March 19, 2025

Hello my beautiful human beingssss 👽

Happy Wednesday! Spring Equinox is tomorrow! A fresh season, new beginnings, and… oh yeah, I GOT A NEW JOB! 🎉 March has been so good to me. Honestly, this whole break from work gave me the space to recharge and refocus on what truly matters, what fills my cup and makes me happy. But enough about me (for now 😉)… let’s get into this quote because it’s a good reminder, and it was actually a request! So, fingers crossed I do it justice.

“Saying less is incredibly helpful. Not every thought is valuable. Not every feeling needs to be voiced. What is often best is to slow down and spend time developing a clearer and more informed perspective. Ego rushes and reacts, but peace moves purposefully and gently.” — Yung Pueblo ✨

Now, I don’t know about you, but this quote had me doing some serious reflection. It’s like a gentle nudge (okay, maybe a not-so-gentle shove) reminding me that silence isn’t always empty, sometimes, it’s the space where clarity finds us. And this can apply everywhere in life, so for this quote, I broke it down into sections.

Unsolicited Opinions: Read the Room, Babe

We’ve all been there. You’re mid-story, venting to a friend about a situation that’s got you spiraling, and suddenly… they hit you with “Well, I would’ve done it this way.” 😐 Or maybe someone drops a hot take in the group chat that literally no one asked for. It’s giving main character energy when no one signed up for the movie.

Here’s a tough pill for some of us to swallow: not every thought is valuable. I know, I know, we’re all guilty of this at some point. But sometimes, people just want to be heard, not handed a checklist of solutions. When we jump in too quickly with advice or opinions, we risk overshadowing what the other person is feeling. And let’s be honest with ourselves for a moment, most of the time, they’re not looking for answers. They’re looking for support and connection.

Instead of filling that space with opinions, try this: “Do you want advice, or do you just need to vent?” OR listen. Like actually actively listen. And when they are finished talking, just pause for a second. What I’ve noticed is they will either keep talking/venting, or they will ask you for your opinion or what you would do, and that is when you can give them a thoughtful response.

Game. Changers. It shows you’re present and willing to meet them where they are, not where you think they should be. And trust me, that small shift? It makes a world of difference.

Leadership: The Power of Pausing

If you’re in any kind of leadership role (and even if you’re not yet, but want to be - this is a good reminder to keep in your back pocket), this part’s for you. Ego reacts. Ego wants to fix, correct, and prove a point. But true leadership? It moves purposefully and gently.

Picture this: A team member brings you a problem. You can feel that instinct to jump in and offer a solution bubbling up. But instead of reacting immediately, you pause. You ask thoughtful questions. You give them space to explain fully. And in that pause? Magic happens. You’re giving them ownership of the situation while signaling that their perspective matters.

When leaders pause before reacting, they create a space where others feel empowered to share ideas and take ownership. It shifts the dynamic from “I have all the answers” to “Let’s figure this out together.” And that’s where real growth and trust are built.

Bonus tip? If you’re ever unsure what to say, try this: “Tell me more about that.” It buys you time to think, while giving the other person space to open up. Win-win. 🙌🏼

Ps. I learned this one from a former leader and current mentor of mine, Mindee ☺️

Personal Growth: Sit with It, Don’t React to It

How many times have you felt all the feelings and wanted to react immediately? (Guilty 🙋🏼‍♀️) Someone says something that triggers you, and before you even take a breath, you’re halfway through a text that could probably melt their phone. Been there. Done that. Regretted it.

Here’s the truth: our initial reactions are often driven by ego. They’re fast, loud, and sometimes messy. And while it might feel good in the moment to let those feelings fly, more often than not, reacting too quickly leaves us with a mess to clean up later.

Peace, on the other hand? Peace takes its time. It’s that gentle whisper that says, “Pause. Sit with this. Is this feeling real, or is it just loud?” Sitting with your emotions doesn’t mean ignoring them - it means giving yourself the space to process before deciding how (or if) to respond. And that space? It’s where emotional intelligence is built.

