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Hey Reader,

Last Sunday, I got a concussion. And not even from something cool, like skydiving or hiking… I did it while doing (or more accurately, trying to do) a handstand in the pool.

(Yes, you read that right.)

I was in the pool last Sunday playing with my boyfriend’s daughter, and in the spirit of being the “fun adult,” when she suggested we show off our water skills, I decided it was the perfect moment to show off my (probably nonexistent) handstand skills. Except… we were in the shallow part of the pool. Like, very shallow.

Next thing I know, I face-planted straight into the pool floor.🤦‍♀️ I cut my nose, hit my face hard, and—yep—threw up twice on the way home. Classic Sunday fun, right?

10/10 do not recommend.

Physically, I’m okay now (my face is still slightly bruised, my ego much more bruised). But this whole week, something else has hurt more than my nose.

This lingering feeling that I’m behind.

• Behind on my goals.
• Behind on my vision.
• Behind in having clarity.
• Behind other people who seem to be so much further ahead in life, in business, in confidence.

Like everyone else is doing and moving, and I’m… sitting there with an ice pack on my face, unsure what’s next. 😩

All this past week, I kept hearing this inner voice whispering:

It’s the same feeling I had right after the face-plant.
Like: What just happened?​
​Why did I even try?​
​This hurts (and I look ridiculous).

But here’s what I’m realizing…

Whether it’s a handstand, or healing, or hitting your goals… You don’t get to skip the messy part.

Sometimes you’re not "behind"— you’re just recovering and healing.
Sometimes progress looks like rest. Like feeling confused. Like crying in the restroom, not knowing what the next step is.
Sometimes it even looks like falling flat on your face while trying to have fun and being reminded you're human.

And that’s okay.

I share this because if you’ve been feeling behind lately, I want you to know you’re not alone.

You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You don’t need to do more to be worthy.
You don’t need to “catch up” to anyone.

You’re not "behind". You’re human.

And that’s enough.

INVITATION TO REFLECT:

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💭 If you’ve felt behind lately... Take a moment today to ask yourself:

"What if I'm not behind at all?"
"What if I'm exactly where I’m meant to be, even if it’s messy?"

Also, maybe let's skip the handstands and pool gymnastics (especially in shallow water), for now😂.

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p.s.: If this story resonated with you… And you’ve been feeling stuck, behind, or unsure of how to move forward—I’d love to invite you to my upcoming live workshop:

🎤 “Break the Belief Loop: Uncover What’s Really Holding You Back—And Finally Start Creating the Life You Want.”

It’s a 60-minute interactive session where we’ll dive into the invisible patterns that keep us stuck in cycles of overthinking, self-doubt, and procrastination—and you’ll walk away with tools to finally start moving forward.

It’s part mindset reset, part confidence workout, and 100% supportive.

Stop feeling like life is one big metaphorical face-plant 😂 and save your spot HERE.​

"How do I want to feel?"

When I'm caught up in this cycle of feeling "not good enough" or feeling like I'm "behind", a question that helps me tune into myself is:

"How do I want to feel?"

This simple question was first made popular by Danielle LaPorte over a decade ago in her book, The Desire Map.

This question is based on the premise that you can create what you desire now, instead of waiting for 'when' something changes, 'when' you accomplish something, or 'when' the circumstances change.

Regardless of the goals you are chasing, the dreams that you have, the to-do lists, the relationships you want to improve or create, start realizing that you aren't really chasing the 'goal'.

What you are chasing is the feeling you hope the goal will give you.

But what if you could get clear on how you want to feel first, and then start creating those feelings NOW, instead of waiting for the finish line or to feel happy, fulfilled, or proud when some imagined future happens?

What if you could find the fullness you are looking for now and not when things 'change', or get 'better', or when you simply accomplish your goals.

In my case, I spend about 5 minutes every morning reflecting and checking in with my own core desired feelings to see if I'm still aligned with them and if the actions I'm taking on a consistent basis are supporting them.

Right now, I want to feel:

✨ Lit up from the inside out

✨ Nourished & nurtured (taken care of).

✨ Emotionally, mentally, & physically thriving.

✨ Vibrant & energized.

✨ Courageous & taking inspired action.

✨ Safe enough to take up space and share my voice.

Identify your core desired feelings

Forget what other people want for you. Forget what you 'should' want. Forget the most convenient or logical option and be truly honest with yourself.

And instead, ask yourself: What do you really want for yourself?

Set a timer for 15-30 minutes, grab a journal and your favorite pen, and write down everything you want to feel without judgment or self-editing.

Get specific

"Why do you want to feel that?", "Why is that feeling important for you?", and again, "Why does it matter?"

Then, get even more specific about what it would take to start feeling like that NOW:

"What would it look like to practice each of these feelings?", "What activities support these feelings?", "Where might you need support from someone outside of yourself?"

Make a list of the things, places, activities, practices, and rituals that are going to help you feel that way.

Live your feelings

Incorporate your desired feelings into your day-to-day life.

Ask yourself:

"What do I want to EMBODY?"

And then, every morning or evening, check in with yourself. "Do my choices and decisions align with my core desired feelings?"

And if not, see what needs to be readjusted, recalibrated accordingly in your life to align with what you want to feel and what you want to embody.

Becuase not matter what is happening outside, what the cirscumtances are, what the news are saying, or how your hormones are making you feel, or how the bank account is, or if you get into a discussion your partner or family, you always have the power to embody the feelings you desire to feel more of in your life.

You have the power to direct your thoughts, your words, and your actions, and that's the embodiment you want.

Start by being more compassionate with yourself.

When you feel fear and experience self-doubt, think compassionate thoughts to yourself. When your inner critic tells you that you are not doing enough, talk compassionately to it. When you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or burned out, take care of yourself in a compassionate way.

Make giving compassion and grace to yourself a practice. And eventually, it will become second-nature.

Love creating your mind one day at a time? Forward this to a friend so they can get in on the action and sign up below. Subscribe to The Created Mind Thank you for reading and sharing, Jenny ​​​​

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