The Moment I Finally Said No (And Started Writing My Own Story)

For as long as I could remember, I was the yes girl. 

Yes to helping.

Yes to the opportunity.

Yes to the favor, the group project, the next logical step—even when my gut whispered no.

So, when it came time to decide what was next, I did what I always did—I followed the right path.

When “Success” Doesn’t Feel Like Success

I’ll never forget sitting at a research event during my master’s program. I showed up with my notebook and my best overachiever smile, ready to chat about the latest in educational psychology.

Then, mid-conversation, a professor turned to me and asked:

“What’s next? A Ph.D.?”

My heart started racing. My cheeks flushed.

Not because I didn’t have an answer… but because I didn’t have my answer. And still—what came out of my mouth was the same thing I always said:

“Yes.”

Because, of course. A Ph.D. meant more credentials, more respect, more opportunity.
It was the right next step. The obvious one.

But deep down? I didn’t know what I wanted. 

The Slow Drift from Myself

I said yes… and I followed through. I worked hard to get into the program. I showed up. I did the work. 

But behind the scenes?

I procrastinated assignments. I dreaded class. I stopped texting back. While everyone else was buzzing about their research, I was still asking if this is what I wanted. Even though I knew this wasn't where I was meant to be. 

And yet, instead of trusting myself, I asked everyone else: "Should I leave?” the answers were swift and loud:

❌ “You’ve come too far.”
❌ “You’ll regret it.”
❌ “You’re throwing away your future.”

Not a single person said, Yes, leave it. Choose yourself.

I stayed ...until I couldn’t keep going through the motions.

So I quit.

No dramatic announcement. No plan B perfectly mapped out.

Just a quiet moment where I chose to stop betraying myself in order to please other people.

That moment? That messy, terrifying, holy-cow-what-did-I-just-do moment?

It changed everything.

Because for the first time, I realized something big:

I am the main character of my life. Not just the main character—the author, too.

For the first time, I wasn’t just going through the motions. I was making a choice. I was writing my own story.

Why I Created the “You Are The Main Character of Your Life” Sticker

That day I said no was the day I started writing a new chapter.

One with more truth. More intention. More alignment.

It wasn’t easy. But it was honest.

That’s why I made the You Are The Main Character of Your Life sticker. Not because it’s cute (although it is), but because I needed a reminder.

Something to stick on my laptop or tuck into my journal.

Something that whispered,
“You’re allowed to choose again.”
“You get to change your mind.”
“You hold the pen now.”

It’s more than a sticker. It’s a statement.

What’s Your Next Chapter?

If you were writing your next chapter… what would it say?

Whatever it is, I hope it’s brave. I hope it’s yours.

And if you need a reminder along the way?

Grab your You Are The Main Character of Your Life sticker – A love note to your future self.

Because your story is just getting started. And it’s going to be beautiful.