Knowing Yourself: Asking the Tough Questions

This has been a time for me to reflect, journal on where I'm at and where I'm going, as well as getting serious about what it will take to meet my own personal goals.

And sometimes, that means asking myself the tough questions. Questions like: What have I let get in my way of achieving certain goals? What are my fears? What do I need to heal to be able to move forward? And if I haven't yet done so, why?

I've been taking this self-study seriously, and it coincides nicely with our theme of the month. I have to be honest and say that at times during this process, I've felt some regret, some sadness, and some grief . I'm mourning some of the past, and at times get discouraged about the future.

[Of course, my melancholy could have to do with the cold, wet weather that we're not used to having here in what is supposed to be Sunny Southern California, but for now, I'll assume I'm getting to some deep stuff...]

At the same time that I know I need to "get real" with myself, I also know that when I come out the other side, I'll be a lot lighter, a lot happier, a lot more focused and much more energized. And yet... going through the hard questions can be difficult.

Getting to know oneself intimately can be a tough journey. Inevitably (unless we're saints -- and maybe not even then!), we find things about ourselves that are not particularly positive. I've certainly done things for which I am not proud. I've stayed in unhealthy relationships for too long, refused to give up unhealthy habits , and failed to stay focused on my goals.

On the other side of the coin, I've also done things for which I am immensely proud, things which I look back upon with joy and gratitude , and things that have been just plain crazy and FUN!

So I would encourage you, in this month of self-reflection and introspection to ask yourself who you really are. What drives you? What moves you? What are your strengths and what are things you'd like to work on, either to change or to re-direct?

The questions can be difficult -- especially if we're deeply honest with ourselves -- and at the same time, in telling ourselves the "truth" we have to own up to the wonder that we are, too! I know each of you are incredible women. You each have your own stories and your own celebrations.

So as you gaze within, look for the hidden, the scary, and yes, the beautiful. And I hope I'll see you on the "other side" glowing with relief and peace . Because, guess what? Whatever our past is...it's the PAST! And because we get to create the future, this makes it MUCH more hopeful.

But UNTIL we're able to be open and honest with ourselves, we often do the same things over and over. So let's do the hard work, and then celebrate the women we are and move forward with confidence!