Start Where You Are

Have you gone through your life with mistake after mistake, wondering if you will ever be ‘normal’ (whatever that is) or if people you have hurt or offended you along the way, will you forgive them? I am guilty of this; it’s called the ‘what ifs.’ Most people live with some regret. I believe we all deserve a second chance; even the broken and seemingly unloved deserve to redeem themselves. This does not necessarily mean they need to be a part of your life again; it means you get to accept the apology and move on, or you choose to let what has offended you fester and take over your happiness.

Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Being guarded with your heart is essential for some people, but what if you could practice taking a deep breath and listening to the beat of your heart? Please take a moment to do this every day; I do this in many situations where I feel threatened. I think about my place in the universe or God’s eyes.

The world only exists in your eyes. You can make it as BIG or as small as you want it to be. It is never too late to start where you are and reinvent who you genuinely want to be. It takes work on your part, but you are worth it. Your persistence guarantees that results are inevitable. Find your happy place. Write down what makes you smile.
When the chaos of life surrounds you or something in your life rattles you, close your eyes and come back to that place. Ask yourself whether your actions are moving you toward that happy place. If not, readjust and know you can always start over again tomorrow.

The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be, and it is never too late. I have seen with my own eyes people who have endured extreme trauma. Some of them have allowed the traumas to dictate their lives; they turn to drugs, alcohol, and even suicide because they could not see an out.

Wisdom means to choose NOW what will make sense later. I’m learning daily to allow the space between where I am now and where I want to be. This inspires me instead of terrifying me. Change never happens overnight.

When I made this chart, I was determined not to let the traumas I’ve experienced become who I was. I started small; each day, I wrote what my goal was for that day. I wrote what action I would take to make it happen, then wrote out my desired outcome for that day and that day only. I treated myself to a small piece of chocolate if I could achieve my goal. If I did not reach the purpose for that day, I did it again the next day; six months had passed before long, and I had a visual to see how far I’d come. Daily personal goals helped me not feel so overwhelmed.

I wanted more for my life, my children are the best people I know, and it has nothing to do with how I raised them; ask them. To live is the rarest thing in the world. So many people exist, that is all. I would not allow that to happen to me. I wanted to do better and be better, and during my quest, I decided how important it is for each of us to experience emotions; it helps us grow. I made this chart and colored in each emotion I have ever felt. Are there any blank areas in your life? Vow to experience them all.

-Be Present, Not Perfect
Monya Williams