While it is not easy to admit, the thing that keeps most of us on that proverbial hamster wheel, living a life that does not feel aligned with who we KNOW, in our heart of hearts, we were created to be, is FEAR.

When we take the time to look back, we can choose to focus on the bumps and bruises that happened along the way OR we can choose to celebrate the successes of a soul that was willing, open and excited in spite of the bumps and bruises.

Our success does not hinge solely on being the most focused, determined being who has walked the earth. It goes deeper than that.

Life is not about showing up perfect every day. Life is about showing up as the best version of you that you have to offer today and allowing the Divine to be your guide as you move.

While it is important to set and achieve our goals, we miss the best parts of life when we spend our days chasing accomplishment after accomplishment.

As you (re)connect to your heart, it is not about doing it perfectly or in a specific way, it is about letting the Universe know that you are open and ready as everything else falls into place.

When we give ourselves permission to live authentically, we break barriers and clear our path to freedom and growth. We break barriers that once stood in the way of our individual purpose.  

We have all heard the statement, “You teach people how to treat you.” But have you ever taken time to REALLY think about what that means in your life?

As you move through this day, and every day, set the intention to create a moment (or 10) for quiet. Even if you only have a couple of minutes at a time to spare, doing so is an act of self-care that will help you GET and STAY connected to your authentic voice.

As you think about your life and the Growth you desire, ask yourself where you need to show more Consistency and what places and spaces would benefit from more Accountability.

At the end of the day, I was not being asked about the television shows I watch, the dance challenges I get lost in or other ways I decompress from the day. I was being asked if it’s possible to find the balance between mindless strolls through the aisles of Target and deep exploration into how we think and feel.

When it seems like NOTHING is coming from our effort, it can be easy to give up on ourselves. But what if NOTHING is really an opportunity for MORE.

Reminder: No matter what anyone else is going through, your experiences matter and deserve to be acknowledged.

The best bet often feels like that one that prevents the potential for disappointment, failure and the like.

But the truth is that when we let ourselves off the proverbial hook and choose to go with avoiding uncomfortable experiences, we are choosing what is safe, NOT what is BEST.

REST, to me, is about giving ourselves permission to honor who and where we are, to lean into an ease that then allows us to be both connected to self and healthily productive. 

REST does not have to be a night away. It simply has to be time WITH…YOU. 

What would happen if you stopped waiting on permission from others to live your life and just made the decision to LIVE?

When you look at your feelings and explore how you respond to and treat others, you are taking steps to strengthen relationships.