Progress, Not Perfection
A Personal Update and What’s Next for the Blog
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few years, it’s this: you don’t have to do everything all at once. Life is full of seasons, and sometimes, the things we dream about or plan for have to take a backseat while we focus on what’s most important in the here and now. And that’s okay.
When I first started this blog, I had big ideas and a clear vision for what I wanted it to be. But as life unfolded, my priorities shifted. Family, education, professional commitments, and figuring out who, what, and where my community was and what it needed from me all took center stage. While I’m proud of the work I’ve done in those areas, it meant that this blog space didn’t grow in the way I had originally imagined.
Now, I’m in a place where I can refocus and recommit to this blog and the work I’m passionate about. This post is both a personal update and a reintroduction to what you can expect moving forward. But more than that, I want to share a key takeaway from my journey: it’s okay to slow down.
Looking Back: Reflections on My Last Blog Post
It’s interesting to think that my last blog post was written in April 2021, shortly after the birth of my second child. In that post, I talked about the importance of slowing down and being intentional about putting myself first. At the time, I was navigating the challenges of balancing motherhood, education, and professional growth, and I felt strongly about the need to prioritize wellness and intentionality.
Fast forward to today, and I can honestly say that I’ve spent the last few years trying to live out that message. But I’ll also be the first to admit that it hasn’t been easy. Slowing down is hard, especially when life feels so full. There have been times when I’ve done it well and times when I’ve struggled. But through it all, I’ve learned that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, trying again, and giving yourself grace along the way.
Personal Updates: Life, Family, and Dissertation Work
Since my last post, a lot has happened. Raising children has been a major focus of my life, and it’s been both a joy and a challenge. While I want to honor the privacy of my family, I will say that these years have been full of growth, love, and learning.
On the professional side, I’ve also been busy. One of the most significant milestones was completing my dissertation. My topic and findings were deeply meaningful to me, and I look forward to sharing more about that in a future post. I also had the opportunity to work with a sexologist, which was an incredibly enriching experience that shaped my perspective as a counselor.
Through all of this, I’ve continued to reflect on wellness, creativity, and the importance of staying true to my values. These themes have been central to my journey, and they will continue to guide the content I share on this blog.
You Don’t Have to Do It All Right Now
One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is that just because something is on your to-do list—or even your vision board—doesn’t mean it has to happen right now. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when you’re not checking off every box or achieving every goal as quickly as you’d like. But life isn’t a race, and progress doesn’t have to be linear.
For me, this meant recognizing that I couldn’t give 100% to everything all at once. I had to take a step back, look at my values, and decide what was most important in the moment. That didn’t mean giving up on my dreams or abandoning my goals—it just meant putting them in a certain order.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is focus on what’s right in front of you and trust that the rest will come in time.
Transparency: I’m Still Learning
As I share this, I want to be completely transparent: this is still something I struggle with. I haven’t mastered it, and I don’t think I ever will. While I’ve made big shifts in how I operate and conceptualize my priorities, it’s still a daily challenge to balance my long-term dreams with the realities of the here and now.
Part of the reason I want to share this is to let others know they’re not alone in this struggle. I know how hard it can be to feel like you’re not doing enough or to worry that you’re falling behind. But I’ve also learned that being open about these challenges—and holding myself accountable to my priorities—has been incredibly helpful.
One thing that’s made a big difference for me is finding ways to keep my long-term dreams and goals in sight while staying focused on the day-to-day. I’ve learned to identify just a few tasks each day that help move me in the direction I want to go. It’s not about doing everything at once; it’s about making steady, intentional progress.
Rest Is Part of the Process
Another big lesson I’ve learned is that rest and restoration are not just important—they’re essential. In a world that glorifies busyness and productivity, it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough. But the truth is, rest is productive.
When we give ourselves permission to slow down, we create space for clarity, creativity, and growth. We allow ourselves to recharge so that we can show up fully for the things that matter most.
For me, this has meant learning to be content with the progress I make each day, even if it’s not as much as I’d like. It’s meant redefining what success looks like and giving myself grace when life doesn’t go according to plan.
What’s Next for the Blog
As I refocus on this blog, I want to share a bit about what you can expect moving forward. This space will be a blend of personal insights and professional development content, with a focus on counseling, mental health, and creativity.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Educational Content for Counselors: I’ll be sharing insights, tools, and strategies to support the growth and development of mental health professionals. Whether it’s exploring therapeutic approaches, discussing trends in the field, or diving into the creative aspects of counseling, my goal is to provide content that’s both practical and inspiring.
Creativity in Counseling: Creativity is a core part of who I am, both personally and professionally. I believe that creativity has a powerful role to play in the counseling process, and I’m excited to explore this topic in depth.
Personal Reflections: While the focus will be on professional development, I’ll also share occasional personal notes and reflections. After all, counseling is a deeply human profession, and I believe there’s value in sharing the human side of this work.
A Final Thought
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this post, it’s this: you don’t have to do it all right now. It’s okay to slow down, to focus on what’s most important in the moment, and to trust that you’re still moving in the right direction.
Progress isn’t about how quickly you check things off your list—it’s about moving forward with intention and grace. It’s about giving yourself permission to rest, to reassess, and to tackle things in the order that makes sense for you.
As I move forward with this blog, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned and to continue growing alongside this incredible community of counselors and mental health professionals. Thank you for being here, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
Stay tuned for more, and remember: progress is progress, no matter how small.