Each year during the month of April, I become more reflective. My birthday is at the end of the month (the 27th) and I look back on my life and celebrate how far I have come.
Little April was a highly responsible, adultified child, the oldest of seven, and expected to be the little mother. I was folding diapers at 5, washing dishes while standing on a chair, babysitting at eleven. I didn’t know any different and I received such praise for being a good girl and helping out the way I did.
Then teenage April arrived, and I began to find my way as an individual. High school was amazing in that I really loved school and was engaged in several extracurricular activities. School got out at 2 and I often didn’t make it home until after 4. I found a love of music which was central to my teen years. I pulled away from all the responsibilities that were expected and found an anthem song that celebrated being an individual and going my own way. I guess, not unexpectedly, this shift caused a rift with my mother who had come to rely on me for a lot.
College April moved away, 500 miles away, to go to school. I loved the freedom of only being responsible for myself. I could breathe. I excelled, graduated with two majors, had gotten in touch with my Polish heritage, and returned home, four years later, independent and wanting to live my life on my terms.
It only took 6 weeks after graduation before I moved into my own apartment. There were arguments between my parents about how much I was to contribute to the household and the lack of privacy was challenging. My stubborn independent streak resulted in my securing a tiny apartment up the street from my favorite aunt and uncle and I moved out on my own.
Less than three years later, I met the man who would become my husband, currently of 42 years. I became a mom and stepmom, and grandmother – my favorite roles.
I’d figured I’d be doing what I was supposed to be doing, career-wise, in my 30’s. (Amazing that before Human Design came into my world, I knew that I’d be entering the second phase of my defined 6 line in my profile and observing and integrating what I was learning.) I knew I was here to help somehow and I had a love of children so I spent over 35 years in the youth services arena, creating and managing programs designed to improve the quality of life for inner city children.
Then came 2017 and I retired from that world, tired, ready to do something new and see what this third phase of my 6-line would bring me. How would I use the wisdom I gleaned from my work, learning, and experience?
And, here I am, in my life as a Human Design specialist, certified and about to birth my first Human Design book called Journey to Your SELF, Unlock the Gates of Human Design and Awaken Your Inner Wisdom.
What have I learned along my journey?
Everything changes in its time. There is a Divine plan that, when you listen deep inside, will guide you to where you are supposed to be in your life.
Hope and optimism are crucial in life. Yes, bad things happen. Life is messy. There is pain, grief, anger, disruption and that sucks. But, these teach us to know who we are, how we are, how to grow. If we remain hopeful and open, life can turn out great.
Embrace the wonders of life. Take pleasure in the simple, most mundane things. Smell the flowers, Feel the grass under your feet. Walk barefoot on the sand at the ocean and listen to the waves coming in. Go for a walk with a child and watch them discover the world. Savor the taste of a fresh tomato out of the garden. Relish the beauty of the sunset. You get the idea. The simple things can fill your soul.
Engage in gratitude. It changes everything. So, if you are reading this, know that I appreciate you for taking the time to read my words, to hear my voice, and perhaps allowing me to present perspective that just might be transformative for you. That would be the best birthday gift ever.
This month, I encourage you to look inside and see what wants to rebirthed. Then, nurture it with wonder and curiosity, feeling the pain and letting it go, giving rise to a newer version of yourself. Perhaps learning more about your Design, the blueprint you were born with, will help you come to terms with these areas you feel are weaknesses or flaws, or help you sort through the stories that limit your power to be the most authentic version of your wonderful self. When you are ready, schedule your Human Design reading with me to support your rebirth to the person you were born to be.
