When Change disrupts your comfort zone

There’s one thing we’ll always find on our journey, no matter how much we try to avoid it, is change. Some changes we can control and manage, and others…not so much.

For example—I love rearranging the furniture in my living room or bedroom every now and then. There are really only two ways to move things around because of the space and scale of my furniture, but that tiny shift feels new. It’s energizing. It shifts my mindset.

Then there are the weekends when I decide to try a new hiking trail or take some photos at a spot I’ve never been to before. That little invitation to explore something different is so good for the soul, isn’t it?

But not all changes come wrapped in a bow of excitement. Sometimes, life throws in an unexpected curveball: an illness, a career hurdle, financial stress, family dynamics, relationships, etc... And suddenly, it’s not about rearranging furniture—it’s about rearranging your heart, your mind, and your ability to adapt.

For me, it’s so easy to get caught up in the imbalance of it all. I’ll admit, I’ve gotten better over the years—age does bring wisdom—but patience still isn’t exactly my strong suit. When life feels overwhelming, I often find myself wanting to fix things, to make sense of what feels messy.

But here’s the lesson I’ve learned—one I’m still learning: not every change is meant to be fixed or figured out. Some changes are about letting go. About hitting the pause button, taking a deep breath, and sitting with whatever is happening, even if it feels uncomfortable.

I feel like a broken record if I’ve mentioned this before, but if I’m being honest, it’s advice that often sits on my shoulder, whispering in my ear: letting go doesn’t mean giving up. It means creating space for peace, even when life feels chaotic. It’s about trusting that every shift, even the hard ones, carries something valuable. Sometimes it’s a lesson in resilience; other times, it’s a reminder that we’re stronger than we think.

I’ve learned that change—whether it’s something as simple as moving a couch or as profound as facing the unknown—has the power to transform us. I once listened to a podcast where actor Matthew McConaughey shared an analogy about the colors of a stoplight. He explained that if life were all green lights, with no hardships, no challenges, no “change,” or introspection, then what would it all be for? We need the yellows and reds, too.

I might be veering off topic a bit, but his analogy feels so relevant to change. Those pauses and stops—those moments of uncertainty or struggle—are what help us evolve. It’s where growth happens. It’s where we learn to loosen our grip on the things we can’t control and start embracing what is.

So, here’s a gentle nudge for us: when change knocks, let’s answer with curiosity. Let’s ask ourselves, “What can this teach us? How can this moment serve our growth?” Even when it feels uncomfortable, even when we don’t have all the answers.

Every change, whether small or life-altering, is shaping us. It’s helping us align with our highest selves, one step at a time. And in those moments when it feels overwhelming, let’s remind ourselves that we’re not alone. My favorite go-to reminder? You’ve got this.

The cost of fitting in & breaking old cycles

This morning, I found myself reflecting on a conversation I had the other day, where I tried to fit in by venting about a frustrating situation. In the moment, it felt easier to just let it all out—something we all do from time to time. But afterward, I couldn’t shake how I felt about my participation in the conversation. I didn’t like it. This wasn’t who I am.

While I understand that I’m human and deserving of grace, I also realized something profound: solutions often live in the world of acceptance. They emerge when we hit that internal pause button, especially when we find ourselves caught up in throwing more wood on the fire, instead of being the positive force of self-restraint, even in the smallest of moments.

Accepting a situation for what it is doesn’t mean giving up or ignoring your feelings. It means recognizing that some things are beyond our control and choosing how we respond to them. When we do that, we shift from reacting to reflecting, creating space for clarity and growth.

This moment reminded me that my self-awareness is truly a gift. Even when we stumble, each realization brings us closer to our best selves, and I’m so grateful for it. Growth doesn’t mean perfection—it means choosing to learn and move forward, one step at a time.

