EvolveC, Author at Evolving with Cheta

Cheta smiling in a peach beaded dress on her birthday, a reminder to keep showing up and evolving.

A Letter to Myself: My Growth Journey

28 Comments / Self-Love & Healing / EvolveC

Dear Me, Happy Birthday. Today, I pause to honour the woman I’m becoming and the journey that is shaping me. This past year has been filled with unexpected lessons, quiet victories, deep reflections, and meaningful growth. Turning a year older feels different—it feels like arriving at a more grounded, grateful version of myself. A year ago, I was full of questions. I had just stepped into unfamiliar territory—starting a blog, searching for deeper meaning, and learning to balance my dreams with the everyday demands of family life. It wasn’t always easy. There were days I felt overwhelmed, uncertain, and far from the vision I had for myself. Doubt crept in. But looking back now, I recognize how those quiet struggles were shaping me into someone stronger, more self-aware, and more at peace with my true self. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that growth rarely looks like we expect. It’s unpredictable. It often feels like you’re taking two steps back for every one step forward. But even in the chaos, there is beauty. Every stumble, pause, and small win played a part in becoming who I am today. I’ve realised that personal growth isn’t just about hitting big milestones or chasing success. It’s about the subtle shifts—the moments I choose to show up for myself. It’s found in vulnerability, learning to extend grace to myself, and trusting that I am enough, right here and now. This year, I’ve learnt to honour the small victories: Finding the courage to share my voice Nurturing honest, heartfelt connections Being kind to myself on the hard days These moments matter. They are the foundation of lasting growth. Real transformation happens not in giant leaps but in the quiet, consistent choices we make each day. If you ever feel like you’re falling behind or questioning your path, please remember this: you’re not alone. Growth isn’t linear. The journey twists and turns. It can feel slow, confusing, and even frustrating. But that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Even the smallest, most uncertain steps are moving you forward. Your journey is unfolding in its own time, and that’s more than enough. So today, I say thank you to myself: Thank you for showing up, even when it was hard. Thank you for embracing the mess and learning through the struggle. Thank you for being patient with who I’m becoming. And most of all, thank you for choosing to love yourself through it all. As I step into this new year, I feel hopeful. Hopeful for the growth still ahead, the lessons waiting to unfold, and the opportunity to keep evolving into the woman I’m meant to be. In this new year, I will continue to welcome my growth journey with open arms. I’ll remind myself that every day is a gift, and I don’t need to have it all figured out to keep moving forward. If you’re reading this and walking through your journey, let me gently remind you: It’s okay to be in the messy middle, not to hold it all together. Growth can be slow and unglamorous, but that doesn’t mean it’s not real. Keep showing up. You’re becoming someone beautiful—even if you can’t fully see it yet. With love, Cheta I’d love to hear your story in the comments. What lessons are unfolding in your life right now? What small shifts are guiding your growth? Let’s keep evolving—together. One honest, heartfelt moment at a time.

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AA woman typing on her laptop, capturing the essence of 'How to Start When You're Not Ready

