Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.

“Your gift will make room for you and bring you before great men.” — Proverbs 18:16

If I could rewind the clock, I’d tell my younger self: Focus on your God-given gifts. Not just because they’re special, but because they were meant to sustain me—spiritually, emotionally, and yes, financially.

For years, I poured myself into making sure everyone else was okay. I was the helper, the fixer, the one who showed up. But somewhere along the way, I forgot to show up for myself. I didn’t nurture the talents God placed in me. I didn’t prioritize the work that lit me up inside.

It wasn’t until my 50s that I realized: everyone else had moved forward in their calling. And I was just catching up. That was a hard truth to swallow. But it was also the beginning of something beautiful.

Now, I’m walking in purpose. I’ve cut off the habit of putting myself last. And while I wish I’d learned this lesson earlier, I’m grateful I learned it at all.

Because catching up isn’t the same as being left behind. It’s choosing to run your race—finally—with your eyes on your own lane.