personal transformation

The Only Out Is Through

There was a time when I believed avoidance was survival.

If something hurt, I distracted myself. If something scared me, I delayed it. If something overwhelmed me, I convinced myself it would pass on its own.

Sometimes it did.

But most of the time, it waited.

And eventually, whatever I was avoiding showed up again. Usually louder. Usually heavier. Usually, at a time when I felt even less prepared to handle it.

That was when I finally understood something that has become a guiding truth in my life.

The only out is through.

Not around it. Not over it. Not pretending it is not there. Through it.

And while that realization was intimidating at first, it ultimately became freeing.

Prefer to listen? The Audio Blog version is available here.

Avoidance Feels Safer Until It Isn’t

Avoidance gives temporary relief. It lowers anxiety in the moment. It allows us to breathe for a second.

But unresolved emotions, difficult conversations, grief, fear, and truth do not disappear simply because we delay them.

They accumulate.

They surface in stress, burnout, irritability, anxiety, and even physical symptoms. And often, the longer we avoid something, the bigger it feels.

Facing something directly is rarely comfortable. But avoiding it usually costs more in the long run.

That was a hard lesson for me.

But a necessary one.

Growth Lives On The Other Side Of Discomfort

Every meaningful shift in my life required walking through discomfort.

Healing. Honest conversations. Setting boundaries. Admitting mistakes. Asking for help. Letting go of relationships that no longer served me. Even allowing joy again after loss.

None of that happened by bypassing difficult emotions.

It happened by moving through them.

And while the process was not always graceful, it was transformative.

Because growth rarely happens in comfort zones.

It happens when we face what we would rather avoid.

Emotional Courage Builds Emotional Strength

Courage is often misunderstood.

People assume it means fearlessness. But most of the courageous choices I have made happened while I was afraid.

Speaking honestly when silence felt easier. Showing vulnerability when hiding felt safer. Choosing healing when numbness felt familiar.

Courage is not the absence of fear.

It is movement despite fear.

And each time you move through something difficult, your emotional resilience grows.

That confidence compounds.

My Own Turning Point

There was a moment when I realized I could not keep outrunning myself.

Old patterns. Old pain. Old coping strategies. They were not working anymore. They were exhausting me.

So I made a choice.

Not to rush healing. Not to force perfection. Just to start walking through what I had been avoiding.

Therapy. Honest conversations. Self-reflection. Accountability. Forgiveness.

It was uncomfortable. Sometimes painful. Occasionally messy.

But it was also liberating.

Because each step forward reduced the weight I had been carrying.

Through Does Not Mean Alone

One important clarification.

Moving through something does not mean you have to do it alone.

Support matters. Friends. Family. Therapists. Mentors. Community. Shared experiences.

Connection often makes difficult processes more manageable. It provides perspective, encouragement, and accountability.

Strength is not isolation.

Strength is allowing support while doing the work.

And that combination is powerful.

Progress Is Not Linear

There were days I felt strong. Days I felt exhausted. Days I felt hopeful. Days I felt overwhelmed.

That fluctuation is normal.

Healing is rarely a straight line. It is often a spiral. You revisit themes at deeper levels. You grow gradually. You build resilience incrementally.

The key is movement.

Even slow movement counts.

Even uncertain movement counts.

Forward is forward.

Peace Comes From Processing, Not Avoiding

When you move through something instead of around it, something shifts internally.

Clarity replaces confusion. Acceptance replaces resistance. Peace replaces tension.

Not instantly.

But steadily.

And that peace becomes a foundation you carry forward into future challenges.

Which makes future obstacles feel less intimidating.

Because you already know you can move through them.

SLAY Reflection

Let’s reflect, SLAYER:

S: What situation or emotion have you been avoiding lately?

L: What feels most uncomfortable about facing it directly?

A: Who could support you as you move through this experience?

Y: What small step today would represent forward movement rather than avoidance?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What challenge taught you that the only way forward was through, and what did you learn on the other side?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone navigating a difficult season, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

You Do Not Need To Fix Yourself You Need To Retrain The Pattern

For years, I believed something was wrong with me.

