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Whole30 ~ “Home Stretch” ~ Days 22-30

Laurel Valdez

Here we are…Day 28 of 30 on Whole30…

Finishing up the “Home Stretch Week”.

Let’s talk positives…

-I’ve lost track of days

-I’m in a solid routine with planning/prepping/cooking AT HOME

-Skin is clearer

-Less inflammation

-More focus

-Less anxiety

-ZERO cravings

All that being said…

Guys, I’m tired!

I’m not quite sure why… 

But I have a hunch it’s either because I’m not getting in enough food/nutrients… OR…

I haven’t been working out as usual while on this elimination.

I will also tell you…

I am READY for some variety in my life.

Even though I’m not suffering from cravings (which honestly, is my FAVORITE win of this program)… 

I miss the OPTION to enjoy a sweet treat or cocktail.

It’s like anything…

When you “can’t” have something…

It seems more desirable.

One of my lifelong goals, specifically as a coach, has always been to be able to attain a solid eating/exercise routine, while also enjoying some less helpful foods once in a while.

You may have heard of this as the 80/20 rule.

I am 41 years old… 

And I have always struggled with this.

While I’m following a program… 

I rock it!

The moment it ends however – it’s hard to sustain.

I am truly looking forward to making THIS TIME different.

Unlike other diets…

This one avoids the scale and measurements during the 30 days…

Focuses on building solid routines and habits…

And tackles the psychological aspects of your eating by not allowing you to recreate anything sweet or a “dessert”… even with Whole30 compliant ingredients.

I think this is brilliant.

Truly…

By getting back into the routine of cooking and eating at home…

Ridding myself of that habit of reaching for a treat or cocktail after a long and stressful day…

And literally experiencing my body become less inflamed from these choices…

I feel and believe I am in a good head space to continue with these good habits 80% of the time!

On Day 30/30 (October 13th), I will weigh in, take measurements, and take a photo…

And I will share my results on social for anyone who is interested.

On October 14th, I will begin the “Celebration & Reintroduction” phase of the program.

I plan to reintroduce in the following order:

  • Day 31 – Added sugar – all by itself
  • Day 34 – Legumes – all by themselves
  • Day 37 – Non-gluten grains – all by themselves
  • Day 40 – Dairy – all by itself
  • Day 43 – Gluten grains – all by themselves
  • Day 46 – Alcohol – all by itself

The goal is to include the reintroduction item with every meal that day (except alcohol;))…

And then return to Whole30 for a couple days in between to see how the foods affect you.

I will also spend this time reading “Food Freedom Forever” by Melissa Hartwig (Co-creator of Whole30)… to really seal this entire experience.

Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me on this journey.

It means more than you know…

And I love sharing the experience with you all.

You’re greatly appreciated! 

Whole30 Journey

Whole 30 ~ Smooth Sailing Week!

Laurel Valdez

I don’t know how, but we’ve already reached Day 21 of 30 – the final day of “Smooth Sailing” week on Whole30.

Here’s What I’m Seeing…

– I am more focused.

– My skin is more clear.

– I’m in better routines and habits.

– Overall, my anxiety is lower.

– Overall, less cravings.

Simultaneously, this diet IS NOT easy.

This past week…

I have felt a little tired/low energy – and I truly wonder if I’m not eating enough at times.

I was literally eating my lunch I brought in my car BEFORE heading into Panera to work. 

I bring my own coffee cream with me wherever I go in case I desire coffee (which let’s be honest, is MOST of the time).

I HAVE to be prepared hours before (food purchased, prepped, ready for cooking) because it takes a hot minute to cook this stuff… and without being prepared, failure is quite possible.

As an emotional eater, this baby has been an eye-opener.

Day 17 was my hardest day yet on Whole30.

I didn’t feel well, it was rainy and overcast, I was tired…

And typically, I turn to a warm creamy coffee or something decadent to bring me joy.

Without being able to do this, it made me… MAD!…

I was forced to just… sit with the discomfort.

I literally felt like I had an itch I couldn’t scratch.

AND…

I made it through, and I was so very proud of myself for doing so.

I have definitely reached the point in ANY “experimental way of eating” where I am feeling quite done.

And to be honest…

This doesn’t have to do with the cravings (there really aren’t any LEGIT cravings I’m experiencing).

It’s just that I feel I’ve successfully ditched those nasty habits I was in…

The daily drive thru runs and convenient Doordashing.

