Learning to Prosper

I used to think that life was sorted as so

existing —- the build up—-the decision—-the lesson—-existing

This manifested through my main coping skill in life as such:

“just get through this and you’ll be okay. Just survive.”

and then this led to focusing on the single lesson at hand and trying to move on after, where at this point, I’ve been missing out on c r i t i c a l information. Maybe it sounds simple to you, but I really needed a push to get here. It’s not about the main lesson. I mean, it is, any situation can teach you valuable things about yourself, others, and the world around you. But really, it’s all about the whole narrative.

Honestly, this reminds me of something we learned in elementary school about writing stories: you have the exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and denouement. There are things to know and notice this entire plot line, or else you get some bodiless, unfulfilling bone without the meat around it.

The way I was living before, eyes closed until the lesson was screaming my name, was an easy way to take myself out of the process. We do this as humans a lot of the time because it is easier to move through that way. If the lesson is fully reflective of someone else, or you don’t count your actions, reactions, and aftermath, how the hell are you actually able to learn something?

When I work with others, I emphasize how critical work it is to exist first and foremost. Especially considering all that life throws at us and all that we are expected to push ourselves into rather than flow. Existing is courageous, and I commend you for doing so. But after we survive, we must learn to accept prosperity into our lives. And if you’re confused by the language of ‘learning to accept prosperity’… I implore you to think of a time when you didn’t allow yourself to reach your full potential due to any reason at all. (But it is usually self-esteem, fear of being vulnerable, or too much commotion). Allow yourself to be great, and you will be great!

Aren’t we talking about the tough times here though, Madison? Yes, you’re right let me circle back.

Exposition- In a story, this is the background information on your characters. Their foundation. Why they are the way that they are. For you, think about past experiences and relationships. How were you raised? How was conflict resolved in your childhood? Who was your support system if you had one?

Inciting Incident- In storytelling, this is where something happens that changes the character’s world as they know it. It doesn’t have to be traumatizing (but can be). For you, what things as of recent have shifted your worldview?

Rising Action- In stories, this is where we see multiple factors surround our character. It is the build-up of tension. Where do you see tension in your life? What are the general themes of what you’ve been dealing with lately?

Climax- Here is where values are tested. Drama, movement, and decisions are about to be made and they are grand. This is the moment. The peak. Here is where you are faced with yourself. You’ve maybe let things boil up inside. Here is where they come to the surface. Your ah-ha moment. You know what needs to be done… are you going to do it?

Falling Action- Things don’t seem as intense here, whether you decide to do something about the situation or hold back. This is because of the natural rhythm of the pulse. Things are settling or coming together. (You can also skip this part and go straight to rising action again, the lesson continues.)

Resolution- The final dip before we begin again. The exhale, hopefully. See this is the only place I would look. But see how much you miss by skipping the previous?

Denouement- This part is not all certain. In stories, this is where things are explained. anything missed, anything the readers may have had questions about. In real life, we discuss with others, go to therapy, and answer our own questions.

portal I found

I named last week as ‘the worst week of my life’ to many people. It seemed like everything was going wrong. Without getting specific, it was like every inconvenience you could possibly think of wrapped up in 7 ugly days. But after the week passed, I committed to prosperity by heading into the new week with a clear head. A reset button. What helped this was crying. A lot. Staying busy (sometimes we gotta). Getting good sleep finally, thank you to my sister for letting me have a sleepover, lol. And working with someone who needed me. Simply listening and stepping into my therapist role helped me not only recognize so many things in myself but it helped me get out of myself and be fully present for someone else who needed that from me. A reminder that I am where I am meant to be, even if it feels like I don’t have control.

That’s the secret: you do, and you don’t. You have autonomy and sovereignty over your mind and body, but when it comes to a universal plan and what you deserve, it will all unfold in front of your eyes, and you cannot make it come any faster. You must trust. Mostly in yourself.

A playlist for the vibe of floating on ~

Thank you for being you and existing, surviving, and allowing yourself to prosper

Abundant blessings ∞

-madison renee katherine