How to Start Before You Are Ready and Overcome Fear

3 Comments / Growth Mindset / EvolveC

Let’s be honest — starting something new can be terrifying. Whether it’s a business idea that won’t leave you alone or a creative project that tugs at your heart, it’s easy to pause and say, “Not yet.” But here’s the truth: you should start before you’re ready. That moment of hesitation? It’s normal. But staying there too long keeps you stuck. I know, because I’ve been there. There was a time I sat with a notebook full of ideas. I had the passion but kept holding back, waiting for the perfect moment. I told myself I needed more time, knowledge, and confidence. But deep down, I was just scared. Start before you’re ready—it’s a mindset I had to grow into. Sound familiar? “If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” — Lemony Snicket That quote felt like a quiet push — or maybe the wake-up call I didn’t know I needed. I realised the longer I waited for “ready”, the more life passed by with my dreams still locked inside me. Start Before You’re Ready: The Fear Feels Real — But It Doesn’t Have to Win That voice in your head saying, “What if I fail?” Or “Who am I to do this?” can be loud. Mine certainly was. It fed on doubt and perfectionism. It kept whispering, “Wait till you are sure.” But here’s the truth I’ve learnt: the only way to quiet that voice is to take action. Even small, shaky, unsure action. Start before you’re ready, because fear doesn’t disappear until you move. “Start before you’re ready. Don’t prepare; begin.” — Mel Robbins. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You need a little courage to try. Start Before You’re Ready: You’ll Never Know Until You Try Starting doesn’t mean having a flawless plan. It doesn’t mean knowing exactly how things will turn out. It simply means being willing to move forward, even if your hands are trembling and your heart is pounding. “You don’t have to see the whole staircase; just take the first step.” — Martin Luther King Jr. I didn’t feel ready, but I clicked “publish” anyway — and looking back, that small act of courage started something beautiful. By starting before you’re ready, you give yourself permission to grow and discover joy along the way. Failure Isn’t the Enemy — Inaction Is We fear failure so much that we forget: trying and learning is never failure. It’s how we grow. “There is no failure except in no longer trying.” — Chris Bradford I’ve stumbled and made my fair share of mistakes. But I’ve also discovered more than I ever expected — not just about writing, but about who I am. Start before you’re ready, and let the process shape you. Start Before You’re Ready: You Are More Ready Than You Think The people you look up to? They didn’t start because they were ready. What pushed them forward wasn’t readiness but a quiet conviction: “This matters enough to begin.” “You are more ready than you think. You just need to believe it for long enough to begin.” — Unknown. You don’t need to be fearless. You need to care enough to begin. And the best way to begin is to start before you’re ready. What I Hope You Remember If something has been nudging at your heart — a dream, a passion, an idea — don’t keep putting it off until everything feels perfect. There is no perfect moment. There is only now. Sometimes, starting before you’re ready helps you grow into readiness. Start Before You’re Ready: Brave Enough to Begin What’s that one thing you’ve been holding close — that idea, dream, desire — but haven’t started yet? You don’t have to feel completely ready to take the first step. Just naming it is powerful. I encourage you today to write it down in your journal or share with me in the comments, “I’m choosing to start before I’m ready.” That one moment of honesty might be the light someone else needs to find their way. You matter, and your beginning is already beautiful

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Empathy and Compassion for Growth

