JoeyJoelle

Quarter 2 showed me that alignment doesn’t equal perfect, but actually “I’m growing through this whether I like it or not” kind of way.

And honestly? I needed that for the upcoming quarter.

You know what? Let me tell you what this quarter really looked like for me.

Embodying Her

You know the 75 Soft? I designed one custom-made plan with ChatGPT for me and my energy. Important for me was that it wasn’t one of those “glow-ups” (God, I can’t stand that word anymore) rooted in pressure and urgency. I wasn’t punishing myself into a new version. This time, it was about presence.

I started choosing me in the smallest ways: praying in the morning, slowing down my routines, saying no for more me-time. All for the sake of becoming the version I aspire to be.

Though I spoke about becoming more visible, this part of my upgrade (yeah, that sound better) wasn’t about that.

It was about feeling good in my body. Feeling connected. Feeling mine. That’s the kind of soft I want to stay in, while accomplishing my goals.

Rest Became My Rebellion

Another thing I was silently dealing with this period was the tiredness. Not the cute “I need a nap” tired. I’m talking bone-deep, “I can’t keep doing this” tired. Period fatigue, emotional overload, burnout from work, and the kind of exhaustion that doesn’t care about your to-do list.

You might be thinking…So, how did that go in combination with 75 Soft. It didn’t. I quit!

Call me a quitter, all you want. After my burn-out, I’ve become so conscious and aware of the symptoms, that I couldn’t care less about what the outside world has to say when it comes to choosing rest.

Old me would’ve powered through. She would’ve stacked caffeine and shame and kept it moving. But part of the trip is unlearning old habits.  And so this new version of me that I’m still learning to embrace? She said nah. She sat her ass down. And the world didn’t fall apart. Well, it did…But that’s all thanks to Israhell, Puto and Don Cheeto.

I allowed myself rest. I skipped things that I didn’t couldn’t bring up the energy for, keeping in mind that it’s okay to pick things up where I left off once I was back in the right headspace and energy.

One thing that was not negotiable, was my writing. I kept writing. Yes, I took a break from posting. But behind the scenes? I kept building. Because this blog? This vision? This freedom I’m building? It’s bigger than content creation.

It’s purpose.

And little by little, I’m laying down the bricks of my escape plan. Step by step. Soft but strategic. I’m not waiting for the “right moment” anymore. I’m creating it.

Love as a Softening & Powering Force

You might have seen it, just like the flowers my love life blossomed too.

Having a partner who’s not just a lover but a true teammate? It elevated my confidence in ways I didn’t know I needed. He holds space for me when I’m feeling vulnerable, reassures me when I doubt myself, and celebrates my wins. That kind of support feels sacred.

But it wasn’t just romantic love that held me down. My friendships deepened, too. I found myself leaning into more vulnerable conversations, letting people in without the usual fear of being too much.

And it was once again a reminder: softening isn’t weakness. It’s returning. It’s remembering that I deserve ease, comfort, and people who can meet me in the deep end without running scared.

This season showed me that when my people say, “I got you,” I can believe them.

What’s In Store For Quarter 3?

I’m walking into Quarter 3 with my boundaries tighter, practicing more discernment, and my plans clearer. Focused on family, friends & (financial) freedom.

How will this translate into my blog? I will be emphasizing the essence of community even more – not leaving out the part to also do an audit when it comes to your community. But also talking about the M word that for some people feel is capitalistic and the root of all evil, yet…I feel like my readers are the ones who could be the root of all good if there was more financial space.

However, the Universe and God might have some lessons of their own for me in store that I have no control over and I will have to surrender to and keep faith.

Anyway, Quarter 3…I’m ready for you!