The Rebirth is the Hard Part.

I’ve been pondering a lot recently about the cycles of Death & Rebirth.

How natural they are to the ecosystem and integral to the waves and flow of all that is.

However, the cycles of death and rebirth, when it comes to our own growth, spiritual and human development, seem to be the part of life that we resist the most. Why is it that everyone is afraid of death, but no one is talking about the arduous task of rebirthing oneself?

Last year, I experienced so many deaths I’ve lost count. Death of a relationship, death of a home, death of many old identities, death of friendships, you name it: the deaths keep coming. Upon reflection, it seems that death is the easy part… Let me explain.

After many deaths, I have found myself in the in-between space, which feels like an infinite void full of unknowns, wandering in uncharted territory, navigating my way into something totally brand new. This is the reality of a rebirth: having to find inner strength in the wilderness and the newness of endless possibilities.

Equally exciting as it is overwhelming. With the rebirth comes new layers of self-reflection and accountability that one can no longer hide from behind shadows or distractions. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s fresh. But let me tell you… It’s utterly liberating.

This is a poem I wrote called “This is the Hard Part.”

This is the hard part.

Not a year and a half ago, when

My life fell apart.

After 2 weeks spent in the jungle.

Suddenly single, homeless, broke,

in debt and in struggle.

Last year, I was broken.

Picking up the shards of glass

And moving through the pain unspoken.

Survival and surrender:

Doing everything in my power

To mend the wounds that were tender.

That was the easy part.

Letting the truth bleed out

And embracing the emotions of a broken heart.

Now is when the real work begins.

Building a life for myself from the ashes of nothing,

And evoking the warrior within.

Summoning unknown strength.

Navigating the journey alone.

Honest introspection, taking me the length.

This is the hard part.

The rebirthing.

The unearthing.

The creating.

The unturning.

This is the hard part.

And it is only just the start.

♥