As I celebrated Easter this past Sunday, I remembered an Easter Sunday experience I had a few years ago. I learned a valuable lesson that I believe you can benefit from as well.

I had been going through a tough time— dealing with the pain of betrayal and it was heavy on my heart.

My friend had recommended a new church she had heard about, so I decided to give it a try on Easter Sunday. I parked my car and walked down the sidewalk towards the new church when I found myself thinking judgementally— ugh, church in an industrial park? Then my next “judgie” thought…the people here don’t look like “my peeps”. It doesn’t have that “feeling” that makes me comfortable blah, blah, blah.

Have you ever done that? Jumped straight to judgment before giving someone or something a chance?

Because I was uncomfortable, I did just that. I felt myself contracting, my heart closing and disconnecting from the people in the room, and then (I’m not proud to admit this) I even noticed myself feeling a little superior. Yuck! In church yet!

Then I remembered something my workout coach had told me – I’m paraphrasing here but the gist of it is….“the ability to master the mind and be comfortable in your discomfort will get you big results and allow you to push the envelope in all area’s of your life.”

Well, she was right. I kept breathing and asking God to help me be receptive to this new experience, and guess what? My ears and eyes started to open, and as the ministers (husband and wife) began to speak, I received exactly what I needed in their message – it could not have been more perfect.

My heart began to soften and expand, and I followed their instruction to release what was on my heart to God and trust that if doors were closing, He had something far better in store for me.

I instantly felt a wave of peace and strength fill my body. It was so sudden it took my breath away, and I stopped for a second, waiting for my sadness to return – but miraculously, it didn’t. Instead, the peace became amplified with love, and as I looked around the church, it was as if I could see each person with fresh eyes – I could see their light—no more judgment.

And I had a vision of the person I felt betrayed by as an angel – surrounded by sparkling light – in her highest element, and I was able to send her love. When I did, I finally experienced freedom!

Why am I sharing this experience with you?

To show you how we sabotage our happiness, joy, and relationships with judgment and how we can overcome it.

Had I stayed in judgment, I would not have had the opportunity to heal. I would not have seen the beauty in every person around me and felt connected to something greater. By opening my heart, I learned a valuable lesson.

So be honest. How often do you feel uncomfortable and go into judgment, disconnect, and close yourself off?

Next time you find yourself feeling this way, use this tool:

Free Yourself from Judgement:

1. Breathe deeply (3x – preferably to a count of 4 both in and out

2. Ask God to help you stay open and to soften your heart.

3. With a sincere heart, ask God to lift the emotion coming up with the discomfort that is causing the judgment.

When you let go and let God, you will be able to open your heart and create those fun-filled, loving, deeply connected relationships you were born to experience. Freedom is right around the corner, and boy, it feels sweet!

In Love,

PS – Ready to free yourself from thought patterns that don’t serve you? I have just the answer – Soul Sparkle Virtual Retreat. It will help you free your heart from what keeps your joy blocked. Contact me if you are interested in your emotional freedom: Sherri@unleashyoursparkle.com