A Quiet Pause, A New Chapter

Do you ever feel sad or down because of something someone else has said about you or done to you? Do you allow that to hang around and affect your mood for the day or even longer? If so, then you are allowing someone else to hold the key to your happiness. Of course it is hurtful when you hear someone talking about you in a negative light. And it is sometimes heartbreaking when you go through trauma where someone has done something to you that you didn’t ask for. But, if we stay there in that pain and allow it to affect the way we view or treat others, then we have relinquished control of our happiness to someone or something other than ourselves. It is really easy to do, I have done it a million times. Being in control of your own happiness is easier said than done when you are hurting. It is a daily struggle that I found takes daily, conscious effort to get in the right mindset. The mindset that no matter what comes my way I am going to find good in it. The mindset that I am worthy and I am loved no matter what anyone else may say about me. Start today, fresh, renewing your mindset and taking control of your own happiness. You’ve got this!

Don’t be afraid of life’s detours. None of us have a road map to life and it’s full of twists and turns. You may think you have it figured out and then a trial will come your way that will throw you off course. It’s okay. We will always have the ability to redirect our path. Give yourself a little grace.

Have you recently gone through a difficult divorce? Are you still grieving that lost friend or family member? Did you just get a tough medical diagnosis? Have you recently had to move away from the only home you have known for years? There are so many times in our lives where we must be brave for ourselves or even for other people. Do you put on a brave face when you are dying inside? It is very easy to do. Sometimes we do it because we don’t want anyone to know our real stories. At the end of the day, we may only be hurting ourselves by keeping it all inside. If you want encouragement from 8 very brave women who have lived to tell their stories, check out this book in the Lightbeamer Series. https://amzn.to/3UJ8UV4

There are no two journeys that are the same. No matter how similar your circumstances are, no two paths are exactly alike. Influenced by life experiences, backgrounds and upbringings, and decisions made alone can cause your situation to be inherently different. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s, run your own race and forge your own path. You were given this life because you are uniquely you.

Do you ever hide behind something? Maybe you hide behind a smile when you are really hurting inside. This smile might be a shield, protecting you from the outside world, making it seem like everything is fine even when it’s not. It can often feel like a necessity to keep up appearances, yet doing so can sometimes deepen the emotional wounds we are trying to conceal.

Perhaps you hide behind the busyness of your schedule, filling every waking moment with tasks and distractions. This constant hustle might keep you from having to confront deeper issues. It can feel safer to be busy, to avoid moments of stillness where uncomfortable thoughts and feelings might surface. But this relentless pace can eventually lead to burnout, leaving you feeling even more disconnected and exhausted.

Or maybe you are simply hiding behind the world’s idea and opinion of you, allowing societal expectations to stifle your true self and creativity. It’s easy to get lost in trying to meet others’ expectations, conforming to norms and standards that don’t reflect your true essence. This can be stifling, preventing you from expressing your unique talents and perspectives.

If you are hiding behind anything, I encourage you to come into the light. Come out from wherever you are hiding from, face your fears, and embrace your authentic self. Stand up for yourself and your values, regardless of what others might think. It might be challenging at first, but allowing yourself to be seen and heard can be incredibly liberating. By stepping into your true self, you not only honor your own journey but also inspire others to do the same. Embrace your imperfections and vulnerabilities as part of your unique story and let them become the source of your strength and authenticity.

After spending intentional time in reflection, pouring my heart into writing, and bringing Finding Your Truest You to life, I finally released it into the world.

This was one of my most personal and vulnerable projects—one that demanded deep introspection and courage.

Now, I’m excited to share that my quick guide to discovering your authentic self is available to everyone! Have you gotten your copy yet? If not, visit the Books section and grab yours today!