Listen Lines

Am I free? https://darwin.catholic.org.au/daily_reflection/am-i-free-2/ Am I comfortable with, and accepting of, myself? What happens when I am alone?
Am I at peace when I am by myself?
Do I notice many thoughts running out of control in my mind? Do I experience loneliness or anxiety? Do I become stuck in that anxiety and allow it to dominate me?
There is a longing in our hearts to be loved, valued, and reassured that we are good and worthwhile.
We look for that special someone to fill that inner space.
Sadly, some try to numb this longing through addiction:
Alcohol or other drugs, overeating, inappropriate sexual activity of one kind or another, or some other form of unhealthy gratification.
The more I recognise how infinitely loved I am by God, and that nothing will ever change that, the more I can begin to focus on the goodness within me.
When I truly believe that I am loved and lovable, I can begin to accept the imperfections within me.
I do not need to play games or try to prove myself. I do not need to cling to others for affirmation.
I can acknowledge that I have both strengths and weaknesses, and remain committed to ongoing personal growth.
I am indeed connected with the rest of creation around me. I am constantly invited into union with the inner life of God through the bond of unconditional love.
The more, through prayer and reflection, this becomes real for me, the more I can experience inner freedom.
I can appreciate being loved and valued by others without unhealthy control or dependency. I can move from loneliness to a healthy appreciation of solitude.
We are, of course, on a lifelong journey of growth and integration.
We never fully arrive in this life.
Hopefully, we remain committed to intentionally moving forward, with the grace of God, towards true freedom in love.