Sometimes the road less traveled can pay the greatest rewards.

It was a very lonely road for me for many years. Maybe I would spend time with people, but I still felt alone and misunderstood.

My self-development journey technically began was I was about 12 years old. I picked up my first book on how to communicate with people at an Office Max (I am not sure if they are still around these days) when my mom took me there. Being the weird, I mean unique person that I am, I wondered how to speak to people because I didn't really communicate much at school or with family. I was in my little, cozy shell but felt like I needed to do something about it.

In that book (I wish I could remember which exact book it was), my biggest takeaway was to be curious about others by asking a lot of questions. The funny thing is I literally have utilized this tip since that point forward - some people get very defensive (and they'll ask their friend, "why is she asking so many questions about me" - they think I'm in the FBI - actually, that was my dream at one point), but most enjoy it and feel a sense of connection.

That began my journey of self-development. Fast forward to when I was in my late 20's. I had continued to be a nerd for books around psychology and self-help, devouring them like I would a warm fudge brownie, but still felt like something was missing.

I wanted to figure out why all my intimate relationships weren't working out. I had to take a hard look in the mirror and realize that the common denominator was yours truly.

Again, I had to take time to read, do introspection, write my thoughts and get some mentors and coaches. These things require us to disconnect from the world for a bit to re-connect at a more fulfilling and authentic level. However, we don't get rewarded in public for these types of self-care. So many never take the time to do this step. I was so busy trying to climb the ladder of success (perceived success by moving up in a corporate environment) that I hadn't made the time to climb my own ladder.

What I realized at this point was that I was numb to my feelings and I didn't have self-love, there were things that I needed to do to break free.

That was over 10 years ago and I am truly grateful that I took those couple of years to figure out me (and still continue to). Though it was scary being with my thoughts and feelings and many times I wanted, and did try to run away from it...I had the courage to go back to it.

Those quiet moments alone were so critical for me to connect at a more authentic level - with myself and others. Before then, I was trying to be a chameleon in the environments that I was in. Now, I come with me - someone who finally found self-love and can express my emotions on a more genuine level.

What moments can you schedule in your day just to spend time alone to reflect, read or do what fills your soul up?

Those quiet moments pay the greatest rewards - peace, happiness and purpose - what most people spend their entire lives searching for externally...but they are all within each of us.

Take the time to do the internal work and I'm confident you'll be rewarded immensely.

The road less traveled can pay the greatest rewards because it can lead to a wealth of peace, happiness and purpose.

If you'd like to learn about creating more happiness or fulfillment, click here.

You matter! ❤️