“How much progress shall I make,’ you ask. Just as much as you try to make.” -Seneca

The year is beginning to wind down, and it was something else. Events shook me that were beyond my control, and I let them have a really negative effect on me.

Friends, this was a huge mistake! We shouldn’t give external occurrences power over us. And boy, did I ever.

For months, I really didn’t make any real progress in my mind. I beat myself up, and nothing could really help me. I began to feel like it was hopeless! Would I have to live in misery for the rest of my life?

Thankfully, the answer was no. I finally realized that I was in control of my mind and the thoughts I let linger. I could actually choose to think differently if I wanted to. So, I did.

I decided that I could actually make progress with my peace of mind. I needed to work at it, and stop looking at myself as a terrible person who deserved no better. I realized certain teachings I had followed for over a decade were really damaging to me.

Now I try to evaluate myself each day, but without feeling guilt or shame. I’ve decided to make real, actual, progress.

It is working. I am finding my value once again as a person who (surprise), is actually good in her own right.

I’ve realized that no, I don’t deserve to be treated poorly because deep down, “I’m not good”. Anytime something hard would happen in my life I thought it was because I deserved it. This is a difficult way to live, as well as very unhealthy.

I am reading, thinking, learning, and journaling. Each day I am growing closer to my goal.

Friends, I think we can make progress towards any goal we have if we put our mind to it. Unfortunately, our goals will not be actualized by themselves! Wouldn’t it be nice if they did? But no, we need to work at them.

While we are doing this, we begin to grow into stronger people. The journey is just as important as the destination.

I’m in the process of trying to put some of my journey into words, and (maybe/hopefully) will post it by the end of the year. I have so much to say, but want to be wise in saying it. Sometimes the best thing to do is to be quiet. I totally realize that. So I want to make sure I am happy with what I say before I say it. I want to be authentic, and still be gentle with myself.

I hope this post encourages us all so that we can do hard things. We can realize when we’ve made mistakes, and then correct them. We can value ourselves and our feelings while taking good care of our homes and families.

Thanks for stopping by today, friends. Like I said, I hope to share more, soon.