In this sixth episode, we visit August 18th, 1999, when I had just failed my driver's test. . .for the 2nd time. Failure can be an extraordinary teacher, especially for those of us who are used to winning. 19-year-old me was frustrated and wondering how this would ever play out in my favor. Spoiler alert, I got my drivers license a week later and all was well. It didn't harm me one bit to be without a license for one more week, but I did gain additional perspective and practice in dealing with feelings of disappointment and loss. Those benefits have served me well for years.

Key themes from reflection on this entry:

· Emotions run deep, especially when things don't go our way, but if we pay attention they run just as deep (likely described as high) when things do go our way. The difference is often the amount of time we spend sitting in those moments. I've made a conscious effort to highlight the good just as long if not longer than I replay the bad. Emotions and feelings are energy, and powerful, use them wisely.

· Rebirth, a theme for right now and a common thread in my journals. The phoenix does rise from the ashes, there is definitely a clearing right now if you're paying attention, can you feel it?

· Questioning reality and understanding our role and power in shaping it.

· Mind body connection and the power of stillness.

Questions to ask ourselves, right now and always:

• Why are we going through what we are going through? What is the meaning?
• As the path becomes clearer, what things can we let go of?
• What should be rebuilt and what should remain in our past?

Author, poet, spoken word artist and emcee Opal Ellyse has been keeping handwritten journals since 1995. Each week she shares an entry and ties it to current events and relevant topics of conversation. Royalty is living in your legacy while you're still here. Understanding your past and bridging it to the present (and future) is a gift. Join Opal as she shares wisdom from the past as it becomes present day epiphany and a blueprint for all that is next.

Enjoy!

www.opalellyse.com

Music: DJ Pain 1