4 Comments / Self-Love & Healing / EvolveC

Have you taken time to reflect on the biggest shifts in your life? As I look back on mine, I’ve come to understand that true change-the kind that softens and reshapes you—often stems from empathy and compassion for growth, not from books or achievements. It comes from raw, honest moments when I truly felt seen. Like when a loved one sat beside me in silence while I cried. When my child reached out for my hand, even after I raised my voice. Or when I finally permitted myself to feel my pain instead of pushing it away. These weren’t big moments, but they were powerful. They didn’t force me to change—they invited me to grow, gently and deeply. Redefining Growth from the Inside Out We often think of growth as pushing harder, doing more, and constantly achieving. But over the years, I’ve realised that real, lasting growth looks different. It’s quieter and tender. It’s the kind of growth rooted in empathy and compassion. It’s choosing to: Sit with your emotions instead of dismissing them. Listen without interrupting. Hold space for others—and yourself—without judgement. Empathy and compassion for growth mean choosing presence over perfection. It’s in these softer moments that true transformation begins. Why Empathy and Compassion Can Be So Hard Let’s be honest—being empathetic and compassionate isn’t always easy. Especially if you didn’t grow up experiencing them. It’s hard to extend grace when: You’re stretched thin You’ve never been shown that kind of kindness You’ve been taught that strength means suppressing emotion Many of us were taught to be tough, to keep going. Not to show weakness. But empathy and compassion for growth challenge that narrative. They invite us to be vulnerable, to unlearn the harshness we inherited and make space for healing. How I’m Intentionally Practising Empathy and Compassion I haven’t mastered this—and I don’t think anyone truly does. But here are a few small ways I’m trying to embody empathy and compassion in my everyday life: 🌱 Start with yourself When I feel overwhelmed, I pause and ask, “What do I need right now?” Then I speak to myself the way I would speak to someone I love. 🌱 Listen fully One of the most empathetic things you can do is simply listen—not to reply, but to understand. 🌱 Let go of fixing I’ve learnt that empathy isn’t about offering solutions. It’s about showing up, even when you don’t have the answers. 🌱 Be curious, not critical When someone disappoints me, I ask, “Why am I feeling this way?” That reflection helps me respond with gentleness. 🌱 Nurture your inner world I protect my peace. I am learning to be kind to myself to have something kind to offer others. These may seem small, but with time, they change how I show up for myself and those around me. The Comfort of Shared Humanity Some of the deepest healing doesn’t come from doing—it comes from being seen. Fully. Gently. Without judgement. When someone says, “I understand,” without trying to fix or correct, it changes us from within. It eases the ache. It helps you breathe again. That’s the power of empathy and compassion for growth. They connect us. They heal us. They remind us that we are not alone. Imagine how different our homes, friendships, and workplaces could feel if we led with empathy. If we parented from a place of compassion. If we extended to ourselves the same gentleness we long for. Growing with Gentle Courage Choosing to grow through empathy and compassion is one of the most courageous things we can do. It’s not loud, but it’s powerful. It’s not fast, but it’s lasting. It’s in the soft word. The silent presence. The kind gesture when anger would be easier. Let’s keep choosing that kind of growth, not to prove anything, but to connect. Because the world doesn’t need more perfection. It needs more people who are present, kind, and willing to feel.

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Open journal and pen on a table, symbolizing reflection and intentional living to rewrite your story and embrace personal growth

Rewrite Your Story, Embrace Personal Growth

1 Comment / Growth Mindset / EvolveC

We’ve all had moments when life slows down just enough for us to pause and reflect. A quiet thought arises: “Is this the life I want?” You feel the urge to embrace personal growth and break free from routines, roles, and versions of yourself that no longer feel aligned. You sense it’s time to rewrite your story, embrace personal growth, and step into something more purposeful. Living on Autopilot For a long time, I lived on autopilot, playing the roles expected of me—daughter, student, wife, mother—without ever stopping to ask myself what I truly wanted. I was ticking boxes, but something felt missing. I realised I was living out a script that wasn’t mine. It was handed to me by culture, family, and fear. “Is this what I want for myself?” That question kept rising like a whisper I could no longer ignore. It was time to rewrite my story and embrace personal growth. The Power of Questioning Old Scripts Many of us are unknowingly living out scripts passed down through generations. We repeat patterns, follow outdated rules, and cling to beliefs that no longer serve us. But what if you paused and asked, “Who wrote this script I’m living?” What if you dared to rewrite your story, embrace personal growth, and choose differently? What Do You Believe? Have you ever questioned why you believe what you believe? Or why certain childhood myths still shape your choices? These stories were written long ago, often without our consent. Yet we cling to them for safety. But safety isn’t the same as freedom. Deciding to rewrite your story and embrace personal growth opens the door to transformation. It may be uncomfortable, but it’s also empowering. My Turning Point I had to face the limiting beliefs that held me back—the ones that whispered fear, that staying small was safer than standing tall. These beliefs were born from years of silence and a lack of affirmation. One day, I decided that I had the power to rewrite my story, embrace personal growth, and start again with intention. Honouring the Past, Choosing the Future Rewriting your story doesn’t mean denying your past. It means acknowledging it, honouring it, and then growing beyond it. Growth begins with intention. It begins with courage. Choosing to leave the familiar behind and live by choice, not default. Rewrite your story, embrace personal growth. Say it. Own it. Live it. You Are Your Best Investment Investing in yourself is one of the most powerful things you can do. Growth won’t happen overnight, but every step you take is progress. Every shift in mindset is a seed of change. So when doubt shows up, remind yourself: rewrite your story, embrace personal growth. Independent Will and the Power of Choice Stephen Covey talks about independent will—the inner strength that allows us to rise above the old scripts and make intentional choices. It’s this will that empowers us to rewrite our story, to choose truth over assumption, purpose over habit, and growth over fear. That power is yours. Use it. Rewriting Your Story Starts Here As you close this chapter, take a moment to pause and reflect: what story are you telling yourself? It’s time to rewrite the narrative. Embrace personal growth and step boldly into the life you deserve. Start today—choose growth over fear, purpose over pattern. Your transformation begins now. Share your journey with us, and let’s grow together.

