Rev. Colleen Irwin

Reversing Negative Trends into Positive Ones

Reversing negative trends into positive ones doesn’t begin with grand gestures—it starts with simple, honest choices. In spiritual work, many of us hit plateaus not because we lack ability, but because we stop showing up. We wait for motivation to strike. Then we get discouraged when it doesn’t feel magical or flowing. We hold back because we fear doing it “wrong.”

But here’s the truth: growth isn’t gifted—it’s cultivated.

I see this often in students and seekers. They want the deep connection, the confidence, the insight. But when asked about their practices—meditation, journaling, working with their intuition—the answer is often, “I’ve been meaning to, but I haven’t.” They’re waiting for the moment to feel right.

That mindset, the one that says it should be easy or just happen, is itself a negative trend. And it can be reversed.

How to Start

Start with two minutes of quiet. Start with five minutes of journaling. Instead of dreaming about what could be, take one step toward it. Make a plan. Put it on your calendar. Give your spiritual life the same priority you would give to someone you love deeply—because that’s what your spirit deserves.

No one else can do your work for you. Your mentor, teacher, or guide can support you, but they can’t climb the mountain for you. And truthfully, that’s the gift. Because once you start taking those steps, you begin to build something that’s truly yours. You stop spinning in “someday” and step into “today.”

When you show up consistently, even imperfectly, your practice becomes a partner. It begins to offer insights, grounding, and strength. One small effort leads to another, and those moments compound into meaningful change.

Closing Reflection

Reversing a negative trend doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul—it begins with one moment of honesty. Where are you holding back out of fear, perfectionism, or old stories? What one small act of devotion could you choose today that aligns with the growth you truly want?

Journal Prompts

• What personal habits or beliefs are currently blocking your growth?
• Where in your practice are you expecting ease without effort?
• What small daily action would feel both doable and meaningful right now?
• When was the last time you felt proud of your consistency—spiritually or otherwise?
• What might shift if you gave yourself permission to be a beginner again?