Tag: Brene Brown

The Wisdom of Grief

Three years ago around this time, someone I cared for deeply entered hospice and a weeklong end-of-life process that was dignity-rendering, yet leaking with sadness.

I stood the course with my beloved older brother on his journey toward death, knowing that he would want no pity, and if possible, he would have been spitting wisecracks at every turn, while declaring that life is to be enjoyed and celebrated.

With that in mind, as we race toward Christmas, or celebrate Hanukkah or countdown to the New Year, I share this wisdom borne from losing someone dear (in particular during the holidays) to remind us that one of the best ways to honor our loved ones is to keep on living, and to do so with intentional joy and hopefulness.

Here are a few ways that I’ve personally leaned into:

Love on yourself more, just because. 

Tell others what they mean to you while you can (I have and I regularly do).

Cry when you feel like it.

Laugh every chance you get.

Forget about yesterday’s grudges. 

Love those who love you back.

Be kind to those whose rudeness often means they need more kindness.

Challenge yourself to leave everyone better than you found them – with what you say and what you don’t; by how you share and where you set boundaries; and by giving with no expectation of reciprocity.

Let your heart break. The only way through grief is through. 

Say Thank You – for everything.

Because every breath you take, every day you get to experience, and every person who crosses your path is in some way a gift.

 
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When You’re Still Becoming

You’re not behind. You’re not late. You’re exactly where you need to be. A reflection on the power of “yet” and trusting your unfolding journey.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the word “yet.”

As in: “I’m not there yet.”

We use it apologetically, don’t we? As if being in the middle of our journey is something to excuse. As if the space between where we are and where we want to be is a gap that diminishes our worth.

But what if “yet” is actually the most hopeful word we have?

When you say, “I’m not there yet,” what you’re really saying is: I’m still becoming.

You’re acknowledging that your story isn’t finished. That there’s more ahead. That the best chapters might still be unwritten.

“Yet” means you haven’t given up. “Yet” means you’re still in motion. “Yet” means possibility is still alive.

Your story isn’t finished.

Your best work might still be ahead of you.

The person you’re becoming is still taking shape.

And that “yet”? That’s not a deficit. That’s a promise.

You’re not there yet.

And that means you’re still becoming.

Keep going.

💛 Stacy

I’m Curious: What’s something you’re not “there yet” on—but you’re trusting will unfold in its own time? I’d love to hear. Leave a comment below, then follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more frequent connection and inspiration. Let’s remind each other: We’re all still becoming.

Release and Receive

In these first few days of November, consider releasing what no longer serves you.

Those unhelpful habits or outdated clothes? Let them go.

That doubt, fear or hesitation? Bid it goodbye. 

Those dreamcrushers in your circle or wishy-washy connections? Bless and release them.

And then?

Since the clutter has been released, may you appreciate the beauty and boldness of purpose within you, and embrace all the good your mind, your heart and your arms now have the space to hold. 

Hold Your Life’s Pen

Decide this week to live and love with abandon, celebrate the good around you, and embrace challenges as opportunities to strengthen your ability to walk in the truth and beauty of who you are.

Everyone can’t or won’t understand your journey or your heart, and only you can script an accurate version of your story.

Hold the pen to your life and do just that, with compassion, grace and joy.


“A (person’s) judgment of another depends more on the one judging and on that person’s passions, than on the one being judged and on his/ her conduct.” (Paul Tournier)

Exude light and love no matter what, and the overflow can’t help but bless others.

Reasons to Say Thank You

Take some time throughout this day to pay attention to the simple things….

The sound of a bird chirping or a baby laughing;

that funny meme that landed in your text thread 

or the brief check-in call from a friend;

The hug from your teenager or toddler, 

or email from your mentor;

the wind gently swaying in the trees,

and the taste of your favorite ice cream.

The thoughtful compliment,

the genuine smile, 

the words of encouragement arriving at just the time you need them. 

Nothing is as random as we may think; 

yet even when it feels that way, 

we get to say thank you.

Stay the Course

As we settle into fall and and race toward the end of the year, don’t fret over what you haven’t yet checked off your list of goals; be grateful for what you have managed to achieve, and more importantly, for how you’ve grown.

Assess how you’ve nurtured, cared for, loved or mentored others, and give thanks for those who have poured some measure of tenderness and time into you.

Lean into all that fall holds and don’t stop striving. Stay the course in becoming.

Cherish those who cherish you, yet love everyone unconditionally.

Generously support and serve others, yet set boundaries to protect your self-care. 

Forgive and forge ahead.  Laugh and lighten up.

Dance or walk in the rain. Take chances and embrace joy.

Appreciate each day and embrace the lessons that this season, and previous ones, have offered.

Make peace with your present. Set new goals and arch toward new moutains. 

Whatever you do, don’t dim your shine. As someone once said, keep being the light you are and others’ eyes will adjust.

You, me – we – are imperfectly human. But we’re here! And as long as we have breath, we’re meant to stay the course.

Lean Into the Shadows of You

September is a great time to determine what you’ll focus on pursuing or releasing the final few months of 2024. Your answers to these questions can pinpoint your heart’s desires, your life’s calling, or your need to delve deeper within. 

Set aside some quiet time to courageously listen, pray and journal. During that process, name your fears and claim the bold ideas and dreams that lie just beyond them.

Taking this path may require you to stand alone for a season – perhaps to foster your pruning and perfecting. 

On other days, you may be compelled to stand by as others race past – giving you an opportunity to celebrate their wins, as you take consistent steps in the right direction. (Trusting that there are enough to go around.) 

Every day, you can choose to stand in light and love, so that as you give it, you become it.  This effort may be the most important of all, so that as you lean into becoming “what” you have in mind, “who” you are becoming simultaneously aligns.

What better way would there be to end this year?

Stay on Your Path

Five years ago today, I posted the photo and the sentiments below about the start of September and the looming end of this year. All these years later, this digital journal entry of sorts still resonates and feels worth sharing.

As you launch into September 2024, may my reflections on walking my life’s path encourage you to more fully appreciate your own:

I entered the first day of September (2019) with a morning trek along a path that was brand new to me. It was beautiful, breezy and serene. 

I talked to God, and then I stilled myself to listen, even as my feet kept moving. 

Then I saw it – a juncture in the road where the paved path yielded to gravel – leading to uncultured, unknown territory, and to a bend around which I could not see.

I advanced a few feet, then retreated, deciding to explore more fully on another day.

For in that moment, I had all I needed – fresh air, a lush green setting and a visual reminder that at every turn, I am loved, worthy and deserving of joy. That was the response that filled my listening heart.

That walk reminded me that even when we’re on the right path, we’ll encounter some pebbles, stones, rough patches and dirt. We won’t always know the end before we begin or even when we’re mid-journey. Yet, that’s why it’s so important to enjoy each step of the journey itself and to find value in each phase. 

In the right season, at the appointed time, we will discover the beauty around those bends, and perhaps appreciate the extra effort (courage?) required to get there. 

Wherever we are on our path today, we can lean into the truths of how God has already blessed us. Think back over your life for a few minutes and count the ways. 

Then, set your intentions, determine what you’ll do next (or how you’ll surrender), and say “thank you” in advance for the good that lies ahead – on paved roads, gravelly paths, wood trails and all.

How to Find Joy in Your Journey

Count it all joy:
The blessings that bring you happiness
The lessons that lead to wisdom
The heartbreak that teaches you empathy
The hope that helps you grow.
Each step
Each stride
Each experience
Each opportunity
Comprise your daily gift – the life that only you get to live.

© Stacy Hawkins Adams