Every setback, every difficult emotion, every repeated mistake became evidence in my mind that I was flawed. That I needed fixing. That I was somehow broken.

That belief kept me stuck longer than anything else ever did.

Because when you think you are the problem, change feels impossible. But when you realize a pattern is the problem, suddenly there is room for growth.

And that shift changes everything.

Prefer to listen? The Audio Blog version is available here.

The Difference Between Identity And Behavior

There is a profound psychological difference between saying “I am broken” and saying “I have a pattern that is not serving me.”

One attacks identity. The other addresses behavior.

Identity feels permanent. Behavior feels adjustable.

When I began to separate who I was from what I did, I experienced relief. I was not defective. I was human. I had learned coping strategies, habits, and reactions that made sense at one point but no longer supported my well-being.

And habits can be retrained.

That realization gave me hope.

Why The Brain Responds Better To Patterns

Our brains are incredibly adaptive. Neuroscience tells us they reorganize based on repeated thoughts and actions. What we practice becomes familiar. What is familiar becomes automatic.

So when we say “I need to fix myself,” the brain often interprets that as shame. And shame tends to shut down growth. It triggers defense, avoidance, and self-criticism.

But when we say “I need to retrain this pattern,” the brain shifts into problem-solving mode. It looks for solutions instead of assigning blame.

That subtle language shift can influence emotional resilience, motivation, and actual behavioral change.

Words matter.

Especially the ones we use with ourselves.

My Own Experience With This Shift

There was a time when I blamed myself for everything. If something went wrong, I assumed it confirmed my inadequacy. That mindset fueled anxiety, perfectionism, and exhaustion.

Eventually, I started noticing recurring patterns. Over-committing. Avoiding difficult conversations. Seeking validation. Ignoring my own needs.

Instead of labeling myself as flawed, I began asking different questions.

What triggered this reaction?
What need was I trying to meet?
What would a healthier response look like?

That curiosity replaced criticism. And progress became possible.

Not instant. Not perfect. But real.

Patterns Are Learned, And They Can Be Relearned

Most of our emotional patterns formed early. Family dynamics, cultural expectations, past relationships, trauma, success, failure, all of it shapes how we respond to life.

But learned does not mean permanent.

Awareness is the first step. Compassion is the second. Consistent action is the third.

Change rarely happens overnight. It happens through repetition. Through gentle correction. Through patience with ourselves.

And every time we choose a healthier response, we strengthen a new pathway in the brain.

That is growth in action.

Self-Compassion Accelerates Change

Criticism rarely produces lasting transformation.

Compassion does.

When we treat ourselves with kindness, we reduce fear. When fear decreases, openness increases. And openness allows learning.

It may sound counterintuitive, but being gentler with yourself often leads to stronger accountability. Because you are not operating from shame. You are operating from intention.

That makes change sustainable.

And sustainable change is what we want.

You Are Not A Project, You Are A Person

One of the biggest lessons on my journey has been this:

I am not something to fix.

I am someone to understand.

There is a big difference.

When we stop treating ourselves like broken projects and start treating ourselves like evolving humans, growth becomes less stressful. It becomes more natural.

You are allowed to grow without condemning where you started.

You are allowed to improve without rejecting who you were.

That perspective creates emotional freedom.

Language Shapes Healing

Try this simple experiment.

Instead of saying:
“I am the problem.”

Say:
“This is a pattern I am learning to change.”

Feel the difference.

One closes the door. The other opens it.

One creates shame. The other creates possibility.

And possibility is where healing begins.

SLAY Reflection

Let’s reflect, SLAYER:

S: What recurring emotional or behavioral pattern have you labeled as a personal flaw?

L: How might your mindset shift if you saw that pattern as learned instead of permanent?

A: What is one small adjustment you can practice today to retrain that pattern?

