Episode 041: Life Can Be Hard & Other Updates

Hey there, friends! Adrienne here. Welcome back to Live Your Truth Love Your Life. I took a little hiatus for the month of December, an unplanned break, but one that was needed. I want to share a little about what’s been going on with me - it’s a story about life's unexpected twists and how embracing them can lead to profound self-connection and peace.
In the podcast world, and the world of content creation, there’s so much guidance or advice that says you should create things so they’re evergreen - meaning that they’re not related to a particular time of year so the content can be repurposed and always be fresh. That can at times feel a little inauthentic to me, so this is about right now, December 2023, in case you’re not listening in real time.
Imagine a December filled with family, magical experiences, and picking up new hobbies. I’m talking about learning to rollerblade, the creative release of art journaling, and the unforgettable experience of seeing U2 live in Las Vegas. Sounds like a dream, right? That was my reality - a month brimming with love, laughter, adventure, and joy. I was living my best life, soaking in every incredible moment.
But then, life, as it often does, threw a curveball. This time, it was in the form of a medical emergency with my mom. Thankfully, she's doing well now, but that moment was a stark reminder of life's fragility. It made me pause and reflect. I wanted to cherish every second with my mom, my family, and friends. So, I took a step back from work, not because I had to, but because it felt necessary.
Here's the thing: life is hard. It's filled with obligations that can sometimes feel overwhelming. But what if we allowed ourselves to pause? To press 'stop' on the things that feel like obligations and just breathe. It's in these moments of pause that we find our true selves. So what if I wasn’t going to release my podcast on schedule? So what if I wouldn’t hit my revenue goals for the end of the year? So what?
You can’t always make your dreams come true during tough times. Too much forcing. It’s almost like the harder you try, the more things fall to pieces. Not sure if you can relate to that. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to surrender to what is. It's not about giving up, but about giving in to the moment, feeling everything deeply, and then, when you're ready, moving forward from a place of peace and self-connection.
As we step into the new year, I encourage you to ask yourself: What feels like an obligation in your life? How can you create space to breathe and be present with yourself and your loved ones? Remember, it's okay to take a step back. It's okay to feel and embrace every emotion. That's where growth happens.
Life is a beautiful, complex journey. It's filled with highs and lows, and it's okay to acknowledge that. Let's embrace every part of this journey, finding peace in the pause and joy in the simple moments.
So I’ve been soaking up the holiday magic, reading a ton of books for the sake of reading, painting, being active, and just trying to squeak every bit of goodness out of every day.
I wanted to mention that with January approaching, I’ve selected the next book for the Live Your Truth Love Your Life Book Club: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book has been a best seller for more than a decade, and if you’ve read it, you’ll know it’s worth reading again and revisiting in community. It’s about a code of conduct for attaining personal freedom and true happiness. Essentially, Don teaches four agreements: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. By exploring these agreements, we can examine how to suffer less, be more present, and lean into a life we love. These are tools for transformation, and you’ll be better able to stop judging, mainly yourself, and live into happiness.
If you don’t know about the book club, I will give you a quick rundown. I create a reading plan for each book, so we’re all reading along together. Of course you can go at your own pace, but this helps keep us all on track. I provide chapter summaries, key insights, and reflection questions. We do two mastermind sessions every month. These are workshops and really discussions for living into the wisdom of the book that we’re reading. The community is vibrant and happening on Facebook, where there is a post every day that encourages us to dig into the material, reflect, and turn our insight into action. This is where we get to know each other and create friendships steeped in a desire to grow and evolve. I am so excited about this book and reading it alongside everyone in the club. If you’re interested in joining, head over to www.adriennecrowley.com/bookclub and sign up. I really hope you’ll join us!
I hope this episode finds you well, and you were able to enjoy the holiday season –however you celebrate. As the new year approaches, let's set the intention to make this new year a time of self-connection, peace, and fulfillment. You deserve it! Until next time, live your truth, love your life.
Reflect on a Recent Challenge:
Take a moment to think about a recent challenge or difficult situation you've faced. It could be anything from a personal struggle, a professional setback, or an unexpected life event.
- Describe the Situation: Write down what happened in detail. How did you feel? What were your initial reactions?
- Your Response: Reflect on how you responded to this challenge. Did you react immediately, or did you take time to process the situation? What emotions did you experience?
- Lessons Learned: What did this challenge teach you about yourself? Did it reveal any strengths or areas for growth? How did it affect your perspective on life and your personal values?
- Finding Peace and Moving Forward: Consider ways in which you can find peace with what happened. What steps can you take to move forward positively from this experience? How can this challenge serve as a stepping stone for personal development and self-connection?
- Gratitude and Growth: Lastly, write about what you are grateful for in this situation. Often, our toughest challenges bring unexpected gifts. What positive aspects or opportunities for growth can you find within this challenge?
Take your time with these questions. Sit with them, revisit them, and most importantly, act on them. It’s time to turn your insight into action.
There are no limits to this exercise - let your mind roam free, and be as detailed and creative as you can. The more vivid your visualization, the more tangible your dream will feel.
This is your time, your moment, your opportunity to make magic. Believe in your own potential, and let's see where this journey can take us. Happy journaling!