Apology not included

As I walk into 2026, fully enjoying my new willingness to take up space without apology, enjoy these words is shared from the Summer of 2020.

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It almost never fails. If you spend enough time around a woman juggling several roles, she eventually apologizes for something she wants... something she feels... something she needs.

"I'm so sorry. I need a nap. Is that OK?"

"I really apologize. I can't volunteer every night for the next month. I feel so badly about that. I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry I almost passed on supporting your unemployed irresponsible ass living like a leech on my couch. I almost held you responsible for your own life. My bad."

FVCK. THAT.

Many women of my generation come from a line of grandmothers, moms, and aunts who taught us the only way to deserve praise and acceptance was the Way of the Martyr. As a result, many of us became what I call "Functional Martyrs," dedicating the best of our time and energy to the needs and wants of others - while leaving the scraps to ourselves and slowly dying inside. We adopted plastic smiles to hide the pain and loneliness of simply existing to be of service of others - including (and especially) our families. Our very worthiness was directly tied to the amount of self-sacrificing pain we could endure.

A quick assessment of the results they achieved reveals broken marriages, dissatisfaction with life, health issues, and passing way too soon.

I spent the last decade unlearning this bullsh*t. Everyone within your sphere of influence is blessed when you give from a position of power. Are you ready to let it go and be the unapologetic architect of your own wellness?