We celebrate milestones big and small on this site. And today we celebrate ONE year of
Shades of Robin!
A year ago today I hit the “publish your site” button on a website that I had worked tirelessly on for months and dreamt about for years prior to that. Although things haven’t gone exactly how I’ve envisioned for this space I’m glad I took the chance on myself. This site has helped me explore my love for writing, sharing knowledge and showcased my other interests such as photography.
A year ago I posed the question “Do I trust Myself?”. Well I must have opened a can of worms with that one because what followed was a series of situations where I was faced with relying on my intuition. While in most recent cases I’ve trusted my gut, mostly avoiding disappointment and distress, I can’t say the same for a year ago. Some of those situations I wished I listened to my gut when it screamed “stay home”, “speak up” or “leave”. In those situations my willingness to dishonor my boundaries for the sake of doing the right thing, saving relationships, or not being labeled difficult overrode my better judgement. I imagine my ancestors were holding meetings in Disney's Mulan style. “What’s wrong with this girl?”, they’d say. “We’re showing her all the red flags!” they’d yell, shaking their heads. Between them, my therapist and God I came to the conclusion that I didn’t really trust my judgement. I’ve often been labeled as overreacting, overdramatic, sensitive or my favorite, difficult. But that’s what someone who doesn’t respect your boundaries would say. I didn’t know that at the time and would compromise my feelings for the purpose of seeming “easy going”. My mind would scream in discomfort and still I’d endure the uneasiness longer than necessary. I wasn’t doing anyone any favors by not being authentic to how I felt.
Thank God for a year of growth! Sometimes it’s hard to celebrate yourself when the growth has been internal. The parts of you that others can’t see or feel. The parts they have no idea that you struggle with. They don’t know about all the work that you’ve done to clear out the weeds and nourish the soil for something beautiful to bloom in this newfound space.I see growth everyday even if no one else does. And that’s ok. I’m grateful to the places and spaces I’ve outgrown because for everything I have lost I’ve gained in perspective, wisdom and self love. The journey isn't over, there’s still lots more to unpack but as for TODAY, we celebrate!
I’m so thankful to be able to share my words with you. I’m so grateful to those who have read or shared my blogs, booked a photoshoot, subscribed to the newsletters and given me words of encouragement.
For those beginning to trust themselves and listen to their intuition; I see you and I’m proud.
Remember...
Be gentle with yourself & keep evolving!