Remember How Far You’ve Come

For the past few days I’ve been feeling pretty down. Slipping back into old patterns, and getting down on myself. Feeling like I’m making backward progress. 

Then this morning a memory popped up on Facebook that five years ago today I submitted my story to the local Storycatchers event called “Build a Better World”. This was my first time ever reading my writing in public. I was nervous, but I did it. 

I’ve been thinking about how much I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone these past five years and how much I’ve grown. I’m so much more confident in myself and my abilities.

Last weekend I was at my local Pridefest, and the organizers were going around asking people to participate in a fashion show. They asked me, and even though I was hesitant, I did it. I was nervous when it was about to be my turn to walk the stage, but I went for it. I felt so free and proud of myself strutting my stuff and twirling in my rainbow wings. 

Not every day has to be a forward progress day. Some days you might just feel down or need to rest. Those days are opportunities to practice self love and self compassion. Be gentle with yourself.   

Sometimes you might feel like you have fallen into the abyss and all you can see is darkness. Remember that there has been light before and there will be light again. 

And, it’s okay not to make progress everyday. You don’t have to be at a “10” everyday. That doesn’t mean you’ve lost the growth you’ve already done. 

It might also be helpful to reflect back on how far you’ve come and take pride in that.