Blossoming

You are built not to shrink down to less, but to blossom into more.

                  - Oprah Winfrey

As I may have mentioned, I am working on my Associate in Science with a concentration in Psychology as well as a certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling. Part of the training in substance abuse requires an internship at a rehabilitation center. Yesterday, I had a big interview at the very center where I had gone for outpatient recovery. I got a lot out of the program, and thus, really wanted to do my internship there.

I was nervous when I left, but the interview went well....and I got the job! I'll be working part-time, 3 days a week, sitting in on group therapy sessions and assisting around the office. 

On the ride home, I began thinking about how far I have come. In spite of periodic set backs, I have quit drinking for 7.5 years, traveled through the grey veil of depression all the way to the black abyss, and lived to tell the tale. In fact, I have gotten better - not perfect, but better.

I realized too that it has all been for a purpose - that the journey I've taken, which formerly seemed senseless, has had a purpose and that purpose is manifesting itself now. I am beginning to "blossom into more" - into the part I was born to play.

If there is one thing I have learned it's this: never settle! Never, never, never, NEVER settle for less than you could be! If your life isn't working, find out why, and fix it - change it! You have the power and the resources within. We have all been born with that innate power to change - even if we are born with challenges like mental illness. If you are savvy enough to find and read this blog, you are savvy enough to find the resources you need to get help and to live the life you were born to live.

If you are not happy with your life, change it! Do it for yourself - do it for the rest of us. The world needs more people who are not willing to settle for less, but willing to blossom and realize their purpose.

Inspiration of the Week

Haven't written regularly in awhile - still in a bit of a rut, but working to dig myself out. The quote above is so right - one must do the work before the universe sides with you to achieve your goals. Lord, why is this so hard for me to learn - especially in my personal life!?

Well, this is my mantra of the week. I'm going to see what I can actually accomplish in one week if I truly focus my efforts on the one thing I can control - me, my thoughts, and my actions.

Good Things Come...

It feels good, really good when the grip of depression and anxiety begins to release through treatment and recovery. The high one gets from having the soul reanimate one's body and mind is exquisite, but it apparently precedes a slight dip in the road when one discovers that real work still lies ahead.

I think that is where I am now. I have made great strides in overcoming social anxiety and depression, but if I want to take my life to the next level of growth, I will have to work...and I think it scares me a bit. Lately, I find myself procrastinating college coursework in particular.

What have you been procrastinating? What is stopping you from progressing to the next level of growth in your life? Whatever it is, commit to doing just one small thing toward that goal and see what happens.

I commit to doing one unit of Pre-Calculus tomorrow. What will you do? {Feel free to comment with your answer if you are feeling bold!}