Empowered Vulnerability

This is a series of collages based on a concept from the book Release: Healing the Wounds of Family, Church and Community, by Flora Slosson Wuellner. I picked up the book randomly, from a pile of assigned readings for my husband's summer class. I was struggling with some serious burnout, at several levels. This book helped me find my way out of the paper bag! I decided to write some of her statements as affirmations, and then collage each one. Here are the affirmations:

I am sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. I care about their well-being.

I also care about my own well-being.

I am aware of what I really feel, and can speak my truth.

I recognize and accept my needs and limitations, without fear or guilt.

I take time and space for physical, emotional and spiritual renewal.

I seek out and accept support from others. I choose friends wisely.

I understand and accept the need for spiritual protection and support.

I maintain a deep spiritual practice.

I pay attention to the signs of emotional invasion and bondage.

I am able to see the source and name the problem, without external validation.

I allow myself the freedom to explore options and alternatives. I am increasingly free in my choices.

I can engage in appropriate confrontation with love and firmness.

I can say no, and I can say good-bye.

I can therefore be free and spontaneous in my loving and giving.

If you're a sensitive introvert, like I am, or in any type of codependent relationship, read these over and over again to yourself, out loud if possible. Write them on note cards, and/or in your journal. Draw, paint, or collage your interpretation of htem. Take them to heart.