I need to start this post off by saying, I love blogging. Writing the post, arranging the pictures in a way that is most flattering, and sharing the post with everyone is so fulfilling. When I started blogging back in the summer of 2016, June to be exact, I was supper excited, optimistic, and full of energy.
I didn’t start doing it as a hobby..I had clear intentions on growing this thing I loved, into a full fledged business. What I didn’t know was how difficult it would be for me, as I navigated the terrain of a full time job, family issues, and most of all, my fluctuating hormones.
The first year or so was pretty easy breezy, but the last eight or so months, have been a real struggle. I wish I could blame it all on being menopausal, but I know me, and I choose to be honest with myself these days. Although the hormones play a big part in how I’m handling life issues, my behavioral patterns do also.
See my MO in the past has been to shut down at the first signs of life resistance, sulk, and go into recluse mode. I would sit around and constantly focus on what was wrong…spiraling into a vicious cycle..ushering in more of the same.
For the first few months of the year, I was constantly questioning my ability to do this thing. I was questioning my stamina, my patience, and my loyalty. Every time I experienced any disappointment from family members, coworkers, friends, and or fellow bloggers, I wanted to through in the towel. It was starting to feel like my life was falling apart, and I couldn’t get a grip on it.. like I was just circling the drain.
The only real relief I would find was in the planning of a vacation, and getting away. Traveling has always been my refuge, ever since I can remember. The only issue is, I can’t stay in a constant state of wanderlust, well at least not at the present moment. I also know I can’t run away every time things get tough. I want my travels to be all about embracing adventure, discovering new places, and new things about myself. My journeys should be about just that..the journey, not an escape mechanism.
Travel should be therapeutic, but not a therapy session, or the therapist, if that makes any sense…it does to me. Which leads me to share, therapy is definitely something I will be seeking on my new path, to not just feeling better, but being better. It’s that elephant in the room that most don’t want to talk about. I’ve learnt over the years that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with admitting that we need help. I’m tired of trying to do this thing all by myself. Blogging, and life in general, can become a bit overwhelming.
I’m in a really good place now, and my goal is to continue to grow. Balance is everything. Although this journey has been a bit difficult, I know that it’s a part of Gods plan. A plan of growth and prosperity. I’m just so happy that I have this platform to share my good, bad and ugly parts. My hope is that it will inspire someone else to keep pushing..to nurture themselves and their dreams.
If this post resonates with you, if you need somewhere to share your feelings..drop your thoughts below. Or you can always email me, at [email protected]. Also feel free to DM me on Instagram @squarepearls. We can do this together.
xoxo
Photo: @dadouchic
Until our next encounter love..as always, stay inspired
Great post Elaine! So honest! I’m a believer in therapy and also in Destiny! Keep pushing my friend!
Thank you so much Tonya. It wasn’t easy openly admitting that I needed help, but because of the amazing responses of people like yourself, I’m so glad I did.
xoxo
Hello
You’ve been a great inspiration to me! When your head is bowed in one shot..I felt like you said a little prayer for me. Yeah its a struggle but it’s good, I want to move on. I feel stuck at times, and then the feelin of freedom, at that one point, is only a small inch of movement. But I am surrounded by movement and I keep hearing go ahead, go ahead, I see steps I can take to the not so far away future. And it looks good….but it don’t look as good as you do! Yo go’head wit dat fabulous dress!!♡
I blog for FUN and when it becomes too difficult for me to write, I will just give it up. It’s not so easy when its a business. In the meantime lets try to enjoy the little things and those trying times will soon pass just like gas (LOL!)
BTW I love that dress on You.
As someone need to blogging and Instagram I find your post very helpful. Thank you 😊
Hi Yvette!
My apoligies for the late response. Thank you so much for stopping by. If you ever have any questions about anything, please feel free to email me. I would love to share anything that I know, that might be helpful.
xoxo
Hello Elaine,
It’s funny, but as I was reading your post I thought : « I need to tell Elaine how therapy could help her like it does help me with my life ».
Looking after your unconscious self is so important, please do it…and thank you for the post it resonates very much to me! (excuse my English, I hardly speak it these days)
We need more bloggers like you so please don’t give up writing posts!
Have a lovely day 🌷
Hi Diana
Thank you so much for sharing that you to have sort therapy. I really appreciate you. It was a bit tough admitting that I needed help, because as you know there’s such a stigma surrounding it. I’m gonna focus on taking care of me Diana, it’s a must. Thank you again.
xoxo
Also, your english is fine 😉
Oh Elaine! You have hit the nail, directly on my head!!! It’s a struggle… and by that I mean, LIFE! Maybe something more than hormones are in the air as emotions, family issues and attitudes are running CRAZY around here too. If it ONLY has you wanting to run away, count it a victory.
But we can and will power through. Maybe we’ll be a bit more sweaty, but we will be wiser and have something else to add to our story
Hugs!
Paula
http://www.dimplesonmywhat.com
Oh Paula, I so appreciate every time you take a moment to stop by. Your words are always so encouraging, and I’m grateful that my words, and feelings connect with you. Its tough, but I’m counting my blessings. Yes, we will power through..sweaty and all 😉
xoxo,
Love your vulnerability in this blog!! Yes, therapy sometimes has a negative connotation, but it is sometimes vital for progression! I do enjoy your IG posts and your blogs! You are a Winner and my book! Keep letting God use you!
Hey Euurca!
Thats so much for visiting the blog, and for your words of encouragement. Our community has to talk more openly about therapy, so that we can live. God is definitely doing something in my life. I plan on sticking around to see what it is 😉
xoxo
Hi Elaine!
Thank you for being so transparent in sharing your struggles. Know that you are not alone. I agree that blogging and IG are wonderful platforms for women to share their passion, encourage one another, and to earn some coins doing what they love. I love that!! But balancing it all is the real test. It’s not easy and I often wonder how do others do it? What is the secret? Do other areas of your life suffer as a result? So many questions and not enough answers. I pray and ask God to direct me because the one thing I don’t want is to operate outside of His will. Seeking help is good, I have done before and would do it again so that I can organize the chaos in my mind and in my life without the guilt of neglecting something or the resentment of not pursuing what I love. Thanks again for sharing. I pray you get the help you seek and you experience full joy in all that you do!
Thanks so much Tashisha for taking the time to read my post, and most of all, share your own experience with the struggle. You shared so much wisdom here…reminding me to seek God first,and that I’m not the first, and wont be the last woman to seek therapy.Thank you, thank you, thank you.
xoxo