I’ve truly ENJOYED the outcome of the delicious meals I’ve been prepping for my family – and they have been enjoying them, too.

We’re all in agreement, most of the meals are far better than anything we order out!

I KNOW!

Here’s what I can tell you when it comes to “my loves” of this expeirence…

I love how attentive I have become to ingredient labels, and how much better I understand them.

I love that my kids and family are eating better, because I am.

I love my focus and attention to detail that was nowhere to be found only a few weeks ago.

I love my passion that has returned in regard to health and wellness that has been missing for far too long.

I am incredibly grateful for this journey, because it has brought me back in alignment with who I am,

and what I believe; matching my actions with my values.

There is no doubt, the reason I have felt utter chaos within me for the past several months…years even…

Is because I had stepped so far away from the core of who I am, and what I believe.

because I had stepped so far away from the core of who I am, and what I believe.

Whole30 has definitely brought me back in alignment with who I am.

And I can honestly say, it saved me, and what I do, and what I believe I am here to do!

That may sound dramatic, but it’s the truth.

We don’t grow through taking on things that are easy…

We grow through switching it up…

Through challenging ourselves…

Through stepping outside of our comfort zone.

Whole30 has been an incredibly eye-opening, growth-centering experience…

And even through all the inconvenient, challenging, and dish-doing I’m experiencing on the daily…

I would truly recommend it to everyone!

Cheers to the final week of the 30 days… “Home Stretch“!

Whole30 Journey

Whole30 ~ Adoption Phase

Laurel Valdez

As I wind down from “Adoption Week” on Whole30, I can’t help but reflect on this incredible program.

Days 8-14 (Adoption Week), are deemed the hardest days – specifically, Days 10 and 11.

Like any program, a third of the way in is often where the sabotage hits as you adopt new routines and habits.

I will admit, it’s hard not to wish for more physical changes at this point, but then again…

I have to remind myself it’s only been two weeks, and…

Unlike every diet I’ve ever taken on in the past…

That’s not what Whole30 is about, and there are most definitely incredible changes taking place around the anxiety, my energy, focus, and skin!

I also cannot say this enough…

Loves… ZERO.CRAVINGS!!!

It’s been so nice to simply eat when I’m hungry without the worry of spiraling, because it’s not even a thing.

I literally eat until satisfied, and stop…

And I feel satisfied.

I’ve even left food behind…

I KNOW!

I will say, weekends still have me yearning for that cocktail or glass of wine…

But I know this is out of habit, not craving.

And my oh my… going to fall fests and smelling those Apple Cider Donuts!…

It’s such a mix of nostalgia and habit… making that desire strong.

I am definitely looking forward to the “Reintroduction” phase following the 30 days…

Primary reason being…

More options.

I do feel limited at times, or like I’m eating the same things in different ways, and I will say – that bores me.

I will also say, just like I tell my kids…

Sometimes, being bored is a good thing. 😉

Being more prepared this past week has helped…

Lots of leftovers and yes, at times, I didn’t really WANT them…

But they were there, and that made it easy to stay committed.

One of the reasons Whole30 has won me over, even only half way through… is their “Pancake Rule”.

This rule is in place to ensure you’re not attempting to recreate a dessert – even if it’s with Whole30 compliant ingredients.

At first, I didn’t understand that…

But half way through – I TOTALLY get it.

They are trying to not only help your body adjust to good, clean foods…

But they’re also trying to tackle that psychological aspect around rewarding yourself with a “treat”.

And I will be honest…

There are many diets I’ve done in the past that I would decide I was OK, because I was sticking to the diet (I.E. That time I had a rice crispy treat bigger than my head, but decided it was OK because it was “Gluten Free”). 😉

This way of eating has encouraged me to figure out different ways of satisfying my needs and desires that don’t center around food and drink… and that has been huge for me.

Tomorrow, I enter into the “Smooth Sailing” phase (Days 15-21), and it looks like everything I have been experiencing should be even more noticable and easier!

Although I’ve always believed in the power of food and it’s affects on our bodies and minds…

As I’m currently in the midst of experiencing it for myself…

There is no doubt our food is powerful.

Look out for the update on the “Smooth Sailing” phase next Sunday, 10/4/26!

And be sure to subscribe to my blog, Thrive & Shine on my website if you haven’t already to receive the new posts directly to your inbox!

Thanks for following along on my journey, and please reach out anytime with questions!

I’d love to chat!

