I took a bi-week several weeks to rest. To learn. And to deeply support my daughter. I’m recognizing that life moves in waves. There are times when everything is moving forward at the same time and other times where I’m not the most efficient nor effective. Case in point, this past week, I wasn’t on my A game per se when it came to engaging on extra projects at work, it’s because my mind and time were consumed with preparing my daughter for her business fair this week and studying ahead of an important interview. Other times, I haven’t cooked all week and my daughter ate out that entire week because I may have been working on other priorities for our household. Either way, I know I won’t be 100% in every single thing on every single day. Some days, I can give a lot, some days, I’m already depleted by 10am. 

We must get past quitting for the sake of ourselves

Do the Hard Things FIRST, they said…

This past week specifically though, I got mentally caught up in the world of social media and attempting to grow an audience to get my message out there. I had some small victories – brace yourself, they are likely not what you think but they are indeed my small wins. I figured out how to get an affiliate link for Amazon to work. It took me working on it for 4+ hours throughout the week and then finally a caved in phone call on my behalf to their customer support. I definitely wished I had done that 3 days and 3 hours earlier. But nonetheless, I did it, I updated where necessary on my site and that is a small win. I researched a great deal too but sometimes this becomes a crutch because I claim I’m researching instead of actually “acting on” anything. We’ve all been there, I’m just calling it out for myself and working to be better. Still, small wins even in finding out something new – I just need to now do something with it. 

Social also has had me in a whirlwind as I noticed I’m starting to consume more than create. I’ve never been a content creator, but yet I have. All of us who have ever posted on social have been content creators. Others are just more skilled than us. This past week, what I have realized is there is an abundance of messaging regarding how “easy” it is to do everything. And my immediate thought is if it were that “easy” everyone would already be doing it. We have to be so careful in messaging around what it takes to be successful; the constant story of “it’s easy” is what leads most people to get rich quick schemes. I believe everything worth having is worth working for. Of course, that work can be rewarding if you’re doing something you are passionate about and enjoy but what about the pieces that it takes to get to the passionate joy? It may not be ALL work you thoroughly enjoy, but nonetheless, the work is the work. And figuring out hard things (ya’ll, reel creation on IG and Pinterest posts are not for the weak and I have sincere respect for individuals that spend days to create 30 seconds worth of content for us out here) has been my mission to tackle here lately. I’m okay with it. It’s teaching me that I’m capable of more than what I thought I was. It’s uncomfortable and yet rewarding. Getting in the unfamiliar territory and stepping up to doing things I’ve never done before or have no idea how to and am learning like the rest of the world – *clears throat: YouTube University – is teaching me more of what resiliency is. And isn’t that what financial freedom and financial independence is about? The resiliency to figure out tough things so you can live life on your own terms. 

Why we Quit & How to Stop

On the flip side of all of this encouragement, I understand why people quit when things get tough. The mental capacity it takes to keep going when you feel stagnant is heartbreaking. But, I’m reminding myself of a few things that I’m holding near to my heart to keep me motivated and I’m sharing in hopes that they may support you too, friend, as you progress through your journey. We must get past quitting for the sake of ourselves. We prove to ourselves that we are capable of things beyond our imagination each time we do something the first time. Not even necessarily do it well, but just doing it even if it’s only 60% good, you did it, which is more than what you can say about yourself the day before. And those small victories, they add up. So each time we feel like quitting, we have to go back to what we are holding near to our hearts. I’m sharing some of my most sacred love statements that give me peace and the grace I need below – my hope is that help you as well.

We prove to ourselves that we are capable of things beyond our imagination each time we do something the first time

My Grace Statements

My goals are greater than my fears 

My future lies on the other side of my ability to get over discomfort 

My daughters future is more important to me than what people (who do not really know me anyhow) may think of me

My ambition is greater than my migraines

My dreams won’t let me sleep regardless of what my physical body may feel at times

Cheers to a great week for wherever you are mentally. You can do this. You got this. Your dreams are waiting for you.

Yours Truly,

Crystal