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When I started my GLP-1 journey, I knew the conversation would be about weight loss. What I didn't expect was how much it would change the way I think about wellness as a whole. For me, this journey has never been just about a number on the scale. It's been about feeling better in my body, making healthier choices, moving more, drinking more water, paying attention to how I feel, and finding wellness practices that make me feel cared for along the way.
One of the things I've incorporated into that routine is lymphatic-focused bodywork. Back home in Cincinnati, one of my favorite places to book a session is Viva Body Sculpt. I've been going to Viva because I love the way I feel afterward. Their focus is on body-sculpting wellness services, including lymphatic-style treatments, and clients commonly describe leaving feeling lighter and less puffy. If you're new to the term lymphatic drainage, it's essentially a gentle technique designed to encourage the movement of lymph fluid through the body. Your lymphatic system plays an important role in fluid balance and immune function. Unlike a traditional deep-tissue massage, lymphatic work is generally much more focused on gentle, intentional movements. Some people seek it out because they experience temporary puffiness or fluid retention, while others simply enjoy the relaxing, refreshed feeling afterward. For me, it has become especially appealing during my GLP-1 journey. When you're eating differently, losing weight, traveling, exercising, and making significant lifestyle changes, your body is going through a lot of transitions. I've learned that I don't want my wellness routine to stop at what I eat or what medication I'm taking. I want to think about the entire picture of how I'm caring for myself. And that's where treatments like this fit into my routine—not as a magic weight-loss treatment, but as self-care. I want to make that distinction because a lymphatic treatment isn't going to magically make GLP-1 weight loss happen faster, and it isn't a substitute for nutrition, movement, hydration, or medical care. Any immediate change you see on the scale after a bodywork session is more likely to reflect changes in fluid than actual fat loss. What I personally notice is that I feel less heavy and less puffy, and my body feels like it has had a reset. I've also learned that the best wellness routines are the ones you actually enjoy enough to continue. For me, that might mean Pilates one day, a long walk another day, making better choices with food, getting enough water, or booking a treatment at Viva Body Sculpt. It's all part of the bigger picture. One thing I appreciate about my sessions at Viva is that it feels like an intentional pause. I'm constantly traveling, working, creating content, running businesses, and trying to keep up with life. Sometimes sitting still and allowing someone else to take care of me for an hour is exactly what I need. And yes, I love the beauty side of it too. There is something about leaving a wellness appointment feeling refreshed, taking a shower, putting on your favorite body oil, and getting dressed that makes you feel like you've gotten yourself together again. But the real beauty is how much better I feel.My GLP-1 journey has taught me that wellness doesn't have to be one-dimensional. It's not just about losing weight. It's about learning to listen to your body and figuring out what helps you feel your best. For me, lymphatic treatments have become one small but meaningful part of that journey. And when I'm back in Cincinnati, Viva Body Sculpt is one of the places I go to reset, recharge, and give my body a little extra love. As always, if you're taking a GLP-1 medication or have a medical condition, talk with your healthcare provider about whether lymphatic treatments or other bodywork are appropriate for you.
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I know, I know it feels like summer just started, but somehow we're already talking about fall beauty! As much as I love a good summer glow, there's something about transitioning into a new season that makes me want to switch up my beauty routine. Fall beauty is always a little richer, moodier, and more intentional, and this year I'm less interested in following every single trend and more interested in choosing the ones that actually feel like me. From makeup and nails to fragrance, hair, and skincare, these are the beauty trends I'm taking with me into fall.
