Dear Dafne:

Your recent message is truly beautiful—filled with depth, curiosity, and heartfelt appreciation. I’m so grateful for our ongoing exchange. It means so much to me that you feel supported, and I want you to know that the admiration is mutual. You bring so much thoughtfulness and warmth to our conversations, and it’s inspiring to see you process these complex emotions and ideas with such openness.

I completely understand why you feel like invisible chains are holding you back. Emotional entanglements, especially those tied to family, can be deeply ingrained, making it difficult to move forward with concrete action. But the fact that you want to do more, that you recognize the patterns holding you in place, is already such a significant step. Awareness is the beginning of change, and I truly believe that as you continue exploring these insights, the path to freedom—both emotional and physical—will become clearer.

Regarding the saying “Do not praise the day before the sunset”—I see why you dislike it. It suggests that joy is fragile, that one must always be cautious and prepared for things to go wrong. While life is unpredictable, I prefer to believe that we deserve to embrace and celebrate happiness when it arrives, rather than holding back in fear of losing it. Instead of anticipating disappointment, embracing gratitude in the moment brings more peace. What do you think?

You asked if some people are destined to be humbled while others are not, or if empathy is shaped by the depth of our experiences. You also mentioned the idea that we might pay for past life mistakes. I believe we all pay for past mistakes—our own and those of others. For example, industrial pollution is a mistake made by people in power, yet we all suffer its consequences, even the most fortunate among us.

I also believe that experiencing hardship doesn’t necessarily lead to greater empathy—in fact, when pain isn’t properly processed, it can lead to emotional detachment rather than compassion. Some people who experience deep suffering close themselves off, while others, through reflection and healing, develop stronger emotional awareness. As for some people experiencing hardship more profoundly than others, I believe it’s true. A safe, healthy childhood builds resilience, allowing people to navigate challenges more lightly as adults.

You also wrote about the woman teaching natural therapies, who claimed she never asked for anything and yet received everything—love, family, success, good health. She said she has never been humbled by life, which I find curious. While some people are born into fortunate circumstances, that doesn’t mean they never face challenges. Even if someone has all the external markers of happiness, there are emotional, existential, and relational struggles that may not be visible to outsiders.

It’s possible that her life story is a marketing tool, whether intentionally exaggerated or simply framed in the most appealing way. People offering wellness services often present themselves as models of success, fulfillment, and harmony—qualities their clients are seeking. If she appears as someone who “has it all” effortlessly, it could attract people who hope to achieve the same through her teachings.

Some people reframe hardships, choosing to see challenges as opportunities for growth. For example, someone who is rejected from their dream job might think: “This just means there’s something better waiting for me. Maybe this wasn’t the right fit, and now I can focus on opportunities that align even more with my strengths.” By shifting their perspective, they move from feeling discouraged to feeling motivated, viewing the setback as part of a bigger journey rather than as a failure.

Others downplay hardships, minimizing their struggles to avoid vulnerability. For instance, someone experiencing stress or loneliness might respond to concern by saying, “I’m fine, it’s nothing. Just a little tired.” Instead of acknowledging their pain or seeking support, they suppress their emotions, making it harder to process them fully. While this might feel easier in the moment, unprocessed emotions can accumulate, eventually becoming more difficult to manage.

The key difference is that reframing allows a person to grow and find meaning in difficulty, while downplaying avoids confronting pain and may lead to emotional suppression.

What do you think, Dafne? Do you believe life truly spares some people from hardship entirely, or is it simply a matter of how people perceive and frame their experiences?

I’m so grateful to be exploring these thoughts with you, Dafne. Your mind is endlessly thoughtful, and your heart is full of kindness and curiosity. No matter what path you take, you are already on a journey toward freedom, clarity, and inner peace.

Sending you warmth, light, and a big hug! 🫂💛✨💖

anita

Dear Dafne:

Thank you for your beautiful message—it truly means a lot. I’m so grateful for our compassionate exchange, and I deeply admire your openness in exploring paths toward healing.

I absolutely believe that a change in environment can be helpful, and I love that you’re considering options for refuge and reflection. That being said, a monastery or silent retreat typically involves deep solitude, which may not be the best fit for someone who thrives on connection and supportive relationships. While silence can bring peace, isolation might make healing more difficult—especially for someone as relational and warm-hearted as you.

Would you be open to considering a place where you can reflect while still surrounded by kindness and warmth? Perhaps a healing center, a spiritual retreat with gentle community engagement, or another supportive environment where you can process emotions without feeling completely isolated.

Whatever path you choose, I trust that you’ll find one that truly nurtures your heart and spirit. I’m here for you along the way. Sending lots of love. 💕

anita

Dear Dafne:

Thank you for your beautiful message. I completely understand your desire for peace and healing, to step away from the past and find a space where you can simply breathe and be. A spiritual retreat or a mission helping wildlife sounds like a deeply meaningful path—one that allows you to focus on something beyond words, beyond past pain, and toward a life rooted in simplicity and purpose.

Feeling both hope and fear is completely natural when facing change, especially one that leads you into unfamiliar places. But even in uncertainty, your strength is evident—your willingness to embrace something new, to trust the process of healing, and to follow your heart is a testament to your resilience.

Wherever your journey takes you, know that you are never alone—the impact of your kindness, your wisdom, and your heart reaches beyond physical distance. I will always hold deep appreciation for the conversations we’ve shared and the reflections you’ve gifted me as well.

Please take care of yourself, Dafne—allow yourself the space you need, but also gentleness and patience as you navigate this next chapter. Whatever happens, I hope you find the peace and clarity you seek.

Sending you love and light always. 💕✨

anita