the mad blog

As we start a new year, I’ve been reflecting on how to approach things with more authenticity and vulnerability. I’ve always prided myself on embracing growth, but this year, I want to focus on embracing imperfection—and not just that, but really showing it. I’ve been listening to music more lately, especially with my son, who’s a big fan of country music. As someone who didn’t connect much with it at first, I was surprised by how deeply a song by Zach Bryan hit me. His lyrics spoke to me in a way that felt raw, honest, and unfiltered—everything laid out there, no apologies.

One lyric in particular stood out: “I ain’t spotless, neither is you, for once in my life, I’m going to follow this through…” That phrase—“I ain’t spotless, neither is you”—resonated with me so deeply. I’ve always tried to present myself as polished and put together, but that’s just not real. None of us are spotless, and there’s beauty in that rawness.

So, this year, I’m not going to hide the parts of me that aren’t perfect. I’m going to embrace authenticity in all its messiness, putting myself and my business out there with confidence—imperfections and all. I’ve also been thinking about following things through, especially when I get impatient with the long game. The reality is, sometimes we want things to happen fast, but lasting growth takes time. This year, I’m committed to building things slowly and with intention—getting it right, not just rushing through to see quick results.

Another lesson I’ve been reflecting on is how to let go of other people’s opinions. So much energy can be wasted worrying about what others think or say. But I realize—what they say or do is about them, not me. I can choose to give it energy or let it go. I choose to let go. I’m focused on doing my thing, trusting the process, and letting things unfold without trying to control them. One final thought has been the concept of a growth mindset. I’ve always believed in it, and I try to teach my son about the power of growth. As I’m raising him, I realize how much his journey mirrors mine.

This year, though, I’m asking the universe for more than just growth. I’ve done a lot of internal work, but I’m wondering—is it time for the outcomes to start matching the growth? I know it’s a process, but I’m ready for the next step.

And lastly, the lyric, “Everything meant to be is bound to stay,” stuck with me. It reminded me of something I once heard from an astrologer: “What’s in your chart is in your heart.” Some things in life are destined to stay with us, and while we can’t control everything, we can trust that what is truly meant for us will find its way. The things that are meant to stay in my life will stay—and the rest? It’ll fade away.