You Can Be Both a Success AND a Work-in-Progress

Think about how far you've come. 

Truly. If you're in the Peak Mind community (or you're reading this post), you're the type of person who believes in intentionally working to better themself.

Think about all the progress you've made since you started your journey. Now think about the work you still have left to do.

What's so amazing is that these two things can coexist. You can be both a WILD SUCCESS and a work-in-progress at the same time.

Story Time

Ashley and I are very open about the fact that we walk the Peak Mind walk. Every single technique we tell you to try is one that we are using on ourselves. 

I've also been very open about the fact that I suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety after my first daughter was born. It was BRUTAL.

Now, in my opinion, not enough people open up and talk about PPD/A, but what really doesn't get any mention at all is that, even after you're over PPD/A, they can leave nasty side-effects. Scars that morph into open wounds at a moment's notice. 

Mine came in the form of PTSD. You read that right. I found myself dealing with post-traumatic stress as a result of going through postpartum depression and anxiety.

Talk about a double-whammy.

I was left with a set of triggers that, when present, would cause a near panic attack. Not only that, but the anxiety I experienced merely at the potential of it happening, ruined my ability to enjoy time alone with my kids. 

You see, my husband is an ER physician, and I am frequently with the kids by myself on the weekend because he is working long shifts.

The mere thought of spending an entire weekend alone with my kids, with a good chance that I'd run into one of the triggers that caused such a painful reaction, made me so proactively anxious that I couldn't even enjoy my weekend. 

Now, here's the really cool part. It didn't happen this weekend. Zero anxiety about the thought of a weekend with little to no help. That is the first time in over 4 years that I could say that, and I have worked so hard to get here.

I still have work to do, but wow, did I celebrate!

Celebrate Your Progress

If you're anything like me, you're so focused on the path forward that as soon as you make progress or accomplish something, you're already on to the next thing.

There is nothing wrong with continuing to make progress. I firmly believe that self-improvement and psychological strength building is a life-long pursuit. (ASCEND is our comprehensive psych building program to help you on your journey.) 

However, please, take one moment today to congratulate yourself. 

The progress you've made is worthy of a few moments of reflection and celebration. 

Take just a few moments to play around with this question:

What would my life have been like today if I hadn't started when I did?

Where would you be today? What would life look and feel like? How about your relationships? Your communication skills? Your confidence level? Your resilience? 

It's amazing, isn't it?!

Tonight, we celebrate!

So on this Sunday evening, I'm celebrating. I'm celebrating your progress, my progress, and the combined progress of this community. 

"A work of art was once a work in progress."

- Adele Leon