Hey there Reader,
I want to take a moment to acknowledge something: life can feel heavy sometimes, can’t it? Like you’re always there for everyone else—cheering them on, helping them move (again), or being the shoulder to cry on—but when it comes to your dreams, it’s like you’re standing on the sidelines, invisible in your own life.
I hear you. I see you. And I want you to know you’re not alone.
A few years ago, I felt pretty stuck in life. As a parent to three boys (one of them special needs) and a bonus daughter, needing to work to support our blended family, I was taking care of everyone else. As a foster kid, I didn’t learn how to take care of myself but I had dreams of adventure—hiking in the mountains, road trips with no destination, feeling the thrill of discovering something new—but I kept telling myself I didn’t have the time, the confidence, or the “right” person to go with.
As my kids got older, I slowly started to focus on myself and ventured out into trail running, eventually transitioning into hiking. I packed a backpack, drove to a nearby trail, and spent an hour walking alone. It wasn’t a grand adventure, but it was mine. And that small step changed everything. Over time, I started taking longer trips and even added camping to my fun activities.
What changed? I gave myself permission to choose me. To stop waiting for someone else to give me the green light and start creating my own joy.
And here’s the thing, I know it’s not easy. The fear, the self-doubt, the endless to-do list—they can feel like walls keeping you from the life you want. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to climb the whole mountain today. You just have to take the first step.
So, I want to ask you: What’s one small way you could choose yourself this week?
- Maybe it’s a walk in the park with your favorite playlist.
- Maybe it’s setting aside an hour to plan that weekend getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
- Or maybe it’s simply saying “no” to something that drains you so you can say “yes” to something that fills you up.
Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear what you’re thinking.
And just know that you’re not invisible. Your dreams matter. And you deserve to feel alive, adventurous, and fully yourself.
Cheers,
Petra
Smoky Wood Studios
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