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.
This week, consider this assertion: There’s so much waiting for you on the other side of fear, loss or setbacks.
Don’t you see it over there – waving at you? Beckoning you? Smiling at you?
All you need are your boots for walking, curiosity and courage to enjoy the journey, and your authentic willingness to fully experience what’s calling.
Now, I know that’s much easier said than done – I’ve been there!
Yet, what I also can assert is that as you start telling yourself the right story, and believing it, you can also start doing those things (or stop doing those things) that will help you achieve what you are longing for.
Give yourself a chance. You are without a doubt worth it.
Start (again) today and keep becoming. That’s the best way to win at being you.
We’re living in a time when our culture and our media offer emphatic representations of what success, happiness and fulfillment are supposed to be.
Thankfully, we still have free will and the right to choose who we want to be and how we want to do life.
My personal aim?
I’m striving to continually lean into the wisdom to always be true to yourself, no matter what.
This requires me to consistently carve out time to be still and quiet, so I can listen to and better know myself at every turn. When I hear from within, I am reminded of the values I want to inform my choices and the values that best align with my life’s purpose and goals.
Even with such focus, however, it’s important to remember that none of us is perfect. I – we – must be intent on moving with humility and generosity. We can’t dismiss, discard, disrespect or devalue others, for they are on uniquely divine journeys, too. In the circle of life’s reciprocity, what we render is also what we receive.
Consider joining me on this journey to honoring our truest and highest selves – the parts of us that operate with both heart and integrity. In doing so, I believe we’ll find the truest paths to success, inner joy (which supersedes happiness) and fulfillment.
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.
I’ve been on a staycation this week and just a few days in, I feel like a new woman.
I’ve cleaned my fridge, and filled bags of clothes and other stuff to take to Goodwill and to a local church’s clothes closet.
I’ve hooked up a new computer (on my own), although my son chatted with me during the process, in case I needed tech support. Lol
I’ve fielded calls from my daughter, the bride-to-be, who is on the countdown to April.
I’ve chatted with a few friends daily and lunched with two.
I’ve turned down a brief road trip and a complimentary flight. Why?? To simply rest.
Which leads me to what has been the most meaningful part of this week so far: allowing myself to sleep until my heart’s content and move at a “whenever I get to it” pace. (Today is my busy day for the week. I’ve scheduled a few appointments and virtual meetings, and if I owe you an email, it’s coming!)
My fellow author Saundra Dalton Smith, who penned the bestselling book Sacred Rest, would be proud.
Because rest is indeed sacred, and it opens up our well and our energy for creativity, deeper engagement with others, better appreciation for our blessed surroundings, and greater willingness to see and serve ourselves. (When our wells are full; we can healthily pour into others.)
I haven’t paused this week because I’m ill(I feel great!); I’ve intentionally paused to ensure that my pace for 2024 remains measured and meaningful.
I’ve paused to ensure that I center myself in being fully present and focused on enjoying the days, weeks and months to come.
This “rule of rest” for the week felt uncomfortable at first (those waiting-but-not-urgent emails and chapters to write taunted me), but as I’ve leaned into the leisure, I’m certain it’s preparing me to dive more joyfully and energetically into my storytelling projects and other professional endeavors, my volunteer activities, family milestone moments, looming travel, and much more.
I’ve shared this, in part, as an invitation to join me. If your January was busier than expected, consider making time in February for your own sacred pause.
You may not be able to devote a week, but gift yourself a day (or a few) to lean into sleep – as much as your body craves – and enjoy some good food, laughter, and pampering yourself in simple ways that matter to you.
You are worth it. And so are the dreams, goals, work, relationships and legacy you are nurturing. Trust the timing of your life, and in the process, your preparation and strategic rest, will align.
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As we settle into a new year, it’s a great time to reflect on the good of the year that has passed and assess how we have grown or blossomed. With this in mind, I invite you to spend a few moments with me, reflecting on some of the adventures, laughter, and unexpected twists that made my 2023 an extraordinary year of firsts. My journey unfolded with intention, leading to experiences that filled my heart with joy and my soul with a sense of discovery. As you read about my special firsts, consider what brought you hope last year and which of those pluses you may want to incorporate into your future.
I Signed Up for Laughter Yoga.
The journey began with laughter—pure, unbridled, snorting laughter in the form of Laughter Yoga at The Innerwork Center in Richmond, Virginia. Imagine this: a group of four, a cozy yoga studio, and the fusion of laughter and focused movement. We warmed up with simple exercises, gradually easing into a session of laughter charades that left us in stitches. It was silly, it was rewarding, and it set the tone for many more adventures to be had. The power of laughter, combined with the serenity of yoga, created an experience that reached beyond what I could have ever imagined.
I surrendered to an impromptu adventure.
