What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I hope you are having an incredible day, and I pray nobody steals your joy! Welcome back to Maryam's Joyful Life. It is a gorgeous day today, and I am so excited to be here with you because beautiful, extraordinary things are unfolding.
Today, I want to call you back to your power.
Rejecting the Lie of "Worthless"
Perhaps right now you are feeling low, pitiful, or defeated. Maybe you are surrounded by people or circumstances that whisper—or outright tell you—that you are worthless. When negative energy, harsh words, and emotional storms surround you daily, it can feel like you are being forced to accept that narrative as truth.
Reject it immediately.
You are not worthless. You have immense, immeasurable value. The God who created you crafted a living masterpiece, and His spirit resides within you. You have been given the divine authority to choose an abundant, joyful life, regardless of what you have experienced up to the exact moment you found this post.
There is nothing small about you. You are extraordinary, and your story is still being written.
Rewrite the Narrative With Your Words
Transforming your life doesn't always start with a massive leap—it begins with one simple decision to change your spoken narrative:
When they call you worthless, declare that you are blessed.
When circumstances call you forgotten, declare that you are chosen.
When fear says you are weak, declare that you are called by God and deeply loved.
No weapon formed against you will prosper. The desires for peace, purpose, and good things planted in your heart are valid, and God's plan for your life is not about to stop now.
Cut off the Venom and Walk in Royalty
Give yourself a much-needed break from the people who constantly bring up your past mistakes, rehash your failures, or pour the venom of negativity into your space. You have zero obligation to tolerate that toxicity any longer.
Break away from those voices. Surround yourself with truth-tellers who speak life over you—people who recognize and call out the royalty on the inside of you. You are a child of the Most High, meant to leave an undeniable mark on this world.
Remember who you are today: there is nothing ordinary about you. You are extraordinary.
Walk tall, speak life, and never let anyone steal your joy!
Ready to connect, elevate your journey, or take the next bold step in your life? Reach out anytime at 470-765-2745!
Have you ever enjoyed those soft, warm, buttery Italian breadsticks at Olive Garden and wished you could make them at home? Well, now you can! Today, I’m sharing a homemade Olive Garden-style Italian breadstick recipe that’s soft, fluffy, and brushed with delicious garlic butter.
These breadsticks are perfect for serving alongside spaghetti, chicken Parmesan, lasagna, Alfredo pasta, or your favorite Italian meal. They’re also delicious on their own with marinara sauce for dipping!
The best part is that you can make them with simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
Watch the video:
Ingredients for Homemade Italian Breadsticks
For the breadsticks:
1½ cups warm water
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups bread flour, plus a little extra if needed
For the garlic butter topping:
4 tablespoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
How to Make Olive Garden-Style Italian Breadsticks
Step 1: Activate the yeast.
Add the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast to a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Make sure the water is warm, not hot.
Step 2: Make the dough.
Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the bread flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Start with four cups and add extra flour only if necessary.
Step 3: Knead the dough.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
Step 4: Let the dough rise.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the breadsticks.
Gently punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a breadstick about 6–8 inches long. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Let them rise again.
Cover the shaped breadsticks and let them rest for another 20–30 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F.
Step 7: Prepare the garlic butter.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and optional Italian seasoning. Mix well and set aside.
Step 8: Bake the breadsticks.
Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden on top. Avoid overbaking if you want that soft, fluffy texture.
Step 9: Brush with garlic butter.
As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, generously brush them with the garlic butter. For even more flavor, brush them a second time after five minutes.
My Secret to Soft, Buttery Breadsticks
The secret to delicious homemade breadsticks is keeping the dough soft, allowing it enough time to rise, and avoiding overbaking. Brushing the breadsticks with garlic butter while they’re still hot helps give them that wonderful buttery flavor.
If you want to keep them extra soft, loosely cover them with foil for 5–10 minutes after baking.
What to Serve with Italian Breadsticks
These homemade breadsticks pair beautifully with spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parmesan, lasagna, creamy Alfredo pasta, or a warm bowl of tomato soup. You can also serve them with marinara or Alfredo sauce for dipping.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade Italian breadsticks is a wonderful way to bring a little restaurant-style goodness into your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, entertaining guests, or simply craving warm bread fresh from the oven, this recipe is worth trying.
