The plan was to sign up for the gym on January. It was the month of lists of resolutions for the new year. It was "logical" to do so, you know, and start the year right.
But then I thought, "why wait when I can do it now". Besides, I've been putting it on hold for a couple of weeks now. It was about time to "do the work". And boy was I glad that I did!!!
I am grateful for my workmate who has encouraged me to sign up - we actually signed up together! We had our CPET exams before we were able to be cleared to enroll in the gym. We had them last week.It was a series of tests to check our lungs' and heart's health. Thank God the results were good and so we got endorsed for a gym membership. Yay! 🙌
So today my workmate Ms. Jeryl and I went to the gym after work. It was our first day of committing ourselves to taking care of our bodies thru hitting the gym. We really hope we get to go to the gym at least thrice a week. Fingers crossed on that one - I hope you wish us well!🙏✨
Here's to a better body, which leads to a better mind, better mood, and a better overall sense of well-being.🥰🫶
I am excited for this new journey towards fitness! Yay😍
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"The Courage to be Kind to Yourself"
-An article in the LinkedIn Newsletter subscription
In the quiet moments of your struggle, it's easy to hear the sharp whisper of self-criticism, to feel the weight of a world that asks you to smile through your pain. I'm here to tell you, in the most heartfelt way I can, that it's not just okay to acknowledge your feelings, it's necessary. You're not alone in feeling overwhelmed; it's a part of the human tapestry we all share. Just as you would extend your hand to a friend, it's time to offer that same gentle touch to yourself. This is a call to wrap yourself in the warmth of understanding and self-compassion, to remember that your worth isn't defined by your toughest days.
Let's confront a truth we often sideline: the pressure to maintain that unwavering positive façade can be suffocating. It's as though the world expects us to be superheroes, impervious to life's slings and arrows. But here's a secret – even superheroes have their moments of doubt. It’s perfectly human to stumble under the weight of expectations, and it’s healthy to admit that you're not made of steel. Acknowledge those self-critical thoughts for what they are: common visitors in our minds during challenging times. Recognizing them is the first step toward disempowering them, toward understanding that self-criticism is not your reality, but a skewed perception of it.
You see, there's profound strength in vulnerability. To validate your emotions, to say, "Yes, I'm struggling and that's okay," is an act of bravery. Your feelings are a spectrum, and every shade you experience is valid – from the brightest hues of joy to the darkest tones of distress. By giving yourself permission to feel, without comparison or judgment, you create a space where healing begins. It's in this space that you'll find the heart of self-compassion, a silent nod that says, "I see you, and I am here for you."
Embrace the quiet strength within you, as the storm outside passes and the horizon of new beginnings beckons—remember, your resilience shines even through the silence of self-reflection.
There's a myth, a misleading fable, that to be worthy, you must always be productive, always have everything figured out. But let me tell you, in the raw honesty of this moment, that this myth is nothing but a fragile house of cards. It's okay to not have all the answers. It's okay to pause, to breathe, to be. The world's demands can wait at your door while you take this time for yourself. The quest for constant happiness and success is a mirage in the desert of reality – and it's alright to stop chasing it. Embrace self-compassion; it's your oasis.
But how, you might wonder, can you begin to ease the grip of struggle? Remember, dear friend, that with each challenge faced, a layer of resilience is formed. Coping skills are not inherited; they are crafted and honed through the very struggles you're enduring now. This isn't to glorify pain, but to acknowledge its role in your journey of growth. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this terrain. You're not expected to be a master from the start – every step, even the faltering ones, is a part of your dance.
In this dance, remember to reach out and feel the comforting presence of another's hand. To share your burdens and to let in the light of support is to strengthen the very core of your well-being. You are part of a vast community, a collective embrace of souls who know your pain, who've walked through storms of their own. When one stumbles, we all feel the tremor. Don't ever believe that you must weather this alone. Reach out – connection is a balm that heals not just individual wounds, but the shared scars of humanity.
And finally, as you stand amidst the tempest of your troubles, look ahead – see the horizon where the storm ends and calm begins. This difficulty is transient, a passing cloud in the expanse of your life. There's an undeniable strength within you, a resilience that's been with you since your first breath and will carry you through to your last. Your ability to rise, time and again, is the testament of your spirit. So stand tall, dear one, for even now, in the midst of the storm, your heart is learning to beat to the rhythm of an unwritten anthem – one of courage, hope, and the endless promise of new beginnings.
I want you to pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and hear this: It's completely normal to have days when you feel like you're in over your head. These waves of doubt and self-criticism, they crash over everyone. You're not failing; you're fiercely living. And in this life, your heart will sometimes ache, your confidence will waver, and that's okay. You don't always have to be strong. You're allowed to take off that armor and just be human. Self-compassion isn't a sign of weakness; it's the hallmark of your humanity. It's the courage to say, "I'm not okay, but I will be." So, give yourself the grace you effortlessly give to others. Your struggles, your feelings, they are as real and as valid as anyone else's. You deserve that kindness.
Now, let's talk about the hustle – this relentless drive to be constantly productive, to maintain the façade of a perennial winner. It's exhausting, isn't it? Let me lift that weight off your shoulders. It's fine not to have all the answers. Life isn't a race or a competition; it's a journey. And on this journey, there's a strength that comes from simply standing still, from embracing the stillness that allows you to hear your own voice above the noise. Let go of the guilt that comes with rest, with not knowing, with just... being. Instead, let's celebrate the ebb just as much as the flow, because both are essential. Both are life.
And if you ever think you're in this alone, let me stop you right there. You've got an entire tribe, an invisible network of support that’s rooting for you. Reach out – you'll find hands eager to hold yours, voices ready to uplift you, and hearts willing to understand your story. Your journey is unique, but the emotions you navigate, the hurdles you face – we've all been there in one form or another. You are part of a vast, beautiful tapestry, woven together by shared experiences and empathy. And remember, the darkest night is often just before the dawn. So hold on, because the world needs your dawn. It needs your light. And it's coming, brighter than you could ever imagine.