Have you ever sat alone in your thoughts and thought to yourself, this is it? This is the hardest part in life that I've faced, I don't think I can do it anymore..
I know I've felt like that quite a few times, and let me tell you, we get through. And each time we get through, we’ll do well for awhile. Just like clockwork, not long later, we will always find ourselves back there again, and just like before you’ll get through it again. Miraculously maybe, or maybe it's an important part of life that we need to learn to accept and appreciate. Maybe we just need to learn to use our breakdowns in our favour. Learn why we have them and appreciate and work with them, rather than destroy ourselves over it.
I’ve spent the last little while thinking about this. The flows and cycles of life. Because as much as every challenge is different, there’s always similarities.
Breakdowns are so hard, so incredibly hard, I know. They’re teaching us a lesson that we feel we no longer have the energy to learn. But that's exactly why its so important. I believe we can all remember a point where we were just about ready to give up, and maybe in a way - we did? In order to get to the breakthrough, you need to give up control in the breakdown. Something isn't working, and the world is screaming at you to change. we need to release control of what's not working and take control in other ways. I know a lot of us fear change, but in the breakdowns, change is your best friend. Trust me. Giving up and reclaiming your life in a new way, is the best way to turn your breakdown into a breakthrough.
I've had my fair share of breakdowns that have led to breakthroughs and being my overly self aware self, I've become aware of what these breakdowns mean and to embrace them. They may be extremely hard, but I've learnt myself enough to learn that when I embrace them and move forward, I always end up in a better spot. I've now learnt to absolutely embrace change, even though its hard, I trust that the breakdown will lead me into new waters and I'll benefit greatly from this next phase of my life.
I like to look at the breakdowns as the crossover between chapters. You (as you currently know yourself) have led yourself to the place you need to be, and now You (as your next chapter self) need to take control. Its almost like you're passing the baton onto the next phase of you!
I know I've joked in the past about how many different versions of myself there's been. There was the religious one, the barista one, the musical one, the rebellious one, the quiet one, the depressed one, the free one, the skater one, the youth work one, the travel one, the artsy one, etc. Chances are if you know me personally, you met me through one of these stages of my life. And you'd be amazed if you could go back and meet me at a previous stage! If you haven't seen me in a few years, you might also be amazed at who I am today in comparison. You see, I like to think of myself as a bit of a chameleon. Forever changing myself, and changing my environment. Transforming into my next self. I'm uncomfortable with settling, and I need change. But that only came after many many lessons. I've since learnt to embrace change rather than fear it. I think the breakdowns were the ending of chapters that I’d fully lived through, there was nothing more for me there, I felt the space, the emptiness. I broke and rebuilt.
All this to say, Spring is here. We all know Spring is the ending of winter. The sun is on its way back and the wildflowers are shining in all their glory! The harsh winter is over, you can breathe (given you don't get hay fever lol) and soak in the vitamin D, the outdoor beauty and world opens up again.
I asked on my instagram a little while back what Spring means to you. And I received so many beautiful messages.
Hope, Growth, Change, Colours, Sun, Shine, Green, Yellow, Wildflowers, New beginnings, Skating, Waves, Ocean, Hills, Trees, Hikes, Sunflowers, Joyfulness, Laughter, Togetherness.
Our Spring Release is founded on the belief that breakdown always bridges you to a breakthrough. Find comfort in knowing that just if you're going through a breakdown right now, you are still on the right path. You just need to hand over control. You've done what you can in this phase, now It's time to give control over to next level you.
The river will reach its destination, no matter the twists and turns, if you trust in the flow, you'll get there. Fighting the current and avoiding the turns will only slow/stop your progress.
Your lowest point, isn't your ending. It's merely a new beginning. "Nowhere but up" might be cliche, but it's true. When you give in at your lowest point, you no longer have a chance to see your life get better, and it will. Life ebbs and flows. If you push through those breakdowns, you'll reach the breakthrough. It may not be after one day, or one week. But eventually, your fight through the breakdown will reach your breakthrough.
As much as sometimes it sucks to feel emotions, a mix of sad and angry emotions are a sign that you need change. If you listen to your bodies screams, and work towards change, listening to your heart and soul with each decision, your path will be made clear to you. Your mind may not know the next steps, but deep down, your heart and soul do. Reach inward and allow them to guide you. instead of shutting them away and masking them. Allow them to guide you. These are just the checkpoints in the direction you're heading.
In summary:
Breakdowns are hard,
But face them head on, cry it out and give them purpose.
Listen to your heart and soul.
Embrace the next phase of yourself.
Our Spring collection is dropping Sunday the 19th of September 2021!
it’s time to level up!
Love,
Liz x