HopeAlways

Navigating Turbulence for Growth

admin — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 22:51:30 +0000

Navigating Turbulence for Growth

Your emotions can sabotage you. Seriously, they can. I’ve been there. There were times when I was ready for a new opportunity or mindset, only to be derailed by the smallest doubt from another person. It’s like stepping onto a path of positivity only to stumble and fall into a pit of negativity. It’s like one of those days where everything feels off, and you just decide to let it all go – your healthy habits, positivity, and self-care? I’ve been there too.

But what if you could navigate those rough days without letting them define you? What if you could acknowledge the suckiness of a situation without letting it consume you entirely? Trust me, you can. Don’t let your emotions dictate your trajectory.

As employees, bosses, wives, or mothers, we must recognize that emotional reactivity and regulation are crucial. They can either propel us towards greatness or hold us back. I know how easy it is to let negative emotions overshadow our joy, especially when feeling uncomfortable.

It’s not an easy task for someone who is inherently emotional and sensitive, but I have learned to handle my emotions the hard way. I try not to take my bad moods out on my loved ones and always be the best version of myself, even when everything seems to be going wrong. I have allowed my emotions to get the best of me in the past, disrupting my thoughts and causing me to miss out on amazing opportunities because of one or many bad days.

But here’s the thing—there’s a way through this. I want to share three tips to help you take responsibility for yourself, embrace your emotions, and seize opportunities for growth.

1. Embrace the Suck

The first step in dealing with an uncomfortable situation is acknowledging it. It’s okay to accept that things aren’t going well, but it’s equally important not to let yourself be overwhelmed by negativity. When I’m feeling down, I avoid negative content like true crime podcasts, which only worsen my mental state. Instead, I accept the situation and actively look for uplifting activities like walking or working out or distractions like motivational videos.

2. Learn from the Pitfalls

Take accountability for your emotions and actions. This isn’t just about owning up to your mistakes; it’s about recognizing the role you play in your own life. What can you learn from those moments of emotional turmoil? How can you use them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement? By taking accountability, you empower yourself to make positive changes in your relationships, your work, and your life as a whole.

3. Communicate Your Feelings

Don’t suffer in silence. Have the courage to have tough conversations with those around you. Let them know what you’re going through, and be open to receiving support and thoughts. If they can’t meet you halfway, that’s on them. But at least allow yourself and your loved ones to address issues and work towards solutions together.

We don’t have to detach from our emotions, but we don’t have to let them dictate our lives. It’s all about finding a balance between compassion and accountability. Remember, no one is perfect 24/7—least of all me. So give yourself permission to feel, stumble, and grow.

Together, let’s navigate through the storms of our emotions and emerge stronger on the other side.

The post Navigating Turbulence for Growth appeared first on HopeAlways.

How are you? Really.

admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 02:08:39 +0000

photo by daniel torobekov

How Are You? Really.

I wonder how many of us are managing our mental, emotional, and physical health while working? This can be an uncomfortable question, right? And I want us to start thinking about this because many of us are balancing between working, parenting, paying bills, running errands, exercising, fulfilling dreams, making a voice for ourselves, and dating, being single, or in a relationship(s). It can be a lot. And I want you to know I hear and see you. In addition to my community and communications role, I am also an eight-year Hatha Yoga Instructor who focuses on trauma yoga. And throughout the years, I saw how work affected people’s overall health. Knowing that, I’ve been guilty in the past of saying, “one day I’ll get help”, “I have to prove myself at work”, or “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” And some of you might be thinking you’ve said the same thing. That’s okay if you have, but it’s time we put our health first. We, as humans, deserve to take care of our minds, emotions (souls if you believe in that), and bodies. The last thing we want to do is burn out and get stuck in an unhealthy work dynamic. So, I want to share a few ways you can begin putting your overall health first and continue to thrive and enjoy your job.

