When I look back, I realize that it was during the hardest times in my life that I put roots down, grew stronger, and found solid ground (even though I didn’t know it at the time). That probably doesn’t feel possible right now. It is hard to see clear when we are in the middle of a storm.

We grow through every experience. If we pay attention, we can see the beauty in the struggle. That doesn’t mean that we should ignore the pain or be positive all the time. It means learning from the challenges, searching for new ways to survive, and taking the opportunity to reinvent ourselves. We have this one precious life to live.

As humans, we can be stubborn and blind to what is right in front of us. We are all moving too fast. We don’t want to slow down because then we are forced to look inward, to face our problems…insecurities, sadness, anxiety. What we don’t realize is that it is in the slowing down that we can heal. If we don’t “feed and water” ourselves, how can we move forward? How can we truly grow as people…as a community…as a country?

If you’re feeling sad, look around today and find one simple thing that has brought you joy in the last week. That one thing is a start, something to build upon. Look inward and think about what has felt good…what has “stirred your soul”. That is the place to plant your roots and grow. When I’m struggling, I hold onto to what stirs my soul and it brings my life back into focus. Keep searching for that light… ❤️

© Tracy Blowers