In December, a tax professional told me my business made over $100K. She was excited. Like, confetti in the air excited. And I just blinked. 😩

Listen — I’m the first one telling women to celebrate. Ring the bell. Pop the sparkling cider. Take the win.

But she didn’t say I made $100K.
She said my BUSINESS made $100K.

And all I was thinking was:
“Oh… so HOW much is that in taxes?”

Staring Down The Barrel of My Own Growth

I don’t really fear failure anymore. I KNOW WIN. Not because I think I’m all that and a bag of chips (AND I AM). But because I’m not afraid of reflection. Vulnerability doesn’t scare me. Shame doesn’t bully me. I pivot when something isn’t working. I don’t lie to myself about it either — and we all know we can.

Losing? Not the fear.

It’s WINNING.

Nobody talks about the weight of success. Success makes you grow again. And again. And again.

I used to dream about my “next” because growth meant escape. It meant FREEDOM.

Now growth means… more.

More expansion.
More decisions.
More structure. 

Problem Isn't MORE

It’s that old SURVIVAL coping mechanism that whispers:

“If you want more, you have to work yourself into an early grave.”

Work like a dog.
Earn it.
Prove it.
Ten times over.

That script kept our ancestors barely alive. I cannot use that strategy to build something sustainable.

I refuse to enter new levels with tools that almost destroyed me the first time.

So... now I’m asking better questions:

How do I grow without grinding myself into the ground? How do I expand without abandoning who I am? How do I build from alignment instead of adrenaline?

That’s the real boundary. That’s the real edge.

SPECIAL NOTE: Even though I was glitching in the moment about the 100K — let’s be clear — this is a milestone. A real one. Or as one of my clients said (and I almost fell out when she said it about me): “You are Black history. Now.” Whew.

And what makes it even sweeter? 99% percent of my business revenue is sponsored by Black women. Black women have sustained and elevated this work for nearly seven years. Seven. Years.

And the wild part? I’m just getting started. Yes, I desire to make millions. I’m not playing small about that.

But the deepest desire in my heart is to give away millions — specifically for the health and wellness of Black women.

PS. 🤦🏾‍♀️ And yall' I am still working on my fitness journey. 

I am training to starting 5Ks again. My first one will be May 17th. Will keep yall updated on my progress... 

GROWING ≄ GRINDING

Sharell D. Cannady, CEO of Docked Ships