Acknowledge. Accept. Move forward.

One of the biggest challenges I have faced is recognizing that it is okay to be upset about your circumstances while still being grateful for other things in different aspects of your life. I went through some pretty tough times growing up and the past few years has been anything but a walk in the park with my health and family members having Alzheimer's and Alcoholism. When I find myself getting upset about my situation, I often say, "It could be worse". But when I say that, it diminishes my feelings and emotions. In my experience, if you never acknowledge and accept what you are feeling, you can never truly move forward. I think our current circumstance provides a great example. While I am thankful that my family is currently safe, I have food and shelter, I get to go on walks every day and we have the ability to communicate through Zoom; I miss teaching, I miss my friends and family, I miss coaching and I miss my mom. Each day I have to remind myself that it is OK to acknowledge that I miss those things, it is OK to accept that I am sad even while I am grateful and when I am ready, it is OK to move forward.

Tracy Harding Photography

Azores 2014