Have you ever observed nature.. Sat still for a moment.. and appreciated the raw beauty of the trees, flowers, and life all around you? And in that time… have you ever seen a bird or a tree, hold resentment?

Growing up I had these rose bushes running along side my house.

They were perennial, so they’d die in the winter and grow back every spring.

On the not-so-rare occasion, I’d go out there and pick one. Because that was Belle’s favorite flower, and I wanted to live out my fantasy as a princess.

I’d cut the rose from it’s home, and it left a dry branch in its place. But after some time, with water and sun, the rose would grow back..

But isn’t the rose mad? I uprooted its life! Ripped it away from it’s home and family!

And yet, it doesn’t dwell in resentment for one minute. It just moves forward and keeps growing.

There’s a lesson here..

Dwelling in yesterday won’t stop the continuous inertia of life.

Nature knows this. It unconsciously understands life will march forward no matter what goes on inside of it.

If you harp on a moment gone, life will not stop and wait for you to catch up.

It is continuous.

So what do we do when we feel ourselves holding onto resentment?

We send it love.

We make ourselves gracious of the painful event thats triggering this grudge for the silver lining it will inevitably have.

When I decided to change my ways, one of the most painful parts was the loneliness. For obvious reasons, I cut all the people out of my life who were headed down the same dark road I was on. But when my mind cleared up, I was left with nothing but the ashes of bridges I burnt from all the good people in my life before.

And it hurt. Seeing all the friends who’s life I was once apart of, supporting each other through huge events like getting married and having children.

I was resentful. I was mad that they weren’t better friends and fought to stay in my life. I was mad they didn’t try to help pull me out of my darkness.

If I had not gone down my road of addiction and mental instability, I would not have the perspective I do today. I would not have the calling and passion I do now, that drives this dream inside of me to fruition.

I realized that was not their job. I understand it was for the benefit of their own lives to cut themselves off from me. I am thankful, for had they tried to stay in my life, I may have brought them down too.

I have nothing but love and gratitude in my heart now for their role’s in my life from years ago. The friendships I once got to be apart of and all the amazing memories i’ll forever hold.

I share this story with you guys to enforce that we have to be grateful for EVERYTHING that happens.

My dream of being a wellness writer.. that was my silver lining. The massive perspective shift that came with living such extremes, that is a blessing.

Observing nature always helps me to remember this principle. To find gratitude in the trying times. To let go of emotional resentment and find peace in the present.

There are lesson’s all around us if we can learn to see them..

Stay present. Sending vibrations of reinvention your way <3

xO

Ariana