Give these homemade Olive Garden-style Italian breadsticks a try, and enjoy every soft, buttery, garlic-filled bite!
Thank you for stopping by Maryamsjoyfullife Blog. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious homemade breadsticks!
What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I hope you’re having an amazing day, and whatever you do, don’t let anybody steal your joy! Welcome back to Maryam’s Joyful Life. It is a beautiful day, and I am super excited to be here with you today for a little honest heart-to-heart.
Today, I want to share a moment of personal reflection about my character, patience, and how easy it is to let frustration get the best of us if we aren't watchful.
The Pre-K Pickup Routine
If you are a parent, you know the drill with school drop-offs and dismissals. At my kids' school, I pick them up through the Pre-K dismissal lane during the late pickup window. The rule is simple: you have to be in line by 3:30 PM. If you aren't there by then, the office calls your phone at 3:45 PM, and you have to park, walk inside, and sign all the paperwork to sign them out.
I understand the system and respect the rules. So far, I’ve only been late once—and that was because I got delayed while getting new tires installed on my truck. It took longer than expected, and even though I rushed over, it hit 3:45 PM, so I parked, went inside, signed them out, and took my babies home. No problem.
Because I don't like being inconvenienced or having to park and sign out, I make a conscious effort to arrive early every single day. Usually, the staff has the kids walking out right around 3:27 PM, and I'm sitting right there waiting for them to hop in.
The Moment the Fire Rose
The other day, I drove the car over early, expecting everything to run like clockwork.
3:27 PM came and went—no kids.
3:28 PM, the staff walked inside.
3:29 PM rolled around, and people were just looking at me.
By 3:31 PM, nothing was moving.
Suddenly, a wave of intense frustration washed over me. In my mind, I started calculating: If I had been late by even one minute, I’d be forced to go inside, do paperwork, and jump through hoops. But when I show up early, I’m left sitting here waiting!
Before I knew it, I hopped out of the car, marched straight up to the entrance door, knocked, and blurted out, "Where are my kids?"
Right as I knocked and the door opened, the staff was already leading the kids out. But inside, I felt like I was breathing smoke and fire. I was ready to argue. My face probably looked like pure thunder.
Looking in the Mirror: Choosing Grace Over Rage
I got back into the car with the kids, buckled everyone in, and took a deep breath. As the adrenaline cooled down, I looked in the mirror and had an honest conversation with myself:
Could I have been more patient? Just a little bit more patient to see what was happening instead of charging up to the door demandingly?
The truth was: Yes, I could have.
Two or three minutes of delay wasn't going to ruin my life, but charging up with anger could have easily ruined someone else's entire workday. Those teachers and staff members are working hard, managing countless children, and doing their best.
Our reactions have power. In any given moment, the energy we bring can either make someone’s day better or make it significantly worse.
Moving Forward With Intention
Starting today, I’m holding myself to a higher standard of grace:
Give grace for delays: If dismissal is running behind, pause, breathe, and extend the benefit of the doubt.
Watch the tone: If I ever need to step up to the door to ask a question, I will do it with calm words, a warm smile, and patience.
Guard your character: Never let an inconvenience turn you into someone you don't want to be.
Let’s choose kindness, even in uncomfortable and frustrating situations. Character isn't proven when everything goes smoothly—it’s proven in how we respond when things get delayed.
Have an amazing day, keep walking in love, and never let anyone steal your joy!
Need guidance on buying or selling a home in the Permian Basin, or ready to book your next dream vacation? Call or text me at 470-765-2745!
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! How are you all doing today? I hope you're having an amazing day, and I hope you still choose your joy. Welcome to MaryamsJoyfulLife!
Today, I want to talk about something that really sparked my thoughts. Someone asked me why they should take their relationship with God seriously when they see people like me who have a nose ring.
My response is simple: your relationship with God has nothing to do with me.
If you want to get closer to God and have a relationship with Him, that decision belongs to you. You are a grown adult, and you get to make your own decisions and live with the consequences of those decisions.
We have to stop outsourcing our happiness, peace, and decisions to other people. Nobody is obligated to change themselves to make you happy. You cannot control how other people act, but you can control yourself.
I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. That is why I will continue praying, studying, meditating, seeking God, and keeping my heart right.
Your faith should not depend on whether another person looks, acts, or lives the way you think a Christian should. Sometimes God can even use someone you don't expect to teach you something you need to hear.
Don't allow your feelings toward another person to cause you to miss what God is trying to show you.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
God sees your heart. He knows you completely. Your relationship with Him is personal, and you have to choose to seek Him for yourself.
Don't take the opinion of man as the final say. With God, all things are possible.
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! How are you all doing today? I hope you're having an amazing day, and I hope you still choose your joy. Welcome to MaryamsJoyfulLife!
Today, I want to talk about something that really sparked my thoughts. Someone asked me why they should take their relationship with God seriously when they see people like me who have a nose ring.
My response is simple: your relationship with God has nothing to do with me.
If you want to get closer to God and have a relationship with Him, that decision belongs to you. You are a grown adult, and you get to make your own decisions and live with the consequences of those decisions.
We have to stop outsourcing our happiness, peace, and decisions to other people. Nobody is obligated to change themselves to make you happy. You cannot control how other people act, but you can control yourself.
I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. That is why I will continue praying, studying, meditating, seeking God, and keeping my heart right.
Your faith should not depend on whether another person looks, acts, or lives the way you think a Christian should. Sometimes God can even use someone you don't expect to teach you something you need to hear.
Don't allow your feelings toward another person to cause you to miss what God is trying to show you.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
God sees your heart. He knows you completely. Your relationship with Him is personal, and you have to choose to seek Him for yourself.
Don't take the opinion of man as the final say. With God, all things are possible.
Starting From the Ground Up: Keep Going and Let God Guide You
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! How are you all doing today? I hope you're having an amazing day, and I hope you still choose your joy.
Today, I want to talk about what it feels like to start from scratch—to start from the ground up.
I'm currently building my real estate business from the ground up as a Texas Realtor. And let me tell you, it's not always fun. It's exciting to have the business idea and know what you want to do, but actually building the business takes work, commitment, courage, and consistency.
Today, I took my business cards and went door to door to different businesses, introducing myself and letting people know that I'm a Realtor and that I can help with buying, selling, and leasing. I was proud of myself because it wasn't necessarily easy, but I knew I had to put myself out there.
I've built businesses before, including my travel business, so I know that sometimes you simply have to put your name out there and get the word out.
And that's what I want to encourage you to do if you're starting fresh. Don't be afraid to tell people about your business. People have to know who you are and what you do before they can use your services.
It's going to be uncomfortable in the beginning. That's normal. You have to get the reps in. The more you do it, the more comfortable you become.
While you're building, you have to build courage—the courage to keep going, keep pushing, and keep showing up.
Most importantly, pray and let God guide you. I know God has a plan, and I'm going to do my part and let God take care of the rest.
If you're starting something new, keep going. You may be starting from the ground up, but you don't have to build alone.
Watch the full video here:
Do you need a travel advisore that has your back? Let me help!
Starting From Scratch: Building With Faith and Courage
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! I hope you're having an amazing day and, most importantly, still choosing your joy.
Have you ever had to start from scratch? To build something from the ground up? That's where I am right now with my real estate business.
Starting a business sounds exciting when it's just an idea, but turning that idea into something real takes work, consistency, courage, and commitment. Recently, I stepped outside my comfort zone and went from business to business handing out my cards and introducing myself as a Texas Realtor. It wasn't necessarily easy, but I was proud of myself for taking action.
I've learned that people can't support what they don't know exists. Sometimes you have to put yourself out there, tell people what you do, and keep showing up—even when things feel uncomfortable.
And I'm trusting God through this entire process. I know I have a part to play, but I also know that God has a plan. My job is to take action, stay faithful, and let Him take care of the rest.
If you're starting something new, don't be afraid to begin at the bottom. Keep going. Keep putting in the reps. Build your courage and keep moving forward.
And remember: starting from scratch doesn't mean starting without purpose.
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! Welcome back to Maryam's Joyful Life!
Today, I want to share something I've been learning while doing what I do every day—cooking for my family, taking care of my children, working on my businesses, and trying to accomplish my goals.
Sometimes life can feel like a juggling act. One minute I'm making homemade chili for the family, the next I'm helping a travel client with a reservation, feeding the baby, and trying to get my own work done. Being a mom and running businesses isn't always easy!
But somewhere in the middle of all that doing, God has been teaching me something important: I don't have to depend on my own effort for everything to work out.
I'm naturally a go-getter. When I have a goal, I want to work hard and make it happen. But when we become consumed with our goals and results, disappointment can hit hard when things don't go according to plan.
Watch the Video here:
I've learned that sometimes we can become so focused on achieving that we lose our peace—and unfortunately, we can even take our frustration out on people who didn't cause it.
God keeps bringing me back to Matthew 6:33: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
I'm learning to work, but also to surrender. To have goals, but allow God to lead me. To do my part without believing everything depends on me.
I've seen God do amazing things in my life, and some of those blessings came when I stopped striving, surrendered, and allowed His peace to lead me.
Maybe you need that reminder today too: You can work hard without carrying everything. Trust God. Surrender. Stay aligned. And let His peace lead you.
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! Welcome back to Maryam's Joyful Life.
Today I want to talk about something I've been intentionally working on: boundaries.
Recently, I had an interaction with someone who had crossed my boundaries in the past. This time, something was different. I had already made up my mind that I would stay focused, keep the conversation respectful and short, and not allow myself to be pulled into anything beyond the purpose of the conversation.
Watch the video here:
And you know what? I did it!
I helped when help was needed, communicated what I needed to communicate, and when the conversation was finished, I simply said goodbye and ended the call. I didn't stay around waiting for something else to happen. I didn't over-explain myself. I didn't allow old dynamics to pull me back into being the person I used to be.
That really opened my eyes.
Sometimes people remember the younger version of you and continue treating you like that child. But you're not that child anymore. You've grown. You've learned. You've built a life. You have responsibilities, dreams, businesses, families, and goals.
You are allowed to change how people access you.
I've learned that boundaries aren't walls that completely shut everyone out. Boundaries are doors. You decide when the door opens and when it closes.
If someone respects you, loves you, and treats you well, you can open the door. If someone continually disrespects you or makes you feel small, you have every right to close it.
Protecting your peace isn't being mean. Respecting yourself isn't selfish.
Today, I want to remind you: you are worthy, you are valuable, and nobody has the right to steal your joy.
Draw your line. Respect yourself. And don't be afraid to close the door when necessary.
Why I Became a Texas Realtor: Faith, Grit, and a New Beginning
What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! Welcome back to Maryam’s Joy for Life!
Have you ever had someone say something that planted an idea in your heart—and before you knew it, you were pursuing it? That’s exactly how my real estate journey began.
Earlier in 2026, my sweet man told me, “Babe, I think you’d make a really good real estate agent.” I didn’t argue. I simply said, “Why not?” I started researching the requirements, completed my coursework, studied hard, and eventually passed my Georgia real estate exam.
But my journey didn’t stop there.
Watch the full video here:
When our family moved from Georgia to Texas, I knew I wanted to continue my real estate career. Texas had its own requirements, so I started all over again—this time completing 180 hours of coursework and preparing for the Texas licensing exam.
It took faith, discipline, and a whole lot of studying! I learned an important lesson along the way: prayer and action go hand in hand. I prayed, but I also opened those books and did the work.
And yes, I failed an exam along the way. I missed passing by just four points. Instead of quitting, I studied again, slowed down, stayed focused, and passed the next time.
Today, I’m a Texas Realtor, and I’m incredibly grateful for this new chapter.
Why real estate? Because I love helping people find places where they can build memories, create stability, grow their businesses, and experience the joy of having a place they can call their own.
Real estate isn’t just about houses to me. It’s about people, community, opportunity, and service.
I’m excited about what God has ahead, and I know the best is yet to come.
If I can do it, so can you. Whatever goal is on your heart, pray about it, work for it, stay committed, and don’t give up.
Stop Chasing People Who Walked Away: Focus on You and Heal
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people?
How are you all doing today? I hope you're having an amazing day, and I hope you've decided to still choose joy.
Welcome back to Maryams Joyful Life!
Today, I want to talk about something that I have personally experienced: trying to hold on to people who have already decided to walk away.
And let me tell you something: I've been there.
I've gotten that low.
I've chased after people who had already made their decision. I've spent energy trying to understand what someone was doing, thinking, saying, or feeling when I should have been focusing on myself.
And honestly?
It sucked.
But I learned from it.
And because I learned from it, I want to encourage someone else who may be going through the same thing.
If someone has walked away from you intentionally, lied about you, hurt you, betrayed you, or made it clear that they no longer want to be part of your life, please don't spend your life chasing them.
Let them go.
Watch the video here:
Enough Is Enough
Sometimes we have to look at ourselves and say, "Enough is enough."
Why are you chasing somebody who walked away from you?
Why are you constantly checking their social media?
Why are you asking mutual friends what they're doing?
Why are you trying to figure out whether they miss you?
Why are you trying to get them back into your life when they have already chosen to leave?
Sis, don't do that.
I know it can be difficult because emotions are real. When you have invested time, love, energy, dreams, and memories into a relationship, walking away can feel like you're losing a part of yourself.
But sometimes walking away is exactly how you find yourself again.
When you continue to hold on to something that is already broken, you don't create peace. You create more confusion.
And the energy you're spending tracking someone else could be energy you're investing into your own future.
Think about what you could accomplish if you redirected all that energy.
You could look for a better job.
You could start exercising.
You could take better care of yourself.
You could learn a new skill.
You could start a business.
You could read books.
You could spend more quality time with your children.
You could dream again.
You could become the person you were meant to become.
There Is a Reason They Became Your Ex
One thing we sometimes forget is that there is usually a reason a relationship ends.
Of course, every situation is different. But if you're honest with yourself, you probably know there were things in that relationship that weren't working.
There were things that hurt.
There were arguments.
There may have been disrespect, disappointment, instability, betrayal, or simply a lack of peace.
Yet sometimes, after the relationship ends, we remember only the good moments.
We start romanticizing the past.
We convince ourselves that maybe it wasn't that bad.
We begin thinking, "Maybe I should call them."
"Maybe I should check on them."
"Maybe they have changed."
"Maybe they miss me."
And before we know it, we're emotionally entangled all over again.
But sometimes God is trying to tell you:
Let it go.
Move forward.
You don't have to keep trying to fix something that is no longer yours to fix.
Stop Giving Your Peace Away
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that you cannot have peace while constantly worrying about what another person is doing.
If you're always wondering who they're with, where they're going, what they're saying, whether they're thinking about you, or whether they're happier without you, you're giving that person control over your emotions.
They're living their life.
And you're sitting there watching.
That's not peace.
That's emotional exhaustion.
The more you track somebody, the more consumed you become with somebody else's life.
And meanwhile, your own life is waiting for you.
Your goals are waiting.
Your dreams are waiting.
Your children need you.
Your health needs you.
Your future needs you.
You need you.
So shift your focus.
Heal Instead of Replacing Them
And I'm going to say something else that I think is very important.
Don't rush into another relationship just because you're lonely.
Don't immediately find another person to fill the empty space.
You need time to heal.
Sometimes we jump from one relationship to another because we don't want to sit with ourselves.
But if you haven't healed from the last relationship, you may carry those wounds directly into the next one.
You may attract the same patterns in a different person.
You may tolerate the same behavior because it feels familiar.
So instead of rushing into somebody else's arms, take some time to become whole.
Just shut up and heal.
Heal your heart.
Heal your mind.
Heal your confidence.
Heal your finances.
Heal your relationship with yourself.
Heal your relationship with God.
Give yourself permission to become better.
Focus on Becoming Better
When I was going through my own situation, one of the things I wanted was money.
The relationship had created financial problems for me, and I knew I needed to become more stable.
So instead of continuing to spend all my energy worrying about the other person, I had to start thinking about what I wanted for myself.
Sometimes the wrong environment can affect your growth.
When you're constantly dealing with emotional ups and downs, drama, negativity, and uncertainty, it becomes difficult to concentrate on building your future.
Your mind is always somewhere else.
You can't focus.
You can't think clearly.
You're constantly reacting instead of creating.