First up: the skin is still going to be the star of the show. I'm not ready to give up that fresh, healthy glow just because the weather is changing. If anything, fall is when I'm paying even more attention to hydration and keeping my skin barrier happy. After months of heat, humidity, sunscreen, travel, and sweating, my skin deserves a little extra love. I'm leaning toward hydrating serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle exfoliation, and of course, SPF. The goal isn't necessarily perfectly flawless skin; it's skin that looks healthy, hydrated, and alive underneath whatever makeup I'm wearing. When it comes to makeup, I'm ready for a little more drama. Summer is all about lightweight makeup, but fall gives me permission to play again. I'm loving the idea of warm, softly sculpted skin paired with a beautiful berry, brown, or muted red lip. I'm also bringing back blush in a big way. A gorgeous cream or liquid blush can instantly make your face look more awake and polished without requiring a full face of makeup. For eyes, I'm leaning toward soft browns, bronze, espresso, and subtle smoky looks rather than anything too harsh. Think "I woke up looking this expensive" instead of "I spent two hours doing my makeup." We cannot talk about fall beauty without talking about nails. I'm ready to trade my bright summer colors for deeper, sophisticated shades. Chocolate brown, burgundy, espresso, deep plum, muted olive, and classic nude are all calling my name. I also love a good minimalist nail moment, especially when paired with a little unexpected detail like a chrome accent, French tip, subtle shimmer, or tiny design. Fall nails don't have to mean boring nails. I'm still going to have fun with them. Fragrance is another place where I really embrace the season. Summer is when I reach for lighter, fresh, citrusy scents, but fall is when I want something that has a little more personality. Give me vanilla, amber, sandalwood, musk, spice, or something slightly smoky. I want a fragrance that feels warm and memorable. And honestly, there's something about walking into a room in a beautiful fall fragrance that just hits differently. For hair, I'm leaning into healthy, polished hair with movement rather than overly complicated styles. I'm loving the idea of soft waves, sleek ponytails, voluminous blowouts, and styles that look effortless but still put together. After a summer of heat, humidity, pools, and vacations, fall is also the perfect time to give your hair some serious TLC. Deep conditioning treatments, scalp care, trims, and protecting your hair from heat are going to be high on my list. I'm also embracing a more intentional beauty aesthetic this fall. For me, that means fewer products just for the sake of having more products and more focus on the things that make me feel beautiful. I'm in my 40s now, and my beauty routine has changed. I don't want to look younger; I want to look healthy, confident, polished, and like myself. That means choosing trends that complement me instead of feeling like I have to chase whatever happens to be viral. And finally, I'm taking the glow with me. Fall doesn't mean we have to lose that summer energy. If anything, I'm carrying it into the new season. A little highlighter, glowing skin, a beautiful fragrance, fresh nails, healthy hair, and a confidence boost can go a long way. Beauty trends will come and go, but feeling good in your own skin never goes out of style. So yes, I'm ready for fall. Bring on the cozy clothes, deeper beauty shades, new fragrances, fresh hair, and all the beauty inspiration. But this season, I'm choosing trends that feel fun—not trends that make me feel like I need to change myself. Because the best beauty trend to take into fall is still feeling like your prettiest self. I used to think grief was simply missing someone.I thought it was crying on birthdays, feeling their absence during the holidays, or wishing you could pick up the phone one more time. While those moments are certainly part of grief, I've learned that grief reaches much deeper than that. Grief isn't just losing someone you love. It's grieving the version of yourself that existed because they were still here.No one really prepares you for that. There was a version of me that only existed when my dad was alive. She moved through the world with a different kind of security. She knew that no matter how difficult life became, there was always one person she could call. One person who understood her without explanation. One person whose presence made life feel a little less heavy. That version of me doesn't exist anymore. And that's been one of the hardest parts of this journey to accept. When someone holds so much space in your life, they become part of the foundation beneath you. You don't notice how much they support you until they're gone. Then suddenly you're learning how to stand on ground that feels unfamiliar. The world