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The Healing Journey of Parenthood

3 Comments / Family life / EvolveC

Parenting is often described as raising children from infancy to adulthood. But beneath that surface lies something deeper, something sacred—the healing journey of parenthood. It’s not just about shaping a young life but about reshaping ourselves. As we tend to their needs, calm their fears, and celebrate their growth, we begin to uncover pieces of our story. In nurturing them, we meet the child within us, offering healing to the wounds we once buried. The Healing Journey of Parenthood in Everyday Moments It’s easy to overlook the healing journey of parenthood in the repetition of daily life. The early years can feel like a loop—getting them ready for school, preparing meals, cleaning up, and doing it all again. But it is in these small, seemingly ordinary routines that deep healing quietly takes place. Their embrace, laughter, and sleepy little voices at bedtime—these everyday moments hold more than joy; they carry healing for the weary parts of our hearts. As we care for our children with presence and love, we unknowingly care for the parts of ourselves that once longed for that same tenderness. Their presence calls us back to the present, teaching us to find beauty in the now. This is the healing journey of parenthood—subtle, powerful, and sacred. Through the Struggles: The Healing Journey of Parenthood Let’s be honest—some days, parenting is heavy. There are days filled with tantrums, self-doubt, and exhaustion. We wonder if we’re doing enough, if we’re getting it right. But even in these difficult moments, the healing journey of parenthood is still unfolding. In our frustration, we’re learning patience. In our tears, we’re finding strength. Every challenge is carving out new depth within us. It’s not just about surviving the hard days—it’s about growing through them. The emotional resilience we develop isn’t just for our sake—it becomes the foundation our children will one day stand on. Their growth is deeply tied to our own. Transformation Through the Healing Journey of Parenthood Parenthood is more than guiding a child—it’s a soft invitation to become someone new. The healing journey of parenthood encourages us to release the pain of yesterday, unlearn what no longer fits, and open our hearts to something deeper. We evolve through the messiness. We learn to forgive more easily, to love more deeply, and to show up more fully. The process is not always graceful, but it is honest—and that’s where true healing lies. Every stage of parenthood strips away what no longer serves us and reveals the wisdom we didn’t know we carried. The Healing Journey of Parenthood: A Lifelong Process The healing journey of parenthood doesn’t end when our children grow up. It continues, shifting shape with each season. As they grow, so do we. Parenting keeps opening us—widening our hearts, softening our edges, and expanding our capacity to love. Though we may not always see it as it’s happening, the healing unfolding within us is just as important as the values we strive to teach. Our children are watching—not just our words, but how we love, how we make amends, and how we stand back up after falling. In walking this path beside them, we quietly show that healing is always within reach—and that the journey of growth is one that never truly ends. From My Heart to Yours Parenthood doesn’t just shape our children—it shapes us too. It uncovers old wounds, stretches our patience, and calls us to grow in ways we never imagined. Some days feel overwhelming, and that’s okay. You’re not doing it wrong—you’re evolving. One moment, one lesson, one deep breath at a time. The healing journey of parenthood has a quiet way of finding us—in the whispered bedtime prayers, the warmth of tiny arms around our necks, and the quiet courage it takes to keep showing up, even on difficult days. Take a moment to reflect: what part of the healing journey of parenthood is quietly healing you? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Your story matters—more than you know.

