We all carry parts of ourselves that once protected us, guided us, or kept us safe—but no longer serve who we’re becoming. Letting go can be one of the hardest acts of growth. Some of the most enlightened members of the community share their thoughts on this below.
Karreno Alexanyan
For me, it has been perfectionism. In the beginning, I believed that if something wasn’t flawless, I had failed. Over time, I’ve learned that mistakes aren’t just setbacks, they’re often the doorway to unexpected creativity. Some of my best solutions and most beautiful creations came from moments when something went “wrong” and I had to think differently. Read more>>
Kate (Belly) Feldmann (Belt)
I don’t find myself commanding presence as often as I used to. I’m not single-handedly trying to create something that no one has. I no longer need to express myself as a means of survival. I feel seen by those close to me, and I think I’ve shifted to a more nurturing presence in the art community. Read more>>
Jessica Cagatay
The part of me that always felt like I had to prove myself by overworking and saying yes to everything. That hustle served me in the corporate world and even in the early stages of content creation, but it’s not who I want to be anymore. Read more>>
Charlie White
For me, moving from elite international beach handball competitions to social pickleball events feels like entering a new season of life. Handball was all about pushing myself at the highest level, representing Team USA, and chasing championships. It demanded everything – discipline, sacrifice, and a competitive fire that shaped who I am. Read more>>
Sarah Carson
My mother most shaped how I see myself. Before I was 10, she enrolled me in a book club called ‘Great Women in History.’ Every month I would get a book about some woman who did inspiring things and some who even changed the course of history. Read more>>
