Time flies by in the blink of an eye, and before we know it, significant chunks of our lives have passed. For me it is essential to take a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey we've embarked upon. I feel this very deep inside my heart at the moment so I've taken the past couple of months and looked at the journey I have been on the past five years.
The past five years have been a rollercoaster of experiences, lessons, and growth, each contributing to shaping who I am today. Maybe stronger, maybe a little more broken? The only way we can clear the path of our future is to reflect and see choices, a life lived and what we've done with our gifted time.
Let's delve into the art of reflection and explore how we can channel our newfound wisdom into a future brimming with potential.
A Path Traveled
Looking back on the past five years, I can see the winding path that has led me to where I am today. There were some good highs but also very low lows, triumphs and failures, but each experience added depth to my today character. By taking stock of the path I've traveled, I can celebrate the victories, acknowledge the challenges, and gain insight into the choices that brought us to this point. The good and the bad ones. No one is perfect, and no life just happens without fail or some regrets. The power lies in acknowledgment, and reaching out for a better tomorrow. ALWAYS. On the lows, yes, but even on the highs we must strive to be and do better.
Lessons Learnt
Every experience, no matter how insignificant it may seem at the time, carries a lesson. Reflecting on the past five years allows me to identify these lessons and extract wisdom from it. There were so many different things like me making to the top of Kilimanjaro, and then us leaving our home to a new province. Reaching highs and reaching lows, saying good-bye to so many people we love and adore, family and friends. But all the change taught me the importance of adaptability, or highlighted the significance of perseverance. Each lesson learned is a stepping stone to becoming a more resilient, empathetic, and wiser woman.
Celebrating Growth
Personal growth is a continuous journey, and the past five years have undoubtedly been a period of transformation for me. I didn't realise it at the time, but today I look back and I know it was. Reflecting on the progress I've made reminds me of my capacity to learn and evolve. The goals I achieved, the fears I conquered, and the challenges I surmounted all contribute to my personal growth story the past five years. Especially more so the past three years since I turned forty. By recognizing and celebrating how much I've changed, I can approach the future with more confidence in my ability to adapt and thrive.
It's easy to just move forward, year after year... like a robot because that's how we do it. That's how we cope, but the moment we allow ourselves to stop for just a moment and breathe, we see and feel things we long forgotten about but maybe hurt, caused trauma, brought great and wonderful happiness. It is important to stop, reflect and then move forward.
Looking Forward With Purpose
As we reflect on the past, it's also crucial to shift our gaze toward the future. The lessons learnt and the insights gained from our journey can help us craft a clearer vision of what we want to achieve in the next five years. Setting goals that align with our values and aspirations empowers us to work towards a future that excites and motivates us. Having direction gives a sense of purpose and honestly I don't think we will ever by a hundred percent done looking for more, but that's why it is important to reflect and move forward. So that each new chapter, let it be every five years or every ten years, be clear in where we want to go and where we never want to return. Make intentional decisions for the next five or ten years.
Embracing The Change
Change is a constant companion on our journey through life. The past five years have undoubtedly taught me that circumstances can shift in unexpected ways. Sometimes good, other times heart breaking. Reflecting on our experiences equips us with the resilience to embrace change and adapt when we need it. Instead of fearing the unknown, we can approach the future with an open heart and a willingness to learn from whatever comes our way. This is my hardest challenge of them all. Being fearless and courageous all the time.
Moving Forward
Reflecting on the past five years is not just a stroll down memory lane; it's an opportunity to distill the lessons, celebrate the growth, and prepare for the future. Our journey is a testament to our strength and resilience, and each moment lived has contributed to shaping our unique story. As I look ahead, I will carry the wisdom of the past with me, using it to guide my choices and live a path filled with purpose, growth, and fulfillment.
God's Grace
At the end of the day, God's grace was upon me. Every step, every decision and every day. He was my comforter during the most difficult times. He was my hope when I had none. He was my peace when a war was breaking out inside my heart. He was my strength when I was weak, my reasoning when I saw no future and He was my light during darkness.
I know God is not done with my story, but I know whatever is in the past is behind me for a reason. Time to focus on the future and the wonderful plans God has for us. If God is for me, who can be against me?
Do you reflect and how often do you reflect? Or do you just keep going and never look back?
Much Love
Maris
xoxo
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