• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

The Bolet Collective

For the modern woman seeking personal empowerment, professional development, and the luxurious life moments that happen in between.

  • Home
  • LIVING
  • CAREER
  • WELLNESS
  • STYLE
  • About Me
  • Contact

Have I The Courage To Change?

Feb 01 2021 Leave a Comment

“I am under no obligation to make sense to you.” SZA

Let’s talk about change. Not your pocket change, but the true, uncomfortable, deeply rooted, sometimes necessary and personal type of change. Some people thrive in the space of personal reinvention and welcome the daily fluctuations this lifestyle brings. Others might be hesitant and constantly waiting for the perfect time, opportunity, resource, partnership etc. to materialize, so that they can ensure their personal change is without risk. Or they might be waiting for others to take the leap before them.

At different points in my life, I fell under the second category. I kept myself defined by how others saw me or by the things I was interested in or how I was in college or by the things I thought my age, demographic, career, etc. should be defined by. For some reason, I didn’t allow myself to redefine or reevaluate the person that I woud like to become once I was out in the ‘real world’ and had the time, freedom, and resources to do so. I thought that the person that I had been before was always going to be the person I had to be and that I was in too deep with my decisions or life choices to pick differently. Or, I thought this is what everyone else my age is doing or thinking about or acting on and I wouldn’t even question it.

However, it quite literally took a global pandemic to force me to change my life entirely. Once I realized COVID was not going to have the quick resolution we had all hoped for, I had no other choice but to make moves anyways. This state of society forced me to reevaluate so many different elements about my own life that I had not questioned or was entirely unhappy with. It pushed me in the direction of discomfort, saying no more often, putting myself out there, and redefining what I wanted my potential future life to look like.

The rest of the world was on hold. There would never be a time like this again.

I wondered to myself…

“Was I happy in my current environment? Was I doing the best I could to be taking care of my mental and physical health? Was I ignoring certain realities because I was too scared to address the consequences? Were my relationships fulfilling and healthy? Was I taking too much on at work? Was I still excited about the things that used to make my heart happy? Was I trying so hard to be everything to everyone while not taking time to check-in with myself?”

For my personal growth process, I needed to ask myself difficult questions. I needed to sit down and be honest with myself and I needed to feel my emotions before I was able to heal them. I needed to be okay with leaving entire elements of my life behind and I needed to be okay with the fact that I didn’t know what my new life would look like or how long it would take before I felt comfortable again.

As I continue this personal process of change, I’ve realized a few things that have become my reality. Change is not a self-care weekend or a face mask or a new outfit. It’s working on yourself, on your relationships, on your career, on your past, present, and future and making a game plan for what you want out of life. It’s coming to terms with what you like and don’t like about yourself and figuring out what you’re going to do about it. It’s about making the decision to be intentional about your life and what you will demand out of it.

It’s okay to take time off to work on yourself. Not just a day, or a weekend, but a few months or even a year if that’s what you need. It’s okay if this time is spent alone. It’s okay if your current energy levels cannot sustain the person that you used to be. You’re allowed to abandon who you were last year, last month, or last week.

“You have the right to change. Without notice, without permission, and without someone else’s validation.”

At the end of the day, people can only understand you from their own level of perception. You don’t need to over explain yourself when you’re undergoing a process of personal reflection and evolution. And quite frankly, I didn’t even know how to verbalize what I was feeling to myself, let alone to others. If you run into this push back during your own process of change, simply state your boundary and whatever it is you’re comfortable contributing and leave it at that. Those who respect your process, even if they don’t understand it, will recognize this and will extend their support for you whenever you’re ready to take it. It’s okay if others get angry. It’s okay if they feel entitled to the old version of you. It’s okay if this conversation with them feels uncomfortable. Do not take it personally. People can only understand you from their own level of perception. Be kind, hold your head high, and continue doing what you know is right for you.

