Level Up! With Shay

Life is hard.

Sometimes it feels like you have zero control over it. Other times, it feels like someone else does – like they’re steering your life without your permission.

I’ve had plenty taken from me over the years – opportunities, living spaces, jobs, acting roles, safe spaces, collaborative work, time, and even entire communities.

It’s like breaking up after a long relationship, and suddenly all your mutual friends choose the other person.

It feels completely sh*tty.

But after going through that more times than I can count, I’ve realized something important:

Yes, people can take a lot from you – but there’s one thing they can’t take.

You.

They can take a collaborative project you poured months into, but they can’t take the skills, growth, and experience you gained from it.

They can take away a community you’ve contributed to for years, but they can’t take your ability – or your willingness – to start fresh and find your people again.

They can strip you of roles, gigs, and chances you know you’ve earned, but they can’t touch the ambition and work ethic that got you there in the first place.

What else can’t they take?

And so much more.

But here’s the thing: you could let them.

You could do what Mel Robbins talks about and let them take all of you.

You could let them take your love and kindness – and become bitter.

You could let them take your gratitude – and start complaining about everything.

You could let them take your awareness – so all you see are problems.

You could let them take your intuition and education – by believing they know better and you know nothing.

You could let them take everything… but you don’t.

And why not?

Because you know the truth of who you are.

You know situations don’t define you – how you respond to them does.

It sucks to admit, but some people enjoy taking things from you. (Although I think that “joy” is just hurt disguised as revenge.)

If an ex-friend feels wronged, they might erase every trace of your friendship with pride.

But you know what reallllllly p*sses them off?

That they can never have you.

That after all the drama, fights, and attempts to tear you down – you’re still standing. Still glowing. And honestly? You’re even better than before.

It stings for them to see you move on, thrive, and shine without them.

Because people who work that hard to break you down? They’re just trying to share their pain.

You’ve heard it before: misery loves company.

So don’t give them the satisfaction.

Don’t let them take you away from you.

Yes, we all slip. We all get lost sometimes. We might even feel attached to a “new self” someone helped shape.

But when you’re ready – come back to you.

Because there’s no one else like you. And there never will be.

Is there something real and authentic in your life you need to return to? Leave a message in the comments – I read them all!

Until next time,
Shay

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