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Nurturing Growth at Home

17 Comments / Family life / EvolveC

What Does Nurturing Growth at Home Mean? Our homes are the very first learning hubs for our children. Long before school and structured learning, they look to us for guidance on how to navigate life and the world. So, nurturing growth at home isn’t just important—it’s essential. For me, nurturing growth at home means creating a warm, safe, and supportive environment where every family member feels seen, heard, and valued. It’s the kind of home where learning from mistakes is normal, being yourself is celebrated, and love is felt not just in big moments but in the small, consistent ones too. Reflecting on the Past Growing up, emphasis was placed on academics, chores, and obedience. We were taught to follow rules. But confidence, resilience, and kindness? Those weren’t really talked about. Looking back, I realise we focused more on pleasing our parents than on becoming our full, expressive selves. As a parent myself, I want to do things differently. I want my children to grow — not just in what they know, but in who they are: full of character, courage, and kindness. And that starts by nurturing growth at home in intentional ways. How Do We Nurture Growth at Home? 1. Encourage Open Conversations One of the most powerful ways to begin nurturing growth at home is by making room for open, judgement-free conversations. Let us give our children the freedom to speak their hearts — to share their thoughts, questions, and even mistakes — without fear of being dismissed or misunderstood. It’s in these safe, everyday moments that trust is built and growth begins to bloom. Mealtimes, car rides, or bedtime chats are great moments to connect. Ask about their day, listen to their stories, and genuinely care about what they have to say. 2. Model Growth Yourself You don’t have to be perfect. Your imperfections can be your greatest teaching tool. When your children see you struggle, learn, and grow, they learn that growth is a process. When we’re honest about our mistakes, we show our children that learning never stops, even for grown-ups. It’s a powerful way to nurture empathy, build trust, and help them grow in confidence. 3. Give Them Responsibilities Children can handle more than we sometimes give them credit for. Let them take the lead in small areas—organising their toys, making simple meals, or helping with the laundry. These tasks give them a sense of ownership and pride. They feel trusted and capable. And that’s a big part of nurturing growth at home. 4. Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Results It’s easy to overlook the little things when life gets busy — a child trying again after a mistake, the courage to ask a question, or a quiet act of kindness. But these are the real building blocks of growth. There was a time I overlooked the small victories — until I saw how deeply they shaped us. Now, we make it a point to celebrate them out loud. When we cheer for effort, not just results, we teach our children that every step counts, no matter how small. Why Nurturing Growth at Home Matters When we focus on nurturing growth at home, we’re laying the foundation for lifelong learning. We’re raising children who are not just book-smart, but emotionally intelligent. Children who can face challenges with courage, bounce back from failure, and show compassion to others. And let’s be honest—our homes don’t have to be picture-perfect like the ones we see online. We won’t always get it right. Our children won’t always behave perfectly. Mine don’t—and that’s okay. But when our homes are spaces where love, grace, and growth are prioritised, we all begin to flourish. Final Thoughts Nurturing growth at home isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing the small things consistently, with love. It’s about creating an environment where your children feel safe enough to be themselves and strong enough to grow into who they’re meant to be. Growth isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. Each small, loving choice you make today is building a future your family will one day thank you for. So let’s keep going. Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep nurturing growth at home—one conversation, one shared moment, one small win at a time. With love, Cheta I would love to hear your thoughts, stories, or even the challenges you’re facing. Drop a comment below, and let’s start a real conversation about creating safe, loving spaces where our families can truly thrive.

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Sunlit desk space symbolizing calm and growth through stress and anxiety.