keeps moving, people expect you to keep showing up, and somehow you're supposed to become someone new while carrying the weight of someone you've lost. I'm still learning how to do that. There are moments when I catch myself wanting to tell my dad about something exciting that happened in my career. I still have days when I instinctively think, "I should call him," before remembering that I can't. Even years later, grief has a way of reminding you that love doesn't end simply because someone is no longer physically here. What I've realized is that grief isn't a season you eventually leave behind. It's something you learn to carry. Some days it's light enough to tuck into your pocket. Other days it feels impossibly heavy, arriving without warning because of a song, a smell, a memory, or a place that suddenly transports you back to a different life. A life where they were still here. Maybe that's what I'm really grieving. Not just my dad. I'm grieving the daughter I was when I could still hear his voice. The woman who believed she had more time. The person who never had to imagine a world without him in it. I'm navigating life without someone who meant so much to me and occupied such a significant space in my heart. Every milestone feels different now. Every accomplishment carries a quiet ache because there is someone I wish could witness it. Every challenge reminds me of the wisdom I no longer get to hear firsthand. People often say that time heals all wounds, but I don't know if I believe that anymore. I think time teaches us how to live alongside our wounds. The pain changes shape. It softens around the edges. It doesn't disappear, but it becomes woven into who we are. We laugh again. We dream again. We build beautiful lives again. But those lives are forever touched by the people who helped shape us. I've stopped trying to become the person I was before grief. She isn't coming back. Instead, I'm learning to embrace the woman I'm becoming because of it. She's softer. More compassionate. More intentional with the people she loves. She understands that tomorrow isn't promised. She hugs a little longer, says "I love you" more often, and no longer waits for the perfect moment to tell people how much they matter. If you're grieving someone today, I hope you give yourself permission to acknowledge every part of your loss. It's okay if you're mourning more than the person. It's okay if you're mourning the life you imagined, the traditions that changed, the future that looks different, or the version of yourself that disappeared alongside them. Grief has a way of rewriting us. Not because we wanted it to. But because love leaves fingerprints on every part of who we are. When someone who held so much space in our lives is gone, we don't simply lose them, we begin the lifelong journey of discovering who we are without them, while carrying their love with us every step of the way.
If you've followed me on Instagram or read my blog over the past year, you've probably noticed that I've been more open about my health and wellness journey than ever before. It wasn't an easy decision. Talking about weight can feel incredibly personal, especially as women, because everyone seems to have an opinion. But I also know there are so many women silently struggling with their confidence, their health, and the frustration of feeling like nothing is working. For me, starting a GLP-1 medication was never about chasing perfection. It was about feeling healthier, having more energy, and finally finding something that helped me regain control after years of doing all the "right" things but not seeing the results I deserved. Before I dive into my experience, let's talk about what a peptide actually is. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins—that help your body carry out important functions. Some peptides occur naturally in the body, while others are developed as medications to mimic natural hormones. GLP-1 medications are a type of peptide because they mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate appetite, slows how quickly food leaves your stomach, and signals your brain that you're full. That's why many people notice fewer cravings and feel satisfied with smaller portions. While peptides are used for a variety of health and medical purposes, GLP-1 peptides have become especially well known for supporting weight management in appropriate patients under the care of a healthcare provider. Like many people, I tried countless diets, workouts, meal plans, and wellness trends. I was exercising, making healthier choices, and showing up for myself, yet I still felt like my body wasn't responding the way I hoped. It was frustrating, discouraging, and honestly exhausting. When I began my GLP-1 journey, I didn't expect an overnight transformation. Instead, I committed to trusting the process. One of the biggest changes I noticed wasn't just on the scale—it was in my