The past year has been one of the most transformative chapters of my life. In September 2023, the dam broke, and my life began to shift in ways I could no longer resist or control. I look back now and realize it was always meant to happen this way—every moment, every decision, every loss was a step toward finding myself again.
It all began with the decision to resign from a toxic work environment in June. I had stayed longer than I should have, trying to make sense of a place where integrity was just a word, not a value. My frustrations grew deeper each day, and the betrayal of that workplace still stings—they owe me 'my rights' to this day. But the truth is, they owed me far more than that: peace, respect, decency. Walking away wasn’t just quitting a job; it was reclaiming my sense of self, stepping out of the shadows and into a life where my spirit wasn’t suffocated by disingenuous promises.
Yet, the challenges didn’t end there. Letting go of those I once considered 'friends' left me with only anger at first—a deep sense of betrayal and resentment. But then something clicked. Their actions reflected their character, not mine. And when I finally made the decision to cut them off, it was like severing the final tether to a past that no longer fit the person I was becoming. Letting go of them was the best decision I could’ve made. They’re now part of my history—lessons learned, but no longer part of my present or future. I grieved them, but I am no longer burdened by their absence or action.
Amid all this turmoil, one major accident served as a reminder to hold onto faith. My mom had a freak accident back in December, falling from a cliff. The fear and uncertainty were overwhelming, but watching her recover has been one of the most humbling and inspiring experiences of my life. Her strength in healing, her resilience, reminded me that no matter how steep the fall, we always have the power to rise again. Her journey mirrored my own—though our scars differ, the courage to keep going is universal. And to have unwavering faith, that things will be - and are - OK.
And then, finally, came the light. After months of feeling lost, I began to see the path forward more clearly. My work life flourished in ways I could never have anticipated. GOODSHOT Media is thriving, and with new partnerships and bigger, better clients coming through for both the company and myself, I’m stepping into the professional life I’ve always envisioned. For the first time in a long time, I feel on track. My life is full of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
The most profound lesson in all of this has been learning to accept things as they are. The challenges, the betrayals, the heartbreaks—they all served a purpose. I’ve come to trust that everything is working out for my highest good, even when I can’t see it at the moment. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned to let go of what no longer serves me. There’s a grace in release, a freedom in knowing that what is meant for you will stay, and what isn’t will fall away.
Today, I am at peace. I have unwavering faith in the journey, and I am no longer afraid of the unknown. Life will always be full of changes and challenges, but I welcome them now. I trust that every storm brings with it the chance for a new beginning.
With Love,
Cheryl Marella
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