\"I'm Trying My Best!\" But Are You Really?

This may be the most triggering blog I have ever written. I have never wanted to share something that might lead to someone feeling sad or low, yet sometimes sharing healing information is definitely what helps others rise. With awareness comes more choices.

It comes from a place of inner searching as I approach my 43rd birthday next week, and I'm not where I thought I would be - it seems I am still repeating certain ways of being and habits (that this beautiful eclipse has highlighted for me, lol). The beauty though: they are patterns and patterns can be changed.

I remember growing up hearing Mum say, "You're a good mum," and I often sat wondering if there was any real evidence behind her statement. Yes, I am a good mum - I do try my best most days, and other times I know I could do better. This comes from honest observation of the behaviors I keep repeating. It's not about criticizing myself or putting myself down; it's identifying ways I could be a better mum, and a better woman.

Take a breath before you read these. There's no right number of "yeses" here - this isn't a test, it's a mirror:

- Are you moving your body daily?

- Are you speaking to yourself lovingly, like you would a child?

- Are you giving yourself hugs and comfort as needed?

- Are you looking after your inner child with joy, laughter, and creation?

- Are you setting boundaries for your own peace?

- Are you putting your needs first too?

- Are you nourishing your body?

- Are you taking ownership of your choices and their repercussions?

- Are you present in this moment, or is your mind somewhere else?

- Are you putting time and effort into your own healing and triggers?

- Are you taking responsibility for your own needs?

- Are you being honest with yourself and others?

You don't need to fix all of these at once (please don't try). Read back through the list and pick just one or three that pull at you most. Sit with them, journal on them, and choose one small action you could take this week. That's it. That's the whole practice. (I'm right there with you ❤)

I take a long look at these questions and sometimes feel a little (or alot) sad when the answer is no. HOWEVER, I do not stay in the sadness or allow any criticism or negative self-talk to rise and take over there, because I know that when I ask myself the hard questions, I can then choose to do something about them. This is empowerment. These are my choices.

What are you choosing?

You deserve as much love, affection, time, and attention as everyone else does too. We are all incredible miracles getting to live this ONE life!

We get to live, experience, love, grow, and expand!

So here I am, writing this with tears in my eyes, because I know that most times, yes, I do believe we're doing our best. I just also know there are times we could do better with our self-love and growth. There are times we could choose better, and learn from our mistakes and choices. We learn and grow.

Taking an honest look at ourselves, with love, compassion, and new eyes, can lead you to a much brighter and more abundant life, if we let it . Are you brave enough to do this? Much like the courage of a Leo (that's me, lol).

You are special - always remember that. And you are deserving of ALL good things.

If you'd like some self-love and inner work resources, grab this free meditation and guide bundle created to help you slow down, drop into your body, and remember that you are safe and loved more than you may ever know.

With so much love

Aley xx