Changing My View

Listen, I was born in June, so I definitely have a vibe with summer. The warmth, the sun, the long days—it’s like they were made for me. But winter? Winter and I, we don’t get along. I’m one of those people who wants to hibernate like the bears, curling up and staying cozy until the sun comes back. But I’ve decided this year to do things a little differently.

One of the changes I’m making is increasing my daily walking from 3 miles to 5 miles. My goal is to hit 10,000 steps every day. I’m not gonna lie, it’s a challenge, especially since menopause has a way of making me heat up faster than a kettle on the stove. So, I’ve learned to layer up and embrace the sweat. But here’s the thing: our surroundings, our situations, and our circumstances won’t always be ideal. They won’t always align with what we want or need. But we can’t let them stop us. We can’t let them hold us back from moving forward, from becoming who we were called to be.

I’ve been thinking a lot about self-reflection lately. You know the phrase, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Can you even look at yourself in the mirror? I’ve had to wrestle with this question. For a long time, I struggled with how I saw myself. I didn’t always like the reflection staring back at me. But I knew that if I wanted to grow, I had to change my perspective.

I had to shift the way I viewed myself. I had to let go of those limiting beliefs that held me back. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. But I’ve been able to do it by reaffirming the truths about myself. I’ve started doing things that remind me I’m enough—taking myself out on dates, buying myself flowers, diving into new hobbies, and traveling. These small acts of self-love and investment have made all the difference.

Empowerment isn’t something that comes from others. It’s something we ignite from within. Our purpose is like a fire waiting to be sparked, and when we invest in ourselves, we fuel that fire. I’ve learned that I don’t need to seek validation from anyone else. I’m enough just as I am. And so are you.

It’s all about changing our view. Changing the way we see ourselves, and the way we see the world around us. We don’t have to wait for perfect conditions to move forward. We can take action, no matter the weather, no matter the season of life. The journey to becoming the best version of ourselves starts with a shift in perspective. And that’s exactly what I’m doing—changing my view, one step at a time.

As I continue on this journey, I’ve realized that it’s not just about physical steps but also emotional and mental ones. The walk I’m taking each day is a metaphor for the steps I’m taking in my life. Some days, the path is smooth, and I feel energized like I’m on top of the world. Other days, the weather is cold, the winds are strong, and I feel like giving up. But that’s when I remind myself that even in those moments, I’m still moving forward.

Menopause has been a challenging part of my life, but it’s also been an opportunity to learn more about myself. It’s a season that has forced me to slow down, reflect, and reevaluate my priorities. I’ve had to embrace the changes in my body and mind and give myself grace. It’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t go the way we want them to, but I’ve come to understand that the seasons of our lives are all part of the process. The discomfort, the challenges, the moments of heat and cold—they’re all teaching us something.

It’s also been an opportunity to recognize the importance of self-care. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, especially when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities. But I’ve learned that taking care of myself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. When I invest in my well-being, I’m better equipped to show up for others and fulfill my purpose. Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or simply taking a moment to breathe, self-care is the foundation for everything else.

I’ve also learned that it’s okay to take up space. For so long, I felt like I had to shrink myself to fit into certain molds, to meet the expectations of others. But now, I’m embracing who I truly am. I’m unapologetically me, and that’s enough. I don’t need to shrink or hide. I don’t need to dim my light to make others feel comfortable. My purpose is unique, and so is yours. We all have something special to offer the world, and it’s time to step into that power.

So, as I continue to walk 5 miles each day, I’m not just moving my body—I’m moving my mind, my soul, and my spirit. I’m taking intentional steps toward becoming the person I’ve always been meant to be. And I’m inviting you to do the same. It’s time to change our view, to shift the way we see ourselves, and to embrace the journey ahead. We are enough. We are worthy. And we are capable of so much more than we realize.

Let’s keep walking, together. One step at a time.