In order to rise from its own ashes, a phoenix must first burn.

In mythology, the phoenix is a large and radiant bird with beautiful plumage and magical capabilities. With brilliant hues of reds, yellows and purples, it associated with sun and fire. The phoenix builds his own funeral nest, and when it is time, he lights himself on fire with a single clap of his wings. He turns to ashes, then rises again, reborn.

The phoenix symbolizes rebirth and renewal. The end is never the end for this amazing bird. What looks like death and destruction to someone who doesn’t know the phoenix, is actually renewal, rebirth and new beginnings.

Sometimes our lives have to completely fall apart, so we can rebuild it, stronger than it’s ever been. We have to go through the darkness to get to the light. What may feel like the end of the world, may be a necessary step in our journey for our next chapter.

You are a phoenix. And you will be reborn again, beautiful and majestic. So, when you feel like giving up, remember these things:

1.) Motivation does not come from a feeling; it comes from action. We tend to wait until we feel like we are in the right mood to feel inspired, but the reality is, action causes us to feel like we are doing something towards our goals. And that is why we begin to feel inspired. It’s not from thinking about it, it’s from doing something about it.

2.) Know your “why”. Why are you doing this? What are your reasons? When you understand the why, the how becomes a lot easier. The “how” can be trial and error. If something doesn’t work, that’s okay, keep going and try something else. If it doesn’t work, you’ve just learned something and it’s just a data point.

3.) Don’t compare yourself to others or their journeys. You are on your own unique path that is for you and you alone. Comparing yourself to others, is like comparing apples to oranges. It’s an unfair comparison, because each are different. The only thing you should ever compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday.

4.) Be easy on yourself. We are going to experience heartbreak, loss and setbacks. These can be hard to deal with, so be gentle with yourself. It’s okay to fall in the water and cry, just don’t stay there. Experience the emotions, then let them go and practice self-care. You deserve to treat yourself well.

5.) Exercise. Whether it’s walking out in nature or lifting weights, nothing restores my soul and “resets” my mind like physically doing something. The endorphins produced by exercise reduces stress and anxiety, helps you sleep better, improves cognitive function and overall lifts your mood. Putting yourself in the best mental place you can be every day, helps you overcome feelings of discouragement or wanting to give up.  

Your turn…how will you rise from your ashes?