Whether it's a hobby, a project, a relationship, or a personal goal, the initial excitement often propels us forward with great enthusiasm.
 
We're brimming with ideas, motivation, and a burning desire to succeed, or sometimes - to not fail.
 
But as time goes on, we encounter obstacles, distractions, and setbacks, all of which are expected parts of a hero’s journey.
 
The road gets bumpy, future becomes uncertain, and suddenly, that initial burst of energy seems to fade away.
 
We find ourselves facing the hard truth: continuing what we started despite the challenges.
 
Now that is a whole different ballgame.
 
Why does it have to be so dang difficult to keep going?
 
Well, my friends, the answer lies in all the boring (non-sexy) stuff no one wants to hear: commitment, discipline, and perseverance.
 
It's easy to be inspired and that first step, but maintaining the momentum requires consistent effort.
 
It's in those moments of doubt and weariness that our determination is truly tested.
 
In those moments, we have to remember the beauty that lies beyond the struggle.
 
When we push through the tough times, we build character and resilience.
 
We discover our true strength and learn more about ourselves along the way.
 
We develop skills and habits that serve us not only in that particular endeavor but also in other aspects of life.
 
So, if you feel like giving up or find it hard to continue…
 
… take a deep breath (and/or a break, sometimes you just need a break to see things clearly) and look inward to find that big ‘why’ that matters more than a temporary obstacle.

​A big part of life is recognizing when it's time to let go of certain things so we can let in something new, more fulfilling to take its place.

A journaling prompt I love (particularly when I feel weighed down) is "What do I want to let go of?" or "What is weighing me down?"

Think about the things, beliefs, opinions, feelings, memories, regrets, experiences, people, habits, etc. that feel heavy, burdensome, and unnecessary.

Let yourself write until nothing else comes to mind.
Notice how you feel after putting those burdens down.

Let yourself be in this lighter state, and from that place ask yourself, "What do I want to let in?" or "What do I want more of?"

Let all the things, beliefs, opinions, feelings, memories, regrets, experiences, people, habits, you would love to let in come to you. You don't need to force answers, rather let them arise from this unburdened state you're in.

​Notice how it feels to let in all that goodness. 

​Until you are kind towards yourself, you won’t be able to be honest with yourself. Until you’re honest with yourself, you won’t be able to take responsibility for your life. Until you’re willing to take responsibility for your life, you’ll be stuck in the same place.