If there is anything I have truly learned from this pandemic, it’s the fact that nothing is guaranteed. If you keep people pleasing and putting off your goals and aspirations or making excuses that limit your own potential, who is to say the opportunity will present itself again? Maybe you’re already the person you want to be. Maybe you’re still working on becoming that version of yourself. Maybe you didn’t even realize that you wanted to change and now you’re considering what that might look like for you. Wherever you’re at, please remember you have the right to be whoever and whatever the heck it is you want to be.

Being truly happy, feeling personal peace, obtaining true fulfillment. These are all very personal processes that have nothing to do with others, so don’t get caught up with how others will perceive this. You have the right to change, to evolve, to decide who and what you want to be. Do you, for you, and by your own standards.

Related Posts

  • My Secrets to Success in the Corporate World
  • “Are You Seeing Anyone?” Yeah, My Therapist. Thanks For Asking.
  • 26 Things I Learned By My 26th Birthday
  • The Top Things I Always Repurchase from Trader Joes

Categorized: WELLNESS

Reader Interactions

GET UPDATES!

Previous: Valentine’s Day At Home Guide – Amazon Edition
Next: 26 Things I Learned By My 26th Birthday

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


I started this blog as my own personal and curated collection of experiences meant to guide, to inspire, and to inform. When I'm not running The Bolet Collective, I'm usually snuggling with my Boston Terrier Luna Mia, working as a data privacy consultant, thrifting vintage clothing, or watching films from the 1950's.

Looking for something?

welcome

THE BOLET COLLECTIVE

Check out our newest article below!
CLICK HERE

Instagram

theboletcollective

theboletcollective
📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list 📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list of quotes, podcasts, books, and other forms of media that I want to read or listen to, but I feel like I’ve run out of things lately. I ended up spending way too much time scrolling in Instagram or TikTok, so I’m asking you instead! 

What are some of your favorites books, articles, blogs, podcasts, etc? Share in the comments below! 🤍🕊

Here are some of my personal favorites: 
Podcasts • Style Your Mind 
Book • The Four Agreements 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas #pinterestaesthetic #winteroutfit #winterfashion
Controversial opinion… But I’m over hustle cu Controversial opinion…

But I’m over hustle culture. I’m over “the grind” and sleepless nights and self sacrificing personality. That doesn’t mean I don’t strive to be ambitious, to push myself, to challenge myself, and to aspire for more, but more so that I don’t make my mental and physical health the price I pay to reach my goals. 

So many influential entrepreneurs and successful people have a core routine and set of habits that enable their focus and balance in life while simultaneously pursuing their goals. What makes this possible is the elimination of noise, of doing extra stuff that we don’t want to do, or of saying yes to things that rob us of our energy. So instead of trying to do everything and anything, they focus on their core important things and channel their energy between that and self maintenance. 

So for today, consider the following…

•What plans are you saying yes to that you don’t actually want to go to that end up robbing you of your time?

•What conversations are you entertaining that aren’t inherently valuable to have?

•What relationships are you keeping around because of familiarity but that actually don’t serve you or the betterment of your life? 

•What excuses are you making for yourself and for your time? For the things you eat, for the things you consume, you listen to?

We can still be successful and ambitious and pursue the things that are out of our comfort zone, but I’m prioritizing time to sleep, to rest, to sit, to play, to listen, to absorb, and to just be as my own definition of productivity for this season of life. I’m working on eliminating the noise and making space for the things and people that bring me joy. 🤍🕊

What do you think about hustle culture? 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas
in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a productive week 🤍

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #chicagoblog #leopardprint #homedecor
Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite things to do is to order books from Amazon and have a little collection with me to read on long trips or on the airplane. 

I recently picked up, “14,000 Reasons to Be Happy” mostly because I was curious how you could possibly fit thousands of things into one tiny book.

However, it’s proven to be a huge delight in the sense that I love flipping to a random page and journaling my favorite things that the book mentions. When I’m trying to practice gratitude and I get stuck on what else to write, this is such a fun way to highlight the little and minute things we sometimes overlook.

