2011
Aftermath
To say I am overwhelmed by your response to my last journal entry would be an understatement. Thank you for your willingness to take the time to reach out and connect.
So much has happened: from my heart being opened just putting words to paper, to moving through the fear of hitting the ‘publish’ button, to the emotional upheaval with every loving comment you made, to the clarity of purpose when a “what the hell are you doing” comment showed up. It has been healing and has caused a revolution in my soul.
The last few days have swept me into a vortex of love and a renewed authenticity and acceptance has been awakened. Fears that were well hidden have come to the surface. Long-held beliefs that no longer serve me are being discarded. Insights are being embodied and my relationship with God has taken on a new hue. I had no idea it would bring me so much goodness. I had no idea that the foundations in which my relationships rest would be shaken to the core.
Over the next week, I am going to unravel the process I experienced. Not in any particular order, just as things came up. I am going to start with a comment that tore my heart in two (in a good way). Cracked it right open. It’s about my mother. I’ve only experienced my mother in a visceral way a time or two since her passing 36 years ago. Your comments changed that. For that alone I am eternally grateful.
Please watch for my post tomorrow, Sunday. It was my mother’s favorite day.
Comments
Robin
Healing is so good for the soul, and opens the heart more than you new it could. Can't wait for tomorrow. Enjoy the day as your mother would!
astrobarry
Rhonda, you rock.
Jen in Cincinnati
You have always always always been your authentic self. I loved watching you on Starting Over and have been your "friend" ever since!! Thank you so much for showing us how to move fearlessly through a moment. That we shouldn't hide and be afraid. And that the lesson in it all may be something we never, ever expected.
Anonymous
I second that!
Suzannah in Minnesota
Greetings from Minnesota!!
You have always been my hero and role model, Rhonda...thanks for being authentic! : )
Emmy
Finding your true self is one adventure that more people should do, and do it often! Why not live the life we were meant to live? Honest, open, and being who we are. All too often people, especially women, build a coating of personality that does not belong to them. Shed the layers, scare yourself, scare others, and at the center of those layers you find who you really are!!! Every once in a while, the layer might build up again and we find the need to shed again! Rhonda, enjoy the freedom and scream your true authentic self.
Annie Ann
Amen to that. It's amazing how God works in our lives. Thank you for sharing with us! Hugs to you! :)
Joy Elizabeth
I greatly look forward to your continued sharing ever so candidly Rhonda ... it's a great gift for one to learn from the bravery of another, verbally or otherwise. Repeatedly through the years, since the first SO, you gave been an exemplary example of courage sharing your experiences, lessons & teachings so freely ... a great gift indeed, setting many like myself emotionally free. Personally, I have so much to thank you for & could never thank you enough for the gift of emotional sight you have given me. I continually reflect back on your teachings which have kept me focused changing my life & relationships. Growth is a continuous process for us all & to think that we, one of your fans, could possibly give back to you is a beautiful circle of gracious love & continued learning. May your heart be filled with much joy on Sunday as you reflect on the day your Mother so loved. God bless ~ Joy Elizabeth
Anonymous
The question I am left with is this: "Who is awaiting MY apology?
I am inspired to respond to the answer with compassion and grace.
Thank you Rhonda.
angelori56
That is amazing. The capacity of the human spirit is never ending & to experience this kind of revelation is so cathartic. Thank you for sharing Rhonda & I'm looking forward to sharing your coming journey with you.
Victor M.
ok Rhonda, so it's 6:05 PM Eastern Time... so did you mean more like Sunday evening?lol The Oscars are starting soon... hurry...lol
ps - Do you hold your Emmy while you watch the Oscars? That's what I would do... I mean not if I was at an Oscar party, but if I was home eating some chocolate ice cream with chocolate cake chunks and raspberry jelly ... I would be scooping it out with one of the statue wings...lolol
Wendy
I have been reading your blog off and on for quite some time -- but this is the first time I have responded.
In short - I am very much in awe of your choice to publicly own your own part in the situation with Iyanla - as well as reject responsibility for what is NOT your own doing, and to know the the difference. After being hurt, as you were, it would have been very easy to take the self righteous stance, which does nothing for learning about our own role in what has transpired. Looking at oneself in the mirror is never an easy task -- (and I know...) In all of life, we have had a part in it's outcome in some fashion. But, more importantly, we have a choice of how we react once it's happened.
I did not watch Oprah's recent interview with Iyanla, so I can't speak to that. But, I admired Iyanla, both on Oprah and on Starting Over. Despite her "known issues", it's my opinion that she came across as very together (although I did think that occasionally her exercises with the SO women were a tad too harsh.) I wonder if this stance was a facade for her lack of personal healing. I suspect her ability to "look at herself in the mirror", as you are doing now, might not be as honed as yours is.
I miss Starting Over. I don't think I missed one episode. I either watched it when it was broadcast, taped it, or saw it in rerun. I often wonder about how all the women are doing now -- and the couples, too. I think it's run was far too short...
Looking forward to your newer revelations.
Wendy
rhonda
Yes yes yes. Excellent work. Great turn around. Great insight. Let's follow Anonymous and all ask ourselves the question "who is waiting for my apology!!! YES! :)Rhonda
Shari
It's true that there is healing in telling our stories! =)
What I find interesting is that it seems to make a bigger impact on us when done publically.
When we talk only to our friends and family, telling our stories over and over, we end up keeping the story alive and it can turn into complaining.
We either learn from our experience, heal and move forward wiser, or we miss the lesson in it, continue telling our story and complaining, hold grudges, and instead, become a victim of our experience.
You are wise, and I'm certain that healing, lessons, and peace will be yours. <3
Sista K
God bless you Rhonda!! Please read my comment on your previous page - saw it first before seeing this.
Sending you much Love & Joy & Blessings & Peace!!
Sista K.
oxo
denise Lamb
Shout It Sistah!!!
I believe we first apologize to ourselves...ripples to those who are open to receiving.
This is about your journey...at no time did I feel you were inappropriate in speaking your truth.
This is all about 'starting over...re-inventing ourselves...growing' Fantabulous really!
Come on, this is not about sides..it's a journey..we are just blessed to be the passenger/hitch hiker...what an Honour!
Stay true my stranger-friend...continue to be your beautiful fearless self...surround yourself with the LOVE!
Peace, Light, Love, Laughter, and Joy
Denise
Ontario, Canada