​When we approach personal growth from a place of shame and self-judgment, we move further away from its intention and the whole process may start feeling like a self-punishment and a never-ending quest for “improvement.”
 
Here are a few things to remember:
 
1.         Be patient - there is no place of arrival
2.         Find a way to truly enjoy the process
3.         Don’t measure your progress by where someone else is
4.         A part of you may not want to change - try to understand why
5.         You can get to the same place by motivating or criticizing yourself

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.

​Let's talk about the incredible benefits of journaling and how it can transform your life.
 

1. Mental Clarity: Pouring your thoughts onto paper helps declutter your mind, giving you a clearer perspective on life's challenges and opportunities.

 

1. Emotional Release: Journaling serves as a safe space to express and process emotions, reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being. It's like self-therapy on a page!

 

1. Self-Discovery: By jotting down your experiences, dreams, and goals, you gain a deeper understanding of who you are and what truly matters to you.

 

1. Problem Solving: Writing down your problems allows you to analyze them objectively and find creative solutions and personal growth.

 

1. Attitude of Gratitude: Documenting moments of joy and appreciation boosts happiness and brings more positivity into your life.

 

1. Track Your Progress: Use your journal as a record of achievements, lessons learned, and personal growth milestones. Witnessing your progress is incredibly motivating!

 

1. Stress Relief: The act of journaling itself can be cathartic, providing a peaceful escape from the chaos of everyday life. It's your private sanctuary of calm.

 
So, grab a pen and a beautiful journal, and embark on this enriching journey of self-reflection and personal growth.
 
Your future self will thank you!

​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.