It has been a struggle this week. Nothing seems to want to fall in place. Rather, everything seems to be falling south. I needed encouragement today because I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and ready to just give in. I was reminded that we all go through slumps in our lives, some more extreme then others. Even with the littlest of faith we are lucky enough to know that there is always a purpose in our lives.

I can’t tell you that I have magically found the perfect balance of fight or flight. Today it was a struggle of fighting the urge to run away. But, I had to remind myself of a few things:

No matter what happens today I am good enough. I don’t have to be the smartest, the strongest, the richest, the prettiest. I just have to be happy. I need to remember to breathe. I need to remember to smile. I need to remember to laugh. It doesn’t matter what anyone says, if I can just take that single step I’m doing a pretty damn good job.

I can’t allow the negativity of others and of my environment to control and have power over me. I am capable of doing what I dream of doing. I am brave for taking the steps to accomplish that dream. I am significant for wanting to change my world. A few months, a few years down the road I will look back at the “you will never do it” comments and smile because I will become everything I want to become because I didn’t allow myself to become powerless.

Unplug for a few minutes, everything will work again. I made a joke with a friend that I have to put reminders on my calendar to take my lunches. If I don’t, I’ll forget and work through it. A lot of time I am just so engulfed in the work around me. I need to fix this for my boss. I need to fix this for the programs. I need to fix this for my team. I neglect to remember that I need to take a break or all the fixing I want to do won’t get done because I’ll burn myself out.

Remember who you really are, and use your wings. Fly. What more can I say? When I first watched The Help I was consumed with the phase “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” I often lose my voice trying to please everyone. I often lose my voice because I don’t have the strength to fight. I forget to honour my humanness and to assume my divinity. (Danielle LaPorte) I forget that I am someone too, and everything that makes up me is just as important.

Stop beating yourself up. I am human. I make mistakes. I hope that I ask forgiveness for those mistakes. And if the other person doesn’t forgive you? That is their cross to bear. I am worthy of forgiveness. I need to forgive myself otherwise I will never be able to grow. I will never be able to find what truly makes me happy. I need to forgive myself because God has forgiven me.

Don’t be ashamed of your story. I have multiple stories to tell. One day, all the stories growing in me will be told and that will inspire someone. Even just a little push, a little help for someone in need will make my story worth it. I know that every storm will allow a tree to take their roots deeper. My roots continue to ground me, continue to keep me strong in my faith.

These are for you too lovelies. Reminders that will get you through the day. When everything is heading south and you can’t see over the surface remember who you are, remember that you are amazing, you may be human and you may make mistakes but don’t be ashamed of that. Your story has made you who you are. Don’t be afraid to show your light.

Fight the south and soar. xoxo