Slow Down & Be with Her: A Reflective Life Update
I recently read the saying “I will never have this version of myself again. Let me slow down and be with her.” These words struck a chord with me, as they felt like divine permission to be still and balance the grind with gratitude and presence.
My creative, professional and maternal ambition has led me on an endless journey of goal setting, striving and self-improvement. I am incessantly pursuing avenues of elevation for myself and my family unit. I realize however that there are so many gems of the here and now that are equally deserving of my attention.
Creatively speaking, there is much in store for my art brand, and it is a true pleasure using every day to invest in my craft, and using my expressive passion to fuel my projects. Admittedly, though, it is a journey. While I graciously endure the gradual creative process, I can celebrate what I have now artistically.
Like my recent discoveries of new artists, new music, new poems and writers with fresh artistry that aliment my heart. I am quite taken with this version of myself that is diving deeper into the creativity of others and using it to nourish her soul.
Some of my most rapturous moments have been in solitude enjoying the lyrics, poetry, and celestial expression of other artists. Art and creativity are the soul’s playground, and I’m happy I can resonate with other creators. Surely I am endlessly striving to be the best artist I can be, but I will not attach my happiness to the end result of my creative journey because there’s much to savor right now.
Domestically speaking, I find myself in endless pursuit of ways to elevate myself as a mother, partner and young adult. My emotional, financial and spiritual contributions to my family unit are the most important aspect of my life as nothing is more important than my daughter’s and fiancé’s wellbeing.
That said, it is easy to fixate on the grind and the goals I’ve set to level up for myself and for my family, like using my degree, bilingual, and writing skills to advance my corporate career to enhance my family’s quality of life. But there’s a unique peace I gain from enjoying what we have in the now when it comes to my young adulthood and my family.
For example, I am certainly committed to striving to give my Luna Violet the highest quality of life, as it is her birthright. However I’m loving the current version of me who has learned to budget, be financially disciplined and to prioritize her daughter’s needs to ensure she is provided for. Additionally, in my quest to career advancement, it’s important I take time to celebrate all that I currently have.
Surely, it is empowering to envision myself climbing the corporate ladder and shattering the glass ceiling as a woman in the workplace. Admittedly though, I’m impressed that in the present, I am a bilingual college graduate applying her education and professionalism to her current corporate role and budding entrepreneurialism. There is always something I can improve or develop, but there’s a plethora of tasks that I’m currently doing right and well, and I am pleased to be reminded of that.
Finally, and most importantly, I cherish this version of me who surrenders her goals and desires to the Great Spirit above, and exercises patience as her blessings grace the horizon.
Often, I am greeted by the nostalgic memories of my past selves. The sentimentality makes me think of the fast pace life happens at and the value of the many versions of myself I’ve experienced. What’s more, it all inspires me to be more present with my current self & to appreciate the nuances of each stage life gifts me, no matter how hectic or demanding the grind gets.
