Chapter 1: Awakening from the Program

In a moment of reflection, I find myself without a defined path to pursue. There are no pressing tasks to tackle, no impending crises to address, and no overwhelming sense of urgency. All my previous frameworks have crumbled away, leaving behind a blank slate. The routine I once followed is now a thing of the past.

I was greeted this morning by the sweet symphony of birds welcoming the dawn. A gentle breeze from the fan wrapped around me like a warm, comforting hug, reminiscent of a long-awaited reunion with a cherished partner. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and let it out slowly.

"Good morning, Father," I murmur.

"Good morning, my dear," His gentle voice fills my heart with warmth.

As I survey my surroundings, I can't help but feel grateful for living the dreams I had set in motion just three months ago.

I bowed my head, closing my eyes once more: "It has truly come to pass, Father. My son and I have left the confines of the program and settled into our cozy one-bedroom home with a garden. I’ve secured a fulfilling job with a schedule that suits me perfectly. These were all part of the aspirations You urged me to articulate. You encouraged me to define my intentions for every facet of my life and to remain steadfast in my pursuit. Though there were moments of doubt, I quickly regained my faith. Amidst the fear and uncertainty, my focus remained steadfast on You. Even when I felt exhausted, I diligently managed the blessings You entrusted to me and fulfilled my responsibilities within the program. You have granted me the desires of my heart."

Tears of joy and gratitude began to flow. I paused, reflecting on how just a week prior, I had cried during my morning cleaning routine, overwhelmed by the weight of the program's demands. Today was different; these were tears of relief and happiness.

As I reached for a tissue on my dresser, a slight unease crept into my mind. "What should I do now, Father?" I inquired.

A wave of peace enveloped me. "Just be, my child. There is nothing left to accomplish. Your time of doing has concluded. It is now your time to simply exist. There are no more expectations or pressures. You no longer need to perform. Just be yourself."

"But doesn't that in itself feel like a task, Father?"

"Very astute, my dear! Consider this: how can you become someone you haven't yet discovered?"

"Who am I outside of expectations? Who am I without the pressures? Who am I when I am not performing? What remains of me if doing was what defined my being? What do I do when there is no crisis? Which path should I take if I lack direction? What should I focus on when there is nothing demanding my attention? What do I need to fix if there are no emergencies? Where do I find the next steps if I no longer have a framework? What anchors me when the program has ended? How can I see clearly if my previous reality has disintegrated? What purpose does my plate serve if it remains empty? What burdens are left if they are all lifted? What am I when everything feels right?"

"Oh dear, what a magnificent conclusion! Indeed, 'All the world is a stage.' You have donned many roles, nurturing the star of the show — which has always been YOU. But now, the curtain has fallen. The final act has concluded, and the lights have dimmed. The answers to your inquiries await in the next chapter: Self-Actualization…"

To embark on the journey that led to this moment, follow A Journal of Journeys.

©2022, Asha Carraway

Chapter 2: The Journey to Self-Actualization

In this next chapter, we delve deeper into the process of self-actualization and the path to embracing our true identity.

The first video, "Joe Bonamassa - 'Curtain Call' - Official Music Video," captures the essence of stepping back from the chaos of life and embracing peace.

The second video, "Curtain Call (Live)," illustrates the beauty of closure and the new beginnings that follow.