Growing Through Stress and Anxiety

14 Comments / Self-Love & Healing / EvolveC

Growing through stress and anxiety is something many of us are still learning how to do. It’s been a mix of motherhood, chasing dreams, holding space for others, and trying not to lose myself. Stress and anxiety have a way of creeping in unannounced. There are days I feel like I am just trying to keep my head above water. But over time, I’ve learnt that while these feelings may be a part of life, there are mindful ways to grow through them with intention and grace. 1. Naming My Feelings: The First Step in Growing Through Stress and Anxiety In the past, I used to suppress my emotions like they didn’t matter, but lately, I have learnt to name how I feel. Part of growing through stress and anxiety means giving those feelings a name—be it tiredness or fear. I’ve found that when I acknowledge what I’m feeling inside of me, I take the first honest step toward healing. 2. Taking Mindful Breaks: Creating Space to Grow Through Stress and Anxiety I used to think rest was a luxury! But I’ve recently realised that growing through stress and anxiety means making room to pause. It could be taking a few deep breaths or a short walk. These small, intentional breaks help me reconnect with myself. 3. Setting Boundaries: Protecting My Peace This one has been a game-changer for me. “I’ve learnt that saying ‘no’ isn’t selfish—it’s sacred. Through stress and anxiety, I’ve grown into someone who honours her limits, chooses rest over burnout, and protects her peace like treasure .” Boundaries give me room to breathe and be fully present. 4. Practicing Self-Kindness It’s easy to be hard on ourselves when we feel we aren’t measuring up. But one thing that helps me in managing stress and anxiety is choosing kind words over criticism. I remind myself: I’m trying, I’m learning, and I’m allowed to rest. 5. Embracing My Season Comparison steals peace. True growth begins when you embrace your season and honour your journey. Even the smallest step forward becomes powerful when it’s taken with self-awareness and acceptance. 6. Exercise: Movement is my medicine. On days when stress feels overwhelming, I take a moment to stretch or step outside for a walk. These small acts of exercise aren’t just about staying active—they’re a reminder that growth through stress and anxiety isn’t only mental. It’s physical too. Exercising helps release tension, resets my mind, and grounds me in the present. 7. Creating Gentle Routines for Growing Through Stress and Anxiety I no longer rush into my mornings. Instead, I ease in—listening to inspiring podcasts, journaling, praying, or letting soft music play in the background. These simple rhythms help me stay grounded. Amidst the stress and anxiety, they’ve become quiet anchors, helping me grow, one mindful morning at a time. Final Words on Growing Through Stress and Anxiety So take a deep breath. Release the need for perfection and embrace where you are. Growth is a journey, not a destination—it’s the quiet, daily steps forward, the moments of grace, and the soft understanding that you are where you need to be. You’re not behind; you’re simply becoming, evolving with every choice, every breath. And in this shared journey, know that you are never alone. Take a moment today to acknowledge how far you’ve come. Be gentle with yourself and remember—you are becoming, and that is enough.

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A strong tree bends in the wind beside a winding path, symbolising resilience and the journey of self-growth

