Take a moment to acknowledge yourself—your resilience, your persistence, and the unique path you have walked.
You have endured. You have persisted. You have held on even when the waves tried to pull you under. Maybe you’ve fallen, but you got up. You refused to stay down. Maybe you’ve kept your head above water, even when you could barely feel your feet. Maybe you’re holding on by a thread—but you’re still holding on. Maybe you are stronger than ever before. Or perhaps there is a quiet voice whispering, You could have done better. You didn’t do enough. If that voice is speaking to you now, respond with grace: It’s okay. Let’s celebrate what has been accomplished. No matter where you find yourself on this spectrum, this is a moment to pause, to breathe, and to recognize your progress.
You are still here. And that is worth celebrating.
LETTING GO OF DISTRACTIONS TO BE FULLY PRESENT TO BE CELEBRATED
Your mind might be full right now—overflowing with responsibilities, worries, and uncertainties. Even as you read this, perhaps your thoughts are drifting:
- Did I forget something important today?
- Is everything okay at home?
- Did I make the right choice in taking this time for myself?
- Will I have enough energy to get through the rest of the day?
Your mind is racing, but I invite you to slow down. Right now, in this moment, give yourself permission to be present as you read this article which celebrates YOU.
Thriving through life’s storms does not mean avoiding challenges; it means learning to navigate them with intention and resilience. It means recognizing when you need help, allowing yourself to ask for support without guilt or shame, and understanding that being strong does not mean carrying everything alone.
Take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself:
- How well am I feeling?
- How well am I thinking?
- How well do I relate to others?
- How well do I manage stress?
- How healthy are my choices?
Your answers to these questions can serve as a guide, helping you determine your next steps. And if your numbers are lower than you’d like them to be, it’s okay. Awareness is the first step. Growth happens when you give yourself permission to acknowledge where you are and seek what you need.
“WE ALL HAVE A HOT CUP OF TEA HOLDING”
Life’s challenges can be compared to holding a hot cup of tea—“We All Have A Hot Cup Of Tea Holding” a metaphor I’ve come to coin and use in my work.
Some of us are holding a cup filled with minor stressors—things like work deadlines, household chores, and daily inconveniences. Others carry cups weighted with more moderate burdens—financial struggles, relationship challenges, or workplace pressures. And then there are those whose cups are almost overflowing—holding immense grief, trauma, health struggles, or deep existential questioning.
Each of us carries a different cup—some are small, some are large, some are warm, some are burning hot. But no matter the size or temperature of your cup, the question remains:
How are you managing it?
Are you allowing it to burn you? Are you spilling it onto others? Or are you learning to carry it with care, with grace, with resilience?
And most importantly—are you recognizing when your cup is too full and allowing yourself to set it down?
What we hold our struggles inside it affects our well-being. When stress, pain, and emotional weight are not tended to, they begin to show up physically. You might notice:
- Increased inflammation and illness as your immune system weakens.
- Hypertension and heart strain as stress builds within you.
- Chronic tension, headaches, and pain as your body carries what your mind cannot release.
Your body is speaking to you. Are you listening?
A MOMENT FOR SELF-COMPASSION
In the midst of all that you carry, I want you to take a moment for yourself. Right now, wherever you are, pause and embrace the person who has made it this far—YOU
- Wrap your arms around yourself in a gentle embrace, and hug YOU
- Breathe deeply and feel the warmth of your own presence.
- Speak words of compassion to yourself: I honor my journey. I am proud of my resilience. I am worthy of healing.
And if you have someone near you, someone who has walked beside you in this journey, offer them the same kindness. Hug them. Without words, let that embrace communicate love, support, and presence.
This simple act releases oxytocin, the love hormone, bringing warmth, connection, and healing.
You deserve this moment of comfort.
HOLDING ONTO HOPE
There will be days when the weight of your journey feels too heavy, when the road ahead seems uncertain. But you are not alone. There is strength beyond what you can see, a foundation greater than your fears.
Philippians 4:13 reminds you: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Psalm 34:17-19 assures you: “The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.”
God sees your struggles. He hears your silent prayers. He knows your pain. And He has already made the provision for you to come through the storm.
CELEBRATE YOUR JOURNEY
You did not give up. Maybe you fell—but you got up. Maybe you barely kept your head above water—but you are still here. Maybe you are stronger than ever before.
Whatever your journey has looked like, take a moment to acknowledge it.
Celebrate yourself.
CONGRATULATIONS on your endurance. CONGRATULATIONS on your resilience. CONGRATULATIONS on still being here.
Because thriving through the storm is not about reaching a perfect destination—it’s about continuing forward, even when the path is uncertain. It’s about holding on, standing firm, and choosing, every day, to keep going.
And for that, you deserve a moment of recognition.
Happy International Women’s Day. Today, and every day, you are worth celebrating.
“Lets Make Psychotherapy Cool – Giving Evert Mind Service”