I bought a pair of shoes… thinking I’d grow into the version of myself they represented.
Maybe you’ve done something similar—bought an outfit, made a plan, or signed up for something that felt just out of reach, hoping it would nudge you closer to the life you imagined.
For me, those shoes represented a return to who I was before. Before COVID. Before caregiving. Before my husband passed. Before I ran a hospital at home. Before my life transformed.
They were business shoes—for a woman who wore tailored jackets, walked into conferences, ran in-person sessions, and attended events with ease. But the life I had now was quieter. More inward. Still strong, but reshaped.
And I found myself asking:
Who am I now?
Do I fit this life? Or does this life fit me?
Maybe you’ve had your own moment like this. Life throws you something unexpected—loss, transition, aging, menopause, caregiving, retirement—and suddenly your identity doesn’t feel like it used to. And honestly? You’ve changed. And that’s not a bad thing.
So… Who Are You Becoming?
We don’t stay the same. Ten years ago, five years ago—even last year—we were different. And that’s the beautiful truth about life. We grow. We adapt. We soften in places and strengthen in others.
But at the heart of it, there are still a few things that matter deeply:
- Our health
- Our relationships
- Our contribution
- Our sense of fulfillment
So as summer unfolds, I invite you to reflect—not with judgment, but with curiosity.
What rhythms serve you now? What are you ready to release? What can support you in feeling more aligned today?
Here are 3 gentle practices that I recommend (and use myself) to reconnect with that ever-evolving version of YOU:
Key #1: Reflect with Gratitude
Each night before bed, name three things that made you feel proud, grateful, or peaceful.
Maybe it’s something you accomplished, someone you love, or a moment that surprised you.
This practice doesn’t just help your mindset—it’s a gentle bridge into sleep that’s far more effective (and calming) than scrolling or sleeping pills.
Key #2: Stock Up on What Nourishes You
Healthy choices start in your kitchen.
Keep fresh fruits and nuts on the counter, your fridge stocked with whole foods, and proteins available. When nourishing foods are on hand, it’s easier to avoid the quick-fix temptations.
A stocked kitchen is a self-care ritual—it says, “I’m worth feeding well.”
Key #3: Shake Up Your Movement
Have you been in a movement rut?
Try adjusting the when, what, where, or with whom.
Personally, I’ve switched my walks to mornings—especially with these hot summer afternoons and evenings—and I’m surprised by how energized I feel. New timing. New rhythm. Fresh results.
Even small shifts can renew your motivation.
Whether you’re stepping into new shoes or slipping back into the comfy ones that still serve you well, let this be a season of gentle reconnection.
Not with who you used to be.
But with who you’re becoming now.