Embracing Self-Growth for a Resilient Mindset

4 Comments / Growth Mindset / EvolveC

Embracing self-growth for a resilient mindset isn’t just a phrase for motivation but a way of life. Why do some people give up while others persist? It comes down to resilience! Self-growth isn’t an afterthought but a habit we build into our daily routines. Whenever I think of the word “resilience”, the picture of a man drilling through a rock in search of treasure comes to mind. He didn’t realise how close he was to his goal before choosing to give up! Another man picked up from where he left off and struck gold. We have all been in situations where giving up was the only option we thought we had. Thinking we have worked hard all year but have nothing to show for it. This feeling can be discouraging. This story reminds me how easy it is to give up before a breakthrough. We don’t need to have all the answers or know when success will come. By committing to growth, even in small, simple ways, we start building the inner strength that will help us through the tough seasons of life. What It Means to Embrace Self-Growth Self-growth is a personal and collective journey. It is acknowledging we don’t know everything and remaining open to learning. Mistakes are part of life, failure is not final – it’s a stepping stone to who we are becoming. The image above shows a lone tree standing with its roots deep and its branches stretching towards the light even in strong winds. It shows that the tree doesn’t need perfection – it thrives because it is rooted and growing. According to Carol Dweck, our abilities are not fixed but can be developed through learning, perseverance and dedication. Building a resilient mindset means choosing to believe in your ability while working to achieve your set goal. By focusing on learning and growth, we develop a mindset that can withstand life’s challenges. Dweck says, “Becoming is better than being.” By embracing self-growth for a resilient mindset, we remove the pressure of perfection and focus on progress, knowing every step forward is a win. How Self-Growth Builds Resilience Resilience is a skill we build, and embracing self-growth helps us to: Become more self-aware of our abilities and the potential we have. It challenges our thinking and shifts us towards a growth perspective. It encourages us to trust our process while walking through challenges. I discovered many of my strengths and weaknesses after becoming a mum. Learning patience, perseverance, delayed gratification, and embracing self-growth has taught me that I can be more if only I can trust my process and accept the season of my life. 5 Practical Ways that I adopted to Embrace Self-Growth for a Resilient Mindset Here are five practical steps you can take to foster growth and resilience. 1. Reflect and Grow in Self-Awareness Self-reflection has been a game-changer for me. Pausing to observe my thought patterns has deeply helped my growth. 2. Showing kindness to myself It is easy to be your harshest critic when no one is watching. Always remember that “you are your thoughts”. Learning to show compassion to yourself is a way of building resilience. 3. Challenge My Limiting Beliefs I don’t let negative thoughts tell me I can’t. Instead, I counter them with: “I can, and I will.” This phrase has been my mantra for a while now. . 4. Surround Myself with Positive People Energy, whether positive or negative, is contagious. This awareness has helped me guard my energy and stay close to those who encourage and uplift me. 5. Celebrate the Little Wins I celebrate myself because I am my own biggest fan before anyone else can be. Final Thought: I hope this Encourages You Embracing self-growth isn’t something to check off – it is a way of life. There will be messy days – and beautiful ones too. Stay committed to learning and growth. We all can become and achieve success. Building resilience isn’t an inborn trait – it’s a skill we develop. Let me close with Carol Dweck’s powerful idea – “becoming is better than being.” When we embrace resilience, we give room for more growth, strength and greater success in our lives. So the next time the thought of giving up comes to mind, remember: growth takes time, but with every intentional step, we grow better versions of ourselves.

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Finding Peace in the Middle of life’s Storm

