Transformation isn’t always a smooth process, it’s often messy, uncomfortable, and filled with doubt. In this blog, I explore the chaotic middle of change, sharing how to distinguish between self-sabotage and self-realization. Change may not promise comfort, but it does promise growth. If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain, remember: you’re not failing, you’re evolving. It’s all part of becoming who you’re meant to be. <3 Big Sis

Love Without Control: Let Go of the Illusion

Sometimes, what we call love isn’t love at all—it’s a projection. We fall for the version of someone we’ve created in our minds, shaping them into what we need them to be instead of who they really are. It’s an easy trap to fall into. You want more communication, more effort, more of whatever your heart feels is missing, so you push. You nudge. And in doing so, you lose sight of one crucial truth: love isn’t control.

When you force someone to fit your mold, you don’t give them the freedom to show who they truly are—or what they’re willing to offer on their own. Real love thrives in the space where expectations are released, and authenticity is embraced.

Breaking free from this cycle starts with a shift in perspective. Ask yourself: Am I loving them as they are, or am I loving the version of them I want them to be? If it’s the latter, it’s time to stop controlling and start observing. Give them the freedom to choose, and you might discover a depth of love you’ve never seen before—or clarity that it’s time to move on.

True connection doesn’t need to be forced. Let love flow freely, and watch how it grows.

To read more about letting go of control in love, check out the full blog post.

When You Don’t Know Where to Start: Finding Peace in the Chaos

Right now, life feels like a whirlwind. Between school, work, family, and the complexities of marriage, I’m constantly juggling. Add to that my desire to align with God and be my best self—it’s overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of too much, you’re not alone.

But even in the midst of this chaos, I’m holding onto one beautiful truth: God’s mercies are new every morning. I don’t have to fix everything today. Instead, I can start small—really small. This morning, that meant a few quiet moments to breathe, reflect, and surrender it all to Him.

"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

These words anchor me. They remind me that I don’t need all the answers—I just need to show up, trust God, and let Him lead the way.

If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, join me on this journey to embrace harmony over balance and take one sacred step at a time. Read the full blog: When You Don’t Know Where to Start: Finding Peace in the Chaos.

The Importance of Protecting Your Energy and Worth: How to Avoid Losing Yourself

In life, whether at work, in relationships, or with ourselves, there’s a constant dance between giving and receiving. We all want to feel valued, but what happens when the need to be needed pushes us to overgive at the expense of our own well-being?

It starts small—working longer hours, saying “yes” to every request, sacrificing your time and energy for others. But over time, you begin to feel drained, disconnected, and even resentful. It’s like scratching an itch that never quite goes away.

So, how do we protect our energy and preserve our worth? How do we show up for others without losing ourselves in the process?

In this blog, we’ll explore why over-giving happens, the emotional cost of self-sacrifice, and practical ways to strike a healthier balance between giving and receiving. It’s time to honor your needs, set boundaries, and remember—you are enough, just as you are.

Curious to learn more? Keep reading to find out how to protect your energy without losing your sense of self.

Have you ever experienced a moment when a simple act of kindness completely unraveled you? I recently had a powerful encounter with a stranger that made me realize just how much we carry without even noticing. In my latest blog, I explore how kindness—both given and received—can help us release the hidden tension we often hold, and why learning to receive help is just as important as giving it.

If you’ve ever struggled with the weight of life’s demands or found it hard to let go of control, this post is for you. Sometimes, the most healing thing we can do is allow ourselves to be vulnerable and open to the kindness others offer.

Setting boundaries is the first step in honoring yourself, but recognizing that your value is non-negotiable takes it further. When you stop compromising your worth, you begin to show up fully, unapologetically, and in alignment with who you are meant to be.