Here are some of my favorite reasons: 
• being the only one awake in the morning before a big trip
• stained glass windows
• your first paycheck at a new job
• trying again later
• hand painted pottery
• pastry chefs
• sidewalk cafes 
• taking fewer things seriously
• cherry blossom season 
• better results from order and harmony 
• library sofas 
• the flickering lights before a show is about to start
• poems carved in monuments or statues 

What are some of your 14,000 reasons to be happy? Share in the comments below, I’d love to know! 🥰❤️

self love, self care, gratitude, meditation reflection, journaling, daily journal, affirmations, positivity, flowers, yoga, mental health, mindfulness 

#chicago #chicagoblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #midwestblogger #ootd #pinterestaesthetic #florals #selfcare #affirmationsoftheday #affirmationsdaily #lifestyleblog #lifestylebloggers
“The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to “The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." 🌹
 

A major round of applause to what is now undoubtedly my favorite Broadway production I have ever seen. I had to match the fit to the occasion ❤️🥰 

@moulinrougebway @broadwayinchicago 

broadway, theatre, musical performance, chicago, lingerie, blazer, nyc style, parisian style, feminine style, street style, pinterest girl, city life, nightlife outfit, outfit ideas, monochromatic look, fashion inspo

#outfitinspo #colorfulfashion #fashioninspo #chicago #chicagobroadway #aesthetic, #outfitideas #poseinspo #ootd #femininestlye #photoshootideas #nycstyle #celebritystyle #broadwayinchicago #parisianstyle #influencer #chicagochicblog
just two gals on moving day 📦🛋 calling Chic just two gals on moving day 📦🛋

calling Chicago home has always been one of my favorite things. 

for the last seven months, I carved out a space in the West Loop area for the first time after a summer spent hopping around apartments and cities.

This home quickly became my source of peace and security when I needed it the most. It housed my solo dance parties with headphones in after a fun workout, my gal pal sleepovers with sushi on the coffee table and a rom com playing, my dinner parties with my family, and a playground for Luna Mia’s random zoomies. I even hosted Thanksgiving in this space, as my family shared a roasted Turkey and many laughs. 

i hosted friends who had always opened their doors to me whenever I needed a place to stay and this space gave me the opportunity to return the favor. I met my partner during this time and this space gave me the comfort of being in a quick walking distance to both of our apartments while we shared first dates and special moments together. This home allowed me to pop into the coffee shop downstairs for my favorite empanadas and the fact that it faced West meant that I was spoiled with the most amazing sunsets on a regular basis.

I wallpapered my bathroom hot pink and bought a marble fireplace mantle for all of the glamorous vibes and every morning felt like a hotel stay to me with Luna curled up by my side. I installed oversized artwork, put up my own Christmas tree, watered my plants and mental health, and even had a vintage Italian guestbook that I would have my friends and family sign whenever they visited me. 

my West Loop home gave me little and big luxuries in so many ways, but perhaps more importantly, it reminded me that what we want and desire is never out of reach if we take the time to define it. While I'm sad to be leaving this space for my next adventure, I'm so glad I made a home, even if for just a temporary moment. 🔑🏡
▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’ ▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’m planning a self care weekend 🖤▪️

How do you unwind?

I booked a massage and am perusing all of the sales lately at Deciem, YSL, and Sephora and can’t wait to get some of my holiday shopping in. I also think I’m going to put my Christmas tree up this weekend too.😍❤️▪️
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoinfluencer #midwestblogger #latinainfluencer #chicagolifestyle #chicagolife #holidayseason
▪️Black satin romper + that Chicago skyline 🤝 ▪️ peep the tiny vintage velvet purse 🥺

Ive been staying low key lately and I can’t wait to go out and get dressed up again. 🥺🥰 
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoblogger #midwestblogger #lifestyleinfluencer #latinablogger #chicagolifestyle
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

  • CAREER
  • DISCLAIMER
  • LIVING
  • STYLE
  • WELLNESS

THE LATEST

Holy Grail Drugstore Makeup Staples

The Key Elements to a Healthy Dating Experience

My Secrets to Success in the Corporate World

Must Watch 1950’s Films For Fashion Inspiration

A Pandemic Parable and Why Some Lessons Are Harder To Learn

How to Compliment Others with Confidence

The Top Four Glamorous Items to Look For When Thrifting

Failure is Not The Final Destination – Fail Forward

What You Need To Know About Your Personal Finances

How a Peony Shortage Sparked a Conversation Around Self-Love and Self- Care

Are Pageants Even Relevant To The Modern Woman Today?

