We all carry parts of ourselves that once protected us, guided us, or kept us safe—but no longer serve who we’re becoming. Letting go can be one of the hardest acts of growth. Some of the most enlightened members of the community share their thoughts on this below.
RAZA RY
The part of me that’s served its purpose… is the version of me that proves my value before I let myself be seen. That guy was necessary. He built the skills. The range. The receipts. He kept me safe in rooms where I didn’t want to be underestimated. He made sure I could walk into any space and handle business. But he’s also heavy. Read more>>
Ruby Knight
The part of me that has served its purpose and now needs to be released is the desire to be accepted. In the beginning of my career and even in my personal life, that desire helped me build connections (from a less aware place). It pushed me to learn from others, understand different perspectives, and navigate an industry where those connections matter. Read more>>
Enaka Beteck
My past experiences from an adolescent to adulthood. For majority of my life growing up most people really didn’t know who I truly was because I pretty much lived a double life. At home and school I was a different individual than what I was outside in the streets or my friends. Read more>>
Khali Jackson
The people pleaser in me and all the self-doubt that came with her has served its purpose and is no longer welcome. For so long, I made decisions based on fear: fear of judgment, criticism, or simply taking up space. Read more>>
Ari B. Cofer
Lately, I’ve found myself at this crossroad between who I was when I was at the darkest parts of my depression and the person I’ve become as I continue through my recovery process. Read more>>
Racquel ‘Radcity’ Lee
Whew, 2025 really put this question into perspective as I found myself experiencing several epiphanies about this topic alone, and I’d like to lead with this: your identity isn’t tied to your social media presence, career titles, accomplishments, or anything materialistic and external. Read more>>
Mia Rubie
The over achieving, people pleasing, hustling/grinding young woman that believed she couldn’t turn down any opportunity, event, collaboration and who would never say NO out of fear and scarcity mindset. Working hard as hell for a decade got me where I’m at, but I’m older, wiser, a mother and have less energy to do ALL the things ALL the time. Read more>>
Fharren Mason
Me NOT living life and operating in my purpose has served its purpose. It must now be released in order to for me to get and stay aligned with Gods purpose, plans, and promises for me. Read more>>
Ray Fontaine
The part of me that needs to be released is the relentless fixer — the version of myself that believed every broken system, relationship, or project could be saved if I just worked harder, stayed longer, or loved deeper. That impulse has served me well; it’s what helped me build coalitions, lead teams, and turn ideas into movements. Read more>>
Uchechukwu Ajuzieogu
The part of me that believed I needed external validation to matter. I spent years chasing approvals I didn’t actually need. Twelve fellowship rejections. Endless application cycles to Western institutions. Waiting for someone in Geneva or Stanford or London to tell me my work was legitimate before I believed it myself. Read more>>
JayTheLightworker
I think the idea of shrinking myself to fit someone’s comfort has burned me out. I am a weirdo in the upmost way, I am nerdy, hypnotic, introverted, creative, offbeat, awkward, intense, intelligent, intuitive, dark and caring in a whole package to say the least. Read more>>
