unfold: an end and a beginning
As the year comes to an end, I find myself joyfully reflecting on the transformation this journey has brought me. Unfold— the final installment in my Becoming Bare series— is both a culmination and a beginning, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, ready to fly.
setting the stage: turning inward
The path to self-growth is not a straight line. Even after learning my worth and embracing self-love, I found myself caught in the busyness of life. I juggled exams, a leadership program application, a major event for AIA Marianas, and managing projects at work. Somewhere in the chaos, I forgot to take care of myself.
In early September, I hit a breaking point. I didn’t make the leadership program and failed an exam for the first time after being on a roll. That failure, though devastating at the time, became a turning point. It forced me to pause and reflect on the life I was building— and whether it was aligned to who I wanted to be.
What followed was a decision to turn inward. In the stillness and slowness of that break, I began to rediscover myself. It wasn’t easy, considering myself extroverted, but it was necessary. This season of reflection was the start of my unfolding— a chance to shed the weight of external expectations and allow myself to open up to something new.
When was the last time you gave yourself permission to pause and reflect? What might you discover if you allowed yourself that space?
leaning into intuition: self-trust
Clearing my schedule gave me space to nourish myself, to focus on what felt good and true. I started small: time for movement, be more in nature, and self-care practices. I prepared for the Saipan Retreat with Ina Wellness Collective by diving into a book on intuition, its 21-day guide offering me a way to reconnect with my inner voice. I used this time to decipher whatever I will discover then.
Through intentional daily practices, I learned to trust myself again. I kept promises to myself and followed what felt aligned, trusting myself and the process. As I did, the universe seemed to respond in subtle ways and that nudged me forward.
At the retreat, everything came together when I drew the card Passion at our last session. I cried, sharing that it’s been a word I used to describe myself but have not used in my vocabulary for a while. It was definitely a call to reconnect with the creative, purposeful parts of myself that had been overshadowed by busyness and misalignment. The one word became a guiding light, illuminating the life I wanted to create. Slowly I began unfolding into someone who trusted their inner voice and believed in their ability to create a more aligned life.
How often do you trust yourself to make decisions based on your intuition? What passions or interests have been overshadowed by busyness, and how might you reconnect with them?
courage: dreaming and bold action
With this spark of passion, I found myself dreaming bigger than I had in years. It started as an idea during coaching consultations— a passion project that quickly consumed my thoughts. By October, I was s pending every spare moment working on it.
But as my excitement grew, so did the risk of burnout. To protect my energy and focused on what truly mattered, I created stricter boundaries. I became selective about where I spent my time and who I gave it to. I avoided situations that didn’t contribute to the life I was building and trusted the process, even when it felt uncomfortable.
Pursuing the passion project turned business wasn’t easy either. There were countless moments of doubt— questioning whether I could succeed, if my story was enough, or if I could bring my vision to life. But every time doubt crept in, I reminded myself of the incredible feeling that comes with unfolding. I trusted my story and my vision, knowing that if I stayed true to myself, the work would inspire others.
This clarity also led me to one of the hardest decisions of my life: leaving my job. I wrestled with feelings of regret and fear— was I giving up on my dreams? Would all the progress I had made be wasted, especially now that I was on the brink of licensure? Leaving also meant stepping away from the identity, security, and prestige that came with the certainty of my career.
Ultimately, I realized that leaving wasn’t about giving up— it was about creating space to reconnect with life. I needed time to spend with my mom, travel, and explore who I was outside of the roles I had been filling for so long. It was difficult. There was grief, discomfort, and uncertainty. But courage prevailed— through trust in myself and the journey. And with every step, I felt myself unfolding into the person I was meant to be.
What dream or passion have you been holding back on, and why? What fears or attachments are you holding back from making bold decisions?
being unapologetically myself: a bare life
Every decision I made— leaning into my intuition, setting boundaries, and pursuing my dream— brought me closer to my truest self. It taught me to let go of external validation and unapologetically embrace who I am.
This journey to bare has paved the way for a bare life— a life rooted in intention, guided by what truly matters, and full of possibility. I’ve learned that the key to living a bare life is living with purpose: tuning out the noise, trusting yourself, and creating space for what lights you up.
As I step into 2025, I carry with me the lessons of this ending and the excitement of the beginning it creates. I am eager to continue building this life, growing with intention, and embracing what’s to come. I hope you’ll journey with me as we explore what it means to live fully, freely, and unapologetically.
What would it look like to live unapologetically true to yourself? How can you focus on what truly matters to you and live with more intention?
for your journey
tips on how to embrace growth
Growth is rarely easy, but always worth it. Here are a few ways you can embrace growth on your own journey:
Be patient with yourself: Growth takes time, and it’s okay if the path isn’t linear. Celebrate small wins and trust the process.
Create space to reflect: Spend time journaling, meditating, or simply sitting with your thoughts to better understand where you are and where you want to go.
Trust the process while being in the process: Growth can feel uncertain, especially when you’re in the middle of it. Remind yourself that progress is being made, even when it’s not immediately visible.
Take bold but aligned action: Growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Start small, but take action that aligns with your values and vision.
Protect your energy: Set boundaries and let go of things or relationships that no longer serve you. Growth flourishes in environments that feel safe and supportive.
Lean into discomfort: Change can feel uncomfortable, but it’s a natural part of the process. Approach it with curiosity instead of resistance.
Growth is your journey to becoming. Trust the process, take the next step, and watch as your life unfolds in ways you’ve never imagined.
