u/EloquentReader

You made through the first half of the year and you've woken up to the dawn of the first day of July.

You might not be exactly where you thought you'd be yet, but there is still so much to be grateful for. . . Even if it takes a little longer to see it, even if you have to look a little closer than usual.

I want you to tell yourself-

~ I'm proud of me for standing up for myself, for fighting for myself when I felt too tired to move and for taking the time to look after my body and soul.

~ I'm proud of myself for making hard choices, for setting firm boundaries and for finally starting to see my worth.

~ I'm proud of myself for walking away from people, places and circumstances that were hurtful, toxic and harmful to me and my self-worth.

~ I'm proud of myself for speaking life over my health, my finances and everything I hold dear.

~ I'm proud of myself for starting to see that I'm worthy of every good thing and act of kindness I've so easily given or extended to others.

If you're still clawing your way out through darkness, if you still feel like you're stuck in the basement level of rock bottom, like healing, progress and freedom feels impossible, like you're always in the waiting room of life. . . Please remember that change and healing takes time.

Just because it's taking long doesn't mean it's not happening.

You deserve to take good care of yourself. Your body is your home. Your heart is where goodness resides. Your mind makes decisions to keep you safe.

Look after yourself in the little and big ways. 🌸

You're loved. You're worthy. You're enough.

So often we're expected to stay the same while we have a deep longing and desire to grow, change and mature.

It's okay to outgrow people, places and patterns.

It's okay to grow into someone you're proud of.

It's okay to make changes to how you move through life.

It's okay to become emotionally mature and realize that so many relationships don't contribute to your peace and well-being.

You don't have to stay the same when others aren't in a season of change.

You don't have to shrink yourself to fit into predefined boxes that were formed around the person you used to be, the things you tolerated and accepted because you didn't know better.

You don't have to be afraid of becoming who you're supposed to be because you fear all that you could lose along the way.

Life is about endings and new beginnings.

Sometimes, it's time to take one last look behind you and decide that it's time to keep moving forward. Trusting that you'll find new people, places and patterns that contribute to your growth, peace and joy.

Sometimes, we need a little change in perspective. Every storm you've weathered has taught you how to dance in the rain.

You're strong. You're capable. You're resilient.

May you find the time this week to simply appreciate the beauty of nature, of art {in whichever form}, of little moments {like drinking your favorite beverage} and ordinary moments that aren't ordinary to us at all.

To the world we might seem a little strange, a little too sensitive, but there's strength in our vulnerability, beauty in how deeply we experience life.

Embrace how wonderfully you were made. . . And even if you feel lonely, like you're always standing alone in a room full of people. You're not alone. We're here too.

On the hard days, when you feel like giving up or giving in, do it for her, the little girl who's still inside you.

The girl who only wanted to feel safe, loved, cared for, protected and cherished.

You're so strong and you can fight so many battles on your own. Even while you're standing alone, with no one else beside you to remind you that it's okay to be vulnerable, to cry, to be afraid of what tomorrow may bring, to feel uncertain and depleted of hope and energy.

Let her be your reminder that's it's okay to look after that little girl inside you who is so proud of how far you've come and grateful that you became the kind of woman she so desperately wanted and needed in her life.

In everything you do, do it for her. . . Heaven knows, she was hurt and disappointed enough.

And if you can, be the type of woman you needed in your life for another girl, young woman, or your own daughter {if you've been blessed with the privilege of raising a daughter}.

Sometimes life feels awfully dark, especially when it feels like you're stumbling over every new obstacle that pops up so unexpectedly.

In those moments, if you look for a bit of humor, share a joke and just allow yourself to experience the lightheartedness of laughing until your eyes fill with tears, the darkness fades for a while and you realize there's hope.

Laughter will always be good for the soul and it's even better when shared with others.