HEART TALK ...

My Dearest Friend,

How can I help?

I am disturbed to see you sad.  My heart bleeds and goes out to you.

Yes, especially you ... a woman who is as beautiful, charming and warm hearted 
as you are has no reason to be in this state.

Tell me what could have caused that deep sigh and... red-rimmed eyes?   

The hunched shoulders, the halting step, the hesitant touch - a plea for help, 
understanding and acceptance even...?

That faraway look gives you away; as if you are in another world, another time.

What could possibly bring a woman of your standing who seems to have everything 
going so well for her -

a privileged childhood, a strong marriage, loving family and an

enviable position in society - such restlessness? 

The world certainly holds you in high esteem. 

You walk into a room and instantly there is a hushed silence as every eye turns for 
a second look.  You have that charisma to effect change.

And yet you are not sure, not sure of the power you wield.

Were you violated as a child, a hidden shame that you would rather not talk about,  
perhaps a lost dream that continues to haunt you, a guilt from your past, a deprivation 
that has left you disillusioned or even overly high expectations impossible to fulfill.... what?

No, a woman such as you should never be unhappy but you are...why?

Your stuttering response give you away. 

You wish for something more but don't quite know what. 

The cause for the vacuum... emptiness remain evasive.

Are you perhaps afraid?

There is nothing to fear except fear itself, you know. 

How do you perceive yourself? 

Are you maybe too hard on yourself?  

Impatient and frustrated with your limitations? 

Wishing you were someone else, living a different life and

sailing a different course?

Do you feel you lack courage?  Are you easily intimidated? 

Do you doubt your abilities and capabilities?

When was the last time you received some words of affirmation? 

Are you starved for recognition... applause? 

It's been so long since you received a pat on your back? 

(God knows you are exhausted from having given so much of these away.) 

But what about your own reward? 

Unfortunately, it comes with the position.

You see, others think people like you who are in such high places don't need 
or want such trivialities but you do, don't you?

You need to know that you are being appreciated, that you matter;

that you have feelings as well. 

It has been a while since the last compliment, hasn't it?

And even when it was given, did you doubt it thinking you were unworthy? 

That's another sickness, you know! 

When the mind has been conditioned to think of something over a long period 
of time, it rejects a different set of thinking and that's probably affecting you.

What has robbed you of your self-esteem?   Afraid of making wrong decisions?  
Are you on a guilt ride? 

These have definite negative impacts on you and your outlook towards life.  
Joy dissipates quickly along with confidence.

Please, I implore you to take stock quickly and devise a recovery plan. 

The longer you wait, the more damage you'll do to yourself.  For your own sanity, 
don't procrastinate!

You need to put things in the right perspective. 

Don't take things or people too seriously.  Laugh often and at yourself. 

Most of the things you worry about don't materialize. 

The people you are trying to please really don't matter in the end.

If you feel like screaming, scream!

If you think kicking off your shoes and dancing in the rain will help wash away 
the pain and rejection, do it! 

If you feel like running away from home for a period of time to find yourself, go ahead!

(But, please leave a number where you can be reached and again maybe not - you decide!)

If you feel like downing a gallon of gelato, who's to stop you!

And after you are done screaming, dancing, running, drowning, bounce back; 
happy and alive... really  a l i v e.

Don't wait for tomorrow to live.

Take risks.  Life without risk is no life at all.

Hey, go to your closet and look for that black lingerie/negligee,

the one that's still in the original wrappings.  How long has it been there?  
You were saving it for a special occasion, I know.  Well, the time has arrived.

Slip it on slowly and caress its softness;  turn down the lights and dance away...

Give in to your moment of madness; you are entitled to it. 

Want to know how others look at you?

In contrast to how you see yourself others think you to be fearless, confident, 
cool, composed and regal - a Princess.

Even though inside you may feel like a complete idiot, and confused but on 
the outward, courage, determination and orderliness shine forth.

And while you think you may have lost it, for sure you haven't; for you are on the 
pedestal, worshipped - a goddess, a nymph, an enigma, a desirable creature...a priced catch. 

Not only are you elegant, classy, feminine, (flighty too) you are also 
kind, gracious, compassionate, caring AND cosmopolitan.

When you feel like a gauche, trapped and frightened rabbit scurrying for cover, 
and recoiling in defeat, the world sees you standing tall, proud, spirited and indomitable.

Surely you have fooled yourself and the world.

You are not what you perceive yourself to be and neither what the world perceives. 

In essence you possess both worlds and in reality, it is up to you to take the best 
of both worlds and make the most of it.

Live the way you know best and ask forgiveness for your frailties and be thankful 
for the wisdom and strength that is sufficient to live the day. 

Be happy, Sweetheart.  There is absolutely no reason to be sad.

Change can only come when you realise that you can.

With blessings, hugs and love,

Your friend and ally always.