Insights from Whitney: BTS and Beyond

It's been several weeks since Breakthrough to Success ended and I had to part ways with some of the most inspiring, strong, loving people I have ever met. Integrating back into the real world has been a challenge, but one that I feel stronger, clearer, and more positive to confront my fears than ever before. 

Yesterday a friend told me that it feels to her like I've been reborn. And it feels that way to me too! From the time I arrived in Scottsdale, AZ and was welcomed by Forrest, a beautiful being who radiates light and love, I felt connected, lighter, and so much more positive than I usually am. 

That feeling throughout my week at BTS and in the time since has only gotten stronger. 

Ever since I can remember I have been a worry wart. I have suffered from anxiety, social anxiety, and fear. Even though I knew this and worked towards getting better, I had never seemed to be able to get out of my own way. I had dreams but they seemed unreachable, unlikely. Although I've always been mostly positive about life and external outcomes, when it comes to myself, I have always been mostly negative. 

At Breakthrough to Success, my biggest breakthrough was starting to feel self-confident, positive about myself and my possibilities, and connected to others in a real way that made me feel accepted and reassured. That small but revolutionary change inside of myself has made everything else seem easier and achievable. Now my dreams are possible and

I know that because I believe in myself, have the tools to ground and center myself, and have a support system of amazing people! Breakthrough to Success was the best week of my life and it was a turning point. I feel renewed, refreshed, recharged, and energized about the endless opportunities I have and the beautiful inner journey that I have embarked on. 

Also, a bit on my feelings about Pathways to Success for Youth:

My Breakthrough to Success experience was life-changing. I learned how to believe in myself, love myself, and work whole-heartedly towards my dreams. I observed the processes of the young adults on our team as they experienced the magic of the week and I was moved and inspired by the changes I saw in them. I kept thinking to myself, “Wow, imagine how different my life may have been if I had had this experience at their age!”.

High school was tough for me. I had very little self-esteem and didn’t love or believe in myself. I followed directions and did what was expected of me without really looking inwards to what it was I really wanted. It has been 8 years since

I graduated high school and everyday I have been working towards being more kind
to myself and living a life that inspires me and those around me. Going to Breakthrough to Success rocket launched my progress to places I didn’t even know I was working towards. I have confidence and love and passion and clarity as well as the deep desire to spread this feeling and knowledge I have gained. This work is essential for young adults.

 I feel so grateful to have had this experience at my age (26) and now I want to help make sure that young adults can have this knowledge and experience sooner. Imagine a world where our young people graduate from high school with self-assurance, clarity of their passions and purpose, and the tools to connect with others in real ways that spark positive change! Not only will they be truly successful and happy, but they will make our world a better place. That sounds pretty good to me. 

I feel so much love and light and magic in my life now and I am spreading it to others and I can see positive change happening around me! It’s incredible and I am so grateful to be a part of this experience and a part of the Pathways to Success for Youth team! 

Click here to learn more about the Pathways to Success for Youth Project.

Click here to learn more about Trisha Jacobson, the founder of the Pathways to Success Youth Project.

---