Do you know that feeling of excitement you get when you start something new?

The proverbial honeymoon period. 

Honeymoon periods are full of optimism and hope. Empowerment and inspiration. An overwhelming focus on exciting new possibilities.

But what about when the honeymoon ends, and reality sets in?

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new relationship, a new job, or any other major life change, eventually the honeymoon ends…

That’s when the real work starts. 

Brene Brown calls this period “day 2”. I simply call it “life.” 

This is where the hard work is done. This is where we’re forced to face ourselves, our deepest fears, and our biggest struggles. 

This is when things can feel like an uphill battle. You might start to feel stuck. 

The days become monotonous. The progress may not be noticeable. 

We may start to question ourselves: 

“Am I even getting anywhere?”

“Why is this taking so long?”

“Should I quit now and go back to my comfort zone?”

We’ve all been there. 

It feels like Garrett and I have been hanging out in “Day 2” for the past year now. (And in some aspects, for the better part of 5 years). 

We’re not where we were before, but we’re definitely still not where we want to be. 

Uncharted territory. Not here, and not there. In between. 

We’re taking big steps to pursue new career aspirations. But that means leaving behind the safety and comfort of what we’ve been doing. 

We’re trying to show up as better partners, better parents, and overall better humans. But changing our default settings isn’t always easy. 

We’re showing up to unhealthy relationships in healthier ways. But sometimes that means leaving people behind. 

“Day 2” is full of uncertainty, fear, and exhaustion. But turning back isn’t an option. 

Leaning on each other and wading through the fog together helps. 

Turning inward helps even more. 

Stillness. Surrender. Acceptance. 

I’m not sure when we’ll accomplish the goals that we’re working on. And for some of them, there isn’t even a finish line. But I do know that we’re headed in the right direction and that we’re getting closer to our goals each day. 

So, for now, we’ll continue to embrace “day 2”, (sometimes begrudgingly). 

And on our best days, we’ll be present in the moment and remember that today is important too.