Meditation and mindfulness have given me the ability to know: I am not my emotions. I am not my frustration. I am not my stress.

Not all stress is created equal. While some drains us, other types stretch and grow us into who we’re meant to become. The key? Learning how to engage with stress intentionally—leaning into discomfort that fuels growth while replenishing your inner reserves to avoid burnout.

Anxiety has a way of taking root in the unknown. The moment our brain senses uncertainty, it kicks into “protection mode,” imagining all the worst-case scenarios to help us prepare. But instead of helping us, it usually just paralyzes us.

Growth isn't a one-time leap; it's an ongoing process. In those moments of discomfort, we often find ourselves at a crossroads: ill we numb ourselves with distractions or will we choose to lean in, even when it feels like too much?