relationship with food. I wasn't constantly thinking about my next meal, my cravings became more manageable, and I finally understood what people meant when they said they felt satisfied after eating. That freedom was something I hadn't experienced in a long time. For me, this peptide became a true game changer because it supported the healthy habits I was already trying to build. It wasn't a magic shot that made the weight disappear overnight, and it certainly didn't replace movement, balanced nutrition, drinking enough water, strength training, or taking care of my mental health. What it did do was help quiet the constant "food noise" in my mind, making it easier to stay consistent with the lifestyle changes I wanted to make. There have definitely been ups and downs. I've experienced weeks where progress felt slow, times when I worked with my healthcare provider to adjust my dosage, and days with side effects like nausea that reminded me to slow down, prioritize protein and hydration, and listen to my body. This journey hasn't been perfect, but it has been real. I've learned that sustainable change isn't about being flawless—it's about showing up for yourself consistently. What I've gained goes far beyond weight loss. I have more confidence, more energy, and I genuinely enjoy moving my body again. I've fallen in love with Pilates, I travel more comfortably, and I feel more present in everyday life because I'm no longer constantly thinking about food or feeling defeated by my progress. Those are victories that no number on the scale can measure. One thing I always tell people is that GLP-1 medications aren't for everyone, and they're not something anyone should start without talking to a qualified healthcare provider. Everyone's health history, goals, and medical needs are different. A licensed healthcare professional can help determine whether this type of treatment is appropriate and create a plan that fits your individual situation. If you've been considering learning more about GLP-1 medications and whether they're right for you, I've partnered with Ivy RX to help make that first step a little easier. Their licensed providers evaluate each patient individually and can recommend a personalized treatment plan if appropriate. As a special thank-you to my readers, you can use my code Morgan50 to receive $50 off all GLP-1 products. Get started here: https://enroll.ivyrx.com/morgan9fr No matter where you are in your wellness journey, I hope you remember this: your story doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Progress isn't always linear, and taking care of yourself isn't something you need to apologize for. Whether you're just beginning, starting over, or celebrating milestones along the way, every step forward is worth recognizing. For me, choosing a GLP-1 peptide wasn't about finding a shortcut, it was about finding a tool that helped me build a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. And that has made all the difference. There is something about Arizona that makes you want to slow down. Maybe it's the sunshine, the beautiful desert landscape, or the fact that almost every resort seems to have the perfect pool. During my recent trip, I quickly realized that a day by the water wasn't just about packing a swimsuit it was about having all of my favorite essentials to stay comfortable, protected, and looking cute while soaking up the sunshine.
I'm all for relaxing poolside, but I'm also a planner. I like having everything I need within arm's reach so I can spend less time digging through my bag and more time enjoying the moment. Whether you're planning a girls' getaway, a solo wellness trip, or simply enjoying the last days of summer, these are the items that earned a permanent spot in my pool bag. My Poolside Essentials
Sometimes the best part of vacation isn't the packed itinerary or checking off another attraction. It's finding a comfortable lounge chair, ordering your favorite drink, listening to good music, and giving yourself permission to simply relax. My Arizona getaway reminded me that slowing down is just as important as staying busy. Taking care of yourself can be as simple as protecting your skin, staying hydrated, and packing the little things that make your day more enjoyable. If you're planning your next warm-weather escape, don't forget these poolside essentials. A little preparation goes a long way, and having the right items on hand means you can spend less time worrying about what you forgot and more time making memories under the sun. There are seasons in entrepreneurship that no one really prepares you for. We hear a lot about the excitement of launching a business, landing new clients, growing your revenue, and celebrating milestones. Social media is filled with announcements about sold-out events, dream collaborations, and six-figure years. Those moments are worth celebrating, but they aren't the whole story.
