Life Is Truly About the Journey

When you really stop and think about it, life is truly about the journey. It’s not about the destination, the accolades, or the material things. It’s about the experiences you’ve had, the people who’ve traveled with you, and the lessons learned along the way.

For me, the journey has been filled with incredible highs and some low lows. But whether I was celebrating success or battling through adversity, the one constant was the support system I built and the strength I discovered within myself. And it’s that journey that I want to talk about today.

When I think about the journey that led me to become the Brand Misfit™, I realize how much of it was shaped by the people I’ve crossed paths with along the way. This isn’t some “aha” moment born from sitting quietly in a room and figuring it all out—it’s real life, filled with real connections. The lessons I’ve learned? They came from conversations, deep bonds, and even some hard knocks delivered by people who showed up in my life for a reason, whether they were there to lift me up or try and tear me down.

Appreciating and Celebrating the Real Ones

First and foremost, I want to honor the people who have been there through thick and thin. Some of y’all have been in my life for over 40 years—long enough to know me better than I sometimes know myself. You’ve seen me evolve, you’ve taken time to really know me, and most importantly, you’ve given me the space and grace to grow. That’s something I don’t take lightly. Life is wild, but when you have folks who truly have your back, it hits different. That’s love. You can’t manufacture it, you can’t fake it, and you sure as hell can’t take it for granted.

It’s easy to get caught up in the small stuff—the petty dramas, the misunderstandings—but at the end of the day, life is about the journey, the growth, and the people who walk with you on that path. I want to take this space to shout out those who saw me even when I wasn’t fully seeing myself, who allowed me to stumble and stand up again, and who reminded me that the journey is more important than the destination. Y’all know who you are, and I want you to know how much I appreciate you.

There’s nothing quite like having people in your life who see you—really see you—before you even see yourself. I’ve been blessed to know some incredible people. These are the folks who’ve been there through thick and thin, who talk with me, support me, and give me grace when I need it the most. These are the people who remind me that life is truly about the journey, not the petty shit. They’ve got my back, and I’ve got theirs—no faking, no pretense, just genuine connections.

If you’ve got those kinds of people in your life, take a moment to reflect on how much they mean to you. Let them know you see them, and you appreciate the love they’ve shown you along the way. Because honestly, what’s better than going through life with people who really understand you?

Shout Out to the Scumbags, Too

Now, let’s get real for a second. I’d be lying if I didn’t acknowledge the other side of that coin—the scumbags. Yes, I’m talking about the ones who tried to derail me, those who didn’t see my vision, or worse, actively worked against it. But here’s the thing—y’all taught me resilience. You reminded me that no matter what crap gets thrown my way, I have the power to keep moving forward. Dumb shit only holds you back if you let it, and trust me, I don’t let it.

I’ve learned that being an “asshole” sometimes is necessary. It’s not about being rude or obnoxious; it’s about standing firm in who you are and calling out the bullshit when you see it. Sometimes, you have to wear that label proudly to push through the negativity and claim what’s yours. To my fellow “assholes” (you know who you are), we wear that title for a reason. We wear it because we refuse to stand by silently while the scumbags run their game. We wear it because we speak out, we push back, and we claim our time on our terms. The time is always now—we just have to decide when to seize it.

Life’s Pitfalls: Navigating the Ups and Downs

When we say life is truly about the journey, we’re also acknowledging that the path is rarely smooth. Here are some of the common pitfalls I’ve faced and maybe you have too:

• Betrayal by those you trusted – It’s hard, but it builds strength.
• Self-doubt creeping in – Learning to push through and believe in yourself is part of the process.
• Fear of failure – Success isn’t possible without a few missteps along the way.
• Financial struggles – Money might make things easier, but it’s not what defines you.
• Rejection and setbacks – They can either break you or build you, depending on how you handle them.

Remember, it’s not about the obstacles themselves but how you navigate them. Every pitfall is a lesson, and every setback is a setup for a comeback.

Thanks to My Village Who Pushed Me Forward

Along my journey, I’ve met people who’ve lifted me up in ways I never expected. These folks have allowed me the time and space to grow and learn at my own pace. They didn’t rush me; instead, they encouraged me to become the person I’m meant to be. If you’ve got those people in your life, make sure they know how much you appreciate them. Life is truly about the journey, and it’s made so much sweeter when you travel it with the right people.

Life Is Truly About the Journey and Music

So, I’m curious—what’s that one song that’s been there for you, no matter what? The song that’s seen you through the rough patches and the celebrations. For me, music has always been a powerful part of my journey. From the good times to the bad, music was there to help me process, heal, and move forward. One song that really got me through some tough moments was “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus (yep, I said that!–judgment free zone here). It’s a song about pushing through the obstacles, embracing the struggle, and continuing forward because, as we know, life is truly about the journey.

What's Your Soundtrack?

I even went a step further and curated a playlist that’s part of my personal journey. It’s included in the Toolkit I created for my new book, Idolized Lies: Lessons Learned in Tech and Life. The playlist is filled with tracks that remind me of where I’ve been, where I’m headed, and the moments that made me who I am today. You can check it out as part of the toolkit, which is available now along with the book.

A Huge Thank You to My Misfits

For those who have already pre-ordered Idolized Lies—thank you. Your support means the world to me. For those who haven’t yet, what are you waiting for? Grab your e-copy today, and let’s keep pushing forward together.

The journey’s been real, and the lessons have been invaluable. Let’s keep moving forward, celebrating the people who make it worthwhile, and staying grounded in the music and moments that remind us why we started in the first place.

The Rundown: Enjoy the Journey

At the end of the day, the lessons I’ve learned—the good and the bad—are what have made me who I am. Life is truly about the journey, and every experience, whether positive or negative, shapes us into the people we’re meant to be. So, here’s to the journey—past, present, and future. Let’s keep moving forward, learning, growing, and surrounding ourselves with people who lift us up.

And now, it’s your turn. Think about the people who have been a part of your journey. The ones who’ve lifted you up, and yes, even the ones who’ve tried to tear you down. What song has been the soundtrack to your journey? Drop it in the comments below.

Let’s keep the conversation going—life is all about the ride, and I’m here for it.