We would like to extend a very special welcome to all our new subscribers!

You have received this e-zine because you subscribed to it! If you wish to unsubscribe, please scroll to end for more info.

If you like this e-zine, please pass it on. Has a friend forwarded this newsletter to you? If you like what you read, please subscribe by visiting yourlifework.com.

These 650 words will take you about two minutes to read. Read on if you could use a reminder on the healing power of acceptance and love!!

Table of Contents

1. A Toad in Trouble

2. A Bell Rings in the Soul

3. Kiss the Toad; Find Love

Recently, I was deeply stirred by the healing power of acceptance and love after hearing a dear friend’s story about his five year old son. While the young boy was shopping with his mother he created some trouble in the store, resulting in a scolding from the store clerk and his mother. With childhood wonder, innocence and regret the wee lad explained to his parents, it was the “toad” who got carried away in the store, not he. The toad indeed, was very sorry.

From then on, each time “bad” behaviour erupted, my friend and his wife used the toad metaphor to help their five year old identify inappropriate behaviour. This occurred a time or two until one afternoon at home the young boy had a huge upset with his mom, ending with him spouting mean words. Both mother and father, heated and frustrated, again chastised their young son, “The toad is misbehaving again. We don’t want to see the toad now.”

The episode ended with the strained mother departing alone for what had been a much anticipated shopping trip. The loss of the shopping outing and the painful family upset left the little lad wholly distraught. My dear friend, being a wise and caring soul tried to comfort his boy but to no avail.

Then, as my friend described it, it was as though a bell rang in his soul. I know well what he meant. During pivotal times with my own son this bell had rung in my soul awakening me to the significance of the moment. In that heightened awareness habitual response was suspended. In a flash my friend understood how hurt the toad might be so he invited the toad to come near and talk.

“The toad can’t come see you now,” came the unhappy response. “The toad is hiding behind the corner but the nice puppy or the electrician will play with you.” As with all children this age the boy loved pretending to be animals or “workers.” Listening to the little boy’s words with the keen ears of the soul, my friend then spoke deeply from his heart. “Oh! Poor little toad! That poor little toad must be so lonely, hiding by himself and unable to come out.”

The sweet little boy burst into tears and rushed into his daddy’s arms. Together they wept as my friend softly reassured the small boy, “Oh, little Toad, I am so sorry we told you to go away. You’re a good little toad - sometimes you just get a little carried away but we love you and never meant to push you away.” Drying his tears the young son revealed, “Dad – that toad is clever too.” Great healing filled their hearts.

What a gift for us all! Our toad to be loved! Each of us harbours a dark lonely toad filled with fear and hurt. When our fear and pain croaks to us we have been trained to squash it – to be rid of this dark side. “Enough! Stop that! Buck up! Suck it up! Shut-up! Get over it! What is wrong with you? Grow up…” Just as this would further damage that sweet little boy – we hurt ourselves by despising the toad.

As in the sage teachings of fairytales we see it is in kissing the toad (frog) that we transform all that we first reviled, into the love of our life – our prince (or princess). By accepting and unconditionally loving the beast we discover its beauty (and cleverness!).

So my friends, let us all practice kissing the toad! Accepting and loving the toad in ourselves and others is the path of healing. Herein, is our lifework. I hope you enjoyed this e-zine and found it useful. I look forward to hearing from you.

Until next month’s issue,

Warmest regards,

Teresa

I would love to hear from you!

If you would like more information about Teresa click here.


*********************************************

Reminders Remember to click refresh as you revisit yourlifework.com as I am always editing, re-writing and adding.

Remember: Be gentle with yourself. Listen to your guidance. Navigate through life and work with more peace and acceptance.