This resonates with me so much. I've been in marketing/PR for over 10 years now and wondering if this is where I still want to be, who I am if not tied to marketing, can I start "new" in another sector and be able to give 10 years there.
I feel this! That question of who we are without the titles we’ve carried for so long can be unsettling. What I keep coming back to is this: nothing is wasted. You’re moving forward towards something else with experience and clarity. And maybe it’s not about committing to another 10 years, but about asking yourself, what feels true for me right now?
Thank you so much for sharing this! I admittedly did cry reading bc I completely identify and I am currently in transition of putting my focus on other endeavors..scared AF lol yet I’m waking up excited and that feels so good, so right.
I almost cried reading this. I had to let go of the girl who loved to post aesthetic pictures on Instagram for a more private life. It has been the hardest decision ever but also, the most peaceful yet. I can finally enjoy the moment without feeling like I have to snap it or get the perfect shot. So what if a cord pulled in and is in the back of my photo? Thank you so much for sharing! This was confirmation! 🩷
Wow, I’m in this position now and I really needed to see this! First I pray you reach that new version of yourself and love/cherish every moment with her. I started my beauty business in 2020, was fully booked within a month and it has been consistent to this day. But my #1 love is marketing and helping brands through social media. I got my business name, started on the website and am trying my hardest to push to open it and take a step back in my current business but I have the same thoughts, will this be as successful as my first. Can I do it again?
Thanks, Jay, and congrats on your continued success! I’m confident the next business will be just as successful, if not more. You’ve got the experience, wisdom, and a wealth of knowledge to pour into this new chapter.
Dallas, thank you for reading and sharing the publication. I appreciate you! I think many of us are experiencing a similar journey right now and we’re all just figuring it out 😊.
I love this and it’s entirely relatable. For me, it was being shackled to the beauty industry when I knew I had so much more to offer outside of my twistout. I’m in a new beginning myself and it’s just nice to be excited about something again! Cheers to you for navigating through it 🥂
Hey, McKenzie! I must say, you've been hair goals on my natural hair Pinterest board for years, so you've always been that girl to me 😊. But I get it, and I'm really happy to be able to witness your journey.
Thank you so much. It’s wild how we can feel something so deeply but can’t quite name it. I’m glad this met you where you are; you’re not alone in this space. 💛
I resonate with this so much! It's the reason why I started my Substack as well. As a creative that can be good at anything I put my mind to, entering a "Open season" where I have to have an open heart and dive deep into what matters most is freeing and humbling at the same time. I was uncomfortable at the beginning but I'm now seeing why God had to do this unraveling in my life so that what remained is clear! I also feel like Im meeting the truest version of myself that was hidden under people's perceptions of me. Thank you for sharing your story. 🫶🏽
Wow! This is it! "I'm now seeing why God had to do this unraveling in my life so that what remained is clear." What a gift. God is so generous, and even through the unraveling, He keeps us and leaves us with what brings us closer to Him, so we can pursue His heart while fulfilling our purpose. That’s beautiful.
I really resonated with this. I too can be good at a lot of things if I put my mind to it. But I sometimes wonder if I’m chasing a unicorn looking for fulfilment in an area that I will soon become bored of? (I have a track record of what I refer to as magpie visions, lol) I really don’t know. For now I’m riding the wave and ensuring that I’m happy doing it. As you said, my joy is just as important as my talent, right?
Magpie visions is the perfect phrase, lol. I completely relate to the wondering, the chasing, the questioning. It’s hard when you know you can do so many things well, but you’re not sure which ones are truly meant for you. Ride the wave, trust the rhythm, and don’t be afraid to pivot when your spirit says it’s time. 💛
Grieving an old version of ourselves and embracing the feeling of this authentic you that is emerging. Does this version of yourself feel so right? Like it was always there but under layers of things you thought were yours.
Yes, exactly. It feels like I’m meeting the version of me that’s been waiting patiently under all the striving, performing, and people-pleasing. There’s something very grounding about this season; it's not flashy or loud, just true. And even though it’s unfamiliar in some ways, it feels like home.
This is so relatable! As someone who has built my identity and reputation based on my business, it’s been hard coming to terms with the fact that I’m meant to do other things in life. Being a creative comes with a lot of grief because we are constantly evolving and reinventing ourselves ❤️
This resonates with me so much. I've been in marketing/PR for over 10 years now and wondering if this is where I still want to be, who I am if not tied to marketing, can I start "new" in another sector and be able to give 10 years there.
I feel this! That question of who we are without the titles we’ve carried for so long can be unsettling. What I keep coming back to is this: nothing is wasted. You’re moving forward towards something else with experience and clarity. And maybe it’s not about committing to another 10 years, but about asking yourself, what feels true for me right now?
