Progress, Pajamas & the Power of Showing Up

Let’s just say this right up front: If personal growth had a uniform, mine would not include heels. (They’re currently in the closet, living their best dust-covered life next to a tote bag of good intentions.)

There are days when I wake up inspired—coffee brewed, hair in a somewhat intentional bun, and a podcast playing that makes me feel like I could change the world by lunchtime.

And then there are days where I celebrate not microwaving the same cup of coffee four times before noon.

Balance, right?

What We Don’t Always Say Out Loud

We talk a lot about “becoming” in the Sisterhood—and don’t get me wrong, that word has a lovely ring to it. It sounds like rose-scented growth and clean yoga mats.

But in real life?

Becoming often looks like this:

• Googling “how to cook frozen chicken faster” while wearing yesterday’s eyeliner

• Writing in your journal while secretly wondering if “cheese” can count as a food group on its own

• Scrolling affirmations with one hand while holding a half-eaten granola bar in the other, because that’s breakfast now

  
  

It’s not always graceful. It’s not always linear. And that? That’s exactly the point.

You’re Not Stuck—You’re Staging

You know those moments where you’re sure nothing is happening? You’re not making massive changes, landing breakthroughs, or writing the next great novel?

As a fifteen-year veteran of the real estate industry, I will simply tell you - that’s called staging. Like theater, a newly built model home, or HGTV. You’re getting things in place. Inside, the foundation is shifting. Energy is aligning. Or maybe you're just quietly surviving—and honestly, that counts too.

Because here’s the truth no TED Talk intro will tell you: You don’t need to have it all figured out to be in motion.

You don’t need:

• A gratitude journal filled out every night at 9

• An affirmation wall printed with perfect penmanship or overlayed in gold foil

• A self-care routine that includes forest bathing and hand-whipped green smoothies

  
  

What you do need? A heart that keeps showing up. A brain that says “okay, one more step.”And a solid pair of yoga pants. (Preferably with side pockets. Non-negotiable.)

Real-Life Wins We Should Be Applauding Louder

Let’s normalize cheering for the stuff that never makes the highlight reel:

🏆 Remembering to switch the laundry to the dryer before it smells like betrayal? Gold medal.

🏆 Responding to a text after only two days instead of three weeks? Trophy-worthy.

🏆 Managing dinner without searching “easy meals for exhausted women who are over it” (I literally did this one today)? You’re a domestic sorceress.

Progress doesn’t always look like glowing success stories. Sometimes it looks like persistence in yoga pants.

Sometimes it is yoga pants.

Sisterhood Suggestions – A Few Tiny Power Moves

Here are 5 ridiculously achievable things that still count as growth:

1. Write one sentence in a journal or on a sticky note. Doesn’t have to be profound. “I’m tired and also magical.” Boom. Done.

2. Leave the dishes in the sink and the phone behind. Go outside for 90 seconds. No filter, no pressure, just fresh air and perspective.

3. Send someone a voice text saying, “Hey. I thought of you.” That’s it. That’s the connection.

4. Set a 10-minute timer and move your body however feels good. Stretch. Sway. Two-minute dance break to Cyndi Lauper (I'm a Girl's Just Want to Have Fun fan, but You do You). No rules.

5. Name something you didn’t quit this week. That counts too.

   
   

You’re not stuck. You’re just human.

And on those days when you feel like everyone else is sprinting and you’re just trying to get the elastic waistband to stop rolling down? You’re still in motion. You’re still growing. You’re still a force of nature wrapped in jersey knit.

Even when the journal is half-written and the yoga pants are doing overtime—you’re doing the work.

And it matters.

With side pockets and zero judgment,

Laura

Second Wind Sisterhood