Y: How could self-compassion help you sustain growth instead of pushing yourself through criticism?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What pattern have you started to see differently, and how has that perspective changed your growth?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who needs the reminder that they do not need fixing, just understanding, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

Slay Say

HEALING DOESN’T ALWAYS LOOK LIKE HARMONY

It can feel like you’re turning your back on everything familiar—but what if you’re turning the page instead?
Growth isn’t always gentle. Sometimes it’s loud. Sometimes it’s lonely. But choosing a new direction doesn’t mean rejecting your roots—it means rising from them.
You’re not abandoning your story.
You’re rewriting the ending.

SLAY on!

Authenticity Is a Higher Vibration Than Joy and Love

We spend so much of our lives chasing happiness, love, and the so-called “good vibes.” But what if the real key to alignment isn’t about always being joyful or even feeling loved? What if the most powerful shift we can make is to be authentic?

Because here’s the truth: authenticity is a higher vibration than joy and love.

Prefer to listen? The Audio Blog version is available here.

The Truth About Vibration

Energy doesn’t lie. And when you’re pretending, pleasing, or performing, your vibration lowers—even if you’re smiling through it.

Joy without truth is performative. Love without boundaries is self-abandonment.

Authenticity, however, is rooted in truth. It’s grounded in presence. It’s the real you. And when we operate from that space, we emit the clearest, most powerful frequency we have. We show up aligned—and everything around us responds to that.

Real Over Perfect

There was a time when I thought I had to look happy to be happy. Smile through the pain. Be grateful when I was struggling. Be kind even when I was breaking.

But fake it ‘til you make it can only take you so far.

The day I stopped trying to be perfect and started being real—everything changed. People connected more deeply with me. My relationships became healthier. I became healthier. Because I wasn’t trying to stay high-vibe. I was trying to stay real.

And that is the vibe the universe actually responds to.

How Authenticity Heals

When we give ourselves permission to be real, we invite others to do the same. We create safety. We foster trust. We show others what it looks like to live in truth, not performance.

Authenticity says:

  • I feel this, even if it’s messy.
  • I’m not perfect, and I don’t have to be.
  • I can still be lovable, even when I’m struggling.

And that is where true love and joy can actually take root. Not in the performance of being okay—but in the truth of being whole.

Authenticity Is a Practice

Being authentic doesn’t mean sharing everything or letting your emotions run unchecked. It means showing up honestly.

It means:

  • Saying no when you mean no.
  • Speaking up when something matters.
  • Honoring your feelings without needing to justify them.

It means being clear about who you are—and being okay with the fact that not everyone will get it. Because your alignment matters more than approval.

The Frequency of Truth

Your truth has its own frequency. When you live it, you attract what’s meant for you. You repel what isn’t. You stop chasing and start receiving.

Authenticity isn’t a trend. It’s a vibration.

And the more you live it, the more powerful you become. Not because you’re trying to be powerful—but because there’s nothing stronger than someone who is fully themselves.

SLAY Reflection

  1. Where in your life are you performing instead of being real?
  2. What does authenticity feel like in your body?
  3. What would it look like to choose authenticity over approval?
  4. Have you mistaken being “high vibe” with being emotionally bypassing?
  5. What part of your truth are you ready to reclaim?

S-L-A-Y:

  • Speak your truth, even when it shakes
  • Let go of the need to be liked
  • Align with your values, not someone else’s
  • You are your most powerful when you are real

Call to Action: Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you.
Where in your life are you ready to get real?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s stuck in performance mode, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a reminder.

Slay Say

Truth Without Testing

We often accept the thoughts we think every day as truth—without ever asking where they came from or if they’re even real.
But your dominant assumptions are more than thoughts.
They’re blueprints, quietly sculpting how you see yourself… and how you show up in the world.

If you never stop to question the story, you might keep building a life on someone else’s beliefs.
This is your reminder to pause, get curious, and challenge what you’ve been living on autopilot.

Your mind is listening.
Make sure it’s following a truth that’s actually yours.

SLAY on!

Stop Waiting To Feel Ready

If I’m being honest, most of the time…I don’t feel ready.

