Clear the path.

To me, life’s rewards come from growth in any way. New ideas, new strength, new goals, new accomplishments, new friends, new loves. If I take the steps to eliminate what blocks those paths, I will spend less energy having to create my ideal lifestyle. Preconceived notions, harmful self-talk, limited imagination, judgments and expectations are just some of the road blocks to the journey I aim to take.


In my opinion, the greatest humans are those who show humility. Who understand how much there is to learn and never give up on that lust. When has anyone ever impressed you with their closed mind or unwavering arrogance? Isn’t it a turn-on when someone actually wants to learn from you? Believes that there is more to life than just their own thoughts? So when someone shares something with me I may not agree with, instead of pushing my own beliefs back, I listen and I ask questions. This keeps my mind open to new ideas.


Mental and physical strength are key to my feeling healthy. My weight loss journey built both. My most prominent takeaway from the experience was watching myself get physically stronger every day, and catching my mental strength toughen without even realizing. Things that once bothered me no longer scratch my surface. Watching my Pilates form improve and my ability to do more reps and new exercises daily is a treat only I could award myself. The power that comes with that self-improvement is unstoppable. Proving my capabilities to myself provides motivation moving forward. Reminds me why I should never give up. No matter how weak or unworthy I may feel at times, I can always rebuild my strength.


Relationships are another monumental piece of a person’s wellbeing. Therefore, how easily we get along with others determines how much energy is expended into finding and nurturing those relationships. If we are too hung up with our own opinions as fact, it is hard to connect with others in a way that feels rewarding. I try to empathize with the love languages of the people in my life or even the new people I meet. Ask myself where they are coming from when a social encounter feels difficult. I work on finding a balance between pleasing others and setting boundaries that please myself. I am a big supporter of letting people and things go that do not serve my best life. But I know I need to be patient with my judgments. Allow room in my heart and not just my mind.


By focusing on ways to stay open to these paths of growth, I find confidence in my wellbeing. Even if I may not be getting what I want in the moment, I know the future is full of endless opportunities. I feel best when I know I am open and accepting of good. While I love a challenge, some things can be shifted to make it all easier.