I was fooling around with a new oracle deck of mine and one of the cards I blindly pulled was THE PHOENIX. As soon as I read the description on the card, I immediately felt a bond to it.

In Greek Mythology they represent rebirth... Rising from the ashes after a bad experience, so to speak. Which is why it's depicted as being inflamed.

The reason why I resonate with the symbolism is because, after all I have been through in my life -- the ups and many many many downs... I am finally rising from the ashes and taking control of my life.

I feel renewed.

Rejuvenated.

ALIVE!

I no longer have those thoughts of self doubt and loathing my current situation. I am embracing everything in a more positive light.

I know for a fact, that I'm not who I was several months ago. Since my mom's passing in August, I literally felt a transformation within myself.

Like I finally reached what I had longed to have all that time.

Peace.

Internal peace.

Even within grieving, I found peace.

An awakening to everything around me.

I look up more to admire the sky, I enjoy my own company, I love being in my own world as often as possible when I need that ME time to reflect. To think about my next move.

Life doesn't have to be terrible. In fact, my life was NEVER terrible. Although lengthy bouts of depression would've made me believe otherwise.

There were many obstacles and bumps in the road, but never terrible. I have learned from every chapter in my life and I am building from them to create a better version of me.

A stronger, happier, more optimistic, me.

The phoenix is me and I pray that it will be you someday as well.