Whole30 Journey

Whole30 Journey ~ Days 1-7 ~ Adaptation

Laurel Valdez

On Monday, September 14th, I began my Whole30 journey.

For those of you who are unclear on what this is, the most simplest way to describe it, is a nutritional reset that allows you to learn how different foods are affecting your body.

This means for these 30 days, sugar, alcohol, dairy, grains, and legumes are to be avoided.

I.KNOW.

Whole30 is something that I have had a huge desire to take on for YEARS…

Yes, YEARS!

But to be honest, it scared me.

It felt restrictive, and with a busy schedule and family to feed, I had no idea how I’d conquer it.

Well, I am here to tell you, it IS possible, and it’s already been impactful for not just me, but my entire family.

There are five phases in Whole30, and today is the final day of “Adaptation”.

Adaptation occurs on Days 1-7, and this phase can be challenging because your body is adapting to not having all those sugars, preservatives, additives, and more!

This really can affect your hormones, and have you feeling a variety of symptoms; bloated, lethargic, irritable, headachy, foggy, & digestive issues.

Am I convincing you yet?! 😉

Simultaneously, this week also introduces you to improvements in things like joint pain, swelling, anxiety, and cravings.

Now, I am SHOCKED to report – I have not had many challenging symptoms!

On Day 4, I felt pretty dizzy and tired…

Day 6, I had a lingering headache, and I have had some bloating, lethargy, and digestive stuff as my body adjusts… but they’re no game-stoppers, and it’s all been very manageable.

The BEST part of this phase for me personally…

Has been the lack of cravings.

Loves…

I am that girl who LIVES for her sugar. 

I love sugary coffee cream, baked goods, chocolate, and cocktails! 

To be able to whole-heartedly tell you that on Day 3, I had ZERO cravings…

And haven’t since…

Now THAT is worth EVERY SECOND of challenging symptoms.

Now… let’s talk about three amazing realizations and observations I’ve learned this week…

Food prep, family impact, and ingredients.

I underestimated the amount of preparedness required, and I have no idea why… because I literally began my coaching journey, coaching people on nutrition and movement. 

I guess it’s been a minute. 😉

I have learned that having the Whole30 ingredients in your fridge is not at all the same as having them ready to eat! ;)…

I spent one hour preparing my lunch the first couple of days, and that is just not realistic.

I’m learning to make extras for everything.

Leftovers have been a savior for me this week, especially when on the road or in a time crunch.

I’m also learning I don’t need to buy ALL the Whole30 options… :)… 

Having a couple options for each meal/snack is plenty, AND… less overwhelming.

Now, when it comes to my family… :)… 

Ya know how when you are making a change, it tends to be contagious?

And ya know how I mentioned I was worried how this would affect my family!?

Well, the effects have been grand. 

For several days, my kids have REQUESTED the meals I am eating…

AND… every day… 

They all LOVED the dinner.

Now, they are still enjoying their actual, non-bib lettuce tortillas ;), however…

It warms my mama heart and makes me feel SO good…

Knowing they’re filling their bodies with MOSTLY quality foods/ingredients.

I will admit, I am that mom who always purchases packaged snacks because they’re requested, desired, and easy…

But man, I also know they’re not the best.

I prepped my girls snack boxes the other day with fruit, hummus, apples, etc…

While I anticipated hems and haws and a whole lot of…

“Where’s the Takis?!”… 

They were ACTUALLY beaming and asked if I could do it more often.

In addition… 

Man oh man…

What an eye-opener it has been to fully pay attention to nutrition labels again!

Even the “good stuff”, You Guys!

SO MUCH ADDED SUGAR, preservatives, and additives.

And I don’t say this as a judgement…

I say this because as someone who has been feeling off for a while now…

Reviewing these labels is a very clear and immediate answer as to why. 

As a lover of learning…

I LOVE the knowledge I’m acquiring.

I love the impact this is making on my mind and body.

I love the passion that is returning to me as a coach.

I love that my family is benefiting from good, healthy eats.

And I love feeling less anxious, alert, and inspired.

I will continue to share my journey on social media and will update via blog post on the following phases; Adoption (Days 8-14), Smooth Sailing (Days 15-21), Home Stretch (Days 22-30), and Reintroduction (Days 31-46).

Thanks to all of you following along on this journey and cheering me on!…

Accountability is key when it comes down to stuff like this!

All of you, are keeping me accountable… and for that, I am grateful!

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Following Our Purpose

Laurel Valdez

Life is funny.

