A Friend's Visit

I have a friend coming in to town to stay with me for a few days. I’m looking forward to showing off what I’ve created here—maybe because I once wouldn’t have thought it possible.

There was a time when I would have worried what a guest would think. There was a time when my surroundings reflected my inner uncertainty and unhappiness. Now my surroundings reflect my inner peace and order and joy.

I can see, in my reaction to my friend’s visit, how far I’ve come. I realize how much self-confidence I have NOW.

Not that she knew me back when I was so scared and unhappy. Not that she knew me when I didn’t know how to smile. She won’t know how far I’ve come, but I will.

It is easy to forget how far we’ve come if we focus only on where we still have or want to go. But that’s a mistake because recognizing and celebrating the progress we’ve already made is part of what provides us with proof that we can achieve the goals we still have.

I’ve said it before and I know I’ll say it many times again—the more we acknowledge our own real inner strengths, the more true reasons we can find to believe in ourselves, the farther we will get making changes in our lives.

So I hope you take a moment today and realize how far you’ve come. Smile and celebrate and applaud yourself for the work and courage it’s taken to get to where you are right now. And remind yourself that every bit of progress you have already accomplished because each piece is proof that you can create the life you want to have.

Sending safe and gentle ((((((hugs))))))),
April_optimist