Week 3 – The Greatest Lessons I’ve Learned

January 2025: Reflecting on the Journey – The Greatest Lessons I’ve Learned

Life is like an ever-winding trail through the woods—full of surprises, challenges, and those pesky roots that trip you up when you least expect it. As I’ve walked my journey (and stumbled more than once), I’ve gathered some gems of wisdom that have reshaped my perspective and enriched my path. If you’re familiar with my personal blog, journeyonstrong.com, you’ll know my focus is on authenticity, growth, and the messy beauty of being human. Today, I’m sharing some of the greatest lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. Boundaries Are Acts of Love

As a recovering codependent and people pleaser, learning to set boundaries felt like trying to teach a cat to fetch. But here’s the truth: boundaries aren’t walls—they’re bridges to healthier relationships. Saying no doesn’t mean you’re unkind; it means you’re honoring both yourself and the other person. It took me years to realize that being “nice” all the time wasn’t sustainable. Now, I see boundaries as a love language—to myself and others.

2. Progress Over Perfection

There’s a special kind of freedom in letting go of perfectionism. For years, I thought my worth was tied to flawless performance, whether in work, relationships, or even my hobbies (let’s not talk about the first scarf I crocheted). Then I discovered that striving for progress, not perfection, made life a lot more enjoyable. Mistakes? They’re just proof you’re trying. And honestly, they make for better stories.

3. You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup

As someone who feels the emotional burdens of others deeply, I used to prioritize everyone else’s needs over my own. But here’s the thing: if you’re running on empty, you can’t fully show up for anyone—not your family, your friends, or yourself. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s survival. Whether it’s a walk in nature, crafting, or just five minutes of quiet with a cup of tea, refilling your cup is non-negotiable.

4. Embrace the Mess

Life is beautifully, unapologetically messy. And guess what? That’s okay. Not every moment will look like a picture-perfect Instagram post (especially not my cooking attempts—I’m still terrible in the kitchen). The mess is where the magic happens. It’s where we grow, connect, and learn to laugh at ourselves. So embrace it. Lean into the imperfections and let them shape you.

5. Vulnerability is Strength

I used to think being vulnerable made me weak. Now I know it’s one of the bravest things we can do. Sharing your struggles, admitting when you need help, and letting others truly see you—flaws and all—is where real connection happens. Vulnerability isn’t about oversharing; it’s about showing up authentically. And in doing so, you might just inspire someone else to do the same.

6. Joy is in the Little Things

There’s unparalleled joy in life’s simplest pleasures: a walk in nature, the warmth of family and friends, the satisfaction of finishing a craft project. These small moments remind us of what truly matters. When life feels overwhelming, grounding yourself in these little joys can make all the difference.

7. The Greatest Lesson: Stay on Your Side of the Street

However, the GREATEST lesson I’ve learned is to stay out of other people’s business—or to put it another way, stay on my side of the street. For years, I believed it was my job to fix, manage, or control situations that were never mine to handle. I thought I was being helpful, but in reality, I was overstepping and exhausting myself in the process. Now, I’ve learned to focus on what’s within my control: my actions, my reactions, and my growth. Trusting others to handle their own paths has been liberating and has brought more peace into my life. It’s not about detachment; it’s about respect—for myself and for the journeys of others.

Final Thoughts

The lessons I’ve learned are not about achieving some ideal version of life but about embracing it as it is—messy, beautiful, and endlessly surprising. I hope these insights resonate with you and encourage you to reflect on your own journey.

Let’s keep walking this trail together. And if you’ve learned a lesson or two that has shaped your path, I’d love to hear about it. Drop by journeyonstrong.com and share your story. After all, we’re all just figuring it out as we go.

I hope you join me on this blogging challenge. Visit the page and download the PDF. I would love to read your story! 

• Week 3 – Blogging Challenge for Codependency Recovery:
  • Setting Boundaries: Explore what boundaries mean to you and the challenges you face in setting them.
• Week 3 – Blogging Challenge for Advanced Codependency Recovery:
  • The Greatest Lessons I’ve Learned: Share the most impactful insights from your journey.

#CodependencyChallenge2025