How to Rise From the Ashes
Whenever people go through hard times, they like to say it’s like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Everything around you burns down…
But somehow, you’re still standing.
You look around and see what’s been lost.
What’s been broken.
What didn’t survive.
And yet…
There you are.
Still breathing.
Still here.
Maybe you’ve had to rise like that before.
Maybe more than once.
But this time?
This time feels different.
This time feels like something deeper has shifted.
Something more permanent.
I truly believe that everything coming to the surface right now—personally and as a society—is pushing us toward becoming better individuals.
Not perfect.
But better.
Now, I know everybody isn’t on board with that.
And that’s okay.
People grow at their own pace.
They’ll get there when they’re ready.
But for those of us who are ready…
Who feel that shift…
Who know something has to change…
Let me share a few things that might help you navigate the days ahead.
Tip #1: If You Don’t Understand Something, Go Find Out
Simple, right?
Not always.
For some people, asking questions feels uncomfortable.
Pride gets in the way.
Or maybe you just don’t feel like opening yourself up like that.
So here’s another option:
Educate yourself.
Pick up a book.
Open your laptop.
Search.
Read.
Learn.
If you want to understand movements, organizations, or perspectives—go directly to the source.
Don’t rely on hearsay.
Don’t sit in confusion.
And don’t stay silent just because you don’t know.
There is nothing wrong with not knowing.
But there is something wrong with choosing to stay that way.
I’ve had moments where things were so confusing, I had to go out of my way to really understand what was happening around me.
And while you don’t have to go to extremes…
Do what you need to do to gain clarity.
Because understanding brings awareness.
And awareness brings growth.
Tip #2: Don’t Try to Change Everything Overnight
Listen…
Slow down.
You don’t have to become a whole new person in one day.
You don’t have to have it all figured out by next week.
Growth doesn’t work like that.
And let me say this clearly:
This is not the time to fake it till you make it.
Now you can fake a few things in life if you still choose to (I’m not getting in your business 😂)…
But don’t fake growth.
Because if you’re not being real with yourself…
You can’t be real with anybody else.
You live with you every single day.
Every decision.
Every thought.
Every word.
That belongs to you.
So be honest about where you are.
Take your time.
Make real changes—not performative ones.
Because fake growth doesn’t last.
But real change?
That sticks.
Tip #3: Feed Yourself Mentally and Emotionally Every Day
Talk to yourself.
And I mean that in the healthiest way possible.
Tell yourself you’re beautiful.
Tell yourself you’re capable.
Tell yourself you’re growing—even when it feels slow.
Say “I love you” to yourself.
Out loud.
Mean it.
Create moments where you can just be.
Sit outside.
Feel the ground beneath your feet.
Close your eyes.
Breathe deeply.
Step away from everything for a little while and just exist in peace.
Even if it’s only 10… 20… 30 minutes.
Give yourself that.
Because in the middle of everything going on…
You still deserve calm.
And if what I suggested doesn’t quite fit you?
That’s okay too.
Find what works for you.
Add your own flavor to it.
Make it personal.
Because healing is not one-size-fits-all.
But one thing I do know is this:
Whatever this shift is…
Whatever this change is…
However it’s affecting you…
Use it for something good.
Don’t let it just pass through your life without leaving you better than it found you.