5 Comments / Self-Love & Healing / EvolveC

Finding peace in the middle of life’s storm didn’t make much sense to me until I started experiencing life in different phases. Growing up, I often heard the phrase, “life is not a bed of roses”. I didn’t fully comprehend its meaning till I stepped into adulthood and saw my life unfolding in ways I never imagined. I began to understand that the challenges of life can come in different forms – family pressure, societal expectations, financial struggles, and even health-related issues. I have walked through seasons of my life thinking I had all my plans figured out, like I knew the direction my life was going. Boom! Life happened; I saw my plans falling by the wayside. I will wake up in the middle of the night to cry and wish them away. I will pray and stay up in the night, seeking answers. That phase of my life taught me stillness: how finding peace in the middle of life’s storm should be my goal. Walking on Shaky Ground Have you ever experienced a moment when you feel the ground you walk on is shaky? Those are the moments of confusion. When the struggle seems like forever. That moment when we think we have done our best and have nothing to show for it. While waiting in silence for answers is the most difficult thing to do. Those are the moments where we are building resilience and growing deep roots slowly and quietly. Finding Peace in the Middle of Life’s Storm – Peace is Not Loud Peace often comes not in a loud, dramatic way but in a whisper. It is in that moment when we pause to reflect. Sometimes, you can find peace in the scripture speaking to you exactly where you are. I am constantly reminding myself that peace doesn’t mean everything around me will make sense, but trusting in my process while learning to find rest. In Mark 4:39, we learnt how God commanded the storm to be still when his disciples were scared. He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down, and it was completely calm. The passage demonstrates the power of finding peace in the middle of life’s storm. Letting Go of What We Can’t Control It is often difficult to loosen our grip on what we assume is familiar and under our control. Finding peace in the middle of a life storm is teaching us to stop fighting the fog and walk through it, hand in hand with God. We don’t need to know all the answers. It is okay not to be sure. It is equally okay to feel tired and cry sometimes. In all of this, I want you to know that you are not alone. You are being held even if you don’t see the hands. We don’t need to be perfect; it is a myth to even think so. Let’s choose trust over our fears and whisper back to the storms: You won’t steal my peace. Growing Strong Together In the midst of life’s struggles and confusion, never feel alone. Peace is a gift that we all have to embrace. Life will not always be a smooth ride, but peace is possible. If you are going through a tough season in your life, be encouraged. Find peace even in the struggles and confusion of life. If for any reason today, you feel lost, pain in your heart, tiredness in your soul. Pause and remind yourself: peace, be still! Find joy in the simplest things around you. In your child’s laughter, in the hug of a loved one. Finding Peace in the middle of life’s storm: Gentle Reminder Peace is closer than we think. It is found in the stillness of our hearts, away from the noise. Peace is found in total surrender to God. We will find peace not by escaping the storm but by walking through it. Peace, be still.

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How upbringing shapes adult self-image — reflective African woman deep in thought

How Your Upbringing Affects Your Self-Image

1 Comment / Self-Love & Healing / EvolveC

We need to take a moment to pause and think about how our childhood affects how we see ourselves as adults today. The words spoken to us growing up, the love we felt—or didn’t feel—and even the silent expectations from our parents or caregivers can stay with us into adulthood. Dr Gabor Maté, a well-known expert on emotional health, talks about how the emotional environment we grew up in shapes us in ways we might not always realise. A Story That Might Sound Familiar Take Ada’s story, for example. As a child, she was often told not to cry or show too much emotion. Being “strong” meant keeping her feelings to herself. Even when she did well in school, no one clapped for her or said, “Well done.” She learnt to keep pushing, hoping that someday she would be noticed. As an adult, Ada works hard, but deep down, she struggles with self-doubt. She tries to earn love and approval through her achievements—something she missed as a child. Does that sound familiar? So many of us grew up in homes where physical needs were met—there was food, school, and a roof over our heads—but emotional needs were often ignored. No one taught us how to feel our feelings or talk about them. Why Our Childhood Still Matters Whether we felt safe or constantly criticised—shapes how we see ourselves today. If love in your home came only when you were “good” or doing what others expected, you may now find yourself constantly trying to prove your worth. It’s no wonder many of us deal with people-pleasing, fear of failure, or perfectionism. We wear a mask, trying to be “enough” for others, often forgetting who we really are underneath. But here’s the truth: we were never meant to earn love. How your upbringing affects your self image – It is time to take off the mask Healing starts when we begin to see the connection between our past and our present. As Dr Gabor Maté says, “We must not confuse the behaviours we adopted to survive with who we are.” You are not your coping mechanisms, nor are you the scared child still trying to win approval. You are a strong, beautiful soul who deserves love, kindness, and rest. And one of the most powerful steps you can take is simply becoming aware. As we say in Nigeria, “He who does not know where he is coming from will not know where he is going.” When you understand how your past shaped you, you’re better equipped to shape your future. Let’s talk about how your upbringing affects your self-image Have you ever thought about how your upbringing shaped the way you see yourself today? I’d really love to hear your story. Drop a comment—let’s talk about it. Remember, you’re not alone. And your healing matters. Let’s grow together, one gentle step at a time.

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