Stop the Games: How I Took Control and Elevated My Life

Life has a way of throwing challenges at us, and social media often adds layers of distraction that  can derail our focus. These distractions can easily keep us from taking the steps necessary to  empower and elevate our lives. 

I’ve fallen prey to these distractions myself, letting them hinder my progress. Even now, there are  moments when I get caught up in my thoughts, but I know I must continue moving forward, focusing  on the changes I’ve made to elevate my life.  

The first crucial step was having an honest conversation with Brandee—yes, myself. I had to face  myself in the mirror and say, “Brandee, it’s time to stop playing games and start living the life you  deserve!” It’s easy to blame others for our shortcomings, but that’s a low-functioning behavior. This  is your life—take ownership of it and set things in motion to create the changes you want. Your life is  determined by you, not by others! 

I envisioned an outline of the life I wanted, down to the smallest details—how I do my makeup, the  décor in my bedroom, even the food in my refrigerator. I knew I deserved the life I desired, no matter  what. Whether it’s a healthy bank account or a beautiful living space, I laid it all out. And it all  started with Brandee.  

Some people think change begins with others or with altering their environment, but no—it starts  with you. Write down how you want every aspect of your life to be, then begin making those  changes.  

For example, I wasn’t satisfied with where I’d been living for the past five years. I knew it was  beneath me, but as a newly single mother rebuilding my life after divorce, I focused on the  positives. I made small décor changes in my home and shifted my mindset, knowing this situation  was only temporary. I operated on a higher level, hired a life coach, and put myself in therapy. I did  the work to change old habits and ways of thinking. 

I knew I deserved not just better material things, but a better version of