From Holding It All Together to Holding Space for Myself. A Story of Midlife Empowerment for Women

Confident at Work

Journaling Through the Shift

Grounded in Reflection

I was sitting at home recovering from surgery, still foggy from pain meds, when I looked down at my phone. Another manic text message from my boss.Same controlling tone.Same complete disregard for boundaries.

And I knew right then, this wasn’t going to change.

I had dealt with this behavior for years.I watched her call out managers in front of each other during meetings.I saw her let people scream at one another as long as it fit her narrative.She ruled through fear and confusion.

And while everyone whispered about it behind closed doors, no one did anything. Why?Because she had full occupancy.Which, oddly enough, was largely because of my work.

It’s much easier to replace the person handling marketing and outreach than it is to replace an executive director with specific credentials.I won’t take that from he, she had the qualifications.

What she didn’t have was people skills.She would’ve been brilliant locked in a closet doing compliance or QA.But leadership? That was never it.

The Pressure They Didn’t See

At home, I was the one holding everything together.The meals. The bills. The emotions. The schedules.

My husband was working full time in law enforcement, which adds a layer only other law enforcement families truly understand.

I was balancing a demanding job, managing a household, raising kids, supporting a man who risked his life every time he walked out the door, and trying to show up in a corporate culture that rewarded silence over truth.

I believed there were protections in place for people like me.People who worked hard. Who spoke up respectfully and coherently.People who had receipts.

But in the end, my voice was labeled disruptive.Because it was easier to silence me than to hold anyone accountable.

My Shift Didn't Happen Overnight

I didn’t just walk away from that job one day with a cute quote in my hand and a latte in the other.

I stayed longer than I should have.I tolerated more than I had to.

Because I had responsibilities.Because I thought maybe this time someone would notice what was really happening.

They didn’t. Or they did and didn’t care, because doing something about it would affect “the numbers.”

And so I had to choose myself. Not in some empowered, romanticized moment.But in a quiet, exhausted decision to no longer shrink or perform just to survive.

I Won’t Name Her...But I Won’t Forget

I won’t mention her name.I won’t even detail what she did.

But what I will do, always, is use her as a clear example of how not to lead.

Her behavior is forever ingrained in my memory, not because I’m holding a grudge, but because it taught me exactly what I never want to become.

At D5, we talk about leadership rooted in accountability, emotional intelligence, and real integrity. At AmiraEvolved, we talk about the boundaries it takes to walk away from anything that chips away at who you are.

She’s the reason I left.What I built after, that’s on me.

What AmiraEvolved Means for Midlife Empowerment for Women

I didn’t start AmiraEvolved to be cute.I started it because I couldn’t find a space that reflected what I was going through:

The emotional exhaustion of being “the strong one” and the shift that happens when you finally set down what was never yours to carry in the first place.

AmiraEvolved is rooted in midlife empowerment for women. Real women, with real responsibilities, who are ready to reconnect with themselves, set boundaries, and live with more clarity and intention.

Let’s Be Clear

Now? I’m building what I needed.

A journal that helps women slow down and reflect. A community that feels honest, not performative. Digital tools and conversations for the woman who’s done everything right and still feels like something’s missing.

This isn’t about burning it all down.It’s about creating something that actually fits.

Final Thought

Do I have a sharp tongue? Absolutely.Am I for everybody? Absolutely not.

But what I won’t do is tolerate disrespect or sit silent when people stop doing the right thing.

I don’t play politics. I protect my peace. And if that makes me “too much,” so be it.

I’m not here to prove anything anymore. I’ve done the proving.

Now I’m here to live aligned and help other women do the same.

If any part of this hit home for you, I invite you to take the next step.Whether it’s setting new boundaries, reconnecting with yourself, or starting your own shift, I've created tools that can support you.

You can find my journal, digital downloads, and more at:👉🏾 https://stan.store/Amiraevolved

Or learn more about what I do at:🌐 www.amiraevolved.com