Stepping Over You.

I used to trip over things that, looking back, seem so small now. It's funny how time and experience have a way of putting everything into perspective. I used to stumble over people who didn't understand my vision, problems that felt like mountains at the time, and self-doubt that seemed so deeply rooted. But now, I find myself stepping over those very obstacles with a confidence that I had to fight to earn.

The Journey Through the Rough Patches

It wasn’t always easy, though. For years, I let other people’s opinions dictate how I saw myself. I placed so much value in their validation that I began to question my own worth when it wasn’t readily given. When people tried to dim my light, I’d shrink back, afraid that shining too brightly would push them away or make them uncomfortable. I let negative voices plant seeds of doubt, which then blossomed into fears that held me back in my work and my personal life.

And it wasn’t just people. Problems—small issues that felt like colossal barriers—would trip me up, leaving me stuck and questioning my direction. I allowed them to halt my progress, losing sight of the bigger picture because I was so focused on what was immediately in front of me. I saw challenges as insurmountable walls rather than stepping stones.

How I Started Stepping Over Obstacles

So, what changed? Growth. Pain. Resilience. There comes a point in life where you realize that the very things that are tripping you up are just tests, and you have the power to either let them knock you down or step over them like the minor obstacles they are. I decided to rise.

I began by shifting my mindset. I had to realize that the opinions of others only carry as much weight as I allow them to. Instead of seeking validation from others, I started to trust my own voice. The negative voices—whether external or internal—don’t control me anymore. I’ve silenced them by listening to what truly matters: my purpose.

When it came to the problems that used to trip me up, I learned to approach them differently. Instead of seeing them as setbacks, I started seeing them as opportunities for growth. I began asking myself, “What can I learn from this? How can this make me better, stronger, more prepared for the next step?” I stopped giving my energy to things and people that weren’t aligned with my journey. I stopped overthinking every hurdle, and instead, took action. With every step forward, I gained more clarity and momentum.

Choosing the Higher Ground

What I've realized is that when you stop tripping over problems and people, you regain your power. No longer do you let petty situations or people’s perceptions dictate your path. Instead, you walk your path, unbothered, because you understand that stepping over these things is a choice. It's choosing the higher ground every time. It's recognizing that not everything or everyone deserves a reaction or even a second thought.

This journey has taught me that life will always have obstacles, but the way I handle them defines how I move forward. Some people and problems are simply distractions, sent to see if I’ll lose focus on what I’m building. But now, instead of stumbling, I step over them with purpose and grace.

Empowering Myself—and Others

For anyone who feels like they're constantly tripping over the same obstacles, remember that the power to step over them has been within you all along. It’s about setting boundaries, practicing self-love, and realizing that not every challenge is worth your energy. You don’t have to fight every battle or engage with every detractor. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is walk away, step over, and keep moving forward.

Today, I walk with a sense of peace that I’ve earned. I am no longer giving my power away to people or problems that aren't meant to stay. I’m focused on my vision, my goals, and my growth. And as I continue to step over the things that used to trip me up, I find myself walking with more confidence, more joy, and more freedom than I ever thought possible.

So here’s to all of us who are choosing to rise above—who are stepping over, not stumbling on, the obstacles that used to hold us back. Keep stepping forward. The view from up here is so much better.

— Ashleigh Pandora Montford