Never Just the Goal

It started as a spark
a whisper of “What if?”
written on sticky notes,
hiding between meetings,
waiting for the right moment.

But the goal was never just the goal.
It was who I’d have to become
to reach it.

Early mornings.
Late-night doubt.
Failing forward.
Starting over.

It was messy.
But it was mine.

And now that I’m here
I don’t just celebrate the win.
I honour the work.
The mindset shift.
The days I showed up
when no one was clapping.

Because I didn’t just meet the goal
I met myself in the process.

And that…
was the real victory.