What we don't talk about enough are the quieter seasons. The seasons where the phone isn't ringing as often. Where the inbox feels unusually still. Where the contracts you've grown accustomed to simply aren't there. The seasons where you're left wondering if you're doing enough or if you've somehow lost your momentum. If I'm honest, that's the season I've been in lately. For the first time in a long time, I don't have any monthly contracts. After years of building Professional Pretty, Herald Beauty, producing events, creating partnerships, consulting, and constantly moving from one opportunity to the next, my calendar suddenly has more white space than I'm used to seeing. At first, I didn't know what to do with it. Like many entrepreneurs, my instinct was to fill every empty space. Send another email. Reach out to another contact. Refresh LinkedIn. Update my website. Apply for another opportunity. Surely if I kept moving, something would happen. But somewhere between the endless to-do lists and the constant pressure to stay productive, I realized I was uncomfortable with something much deeper. I had forgotten how to simply be still. As entrepreneurs, we often tie our value to our productivity. We celebrate being busy. We wear exhaustion like it's proof that we're committed to our dreams. Somewhere along the way, many of us begin believing that if we're not constantly producing, achieving, or building, then somehow we're falling behind. I've realized that's a dangerous mindset. Because our worth has never been measured by how full our calendars are. This quieter season has given me something I didn't know I needed space. Space to think. Space to reflect. Space to ask myself questions I've been too busy to answer. Am I building the business I truly want, or am I simply maintaining the business I've always had? What work actually brings me joy? What opportunities align with who I'm becoming not just who I've been?Those aren't easy questions, but they're important ones. I've also started realizing that every season serves a purpose. There are seasons for planting. There are seasons for growing. There are seasons for harvesting. And then there are seasons that simply ask us to wait. Waiting has never been my strength. Guess I’m learning to now. There was a time when I believed the secret to growing a successful business was saying yes to every opportunity that came my way. Yes to every networking event, collaboration, client, partnership, speaking engagement, and new idea. Like so many entrepreneurs, I thought staying busy meant I was making progress. In many ways, that mindset helped me build the businesses and community I'm so proud of today. But after years of entrepreneurship, I've realized something that has completely changed the way I approach my work: growth isn't always about saying yes. Sometimes, the most powerful strategy is knowing when to say no.
As I continue navigating this milestone year of turning 40, I've found myself reflecting not only on life, but on what entrepreneurship looks like today. The business landscape feels very different than it did just a few years ago, especially for women entrepreneurs and minority founders. Much of my work has been built through partnerships, sponsorships, and initiatives that invested in diverse voices and underserved communities. Through Professional Pretty, Herald Beauty, conferences, wellness experiences, media opportunities, and community events, I've always been passionate about creating spaces where women could connect, feel represented, and realize their potential because I understood firsthand how valuable those spaces could be. Over the last year, however, I've watched many of those opportunities evolve. Marketing budgets have tightened, DEI initiatives have shifted, and partnerships that once seemed like natural fits have become more difficult to secure. Like many entrepreneurs, I've found myself spending more time pitching, negotiating, and creating opportunities instead of simply building on the momentum that once existed. While I still believe deeply in the work I do, I've also realized that constantly chasing every opportunity isn't necessarily creating the business—or the life—I want. If I'm being honest, there have been moments when I've questioned whether I wanted to continue operating at the same pace. Not because I've lost my passion, but because entrepreneurship can be emotionally exhausting. Behind every social media post, event, client meeting, or business milestone is someone carrying the weight of uncertainty, making difficult decisions, and wondering if they're focusing on the right things. The more conversations I have with fellow entrepreneurs, the more I realize I'm far from alone. So many brilliant founders are working harder than ever, yet feeling more stretched than they did a few years ago. For a long time, many of us believed that working harder was the answer. We wore burnout like a badge of honor, convinced ourselves that every opportunity deserved our attention, and measured success by how full our calendars were. But lately, I've started asking myself different questions. Does this opportunity align with the business I'm trying to build? Will this partnership move me closer to my long-term goals? Is this something I genuinely want to pursue, or am I saying yes simply because I'm afraid of missing out? Those questions have shifted everything. I've come to realize that every "yes" comes with a cost. Every commitment requires time, energy, creativity, and focus. When we say yes to everything, we often leave very little room for the work that actually moves our