Crossing the Threshold: A Journey of Growth, Sacrifice, and Transformation

This past weekend with the Wonder Woman Initiative was nothing short of life-changing. From the retreat to the fashion show to the brunch, every conversation, every moment of reflection, and every shared experience impacted me on multiple levels.

The theme resonated deeply throughout it all—the threshold.

Understanding the Threshold

Tayo Ishola, the visionary behind the Wonder Woman Initiative, described the threshold as a space that must be crossed over. It is the place between who you were and who you are meant to become. But crossing it is not without cost. It demands sacrifice—a shedding of the old to embrace the new. As the founder of the Wonder Woman Initiative, Ishola is dedicated to amplifying women's voices and driving positive societal change. Through a dynamic fusion of fashion, business, and the arts, she creates transformative experiences that empower women to step into their fullest potential. Her projects and live events serve as catalysts for growth, challenging women to not only recognize the threshold before them but to boldly step across it, embracing the evolution that awaits.

The sacrifice may look different for each of us. It might be:

• Letting go of relationships that no longer serve us (a narcissistic mother, a friend who drains rather than replenishes, a partnership that stifles our growth).

• Releasing a mindset that has kept us stuck (scarcity thinking, fear of failure, the need for external validation).

• Healing from trauma that has shaped our survival mechanisms but no longer aligns with the abundance we seek.

• Surrendering our ego and the false comfort of control to step into faith, purpose, and the unknown.

• Navigating the evolving dynamics of marriage—learning to grow together, communicate effectively, and release unhealthy patterns that hinder intimacy and partnership.

• Embracing the transformation of motherhood—letting go of perfectionism, unrealistic expectations, or guilt to become the mother your child truly needs, rather than the one society pressures you to be.

• Stepping into entrepreneurship—overcoming fear, imposter syndrome, and the comfort of stability to pursue purpose-driven work and financial independence.

• Deepening faith in God—releasing self-reliance, doubt, and the need for control to fully trust in His timing, plan, and provision.

Crucially, a threshold isn’t just a one-time event. Life will present us with many such doorways. Each threshold asks something of us: a leap of faith, a surrender of fear, and a willingness to become a new version of ourselves. It’s a testing ground for our faith and courage. On one side of the threshold is the comfort of the familiar; on the other is the promise of growth and transformation. To cross it is to embrace change – to believe that what awaits on the other side is worth whatever we leave behind.

My Own Threshold: Embracing Entrepreneurship as a Child of Immigrants

One of the biggest thresholds I’ve had to cross is stepping into entrepreneurship—a journey that has challenged my deepest fears, my understanding of stability, and the generational beliefs I was raised with.

As a child of immigrants, I was taught that a "good job" meant becoming a doctor, lawyer, or engineer—something that provided financial stability and security. I was also told that working for the government was the safest routebecause of the pension, the retirement benefits, and the promise of stability. I grew up hearing:

✔️ Stay with a company for 25 years and retire.

✔️ Make sure you’re vested.

✔️ Avoid risky career paths that don’t guarantee a steady paycheck.

I believed in that structure. I entered college with the goal of becoming a lawyer, thinking that was the path for me. But, after much reflection, I realized that law wasn’t my calling.

My heart had always been with mental health.

I knew I wanted to be a therapist since I was 14 years old, but I allowed others to convince me that a career in therapy wouldn’t be financially sound. Even though I was naturally gifted in so many areas—technology, debate, and even law—my heart kept pulling me back to mental health.

Still, stepping fully into my calling as an entrepreneur didn’t feel safe. It felt like a risk.

But something greater was pulling me forward.

And so, I stepped forward—afraid, anxious, worried, and full of doubt. But also, full of trust in God. Since I’ve crossed that threshold, I haven’t looked back.

I am thriving as a full-time entrepreneur, doing the work I love every single day. I am surrounded by a support system that God has prepared for me, and they haven’t missed a beat since I took this leap.

I am writing.

I am booking speaking engagements.

I am fully booked with mental health clients.

I am building my legacy.

God had bigger plans for me. And He has bigger plans for you too.

Jené Luciani Sena: The Power of Truth and Uplifting Women

A true Wonder Woman, Jené Luciani Sena embodies the courage to seek and fight for truth. She shared her journey of coming from meager beginnings, being bullied, and navigating life with unwavering integrity. Her story was not just one of resilience, but of purpose—using her voice and platform to uplift women around her.

Jené didn’t just offer words of encouragement; she supported us in a practical, tangible way—by helping us solve our bra problems, or as she calls them, “brablems.” Her expertise in intimate apparel led to a transformative experience, where many of us were fitted in wire-free bras that truly prioritize comfort and confidence. I took home products from Shapermint and Truekind, and I can honestly say they have changed the way I feel about my body. Comfort and support are no longer luxuries; they are essentials.

