Let me set the scene: I had a meeting about my upcoming event on October 26th. Business meeting. Professional. You know, the kind where you're supposed to talk logistics, plans, all that responsible adult stuff. And then there was him, the person I was meeting with. Not my usual guy, but a fill in.

He took me dancing, he protected me, he gave me his vision for our relationship. He listened to everything I had to say and showed me that he could be the perfect man. He undoubtedly was my soul mate. I had never met a man who was so attentive and so into me. No matter what or where my scars were, he accepted them.

You’ve worked. You’ve raised families. You’ve educated yourself. You’ve carried relationships on your back. You’ve built, poured, given, stretched, bent, and twisted yourself into shapes you didn’t even recognize — all while keeping everything and everyone else afloat…..

Because somewhere, there’s a woman who needs to hear that she’s not crazy, she’s not selfish, and she’s not alone. Somewhere, there’s a woman who needs permission to want more for herself.

Maybe choosing yourself isn't selfish. Maybe it's necessary. Maybe it's overdue. Maybe it's the most loving thing you can do - for yourself and for the people who have gotten too comfortable expecting you to sacrifice everything for their comfort.

This is your reminder that your story matters. Every chapter. Every plot twist. Every beautiful, complicated, hope-filled page.

Growing up, my grandmother had a saying for everything. Her words were like little lanterns, lighting the way through life's twists and turns.

Wait, WHAT? It's Friday already? Didn't we just have Monday? Wasn't it just January? And hold up—wasn't I just 25 years old five minutes ago?

Let’s talk about that ex you keep texting. No, not that ex—though honestly, stop doing that too. I’m talking about your past self, old situations, and people who’ve basically ghosted you but somehow still live rent-free in your head.