businesses forward. Sometimes the opportunities that look exciting in the moment become distractions from the vision we've worked so hard to create. One thing I've learned over the years is that passion can only take you so far. At some point, every entrepreneur needs strategy. We need the confidence to make intentional decisions and the guidance to recognize where our energy will have the greatest impact. That's one of the reasons I've enjoyed learning more about the work of Tasha Randle and 828 Leadership Group. Tasha helps entrepreneurs and leaders clarify their positioning, communicate their value more effectively, and build businesses that can grow sustainably. What I appreciate most about her approach is that she doesn't encourage founders to simply do more. Instead, she helps them determine what truly deserves their time and attention so they can stop spinning their wheels and start building with purpose. I think that's a lesson many of us need right now. We don't necessarily need another marketing tactic, another networking event, or another thing to add to our already overwhelming to-do list. Sometimes what we really need is the courage to simplify, refine, and focus on the opportunities that align with who we are and where we want to go. If business has been feeling harder than it should, I encourage you to start with Tasha's free audio guide, Why Sales Feel Harder Than They Should (And 5 Signs Your Value May Be Getting Lost in Translation). It's a thoughtful resource that explores why your value may not be reaching the people you're trying to serve and offers practical insight into how small shifts in your positioning can make a meaningful difference. And if you're ready for more personalized guidance, Tasha's Strategic Advisory Intensive is designed to help founders strengthen their messaging, clarify their strategy, and create sustainable growth with confidence. The longer I've been in business, the more I've realized that success isn't measured by how many opportunities you say yes to. It's measured by whether the opportunities you choose bring you closer to the business and the life you truly want to build. Sometimes your biggest breakthrough doesn't come from adding something new. Sometimes it comes from having the confidence to let something go. One thing about me? No matter what city I'm in, I'm going to find my wellness routine. Whether I'm home in Cincinnati, spending the summer in Montreal, or hopping over to Toronto for a few days, I've learned that if I don't take care of myself first, everything else suffers. As much as I love discovering new coffee shops, restaurants, and hidden gems while I travel, one of the first things I started researching after arriving in Canada wasn't where to eat it was where I could book a lymphatic drainage massage.
That may sound surprising to some people, but over the past few years, lymphatic massage has become one of my favorite forms of self-care. It's one of those wellness practices that I didn't fully appreciate until I made it part of my routine. Now, it's something I genuinely look forward to because I know how much better I feel afterward. As someone who's committed to living a healthier lifestyle, traveling often, and spending hours on airplanes, I know my body needs a little extra care. Long flights, carrying luggage, different time zones, eating out more often, and working from coffee shops all take a toll. My body can feel tired, sluggish, and inflamed after weeks of constantly being on the move. Scheduling a lymphatic drainage massage has become my way of hitting the reset button. For me, wellness isn't about waiting until something feels wrong. It's about consistently doing the little things that help me feel my best. Back home in Cincinnati, one of my favorite places to do that is Viva Body Sculpt. If you've followed my wellness journey for a while, you've probably seen me talk about my appointments there. What I appreciate most isn't just the treatment itself it's the intention behind the experience. Every appointment reminds me that taking care of yourself isn't selfish. It's necessary. One of the reasons I love supporting Viva Body Sculpt is because of Lorraine's vision. She has created more than a wellness studio she's built a space where women are encouraged to prioritize themselves. From the moment you walk through the door, you feel welcomed, cared for, and reminded that investing in your health is never something to feel guilty about. As women, we're constantly pouring into everyone else. Lorraine has created a place that encourages us to pour back into ourselves. That's a message I've been carrying with me during this season abroad. This summer has been a little different for me. I intentionally stepped away from the constant hustle to spend time in Montreal, reflect on my business, work on new ideas, and simply slow down. While my scenery has changed, my commitment to taking care of myself hasn't. That's why I've made it a priority to book lymphatic drainage massages while I'm in Montreal and again when I spend time in Toronto. My wellness routine didn't stay behind in Cincinnati it traveled with me. I think that's something we all deserve to remember. Self-care shouldn't only happen when life slows down or when we're home. It can happen wherever we are. Whether that's booking a massage, taking a Pilates class, going for a walk, or simply making time to rest, our bodies deserve that same care no matter what season of life we're in. I'm especially excited because Viva Body Sculpt is entering an exciting new chapter! Lorraine is expanding into a larger space, and I