When we think about personal transformation, we think about becoming something or someone new, a metamorphosis. By definition, I disagree.
met·a·mor·pho·sis/ˌmedəˈmôrfəsəs/
The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages. A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.
Most of my life I thought something was wrong with me. I did not fit in. I was not like everyone else. Time and time again, the message that I was fed was CHANGE.
So I did. I learned to reinvent myself. I was always in the process of becoming. Somehow though, I was never good enough. There was always work to be done. I truly thought that if I could somehow change my hair, my body, my voice, my words, my sense of humor, and on and on, things would be different.
Heck, even the endless counseling I participated in was never enough. I changed alright, but I built walls and accepted things I did not need to accept. The perfect mother, the best friend, the daughter that would finally be wanted, the employee that would be the like the teacher's pet. The list goes on infinitesimally.
That all changed 7 years ago, almost to the day. The women that helped me lose the cloak of shame that others had dressed me in are my angels. I learned that what I had done, did not define me. What others had done does not define me. I discovered who I was and who I am are still the same, beautiful human being. From that moment on I committed to living life out loud #LLOL and with intention.
Finally something worked. All those years of counseling were not in vain, I grew and slowly closed doors that were not meant for me.
Getting in touch and learning to love my authentic self did transform me, but not in a metamorphic state. I made peace within, learned to truly forgive, and what real love felt like. Those women, are women of wisdom #WoW.
Now, don't get me wrong, it was not one and done, wave the magic wand and like a palm to the forehead, healed! Instead, I was given the keys and the tools to unlock doors and continue to climb the stairways of peace and joy.
So what does all of that have to do with the four leaf clover?
The four-leaf clover represents many things. Usually we do not give the tiny plant much thought. They are not the same as a shamrock.
The four leaves represent faith, love, hope, and of course, luck. Egyptians gave four-leaf clovers to newlyweds to bless the marriage. Some traditions say four-leaf clovers are only lucky if you keep them hidden from other people, but other traditions say your fortune will double if you give your clover to someone else.
Some believe that Eve took a four-leaf clover with her when she and Adam were thrown out of the Garden of Eden as a memento of paradise. According to legend, Druid priests used the four-leaf clover for healing rituals and to ward off evil spirits.
Four-leaf clovers are said to help you find your true love. Some people even put clovers in their shoes to lead their feet to their soulmate.
Some say the four leaves represent fame, wealth, love and health. Whatever the meaning, one thing is true:
The chance of finding a four-leaf clover is 1:10,000
That being said, it is lucky indeed. My four leafs represent the hope I found in the process, the faith I discovered along the way, the love I discovered, and the health that has come from healing.
Warding off evil spirits can't hurt either. After all, when we change and live authentically, others will try to tear us down and bring us back to who we use to be.
I for one feel extremely lucky for the #Wow in my life and the freedom and joy I found. To keep it, I know that I have to help others to find their "I" and honor their truth and authentic selves.
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