The Storm Before the Calm
Originally shared August 15, 2024 in the Naked Sunday Newsletter. Adapted for the journal.
As we embark on the journey of becoming the best version of ourselves, we often expect that the road will get easier.
And while it will in many ways, we must remember that any great story of triumph is accompanied by great trials.
It’s essential to understand that before you reach your ultimate breakthrough, you will face significant challenges that test your resolve, skills, and character…
Life is like a video game. At the beginning, you encounter small challenges that help you develop specific skills and overcome singular obstacles. These early trials are your training ground, preparing you for greater, more comprehensive tests. As you progress, the challenges grow more complex, and the stakes become higher.
When you approach that pivotal moment of realizing your potential, it’s when you’ll feel the most vulnerable. It will feel like the world is crashing all around you, and everything seems to be going wrong. But this is the moment you’ve been preparing for all along. It’s the final “boss” you must face before you can pass on to the next level of your journey.
Inspired by a Real-Life Breakthrough
This insight was inspired by a recent growth opportunity for one of my clients.
She experienced the perfect storm of a swarm of overbookings (at triple her previous rate, which we had worked on), a seemingly huge step-back in her relationship at home, and feeling like the world around her was turning into a dumpster fire.
In the past, she would have suffered in silence, imploded under the weight of trying to save everyone, leaned on her food cravings, and buried her feelings while attempting soul-crushing workouts that would flare up her back pain to crippling levels of agony. She would paint on a smile so nobody else would “freak out,” all in an effort to “keep the peace” for everyone else who wasn’t upholding their end of the bargain.
This time, things were different. We had almost daily conversations, working through the emotional waves, anticipating both the ebbs and flows of an admittedly over-packed week. She shared her emotions instead of bottling them up. She stood her ground and upheld her boundaries. She refused to lean on old vices and “numbing agents” like food or drink to dissociate from the fear and chaos around her. She communicated her needs and expectations, even in the face of rejection, and held her loved ones accountable for their actions.
She could have easily slipped back into people-pleasing mode, breaking under the pressure of “feeling guilty” for other people maybe feeling some measure of pain for being held accountable for their actions. Let me be clear, this was tremendously difficult for her, but amidst this, I kept reminding her of the bigger picture, of the growth phase she was going through, and that it was merely a sign that she was about to break through.
As the week came to a close, we had a call where I could hear the hope returning to her voice. She shared how her family was starting to see the consequences of their own behaviors, and she was able to separate herself and her identity from the finger-pointing she faced amidst the “hell week.” Her patience was paying off, and she could start to see her strength and skillset were far greater than she realized, regardless of how scary the few days were.
Ultimately, the greatest observation I shared with her was that she was finally being more of “herself,” allowing herself to express her needs and stand up for herself.
Embrace the Struggle Before the Breakthrough
In these moments, when you feel like giving up, remember that this is the storm before the calm. This is the crucible that forges your true self. Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind when you find yourself at the brink of a breakthrough:
Embrace the Struggle:
Understand that the struggle is part of the process. Embrace it as a necessary step towards your growth and ultimate success. Each challenge you face is shaping you into the person you need to become to achieve your goals.
Reflect on Your Journey:
Take a moment to look back at how far you’ve come. Recognize the small victories and the skills you’ve developed along the way. Each step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
Stay Focused on Your Vision:
Keep your eyes on the prize. Remember why you started this journey in the first place. Your vision and your “why” will be your guiding light through the darkest moments.
Trust the Process:
Trust that everything you are going through is preparing you for something greater. The universe is aligning circumstances to help you realize your potential. Trust in the process and keep moving forward.
Lean on Your Support System:
Reach out to those who support and believe in you. Surround yourself with positive influences who can offer encouragement and remind you of your strengths when you feel weak.
Visualize Your Breakthrough:
Close your eyes and visualize yourself overcoming this final challenge. Picture the moment of triumph, how it feels, and the relief and joy that comes with it. Use this visualization to fuel your determination.
Remember, the moments when you feel like giving up are often the moments right before your breakthrough. This is the universe’s way of testing your commitment and resilience.
Stay strong, stay focused, and keep moving forward.
The best version of yourself is just on the other side of this challenge.
Related reflections
Until next time…
Love. Every. Body.
