Season 2: Series 8: Episode 2- We Hold Ourselves Back: It Was Never About the Circumstances

November 9, 2025

Let me tell you a hard truth, one that sets you free. It was never about the circumstances. We hold ourselves back. Not because the world is impossible. Not because the resources do not exist. Not because we lack the intelligence, the calling, or the strength. But because somewhere along the way, we learned to build walls on the inside and then blamed what is externally out of reach.

I used to think,

"If I just had more time…"

"If someone would just see me…"

"If this situation were different…"

But I have come to learn this:

Circumstances are neutral.

What we bring to them are our belief systems, our fears, our patterns, and this defines whether we break or build. Whether we shrink or rise.

Two people can stand in the same storm.

One sees it as a reason to stop.

The other sees it as an opportunity to establish roots.

So it is not the storm.

It is the stories we tell ourselves.

The greatest battles we ever fight do not happen outside; they happen inside.

Fear shows up sounding reasonable:

"Now is not the time."

"You are not ready."

"Someone else is already doing it."

Self-doubt dresses itself in false humility:

"I am just being realistic."

"I do not want to make it about me."

"I do not know enough yet."

And then we hand over our power quietly, without even noticing.

Not because someone stole it, but because we never fully claimed it.

You were not built to live small.

Spiritually, we are told, 'You are more than a conqueror.'

Psychologically, we are aware of self-efficacy: the belief in one's ability to influence outcomes.

Neuroscience tells us our brains are wired to adapt, grow, and rewire, even after trauma.

Historically, every revolution, innovation, and shift has come from a person who decided to stop waiting.

So what makes us think we are the exception?

What holds us back is not our job, our upbringing, our money, or even our trauma; what holds us back is the belief that we cannot move because of those things.

That is the lie.

The myth of "If only…"

"If only I had more time."

"If only I had their resources."

"If only I were not so behind."

"If only someone would believe in me…"

But what if the truth is this:

You are someone.

You are the moment.

You are the answer you have been waiting for.

So I want to ask you:

Where are you giving your power away?

Where are you judging instead of being curious about why you keep stopping short?

What belief are you protecting that no longer serves who you are becoming?

Because here is the thing:

You were created for more.

Not more pressure.

Not more perfection.

But more purpose. More alignment. More boldness.

You were built to rise, not retreat.

This week, do not wait for the world to change before you do.

Do not wait for perfect conditions! They are a myth.

Decide today: I will not hold myself back.

Say it with me:

It was never about the circumstances.

You were made for the breakthrough.

The permission slip is yours.

The only thing left to do is move.

This is your moment.

This is your time.

Let's go.

Some of the themes covered in this episode are:

• Be water, be vulnerable

• Be the change you want to see in the world

• Walk in your purpose

• The power of partnership

• Understand your purpose

• Being sensitive to senses, ideas, and other elements

• Taking back your power

• Not giving your power away

• Command a thing

• You have to shift the atmosphere

• What is required of you with the power?

• Individuals cannot access the power you have; we all have our own.

• Workplace

• Sponsorship

• Mentorship

Co-Host Biographies:

Jasmine A. Green, MAOL., is an inspiring, informative, and passionate advocate for individuals. With her extensive experience in personal development, she shares practical self-care and community engagement strategies that are both effective and accessible.

Rhonda A. Lindsay is a servant leader at heart. She is continually seeking ways to enhance effectiveness within our community. She values collaborating with individuals and communities to benefit all participants.

Sebrina A. Lindsay-Law, Ed.D., CPDC, is a career student who advocates for learning opportunities, structures, and practices in any environment. She believes that everything is a lesson with a chance to grow and improve as an individual.

Connect with us:

Facebook Page: Existence Podcast

Instagram: @Weare_existencepodcast

Email: [email protected]