One Week In: What Happens When You Keep Going (Even When No One's Watching)

Today marks one week since launching the Honey and Fire blog, and I am so incredibly grateful to be here writing this today. One week may feel miniscule to some, but for those of us who are recovering perfectionists and people pleasers, it means a lot. When you embark on something new, there will be a long time where most of the world doesn’t know you exist. And when you’re a perfectionist, it’s easy to get caught up in seeking validation. It’s easy to want to give up when you don’t receive the validation you’re looking for – especially in a world where disbelief and skepticism are the norm. 

In the brief time since I’ve launched this blog, I’ve been amazed. I knew that I had a lot to say, and I knew that I wanted to make an impact. What I didn’t expect was much of the vulnerability that has come regarding my own journey, and how many of you could relate. In a way, I should have expected this; It’s one thing that I’ve long come to appreciate about the human experience. But the messages and comments I’ve received from people who boldly and bravely share some of their most vulnerable experiences with me is something that truly makes me smile. In seven short days, you’ve come to know me better, and I like to believe that I’ve become better acquainted with some of you. 

I usually plan out my posts the night before and know exactly what I want to say.  But if you’re a writer, I’m sure you know how the muse can take on a life of it’s own. I’ve set out to ask and answer questions that inspire us to think, and while answering those questions, I’ve unlocked things inside myself. I’ve answered personal questions about my own self-image, my health, and my dreams. I hope that by taking part of my journey, you’ve taken steps to understand yourself better too. 

Today is a small reward for consistency. It’s a small reward for showing up for myself every day, which is a key to success that is far too often overlooked. It’s a reminder that snowmen are built from the accumulation of tiny little snowflakes. We are made from the gathering of tiny little atoms. This community is being built with every little post. While I’m aware that I may not always be able to post daily, I’m committed to being here often – for myself and for the people who are blessed from my words. That is the meaning of Honey and Fire. Honey is for healing and Fire is for creativity, and I am committed to both. 

In my past, I was a perfectionist. I remembered being booed and laughed at when I tried to sing in whistle register at eleven years old. I remember winning an award for best painting at sleepaway camp and being told that I could have done better. Though I’d always start again at some point, I allowed those memories and that perfectionism to hold me in place for far too long. I know what is to be a prisoner to overthinking, not realizing just how powerful thoughts can be, and how the word “can’t” can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

 I learned from people like Muhammad Ali who convinced himself that he was the greatest until that became his reality. I think of people like Thomas Edison who said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” I think of people like Albert Einstein who said, “Failure is success in progress.” When I truly made the commitment to choosing a better mindset and choosing myself, I quickly began to realize that I hadn’t failed in the first place. 

Every single roadblock, setback, and obstacle that I used to cry and complain about has ended up blessing me in one way or another. It’s led me to sitting here at this laptop, celebrating this win with you right now. It led me to tap into delusional faith and believe that I can and that I deserve good things. It’s led me to alignment. 

Even before the start of this blog, I’ve been accustomed to dreaming big. In the past, I’d dream big dreams, share them with people who didn’t believe, and I’d give up on them. Today, I’ve learned to live in the end. I’ve learned the power of manifestation, and how countless people have visualized championships, cures to illnesses, and vast fortunes before bringing them into reality. There is a well-known story of the actor, Jim Carrey, who wrote himself a check for $10,000,000 for acting services rendered while he was homeless. He manifested that amount three years later. There is another story of lottery winner Cynthia Stafford who manifested a win of $112,000,000. I have had little manifestations and big ones in my own life, I review my big dreams every day, and I show up today as if I am already living the dream - because I am. 

One of the greatest self-help writers in history, Napoleon Hill, once said, “You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct, and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be.” If all the people I’ve mentioned would have given in to perfectionism and quit, their words wouldn’t still be teaching me and so many others long after many of them has passed on. To those who haven’t seen results yet, I’d like to challenge you to look for them in your mind’s eye and feel them in your own being. 

So, as I close today, I’d like to congratulate myself once again for reaching one week. I’d like to reaffirm my commitment to this journey that we are on together. And I’d like to encourage you to celebrate a small win today. You deserve it.