you see. Spend your days yearning, or awaken to the truth, that all you seek is already yours if only you would see it.

Poem: "Wanting" Reflections on Gratitude, Our Journey to Balance

[journey-to-balance]

In Honor of my 13th Anniversary on this blog and platform, let me re-introduce myself, my background and goal of this blog. To my long time friends of this blog, I say thank you for your love, support, and encouragement. It's been my great honor and privilege. To those I haven't met, it's my great pleasure, and you are always welcome.

Our Journey to Balance, continues to be a space for curious minds interested in unlocking the secrets of the Universe by embarking on a continuous journey of learning and self reflection.

Through actively questioning assumptions, exploring motivations, and seeking a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us, Our Journey to Balance encourages us to strive for a life that is not just a passive experience, but one that is guided by conscious choice and a sense of purpose.

Created, written, edited, and curated by yours truly, Maritza Alvarez.

As a matter of courtesy and transparency: About the Author:

Graduated with a BA in Political Science & International Affairs from Rutgers College at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Joined The University at Haifa, Israel where I immersed myself in Theology, Public Policy Research, and International Affairs. Secured a degree and certification in Translation from The University of Salamanca, Spain. Served in several grassroots efforts through UNICEF, The Fund for Peace & Global Alliance for Women's Health. Partnered with local communities around the world and addressed needs in areas such as conflict resolution, economic development, education, security and human rights. In the private sector, I have worked in the Publishing Industry and acquired experience having to do with sales, marketing, promotion and fundraising. Through accumulated experience and hard work, I have navigated the inter-connectedness of the public, private and NGO sector.

I am a wife, mother, pet parent, avid reader & gardener, and make my life in coastal New Jersey, eastern United States.

Again, thank you for reading, caring, and for your support and encouragement. I am so incredibly proud of the community of kindred spirits assembled here for over 13 years! It's my honor and great privilege to be part of this cyber family.

Maritza Alvarez, Creator, Our Journey to Balance.

Insert: A recent photo of me, age 53.

[journey-to-balance]

May these words bring you solace... Isn't it interesting, that the moment you begin to grow the people around you begin to vanish, that when you were reckless, lost in the noise of indulgence, you were never alone, but now as you strive for something more, silence. You see, human beings cling to familiarity, not because it is good, not because it is right, but simply because it is known, and when you begin to change, when you step beyond the version of yourself they once knew, it unsettles them. Most friendships are not built on deep connection, but on shared habits. If you drink, they drink. If you complain, they complain. If you fear, they fear. Misery, after all, loves company. But, the moment you no longer entertain the drama, the excess, the self destruction, the crowd thins, not because they dislike you, but because they do not know you anymore. And, truthfully, they do not wish to. So, what will it be, to stay the same, surrounded, but stagnant, or to walk alone for a time, and discover the rare few who resonate with your higher self, because the irony is, the loneliest path, is often the only one, that leads to true belonging.

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

[journey-to-balance]

The world will make you think that every blessing has to be financial, so you underrate the gift of life, family, health, and peace of mind...

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

[journey-to-balance]

The fact that you are trying to love yourself, forgive yourself, find peace within yourself, means you are actively threading the needle for your future self.

Sometimes the progress is so subtle, you don't realize you've sewn the patches together until you're sleeping warmly in your bed, wrapped within blankets and simply...calm.

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

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I am worthy of so much more than just survival...

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

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Though sometimes painful, one of the greatest awakenings come when you realize not everybody changes. Some people never change - and that's their journey.

It's not yours to try and fix them...

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

[journey-to-balance]

After a certain point in your life, you're no longer "a product of your environment," or "a result of your upbringing."

The way you choose to behave, and move through life becomes your personal responsibility.

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

[journey-to-balance]

Speaking "your truth" may very well be the medicine you need. However, this medicine can be bittersweet - it has the power to drive people away. That's because not everyone is ready to hear you, even though what you have to say makes perfect sense within your heart.

Therefore, do not define your truth by how others respond to it. Instead, define it by the alignment you feel vibrating within the depths of your soul.

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

[journey-to-balance]

At some point, and maybe that's when you hit rock bottom, you have to tell yourself "this is not an experience I want to keep having," and stop entertaining things that don't benefit you in any way.

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

[journey-to-balance]

You'd be surprised by who doesn't know you personally, but prays for your protection spiritually, because they appreciate what you bring to/offer the collective. That's true unconditional love...

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

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You must learn to trust that there is a future waiting for you that is beyond what you might be able to grasp at this present moment.

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

[journey-to-balance]

Consider this:

Every time you try to control another person's path, you step off your own...

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

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Treat your energy like you would money. Budget it, save it, find ways to increase it, invest it where you know you would get a return, etc. When you place value on your energy like you would any other form of currency, you will be surprised at how much changes in your day-to-day life.

That's because "our energy is our true currency." Money is simply symbolic for the exchange of energy. This is why you "pay attention," if that makes sense.

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

[journey-to-balance]

I hope something beautiful finds its way to you today - a kind word, an unexpected blessing, a seemingly inconsequential moment that makes you smile. And when it does, I hope you don't second-guess it, wonder what "the catch" is, or question whether or not you deserve it. I hope you accept whatever comes with an open heart, knowing you are worthy of every single one.

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

[journey-to-balance]

You don't have to "work hard" to achieve your purpose. You do, however, have to work hard to let go of your mental limitations, fears, insecurities that are preventing your purpose from unfolding naturally.

Reflections...Our Journey to Balance

[journey-to-balance]

If you don't spend time getting to know yourself, you'll end up absorbing everyone else's random, sometimes distorted, or even biased and conflicting ideas about you.

Knowing who you are on a deep and intimate level is truly the best way to protect yourself against internalizing disempowering opinions from others.

Reflections. Our Journey to Balance