First and foremost, I want you to know I've heard from you. I see you in all your raw, messy, beautifully imperfect humanity. You're not alone. As I read your words, I was reminded of how courage isn't always about strength and grit, but about giving yourself permission to be vulnerable, and then showing it out loud. And you have done just that.
You've chosen a course that requires persistent courage, tackling daily challenges that many are hesitant to confront. Being an entrepreneur isn't a walk in the park. And on some days, it's more like navigating a ship through a storm, blindfolded, without a compass. Your feelings of navigating this storm right now are valid and justifiable.
It's not easy to open up about how we really feel, especially when it's not all sunshine and roses. As a society, we are often taught to celebrate victories and achievements, but not how to embrace our failures or nurture our fragile moments. But remember this, Ashlee: It takes a hell lot of strength to sit with our feelings and hurts. It takes incredible strength to say "I quit" in the face of overwhelming pressure. You didn't quit because you're weak. You chose to take a pause because you understand your worth and you love yourself enough to know when to step back.
Here's a loving reminder - It's okay to have bad days. It's okay to not know which step to take next. It's okay to not always have the right inspirational phrases at the tip of your tongue. It's okay to quit, breathe and just live to fight another day. It's okay to be 'you', raw, real and authentic.
Often, the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. But today, it's alright if you don't want to take any step. Today, it's fine to take a breather, to surrender to your feelings and cherish a day of doing nothing.
Remember, the sun sets so it can rise again, brighter and more glorious. This is just one day, one moment in the continuum of life. It's okay to feel how you feel today, just as it's okay to rise tomorrow – brighter, fiercer, and stronger. Life is a tide - it ebbs and it flows. Today may be a receding tide for you, but rest assured, the tide will turn, and with it, bring forth renewed strength and clarity.
Let's indeed hold each other in loving compassion and understand that it's okay to have days when we feel we can't go any further. Because it's in those moments that we unknowingly pave the way for better days ahead.
Remember, strength grows in the moments when you think you can't go on, but you keep going anyway. So, for now, as you've rightly said, let it be what it is. Real, raw, messy, and shitty. Breathe, rest, heal, and then when you're ready, rise again, my friend. For you're more resilient than you give yourself credit for.
You have it in you, Ashlee, to brave through this storm, and we'll weather it together – as we always do. Remember that tomorrow, you will rise. You've said it. I've heard it. And most importantly, the Universe has registered for it.
Sending warm, healing and strengthening vibes your way,