Jené reminds us that lifting others up isn’t just about words—it’s about action. She exemplifies what it means to empower women in every way possible, and for that, I am grateful.

Brooke Mullen: Grace, Strength, and Ethical Leadership

When Brooke Mullen spoke about her passions, her energy was infectious. But it was when she opened up about navigating health challenges within her marriage that she truly moved the room. She spoke with grace and honesty, sharing the delicate balance of raising her children, caring for her husband, and leading an international business—all while carrying a personal burden that many would never guess just by looking at her vibrant smile.

Her strength isn’t just in what she does, but in how she does it—with compassion, resilience, and a commitment to ethical leadership. As the founder of Sapahn, a brand dedicated to supporting women artisans through fair trade, Brooke’s mission aligns deeply with the values I hold close. When I heard her story, I couldn’t help but support her work—I purchased a Sapahn handbag, not just because of its beauty, but because of the impact behind it. The story, the mission, and the leadership behind this brand ensure that Sapahn will always have my support.

Brooke exemplifies what it means to show up fully for others, even in the midst of personal challenges. She is a testament to the power of perseverance, reminding us that leadership isn’t just about success—it’s about heart.

Sherrel Sampson: Rest, Purpose, and the Weight of Significance

One of the most profound reminders from this weekend came from one of the Wonder Women honorees, Sherrel Sampson, founder and CEO of the award-winning global brand Canviiy. She has pioneered cutting-edge solutions that enhance consumer well-being and set new industry standards. She spoke about the importance of being kind to yourself, making time for rest, and prioritizing recovery.

Her story was deeply personal, a testimony of what happens when we push ourselves beyond our limits in the pursuit of success. She shared how overextending herself—grinding, overworking, and constantly striving—began to take a toll on her family, marriage, and overall well-being.

The moment came when she had to make a decision: continue down the path of burnout or intentionally create a new way forward—one where success and self-care could coexist.

She chose balance.

Sherrel learned to prioritize rest, to recharge both her body and mind, and to incorporate self-care in a way that did not stagnate her growth but instead fueled it. She realized that her business could thrive without her being depleted—that in fact, her success was deeply tied to her ability to show up whole, refreshed, and aligned.

Her story resonated with me in such a deep way because it was a timely message for me in this season of my life. As women, as entrepreneurs, as mothers, as wives, and as leaders, we tell ourselves that we have to keep pushing, striving, grinding—but at what point do we recognize that rest is not a luxury, it is a necessity?

Sherrel’s business is successful not because she hustles endlessly, but because she has learned to prioritize herself in the process. She is intentional about rest, she is unwavering in her commitment to self-care, and she walks in both purpose and faith.

Her words reminded me that success without significance is empty, and power without purpose is meaningless. She closed her speech with a quote from Simon T. Bailey:

“I had success, but I had no significance. I had power, but I had no purpose. I had money, but I had no meaning.”

This weekend was a reminder that we are called not just to work, but to live abundantly. And abundance requires balance. It requires intention. It requires knowing when to pause, knowing when to move, and knowing that rest is not a sign of weakness—it is a source of strength.

I am grateful for Sherrel’s authenticity, for her willingness to share her journey—not just the polished version of success, but the real, raw, and deeply personal lessons that shaped her along the way. She reminded me that there is no glory in depletion. There is no honor in exhaustion. True success is found when we learn to walk in purpose, rest in faith, and trust that we do not have to sacrifice ourselves for our calling.

Her story is a powerful example of what it means to cross the threshold into a season of balance, alignment, and sustainability. And I know I am not the only woman who needed to hear it.

Stepping Forward: The Call to Courage

The truth is, there is no way to the other side without stepping through the fire. There is no healing without disruption, no breakthrough without breaking. To become the woman you are meant to be, you must be willing to let go.

• What are you holding onto that is keeping you from crossing your next threshold?

• What feels “comfortable” but is actually limiting your growth?

• What sacrifice is required for you to step into the fullness of your purpose?

  
  

This weekend reminded me that we are always standing at the edge of a threshold. The question is: Will you step forward?

Now, I want to hear from you.

Think about a threshold you have crossed—or one you are standing in front of right now. What did you have to let go of to step into a new season? What sacrifices did you make? How did you grow on the other side?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, send me a message, or share your story on social media using #ThresholdJourney.

Let’s hold space for one another as we navigate the thresholds that shape us into the women we are meant to be.

Your journey is powerful. Your voice is needed.

And your threshold is waiting.