And it’s never predictable.

If you’d had told me I’d be signing up with NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) 11 years ago…

I would have literally, and audibly, laughed in your face.

But a couple weeks ago, I found myself on a call with a rep…

And yesterday – I found myself officially signing up to get certifications in group fitness, personal training, and nutrition.

This entire experience has led me to take a bit of a walk down memory lane…

And as I’ve merrily strolled through every season…

I’ve realized, every step of the way…

Life’s journey has been leading me to this point.

I’ve always… ALWAYS… loved teaching.

I’ve had a passion for gyms and movement since I was a kid (literally asked for a rec center membership for my 14th birthday – the moment I could get in there!).

People are a true joy for me.

I’ve found myself in leadership roles time and time again, never truly believing myself to be a leader.

Beachbody coaching (now Bodi) led me to realize I love coaching, specifically groups of people.

I’ve spent hours (just for “fun”) reading and taking in info on nutrition and movement over the years.

I have a yearning to experience what others go through – with them.

I feel a huge amount of joy cheering people on… 

And observing their successes and triumphs.

After I very intentionally made the decision to leave teaching…

I felt a huge void.

I always thought it was more of a mourning feeling…

As in, I will miss that part of my life.

Many people over the years have asked me if I’d go back to teaching…

Or if I missed it…

And I’ve repeatedly, and rather dramatically, replied with, “Oh my God, NO! Not at all!”

But what I’ve realized…

I do still love teaching.

I am still teaching.

And I’ll continue to teach.

It’s just not necessarily in the capacity of a school classroom.

I once read that if something keeps showing up for you over and over again…

It’s meant for you.

It’s your life’s purpose.

For the last 10 years – I have repeatedly been brought back to my mission to work on myself, coach, bring people together, and learn more about our minds, bodies, and souls.

There is NO DOUBT this is my life’s purpose.

And it brings me great joy to realize teaching is a primal part of that purpose.

My hope for those of you reading this today…

Is that it sparks something inside of you.

That you think about what keeps showing up for you.

What keeps coming back?

What do you quickly shut down when others bring it up?

But REALLY…

If you took a moment to meditate on that…

There’s something deeper and meaningful there.

Hear me loud and clear…

Life is meant to be enjoyed.

Don’t become stuck in something that is taking your energy from you.

It is never too late to try something new…

And really, you might realize it’s the oldest thing that’s been there…

Just waiting for you to listen…

And take that next step.

Believing in us, always.

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When The Seasons of Life Have Different Plans

Laurel Valdez

When my kids were little…

I was under this impression that once they were all in elementary school…

It would be my time to take on a grand new venture.

I had this idea that I’d be less needed…

And would therefore shift my attention and focus elsewhere.

Although it was never my intention to be a stay-at-home mom…

I have never for a second taken for granted what a privilege it has been to have been present for so many incredible moments and milestones.

Simultaneously, however, I’ve always felt my ultimate purpose was deeper than simply mommin’ and taking care of a home.

Teaching, writing, and coaching are huge passions for me.

I’ve always loved providing hope for others, helping them see what they’re capable of accomplishing, and expressing my thoughts in the written word.

For the past two years, I have focused most of my energy on just that.

Others.

Life, however, is never predictable, and recently…

As exhaustion was hitting hard, and I just felt unaligned…

I took a moment to pause, tune in, and listen.

Although the realization wasn’t exactly what I wanted to accept…

I had to admit that although business was picking up, and I was making so many wonderful connections…

I had these kiddos at home, who even though, are no longer babies…

Were needing their mama more than ever.

Who knew, by the way…

That the preteen and middle school years…

Would require mom more than the baby ones!? 😉

While I’ve been spinning my wheels on all the ways I can help others…

All the ways I can teach and comfort and encourage…

I have had individuals in my own home space… right in front of me…

Ones in which I brought into this world…

Who have been desiring those exact needs.

I have to tell you…

It’s quite an interesting feeling to believe you’re meant for something so much bigger…

While simultaneously knowing you’re just where you need to be.

Once I accepted the truth of this…

And stopped trying to fight the balance that wasn’t balancing…

I’ve felt more aligned than I have in a long time.

I feel closer to my kids…

I feel more comfort in my home…

I find myself connecting more with others who are experiencing similar seasons…

And I find the right people being drawn to me. Whether as a client, friend, or both.

Life is interesting, and our bodies are so wise.

