Celebrating the Journey

The History 

If you've been around for a while, you'll already know that my childhood wasn't smooth sailing. My dad was an alcoholic who had never seen me succeed and never celebrated me. My mom had a severe mental illness making it hard for her to see me doing great things; I believe I was a trigger for her, and therefore she never celebrated me. 

I remember distinctly receiving a C grade in a class and being called stupid in high school, yet when I graduated top of my class with a Master's Degree, I was too good for her and our family. So, as you can imagine, it became deeply ingrained that I was not to be celebrated. 

This developed into a deeply wounded place for me, which I have been and will continue to heal. However, I am trying to step out of that space to receive from others and be celebrated and recognized. 

I know that I am not alone in this; I know that several people have grown up in a similar environment with dysfunctional/hurt family members that have not been given an example of what it is like to see the younger generation thrive. I think many people say, "I am doing this so that you can have a better life," however, when you step into that "better life," it can be challenging for them to see and witness. 

Witnessing the Journey 

I want to take a moment to celebrate myself. This is generally an uncomfortable space for me, so I am stepping into it to allow myself to feel the joy at the moment. 

Last week, I purchased a new vehicle, which made me reflect on the previous 14 months and my accomplishments. From building a website, launching a podcast, a Sound Vault Membership, and hiring a Virtual Assistant team, I have come a long way, yet, I haven't taken a single moment to celebrate any of it. 

When I purchased my new vehicle, I traded in my SUV, which I liked to refer to as my 'getaway car.' I bought this vehicle two days before leaving my now ex-husband as it was something solely in my name that could not be taken from me. It was the only asset I walked away with, and even if I didn't have a home, I would be okay because I could live in my car. 

To know that this is where I came from and where I am now makes me incredibly sad that I have not taken a moment to recognize and celebrate how far I have come. 

I stepped out of a car that served me so well; it got me from place to place and kept me safe both symbolically and physically. It was a beautiful memorial of letting go of my past life, honoring my getaway car but also knowing that I have outgrown it. So I step into my beautiful, new 'catch me if you can' car; I know that it fits my life now and that I have worked so hard to get where I am now.  

This car is a physical manifestation of all the hard work and sacrifice throughout the past four years. I am excited to be at a place where I can and should celebrate this life that I have created for Quinn and me. I am proud of myself. 

I am celebrating the spiritual space I am in because I would not have anything without it, without my deep faith in the Universe, knowing that it would provide abundance to me. If I had not created this spiritual connection and gone through several spiritual awakenings, I probably would have lived in my car. 

I am celebrating my willingness to open up and receive to allow the Universe to show off. 

It's Time to Celebrate You

I am telling you about my journey because I want you to celebrate yourself too. It doesn't have to be the celebration of a new vehicle, but it does have to be the celebration of you and the life you've created. 

I want this message to be one of hope for you if you're going through a tough time or have dealt with dysfunctional family or friends that your success has triggered. You cannot allow that to get in the way of celebrating you. 

This is your permission slip right here. So dance, pop the bottle, take an adventure, whatever the celebration looks like for you, I am proud of you! 

Thank You

I want to thank all of you for celebrating and sharing with me along the way. 

Now when I say I rise, You rise, you will have a better understanding of where that is coming from. I am a template for you to look at, you can rise also, and I will celebrate you so hard along the way. 

So, we're celebrating this moment, and I want to extend so much gratitude to you for honoring me; now it's time to celebrate you!

I rise, You rise, baby!