If I met my past self.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with your past self? To look into those eyes—perhaps a bit more guarded, maybe a touch more vulnerable—and just listen? This morning, I woke up thinking about it and asked myself how I would feel if I had that opportunity. Would I embrace her rough-around-the-edges moments, those questionable choices, and the hard-won victories she fought so fiercely for? How would I honor her today?

When I think about it, I’d want to thank her—and if you know me, you know I’m all about the hugs, and she’d be getting a lot of them. I’d thank her for the strength she called on when life didn’t make sense, for the lessons she endured, and for the resilience she built along the way. Every decision she made—each one a stepping stone that brought her closer to this version of me—has shaped who I am today. Even those chapters I’d love to rewrite or forget became part of a bigger story, one that’s still unfolding.

Every chapter we leave behind has a purpose, no matter how messy or uncertain it felt in the moment. It’s easy to get lost in the “what-ifs” and “if-onlys,” but if we linger there, we risk missing the beauty of the present and the potential of the future. So, rather than striving for perfection in our past or our present, what if we focused on creating as much inner peace as we can? Peace doesn’t mean perfection; it means allowing yourself to fully embrace every part of your journey, knowing each moment is helping you refine who you want to be moving forward.

Imagine looking back with empathy, not regret. To appreciate every struggle, every setback, as an essential ingredient in the life you’re creating now. From this lens, our biggest regrets can be transformed into guideposts, showing us what we truly value and who we aspire to become. In this way, our past selves become honored teachers, allowing us to grow without clinging to old mistakes or limiting definitions of who we are.

Our past selves remind us that growth isn’t about erasing or perfecting, but about fully embracing who we are today. Every new choice, every shift in perspective, is an opportunity to build a life rooted in authenticity and peace.

So as we reflect on our past, here’s a little love note to remind us to honor it. Appreciate each part for its role in shaping who you are. Release what no longer serves you, and step into the present with gratitude for how far you’ve come. In this way, you create space for new beginnings and a beautifully, empowered future. Embrace the journey—your journey. Every step brings you closer to your truest self.

The hidden grief behind our personal growth

I recently came across a quote by Té V Smith that said, “No one warns you about the amount of mourning in growth,” and it really hit home for me. Looking back on the peaks and valleys of my own journey, I realize just how true this is. Personal growth is often seen as something positive—
an exciting journey toward becoming the best version of ourselves. But after reading that quote, I felt it was important to talk about the part of growth that we don’t discuss enough: the mourning that comes with it.

As we pour time and energy into self-care, self-love, and self-worth, we naturally evolve. And with that evolution comes the release of old habits, shifts in our relationships, and versions of ourselves that no longer serve us. This process can definitely feel like a form of loss, and with it comes grief.

The spiritual journey is often portrayed as a path of light, peace, and harmony, and while that’s true, I believe the shadow parts of ourselves play an even greater role in helping us find that peace and harmony—it’s the darkness before the dawn, if you will. When we transition from one chapter of our lives to another, it can feel like letting go of the parts of ourselves we’ve clung to for comfort. Some of these parts have been with us for so long that it feels almost impossible to imagine life without them. Letting go can stir deep emotions, often bringing to the surface feelings we had buried, brushed under the rug or thought we had moved on from—without realizing there was more work to do.

When these emotions resurface, what I call ‘the pits of despair’ within myself can set in. There have been multiple times when I couldn’t stop crying for hours. And those in my inner circle know I’ve referred to it as the “Angelique Pity Party.” Maybe I’m being hard on myself in those moments, but that’s part of the process too. Feeling all the doom, gloom, and “why mes” can crack you open, as if you’re standing at the doorway to your soul, realizing, “Okay… it’s time to go.” You can’t hold on to this anymore if you want to move forward. And those tears, well, they become the beginning of transformation, of mourning. That’s how it’s been for me, and it’s something I’ve heard others talk about and go through as well.

But the mourning isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. It’s proof of the depth of the transformation we’re experiencing. It takes true courage to let go of the parts of ourselves that no longer serve us—the stuck parts or the pieces of our lives that just don’t fit anymore. While growth involves mourning, on the flip side, it brings resilience, wisdom, and a deeper connection to ourselves. Every time we release something that no longer serves us, we create space for new opportunities, healthier relationships, and the big one—more self-awareness. You find yourself in a state where you become “the forever student,” constantly evolving, and that’s something worth celebrating.

It’s important to remind ourselves that it’s okay to mourn our past, to feel the depth of that loss, but also to not lose sight of the beauty in what’s unfolding. Our spiritual journey is one of constant renewal. As my spirit guides once said to me, “Your awakening, my love, does not come but once. This is the path of many roads, many mountains. What you seek has never been lost, but the length of your journey to discover this, my dear, is completely up to you.” Powerful words I’ll never forget.

For those of you on the path of personal growth, know that you are not alone! Every soul experiences this duality—the grief of letting go and the joy of stepping into something new. Trust that your growth is unfolding as it’s meant to, even when it feels difficult. You have the courage and strength to navigate these changes and emerge more empowered, more aligned with your truest self.

Remember, the mourning is temporary, but the growth is eternal.

Stop Rubbernecking the Roadblocks

I was on the phone with a close friend the other night, a fellow intuitive, and I swear our spirit guides love to pop into our conversations, adding tidbits of wisdom to help guide us through life’s challenges. It’s quite wild how synchronized it all can be, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m forever thankful for those nuggets of “aha” moments that appear at just the right time. And, this was so powerful, I knew I had to share it because it speaks to something many of us face on our spiritual journey.

My friend and I were talking about how we often create elaborate stories in our minds—what we think the other person might be feeling, or scenarios that, 99.9% of the time, aren’t even real. Our thoughts take us to some dark places, especially when it comes to our self-worth, confidence, and ability to see what truly matters. It’s like the old saying, “What other people think of you is none of your business.” Right in the middle of this conversation, my friend’s spirit guide jumped in with a piece of advice that made me laugh and feel enlightened all at once: “Stop rubbernecking the roadblocks.”

At first, I nearly interrupted my friend mid-sentence to share what their spirit guide had just shouted to me clairaudiently, but I paused to let the words sink in. What a profound statement: Stop rubbernecking the roadblocks.

Oh my gosh… Have we not all been here? We’re driving along in life when we suddenly hit a standstill. Something blocks our path, and instead of moving forward or finding a solution, we get stuck staring at the roadblock. We analyze it from every angle, make up stories in our minds about why it’s there, how it’s stopping us, and how long we’ll be stuck. The truth is, in those moments when we feel paused or unable to move forward, we have two choices:

1. Worry about the obstacle. Let your thoughts spiral into worst-case scenarios and overanalyze every detail, leaving you stuck in indecision.

2. Be present and choose your next step. Acknowledge that sometimes roadblocks happen, but they don’t define your journey. Take a reroute if needed, trust in the timing, and own the decisions that will lead you to what’s best for your highest good.

The more I sat with it, I realized that this spiritual message isn’t just about the literal roadblocks we face—it’s about those moments when life seems to throw up obstacles, and instead of moving through them, we linger. We obsess over the problem instead of looking within ourselves for the guidance we need. The lesson here—stop dwelling on what’s holding you back and, instead, shift your focus to how you can move forward with intention and trust.

Our thoughts can create barriers that are far more limiting than any actual obstacle. When we allow ourselves to get caught up in negative self-talk, worries, or the need to control every detail, we forget that divine timing and our own intuition are powerful allies. Roadblocks are just pauses along the journey, offering us the space to reflect, adjust, and grow. They aren’t the end of the road.

In the end, “stop rubbernecking the roadblocks” is to me about shifting your focus from what’s holding you back to what you can do to move forward. Life will always have its challenges, but how we respond to those challenges defines our growth. The next time you feel stuck, take a breath, trust your intuition, and remember that even a detour can lead to incredible opportunities. You are not defined by the roadblocks you face, but by how you choose to navigate them.