Reflecting–
This past week has found me doing a lot of internalizing, self-work staying vulnerable and strong while revisiting several areas of my past self.

For a lot of people, this can be difficult work. I treat this as going on a hike or outdoor adventure: What do I carry forward? What stays behind? What will need to be in my pack on this next adventure?
I don’t think this personal work would have come to fruition if I had not been writing for work, updating my statement for a theatre project on the horizon, or visiting with a few people that helped me shape my past and set me up for the person that I am today.

While journaling and revisiting Malow’s hierarchy of needs, I stumbled upon this quote that resonated with me, “….comfort zones are most often expanded through discomfort…” by Peter McWilliams. I would have abandoned a lot of this work if it were not for a few reminding me to push through and to remember that life is on the other side of the mountain. I will sit with this quote for the near future and see where I can expand my life.

As for reflecting, I’ve done a lot, and mostly, I’ve enjoyed doing it all in the process. Collaborations, projects, networking, and building are all passions, but people are at heart. It’s the people I show back up for– those that planted seeds, watered, and nurtured them. Some gardeners have been present, and others have been along the way. My world has brought me a lot of beautiful gardeners.

I’ll leave this for you– whatever is in your backpack, take the time to open it up and sift through it– keep the items that are serving you, and donate or recycle the rest. But remember to keep those packets of flowering seeds in the exterior of your pack and liberally sprinkle them along the trail, as you never know when and where the beauty will sprout up.