When I first started going through my season of shedding, I quickly discovered that everyone couldn't continue on the journey with me—and it hurt. It was challenging. I went backward more times than I could count because letting go felt too painful. Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for every shortcoming and failure along the way. Each step is what made me who I am today. I didn't always feel this way, though—especially when I was in the thick of it.
Evolving and changing is hard work. Healing when you're the only one in your life on the path can feel daunting and isolating. Nevertheless, it's something we must intentionally commit to doing on a daily basis. There was a time in my life when I was the only one dedicated to doing the healing work necessary to grow into who I said I wanted to be. It was frustrating when my loved ones weren't interested in embarking on the path with me. However, I slowly realized the beauty of embarking on this journey alone. I gained so much self-knowledge while walking this path by myself. I didn't have anyone to lean on or distract me from myself. Over time, I became clearer and more open to finding my answers for myself by myself. Leaning into gratitude while I do this soul work stretches me in ways that I never expected.
What do you need to release to receive is something that I ask myself daily, even in the thick of discomfort, uncertainty, and angst.
What I've discovered on this path is how messy healing is. Giving myself permission to not clean things up all at once has shown me how to be compassionate with myself and grateful for my emotional growing pains.
Grow, wilt, shed. This process asks for us to witness it all and lean into the lessons presented.
As we heal, we find out things about ourselves and others that need to be unpacked and, at times, left behind. Forever or for a little while. That alone has made me really thankful for the path I've chosen to embark on.
Releasing to make room doesn't have to be a battle. It doesn't need to be disorienting. We start to make peace with our suffering when we stop the internal struggle. Confronting things head-on in our growing and shedding seasons creates self-trust.
I've learned that letting go has to be a part of the process. As I evolve into the woman I want to be, I'm committed to creating clarity in my life. I'm making room for less confusion and more space for calm. Peace of mind is sacred, and as I embark deeper into my healing journey, I realize just how necessary gratitude is.
I learned years ago that honest internal communication goes hand in hand with walking away from what and who no longer elevates or aligns with our path in life. I'm grateful that I'm learning to advocate for myself by sitting with my growing pains.
Turning away from what isn't comfortable to look at doesn't make it go away. Facing our feelings and thoughts, head-on can create confidence, emotional safety, and clarity in our lives.
I am protecting my peace by sitting with myself as I grow.
I am grateful for the opportunity to bear witness to the changes I am making.
I know things feel hard, but I find gratitude in the most challenging moments.
I am giving myself permission to let go of things that are no longer aligned with my growth.
I am capable of healing and finding gratitude through the process.
I am giving myself permission to stretch my wings and fly towards the best version of me that I can be.
Community Questions (leave a comment): What has letting go taught you about finding gratitude in your seasons of shedding?
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