Pressing Forward

Pressing Forward

We all endure difficulties at some point in our life. There are times in our lives when we’re confronted with situations that are difficult, unfair, and tiring. I like to call these barriers of life. There are times when we hear people tell us to simply keep going and persevere, but the truth is that we may not know how or we are so exhausted that we don’t want to. Being burdened with a sense of impending doom can be a debilitating experience. When it comes to carrying our families, careers, hobbies, friendships, and more on our backs, we are the embodiment of this image. Women are born to be tenacious and resolute. Even if we wear the cap of superwoman for nine months, carrying a baby, we nevertheless grow weak and the load appears too great to bear. We endure all types of discomfort and bodily changes and we do it with grace and power. Instead of confronting your problems head-on and seeking assistance, it’s far easier to curl up and shut yourself away. Since I feel that I have to save the world and that I can balance a career, children, hobbies, and so much more, I’m guilty of not always asking for help when it’s evident that I need it. Not always an easy task, but it is what I was destined to do all along. Although I’d like to believe that my cape is always on, it’s alright to admit that sometimes even your cape needs a break. Because I seek assistance, I am not a failure. In fact, it has made me a better person. Don’t believe for a second that admitting that you need help is easy. I experienced self-doubt, discouragement, and a sense of failure. To keep myself going, I had to tell myself that I was more than enough and that I was doing my best each and every day. So, I would prioritize what I could get done in a day so that I wouldn’t neglect my own self-care, which is essential with the many hats that us women wear. To be great, you have to keep moving forward, but it’s also fine to take a breather and enjoy the little things in life that we often lose out on because of all the other things we’re trying to hold on to. Love yourself more, speak positive affirmations over yourself, be kind to yourself (don’t be so critical of yourself), get out of your comfort zone and get comfortable with discomfort, the house won’t burn down, the husband and kids will find what they need, and you will get the promotion at work because you’ve worked so hard!! You were born to be a force for grandeur and strength, so don’t give up on yourself! Every day, I repeat these phrases to myself in an effort to stay going. While I have many roles and responsibilities in my life as a wife, mother, daughter, friend, sister, and professional woman, the best gift I can give those around me is the gift of self-care and self-love. Taking care of my health and well-being has taught me that I cannot be an asset to everyone around me, including my family, friends, and coworkers if I don;t first recognize my own worth and self-care. When life throws me a curve ball, I try to keep in mind the following:

1. Remember your core values: Your core values serve as a guide to determining what is important to you in life, as well as what is right and wrong. As we go about our daily lives, they play an important part in shaping the future we want.
2. Disconnect from the outside world. I have to turn off the TV, the phone, and everything else that can be a source of distraction in order to truly connect with my thoughts and gain clarity and sharper focus.
3. Avoid perfectionism: I am a perfectionist at heart, and it was difficult for me to refrain from setting such a high bar for myself. It is critical to recognize that we are not perfect human beings and that it is acceptable to make errors in life. I needed to reach a point where I was comfortable with not being  so critical of myself when I fell short of the expectations that the world had for me.
4. Consider hardship as a chance for growth and learning: I used to view difficulty as something so negative that it became my defining factor. Adversity is just the process of growth in a certain area. I like to refer to them as life’s growing pains. When you attempt to avoid it, you will be unable to grow and improve. Adversity is a necessary aspect of growth since it teaches you a new level of strength you were unaware you possessed.
5. Have a Long-Term Optimistic Vision: Regardless of the setback, maintain a positive outlook and constantly strive to see the light at the end of the tunnel. As my mother used to say, “trouble does not last forever.” Your troubled days are temporary, and how you choose to manage them will ultimately determine whether you succeed or fail.
6. Believe in yourself: This is easier said than done; there were times when I wanted to give up. I couldn’t see what others could, and it was difficult to believe that I could accomplish everything I set my mind to. Philippians 4:13 is my favorite verse. ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is a scripture that holds a special place in my heart since it serves as a tender reminder that “Through Christ I can do All Things” and I do mean ALL. Faith activates God’s hand, causing miracles to occur. For me, quitting is no longer an option, and believing in myself is imperative.