Hands Up: What I Gained By Letting Go

I’ve always thought of myself as someone who lacked resilience. Growing up, whenever I pursued a goal and didn’t see immediate success, I would quit, assuming that maybe I wasn’t cut out for it. That belief stayed with me for years until I found myself in the thick of raising a pre-seed round for my business.

It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. As a woman—specifically, a Black woman—the challenges were monumental. What I thought might take a few months turned into over a year of relentless work, countless rejections, and moments of deep self-doubt. Yet, something unexpected emerged during that journey: resilience. For the first time, I realized I had the discipline and grit to stick with something, even when it felt impossible. Slowly but surely, I got close to the original goal I had set for myself.

But the biggest shift came when I surrendered. Not in the sense of giving up, but in letting go of external expectations and focusing on what I truly wanted. This wasn’t a goal someone told me I should pursue; it was something deeply personal. That clarity helped me push forward when it felt like everything was against me.

I've learned that resilience doesn't mean facing challenges; it means deciding to pursue what truly matters to you.

That’s a truth I’ll carry with me forever.

~ Anonymous Founder ~