While I spend a lot of time coaching others, I’m also continuously doing my own inner work.
We’re all growing, evolving, and stepping into new versions of ourselves.
But let’s be honest, shedding the old isn’t always easy.
We can deeply crave growth while still clinging to the familiarity of what’s run our lives for years.
True evolution asks us to look honestly at the beliefs guiding us and ask:
Are they still true for me now? Do they honor who I am and who I’m becoming?
If not, this is the invitation to release them. The power of belief is to choose beliefs that support your expansion and reflect how you want to experience life.
Creating Through Discomfort
I was reminded of this truth through one of my favorite paintings, the one I’ve shared here today.
It’s called “Believe.”
“Believe” — Mixed media on canvas by Joan Jakel
I painted her during a time when my body was in deep discomfort. I had come down with shingles during the height of Covid, and the pain made sleep impossible.
So instead of surrendering to the pain, I surrendered to creation.
I spent the weekend painting around the clock, channeling what hurt into color, expression, and meaning.
I already had an abstract base on the canvas, but that weekend, my muse came to life. I painted the blue background around her to bring her forward, to give form to the message she wanted to share:
Believe.
The Power of Belief
She’s still my favorite piece.
Not just because of how she looks, but because of what she represents, her message and how powerfully she came to life.
She’s a reminder that we can create beauty even in discomfort.
The power of the belief in ourselves, in our process, and in what’s possible is the bridge between pain and purpose, who we are and who we are becoming.
When we align our beliefs with our desires, we transcend limitation.
We move from resistance to flow, from fear to creativity, from uncertainty to trust.
That’s the beauty of becoming
Reflection Invitation
As you reflect on the power of your belief, take a deep breath. Then ask yourself:
What do I believe about myself right now?
What am I ready to release?
Who am I becoming?
What do I choose to believe moving forward?
What’s waiting to be created through me next?
May this serve as a reminder that growth doesn’t come from ease, it comes from belief.
And when you honor your process, trust your progress, and stay connected to what you truly believe, you’ll always find beauty in becoming.
Check out more of my artwork on journals I’ve created to inspire you through the journey of discovery and reflection: Joan Jakel Journals
I help purpose-driven entrepreneurs upgrade their mindset, eliminate limiting beliefs and reprogram critical, negative self-talk so they can courageously and authentically use their voice, gifts and talents to make a bigger impact.
If you're ready to thrive and develop an unshakeable belief in who you are and what you can achieve, let's talk!
Carpe Diem!
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