Personal Development Doesn't Always Look the Same

Sometimes personal development looks like getting out in nature, jumping on a zip line, and immersing into the present moment.

It’s difficult for me to open up about what I’m about to share because I consider myself a representation of the power of mindset work, daily routines, journaling, intentional self-care etc...

I haven’t been able to really journal since February. It’s been hard for me because it feels like my view of the world has completely shifted since losing my mom.

I haven’t mustered much strength to journal and when I tried to I felt I had to use it to process what myself and my family have been through but I couldn’t even really finish that.

In leaving for South Carolina I packed a new journal in hopes of picking it up each morning along with my commitment of tons of hiking and sleep.

I never journaled in it.

I want to, but it’s been difficult for me to focus on what I’m grateful for, what I’m working towards accomplishing, intention settings, and belief statements when my mind has this new heaviness that wasn’t previously clouding my existence.

I felt like life was so good, then one night changes everything and all sorts of new experiences become prioritized.

I’d say grieving, healing, being with family, dealing with life things, and putting all my energy into clients and business has been my priority.

I used to jump up to the sound of my alarm but lately it has been more wanting to lay and do nothing only to then get straight to work with clients and biz because that is the next necessary step in my day.

In the past when I needed a break from journaling it was more so because it felt like an obligation. Now it just feels like a huge brick wall is between me and writing a statement.

I know sharing this may change my behavior but what I am really trying to depict here is that personal development doesn’t always look perfect and pretty because life doesn’t.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is the only thing you can do; breathe, cry, sleep, talk to a friend, tend to a crisis, walk, lift, nourish your body...zip line, hike, laugh, speak loving, affirming, goal oriented statements.

You’re not a failure (I’m not a failure) for not picking up a journal & doing my empowering routine. It’s okay to do other things that fuel your growth or needs in the time & space you’re in.

I think it’s easy to give myself grace when I broaden my perspective and remind myself that the inner work is often times difficult or heavy and so much has been heavy and difficult that being present to my emotions & being willing to feel them, talk about them, and understand them is a HUGE undertaking that I can be proud of because what I’m going through is non-normative, unpredictable, and the best way for me to deal with it is by facing everything head on & doing things that make me FEEL alive and joyful or connected.

Be considerate of what you’re going through & honor that the most important thing is that you’re moving forward in the best way you can & your continuous efforts to expand will eventually unfold with appropriate timing but if forced it will only end up being a disservice.
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I can celebrate my commitment to embracing and enjoying this experience with my family and the huge smile that being present allowed me to have.

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