5 Things You Need to Let Go of to Truly Thrive

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By: Jamila Gomez

Thriving isn’t just about money, success, or finally taking that trip. Thriving is about liberation—emotional, mental, spiritual. And for many of us, especially in the Black community, that journey starts not with what we gain, but with what we release.

Here are five things it’s time to let go of if you’re ready to truly thrive:

1. The Pressure to Be Everything for Everyone

You don’t have to carry the whole family. You don’t have to be the one everyone leans on while secretly breaking inside. Let go of the identity that says you’re only valuable when you’re useful. Your peace matters. Your rest matters. You matter even when you’re not producing.

2. Guilt Around Choosing Yourself

Choosing yourself is not betrayal. It’s survival. It’s wholeness. We’ve been taught to put everyone else first—but thriving demands boundaries. It means letting go of guilt when you say no, when you walk away, when you honor your own needs. Guilt has no place in your self-care.

3. The Idea That Healing Has to Look a Certain Way

Your healing doesn’t have to be soft, poetic, or Instagram-ready. It might be ugly crying in the car. It might be setting fire to old journals. It might be silence. Stop comparing your healing to someone else’s timeline. Let go of the image, and honor the process.

4. Needing Everyone to Understand Your Growth

Not everyone will get it. Not everyone needs to. You’re not growing for their approval—you’re growing for your freedom. Let go of needing people to clap for your boundaries, understand your distance, or agree with your vision. You’re not available for shrinking anymore.

5. The Story That Says You’re Too Late

You are not behind. You’re not too old. You didn’t miss your moment. That lie is rooted in comparison and capitalism. As long as you’re still breathing, there is still time to do what you were called to do. Let go of the shame, and give yourself permission to begin again.

Letting go isn’t weakness—it’s a form of power. It’s not giving up. It’s making room. And you deserve a life with room to breathe, grow, and be well—not just survive.

Because thriving isn’t a luxury.

It’s your birthright.

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Navigating Wellness in a Hyper-Productive Society

Photo Credit: Marco VDM via iStockPhoto.com

By: Jamila Gomez

In a world that glorifies hustle culture, self-worth is often measured by output. From the moment we wake up, we’re bombarded with productivity hacks, morning routines optimized for efficiency, and the pressure to squeeze the most out of every minute. While ambition isn’t inherently bad, an obsession with doing more can take a serious toll on mental and physical health. The challenge, then, is finding balance—navigating wellness without feeling like we’re falling behind.

The Productivity Trap

Modern society rewards busyness. Whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder, monetizing hobbies, or optimizing daily routines, we’re conditioned to believe that slowing down is synonymous with laziness. This mindset leads to burnout, anxiety, and a constant feeling of inadequacy. Even rest becomes another productivity tool—something we “schedule” so we can get back to work with renewed energy.

But wellness isn’t just about recovering from overwork; it’s about creating a sustainable lifestyle that prioritizes health, joy, and fulfillment beyond professional success.

Redefining Success

The first step in navigating wellness is shifting our definition of success. Instead of equating it with output, we should consider a more holistic view—one that includes mental health, relationships, personal growth, and overall happiness. True success isn’t just about how much we accomplish but how we feel while doing it.

This shift requires unlearning societal expectations and tuning into what actually makes us feel fulfilled. Are we working long hours because we genuinely enjoy our careers, or because we fear falling behind? Are we saying yes to every opportunity because we want to, or because we feel guilty for saying no?

Practical Strategies for Wellness

While mindset shifts are crucial, practical strategies can help reinforce a healthier approach to wellness:

1. Prioritize Rest Without Guilt – Rest is not a reward for hard work; it’s a necessity. Quality sleep, relaxation, and leisure should be non-negotiable, not just tools to boost productivity.

2. Set Boundaries – Overworking isn’t a badge of honor. Define clear work-life boundaries, whether that means logging off at a certain time, limiting weekend work, or saying no to additional responsibilities.

3. Engage in Activities Without an End Goal – Not everything needs to be monetized or optimized. Read a book for enjoyment, take a walk without tracking steps, or engage in hobbies just because they make you happy.

4. Practice Mindfulness – Being present in the moment can reduce stress and help break the cycle of constant busyness. Simple practices like deep breathing, journaling, or unplugging from technology can make a difference.

5. Reevaluate Your Goals – Regularly check in with yourself. Are your goals aligned with your well-being? If not, adjust them. Productivity should serve your life, not consume it.

Wellness in a hyper-productive society isn’t about abandoning ambition—it’s about integrating balance. We don’t have to choose between success and well-being; we just need to redefine what success means. By prioritizing health, joy, and sustainability over endless hustle, we create a life that’s not just productive but genuinely fulfilling.

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