Whether it’s a new opportunity, a big decision, or even sitting down to write something like this—I rarely feel 100% ready. If left to my own devices, I’d keep fine-tuning, researching, adjusting, and second-guessing. I’d wait until everything was “perfect.”

But what I’ve learned on this path is simple and powerful: ready isn’t a feeling—it’s a decision.

The Myth of “Feeling Ready”

We tell ourselves we’ll start when we feel more confident.
We’ll speak up when we feel more prepared.
We’ll leap when we feel less scared.

But the truth is, that feeling of readiness? It doesn’t always show up. And if it does, it usually comes after we’ve already taken action—not before.

The illusion of “readiness” keeps us stuck. We wait, thinking there’s some magical moment where we’ll feel different—bolder, braver, more equipped. But most opportunities don’t wait for us to feel ready.

They ask us to decide to be ready.

The Power of Deciding

In my life, there have been countless times I’ve had to make that decision.

Sometimes it was because of a deadline.
Sometimes it was because an opportunity had an expiration date.
Sometimes I just knew if I didn’t move forward, I’d stay stuck.

And every time, I’ve learned this: I didn’t need to know everything. I just needed to know enough to start.

Being ready doesn’t mean having every answer. It doesn’t mean knowing the full path. It means saying, “I’ve got what I need to take this step, and I’ll figure the next one out as I go.”

Do What’s In Front of Your Hands

One thing I’ve carried with me on my journey is this simple reminder:
Do what’s in front of your hands.

That means staying grounded in the present step—even when your mind wants to jump five steps ahead. Yes, it’s wise to have a vision. I like to look a little ahead, to prepare for what’s coming. But the real growth? It happens in the now.

When you focus on what’s right in front of you—just the next task, the next decision, the next act of courage—you start to build momentum. And that momentum leads to clarity, confidence, and more opportunity.

Progress, Not Perfection

Waiting until you feel ready often comes from a deeper fear of making mistakes. But perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.

You’re allowed to make messy starts.
You’re allowed to learn as you go.
You’re allowed to pivot, evolve, and adjust your plan.

Because the truth is, the journey is the point. It’s not about getting it “right” the first time. It’s about moving forward, learning, and becoming.

You’re not behind. You’re not unqualified. You’re simply standing at the edge of the next thing. And all that’s left is to decide to begin.

Make the Decision Today

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to start, here’s your sign: stop waiting.

Make the decision. Be willing to show up before you feel completely ready. Trust that you’ll grow into each next step—and that you already have everything you need to begin.

The truth is, you won’t always feel ready.
But you can always choose to be.

SLAY Reflection

Let’s check in, SLAYER:

  • S: What are you currently putting off because you don’t feel “ready”?
  • L: What would change if you decided to start anyway?
  • A: Can you identify one small step you can take today, even if you don’t feel prepared?
  • Y: How can you reframe readiness as a mindset instead of a feeling?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What’s something you’ve been waiting to feel ready for—and how can you choose to begin today instead?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s stuck waiting for the “perfect moment,” send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

Just Because You Hit A Bottom Doesn’t Mean You Have To Stay There

For most of us, there’s been a time when we’ve hit bottom.
And for many of us, there have been many.

But just because you find yourself at a bottom doesn’t mean you have to stay there.
In fact, sometimes hitting bottom can be the very thing that propels you upward—it can be a turning point, a wake-up call, a catalyst for change.

What matters most is that you recognize it as a bottom.
And then decide you’re not going to live there.

You Don’t Have to Ride It All the Way to the Dump

Looking back, I had many bottoms before I hit the one that finally brought me to my knees.

There were so many moments I should have asked for help…
So many warning signs I ignored…
So many nights I let myself spiral deeper into darkness.

But the truth is: we’re ready when we’re ready.

And if we’re lucky, we get that one moment—the one where something shifts, where the fear becomes too loud to ignore, and we finally ask for help.

For me, that moment came from fear.
Fear of where my mental illness had taken me.
Fear of where it might take me next.

