GROWTH NEEDS HELP

Help looks like community, learning new ways of being, and getting out of your comfort zone.

What holds us back from growing? We will stay in discomfort disguised as depression, illness, anger, or even busyness. I know all too well how you can stay trapped in something too long, trying to avoid yourself, your shadow, or just the truth of who and where you are.

Then, once you see, then what? What do you do with all that you are not, all that you have not accomplished, all that you have put off until you have more time? I have learned you can reverse the clock and have more time if you give yourself the gift of time. Time to re-pot yourself. Change the soil, and water yourself.

Now is the time to take care of the last person on your to-do list. YOU! It feels like there is no time to devote to oneself. But I'm here to tell you that if you don't, that depression is going to bring friends to help you focus on you. Friends like addiction, chronic illness/fatigue, weight issues, and a host of other issues will ultimately make life even more unbearable to function, much less grow.

Growth is not for the faint of heart. There is no magic pill that will take you from a wilting life to a life of vibrant expectation and hope. The upside is that small, simple daily changes will alter the trajectory of how you see yourself and how others see you. Taking the leap of faith to do things you've never done to get things you've never had is worth the growing pains.

Start small and give yourself the first 15 minutes in the morning to look at yourself with love and compassion. Really look at yourself. That was hard for me for a long time. Speak a few simple affirmations: "I am safe", "I am here", "I have purpose." This is the water you need.

Look at where you are planted. Who are you surrounded by? If you are surrounded by energy vampires, it is time to re-pot yourself. It is hard to grow when you are surrounded by weeds. Plant yourself where you can get what you need to grow. Find communities like this one that will support your journey.

Examine your diet. How do you feel after you eat? Implement a short detox. Drink more water. Try a sugar-free week or meatless meals a few times a week. Small is sustainable. And that adds to feeling success which will encourage more efforts.

What I hope you take from this is that growth is hard, scary, and hurts sometimes...BUT if you are tired of being tired, then these small changes will be worth the beautiful blossoming that will ultimately change your life.

You deserve to love on yourself, nurture yourself, and walk in your purpose. STOP POURING FROM AN EMPTY CUP! Make yourself a priority in the only life you get.