Have you ever felt disappointed that a friend or family member did not hire you?
Me, too.
When we step into our fullest selves - whether by starting a business, shifting careers, or embracing a new way of being - the people who have known us the longest don’t always come along for the ride. It’s not because they don’t love us... it's mostly because they are often attached to an older version of us - the one that fits within their expectations, their comfort zone, or their understanding of who we “should” be.
Strangers, on the other hand, meet us as we are now. They see our work, our energy, and our vision without the weight of history. They aren’t grieving or gripping to an old version of us... they are celebrating the one we’ve become.
If you’ve ever felt hurt or disappointed that those closest to you aren’t the loudest supporters of your dreams, know this: it’s not a reflection of your worth. It’s a reflection of their own journey - one that may not be moving at the same pace as yours.
This mirrors a profound truth Brianna Wiest shares in When You’re Ready, This Is How You Heal:
“Infinite versions of you exist... When we feel most stuck, it is often because we are trying to decipher who we really are by piecing together images we assume others have of us. What we don’t realize is that there is not just one singular version of us that exists. There’s our experience of ourselves, and then the kaleidoscope of ways we are perceived by others.”
We are not bound to any singular version of ourselves. Every experience shapes us, every choice expands us. Instead of seeking validation from those who knew your past, embrace the ones who honor your present and empower your future. Your soul’s work will resonate with those who are ready to receive it, and that is where your energy is best spent.
Let this be your permission slip to release expectations, keep shining, and trust that the right people will see you exactly as you are meant to be seen.
Reflection Questions
Take a moment to reflect on your own evolution with these questions:
When have I felt held back by someone else’s version of me? How did it feel to outgrow their expectations?
If I weren’t worried about how others see me, how would I show up differently in my life today?
What expectations have I been carrying from others that no longer serve my evolution? Am I ready to release them?
Who in my life truly sees and celebrates the version of me that exists today? How can I nurture those connections?
What would it look like to fully step into the next version of myself without hesitation?
May these reflections guide you toward deeper self-trust, liberation, and the confidence to claim who you are becoming.
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