Breakthrough... "Im behind"... · Ageless Wisdom ~ Grandma Grady

Breakthrough... "Im behind"...

Yesterday on our Unlimited Wisdom Zoom call — “Breakthroughs” — I had one of my own.

But before I share it, I want to say something that I believe with deep conviction:

Everyone needs an accountability person, or a therapist.

My belief goes all the way back to my years working with military children in mental health clinics. I sat behind a two-way mirror and watched therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists work with children who were carrying things no child should ever have to carry — abuse, trauma, secrets, fear.

I watched trained professionals help untangle thoughts and emotions those children didn’t have the words for yet.

And it changed me.

Since my own children were teenagers, we’ve all had our own therapists at different seasons of life. Sometimes weekly. Sometimes monthly. Sometimes just as needed. Because life happens.

And unless you’ve experienced what it’s like to have a trained professional help you sort through your thoughts and feelings, you don’t fully understand the gift of it.

Now here’s the breakthrough.

Yesterday morning my therapist gently told me I needed to practice more self-care.

And I’ll be honest — part of me resisted that. I'm feeling behind as it is.. when do I have time for more self-care? I take at least an hour every morning talking to God, I get a shower (okay, that's when I listen to messages you sweet people leave me that are over 5 minutes long... hey I'm guilty of that!). But what he meant, as he explained went much deeper considering how I process the world around me..

Then on yesterday’s Zoom, one of my peers,

@Meladee Ryba bravely shared that she felt “behind.”

This woman is one of the most productive, forward-moving people on our team.

And I felt that in my gut.

Because I’ve felt it too.

Like I’m behind.

Like I should be further.

Like I’m not doing enough.

And then Robert, in his wisdom, helped something click into place:

I’m not behind.

My plate is just full.

There is a difference.

Full does not mean failing. Full does not mean falling short. Full means you are carrying a lot — growth, responsibility, healing, learning, building.

So this is for all of you in our community right now who quietly feel “behind.”

You are not behind.

You may simply be full.

Full of growth. Full of stretching. Full of life happening all at once.

And maybe — just maybe — what you need isn’t to push harder.

Maybe you need a little more self-care.

A little more grace.

A little more honesty with yourself.

Breakthroughs don’t always come from doing more.

Sometimes they come from realizing you were never behind to begin with.

And if this is you, I see you.

We’re growing. Not racing.