Life has a way of lobbing surprises, as was evident on a planned day trip from Richmond to New York City, to experience Tea Around Town on a converted double-decker bus turned elegant tea room. The flight that my friends and I were scheduled to take was canceled minutes before boarding time. Now what? Pivot. After an impromptu photo shoot in the airport, we shifted our plans westward — to Charlottesville, Virginia.
Blog post author Lynn Lewis is center, wearing hat.
This detour led us to Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard, a picturesque winery nestled in the heart of Virginia. The day unfolded with a decadent lunch, a perfect blend of nature, good company, and the delightful exploration of local treasures in downtown Charlottesville. It was a subtle and welcoming reminder that sometimes, the unplanned detours lead to the most memorable adventures.
I enjoyed a Girls’ Weekend that Turned Out to Be a Lesson in Perfect Timing.
How often do we find ourselves waiting for the “right time” to do something we’ve always wanted to do? For me, it was hosting a few of my closest friends for Girls’ Weekend 2023. Some of them knew of each other, but they had never met in person. I had wanted to make that happen for longer than I can remember. The realization struck—what was I waiting for? The right time was now. No lavish resort, just my humble abode, transformed into a haven of laughter, stories and indelible shared moments. Five of the seven invitees showed up, and what unfolded was a perfect blend of friendship, games and heartfelt conversations. Sometimes the most meaningful experiences happen in the comfort of our own spaces.
Now It’s Your Turn — Here’s Your Invitation to Intentional Living!
What have you been putting off? What dreams and adventures have you deferred for the elusive “right time?” What is it that you’ve been yearning to do? As I reflect on my year of firsts, I encourage you to embrace the unknown and step into the uncharted territories of your desires. Seek out new experiences, savor the joy of the unexpected, and create a tapestry of memories that can help define your journey.
The joy I found in my new experiences has led me to a decision—to make a lifestyle of enjoying firsts. Share your stories, your dreams and your moments of joy. Let’s inspire each other to embrace a life filled with firsts and make 2024 a year of intentional living, where every day brings new opportunities for joy, growth and connection. Here’s to the adventures that await and the stories yet to be written.
Lynn Lewis is a Virginia-based grief coach, survivor of suicide loss, speaker and author. Learn more about her services at DestinedToThriveGriefCoaching.com and follow her on Instagram at @griefcoachlynn.
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You get to define what success looks and feels like for you – which means you also must decide what will get you from here to there.
Those considered great among us can confirm that their success required (and requires) sacrifice – even when they make it look easy.
So what are you willing to sacrifice in the short term to see that vision or goal become your permanent reality? How will you be a better steward of your purpose or dream?
As I continue to “bake” a new book – and prepare a few surprises for readers friends along the way – it is requiring some sacrifice.
Less TV time and limited hangout time, just for a season. Earlier morning risings. Deeper dwelling in my “writing cave.”
Additional quiet time to reflect, brainstorm and be. (For writers, this is part of the process.)So if you have a writer in your life, grant us some grace if you see us staring off in space or at a blank wall. We’re creating!
And for everyone else moving in your flow, don’t apologize for needing to shut things down for a while. Your results will someday offer clarity on your behalf. Stay the course, and win in your own way.
I’m sharing this “public service announcement” to persevere for whoever needs it (and just know, that sometimes it’s me).
If it’s not you today, pass it on!
Keep breathing – your deep-in-the-valley season is just a pitstop.
Keep dancing – the swirling storm will find it harder to touch you.
Keep believing – beauty can indeed be birthed from ashes.
Keep trusting yourself – you’re a prize worth cherishing, at home, at work and everywhere in between.
Keep paying attention – to your heart, to your gut, to what people show you rather than what they say, and to what you know to be true. Trusting yourself will never lead you wrong.
Keep laughing – it’s medicine for your soul, and everything doesn’t have to be so serious.
Most importantly? Just keep on keeping on.
I promise you, your best days are ahead, no matter your age, stage or circumstances.
Your job is to persist in excellence, love with an open heart, set appropriate boundaries, welcome peace and treasure your joys.
I’m living proof (and there are so many tangible examples around) that it’s all doable. Join me on this Life Untapped journey in your own way and in your own time. Just promise me, and yourself, that you’ll keep going.
New seasons of life, new opportunities, new doors to walk through are often what we pray for; yet when they arrive, we sometimes quake in our boots. (See my raised hand.)
But as my late mother told me in our final conversation before her passing, “Sometimes you have to lose to gain.”
Growth = movement, and progress requires letting go of what’s in your hand now to take hold of the blessings that await.
When you feel at peace that you’re moving in the right ways and at the appointed time, go ahead and trust yourself – summon your courage and leap.
As one of my favorite quotes suggests, your next-level joy is on the other side of your fear of the unknown – and your purpose-driven path may be there, too:
“What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?”
Still Unfolding with Stacy Hawkins Adams 