couldn't be happier for her. Watching women entrepreneurs continue to grow, dream bigger, and invest in their businesses is always inspiring. As a fellow entrepreneur, I know those milestones don't happen overnight they come after years of hard work, faith, and believing in your vision. If you're in Cincinnati, or you've been thinking about adding lymphatic drainage to your own wellness routine, now is the perfect time. Be sure to follow Viva Body Sculpt on social media for all the details about their grand reopening this August. I have a feeling this next chapter is going to be something really special. As for me, I'll keep searching for wellness wherever my passport takes me. Because I've learned that one of the best things you can bring home from any trip isn't a souvenir it's returning feeling rested, restored, and having taken care of yourself along the way. If you had asked me ten years ago what I thought dating in my 40s would look like, I probably would have painted a completely different picture. I imagined I'd already be married, maybe with children, hosting dinner parties, planning family vacations, and navigating life with a partner by my side. Instead, life had other plans. Somewhere between building businesses, traveling the world, caring for my dad, grieving his loss, and becoming the woman I am today, I blinked and suddenly I was 40. Now I'm finding myself dating again, and I have to admit, it's different. Not necessarily worse. Just different.
When you're 25, dating feels full of possibility because you're still becoming who you are. At 40, you've already become someone. You've built a life you're proud of. You know what peace feels like, and you've worked too hard to let someone disrupt it. That's where I find myself today. I've spent years building my career, creating businesses that I'm passionate about, speaking across the country, traveling whenever my heart tells me to, and designing a life that feels authentic to me. I don't need someone to rescue me. I don't need someone to pay my bills or validate my dreams. I've learned how to create a beautiful life on my own. While I'm incredibly proud of that, I'll admit something else. Sometimes I wonder if I've become a little too comfortable doing everything myself. Growing up, I was a daddy's girl. My dad loved me in a way that made me feel protected, encouraged, and seen. He celebrated my wins before anyone else did, believed in my biggest dreams, and, yes, spoiled me a little along the way. He set a standard not because of what he bought me, but because of how consistently he showed up. His love taught me what it felt like to be cared for. Maybe that's why dating hasn't always been easy. Because when you've experienced that kind of love, you're not looking for perfection. You're looking for consistency. You're looking for kindness. You're looking for someone who makes your life feel lighter, not heavier. I've also realized that independence can sometimes become a shield. When you've spent years figuring everything out on your own, asking for help doesn't come naturally. You instinctively book the flight, move the furniture, solve the problem, build the business, and carry the weight. Somewhere along the way, being "strong" becomes part of your identity. But strength isn't supposed to keep people out. It's supposed to help you recognize the people who deserve to come in. Dating in your 40s also means you're no longer interested in wasting time. The games that might have seemed exciting in your twenties feel exhausting now. Communication matters. Emotional maturity matters. Effort matters. You stop chasing potential and start paying attention to character. I've become less interested in chemistry alone and more interested in compatibility. Can we laugh together? Can we navigate hard conversations with respect? Can you celebrate my ambition instead of being intimidated by it? Will you understand that entrepreneurship isn't a nine-to-five job, but it's also not my entire identity? Those are the questions I find myself asking now. I also think there's something beautiful about dating at this stage of life because you finally know yourself. You aren't pretending to like things you don't. You're not shrinking to make someone else comfortable. You're not apologizing for your success or dimming your light just to be chosen. You're simply hoping someone appreciates the woman you've worked so hard to become. As I enter this new decade, I'm choosing to look at dating differently. Instead of wondering whether someone will fit into my life, I'm asking whether we're both willing to create something new together. Relationships aren't about finding someone to complete you they're about finding someone who complements the life you've already built. Maybe that's the lesson my 40s are teaching me. It's okay to be independent. It's okay to have high standards. It's okay to protect your peace. But it's also okay to let someone open the door for you. To let someone plan the date. To let someone check in after a long day. To let yourself be cared for without feeling like you have to earn it. Because after spending so many years proving I can do life on my own, I think I'm finally ready to discover what it looks like to build one with someone else. Honestly I think that's a pretty exciting chapter to begin. Lately, I've found myself asking a question that I can't quite answer: Have I isolated myself because of grief and entrepreneurship or do I just not have that many friends anymore? Either way, I feel like I'm in the middle of yet another life shift. I'm curious, does anyone else ever feel this way?
