There have been moments on my journey; I’ve been so focused on the future. On who I want to become. That I forget to be grateful for who I am right now and who I was. Sometimes, looking back can be difficult. To look back at the pain we’ve felt or the mistakes we’ve made. Sometimes it’s easier to leave it in the past, never to be seen again. But when we do this, we don’t get to appreciate what was. This post is to remind you to stop and appreciate how far you’ve come.
For the last 17 months, I’ve truly been working on myself
I’ve tried to absorb anything and everything that could help me heal. Determined to break free from hurtful patterns and beliefs whilst working hard to become the healed soul I envision. Throughout this process, I have reflected on my past. What events and experiences moulded me into who I am. And within these reflections, I’ve seen how I’ve changed, but sometimes this can be fleeting.
We can pass by our achievements, giving them brief acknowledgement, but not truly allowing ourselves to let them sink in. Because to give the past this time can trigger fear. “If I look at the past, I’ll feel shame; I’ll feel sadness.” Or whatever uncomfortable feeling it stirs up for you. Sometimes, we’ve been taught to never give ourselves credit. That being unhealthily humble is actually a good thing. And sometimes, we just don’t believe we are worthy or deserving of said credit.
But you know what, we are.
Look back at each version of you and remember what you’ve achieved, what you’ve experienced, and how far you’ve come
I look back at the little Faith, who took so much in. The little Faith, who so desperately wanted to be loved, poured her heart out to the world. She endured so much, but even from such a young age, she showed strength. She got through each day to get me to my teenage self.
I look back at teenage Faith, who carried such sadness. But who showed such perseverance despite the pain. Day and day out, she showed up. Without even realising it, she continued to build the resilience and compassion that I’m so proud to hold today.
I look back at the Faith in her 20s, entering a stage of life she wasn’t prepared for. She had to frantically keep herself from drowning under the anxiety. An anxiety triggered by hormones, dating, and insecurity. Parts of human nature she never learnt how to cope with. She showed immense courage to venture into these waters and teach herself how to swim.
Even while feeling lost and alone, she sparked my healing journey. She took the first step by being bravely vulnerable and asking the doctor for help. If she hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to see that it was possible to be free of emotional suffering. I would never have found spirituality and the values that help me live more peacefully. I would never have become the mental health and healing advocate I am now.
Each version, got me to the me I am today. Every traumatic experience led me to the mentality I am so proud of today. Each choice put me on this path. A path that is so close to my heart.
Recognising how you were and how you are today, brings into perspective how far you’ve come
Take the time to reflect and write down all you’ve overcome and all you have achieved. We all have big dreams, but we can forget to appreciate all the “little” dreams we’ve made come true already.
I thought I would always be overwhelmed by my emotions. But I taught myself how to self-regulate. I never thought I’d be able to feel worthy. But I put the work in and continue to put the work in to heal this wound. I feared I’d never have the willpower to not get involved with men who just weren’t right for me. But I worked on this pattern and now feel stronger that I can choose better for me. I pushed through the fear and left my comfort zone in so many areas. And alongside my healing, I still managed to qualify as a veterinary nurse.
Yes, this may sound big-headed. But I’ve spent far too long berating myself, shaming myself into silence, and feeling like I don’t deserve to see any strengths in me.
We each deserve to show ourselves gratitude. ‘Looking back’ doesn’t always have to be a ruminating cycle, but an opportunity to honour how far you’ve come.
So, I’ll leave you with this quote by Rick Warren…
“Remember how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be.”
How far have you’ve come? Let me know. Reach out in the comments or just fill out a contact form!
More ways to appreciate your journey can be found here Knowing How Far You’ve Come: 8 Tips to Celebrate Your Growth
