Stop Shrinking

Can I be real vulnerable with you, sis? You need to stop shrinking.

Three weeks ago I started a journey I knew would transform my life, I did not know how quickly.

If you have been following me, you know I have been doing Andy Frisella’s 75 hard program.

I started as a way to increase my mental toughness, to increase my confidence in my entrepreneurial space.

But I’ve gained so much more in 21 short days. 

I have wanted to stop drinking so frequently socially, but I was scared.

Every time I thought I wouldn’t consume alcohol in a social situation someone would hand me a drink. A drink I was too timid to say no to.

I was still that scared little girl everyone made fun growing up.

Most people would find it hard to believe, but I had very few friends in my teenage years. Yes, I had a lot of girls in my life but they would always talk about my accent, where I came from, my height, or my curly hair when my back was turned. 

Just before my 21^st birthday I moved to LA. I started going to bars and happy hours. It was fun. 

I was invited to all of the big events; I was the life of the party.

I began to feel accepted for who I am.

It’s that feeling I was afraid to lose.

I have gained extreme clarity recently and I realize those mean girls will always exist. Just as you grow older they disguise themselves a little better.

This past weekend I met individuals who truly accepted me; my potty mouth, silly dances, and BIG goals. They match my level of self-improvement and desire to leave a legacy.

I also saw and reconnected with some of the kindest souls from around the world who have accepted and loved me on this journey.  

My point, there are people like you out there. Maybe not in your town and probably not people you have known for years, but they are out there.

I am sharing this with you not because I feel like I have a problem with alcohol but because I used it as a mask to hide who I am. I was scared of not being accepted and losing friendships. But sis, I lost those friendships anyway.

I want you to feel empowered enough to prioritize yourself and your goals over a relationship, romantic or otherwise.

I want you to know you’re not alone with your weird accent, poufy hair, and big dreams. 

I’m not saying I won’t ever consume alcohol again, but I will no longer use it to hide my true personality.

Friend, you are loved. 💖J

Featured image by Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash