Shedding: Part 1

Let go of the relationships & beliefs weighing you down

⏱️ 4-minute read

The Pain of Shedding—And Why It’s Necessary for Growth

“He doesn’t deserve to be a part of your ascension,” Devin said as I showed him yet another condescending text from a contract worker—this time, over breakfast.

That single sentence hit me like a gong.

Over the years, I’ve found myself in professional relationships where I tolerated more than I should have: disrespect, dismissiveness, an overall lack of alignment. And for too long, I justified it—telling myself it was just the cost of doing business, especially in a city like New Orleans where finding the right fit is a challenge.

I convinced myself to overlook the tone. The inconsistencies. The quiet erosion of trust.

All the while, I was prioritizing output and deliverables over self-respect. I was giving energy to people who didn’t value the seat I’d offered at the table.

Eventually, something in me woke up.

I stopped settling—not just for people who couldn’t meet me where I was, but for the beliefs that told me I had to. I let go of the fear that I wouldn’t find anyone better. I stopped telling myself that good enough was the best I could hope for. I began to believe that not only do I deserve better—but that better exists.

And almost immediately, everything around me began to realign.

As soon as I said “enough is enough,” the right people started to appear. People who didn’t just align with the vision, but felt genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity to be part of it. People who saw joining my team not as a job, but as an honor.

Little by little, I am surrounding myself with people who want to build something meaningful. People who don’t just respect the vision, but see themselves in it. People who bring not only their skills, but their spirit—their hearts, their hunger to grow alongside me.

And I want to talk about that today—the process of letting go. The shedding.

Because if you’re serious about growth—real, soul-stretching, purpose-driven growth—you’re going to have to shed. Shed relationships—and the limiting beliefs that connected you to them.

But what happens after you decide to stop settling? What does it really look like to release the people, roles, and expectations you’ve outgrown—and grieve them without guilt?

In Part 2, I’ll share the emotional aftermath of letting go, the unexpected beauty in the empty space that followed, and how I began to rebuild my circle with soul-aligned people who truly get it.

And for those who want the unfiltered version—the stories I couldn’t include here—there’s a “Deleted Scenes” edition coming exclusively for paid subscribers. Because some truths are too raw, too real, and best shared in trusted spaces.

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Acknowledgements

I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to a few people who’ve deeply impacted my journey—both as a writer and as a woman finding her voice again.

To fellow Substack author James Bailey, writer of On Money and Meaning—thank you. Since launching my publication in the spring of 2024, James has been one of my first readers and most thoughtful voices in the comments. The way he writes—so grounded, so open-hearted—reminds me that true expression is a gift.

Recently, when I was wrestling with the “why” behind my writing and doubting the value of my words, James shared something with me that I’ll never forget:

“I heard a saying from someone on Substack a while back that ‘somewhere in the world there is a person with a hole in their heart in the exact shape of your words.’ This is my reminder that my words matter.”

That line hit me like Cupid’s arrow—suddenly, I was falling in love with writing all over again. James, thank you for adding so much light and color to my life with your words and presence.

To my beloved partner, Devin—thank you for being the mirror I didn’t know I needed. Your love, your steadiness, and your fierce devotion ground me in ways I struggle to describe. You have a way of delivering truth that pierces through noise and lands with clarity. Thank you for walking beside me on this path with so much grace and strength.

To my mentor, David—thank you for constantly reminding me of a truth I’m still learning to live by: that it’s none of my business what other people think of me. That all that really matters is staying true to what’s in my heart. Your accountability, your wisdom, and your faith in me have shaped so much of the woman I am becoming.

To my inner professional circle—Fatima, Sol, Diana, Vieta, and Simon—thank you. You each show up in ways that matter deeply. I see your effort, your belief in the work we’re doing, and your shared vision for this journey. Your support is not just felt—it’s foundational. I trust you, I honor you, and I’m so grateful to have you walking beside me.

And to my parents—thank you for honoring the space I’ve needed to live my life on my own terms. Thank you for respecting my choices, for not intervening when you could have, and for simply loving me through it all. Your quiet support, your presence, and your trust have meant more to me than words can say. That, in itself, has always been enough.

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About The Author

Cristy Cali is an introspective writer, award-winning entrepreneur, and renowned jewelry designer, weaving together the soulful lessons of life, love, and entrepreneurship. With roots deeply planted in Guatemala and New Orleans, Cristy's writing explores personal growth, healing, and the emotional wisdom gained from building a thriving 7-figure jewelry brand.

Follow her journey on Instagram and TikTok, or join Cristy’s Beloved Club on Facebook for deeper community connection.

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