I’ve been blogging and speaking on mental health for 5 years. It’s mind boggling to me that it’s been 5 years of sharing with the world the ups and downs of my life.I remember when I first had this vision and dream to start sharing my story, I was so afraid. I was afraid what others would think. I was afraid that no one would resonate with my words. But I felt so determined to share my story to help others. And what a journey it has been!! I remember in the beginning, I had so much passion and excitement that I wrote a blog post every Monday. I was fortunate early on to get connected with an organization in Cincinnati, 1N5, that promotes mental health and aims to prevent suicide, and they have been sharing each and every one of my blogs on their newsletter for the past five years. When I truly think about organizations like that with people I’ve never met in person, that have believed in me and my message from the start, it makes me emotional and just so grateful.Over time, I have pulled back from blogging every week. It became unsustainable with all that I had to work through in my life through my mom’s cancer, grieving her after she passed, becoming a mom myself, ups and downs in my businesses, and working through my own mental health and self-love challenges. I’m proud of myself though, for allowing myself to take a step back and not blog as much. I remember my therapist once told me that by setting boundaries, you may be less loved, but you will be more loving. And I think that’s what I’ve learned over these past 5 years – that it’s more than okay to set boundaries and put yourself first, even if people expect you to keep showing up in the ways you have in the past, and by doing so, you allow yourself to be more loving towards the work you are doing. I’ve pivoted and changed so much in my blogging and speaking, and I’m thankful to still have the opportunity to do this impactful work, in the way that feels true to me, now.I really can’t believe it’s been 5 years and I feel like I could go on and on about my growth. I’ve learned and grown so much. You’ve been here with me through so many of my triumphs, and so many of my lows. You’ve been here when I’ve taken months off from blogging, or had nothing to say at all. I am so thankful for each and every one of you for your support and for the ways you’ve taken my words and applied them to your own journey. In so many ways, it has felt like I’ve shown up for you and so many others in these past 5 years, but in reality, I’ve shown up for myself in the most beautiful, caring and compassionate ways.I truly don’t know what the next 5 years hold. I just do know that I’ll continue to put myself first, practice what I preach, take breaks, not post as often, and pour into myself. I will allow myself to continue to break free from anything that holds me back. I will continue to stay true to myself. And by doing that, I hope to give you another 5 years of raw, unfiltered and authentic blogs that hopefully inspire you to stay true to you as well, and always, no matter what, love yourself and pur yourself first.Xo,Be Beautifully Simply You
