Reflections on Growth and The Power of Self-Care

Striving for Balance and Excellence

As I continue reading through my old journals, I keep stumbling upon some intriguing thoughts I had at the time. One writing, in particular, stands out. I had taken a personality quiz, and the results said that I am most like Angelina Jolie, possessing similar traits—smart, strong, and beautiful—while balancing family life and work. I’m described as selfless, always taking care of others, yet somehow still managing to focus on my own career. The interesting part? It mentioned that people who come into contact with me are often amazed at how relaxed I am despite juggling all of this.

What’s funny is that this reflection was from a time when self-care wasn’t the buzzword it is today. Back then, taking care of yourself wasn’t something people actively discussed or prioritized. And yet, I was somehow embodying that very idea, without even realizing it at the time.

Another thought from the same year (2014) comes from Sophia Amoruso’s book Girl Boss. One quote, in particular, really resonated with me:

"Even with no manager watching to give me a gold star, it was important to do my best. Who cares if a tree falls in a forest and no one hears it? The tree still falls. If you believe that what you're doing will have positive results, it will even if it's not immediately obvious. When you hold yourself to the same standard in your work that you do as a friend, girlfriend, student, or otherwise, it pays off."

This quote speaks volumes about how much I’ve grown since then. I’ve always believed that the quality of what we put out into the world is important—even if no one is watching or recognizing it in the moment. The process and effort still matter. And now, looking back, I realize how much I’ve grown in holding myself to that same standard in all areas of my life.

I don’t have a catchy ending for this post—just another reflection. But what I do know is that as I continue to grow, I want to keep holding myself accountable to the standards I set, and I want to continue fostering the balance between self-care and being there for others.

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Reflective Questions for You:

1. What steps are you taking today to nurture your personal growth?
   Personal growth is a continuous journey, and every small step you take matters. Reflecting on the actions you’re taking today can help you stay grounded and focused on your progress. What are you doing now to build the future you envision?

2. How do you balance caring for others with taking care of yourself?
   It's easy to give so much of ourselves to others that we forget to prioritize our own well-being. Finding a balance between caring for those around us and nurturing our own needs is key to sustainable success and happiness. Are you setting aside time for yourself?

3. In what areas of your life are you striving for greater excellence?
   Excellence doesn’t mean perfection—it’s about continuously striving to be better in whatever matters most to you. Whether it’s your career, relationships, or personal habits, excellence is a mindset that helps us push through challenges and grow. What areas of your life are you focusing on improving?

With love and light,

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris