Welcome back to the blog!

Part of self-care requires you to make a decision that will ultimately hurt others. The decision has nothing to do with them but will affect them. I've always had challenges through life that made me question why I was doing things. Although I knew the answer, the respect and happiness of others took precedence.

I thought I was doing the "right" thing, and in hindsight I was. I was doing the right thing for others. Sometimes it’s like that, maybe 20% of the time. But when it becomes 80% of the time, you start questioning what's going on here?

I was living for others' happiness. Of course, we're not supposed to do this for the sake of not arguing or causing conflict, but you do it to keep the peace. But who is really getting peace? It sure wasn't me.

Fast forward to today, November 9, 2025. I'm more at peace and enjoying life than I have ever been. Is everything perfect? Not by a long shot. But I'm managing the best way that I can, doing what I'm supposed to, and giving the rest to God.

How did I come to this level of joy? I chose me. It was necessary. Life and people will run you ragged if you allow them to. It will never be worth it.

So what happened? It started late last year. I wrote an email to my audience sharing a little of what I was dealing with, but it wasn't until May of this year that I realized that I would not subject myself to any of the nonsense anymore. I officially cut ties from what was not serving me. Did people get hurt? Yes. Did it hurt me? Yes. But was it necessary? Absolutely.

Others will complain, try to change your mind, see it from their point of view, etc. You have to be strong enough to not listen to it. Your feelings are valid. Will it be like this forever? Maybe, maybe not. However, this is how it needs to be for now.

I'm not holding on to anger as some would suggest, I'm protecting myself and will do it for as long as I need to. It takes discernment to recognize and let go of something or someone in order to be free. It's still a sting in my life when I think about it and it’s ok. As time passes, it doesn't sting as much.

In the meantime, I will continue to choose me, choose joy, choose peace—and so should you.

Until next time,

Beauty Mixtress