Happy Girl on the Rise Wednesday,

I hope February is off to a good start for you. It’s a short month, so I guess that’s something to look forward to. If this is your first time reading the newsletter, welcome to the community. You’re welcome here no matter where you are in your journey.

This week’s Girl on the Rise Newsletter is 945 words (4-minute read)

This week’s affirmation:

“I am allowed to pause and rest along my growth journey.”

Reflecting.

Lately, I’ve realized how distracted I’ve been from myself.

I don’t mean in big, obvious ways. More like small ones.

Looking at my smart watch every time it vibrates.

Scrolling through my Instagram feed when I’ve only been focused on a task for a few minutes. 

Letting my mind wander when I should be here…in this moment and no where else. 

So this month, I’m doing some small things that I think will have some surprisingly meaningful impact:

First, I’m going to stop wearing my smart watch. This means no instant reminders and no constant buzzing asking for my attention. Time unfolding as it does, just without my constant awareness of it.

I’m a few days into practicing this, and to be honest, it feels a little bit weird. Every day for the last six years, I’ve worn a watch. Being in the military, it was kind of a necessity - being “on” 24/7.

But now, with my freedom, I get to decide what parts of me from the military I want to keep and which parts I want to say good-bye too. And being “on” 24/7 is at the top of my list to toss out. Because truthfully, I’m tired. The constant pressure and anxiety have taken their toll, and my mental state is due for some much-needed recalibration.

Even though it’s only been a few days, I already feel calmer. My body feels a little more listened to, and I’m not rushing as much or tracking myself as closely. I guess I didn’t realize how much my nervous system was responding to that steady stream of information on my wrist until it was gone.

I’m just letting myself be where I am. And in that space, I think I’m starting to notice me again.

Listening.

The other thing I’m practicing this month is something I’ve struggled with for a long time:

Rest that doesn’t need to be earned.

Not “rest because I checked everything off.”

Not “rest because I’m exhausted.”

But restorative rest. The kind that restores you before you’re depleted.

Like the other day, I read my book while drinking a hot cup of tea. And it felt so good. It wasn’t a self-help book either. Even though I love personal growth-related books, I think what I need right now is a break to let all the growth I’ve already done sink in.

I have a habit of going, going, going and never giving myself credit for how far I’ve come. And giving credit where credit is due is a necessary part of growth, too.

So this month, I’m going to be brave and let myself pause without trying to justify it. I’m going to choose softness without trying to turn it into productivity. And I’m going to trust that this period of rest is not a detour from my growth, but part of it.

I think presence, not productivity, is what I need most right now.

To be honest, this month, I feel like I just need to listen a little more.

Instead of fixing, I need to notice.

Instead of pushing forward, I need to settle back into my body.

I’m desperate to come back home to myself. And I’m learning (big thanks to therapy) that reconnecting with myself doesn’t always require big changes. Sometimes, it’s one small choice that says: I’m allowed to move through life more gently.

An Invitation.

I’m sharing this not because I’ve figured something out, but because I’m in it - the messy middle. Just as most of you are. So I want to ask you: What’s one small thing you’re doing (or could do) this month to feel more present with yourself?

If you feel like sharing, hit reply. I read every message, and this Girl on the Rise community is shaped by moments like that.

Until next time, keep going and keep growing (even if you need to slow down for a bit).

Coach Tay

P.S. Let’s make 2026 the year of YOU! If you want support building a life that feels aligned, energized, and deeply YOU in 2026, my RiseStronger Coaching Program is open for new clients. Your next level is literally one decision away, and it could just be the best decision you ever make! Click on “the button” to book a free discovery call. Or, reply to this email and let’s talk. Taking the first step doesn’t have to be scary!

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