This  picture was taken at the Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin, TX. As I walked the trail with one of my Sistah-friends, I stayed in the present, conversed with her, and admired the beautiful scenery. The rocks and trees have been in this trail for a long time. There was once water running through this beautiful place, but is no more. I never saw the water, but am sure that if someone has and looks at it now, they may be disappointed as opposed to looking at the beauty that is still there.

It never ceases to amaze me how much the past can overshadow the present. I have read books, taught on the topic at some of my workshops, and have been Womentored (Vickie Washington, I am using your word) on the topic. What I have concluded is that it takes a concerted effort and a lot of courage to be present. Sometimes fear or thoughts that have nothing to do with what is actually happening right now acts as a catalysts for me to be removed from being right here, right now.  The information that keeps me in fear or doubt, should be buried under a rock, like one shown in the picture.

I often think of my mother, who has shared her wisdom with many. Some of the wisdom that was so freely given to me was not recognized as such at the time. I was too busy thinking about what had happened and that which was not. Translation: living in the past and future, never present. My mama is no longer with us, and I wish she were. To this point, the reflections of her words of caution, encouragement, and love live with me and are the foundation of the Woman I have become. I did not know it then, but she laid some heavy information on me that is so very applicable today. That is the past that I can bring into my present, it is useful and extremely valuable.

I have been so honored and blessed to experience sistahood in many ways. Friends over the years, Women whom I have met only once, family members, and many others have brought life lessons that matter into my experience. I realize today, that I can change my landscape at any time. What I see in front of me can be as beautiful or horrible as I choose. I can look at the glass as half empty or full. I can see another Sistah who is what some may call unfriendly, or I can believe she has not been involved with nurturing and loving sistah relationships. I can see the beauty in her, nothing more, nothing less. I can build her up, not tear her down. I can pass on information that has been shared with me and allow her to do with it what she will. I can be present with her and show that it is possible to have Women friends (so many of us believe that Women cannot be friends – sad).

I can use information from my past to have a better experience in the present, that’s it. If what comes into my spirit is not healthy and beneficial, then I will kindly reject that and replace it with something that is. It is up to me what I choose to see, feel, and experience.

Don’t let your past experiences or thoughts prevent the valuable benefit of the present. I have heard the saying that “the present is a gift.” Treat it as such, you only get it once and it only lasts for a moment. Embrace where you are in this very moment and you will be surprised how much more at ease and peace you may become. Allow yourself to have a good time, meet others who are like minded and give yourself permission to experience Womentoring and Sistahood at its best. There is a lot of love to be given and received, you can be on both ends of this.

The present is where we live, don’t allow the future and past to steal it away. Change your landscape!

Peace & Blessings,

Grace Sowtrue

The RJ Group