Sarah, a friend of mine, published a post in November about the importance of asking yourself questions. Taking a deep breath and contemplating those questions. The answers may arrive fast, or they may take longer. But, ultimately, the answers will come to light.

These are the reflective questions she included at the end of her post:

What needs to go? What am I ready for next? What is my why? Is this desire for next or to create coming from a shadow area? What does my body need? What is true for me in this moment? What do I need right now? What can I do right now?

As I was writing out these questions in this post, I began to get emotional. I was a different person when I first read Sarah's post in November, just four months ago.

What needs to go? Being less concerned about what other people think. During my birthday month (April), I'm getting my nose pierced. I've wanted to do this for a long time, but I've put it off because I was concerned about how people would see me.

What am I ready for next? Ella beginning high school, Anna graduating college and beginning her career, and devoting more time for myself.

What am I looking to create? Content to serve others, and perhaps, to find my purpose in the process.

What is my why? Remember the quote I read in an article about menopause that I mentioned in Friday's podcast post? I also feel that my culture and society have failed me so badly. I need elders to show me how to do this, but they are not built into my life. 

That up there is my why.

It would have been reassuring to have a book like the one I've been working on while I was going through perimenopause in 2015. I felt a lot like Rythea. Seeing her quote in the article I shared in Friday's podcast post felt like the why I needed to see.

Is this desire for "next" or to create coming from a shadow area? During the five years I was in perimenopause, I felt a lot of shame. So I believe this portion of my journey is coming from a shadow area; the shame I carried and a need to feel connected to other women who may be feeling the same way.

What does my body need? It requires my attention and consideration. Even though I'm a big believer in soul homework and meditation, I'm terrible at paying attention to my body's signals.

What is true for me in this moment? I had a very long and boring answer ready, but it was too deep and soul-searching to add to this answer at this time. Just know that the other day I had a very cool awakening moment about all of you and it made me very emotional in a very good way. I really DO appreciate all of you and that is very true for me in this moment.

What do I need right now? I came across this quote the other day from Lao Tzu: "How do you follow the course of your life if you do not let it flow?" Instead of attempting to make things happen, I think I should just let life flow through me.

What can I do right now? I can continue to make soul homework the most essential portion of my day so that I may continue to learn, develop, evolve, and listen. So that I may continue to let my life flow. In order for me to be a better person to the people in my life.

I know Sarah has taken some time off to focus on her own enlightenment, but I can't thank her enough for sharing these thoughts.

What needs to go? What are you ready for next? What is your why? Is this desire for next or to create coming from a shadow area? What does your body need? What is true for you in this moment? What do you need right now? What can you do right now?