Blog

I thank God for Tara. By sharing her story, she shared her bravery with me, and together we were able to embolden the other to pursue the next chapter.

Shame often shows up because we have been telling ourselves the same damaging story for so long ? a story that may not even be true. Shame is that voice inside our own head, telling us what others think and who we have become. But shame is a liar.

There?s no avoiding it; pain hurts. Pain reminds us that we once experienced something we do not want to experience again.

Tellingly, but not coincidentally, my interest in reading grew alongside my experience building a business. As I grew the MODE concept, I bought every business book I could get my hands on.

Once we let comparison into our lives, it can take hold forever, never relenting in its mission to steal from us the experiences that should bring us peace and calm.

As a small business owner, there is nothing quite as valuable as seeking out another entrepreneur and talking with her about the challenges, the opportunities, and the achievements.

Sometimes, we just want to quit ? quit a project, a relationship, or a task. When life keeps knocking us down, we can become defeated, ready to jump ship, and move on.

?Today we move out of our offices. Eleven years to earn it, seemingly taken away in a moment.? This was my journal entry on a cold March day.

?While I gasp for breath, they yell at the top of their lungs.? This is how I described in my journal the painful experience of reading the most despicable and ugly things about me, plastered all over social media.

One of my mentors told me, ?Write it down, Ciara. Keep a journal and write down the stories, the pain, the heartache, and the trial. Write it down or you will forget it.?