I don’t know why that particular night was different.
There were many terrifying nights before it.
But that night, I got scared enough to pick up the phone.

And in doing so, I opened the door to my own recovery.

The Power of Saying “Enough”

There’s a saying I love:
“You don’t have to ride the truck all the way to the dump.”

You can get off at any time.

Even in the darkest place, even at your lowest, you have a choice.
You always have the option to get off the path that’s dragging you down.
But you have to believe that it’s possible.
And you have to take action.

When I was deep in my illness, I felt powerless.
Like I was strapped to a runaway train.
But that wasn’t true.

I always had a ticket off that train.
And the moment I picked up the phone and asked for help, I used it.

That one action—speaking my truth—shifted everything.

I didn’t have all the answers yet.
I still had work to do.
But the secret I had been carrying was out.
The weight I had been holding got lighter.
And for the first time, I realized I was in control of my recovery.

Recognizing the Bottom for What It Is

It’s so important to notice your bottoms.
To recognize when you’ve fallen harder than usual.
To acknowledge when you’re staying down longer than you want to.

Because that moment of awareness?
That’s the moment you can begin to rise.

We all fall.
We all struggle.
But no one has to stay in the pit.

Freedom starts with acceptance.
The willingness to see where you are—and the courage to choose something better.

A bottom doesn’t have to be the end of your story.
It can be the beginning of your comeback.

From Rock Bottom to Rise

A bottom might just be the biggest blessing in disguise.

It might be the one thing that finally gets your attention.
The one thing that cracks you open.
The one thing that forces you to stop, reflect, and change direction.

You don’t have to stay down.
You don’t have to prove anything to anyone by suffering longer.

Your story is still being written.
And a bottom can be the moment you choose a new chapter.

Use it to rise. Use it to SLAY.

SLAY Reflection: What Is Your Bottom Telling You?

Has a past bottom ever helped you grow or pivot in a new direction?
How can you use that lesson now?

Have you ever hit a bottom in your life?
What were the signs? What did it feel like?

Have you hit multiple bottoms?
What made the most recent one different?

Are you currently in a bottom?
If so, what are you doing about it—or avoiding?

What’s holding you back from asking for help or making a change?
What could shift if you took just one small step?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What helped you recognize a bottom in your life—and what did you do to rise from it?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s struggling to climb out of a hard place, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

You Have To Be At Your Strongest When You Are At Your Weakest

It may sound impossible at times, but in those moments when we feel our weakest, we must dig deep and find our strength.

There have been countless times in my life where I’ve had to rely on an inner strength I didn’t even realize I had. Somehow, just enough rose to the surface to help me push through.

We are all stronger than we think.
And when I take a moment to reflect on everything I’ve overcome, I’m reminded of the strength and courage that carried me.
It helps me in the present.
It prepares me for the future.
Because true strength often reveals itself when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

Prefer to listen? The Audio Blog version is available here.

The Sword May Feel Heavy—But It’s Still There

Looking back on my lowest points, I can admit—I didn’t always use my strength.

There were times I believed I was weak.
Times I gave in to the idea that I was broken or not worth saving.
I had flickers of power, brief moments of energy and clarity, but they’d fade. And that negative voice in my head? It would rush in, louder than ever.

That inner strength—the warrior in me—it was there.
But some days, that sword felt too heavy to lift.

There was one day in particular when I came dangerously close to surrendering.
I was at my lowest. But even then, there was a whisper of strength left inside me.
It wasn’t loud.
It wasn’t flashy.
But it was just strong enough to reach out, to ask for help, to cry for help.
And that moment changed everything.

That quiet strength was enough to rally.
Enough to begin my fight back.

What Strength Really Looks Like

For me, strength isn’t about pushing through everything without feeling.
It’s about showing up—even when it’s hard.

My strength lives in the inner warrior that walks beside me.
It’s the part of me that shields the most vulnerable parts inside.

My strength is spiritual.
It’s rooted in a connection to something greater than myself—a belief that I’m held, even when I’m hurting.

