You Are Whole, Always

Many of my clients struggle with the concept of being whole and enough. The challenges of life can lead us to feel broken, but it's essential to understand that these experiences do not define us. You are complete with your distinct personality traits, behaviors, vision, and purpose. You do not need to be "fixed"—you are whole! Consider yourself like a pizza; even if it’s not the best one you've ever made, it’s still whole. There’s always room for improvement in the sauce, cheese, dough, toppings, and cooking temperature. Imagine what it would take for you to accept that you are enough and recognize that your journey is about growth and discovery. The most powerful validation comes from within. Too often, we seek acceptance and validation from external sources, which can lead us to believe others’ perceptions of our wholeness.

Embracing Self-Awareness and Growth

Instead of viewing yourself as broken, I encourage you to shift your perspective toward heightened self-awareness. What would it take for you to see moments of vulnerability as opportunities for growth and improvement? We all experience seasons of doubt and discomfort with our reflections, myself included. Feeling doubt, guilt, shame, or inadequacy is entirely normal. However, I challenge you to honor these feelings while considering how long you will allow thoughts of lack and shame to control you. The beauty of awareness is that it grants you the freedom to consciously choose different thoughts and actions. Remember, avoiding a decision is still a decision. We are constantly evolving, and gaining awareness and embarking on a self-improvement journey is not easy; it is an ongoing process that may feel overwhelming at times. Trusting the process is essential. I still recall the first day I decided to make a change, and I often find myself making such choices even as I write this.

The Power of Connection

I am incredibly grateful for my community of healers, listeners, and accountability partners who keep me honest with myself. When you feel broken, remember that you are not alone. There is great strength in seeking support and connecting with others. Reach out to friends, family, or your support system; you never know who might be experiencing similar challenges. Entrepreneurship can be daunting, and I have spoken with many who are also navigating difficult times. I have felt disappointed that my business has not met my expectations, and it’s easy to fall into self-pity. However, the truth is that I am not alone, and neither are you! When I tap into my support systems, I feel a sense of belonging and learn so much from sharing experiences with others.

Embracing Both-And

Life is rarely black and white; it’s filled with complexities and contradictions. Embrace the "both-and" mindset instead of "either-or." This means accepting that it’s perfectly okay to have conflicting emotions and thoughts. You can feel joy and sadness, lost and found, simultaneously. I still grapple with the idea that just because I excel at something doesn’t mean I must monetize it. Life is not all-or-nothing. Accepting these dualities helps us honor our emotions with less judgment, leading to a deeper understanding of who we are.

Validating Your Emotions

Your feelings, emotions, and thoughts are valid. Resist the temptation to dismiss or suppress them because you feel you should respond differently. Instead, acknowledge and process them with minimal judgment. While completely eliminating judgment may seem impossible, allowing yourself to be objective in the moment can be liberating. Often, we dwell in a state of shame and guilt by focusing on what we should have done. When you find yourself spiraling into this mindset, ask yourself what aspects are triggering feelings of shame. It’s crucial to use the word "what" instead of "why," as "why" is often laden with judgment, while "what" comes from a place of curiosity. Understanding your emotions can provide valuable insights into your inner world, enabling you to navigate life with clarity and purpose.

The Reflection in the Mirror

When was the last time you truly looked in the mirror? What did you see? How did it make you feel? This act can lead to powerful moments of self-realization. You may not always be pleased with the reflection staring back at you. I vividly remember the first time I faced my own reflection—I was uncomfortable and dissatisfied. I didn't see a confident and resilient woman but rather someone filled with uncertainty. As I leaned closer to the mirror, I repeated affirmations of who I am, shedding tears along the way. This was okay! I left that moment drained yet rejuvenated, realizing I am not broken or lost but merely indecisive. This was a significant revelation, shattering my previous belief that others might not appreciate my worth. Remember, the reflection you see is more than a physical image; it embodies your life experiences, emotions, and narratives. Instead of being overly critical, extend yourself the same kindness you would offer a dear friend or child. It’s time to show yourself love and understanding!

You Are NOT Broken!

You are a complete and whole individual with the freedom to choose your growth and transformation. Shifting your mindset from one of lack to one of intention and purpose will empower you to embrace a journey of continuous growth. Keep in mind that beliefs are simply thoughts you choose to accept. For example, I once believed chicken gizzards were chicken nuggets—thanks to my parents for that misconception! The key is that upon gaining awareness, I could change my beliefs.

As we part ways for now, reflect on what it will take for you to embrace your wholeness and live a life rooted in truth, authenticity, and inspired action.