During my most recent supportive art group, I asked everyone to share a “sun in face moment.” I have defined sun in face moments, as those small moments of tranquility we didn’t anticipate. Like when we take a moment to feel the warmth of the sun on our face.
And in our meeting beforehand, I had asked everyone to share a life lesson or the best life advice they have ever received. To me, hearing everyone’s collective contributions was a sun in face moment. Seeing everyone’s collective life advice and lessons, and hearing how they had obtained them or come to these realizations brought a beautifully harmonious feeling of community.
So I thought I would share them with all of you. And as I always tell people when it comes to advice or life lessons, I hope you all can take what you need and leave the rest at the door.. or with this post.
Happiness is an inside job. So much, YES. Our happiness and peace is dependent on what we allow. On what we bring and take away from any given situation.
Follow your heart, take your brain with you. I really enjoyed hearing this one. I have heard the first part since in elementary, but I like this“revised” version much more.
Everything happens for a reason. This can be a hard one! However, we can find meaning in everything, this is wonderful and sometimes HARD and that’s okay.
Acceptance is the key to all things. Accepting what comes our way, how we have handled things and how we learn and grow from those moments- in my opinion is the beginning of any healing journey.
Grant me a new heart, oh Lord with a new spirit, a steadfast one. Like the individual who shared this, I too sign myself with God and all that he has bought into my life and the lives around me. And of all the things I am eternally grateful for, is the healed heart he has helped me to and the spirit to perseverance.
Of all the ways a person can limit themselves, their self definition is by far the most powerful one. This one is so well- POWERFUL, and I thank the individual that shared it so much. I needed this reminder, and i am sure many others do as well.
You’re on your own, the quicker you realize that the better off you’ll be. This one brought forth a lot of conversation amongst all of us. At first, it can appear a bit doom and gloom. However, at the end of the day we face ourselves in the mirror. It’s us, and what we do with ourselves that count. (Also I have to say looking back, and knowing this individual is also a Swifty- I see you! It’s giving You’re on Your Own Kid!!)
Look both ways before you cross the street. A bit comical, however whether it is taken literally or metaphorically it is important to look both ways and see what’s coming whenever capable of doing so.
Say what you mean, mean what you say. Words are a powerful thing. It is a big reason why writing is such a powerful tool in my arsenal. They hold power, and that power is only as strong as the honesty and integrity that backs it.
Whenever you are able to, show up for others in a way you’ve needed others to show up for you. That’s where you heal your inner child. Overtime, you’ll find people that do the same for you. And even those that may inevitably hurt you, you can walk away knowing that you were loving and caring in the intentions you brought to the table. This was my contribution to the group. My dear director and mentor from high school who has since passed, offered it to me at a really low moment in my life. With his wisdom, I have been able to be there for others. And even in the face of loss and grief, know that what I can take away, what I have contributed, was done so with a pure heart.
To my lovely 217 family, thank you for sharing and contributing the ways that you do during our groups. It truly is a blessing to see your lovely faces every week, and to share our lives stories through art and fun.
To all of you reading this post, I hope you have all the sun in face moments in the world this week going forward, and I hope you’re able to take the time to sit in that joy.
Be Safe,
Claira