Pro tip: Next time you feel that urge to react, try this: “I’m going to sit with this for a bit before I respond.” It buys you time, protects your peace, and helps you show up with intention. Go on a walk (or choose something where you are able to move your body), journal, meditate, go eat something (you’re not you when you’re hungry 😉), grab a coffee, matcha, or tea, move about your day in order to digest the emotions that are being stirred up.

Projecting: Your Feelings Aren’t Always Facts

Okay, let’s get real for a second. We’ve all had those moments where we’re feeling some type of way and suddenly, everyone around us becomes the target. 🙈 Your friend takes a little longer to text back? “They must be mad at me.” Your partner seems quieter than usual? “What did I do wrong?” You made a little mistake at work and now you can’t stop thinking - “Oh great, I’m getting fired.”

Our minds are wild sometimes, right? 😂 But here’s the reality: your feelings aren’t always facts. Just because something feels true doesn’t mean it is true. Our brains are wired to fill in the gaps when we don’t have the full story, and more often than not, those gaps get filled with worst-case scenarios. We project our fears, insecurities, and past experiences onto the present moment without realizing it. And when we do that? We create unnecessary tension, misunderstandings, and let’s be honest… drama that didn’t need to exist in the first place!

But here’s the thing: Projection is sneaky. It’s not always loud and obvious. Sometimes, it shows up as subtle assumptions, like believing someone’s silence means rejection or assuming a shift in energy means something’s wrong. And before you know it, you’re spiraling, crafting entire narratives in your head that have nothing to do with reality.

So, how do we break the cycle? It starts with one simple question: “Is this about them, or is this about me?”

Nine times out of ten? It’s about you. And I know that might sting a little bit to hear, but it’s about that unhealed wound that’s being poked, that past experience that’s creeping back in, or that inner fear of rejection that’s whispering in your ear. And guess what? That’s okay. Recognizing it is half the battle.

When you pause and acknowledge that you might be projecting, you create space to unpack what’s really going on. Ask yourself:
💥 “What am I actually feeling right now?”
💥 “What story am I telling myself?”
💥 “Is there evidence to support this, or am I filling in the blanks?”

This pause gives you the power to respond intentionally instead of reacting emotionally. And when you approach the situation with a clearer, more informed perspective, you not only protect your peace but also strengthen your relationships.

Remember, feelings are valid, but they don’t always tell the whole story. Taking the time to sit with them before assigning meaning? That’s where growth happens.

So the next time you catch yourself spiraling down the projection rabbit hole, hit pause. Check in with yourself. And ask: “Is this a reflection of reality, or am I projecting something I need to heal?” Because when you get real with yourself, you give others the grace they deserve. And that? That’s where true connection thrives.

Relationships: Less Talking, More Listening

Whew. Relationships, whether romantic, friendships, or family, are where this quote really comes to life. We’re so conditioned to respond that we often forget the power of simply listening.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for someone you care about is to hold space. Not fix. Not offer solutions. Just be there. Listening without jumping in to add your two cents creates a safe space where people feel seen and valued. And let me tell you, that kind of space? It’s where trust deepens and relationships thrive.

So next time someone opens up to you, resist the urge to fill the silence. Instead, lean into it. You’d be surprised how much can be said without saying a word.

Final Thoughts: Move with Purpose, Not Ego

So, whether it’s biting your tongue when you really want to chime in, pausing before offering advice, or giving yourself permission to sit with your emotions instead of reacting… this quote is a reminder that true strength is in restraint.

Silence isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom. And when we move from a place of peace rather than ego? We create space for growth, understanding, and connection.

Here’s a little challenge for us both: The next time you feel the urge to fill the silence, pause. Breathe. And ask yourself: “Am I reacting, or am I responding with purpose?”

I’ll be over here practicing what I preach 👀✨

Trust your journey. Rest your souls, lil’ saplings. Always leave people better than you found them, and have a courageous day and a purposeful weekend ahead! 👽🫶🏻🧿🌱