Breaking Limits and How I Kept Moving Forward When the Ground Was Shifting
- Brainz Magazine
- Aug 27
- 5 min read
Tristan St. Reynolds is a multidisciplinary creative actor, model, author, and spiritual guide. He blends storytelling, performance, and intuitive practices to inspire growth, healing, and self-expression.
People often ask me how I manage to stay on track when things feel like they're falling apart or when others doubt me. The truth is, it's not about living in constant confidence or never feeling fear. It's about two things: having faith that there's something bigger for you, and having self-belief strong enough to keep taking steps toward it.
I grew up in a large family. From an early age, I had to learn adaptability. Resources were shared, space was sometimes limited, and not everything you wanted was instantly available. That environment taught me to be resourceful and persistent (I can be really persistent, too).
I was able to create something out of whatever I had in front of me. Imagination, daydreaming, and late nights playing fantasy games added to my creativity. Using inspiration from others is always a huge benefit, too. Your best teachers are those with whom you surround yourself.
When stability wasn't an option
In 2020, I married. Like most couples, we had plans for stability, a home, and a future together. But almost immediately, life tested us.
Challenges were not constant or placed to blame, but occasionally things came up, and religious background created small rifts as well. Other challenges were simply life throwing curveballs. We moved often, sometimes by choice, sometimes because circumstances left us no choice. Moving was fun at times and gave new opportunities, but the lack of long-term roots could also be straining, and at times it felt like constant rebuilding.
It wasn't just physical instability; there were financial and emotional uncertainties, too. And yet, I held onto faith that we would eventually land somewhere solid. There was always support, and it felt like there was a light ahead.
One thing that stands out for me is how busy I had made myself when things were chaotic. Being busy is great, but sometimes we use it as an excuse. Be mindful if you are too busy and too overworked to form relationships, share yourself, or face personal battles. One is never really too busy.
When I couldn't save it
I won't sugarcoat it, when I could no longer hold onto or save my marriage, I felt like I had failed. The defeat was crippling. (I don't like the idea of not finishing something or seeing it through, and I will often push through.)
When I felt forced to let go, in those final moments, the doubts in my own mind mixed with the doubts of others. But instead of letting that be the end of my story, I used it as fuel.
I threw myself into projects, not as a distraction but as an outlet. Projects can help us heal, not just you, but also others. They give us something to build when it feels like something else has been torn down. They provide us with momentum when we feel stuck.
I learned that sometimes a setback is actually a success in disguise, at least that is what someone once said. It can close one chapter so another can finally begin. An example of this is when you work with cards; there's always a tapestry and a mix of stories written in images, but now you are seeing this play out in real time. "Failing" is a way to say maybe I can harness this emotion for something else.
Keeping momentum in chaos
At times, whenever finances were tight, I said yes to anything that could keep me going. I delivered food, did secret shopping, and took on short-term gigs. None of these were glamorous, but they kept me in motion and were a reminder of how diverse people's lives can be. Part of it was a reminder that anyone can do almost anything.
Here's the thing: action is fuel. Even when you feel lost, movement keeps you connected to possibility. I committed myself never to stop creating, training, teaching, or pursuing the things that gave me purpose. Know that you can go anywhere.
Dealing with doubt
When others doubt you, it can plant seeds of hesitation. But I learned to separate their view from my truth.
Self-belief isn't about ignoring criticism; it's about knowing your foundation. If you know who you are and why you're doing something, outside opinions lose their power to derail you. Our mind is powerful, so we must always affirm to ourselves. Belief takes us a long way. Sitting with yourself and discovering who you are is always good for overcoming others' words.
How I stay on track
If I could boil it down, here's what's kept me moving forward:
Faith first. Trust that there's a reason to keep going, even when you can't see the result yet.
Self-belief as a shield. Hold your own vision when others can't see it.
Action before perfection. Start now, refine later.
Multiple outlets. If one area stalls, pivot to another.
Celebrate small wins. They're proof you're still in motion.
Protect your energy. Be careful whose voices you let into your space, and find moments to be still.
Looking forward
Today, I'm preparing to release my new album Broken In. It blends country storytelling with EDM, and the title reflects my belief that we aren't "broken down" by challenges; we're broken in. We've been shaped, softened where needed, toughened where necessary, and yet we're still here.
I'm also self-publishing my next card deck and continuing my work in fitness, acting, writing, and music. My life is whole, not because it's been easy, but because I've kept my faith and self-belief even in shifting seasons.
If you take anything from my story, let it be this: you don't need perfect conditions to succeed. You need awareness, faith, and a belief in yourself that refuses to let the story end or your character arc be dictated by someone else's script.
Read more from Tristan St. Reynolds
Tristan St. Reynolds, Conscious Creative & Wellness Advocate
Tristan St. Reynolds is a multifaceted creative and spiritual practitioner whose work spans acting, modeling, writing, and holistic healing. With a passion for storytelling and self-expression, he brings depth and authenticity to every project, whether on stage, behind the camera, or through his written words. As a card reader and author, Tristan offers intuitive guidance and soulful insight, helping others connect more deeply with themselves and their path. His unique blend of creativity and spiritual wisdom makes him a powerful voice in both the wellness and arts communities.
