3 Battles I’ve Been Fighting Lately (and How I’m Finding Peace Through It All...)

I’ve always believed that healing and growth don’t happen in perfect, polished moments — they happen in the quiet, messy, in-between spaces of life. Being human is a lot like a flowing stream of water, life is ALWAYS moving but sometimes hardships get in the way. However, just as a river never stops flowing over the branches and rocks that disrupt its path, life is the same way. Lately, I’ve been sitting with some heavy things. And as much as I love sharing my wins, I think it’s just as important to share the battles that no one sees behind the scenes. This is not me looking for any sympathy, this is just a way for me to open up in a vulnerable state.

So today, I want to open up about three struggles I’ve been facing lately — and how I’m learning to cope, breathe, and find peace through them all.

1. Coping with the Loss of My Best Friend, Hannah

Back in May, I lost my best friend, Hannah Moody, in a tragic way — and it’s still something that doesn’t feel real most days. Grief is such a strange thing. One minute, I feel okay. I’ll be laughing, creating, or performing — and the next, it’s like a wave hits me out of nowhere. My chest feels heavy, the world gets quiet, and I’m suddenly right back in that numb space of realizing she’s not here on this physical earth anymore. What I’ve learned is that grief doesn’t follow rules. It doesn’t respect your schedule or wait for a “good time.” It comes when it wants to, and the best thing you can do is allow it.

Some days, I let myself cry. Some days, I talk to her like she’s still here. And some days, I find comfort knowing that she is still here — just in a different realm.

It's crazy because I met Hannah in 2018 when I moved by myself across the country to Los Angeles, CA. This was the year I had graduated college and had dreamed of making a name for myself. Hannah and I met at Golds gym- The Mecca in Venice Beach and I can remember it like it was yesterday. There are days when I find myself just replaying some of our memories over and over in my head.

Like i said, life is just always flowing so as many times as I find myself breaking down about the tragic loss of my sweet bestie, I allow myself to FEEL these emotions and transmute them into art. Hannah would be SO proud of me and how far my music career has come in just the span of 6 months. She is now a HUGE catalyst for me and not "holding back" anymore with my music. Life is SO precious and we never know when our last day is, so i'm promising to go even HARDER on building my music dream and never letting anything get in the way between me and that dream.

2. Imposter Syndrome and the Reality of My Dreams Coming True

My debut album is dropping this winter — something I’ve dreamed of my entire life. And now that it’s finally happening, I’m feeling something I didn’t expect: imposter syndrome.

It’s wild, right? You work so hard for something, you pray for it, you manifest it, and then when it finally happens, part of you whispers, “Do I really deserve this?” Like sometimes it just doesn't even feel real. I'm literally getting PAID to do something that I LOVE.

I’ve caught myself asking, “Is this real?” I’m now full-time with my brand, doing what I love every day, and yet sometimes it still feels like I’m watching someone else’s life play out but really, it's MINE.

What’s helped me cope is remembering how long I’ve been building toward this moment. None of this was luck. Every late night, every song I poured my heart into, every risk I took — it all led here. I'm exactly where i'm meant to be, and it's lead me to all of YOU.

When imposter syndrome hits, I remind myself that I am the person I’ve been becoming all along. I’m just standing in a new chapter of it now. The truth is, it’s okay for success to feel uncomfortable at first. Sometimes, our dreams arrive before our self-belief catches up. But I’m learning to let myself feel proud — and to stand in my accomplishments without apologizing for them.

I started this brand officially in 2022 so it's been 3 years now. "ASKYE" is now literally becoming "world wide". I LOVE waking up every single day and getting the opportunity to reach more and more people in different parts of the universe. If you have read this far, can you take a moment and introduce yourself in the comments below and let me know where in the world you are reading this from right now and how we got connected, i'd LOVE to know.

3. Feeling Like There’s Never Enough Time

If I’m being honest, I constantly feel like I have too much to do and not enough hours in the day. Between my music, my brand, and everything that comes with building this "world" from the ground up, it’s easy to feel like I’m racing the clock.

I’m learning though, that pressure and peace can’t coexist. When I move from a place of chaos, I lose the joy in what I’m creating.

Lately, I’ve been slowing down — not in my ambition, but in my approach. I start my mornings in silence before I touch my phone. I write down my top three priorities instead of a long list that drains my energy. I’ve even started taking more breaks when I need them, because rest isn’t wasted time — it’s recharging for what’s next.

What I’m realizing is that time expands when you’re present. Tha's why i preach all the time about how the MOST IMPORTANT moment of the day, IS the present moment. When I stop rushing, I actually get more done — and I enjoy it more, too. There is no "finish line" as this is not a race, it's a JOURNEY. I remind myself of this every single day because some days it feels like the day just came and flew by.

Closing Thoughts

These past few months have been full of lessons in patience, pain, and self-compassion. I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear, that success doesn’t erase insecurity, and that slowing down doesn’t mean you’re falling behind.

I’m still figuring it all out, and maybe that’s okay.

If you’re walking through a hard season, I want you to know you’re not alone. Life has a way of testing us right before it elevates us. Whatever you’re battling right now — grief, doubt, or overwhelm — I hope you give yourself grace.

We’re all just trying to find peace through the waves.

KEEP GOING.

XOXO

ASKYE