“Be who you needed when you were younger.”
Photo on the left – 2008 (22 years old)
Photo on the right – 2018 (32 years old)
Today I woke up in a grateful, happy, + reflective mood. I made myself a matcha latte and sat on the couch in my new home.
A thought hit me. A simple thought. That thought was: “This is my life.”
It was a thought filled with wonder + disbelief + gratitude + awe. I have been hustling, grinding, + burning the candle at both ends for the majority of my life. I did this to become the woman that the young woman on the left in the photo above needed.
I cannot believe that there is a DECADE between those two photos. The change that has happened between 22 and 32 has been astounding. As my “insides” changed while I focused on my mindset, my “outside” also changed with it. Personal growth is more tangible + obvious than most of us realize.
I attribute my personal growth to the following things:
1. My Tribe
The core of my tribe always has been + always will be my family. They have ALWAYS loved and supported me. Most importantly, they taught me to remember my worth. It took me the greater part of a decade to comprehend what this meant, but when it *clicked* everything changed (do no harm, but take no sh*t).
Another unbelievably important part of my tribe are my incredible girlfriends. I am inspired by them daily. I spent time seeking out + cultivating relationships with women that are mega badasses. The kind of women that can down a shot of whiskey + close a huge deal. The kind of women who spend their holidays volunteering. The kind of women who wear polka dots with stripes + convince everyone around them that is the thing to do because they make it look so good. The kind of women who love hard, show up, + make a difference.
The next part of my tribe is my boyfriend. I am a firm believer that you do not need a man to have an incredible life. I am also a firm believer that you shouldn’t settle for anyone that doesn’t enhance your existence (I don’t care if you’re lonely. I don’t care if your “clock is ticking.” Call it tough love… but I don’t care about those excuses because I care more about YOU. What YOU bring to the table.)… However, if you are to find a partner who lights you up + adds a little extra sparkle to your day then, by all means, dive right in. It also took the better part of a decade for me to stumble into him… a man who is “awake.” He is honest, intelligent, kind, supportive, + always encourages me to shoot for the moon.
I encourage you to surround yourself with people that you admire, trust, + respect. #buildyourtribe
2. Self Care
This was something I struggled to implement until recently (within the past year and a half). The difference it has made has been paramount.
• Eating healthy plant based meals focused on whole foods.
•Getting enough sleep.
•Drinking plenty of *alkaline* water.
• Meditation.
• Daily gratitude + affirmations.
• Being present.
• And skincare. Skincare. Skincare. I cannot stress this enough… we carry this shell with us throughout our life + it is an honor to care for it (I only wish I had started earlier!). #lovetheskinyourein
3. Self Love
I love who I am.
I hope you love who you are.
I hope you celebrate yourself, congratulate yourself, + recognize the beauty in yourself.
I hope that you look yourself in the eye in the mirror everyday and are proud of who is looking back at you.
I hope you tell her that you love her.
What elements have helped you with your personal growth?
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