<3 Big Sis

Embracing Growth: The Power of Setting Boundaries

In our previous blogs, we've journeyed together toward wholeness by embracing the conflict within, protecting our character, navigating intense emotions, and embracing the multifaceted parts of ourselves. As we delve deeper into understanding who we are, we encounter life-changing experiences that bring us to crossroads with friends, family, and our careers.

But here’s the good news: we don’t have to quit our jobs or end our relationships just because we are changing. We can invite others to grow with us while setting healthy boundaries that honor our evolving selves.

Boundaries are fluid—they change based on your growth and the dynamics of your relationships. As you evolve, your needs may shift, requiring you to reassess your boundaries. Embracing this fluidity allows you to adapt your boundaries in a way that serves you and those around you.

Setting boundaries is about creating spaces of love, mutual respect, and trust, not shutting people out. It’s a journey that takes patience and self-awareness.

Are you ready to reflect on your boundaries? Let’s walk this empowering path together, inviting growth for ourselves and those we care about.

When You’re Doing Everything “Right” and It Still Feels Wrong: Taking Ownership and Choosing Hope

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try or how much we stay on the “right” path, things still fall apart. It’s easy to feel as though life has a mind of its own, leaving us wondering if all our efforts even matter. But this journey isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about owning your experience, embracing the struggle, and still choosing hope—even when the way forward isn’t clear.

Assess the Situation with Clear Eyes

In the midst of difficulty, emotions can cloud reality. But when you take ownership, you confront the situation honestly, acknowledging the challenges without sugarcoating. Being clear about where you are—and how it affects you—helps ground you in reality. From this place, you can build hope that’s rooted in truth and awareness.

Define Hope as a Choice, Not a Feeling

Hope isn’t always something that comes naturally. Sometimes, it’s a conscious choice—a decision to trust that this struggle won’t define your future. Even when hope feels out of reach, it’s about affirming that the journey, though tough, has purpose. It’s choosing to keep moving forward, knowing that there’s meaning in the process, even if it’s not obvious yet.

See Hope as Active Trust in the Process

Hope isn’t passive. It’s a decision to trust that every step—whether easy or difficult—is part of a bigger picture. Trusting the process means believing that there is growth in every challenge, even if it’s painful. It’s about knowing that the path, with all its twists and turns, is still leading to something meaningful.

Embrace the Power of “Yet”

When things don’t seem to be working out, shifting your mindset from “it’s not working” to “it’s not working yet” opens the door to possibility. This simple shift reminds us that growth doesn’t always come immediately, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come. The word “yet” holds space for progress, even when it feels invisible.

Look for the Moments of Goodness and Grace

Hope doesn’t require you to ignore the hard parts. But it does ask you to look for small moments of light—resilience, support from others, or newfound strength. These moments, however brief, remind us that even in struggle, beauty and growth can emerge. Recognizing them can slowly build your hope, step by step.

Hold onto Hope as a Commitment to the Future

Choosing hope is a long-term commitment. It’s a decision to keep showing up, even when the road is uncertain. It’s about believing that the challenges you face today are shaping a future you may not fully see yet. Holding onto hope is an act of courage—a willingness to move forward, trusting that all things will align in time.

Taking ownership of your journey means facing reality head-on, embracing the unknown, and choosing hope even when the road is tough. It’s not about denying your struggles but believing that they are leading you somewhere valuable. Hope is the anchor that keeps you grounded, reminding you that every step, no matter how hard, is leading somewhere worth going.

More Than Hard Work: How Consistency Transforms Your Journey

We all know the value of hard work. But what happens after that first burst of effort fades? Here’s the truth: It’s not just the moments we’re working the hardest that matter—it’s the moments we keep showing up, even when it’s hard, that transform us.

Think of planting a seed. You can dig, plant, and water it all at once, but the real growth? That happens through the small, everyday actions that follow. That’s where consistency steps in.

Join me on this journey through the ups and downs, where each small step brings us closer to real growth. Whether it's taking tiny actions on the tough days or trusting that growth is happening, even when unseen, these moments add up.

