New year. New clarity.
And honestly—new standards.
Earlier this year, I prayed a very specific prayer. I asked God to expose the people around me. Not to embarrass them. Not for drama. But for clarity. And God answered that prayer—fully.
What followed wasn’t always easy, but it was necessary.
I learned how to protect my space, my peace, and my energy. I learned discernment. I learned that access to me is a privilege, not a guarantee. And I stopped feeling guilty about who I no longer allow close.
At the same time, I prayed for something else:
That God would surround me with good women.
Women who value:
- Collaboration over competition
- Creating instead of complaining
- Confidence over insecurity
- Genuine support instead of surface-level praise
And let me be very clear—I do not do mean girls.
Especially not mean girls 35+. That is one of my biggest icks.
I don’t do cliques.
I don’t do rumors.
I don’t do lies.
I don’t revel in anyone’s downfall or exclusion.
And any woman who participates in the destruction or humiliation of another woman—I don’t do them. Not ever. Not on my watch. I won’t allow it around me.
At some point, we have to stop posting about women’s empowerment and actually practice it.
I don’t have a lot of girlfriends—and that’s intentional.
I don’t follow crowds.
I don’t bond with women over shared dislike for another woman.
I don’t move off whispers, side conversations, or “what I heard.”
If it didn’t come from the horse’s mouth, please beat it.
We are far too grown to be entertaining narratives from people with motives, jealousy, or unresolved unhappiness.
I choose women who are secure, kind, self-aware, and happy.
Real queens. And I appreciate mine deeply.
As for this new year, I’m moving with intention:
- Gym 3–5 times a week
- Omitting coffee
- Omitting alcohol
- Choosing clarity over chaos in every area of my life
This season is about clean energy, clean habits, and clean connections.
New year.
Same heart.
Stronger boundaries.
Clear spirit.
It’s always powerful when women convene and celebrate greatness—clean energy, no judgment, no jealousy, just alignment and respect. That kind of room multiplies value and builds legacy.
I love your blog, Lauren Mari—it’s thoughtful, intentional, and rooted in truth. I’m grateful to step into 2026 with you as a friend. You’ve consistently shown up with genuine love and unwavering respect, and that doesn’t go unnoticed.
This is how trust is built.
This is how sisterhood scales.
And this is how we move forward—together, with grace and purpose.
Best,
Divabeast