26 Things I Learned By My 26th Birthday

Have I The Courage To Change?

Valentine’s Day At Home Guide – Amazon Edition

Easy Tips For Improving Your Presence On Zoom Video Calls

The Bolet Collective Origins

“Are You Seeing Anyone?” Yeah, My Therapist. Thanks For Asking.

Affordable Fitness Hacks for Amping Up Your Quarantine At Home Workouts

How to Make Sound Money Decisions When Furnishing Your First Apartment

Moving Into Your First Apartment? Here Are The Things You Need To Know

GET UPDATES!

Leave us your email to receive new entries, tips, and special offers only for you! Don´t miss any updates!

Follow me

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

My philosophie

“Raise your standards and the universe will meet you there.” – Danielle Laporte

Footer

ABOUT ME

The Bolet Collective is run by Samantha Bolet. It's a virtual community to grow professionally, develop personally, and seek wellness in our everyday lives. Read More…

STAY CONNECTED!

Leave us your email to receive our monthly newsletter! Don´t miss any updates!

Privacy Policy

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

The Bolet Collective: [bow-lay] noun. 1. a virtual community meant to inspire, to guide, and to inform. pursuing personal empowerment, professional development, and the luxurious life moments that happen in between.

theboletcollective

theboletcollective
📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list 📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list of quotes, podcasts, books, and other forms of media that I want to read or listen to, but I feel like I’ve run out of things lately. I ended up spending way too much time scrolling in Instagram or TikTok, so I’m asking you instead! 

What are some of your favorites books, articles, blogs, podcasts, etc? Share in the comments below! 🤍🕊

Here are some of my personal favorites: 
Podcasts • Style Your Mind 
Book • The Four Agreements 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas #pinterestaesthetic #winteroutfit #winterfashion
Controversial opinion… But I’m over hustle cu Controversial opinion…

But I’m over hustle culture. I’m over “the grind” and sleepless nights and self sacrificing personality. That doesn’t mean I don’t strive to be ambitious, to push myself, to challenge myself, and to aspire for more, but more so that I don’t make my mental and physical health the price I pay to reach my goals. 

So many influential entrepreneurs and successful people have a core routine and set of habits that enable their focus and balance in life while simultaneously pursuing their goals. What makes this possible is the elimination of noise, of doing extra stuff that we don’t want to do, or of saying yes to things that rob us of our energy. So instead of trying to do everything and anything, they focus on their core important things and channel their energy between that and self maintenance. 

So for today, consider the following…

•What plans are you saying yes to that you don’t actually want to go to that end up robbing you of your time?

•What conversations are you entertaining that aren’t inherently valuable to have?

•What relationships are you keeping around because of familiarity but that actually don’t serve you or the betterment of your life? 

•What excuses are you making for yourself and for your time? For the things you eat, for the things you consume, you listen to?

We can still be successful and ambitious and pursue the things that are out of our comfort zone, but I’m prioritizing time to sleep, to rest, to sit, to play, to listen, to absorb, and to just be as my own definition of productivity for this season of life. I’m working on eliminating the noise and making space for the things and people that bring me joy. 🤍🕊

What do you think about hustle culture? 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas
in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a productive week 🤍

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #chicagoblog #leopardprint #homedecor
Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite things to do is to order books from Amazon and have a little collection with me to read on long trips or on the airplane. 

I recently picked up, “14,000 Reasons to Be Happy” mostly because I was curious how you could possibly fit thousands of things into one tiny book.

However, it’s proven to be a huge delight in the sense that I love flipping to a random page and journaling my favorite things that the book mentions. When I’m trying to practice gratitude and I get stuck on what else to write, this is such a fun way to highlight the little and minute things we sometimes overlook.