Are you ready to nurture your journey, one small step at a time? 🌱

Chasing Approval: Are We Losing Ourselves to Society's Expectations?":

In today’s world, the quest for societal approval often overshadows our true identities. We find ourselves caught in a cycle of seeking validation from friends, family, and social media, leading us to question who we really are.

As we strive to fit into the molds set by others, we can lose touch with our authentic selves. The expectations of what it means to be “successful” or “accepted” can feel suffocating, leaving little room for our unique voices and experiences.

In this blog, I’ll explore how these pressures shape our lives and why embracing our true selves is essential for genuine happiness. Together, let’s reflect on our journeys, confront these societal norms, and reclaim the freedom to live authentically.

We all dream about what life, love, and success could be, but sometimes we get so caught up in those fantasies that we lose sight of the reality right in front of us. Whether it’s in relationships, career, or personal goals, falling in love with potential can lead to disappointment. The truth? Real fulfillment comes from embracing things as they are, not just as we imagine they could be.

We are not confined to a single role or identity. We contain multitudes—different layers of ourselves that emerge and evolve with every season of life. Sometimes, those parts of us collide, leaving us questioning whether we can truly be all things at once. But the journey to wholeness is about embracing all these facets, honoring the parts that remain constant, and allowing ourselves to explore the new versions of who we’re becoming. Wholeness isn’t perfection; it’s the mosaic of everything that makes you, you.

Navigating Intense Emotions: Why Jealousy Can Be Especially Destructive

Emotions are a natural part of our human experience. From joy to anger, each feeling has its place and purpose. But there’s something uniquely challenging about jealousy. As Proverbs 27:4 reminds us, “Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?” Unlike temporary bursts of anger, jealousy can linger, subtly influencing how we view ourselves and our relationships.

Our basic needs—like acceptance and belonging—play a role here, too. When these needs feel threatened, jealousy can take root, often leading to feelings of inadequacy. So how do we manage it? Through gratitude and mindfulness. As Proverbs 27:7 says, “The full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to the hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.” Practicing gratitude shifts our focus away from what we lack, reminding us of the beauty and abundance around us.

If you’re navigating these intense emotions, know that you’re not alone. How do you manage jealousy and cultivate gratitude? Join the conversation and share your insights in the comments. Let’s support one another on this journey of self-discovery and growth!

In a world obsessed with image, it’s easy to let our reputation define us. But I’ve learned that true fulfillment lies in protecting my character, not my reputation. Character is who I am at my core, guided by humility, consistency, and integrity. It’s the quiet resolve to align my actions with my values, regardless of what others might say. By choosing character over reputation, I’m free to walk in purpose, letting my actions reflect the person God calls me to be. Let’s focus on who we truly are, rather than the image others hold of us.

There are days when I feel ready to take on the world—heart wide open, full of hope and possibility. And then, almost out of nowhere, I feel that inner voice pull me back, whispering fears and doubts shaped by past trauma and survival. This inner conflict isn’t confined to one part of my life. It shows up everywhere: in my career, as I work to connect with others; in my role as a parent, where I strive to raise my kids with love instead of fear; in my friendships and even with strangers.

But despite this ongoing struggle, I’ve always been a collector of stories, of experiences, even with fears living inside me. Living out loud isn’t about ignoring our fears; it’s about finding a balance, honoring our inner voices, and still choosing to show up anyway. Every day, I remind myself that I’m worthy of connection, growth, and a life that feels true to me. And so are you.

Let’s embrace our journey together—the messy, beautiful, and often conflicted path toward living authentically and fully.

Breaking Through Paralysis

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? It’s time to break through the paralysis that’s holding you back. This is your moment to confront what’s been blocking your progress and take decisive action. With the right support and mindset, you can overcome obstacles, regain momentum, and move forward with confidence. Let’s tackle this together and turn your challenges into stepping stones for growth.

- Big Sis