With Love and Growth

Recently, I endured a heartache that cut deeper than normal. After months of rediscovering myself, finding the parts of me that were lost, and spending each day working toward the best version of myself, I hit a bump. And boy, was it a big one.

This bump was unique. My anger, frustration, hurt, and shame weren’t directed toward someone else this time, they were directed toward myself. I was disheartened by what had transpired, by what I allowed to happen, and it felt like all the growth I’d done had disappeared… just like that. As my brain started to spiral, my heart followed, believing every lie I told myself. This moment was crucial because here and now, I would really put my growth to the test. How do I show up for myself when I make a mistake? Do I examine it? Am I aware of why it happened? These questions are what growth can look like. I changed when I chose reflection over self‑punishment.

The feeling doesn’t go away overnight, it can linger, but the power it holds can soften if you allow it to. If you choose to show up for yourself despite everything inside you trying to push back, if you can take it as a lesson, you’ve grown. I know I have, and I know I always will.

Remember this: growth isn’t measured by how perfect you can be. In fact, when we hold ourselves to impossibly high standards, falling short even a little can cause a tremendous amount of pain. If we acknowledge the truth, that we are all human, that we are all allowed to be a work in progress, then we’ll use those mistakes as fuel to propel us forward.

Be gentle with yourself. Be gracious. And never forget: every step forward starts with how you choose to show up for yourself in the face of adversity.

When was the last time you chose grace over self-punishment, and what did that moment teach you about yourself?