I have learned over the years that when I’m tired…

And things feel harder than usual… harder than they should…

There is always a reason, and those feelings shouldn’t be ignored.

While my 1:1 coaching, Thrive Tribe Community, and book groups will continue…

I have had to accept that it’s not my time to be filling my nights and weekends with events.

And that’s OK!

We never know how our education, knowledge, and experience will be utilized.

And it’s everchanging.

But in this season of life…

My teaching degrees…

My health and life coach certifications…

And alllllll my life experiences thus far…

And oh boy, have there been many!…

Are being shared within my home, and with my family.

And how beautiful that is.

Believing in us, always.

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Short & Sweet

Laurel Valdez

My Beautiful Readers…

Those of us in the midwest have officially entered the “fall feels”.

Cooler temps, shorter days, and the changing of colors.

Spiritually speaking, transitioning from summer to fall allows us to harvest what we’ve sowed over the past year, shed what no longer serves us, and prepare for rest.

Friends…

I have truly been here for this transition of the seasons.

As a goer and a doer, I always value the time where we’re semi-forced to slow down a bit.

To reflect, to be thankful, and to chill.

This is a great time in the year to think ahead on what you want to prioritize in the next few months.

Do you want to rest?

Do you want to learn something new?

Maybe it’s a good time to get creative?

Make the time now to decide what your body, mind, and soul desires…

And plan for that!

Where our attention goes… energy flows.

So focus wisely.

Believing in us, always.

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Are You Having Any Fun?

Laurel Valdez

From birth to 16, I lived in a townhouse in a cul-de-sac.

Any kid in that cul-de-sac was a friend.

No matter the age, gender, or race…

We all had THE MOST fun together… riding bikes, “selling cheese” (I mean, what?!), playing Ghost in the Graveyard and kickball, Nintendo… 

I remember one instance where we were all at one kid’s house…

And for whatever reason…

We asked him, “Bob, are you Christian or Jewish?”…

His response…

“I’m neither. I’m Bob!” 🙂

We didn’t even care about that stuff…

Because we got together, and felt immense comfort and joy with each other…

Being silly and having fun.

Somewhere along the way into adulthood…

We start taking things too seriously… 

And we forget how to have fun.

But ya know what?!

Fun, scientifically, has physical health benefits!!! 

And that’s why it’s so important to PLAN to have fun.

One of the sessions I do with clients includes incorporating more fun and joy into their lives…

And what’s SO very interesting, is we actually go back in time to being a kid…

Where we think about what brought them joy then…

And guess what?!

It’s pretty much the same now!

We just don’t do it.

If you’re an adult, and like the majority of the people today…

YOU NEED to rediscover what it means to have fun…

AND… you need to put it into practice ASAP!

And this isn’t just me, SCIENCE, agrees! 🙂

I encourage us all to reconnect with this today/this week!

Now, there are multiple ways you could go about doing this…

But I recommend simply starting with reflecting on your childhood.

Think about the friends you enjoyed being with and why.

What types of games did you enjoy?

Were you more into the pranks, the active games, intellectual conversations, or a combo?!

Think of activities you did throughout the years that gave you a sense of joy and belonging.

Write all of these down, and brainstorm how you can bring some of them into today… tomorrow… and onward.

One thing that is super easy, and I know MANY people love…

But tend to forget about…

Is music.

Music is powerful.

And it has a way of bringing you to a happy place.

Personally, I love listening to music from 1996… 

Because this brings me back to summers at the pool with friends…

When times were simple and carefree…

And I can’t help but just feel an overwhelming sense of joy and comfort when I listen.

If you do this… if you take 15-20 minutes to reflect on what once brought you joy, and incorporate ONE thing into today and this week…

I guarantee you…

You will not only FEEL happier this week…

But you’ll also be doing something good for your physical being…

And everyone around you.

Believing in us, always.

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The Power of Authenticity!

Laurel Valdez

Last week, I was listening to a Mel Robbins podcast where she interviewed Dr. Todd Rose, author of Collective Illusions and co-founder and CEO of the think tank Populace.

In this episode, Dr. Todd shared about a study that was conducted in 2009 in the Netherlands, where participants were connected to an fMRI (neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity), and participants were shown a couple hundred photos of people in which they were asked to rate based on their appearance; 1 being not very attractive, 5 being extremely attractive.

Immediately after participants would rate the individual, they would be shown a score of what “the average” rated that previous person.

These ratings were made up, and never happened.

Half of the time, people were in alignment, however; the other half, the score was a point or two different.

