We cannot be slaves to the constant search for purpose. I am not saying that we shouldn’t reach for more, for better. I’m not saying there isn’t room for growth – of course there is. I’m learning and growing every single day. The key is to be grateful for where you are right now, knowing that whatever is supposed to happen is going to happen.

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My 30s and most of my 40s were not my finest moments. I was fighting depression and angry most of the time. There were some good times, but I struggle to remember them. I had no idea how to embrace the present moment. I was always looking to find a way out of the present because I always believed that something better was on the horizon. I could not appreciate what was right in front of me.

Does that sound familiar to anyone? Or was it just me?

Contact:  email:  [email protected] or Instagram:  @_michele_matthews

In honor of National Recovery Month, I am challenging you to either look at yourself and see if there is a recovery journey that you may need to start. If not, if you’re good – then celebrate and support someone in your life who is on a recovery journey. Even if they don’t ask for help your support will be appreciated.

Contact:  Email - [email protected] or  Instagram:  @_michele_matthews

I was worth it when I was single. I was worth it when I was married. I’m worth it now that I’m divorced. I was worth it when I was broke and I’m worth it now that I’m not. I was worth it when I struggled as an entrepreneur and I’m worth it as I sit in my 24-year career in Contracts. None of these things define me or my worth.

I’m just worth it. Period. And so are you.

Contact: [email protected] or Instagram: @_michele_matthews

Self-acceptance is key. Accepting ourselves allows us to more easily accept others. It allows us to establish clear boundaries and will lessen the likelihood of us allowing others to breach those boundaries.

Contact: [email protected] or Instagram: @_michele_matthews

Are you watching the time pass you by or are you taking advantage of every hour?

Contact:  email - [email protected]

Instagram: @_michele_matthews

You've made the change ... now here is how to embrace it and stick to it. I stopped drinking 5 weeks ago and I am embracing that change to the fullest.  I’m learning that living alcohol-free is about so much more than the alcohol. Admittedly, in the beginning that is all it was about but over time it has turned into something else. It means so much more. It has changed me, and I really thought that I was too old for real, substantive change.  You absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks. Change doesn’t have to be scary. It can be exciting.

Contact:  [email protected]  Instagram:  _michele_matthews

Whenever you are looking to make a change, take some time and do the cost-benefit analysis and if the benefits outweigh the costs then focus on the benefits and keep focusing on them. Don’t dwell on what you will be giving up because what you’re giving up is not really that big a deal, is it? Is it?

At the end of the day the only person who is truly invested in your peace of mind is you. You may have people in your life who care about you and have your best interest at heart, but no one can truly know what is going on with you on the very deepest of levels.

There is nothing or no one that will come between me and my peace of mind.

Look, when you tell someone (or yourself) to just get over it, you are essentially negating their experiences and conveying the message that what happened to them or, more importantly, how they feel about what happened to them is not valid.