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Me101: A New Beginning
A few months ago, in the midst of promoting my first book, navigating graduate school, and trying to stay sane, I found myself gravitating towards self-reflection. Within the course of a single day, I was balancing the roles of five different people (maybe more). I expected the time to be exhilarating and fulfilling; however, it was quite the opposite. I hit a wall of exhaustion and felt lost within a sea of identities. And so I began reflecting on my life – who I am, what I want/need. I quickly learned that the answers were not neatly packaged awaiting my arrival. I became frustrated. I was ready to focus on “me,” but the process was not (and is not) simple. That was the hardest realization for me. Yet, I was determined (and remain determined) to continue on this road and begin my hardest class yet, Me101.
With the help of Jenn Lee, I focused on turning the process into a positive, creative, and FUN endeavor! At the beginning of the journey, I wrote a simple note in my journal to kick off the self-growth process. I’ve shared an excerpt below and hope you can connect with it in some way. Moving forward is exciting; however, this excitement often clouds our ability to anticipate hurdles along the way. Anticipating challenges rather than perfect conditions builds inner strength. Living a life you love depends on this strength. During any journey, never underestimate the power of you.
- – - – -
“I am planting a new seed in the ground – a seed that will bloom in a beautiful rose. There will be rain and windy weather, but this seed will bloom regardless of external forces. I will be nurturing and patient. Fresh droplets of water will fill the sprouting bud with strength and perseverance. And it will bloom into a beautiful rose. Growth is a constant…. This time is for me. I must love myself, believe in myself, and trust myself. I am creating my own life book. This is my life. I am going to live it according to my own path and my own expectations – not according to the expectations of others. Today, I am creating a new beginning!”
{image: GabrielleKai}
Related "ripples" you might enjoy:
- A New Beginning
- What are you craving?
- Closing Chapter 2011
- How Important is Your Mind-Set?
- Color Me Happy: Chartreuse
This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at 6:05 pm and is filed under Balance & Simplicity, Personal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
10 Responses to “Me101: A New Beginning”
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Thank you for this wonderful post. I am going through the same type of situation. You have encouraged me by letting me know I am not going through this alone. So thank you for hoping up with your struggles.
I meant opening up with your struggles.
Twitter: carolynr
says:
My goal was to reach one person going through the same struggle – thank you for commenting and letting me know that the post was helpful for you. It’s weird to spill emotions in a blog post!!
Hi Carolyn, Happy new year! This is a very positive and life-affirming note. I love that you acknowledge that there will be rain and windy weather without compromising your determination.
It’s all too easy to drive ourselves to exhaustion when we have so many roles to play, and we want to play them well. Thank you for reminding us that it’s not necessary to acquiesce when we can design and choose our path.
C~ You have tons of gifts to share with the world- but you don’t need to do it all at once. A little ripple is more beautiful than a flood anyway~ :)
Twitter: benspoont
says:
Beautiful
Love this Carolyn!
Your writing is very touching, i shall read it often.
Carolyn,
Beautiful post. Thank you for sharing so intimately. It gives us a window into your experience, something I really value in writing.
As an aside, I know Jenn. She’s a beautiful soul.
Blessings,
Julie
Twitter: WhenIGroUpCoach
says:
You are awesome. That is all.