High Rock Massage

This is your reminder that you can do hard things. You have risen to meet the challenges that have met you once before. Your brave soul once pushed past the fear and the doubt that wanted to keep you safe there.... You can do hard things. This is your reminder that I believe in you

Tomorrow marks my first day of school at @ualbany and I’m only freaking out a little. If you had told me a year ago that this is where I’d be today, I would not have believed you. But if I am being completely honest, I could only have wished this were my reality a year ago. The prospect of going back to school seemed impossible, even though it was something I have felt a deep yearning to do for years. Since then so much has changed. Not just with the pandemic, but in my per...sonal life. When I made the decision to take the leap and apply to go back to school, I kept my expectations open and told myself that if it didn’t work out, then it wasn’t meant to be. Now, here I am. Even though there is a part of me that is *slightly* terrified, there is an even bigger part of me that is SO EXCITED. I am ready to dive in to this work; to immerse myself into something that brings out passion, purpose, and curiosity in me once again - something that, at points throughout this past year, I worried I might never find again. Thanks for the all the well-wishes and support in getting here, instafam. I am so excited to share with you along the way as I forge this new path in my life and career

What is a characteristic that you possess that you feel most proud of? For me, it is my ability to be empathetic. Looking back on my life, I have always been a highly sensitive person. Some see that as a weakness, and I have been made to feel as if something is inherently wrong with me for their beliefs about that more times than I can count.... But now, I see my empathic nature as my STRONGEST characteristic. It is because of my empathy that I have helped others. It is because of my empathy that I can sit with those in their pain. It is because of my empathy that I can accept myself more lovingly. This quote from @michelleobama’s speech last night struck a chord in me. We are all capable of exercising empathy, and right now, it’s what humanity needs most.

Gentle reminder that you are human, and that it is okay not to be okay. You are doing amazing. You are worthy of self-compassion.... & You deserve to treat yourself with loving kindness.