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Writer's pictureBridget Belden

Growth and Expansion: My Journey Through 2024


Live with intention

Your Magenta Monday Magic.


Surrounding Yourself with Positive and Supportive People

Well, here we are beginning our 3rd month of 2024. How are you doing with your New Year intentions? Are you still focused on your word(s) or mantra for the year? Are you noticing the shifts in your life? I know I am!


My words for 2024 are growth and expansion


Although they feel similar to one another, the way I am choosing to see them is growth – deeper and higher – and expansion outward, particularly in the context of navigating midlife crisis in women. If you picture an expanding orb, almost like a balloon being blown up, that’s what I’m feeling!


Of course, this has brought me to my edge in some areas. I joined Substack as a way to expand my audience as well as to grow deeper into my writing. I have to say I am loving it AND it has REALLY challenged me! 


I can’t say I didn’t ask for the challenge though!


I had one particular moment while writing a piece where I completely froze. On one hand, I knew I had been here before, and that it would be okay, but in that moment, all I could do was watch myself tumble down a rabbit hole of fear and self-doubt. (You can read the post here.) 😨


Ugh. It wasn’t pretty.


But then I saw it for what it was. 


It was me pushing my edge in the realm of growth and expansion. All my fear and my feelings of ‘I’m not good enough,’ came rushing to the surface and completely kicked me in the ass. I could hear people reading what I’d written and criticizing me. I could feel the fear of judgment and failure. I could feel the resignation that I would never be a writer. I could feel the imposter syndrome. And it didn’t feel good.


 

Monday Mindshift


It’s the 1° shift that makes the biggest difference over time.


But you know what? I am SO grateful for that moment because as uncomfortable as it was, it reminded me how far I’ve come. I was able to witness myself without judgment and ask myself ‘Why is this happening FOR me?’


In that moment, I actually took a step towards my intention of growth and expansion – and let me tell you – THAT part felt really good. 😊


How about you? Where have you witnessed your own growth and expansion lately? Have you responded in a moment where you would have simply reacted before? Have you told someone ‘no,’ when you would have said ‘yes’ before? Have you taken one small step towards giving yourself the time, attention, and love you deserve?


If so, take a moment to acknowledge that growth. And if not? Think about a challenging situation where maybe you didn’t respond as you would have liked. Ask yourself ‘Why is this happening FOR me?’ And then get curious and grateful for the opportunity you have to learn from it.


This month, amidst the journey of growth and expansion, we’ll explore how gratitude is such a powerful way to get present and accept the things that we need to accept, even though we may not want to.


Gratitude heals. particularly in the context of navigating midlife crisis in women. It helps us to overcome our negativity bias, allowing us to see all the good things in our lives instead of just searching for the bad. It elevates the joy in our lives and makes us resilient and ready to ride the waves of whatever challenging times await. 🌊


Because if there is one thing I know for sure, it's that there will be more challenges in the future. When you have the tools you need to move through them, though, there is NOTHING you can’t do. 💪


Bridget



 

Living BRIGHTer is...


B - Be Brave

R - Cultivate Relationships

I - Live with Intention

G - Practice Gratitude

H - Prioritize Health

T - Live your Truth


What is Magenta?


The color magenta is one of universal harmony and emotional balance. It is spiritual yet practical, encouraging common sense and a balanced outlook on life. Magenta helps to create harmony and balance in every aspect of life; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.


Click on my calendar link to sign up for a FREE 45-minute Pathway to Purpose Breakthrough Session now.



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