“I am cracked open.”
It sounds dangerous and scary, doesn’t it? So why did I make this unusual choice for an affirmation for my Self-Love photo shoot?
I remember reading this quotation some years ago about the growth of a seed:
“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.” – Cynthia Occelli
When a seed embryo enjoys the optimal conditions for its growth (the best soil, water, light, and temperatures), its cells expand. They keep expanding until the seed’s shell cracks open from the pressure building up inside. Only when the seed has broken open can roots emerge and a plant sprout and grow into its full potential.
Similarly, the growth process of humans can look (and feel) destructive. When we are presented with growth opportunities and are open to the transformation, we expand until our old identity must die. We have to break through the old so that our new beliefs can take root and we can start fully expressing our expanded selves.
After several years of intense self-development work, this past year has been a season of cracking open, of shedding old layers. It’s felt overwhelming at times, but I’m excited to know that the next season is one of fuller and more joyful self-expression.
“I am cracked open” is a reminder that I don’t need to carry any old stories into the future, that the judgments and pressures of the past have been released.
It reminds me to discard the protective hard shell I once wore because I was terrified to disappoint anyone. I am here to live my own unique life, not to meet others’ expectations.
“I am cracked open” reminds me to embrace the softness of my beautiful soul and to allow it to shine.
It reminds me to stay open to all possibilities and to welcome Love to flow through me.
“I am cracked open” reminds me to stop trying so hard, to surrender and enjoy each moment, knowing | am always supported as I co-create my Heaven on Earth.
It is about giving myself permission to Just Be and to expect the miraculous.
It is a reminder to love my soul unconditionally.
All photo credits to the wonderful Shelah Riley in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.