The older I get, the more I realize life doesn't always change with some big, dramatic moment. Sometimes it happens quietly. One day you look up and realize your circle isn't what it used to be. You aren't getting the same texts, making spontaneous dinner plans, or catching up over coffee every weekend. At first, I wondered if something was wrong with me. Then I started wondering if this is simply what growth looks like. Over the past few years, I've experienced two things that have completely changed me: grief and entrepreneurship. Losing my dad shifted something in me that I don't think will ever go back to the way it was. At the same time, building businesses, creating events, pitching brands, and constantly thinking about what's next has consumed so much of my energy. Somewhere between navigating loss and chasing dreams, I became incredibly comfortable being alone. I don't know if it happened intentionally or if it was just survival, but solitude slowly became my normal. The interesting thing is, I actually enjoy my own company. I genuinely love traveling solo. I can spend an entire afternoon wandering through a city, sitting in a coffee shop with my laptop, or exploring somewhere new without feeling lonely. In many ways, those moments have helped me reconnect with myself. But lately, I've started noticing the difference between enjoying solitude and unintentionally isolating yourself. They're not the same thing. I don't have a huge group chat that's constantly buzzing. I don't have plans every weekend. Sometimes I catch myself thinking, "Who would I even call just to grab dinner tonight?" That's a strange realization to have, especially when you're someone who spends so much time around people through work, conferences, television, and events. You can be surrounded by people and still feel like your personal circle has become incredibly small. Maybe that's what your forties are supposed to look like. I've heard so many people say your circle naturally gets smaller as you get older. You become more protective of your time, your peace, and your energy. Surface-level friendships don't feel as fulfilling anymore, and you begin craving conversations that are deeper and more intentional. If that's true, maybe what I'm feeling isn't loneliness at all. Maybe it's transition. This year has certainly felt like one. I postponed my June conference until October. For the first time in more than a decade, I don't have monthly contracts filling my calendar. Instead of immediately trying to fill every empty space, I decided to leave the U.S. for a while and spend the summer in Montreal. I needed room to think. To breathe. To dream again. To figure out what the next version of my life and business looks like. I've realized that growth often creates space before it creates clarity. That space can feel uncomfortable because we're so used to staying busy. We mistake constant motion for progress, when sometimes the greatest progress happens in the quiet. Maybe that's where I am right now not lost, but being redirected. As I sit with these thoughts, I'm trying to stop asking myself why my circle feels different and instead ask a better question: Who am I becoming, and who is meant to walk into this next chapter with me? Maybe I'm making room for friendships that align with the woman I'm becoming instead of the woman I used to be. Maybe this season isn't about loss at all maybe it's about making space. If you've been feeling this way too, I hope you know you're not alone. Life has a way of quietly reshaping us. Sometimes we don't even notice it until we're standing in a new season wondering how we got there. But maybe that's the beauty of growth. We don't always recognize we're becoming someone new until we finally look up. For now, I'm choosing to trust the process. I'm choosing to believe that this season of solitude isn't permanent, that new friendships, deeper connections, and unexpected opportunities are still ahead. And maybe, just maybe, this life shift is exactly what I needed even if I couldn't see it while it was happening. |
About MorganMorgan Angelique Owens is the author of "Finding My Sparkle" and Founder & CEO of the MAO Brand, Professional Pretty, and Curvy Cardio, LLC. Archives
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