Mean Girl Energy Won’t Win Here
Why We Must Protect Our Peace & Call Out the Pettiness
Hey hey,
I wish I could say middle school was the last time I had to deal with cliques, whispers, or being iced out of a group. But the truth? Some of the meanest girls I’ve ever encountered were grown women, dressed in leadership titles, and sitting on boards or in meetings.
They don’t always roll their eyes or spread gossip like they did in adolescence - now it’s a backhanded compliment, being left off a thread, or watching your ideas get recycled as someone else’s without a second glance.
And the wildest part?
It can catch you off guard. You think you’re in a room full of empowered women that’s warm and inviting…until the room gets cold.
I’ve learned from both experience and exhaustion: You cannot control who chooses to lead from a place of insecurity, but you can control how you respond.
And responding doesn’t always mean clapping back or calling out. Sometimes, it means recalibrating your own energy, anchoring yourself in truth, and resisting the urge to shrink.
So let me say this — you don’t need permission to take up space.
You don’t need validation to be heard.
And you definitely don’t need to sacrifice your sanity just to “keep the peace.”
The real peace comes from knowing that leadership isn’t about popularity.
And you? You’re leading from something far deeper than optics.
So whether you’re navigating an icy group chat, a petty peer dynamic, or a toxic boardroom, this is your reminder:
You don’t have to dim your light to belong.
Let them be uncomfortable.
You’ve got work to do.
And you’ve got a whole community (including me) behind you.
Let’s gooooo…
Something to Sit With
“If your presence makes someone else uncomfortable, that’s their cue to grow, NOT your cue to shrink.”
Let that marinate before you adjust anything about yourself this week.
ICYMI – In Case You Missed It
Why Women Don’t Always Support Other Women – Forbes
A bold look at the quiet dynamics that get in the way of sisterhood — and what it really takes to shift from scarcity to solidarity.Gentle Rivalry in Feminine Camaraderie – Medium
A poetic but honest dive into how friendly competition can quietly mask insecurity, and what happens when we choose connection over comparison.Gracefully Exist – Jade Mathis on The Rooted Life Podcast
Leaving this one here again this week because Jade’s story reminds us what it means to show up authentically - even when the world tries to define us otherwise.
My Favorite Things Right Now
I’m officially in my “fall-girl era” in love with all things fall and all things cozy! After all, sometimes it’s the little things that keep us grounded when people get shady.
Ginger Tea: It’s spicy, it’s warm, and it wakes you up in more ways than one. A full sensory reset when you need it most.
Vanilla Scented Candles: There’s something about the soft glow and sweet scent that makes everything feel less… exhausting.
Juicy Mums: Fall’s official flower, blooming in bold color like a gentle reminder to still take up space no matter the season.
On the Horizon
Stay tuned. Something bold is brewing.
There’s a reason I’ve been talking a lot about presence, positioning, and leadership dynamics lately. That’s all I’m going to say… for now.
