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.
Sihle Vilakazi
What has served its purpose and must now be released is my business, BTS 101. I’ve poured the last three years into building it — countless sleepless nights, research, and figuring out how to bridge the gap for international students and creatives. I’ve spent time finding the right partners, connecting with businesses, and creating systems that could truly make a difference. Read more >>>
Christina Barsi
I find this to be an interesting question because I don’t think you’re ever ‘done’ so-to-speak but I have realized that how we connect with our purpose continues to evolve and that there can be many ways we choose to express our purpose, and this can also change during different times of life. Read more >>>
Matthew Schildkret
The part of me that believed I had to carry everything alone has served its purpose. For years I thought strength meant doing it all myself, that meant being the designer, the operator, the visionary, the caretaker. That survival instinct kept me moving forward, but it also kept me small. Read more >>>
ASHER YELO
For a long time, my idea of success was very dependent on the external validation, touch points, and milestones that the music industry has to offer. It drove me to be hard-working, yes. It forced me to think outside the box, yes. But the deeper cause was a great sense of dissatisfaction in my being. That form of fuel is so taxing and expires quickly. Read more >>>
Tyler Ham Pong
I starred in a full-length movie that never saw the light of day. And then it happened again. You might wonder how a finished production could be shelved, but in reality the world of independent film has little to no accountability. Read more >>>
Ashanna Bri
The part of me that has served its purpose, is “Miss People Pleaser”. For a long time, I thought it was safest to stay agreeable, to not rock the boat. But life showed me, the ones who truly stand out are the ones willing to make waves, take bold, unapologetic steps, and embrace risk with intention. Read more >>>
Kyza Mychelle
I love this question because I am definitely feeling and learning to release as I get older. The way I grew up I was taught to be seen not heard. To be helpful but stay out of an adults way. If the opinion of the adult was challenged or questioned it was wrong. Read more >>>
Ryan DeLaney
What I’m ready to release is the part of me that always felt I had to go above and beyond just to prove I was worth it. In the beginning of my career, when you don’t yet have the credits or the experience, you feel like you have to be five steps ahead or someone else will take your place. Read more >>>
Julien Wagner
I think I have always been deeply insecure. And I somehow believed that gaining recognition in the industry would fix that. I do not know. When you are the weird kid in class, you daydream about the glaring lights and the deafening applause and think that might be the solution. It pushed me to work tirelessly, to never be satisfied with my work or achievements. Read more >>>
Lily Malm
The people pleaser. I can’t do it anymore. It was always on me to unlearn the need to put myself last, thinking that’s where I ranked in the grand scheme of things, but it took me a long time to catch up to that realization. Read more >>>
