Relax, Reset, Repeat…

A serene still life with delicate pink orchids and a softly glowing candle, reflected gracefully in calm water.

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What a way to kick off a mid-month check-in with some R, R, R! My story is rather dull—a straightforward tale of brokenness accompanied by some harsh truths. However, I must admit it also includes comebacks and a deep peace that I have long sought. Clearly, it’s nothing more than a cliché story of life’s enduring lessons.

Let's begin by looking in the mirror. The person staring back at you is, of course, you! When I first paused to see my reflection while embarking on personal inner work, I felt uneasy. This discomfort arose from the realization that I needed to change to improve my self-perception. Years of challenges had left me feeling like a failure. Many took pleasure in my setbacks, but today I continue to positively impact others' lives. Overwhelmed by grief, all I saw was anguish, sorrow, and hopelessness. In that moment, as I looked into my own eyes, I found just one word... emptiness. 

By taking time to relax, reset, and repeat, I open pathways to enhance my well-being for myself and those around me. Prioritizing myself allows everything else to fall into place. Self-care is an excellent method to explore every facet of your subconscious. With this understanding, you become receptive to all that you wish for.

Years ago, I was lively, carefree, and somewhat reckless. It was the best time of my life, complemented by my dance career. I loved traveling across the states, teaching young people how to express themselves through dance, and having a lot of fun. However, things changed when I became pregnant. At that moment, I decided my child would be my motivation to become a better person. Naturally, I had to mature, and life presented many challenges that left me feeling bitter and lonely. I lost touch with who I was, and my daughter bore the brunt of my bitterness towards life. I spent many days cursing life itself.

During those years of bitterness, I felt lost within myself. I was exhausted from constantly being angry. My step-father then challenged me to change my career to one focused on serving others. I transitioned from being a waitress to a hospitality professional. Initially, I hated it because people seemed to feel entitled to be served as if I was at their beck and call. There was no respect, and I frequently clashed with clients who were simply unpleasant. One day, a superior told me to get my act together. Whatever potential they saw in me, they refused to let me fail. So, I quickly committed to training and retraining until charm school was unnecessary; (yes, I was and still can be difficult; if you want good service, BE KIND!) I can't quite express how things began to change. These subtle shifts marked the start of a new self-improvement journey—better late than never. Naturally, I faced many challenges in the industry because, firstly, I am a single parent raising one child, playing both mother and father roles. Secondly, adulting is tough! Balancing raising a child and being a responsible adult was like navigating a chaotic storm. But I did it. I succeeded in raising a wonderful human being who is far better than I am, and I feel incredibly proud.

Embracing self-love with gratitude and grace leads to a deep joy that makes you invincible. Treat yourself with kindness!

Over the years leading up to this point, I encountered numerous challenges. One significant hurdle was relationships. The harsh, unfeeling nature of certain individuals made me feel diminished. The relationship that truly devastated me left me feeling unattractive in every sense—mind, body, and spirit. I spiraled into deep depression, constantly trying to please others while neglecting myself, fulfilling everyone else's needs, and allowing myself to be belittled and mocked. I was incredibly naive, and as a result, I became unattractive to the person I once loved. That was the turning point. When you hear hurtful words like “I don’t find you attractive anymore” without any explanation, it leaves a lasting impression of ugliness, marking the beginning of a bitter period. I felt undeserving of roles as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, or friend. This negative energy lingered for years, causing everything to rapidly decline. Until one day, I decided enough was enough. I couldn’t endure it any longer, and that’s when I began to change my mindset. The mirror, once my adversary, became my ally.

A luminous lotus flower softly illuminates the pages of an open book, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere with scattered petals enhancing the peaceful scene.

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A soothing collection of rose quartz tools, including a gua sha and a crystal point, rests on a soft pouch surrounded by Himalayan salt crystals, evoking a tranquil and healing ambiance.

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A minimalist composition featuring a ceramic vase with delicate pink blossoms, casting gentle shadows on a wooden surface against a softly lit beige wall.

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A serene spa setting featuring a wooden bowl filled with aromatic pink bath salts, surrounded by handcrafted soap bars, a burning candle, and delicate flowers.

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Life offers numerous lessons that you must learn from. Don't resist them, as more will inevitably come. Prioritize self-love by taking time to reflect on your inner self and reset your mind. Repeat this process as often as necessary, because without this inner work, you will continue to encounter more than just life's lessons.

Spending a quiet moment alone to gaze into the mirror isn't about vanity, but about truly seeing the person reflected back at you. Once, the scars of my past might have seemed unsightly, but today I see something different: I see a warrior, a mother, a human being. I have conquered the toughest battles and emerged alive, resilient, and strong. The scars I bear are a source of pride because I am better today. I have always been kind, generous even when I had little, and fearless in every step I took. My daughter had everything she wanted and more. When I couldn't provide her needs and desires, I found a way. Though we faced some turbulence in our relationship, we overcame those negative moments. We created good memories, the kind that make you laugh until you cry. We enjoyed life as best we could with what we had. Looking back, I am completely proud and happy it happened because we now appreciate life even more. So, I want to dedicate everyday to self-care routines for everyone. I will share what has helped me thrive.

Let's focus on today. When you have a moment, take the opportunity to look in the mirror. Allow yourself to see your scars and reflect on the journey you've undertaken. Consider the challenges you faced and how you managed to overcome them. Recall when your world seemed to be falling apart, and now you can look back and think, "Wow, I thought that was tough, but I made it through." Indeed, recognize the triumph within you, as you are capable of overcoming your most challenging times. See them as the lessons you needed to learn. And when you encounter another "Why is this happening to me?" moment, instead ask yourself, "What am I meant to learn from this?"

Life isn't intended to be filled with continuous worries. It's meant to be approached with confidence and determination. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to relax your mind, body, and spirit through a bit of meditation. Refresh your mind, rejuvenate your energy, and renew yourself by occasionally giving yourself some love. Do this as often as needed, and you'll notice a breathtaking change.

Until next time … Enhance from Within XOXO