And eventually, you have to ask yourself:
Is this relationship helping me grow, or is it keeping me stuck?
That question can change everything.
Start Taking Care of Yourself
If you're trying to move on, start taking care of yourself.
Go to the gym.
Take walks.
Get outside.
Watch what you eat.
Get enough rest.
Read books that develop your mind.
Learn something new.
Try a new recipe.
Find a hobby.
Change your wardrobe.
Get your hair done.
Buy yourself something nice.
Take yourself out on a date.
You don't need someone else to validate your worth.
Learn to enjoy your own company.
There is something powerful about being comfortable with yourself.
You don't have to constantly have somebody beside you to prove that you're loved.
You are still valuable when you're alone.
You are still beautiful when you're alone.
You are still worthy when someone chooses not to stay.
And please remember this:
Peace looks good on you.
Joy looks good on you.
Healing looks good on you.
Dream Again
One of the things I want you to do after a breakup or difficult relationship is dream again.
Maybe you've forgotten what you wanted because you spent so much time building your life around another person.
Now it's time to remember.
What did you want before that relationship?
What business did you want to start?
Where did you want to travel?
What career did you want?
What kind of home did you want?
What did you want your finances to look like?
What did you want your life to feel like?
Write those things down.
Create goals.
Read your goals every day.
Visualize yourself accomplishing them.
And then take action.
Maybe you want to become a real estate agent.
Maybe you want to start a business.
Maybe you want to become a travel advisor.
Maybe you want to start creating content.
Maybe you want to go back to school.
Maybe you want to learn something you've always been afraid to learn.
Do it.
Don't worry about who is watching.
Don't worry about who is laughing.
Don't worry about who is talking about you.
That's none of your business.
Your responsibility is to focus on where you're going.
You Are Not Running Out of Options
Sometimes heartbreak makes us believe that the person we lost was the only person in the world.
They're not.
There are other people in this world.
There are other friendships.
There are other opportunities.
There are other possibilities.
There is still life after that relationship.
There is still joy after that disappointment.
There is still success after that failure.
There is still love after heartbreak.
But you can't experience what's next if you're constantly reaching backward.
You cannot move forward while continuously looking behind you.
At some point, you have to say:
"I'm choosing me."
Not because you're bitter.
Not because you hate the other person.
Not because you want revenge.
But because you finally understand that your life is too valuable to spend chasing someone who doesn't want to walk alongside you.
Let Go and Give Yourself Permission to Live
If they walked away, let them walk.
If they chose someone else, let them choose.
If they lied about you, let the truth speak for itself.
If they don't want to communicate with you, stop forcing communication.
If checking their social media keeps hurting you, block them.
If mutual friends keep bringing information about them into your life, create boundaries.
Protect your peace.
You don't have to know everything.
You don't have to know what they're doing.
You don't have to know whether they miss you.
You don't have to know who they're dating.
You don't have to know whether they regret losing you.
Your job is not to monitor their life.
Your job is to live yours.
Take your children out.
Have fun.
Go for a run.
Start that business.
Create the content.
Apply for the job.
Read the book.
Travel.
Laugh.
Pray.
Dream.
Heal.
And most importantly, give yourself permission to become happy again.
Your Best Days Can Still Be Ahead
I know letting go isn't always easy.
Sometimes you have to let go a little bit at a time.
Some days you may feel strong, and other days you may miss the person.
That's okay.
Healing isn't about pretending you never cared.
It's about learning that caring about someone doesn't mean you have to continue giving them access to your life.
You can forgive someone and still move forward.
You can love someone from a distance.
You can appreciate the memories without returning to the same situation.
You can acknowledge what happened without allowing it to define your future.
So if you're reading this today and you're chasing somebody who has already walked away, I want you to stop for a moment.
Take a deep breath.
Look at your life.
Look at your goals.
Look at your children, your future, your dreams, and everything that is still possible for you.
Then ask yourself:
"What would happen if I took all the energy I've been using to chase them and poured it back into myself?"
Imagine that.
Your life could change.
So, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people, this is your reminder:
**Stop chasing.
Start healing.
Start growing.
Start dreaming again.
Start living.**
You have a life to live.
And as long as you've got a pulse, there is still something you can do with your life.