It’s also built from experience:

  • Everything I’ve survived
  • Every fight I’ve fought
  • Every story I’ve shared and heard from others walking similar paths

I also surround myself with people who reflect that strength back to me.
People who remind me who I am when I forget.
And I do the same for them.

Sometimes we need to borrow someone else’s light until we remember our own.

Strength Is a Practice

I’ve learned that strength isn’t something you “find” once and then never lose.
It’s a practice. A choice. A mindset.

I know now that:

  • When I feel weak, I need to seek strength—not hide from it
  • I can’t afford to tell myself I’m powerless, even when I feel that way
  • My strength grows the more I use it, trust it, and share it

And there’s always a small spark inside me—a flame that never goes out, no matter how dark it gets.

That’s what carries me.
That’s what keeps me standing.
And that’s what I want to help you find too.

You Are Stronger Than You Think

We all have strength.
Even if it feels buried. Even if it’s been challenged.
Even if it’s quiet.

If this past year has shown us anything, it’s that we’re still here.
We’ve survived more than we thought we could.
We’ve made it through dark seasons, tough days, and hard truths.
And we’re still standing.

That is strength.

Now is the time to pick up your sword.
To fight for someone who matters—you.
Me. Us.

Dig deep.
Find your strength.
And use it to keep moving forward.

SLAY Reflection: Where Does Your Strength Live?

  1. Can you find your strength even when you feel weak?
    What helps you tap into it?
  2. Have you ever doubted your ability to push through?
    What got you through anyway?
  3. What are some moments in your life when your strength surprised you?
    How did they change you?
  4. Do you remember your past victories when facing something hard?
    How can those reminders serve you now?
  5. Who in your life needs a reminder of their strength?
    Can you share yours with them today?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one moment when you found strength you didn’t know you had?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s struggling to feel strong right now, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

Take Yourself Off The Wheel

Nothing changes if nothing changes.
For years, I did the same things over and over again, expecting different results.
I thought if I kept applying the same approach—harder, louder, longer—somehow life would finally cooperate.

It didn’t.

Every time I repeated the same behavior, I got the same result.
The only thing that changed was how frustrated and exhausted I became.
And when I hit that familiar wall of fear, frustration, and anxiety, the noise in my head got louder—until it drowned out everything else.
I felt stuck. Paralyzed. Powerless.

But the truth?
I had the power all along.
It started with one bold choice: stepping off the wheel I’d been running on for years.

Change Is Uncomfortable—And That’s Okay

Change can feel scary.
Unfamiliar.
Uncomfortable.

Sometimes that discomfort makes us hesitate.
Other times, it’s self-sabotage in disguise—we tell ourselves it’s safer to stay where we are.
That we’re not capable of change.
That we don’t deserve it.
That nothing will really be different anyway.

But that’s a lie.
There is always a way out—or at least a better way forward.
We just have to be willing to take it.

Discomfort Means You’re Growing

If it feels uncomfortable, that’s probably a sign you’re doing the right thing.
It means you’re stepping into new territory.
It means you’re trying something different.
It means you’re finally breaking the cycle.

Change is rarely easy.
But staying stuck is harder.

What helped me most was shifting how I thought about change—not as something to fear, but as something that could bring growth, healing, and expansion.

We aren’t meant to stay where we are forever.
We’re meant to evolve.
To move forward.
To learn and grow.

And that means we have to be willing to do things differently, even when it feels awkward, messy, or uncertain.

The Power of a Single Step

Stepping off the wheel doesn’t require a perfect plan.
It just requires a step.

Even if the first thing you try doesn’t work, you’ll learn something.
That one step might be what sets everything else in motion.
The journey is the point—not just the outcome.

We are not victims of our circumstances.
We may not control every situation, but we can always control how we show up, how we respond, and what we’re willing to change.

Without that inner work, even if we move into new circumstances, we may find ourselves facing the same old patterns in a new setting.

Real change starts from the inside.