Thank you so much for sharing this! I admittedly did cry reading bc I completely identify and I am currently in transition of putting my focus on other endeavors..scared AF lol yet I’m waking up excited and that feels so good, so right.
Waking up excited sounds amazing. What a gift!
I almost cried reading this. I had to let go of the girl who loved to post aesthetic pictures on Instagram for a more private life. It has been the hardest decision ever but also, the most peaceful yet. I can finally enjoy the moment without feeling like I have to snap it or get the perfect shot. So what if a cord pulled in and is in the back of my photo? Thank you so much for sharing! This was confirmation! 🩷
I'm so glad this resonated 💕. The pressure to capture everything can be overwhelming, and it’s beautiful that you’re choosing peace over perfection.
Wow, I’m in this position now and I really needed to see this! First I pray you reach that new version of yourself and love/cherish every moment with her. I started my beauty business in 2020, was fully booked within a month and it has been consistent to this day. But my #1 love is marketing and helping brands through social media. I got my business name, started on the website and am trying my hardest to push to open it and take a step back in my current business but I have the same thoughts, will this be as successful as my first. Can I do it again?
Thanks, Jay, and congrats on your continued success! I’m confident the next business will be just as successful, if not more. You’ve got the experience, wisdom, and a wealth of knowledge to pour into this new chapter.
This was beautiful and I shed a tear while reading. I felt like it was me talking to me. So very relatable. Thanks for sharing.
Dallas, thank you for reading and sharing the publication. I appreciate you! I think many of us are experiencing a similar journey right now and we’re all just figuring it out 😊.
🫶🏽🫶🏽
I love this and it’s entirely relatable. For me, it was being shackled to the beauty industry when I knew I had so much more to offer outside of my twistout. I’m in a new beginning myself and it’s just nice to be excited about something again! Cheers to you for navigating through it 🥂
Hey, McKenzie! I must say, you've been hair goals on my natural hair Pinterest board for years, so you've always been that girl to me 😊. But I get it, and I'm really happy to be able to witness your journey.
Omg I didn't know that, thank you so much Jaylynn! Cheers to our evolution! xo
This resonates deeply! Currently in this season. Thank you for sharing.
This is beautiful and so authentic. Yes, I think I am right where you reflect-but didn’t know how to put it in words
Thank you so much. It’s wild how we can feel something so deeply but can’t quite name it. I’m glad this met you where you are; you’re not alone in this space. 💛
I resonate with this so much! It's the reason why I started my Substack as well. As a creative that can be good at anything I put my mind to, entering a "Open season" where I have to have an open heart and dive deep into what matters most is freeing and humbling at the same time. I was uncomfortable at the beginning but I'm now seeing why God had to do this unraveling in my life so that what remained is clear! I also feel like Im meeting the truest version of myself that was hidden under people's perceptions of me. Thank you for sharing your story. 🫶🏽
Wow! This is it! "I'm now seeing why God had to do this unraveling in my life so that what remained is clear." What a gift. God is so generous, and even through the unraveling, He keeps us and leaves us with what brings us closer to Him, so we can pursue His heart while fulfilling our purpose. That’s beautiful.
Exactly!! I'm unraveling but the hem of his garment is always near. 🪡
Whew! A word 🙌🏽.
I really resonated with this. I too can be good at a lot of things if I put my mind to it. But I sometimes wonder if I’m chasing a unicorn looking for fulfilment in an area that I will soon become bored of? (I have a track record of what I refer to as magpie visions, lol) I really don’t know. For now I’m riding the wave and ensuring that I’m happy doing it. As you said, my joy is just as important as my talent, right?
Magpie visions is the perfect phrase, lol. I completely relate to the wondering, the chasing, the questioning. It’s hard when you know you can do so many things well, but you’re not sure which ones are truly meant for you. Ride the wave, trust the rhythm, and don’t be afraid to pivot when your spirit says it’s time. 💛
Amen x
Grieving an old version of ourselves and embracing the feeling of this authentic you that is emerging. Does this version of yourself feel so right? Like it was always there but under layers of things you thought were yours.
Yes, exactly. It feels like I’m meeting the version of me that’s been waiting patiently under all the striving, performing, and people-pleasing. There’s something very grounding about this season; it's not flashy or loud, just true. And even though it’s unfamiliar in some ways, it feels like home.
I'm so happy for you.
I absoutley love your heart to share your journey. Keep honoring yourself. So very proud of you Ms. Jaylynn.
This is so relatable! As someone who has built my identity and reputation based on my business, it’s been hard coming to terms with the fact that I’m meant to do other things in life. Being a creative comes with a lot of grief because we are constantly evolving and reinventing ourselves ❤️