One thing that solidified for me recently is the importance of shutting the f*** up.

I truly understand the benefit. No one can make snide remarks and cannot destroy what they don’t know about. If there is an iota of a perception that you are obtaining more than some folks, they will try to interfere, discourage, dismiss, and belittle.

Years ago, my pastor said, there will be times when you will do good, and people won’t even walk up to you and shake your hand. That has come to pass many times. I am no longer shocked when it happens, and I laugh at them.

While disheartening, the majority of people are not happy for your success and happiness, big or small. Many do not mind one or two good things happening to you. But when success becomes your baseline—when good things are happening one after another—jealousy and envy rear their ugly heads from many directions. Shade has come from family, siblings, guys I have dated, friends, coworkers, secret sorrows, and total strangers. Experience has taught me not to confront them, as they will deny their comments and behaviors and make you the villian in the script.

When something great happens, I move differently now.

No longer do I feel the need to share my accomplishments. I enjoy celebrating them alone. I hug myself, cheer myself on, and I do something special for me: Dinner, a trip, a walk by the water, or buy myself something special. I do not have to hear, why would you do something like that or it must be nice, nor who does she think she is or your little project? There is freedom in not having to worry about someone plotting any evil or sending bad vibes my way because of their own insecurities and inadequacies.

Due to the peace and tranquility of remaining silent, I will continue to move in silence and shut the f*** up.

Before any goal in life can stand, YOU must stand.

Before any goal in life can stand, you must stand.

Life management comes first—confidence, discipline, and a solid foundation that won’t shake when life does. I help women build tools so they can rise, thrive, and stay grounded through it all.