Here are some of my favorite reasons: 
• being the only one awake in the morning before a big trip
• stained glass windows
• your first paycheck at a new job
• trying again later
• hand painted pottery
• pastry chefs
• sidewalk cafes 
• taking fewer things seriously
• cherry blossom season 
• better results from order and harmony 
• library sofas 
• the flickering lights before a show is about to start
• poems carved in monuments or statues 

What are some of your 14,000 reasons to be happy? Share in the comments below, I’d love to know! 🥰❤️

self love, self care, gratitude, meditation reflection, journaling, daily journal, affirmations, positivity, flowers, yoga, mental health, mindfulness 

#chicago #chicagoblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #midwestblogger #ootd #pinterestaesthetic #florals #selfcare #affirmationsoftheday #affirmationsdaily #lifestyleblog #lifestylebloggers
“The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to “The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." 🌹
 

A major round of applause to what is now undoubtedly my favorite Broadway production I have ever seen. I had to match the fit to the occasion ❤️🥰 

@moulinrougebway @broadwayinchicago 

broadway, theatre, musical performance, chicago, lingerie, blazer, nyc style, parisian style, feminine style, street style, pinterest girl, city life, nightlife outfit, outfit ideas, monochromatic look, fashion inspo

#outfitinspo #colorfulfashion #fashioninspo #chicago #chicagobroadway #aesthetic, #outfitideas #poseinspo #ootd #femininestlye #photoshootideas #nycstyle #celebritystyle #broadwayinchicago #parisianstyle #influencer #chicagochicblog
just two gals on moving day 📦🛋 calling Chic just two gals on moving day 📦🛋

calling Chicago home has always been one of my favorite things. 

for the last seven months, I carved out a space in the West Loop area for the first time after a summer spent hopping around apartments and cities.

This home quickly became my source of peace and security when I needed it the most. It housed my solo dance parties with headphones in after a fun workout, my gal pal sleepovers with sushi on the coffee table and a rom com playing, my dinner parties with my family, and a playground for Luna Mia’s random zoomies. I even hosted Thanksgiving in this space, as my family shared a roasted Turkey and many laughs. 

i hosted friends who had always opened their doors to me whenever I needed a place to stay and this space gave me the opportunity to return the favor. I met my partner during this time and this space gave me the comfort of being in a quick walking distance to both of our apartments while we shared first dates and special moments together. This home allowed me to pop into the coffee shop downstairs for my favorite empanadas and the fact that it faced West meant that I was spoiled with the most amazing sunsets on a regular basis.

I wallpapered my bathroom hot pink and bought a marble fireplace mantle for all of the glamorous vibes and every morning felt like a hotel stay to me with Luna curled up by my side. I installed oversized artwork, put up my own Christmas tree, watered my plants and mental health, and even had a vintage Italian guestbook that I would have my friends and family sign whenever they visited me. 

my West Loop home gave me little and big luxuries in so many ways, but perhaps more importantly, it reminded me that what we want and desire is never out of reach if we take the time to define it. While I'm sad to be leaving this space for my next adventure, I'm so glad I made a home, even if for just a temporary moment. 🔑🏡
▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’ ▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’m planning a self care weekend 🖤▪️

How do you unwind?

I booked a massage and am perusing all of the sales lately at Deciem, YSL, and Sephora and can’t wait to get some of my holiday shopping in. I also think I’m going to put my Christmas tree up this weekend too.😍❤️▪️
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoinfluencer #midwestblogger #latinainfluencer #chicagolifestyle #chicagolife #holidayseason
▪️Black satin romper + that Chicago skyline 🤝 ▪️ peep the tiny vintage velvet purse 🥺

Ive been staying low key lately and I can’t wait to go out and get dressed up again. 🥺🥰 
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoblogger #midwestblogger #lifestyleinfluencer #latinablogger #chicagolifestyle
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • DISCLAIMER
  • Terms of Use

Copyright ©2023 The Bolet Collective : For the modern woman seeking personal empowerment, professional development, and the luxurious life moments that happen in between.- Theme by Lovely Confetti

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT