There comes a time in life when you have to make a choice—a hard, gut-wrenching decision that pulls you from everything you thought you needed to survive. But if there is one thing I have learned, it is this: peace is priceless. Honestly, the peace I have now was worth every single thing I had to let go of to obtain it.

For years, I held on tightly to what I thought made me whole—relationships, titles, possessions, even a version of myself that was built to please others. I was clinging to the familiar, ignoring the quiet voice within that kept asking, But what about you? It took loss, heartbreak, and soul-deep exhaustion for me to realize that sometimes, losing is the first step to winning something far greater.

The Cost of Holding On

Holding on to things, people, and ideas that no longer serve you feels safe, but it comes with a cost. I sacrificed my joy for comfort. I sacrificed my growth for acceptance. I also sacrificed my dreams for fear of the unknown. What I did not realize then was that the cost of holding on was far greater than the price of letting go.

Letting go felt like a free fall. I grieved. I questioned myself. I wondered if I had made the biggest mistake of my life. But in the emptiness, something remarkable happened—space happened. I discovered space to breathe, space to think, space to finally ask, What do I want?

The Beauty of Loss

In the moments of loss, I found clarity. I began to see that the things I thought defined me were actually weighing me down. I learned relationships that drain you are not worth the energy. I discovered that titles and accolades mean nothing if they rob you of joy. Additionally, I realized that material possessions can never fill the void of inner unrest.

Losing these things did not break me. The loss actually freed me. It was as though I was shedding layers, one by one, until all that was left was me: raw, honest, and ready to start anew.

What I Gained

The peace I have now is not just a lack of conflict. It is waking up in the morning and feeling light, unburdened by guilt, resentment, or unmet expectations. It is being able to sit in silence and feel whole. It is knowing that my life is aligned with my values and also that I am no longer living for the approval of others.

This peace has allowed me to heal, to forgive, and to dream again. It has given me the courage to create boundaries and the wisdom to protect my energy. Most importantly, it has taught me that my worth is not tied to what I have or what I have achieved. My worth is inherent. What this means is that it is mine, and no one can take it from me.

Was It Worth It?

It was absolutely worth it. Every tear, every sleepless night, every uncomfortable moment of growth was worth it. I have learned that peace is not something you stumble upon. Peace is something you create. It is a deliberate decision to choose yourself, even when the world tells you not to.

If you are standing at the edge of a decision, afraid of what you might lose, I want to encourage you: trust the process. Yes, it will hurt. Yes, it will be hard. But I promise you, the peace waiting on the other side is worth everything you think you are leaving behind.

Your soul deserves rest. Your heart deserves joy. You deserve peace.

The question is: are you ready to let go to find it?

Choosing peace,

Coach Erika