Sometimes You Don’t Realize How Far You’ve Come
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and lately I’ve found myself reflecting on the last few years; the people I’ve met, the places I’ve gone, the risks I’ve taken, and the version of myself I was when I first started AuraAthletic Fit.
Sometimes when you’re in the middle of building something, you become so focused on what’s next that you forget to stop and recognize how far you’ve already come.
I had one of those moments recently.
I was looking back at past small business cohorts, entrepreneur programs, and networking groups I’ve been part of over the last couple years. Some businesses have grown. Some pivoted. Some quietly disappeared. There were even a few that I truly thought were going to become huge success stories, but for one reason or another, their journey stopped.
And honestly, it made me pause.
Because even though AuraAthletic Fit is still growing, I’m still here.
Still learning.
Still showing up.
Still believing in the mission.
Still trying.
2026 Graduate of the CEL program!
And I’m proud of that.
Building a business while balancing work, family, life, and everything in between is not easy. There are moments of doubt, exhaustion, comparison, and overwhelm that people don’t always see behind the social media posts.
But there have also been incredible moments of growth, connection, and purpose.
One of the things I’m most grateful for has been the people I’ve met along the way. People who genuinely care about helping others grow, heal, and find balance in life.
People like Onice from @coach_onyx, whose work around mindfulness, leadership, and purpose reminds people to slow down and reconnect with themselves.
People like Brittany Manchester, LMHC-D, PMH-C,CYTfrom Hope & Healing Wellness, who advocates for mental wellness and creates safe spaces for healing and support.
And people like Andrea Pierce from HCOC Mental Health Corporation, who are making an impact in our community through advocacy, education, and compassion.
These connections have reminded me that success is not just about sales, followers, or how fast you grow.
It’s about community.
It’s about resilience.
It’s about continuing forward even when the path feels uncertain.
Mental health matters in entrepreneurship.
Mental health matters in sports.
Mental health matters in everyday life.
Rest matters.
Community matters.
And giving yourself credit for how far you’ve come matters too.
So if you’re in a season where progress feels slow, this is your reminder to pause for a second and look back at everything you’ve already survived, learned, built, and become.
You might be doing better than you think. 🧡