Chapter 1: The Journey of Self-Acceptance

This week, the concept of self-acceptance has loomed large in my thoughts, arising from various conversations with friends and clients. Personally, I've felt this even more acutely. My writing has faced numerous false starts, alongside other projects I'm striving to advance. Returning to Nicaragua after a brief 10-day trip to the States has left me needing time to readjust and ground myself. It’s been a bit chaotic trying to reconnect with where I left off.

Nicaragua isn’t particularly difficult to navigate; it's a comfortable and welcoming place. However, I found myself needing time to reacquaint with my routine, adapt to the local time zone, and reconnect with my cat, with whom I’ve likely developed a co-dependent bond. (And honestly, who doesn’t need a little companionship?)

Yet, as I stumbled back into my life here, I felt sluggish and out of sorts. I longed to tackle chores, dive into work, and find inspiration, but somehow, I still felt a bit unanchored. My writing was sporadic and uninspired, and I struggled to clarify what I was aiming to achieve.

This inability to hit the ground running led to a downward spiral of self-doubt, questioning my decisions, grappling with feelings of inadequacy, and confronting insecurities that I know better than to entertain. While I didn’t indulge those thoughts, their presence was palpable. Conversations with others echoed this sentiment, revealing that many carry the weight of feeling insufficient, not productive enough, and not living up to their potential. Even those who are accomplished and capable shared these struggles.

We can be our own harshest critics.

And therein lies the issue: we often impose excessive pressure on ourselves. We set expectations without allowing ourselves the grace we deserve. Last time I checked, most of us aren’t machines. Yet.

Life can throw us off balance—whether it’s a restless night or something more permanent that alters our course. We will experience feelings that require us to rearrange our priorities. Yes, some may face external pressures from bosses demanding deadlines, but I’m referring to the personal standards we impose that often have little to do with anyone else.

Sometimes, I feel like I let myself down. I glance around and see the voids where success could thrive. Success can be defined in countless ways—physical fitness, musical prowess, writing, financial stability, education, or love. The list could go on, but I believe the point is clear.

I tend to fall into the trap of focusing on what’s lacking rather than recognizing the abundance present in my life.

Did I let myself down by being a day late on my writing this week? Did I disappoint my readers? (Please don’t say yes.) Did I fail because I struggled with tech issues for too long? Why did I only practice yoga once this week?

These are the moments when, if I don’t meet my own expectations, it’s often only I who truly cares. I don't think anyone else is paying that much attention. It's me who feels like I struggled with so many things this week.

In fact, the other day, I played a Gratitude Meditation in my car while driving to the store, hoping to shift my mood. I always encourage others to focus on the positive, and I’m reminding myself to take my own advice during these times.

I’m also trying to remember that when I miss a self-imposed deadline, it’s often one I set arbitrarily. What if I took a moment to breathe and allowed life to unfold on its own timeline, without wrinkles?

It’s absolutely feasible to show up in whatever ways I can and grant myself some much-needed grace. Right?

This Thursday, instead of writing, I opted for a 40-minute walk and then dedicated two hours to editing something that didn’t have a deadline. I even chose to forgo my last hour of creativity to watch the final episode of Challenger: The Final Flight on Netflix. (As a side note, which ties back to this theme, the Challenger Space Shuttle launched even though NASA wasn’t fully prepared, rushing to meet a political deadline. The consequence was a tragic disaster broadcast to the world, including young school children.)

While my self-imposed deadlines will likely never lead to a catastrophic outcome like an exploding rocket, they can often result in self-criticism that damages my sense of self and, regrettably, may impact those around me.

So, this is why you're reading Friday's post on Saturday. I had a week full of more misses than hits, but I’m still here. Ultimately, I accomplished what I truly needed to.

Perhaps this serves as a reminder for anyone who might need it.

Our personal standards are often set high, driven by the noble intention to motivate us. Drive, ambition, and motivation are commendable attributes, but on some days, life doesn’t unfold smoothly, and we must do our best to ride it out.

Some days, it may be more beneficial to simply grant ourselves a little grace.

~ Christy

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My stories are worth it.

Christy Nichols Author | Life Purpose & Book Coach | Curator of Transformational Experiences | CEO at Venture Within | Advocate for Purposeful Travel

Chapter 2: Finding Inspiration in the Journey

In moments of reflection, we often seek motivation to guide us through challenges.

The first video, We're Going On A Rocket Ship | Kids Space Travel Song | Super Simple Songs, captures the excitement of space travel through a fun and engaging song, reminding us of the wonder that comes with exploration.

The second video, Watch: SpaceX rocket ship lifts off with 2 Astronauts, showcases the exhilarating moment of a SpaceX launch, embodying the thrill of pushing boundaries and overcoming obstacles.