This past month has been a crash course in life’s toughest lessons, one I’m still wrestling with. I don’t think I’ll ever truly master it, but I’m trying—and trust me, that’s half the battle. If you ever feel like you’re falling short (which, let’s face it, most of us do), just have kids. Not that I recommend it as a teaching strategy, but raising little humans certainly keeps you on your toes.
Last week, both of my kids had their Taekwondo belt tests. They’ve been working hard for this, and while Aliyah was thrilled about moving up in rank, the idea of breaking that board on her first attempt had her trembling—literally. Barefoot, of course, since Taekwondo doesn’t involve boots. As I stood there cheering her on, offering the classic parental pep talk ("Just do your best, I’m proud of you either way!"), I realized I was giving myself the same advice.
The room buzzed with energy as boards shattered and parents clapped furiously. Watching her face, I saw her hesitation—the way her eyes darted nervously, her lips pressed tight in an effort to smile despite her nerves. She glanced at me, seeking reassurance, and I nodded back, silently urging her forward. Then came the moment. The board was held out in front of her, a symbol of both her fear and her potential. She had a choice: let fear hold her back or push through to victory.
In that instant, something shifted. She drew on her practice, took a deep breath, and delivered that decisive kick. With her board broken and her confidence soaring, she broke into a grin that brought tears to my eyes. No matter the outcome, I knew she’d done her best—and that was enough. Watching her reminded me of how often I hesitate in my own life. Am I doing this right? Is this the best decision? Fear has a way of creeping in, whispering doubts and holding me back. But I want to change that. I want to encourage myself the way I encourage her—to keep going, even when it feels impossible.
This month, I created a digital background for my laptop and phone as a daily reminder to push through my fears and be my best self. It’s become part of my personal cheer squad, and I thought I’d share it with you too.
If you’re facing something daunting, whether it’s a new goal or a challenging situation, take that first step. Believe in yourself, even if it’s just for today. I believe in you, and I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. You’ve got this—you just need to show up and try. And remember, even if you stumble, you can pick yourself back up and keep going. Most of the time, you’ll find that you break through to victory sooner than you think.
To dress up your desktop—or your spirit—just click to download the image below. Let’s make this month a chance to break through our own walls.
xo,
[Your Name]
(P.S. Here’s to finding courage in the little things—like breaking boards and believing in ourselves!)
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