The End

posted 28th January 2011    Written by: Alisha    CATEGORY: Alisha, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 3, What I've Learned

Really?  This is it?  This is my last post for Stratejoy?  I think I might cry.

These past six months have been incredible–life changing, actually.  I am so grateful for the amazing women I have connected with during my time here.  Doni, Marian, Renee, Nikki, and Lindsey are going places, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have been a witness to their journey.  I am grateful for Molly and the work that she does.  She’s the real deal y’all.  The older sister I wish I had: authentic, warm, uplifting and now one of my most favorite people on Earth.  If it weren’t for her, Stratejoy, my trusty old Joy Plan, and these ladies, I am quite certain the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 would not have rocked so hard.

I learned so much about myself.  Thanks to the Joy Equation, I feel empowered.  I finally figured out what it is that I truly value in life.  I reached limits and set boundaries.  I learned (am still learning) that it’s okay to not be perfect and that my imperfections are actually what make me beautiful.  I found comfort in solidarity.  And I’ve said this before, but for someone who lives with depression, one of the most important aides in my healing is knowing that I am not alone.  Now, I am stronger.  I know that this quarterlife crisis is manageable.  I will live through it.  I am living through it.  You will live through it.

I have been able to share with you stories that I’ve never even told my best of friends.  (Amazing how the internet can help you open up and expand, isn’t it?)  And because of that my soul is lighter.  My very first post, which is probably my favorite, was a painful story that I had been trying to tell for years.  I had no idea how much that story dragged me down–kept me stuck–until I told it.  Thankfully, your kind words help me heal and move on.

So to the ladies of Season 4, I wish you much luck.  (Though with Molly and the other wonderful women you will meet through Stratejoy, you’ll be just fine.)  If I can offer any advice to you it would be to always be open and honest.  Never be afraid or embarrassed to share your stories.  Chances are there are others out there who will read it, and like me, breathe a sigh relief knowing that they aren’t the only ones.

But most importantly, have fun; connect with one another; connect with the Stratejoy community; make new friends; and enjoy the ride.

Thank you all for standing beside me, loving me, encouraging me, and inspiring me on this journey.  Until next time. . . .

[Note from the coach: You, gorgeous soul, you.  You don't even know how much I admire you- a young woman with a family who hasn't forgotten that she needs to fill herself up first- in order to be present, giving, and compassionate for those she loves.  I know it's not always easy and I know you feel like you've got so many more things you want to accomplish, create, be....  Believe me when I say this, Alisha, you are enough as you are.  And with that fierce self love that you've discovered, the extra sparkly bits will find their way in.

Thank you, thank you for being real.  I know all of us have appreciated your willingness to dive into the dark (and the light!) and to share it with us through such lovely, heart felt writing.  I appreciate you.  And adore you.  And cannot wait until we meet in person so I can cover you (and your kidlets) in kisses.  All the good in the world, with love,  Molly]

(photo credit)

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Comments (8)

8 Responses to “The End”

  • Juliana Says:
    January 28th, 2011 at 8:35 am

    Your honesty and your story have been so powerful. Thanks for sharing all of it.

  • Alisha Says:
    January 28th, 2011 at 10:55 am

    Thank you, Julia, for following me along my journey :)

  • marianschembari Says:
    January 28th, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    I don't know why, but this post had me welling up a little bit. CUT IT OUT MARIAN. I adore you big time and have sooo enjoyed reading your posts and following your life. I'm keeping my eye on you, dear girl. Watch your back ;-)

  • Lindsey Says:
    January 29th, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    Oh Alisha, I am so glad we were able to share this season together! I am so awed by your capacity to be a wife, a mother, and fully committed to figuring yourself out and becoming better. You have a beautiful future ahead, because you've claimed it, and I'm so happy that you've found the words and community to share your story and move forward. Next time I'm in Chicago area, I'm lookin' you up! LOVE!

  • Alisha Says:
    January 29th, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    Awwww. It's okay. Let it out; my eyes got all watery too when I wrote it. It's been an emotional journey. Getting to know you ladies was really special. Please do keep your eye on me as I've got mine on you :)

  • Alisha Says:
    January 29th, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    Thank you, Lindsey. I am really looking forward to where all of our paths go–and hopefully they meet up somewhere along the way in real life! Safe travels, young lady :)

  • Katie [blogs] Says:
    January 30th, 2011 at 8:38 am

    Alisha- of all of the Season 3'ers, I connected with you the most. I also come from a depression background, and for you to put it out there so bravely, so beautifully, is nothing short of amazing. More than once, your posts left me in tears; tears of pain for the little girl inside of you who didn't get a lot of joy; tears of happiness at your accomplishments. Each and every week that I saw a new post from you, I said outloud "We made it. We made it another week." And I'm sure you know the importance of "One more day".

    I have so much faith in you that it's ridiculous. Go forth, gorgeous. Be awesome.

  • Alisha Says:
    February 4th, 2011 at 6:13 pm

    Thank you, Katie. That really means a lot to me. Gathering up the courage to share that part of myself was both exhausting and exhilirating because I knew I had to talk about it in order to help myself grow and learn. We did make it and we'll continue to make it :)

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