Can Taking a Step Back Lead to Resilience?

Unveiling the Transformative Journey Within

You are exactly where you need to be…

Sometimes we need to take one step back to move two steps forward, as Vladimir Lenin once said:

“It is necessary sometimes to take one step backward to take two steps forward.”

― Vladimir Lenin

Life often pulls us in directions that differ from our plans. It’s impossible for us to plan everything. We create vision boards, set intentions, and maintain positivity, but sometimes these efforts fall short of achieving what we want. Yet, not getting what we desire at a certain point in our lives might ultimately be in our best interest, as God always has a better plan than we do.

When life diverts us from our intended path, it’s not necessarily a negative occurrence. Sometimes, it serves as a catalyst, propelling us closer to our goals and dreams. The Universe has a way of accomplishing things for us that we cannot achieve on our own. It is a signal for us to slow down, pay attention to the messages the Universe is conveying, and recognize what actions are needed during that phase of our life. At times, these experiences might not be for our own benefit but for the care of others who need us.

In December 2019, I found myself precisely in this situation. I crafted a vision board illustrating my ideal life, set ambitious intentions for 2020, and anticipated a year of unparalleled professional growth. Back then, I was residing in California, USA, with aspirations of living independently, launching my spiritual book, completing a full marathon, and achieving physical fitness goals. However, these aspirations were not aligned with God’s plan for me. It took a while for me to comprehend this, but I eventually began recognizing the spiritual signs and learned to heed the guidance available to me.

The guidance from God and the Universe is always accessible to us.

Instead of progressing further with my dreams, I chose to step back from everything. I relinquished my years of effort, left my own apartment in the USA, relocated to Turkey to live with my parents in April 2020, temporarily paused my book writing, switched to pilates from running, and prioritized my body’s well-being over rigorous weight loss pursuits. What followed was a period of emotional restoration, enriched experiences for my book, physical healing through gentler exercises and a balanced diet, and a miraculous shift in my life. Weight loss became easier, my creativity blossomed with the time I had to create, and I launched my podcast, “The Coffee o’clock,” in December 2020, just a couple of months after moving to Turkey. In 2021, I established an international speaking club, “The Joy of Speaking,” aimed at enhancing professional communication and networking in an international community. Later that year, I met the love of my life, who is now my husband, and secured the second place in my first Toastmasters International Speech Contest!

Life isn’t always about ceaseless activity. At times, it’s about being still and attentive to the messages directed towards us. I don’t blame anyone for being habitually active, as society has instilled in us the belief that continuous hard work is the only path to success — a notion that is far from reality. You don’t have to be on the go all the time; your mind, body, and soul need respite. It’s alright to step back from everything, preparing yourself to approach them with renewed strength and vigor.

If you’ve been feeling weary lately, consider this a signal to step back from the goals and dreams you’ve been tirelessly pursuing. Allow yourself a break before resuming your journey even more resilient and determined than before!

How can you step back without feeling like you’re giving up on your goals?

• Connect with your loved ones
• Practice meditation
• Maintain a journal
• Engage in regular exercise
• Pursue activities that bring you peace and joy
• Explore new endeavors
• Celebrate your past accomplishments

Following these seven steps will help you to give your mind, body, and soul the rest they deserve without feeling guilty about taking a break.

For a deeper exploration of self-discovery, feel free to reach out to me via email at burcu@joyyburcu.com.

I’m here to guide you towards a fulfilling journey.