JOURNALING DAY 11-15
While the prompts are AI generated these are my original thoughts and feelings ✨
DAY 11 ➡️ What does it mean to move through your day with quiet confidence, trusting that who you are and what you bring is enough?
Something that’s always helped me in life is remembering that everyone has a Day 1. We all start somewhere and remaining open to learning, growth, and development are keys to gaining confidence. “Imposter Syndrome” is a term I often hear but haven’t felt and I don’t mean that in an egotistical way. I view my life as as a never-ending “fresh start.” I, along with the 8+ billion other people on Earth, am just trying to figure it out along the way. But, no, I haven’t felt like “I can’t do this because of XYZ.” I’m pretty decisive and if I fail, I fail! If anything I’ll learn from it. As for trusting who I am and what I bring to the table… after 16 years in retail I pivoted to a different kind of sales role with 0 experience in this specific field. You know, it’s always scary to to take a risk and switch paths BUT I trusted my gut and life’s timing. I was so ready for something new and something new came my way. I had trust in my sales ability, enjoyment in connecting with others, and that everything would work out. It’s OK to change paths and start over again. Yes, stability, security, and predictability are nice and well, but often times the real lessons reveal themselves in the changes, shakeups, and transformation — that’s when life begins.
DAY 12 ➡️ What is one belief about yourself that feels outdated now that you’ve grown?
The fear of being “too much.” I am a strong, fiery woman. I’m direct, mean what I say, and am not interested in riff-raff or illusions. I embrace my power and stand in my power. This draws different personality types to me: those who let me “shine” and join me on my path. Those who shy away from it because, perhaps, it triggers something in them. Those who don’t quite know what to make of it and/or try to diminish it and put out my fire. The people who allow you to radiate and shine are keepers. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about how I used to “shrink” and dim my light for the comfort of others. I found myself shying away from certain things because I felt like I was being “too much” even if it was something simple, like avoiding honest communication and not saying something that was on my heart and mind, or not sharing experiences i’ve had, or not wearing too many sparkles (something i love) when I go out, or not getting as dressed up as I wanted to for an occasion. I’ve learned that the right people will just allow you to be (and still appreciate you anyway).
DAY 13 ➡️ Where do you feel emotionally safest in your life right now and why?
I’m feeling physically and emotionally safe in my new apartment. My last apartment was a soft landing after my breakup in 2024 but it never truly felt like home, which is important to me. This new space really is an energetic reset. I Palo Santo for cleansing and clean the floors with some diluted Florida Water so everything feels nice and crisp. It’s a privilege and blessing to come home to a safe, clean, space. Not everyone gets to experience that. I also feel emotionally safe with my closest friends — those who check in on me consistently, make plans, and are active participants in my life (as I am in theirs) during the ups and downs. Things happen in life and you need people you can count on. Safety in every sense/aspect is something we should all experience, but that isn’t the case because safety isn’t guaranteed. So, we create it. In our home, workplace, social settings, etc. At this stage in my life I’m not interested in chaos or things that feel “off.” Peace above everything even if that makes me dull or boring. Having a safe space (literally) and safe people in my life is something I truly value.
DAY 14 ➡️ What part of your life feels like it’s quietly shifting and how can you support yourself with grace as you step into this new chapter?
One of the most important things I learned from my dad (he was a tough guy) is that it’s more important to be respected than it is to be liked. Now, this is something I’ve adopted and embraced but, in a weird way, kind of feel badly about because I’ve stopped engaging in people-pleasing behavior — something that only benefits others, not yourself. I had a hard time saying NO to things because I wanted to be liked and didn’t want to disappoint but it was honestly soooo draining. Once I learned how to better communicate and consider MYSELF before those around me (in an unselfish way) I understood what my dad meant. Living intentionally is so important to me — time, people, commitments. In a way, we show and teach others how to treat us based on how we treat ourselves. If people see that their opinion of you affects you and you scramble to be held in a positive light while simultaneously self-abandoning… you’ll do anything. But when you check-in with yourself and question the “why” behind certain behaviors, you can make decisions from a more clear, centered, and empowered place. Not everyone is going to like you and that’s OK. There are people who pretend to like you — wolves in sheep’s clothing. I’ve found that trying to live up to everyone’s expectations breeds resentment, but showing up authentically and letting people know who you are by how you conduct yourself is imperative and a form of self-love and self-protection.
DAY 15 ➡️ When was the last time someone made you feel appreciated?
Hmmm… I’m not thinking of a specific thing or moment right now, but I have great friends who make me feel loved and appreciated. There are people who’ve fallen away this year because I stopped doing all of the reaching out and emotional labor. Some people don’t value friendship as much as other things in their life, but this is where I differ. I love having a close circle of women I can count on and who can also count on me. That is sisterhood and what gets you through life. I think what makes me feel valued by my friends is when I receive positive feedback about my energy, the advice I give, or my capacity for love and non-judgement. These are important things to me. Not everyone is meant to be by your side until your final days and that’s OK. They will fade out on their own which allows space for the “right” people… and I’m lucky to know them.
