It’s been awhile since I’ve been vulnerable on here but I think it’s important to share all sides of life in hopes of helping even just one person who feels alone. I love my life. I’ve worked hard for it. I never take my blessings for granted. But there’s a saying “It’s lonely at the top” and lately, I’ve felt that more deeply than ever. When you work hard and start “having more,” you want to protect more. You fall for less. You stand for more. You shift. You grow. And sometimes, people in your life don’t understand that growth. They throw guilt your way. They question who you’ve become and make you question it too. Self doubt is a familiar battle for me. But deep down, I know who I am. I’m giving, loving, loyal, I’m protective, strong, resilient, confident, and welcoming. I don’t back down when it comes to what I love and I don’t apologize for standing firm in my truth. Still, the more I’ve endured and the more I’ve evolved the lonelier it’s gotten. People I thought would always be in my corner... aren’t. People I expected to love and support me, suddenly don’t. Instead, it’s “She’s got it, so I can have it.” As if I’m only valuable when I’m giving. As if I’m just a means to an end. And the more people expect from me, the more pressure I feel to perform just so others can be comfortable. But the truth? I’m drowning. This pressure has pushed me into a kind of depression I’ve never experienced before. I’ve struggled to even enjoy my own wins, because I’m too focused on what others think, need, or want from me. So when people say “it’s lonely at the top,” to me it means— the more you have to lose, the more clearly you see who’s really there out of love... and who’s just there out of convenience. I’m still working through it. But I will get through it. And if you’re mourning your old life, not because you miss the version of you, but because you miss your people, I want you to know chasing your dream life will cost you pieces of the life you once knew. But that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. You’re just growing. And growth is lonely sometimes.