02/11/2026
The last few years, I intentionally put myself in vulnerable collaborations.
Co-creating.
Building with others.
Letting people see me in real time.
Here’s what I learned:
1️⃣ I’ve always been a go-getter.
If there’s an opportunity, I move. I build. I execute.
But I realized my direct, business-first energy — what some would call machismo — can intimidate people. Especially in creative or emotional spaces. It can make it harder for others to initially perceive the empathetic, attuned space holder that I actually am.
Power without visible softness can be misunderstood.
2️⃣ I’ve always known my honesty has cost me relationships.
Historically, being intense or blunt has burned bridges.
What deepened for me is this: full, unfiltered Monique is not for new relationships. Discernment matters. Timing matters. Audience matters.
Authenticity doesn’t mean unlimited access.
3️⃣ I had to refine who I meet as an equal…
And who actually needs teacher energy from me.
Some people say they want depth —
but they’re still hiding.🙈🙊🙉
And I had forgotten that not everyone shows up fully, even when you do.
This doesnt mean we back away. This doesnt need to invite a pity party (okay, maybe a 15 min one🦀👶🏽🍼)
Collaboration exposed my edges.
My intensity.
My softness.
My blind spots.
It helped me refine my boundaries without shrinking my power.
DOUBLE TAP IF YOUVE BEEN HERE TOO✨👍🏾🙌🏾⛰️
