Your scars are a necessary part of your architecture

When I think about my favourite stories, and the heroes that drive the narrative, there's always a common thread - they are imperfect, flawed in many ways.

I've never been drawn to the shiny white knight with the perfect armour, or the princess who waits to be saved. I think that many of us feel the same. The characters and archetypes that are richest are those with many hues. They are battle worn, they've won hard-fought lessons, they've found a way to move through the conflict, even when it was hard. There's something inspiring about those who fall and get up again.

My favourite character is Roland Deschain, from Stephen King's Dark Tower series (if you haven't read it, run out and get the first book!). Roland is the last gunslinger. He's lived for generations, has lost people and battles. Roland is open about where he has failed, but more importantly, where he has learned. And the reason he's survived - he intuitively weaves these lessons into his perspective, and into the ways he approaches an obstacle. When some would run in with guns drawn, he takes in his environment, integrates what he can see into his plan, and then bravely steps into action. He knows that his plan will have to change once in it, but he's honed his skills and intuition enough that he can rely on them when it all goes sideways.

I think that on our best days, when we are courageous, we do the same. We will all have different gifts to draw upon, but they are all powerful, grounding, and have impact.

We love a comeback story for many reasons, but I think mostly because they give us hope. They remind us that when we fall, we get back up again, and can make a change. We remember that there is hope for the future, even when the outlook is bleak.

This week, we have moved into Autumn and into Libra Season - relational, responsive, contemplative, moving always to the light of justice and harmony. For any of you who've seen or participated in an improv show, you'll know that the most important energy to bring through is the statement "Yes, and?". With that, you're committed to what is unfolding in that exact moment, AND asking what you want to contribute, and how you want to respond. This is a powerful way to live.

When you witness the circumstances, no matter how hard, and then respond with Yes, and?, you stop fighting what is, and meet it with your higher perspective and gifts. You stop feeling as though life is happening to you, and become an active participant in your path and your success. No small feat.

Because those who "survive" are the ones who really live.

Over the next few days and weeks ahead, it is worth meditating on the following:

• If you know that you choose how to respond, what does that mean for you - in the present, and for your future?
• If you could see your "mistakes" from the past as opportunities for growth, what could be the benefit now?
• What have you learned that you can stop regretting, because you are able to choose differently, now that you know?

You are the amalgamation of your past choices, how they've shaped you. Once you honour those experiences, you'll free yourself from what was, in order to move differently.

Sending Libra blessings for clear perspective, embodiment of your gifts, and the capacity to feel at home within yourself, wounded, imperfect, as you are.

- Jennifer

P.S. You'll have an opportunity to build your own archetype within our upcoming Autumn offering - Leading from Within: Turning Wounds into Wisdom. Learn more about the offering HERE