At the end of the study, the participants were told the scanner didn’t catch their answers, and were asked if they could quickly run through again, verbally.

Even with reordered photos…

The majority of people ended up changing their ratings the second time around.

I find this study fascinating, because it so powerfully suggests our need to conform…

Our need to belong.

How easily and quickly our thoughts and opinions shift, to be in alignment with others.

And the reason…

Aligning with a particular group triggers an award signal in our brain. 

It’s the same signal given off by hard drugs!

On the contrary… 

Not being in alignment, triggers an error signal in the brain…

Which disrupts memory and attention!

Dr. Todd went on to explain the idea of “Collective Illusions”…

And how as a society…

We continue to go along with “group think”…

Because WE THINK it’s what everyone wants…

When in reality… it’s not!!!

Get this!…

Based on research…

ONE QUARTER of what we see and take in on social media…

Are bots!

And yet, we take it to be true!!!

Friends…

Let me ask you…

If you really get honest with yourself?

When’s the last time you were truly authentic?

When you took a moment to stop doom scrolling…

Took a step back…

Took a breath…

And reminded yourself of your deepest core values and beliefs – “group think” aside?

Dr. Todd explained how incredibly important it is to be authentic and true to ourselves…

And the power and impact of authenticity.

It’s not only intrinsically rewarding…

But it gives off that same powerful reward signal in the brain…

It encourages OTHERS to live in their own authenticity.

And You Guys…

If you really want to be happier?!

Work on that authenticity!

Happiness, is in fact, contagious!

And it comes from being true to who you are!

As Dr. Todd confidently presents, “microchanges” matter.

And his challenge for us all was to do one small act… 

That would bring you closer to your authentic self.

So what does that look like for you!?

Is it saying no thank you to an alcohol beverage if you committed to not drinking during the week?

Speaking up about a restaurant choice if you truly dislike where everyone is going?

Proudly proclaming you do not like “Taco Tuesday”!?

I encourage you to commit to ONE SMALL CHANGE this week… 

That will get you closer to your authentic self.

One week from now, reflect on the experience, and make note of how you feel.

Believing in us, always.

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Who Are You Becoming?

Laurel Valdez

A couple weeks ago…

I tuned in to listen to a sermon from one of the pastors at our church back in Houston.

Considering the times we’re living in… 

I was very curious to hear how they were addressing truly difficult topics.

Now, it was a wonderful sermon, and I’d be happy to share with anyone who wanted to hear it…

However, religion aside… 

The thing that stuck with me the most was the question Pastor Sean asked… 

Who are you becoming?

Times are heavy, there is no doubt.

Feelings, emotions, and opinions are at an all time high.

And ya know what… they’re valid.

The question however…

Is what are we doing with those feelings, emotions, and opinions?

What are you hoping to accomplish by the reactions you’re experiencing…

And the actions you’re taking?

Who are you becoming?

This question caused me to do quite a bit of self-reflection. 

A lot of which took me back to my core values and beliefs as a person… as a human. 

A human who fully believes we are here to connect with other humans…

And that our health and wellbeing depends on those connections!

It encouraged me to ask…

Is who I’m becoming allowing those core values and beliefs to be seen from the outside? 

The thing is…

From my lived experience…

I have never ever EVER regretted leading with kindness, listening to others, truly seeing and hearing people, or attempting to clear up misunderstandings or confusions.

I also want to point out…

Doing these things doesn’t necessarily mean we’re suddenly going to change our mind, beliefs, or perspectives… 

But it does show respect for others’ beliefs and perspectives…

For others’ lived experiences…

And this is huge, You Guys!

We don’t have to be best friends with everyone we meet, and we don’t have to agree with everything everyone says and does…

But man, would it be beautiful if we could allow space for real conversations…

And truly see each other as we all are… 

Perfectly, imperfect humans. 

I’ve been taking in many lived experiences these past couple weeks…

And some experiences and stories truly break my heart…

From all ends of the spectrum!

I just felt compelled to send out a reminder today… 

That kindness provides hope.

Apologies and forgivenss… they heal.

Respect changes lives.

Leading with love… 

It matters.

Please, don’t lose sight of that.

I’ll leave you with this…

“No one ever injured their eyesight by looking on the bright side of things.” ~ incrediblejoy.com

As heavy as your heart and soul may feel…

I encourage you to choose to dig deep within…

Recover your light…

And shine it bright.

Believing in us, always.