It’s Time to Get Off the Wheel

Change takes effort.
But that effort is an investment in you.
In your dreams.
In the life you want.
In the person you’re becoming.

Be willing.
Be curious.
Be brave enough to say yes to what’s new, even if it feels a little scary at first.

You’ve been running in circles long enough.
It’s time to stop the spin.
Jump off the wheel.
And walk forward—with purpose.

SLAY Reflection: Are You Ready to Do Things Differently?

  1. Do you find yourself resisting change?
    What feels uncomfortable or threatening about it?
  2. Are you happy with where you are in life?
    If not, what steps have you taken—or avoided—to shift it?
  3. What patterns have you repeated that no longer serve you?
    Why do you think you’ve stayed in them?
  4. What is one small change you can make today that would move you forward?
    What would it feel like to say yes to that?
  5. What truth are you avoiding because it would require change?
    And what freedom might be waiting on the other side?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one change you’ve made—or know you need to make—to get off the wheel and create real momentum in your life?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s stuck in a cycle they’re ready to break, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

Was Blind But Now I See

I was listening to Andrea Bocelli’s moving performance of “Amazing Grace” recently at the Duomo cathedral in Milan. As I heard the words “I was blind but now I see,” it struck me deeply. I hadn’t really thought about that line before—just the song as a whole and what it meant—but it reminded me of the years I spent struggling.

There was a time when I didn’t believe I was worth saving, a time when I had lost hope. Back then, I was blind. I was blind to myself, my life, my behavior—thinking I was someone I wasn’t, living a life I wasn’t. I saw only what my mind told me to see, not the truth of what was really going on.

I was living in the darkness of my mind, while the real me—the person I truly was—slowly slipped away under the layers of garbage I kept piling on.

Seeing the Truth for What It Is

We tend to see what we want to see, don’t we? Whether it’s good or bad, we often paint ourselves a picture we choose to believe. Some of us hide behind a picture-perfect fantasy; others choose to cloak everything in doom and gloom.

But the truth is, life usually falls somewhere in the middle—often not as extreme as our minds want us to believe.

I used to use distractions and numbing behaviors to avoid the truth. Even during this time of isolation and home seclusion, those distractions are still available. Facing the truth is uncomfortable. It’s so much easier to stay behind the veil of the story we tell ourselves.

For me, the truth was standing right in front of me, and I could no longer hide. It took realizing that continuing to hide from my truth would ultimately destroy me. When I finally sought help, that veil was lifted. And while seeing the truth was painful at first, it was also freeing.

Freedom in Truth

The truth was my chance to make changes. To see the mess my life had become. To recognize the lies my head had been feeding me.

At first, it was easier to hide and live in a world of my own choosing, but things were never going to get better in that place. I was lucky to have seen the truth when I did, and that I was still able to do something about it. Not everyone gets that chance.

When we are willing to face the truth, we give ourselves the opportunity to change what we don’t like. Or at least, to improve things. Truth gives us clarity to make better choices and to see how those choices affect not just us, but those around us.

It’s within truth that real change is possible. It’s where we find the opportunity to become someone we are proud of—someone who lives a life we want, not one we’re pretending to live.

So take off the glasses that may be clouding your vision. Look at your life for what it truly is, and use that vision to build a life you are proud to see.

SLAY on.

SLAY OF THE DAY: Reflect & Rise

  • Do you typically see things as they are, or do you see them as you choose to see them?

  • What do you see? Do you like it?

  • How much of what you don’t like is a result of your own choices?

  • What can you change to improve what you see?

  • Write an example of something you chose not to see and how it became a bigger problem.

  • Do you tend to overlook the good in your life? Why?

  • What good can you see if you look for it? How can you find and create more good?

When we face our truth, we gain clarity. And clarity gives us the opportunity to make changes—big or small—that can lead us to a better life.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What truth are you ready to face in your life?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s support each other in seeing things clearly.

And if you know someone who might need this reminder, send it to them. Sometimes, the first step is simply acknowledging we’re ready to see.