Check-in. It’s time to check in with yourself. Right now. I want you to take 5 deep breathe through your nose out through your mouth. Bring yourself back to your present self. Pay attention to your thoughts and body’s movements. Do you start thinking of all the things you need to do or start feeling the tension in your hands, neck, or back? This is a symptom of pushing yourself past your boundary. It might be time for a break or vacation. Try to reflect at the end of the week and each month.
Mental Health days are real. Take mental health days. If you wake up and you’re not feeling like yourself, share that with your boss and call for a mental health day. Make sure your company offers Mental Health days. It’s like a paid time off (PTO) day. Double check with your boss or HR department on how many you are given each year. If your company doesn’t have them, suggest this resource to them on getting started.
Honesty is the best policy. Be open and honest with your supervisor or manager. They won’t know you’re suffering if you don’t tell them. Like us they are not mind readers, especially if you’re remote. Whether it’s a health concern or you’re feeling depleted let them know. The two of you can start figuring out what your boundaries are and how to work together for you to feel comfortable and supported. You also don’t have to tell them everything. Only disclose what you feel comfortable sharing.
Asking for help shows strength! Honesty is great but what if I look weak? You are far from less than or weak if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Every single human feels it. Like we mentioned earlier, we are more than our role. We are parents, friends, caretakers, and people who like to live life. So it’s okay if balancing it all gets a little too crazy to handle. It takes so much courage to ask for help and someone might see you ask and grow the strength to do it too.
Invite space to breathe. Take breaks throughout the day, the week, and the months. Take vacations, even if it’s a staycation that’s rest too! When you take daily breaks. Think of what will help you unwind for 10-45 mins whether it’s scrolling on Instagram (make sure you set a timer), doing handstands, or taking a walk. Make sure you have moments for yourself throughout work.
Detach PLEASE. Create a time when you step away from work. HIDE THAT LAPTOP. Or sign out of all the work apps on your phone. Maybe you work at home in a room, shut that door when it’s clocking out time. I know this sounds extreme but hey sometimes we need to learn how to separate work and life. If you have weekends off, really embrace your weekend as “you” time.
GIVE YOURSELF GRACE! You are a rockstar, existing on this planet takes so much work. So if eating, doing what’s asked of you, and staying hydrated is what you can do for the day, in my book that’s a win!

I wrote this for you and for myself as a reminder that we need rest, honesty, and grace! We can be humans and have good/bad days. Let’s be kind to our bodies, listen to what we need, and let’s start working on normalizing that humans get sick, need mental health days, and need breaks. If you do something else to help yourself, share in the comment I really want to hear. Have a beautiful day.

The post How are you? Really. appeared first on HopeAlways.

Empowering Women: Answering the Call to HopeAlways

admin — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 18:57:19 +0000

Empowering Women: Answering the Call to HopeAlways

“You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it’s better to listen to what it has to say. That way, you’ll never have to fear an unanticipated blow.”

– Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

In moments of quiet reflection, as the world buzzes with its chaos and demands, I hear a whisper, a calling that resonates within the depths of every woman’s heart. It’s a call to gather, to unite, to empower. Yet, too often, we silence or ignore these calls, letting doubt and fear stop our potential. I, too, have been guilty of this and have witnessed countless women around me grapple with the same struggles. This calling has echoed throughout my life, leading me toward a vision I’ve hesitated to embrace. However, with the arrival of motherhood to a baby girl, I am determined to abandon self-sabotage and procrastination. Today, I share my purpose with the world – HopeAlways.

The Start: From Calling to Action

For years, this calling has nudged me, but I know I wasn’t ready. I’ve stumbled, faltered, and questioned whether I had the strength or wisdom to lead. But with each passing day, with each new challenge faced and conquered, I felt a shift within me. The doubts began to fade, replaced by a fierce determination to create a space where women could come together, support one another, and thrive.

I stand before you as a yogi, a fitness professional, a corporate girly, and, above all, a believer in the power of women supporting women. My journey is of growth, self-discovery, and embracing the fullness of who I am. And now, I am here to extend my hand to you, to welcome you into a sisterhood built on strength, resilience, and unwavering support.

This is not a one-person journey. My sisters-in-law and friends are my advisors, who stand alongside me. These women lifted me up, held me accountable, and believed in HopeAlways’ vision. We have poured our hearts and souls into creating a community where every woman feels seen, heard, and valued.

Who We're Here For

HopeAlways is a sanctuary, a haven where women from all walks of life can come together to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a corporate powerhouse, or somewhere in between, you are welcome here. We celebrate your uniqueness, your strength, and your journey.

A Commitment to You: Our Promise

So, to you, the woman reading these words, I extend a heartfelt invitation to join HopeAlways. You will experience the power of community, sisterhood, and collective growth. Together, we will lift each other, inspire one another, and chart a course for a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Calling All Women: Your Invitation to HopeAlways

We pledge to provide you with the resources, guidance, and unwavering support you need to thrive. In return, we ask for your commitment—to yourself, to your fellow sisters, and to the journey ahead.

So, before you finish reading this, know you are not alone. You have found a community ready to embrace, empower, and cheer you on every step of the way. Your journey begins here. Will you answer the call?

Join our Facebook Group, read our blogs, and soon listen to our podcast. However much you want to commit to this community, we welcome you to do that.

The post Empowering Women: Answering the Call to HopeAlways appeared first on HopeAlways.