The beginning of 2025 was unexpectedly dark for me, and the wild part is, I didn’t even realize it until now, looking back with clearer eyes.

I kicked off the new year in a strange in-between space. I was in limbo in both my personal and business life, and I felt it deeply. I was exhausted from being taken advantage of, tired of being a people-pleaser, and honestly… done with being a pushover. So, I made a decision: I was going to focus on me. I was going to be unapologetically selfish. I started saying “no” to anything that didn’t move the needle or light me up. I got sharper, a little tougher—and yeah, a little bitchier too. I stood my ground, and it felt empowering.

Until it didn’t.

Those changes were largely influenced by a business mentor I was working with at the time. The advice came from a place of logic and strategy, but here’s the truth: if it doesn’t feel good in your soul, it’s not sustainable. I had to find my way back to grace. Back to kindness. Back to a version of myself that felt softer, but still strong. I’ve landed in a new space—one that blends boundaries with empathy—and it feels so much better.

None of this is easy. Some days I still feel like I’m navigating blindly. I lean on colleagues and friends often, and if you don’t have a few business besties in your corner, I highly recommend finding some. This journey isn’t meant to be done alone. And if you can’t find someone? I gotchu! 

All of this to say: be intentional about who you allow to influence you. Not every mentor, strategy, or “success formula” is meant for you. You have to stay aligned—with your brand, your values, and your voice. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to be choosy. If something doesn’t feel right or doesn’t help you grow, it’s probably not meant for you.

Do what feels true. Stay kind. Hold your boundaries. And always, always come back to you.