For a long time, I felt stuck. Not just for a few months or years, but an entire decade of my life was spent in repetitive cycles—patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that kept me feeling small, lost, and disconnected from the life I truly wanted. These patterns manifested as strategies that did not serve me on so may levels. Abusing alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs, thrill seeking behaviors just trying to attempt to feel something after being numb for so long. I was trying to fill a void with thoughts and behaviors that only made the void bigger.
At the time, I didn’t have the self-awareness to recognize what was really happening. I blamed external circumstances, other people, and even myself in ways that weren’t productive. I was living on autopilot, reacting rather than intentionally creating my life. But looking back, I see now that I simply lacked the tools, resources, and knowledge to truly heal. That it truly comes down to the choices we make every single day. I chose to take my power back.
The Moment of Realization
My journey of growth didn’t start with some grand revelation—it began with a simple, honest look at myself. For the first time, I stopped running. I stopped distracting myself with work, relationships, or numbing habits. I sat with my thoughts, my emotions, and my past, no matter how uncomfortable they were. And in doing so, I discovered something powerful:
Healing begins with awareness.
Once I saw my patterns for what they were, I couldn’t unsee them. The fears I had ignored, the wounds I hadn’t addressed, and the limiting beliefs that had shaped my reality became crystal clear. And from that moment, I had a choice:
Would I continue to live the same way, or would I take responsibility for changing my life, even if it meant facing uncomfortable truths?
Healing is a Process, Not an Event
I used to think healing was something that just happened—that one day, I would wake up free from all the pain, doubt, and uncertainty. But real healing isn’t a single breakthrough or a switch that flips overnight. It’s a daily commitment to yourself.
Some days, it felt like progress. Others, I felt like I was taking steps backward. But the key was to keep going—to be just 1% better today than I was yesterday.
That 1% looked different every day:
- Choosing to pause and reflect instead of reacting impulsively.
- Saying “no” to things that drained my energy.
- Giving myself permission to rest without guilt.
- Seeking out knowledge, tools, and mentors who could guide me.
- Practicing self-compassion instead of self-criticism.
- Choosing the healthier foods instead of fast foods or processed foods.
- Getting better sleep.
- Exercising more often, even if it was just 10-20 push ups or a 5 minute walk a day!
- Meditating.
- Journaling.
Slowly, but surely, those small changes added up.
What I Wish I Had Known Sooner
Looking back, I realize I made my journey harder than it needed to be. If I had access to the tools, guidance, and community I have now, my growth would have been much faster. But at the same time, I know that everything happened the way it needed to—because every challenge, every struggle, and every setback gave me the wisdom to share this with you today.
So if you’re in that place of feeling stuck, I want to offer you this:
You are not broken. You are not behind. You are simply in the middle of your process. And the fact that you’re here, reading this, means you are already on your way.
Your journey starts with one choice: to look at yourself honestly and commit to even the smallest step forward. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to decide, today, that you will be 1% better than you were yesterday.
And if you ever need support—whether it’s tools for stress, products to help your body relax, or just a reminder that you’re not alone—B&B Botanicals is here for you.
What’s Your 1% Today?
I’d love to hear from you. What’s one small action you’re taking today to step into your healing and growth? Drop a comment below or send me a message at bandbbotanicals@gmail.com. Let’s support each other on this journey!
Con Amore
– Alberto Bercich
