The Unbound Letter is a weekly reflection for people who are ready to release fear, obligation, and outdated identities so they can live with greater confidence, freedom, and purpose.
I'm Happy I Showed Up
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Becoming Unbound™ with Dr. Nakiba Starr
The Unbound LetterA weekly letter for people doing the work
Dear Unbound Friend,
Yesterday, my family in the States buried my uncle. I wasn't there, and this week I felt disjointed, disconnected — like I was just going through the motions. I wanted to be there, but I couldn't, for many reasons. I also had things going on that took up my mental energy. Luckily for me, I'd already scheduled my videos to be posted — so that was one less thing I had to do. But as I got closer to the end of the week, I began to see I had taken no break. I felt like I was just going, with no end in sight. Then I had to pause and take a break. It wasn't spent on anything but the things that pour into my future. I did the thing I wanted to do. But I realized I'm in mourning, and I couldn't be in more than one place at a time. I was where I was needed.
"As that week ends and a new week begins,
I realized it's okay to give myself a break. It's okay to be real with me."
"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." — Psalm 34:18, KJV Many of the things I was fighting did require my presence. The Photo I'd ForgottenI Can't Lose Sight of My WhyI realized that I can't forget or lose sight of my why. Before I moved to Japan, I got to see family and spend time with family. I didn't realize I had taken a photo with my uncle until I found it again this week. It was taken at my grandmother's party — he was her oldest son. We didn't speak much in that moment. But we both knew we loved each other. So, to be honest — I don't have the words to fully say this. But I just know: we have to show up. In showing up for ourselves, we are showing up for others. It may not always make sense in the moment. But this week, I'm deeply grateful for the times I chose to show up. What I RememberEven If It's For a DayI recall my daughter telling me, back in April 2022, that I should go — even if it were only for a day. I don't remember the long drive. I don't remember much of that trip at all. But I remember driving with my brother and my daughter. I remember the looks on my family's faces and the joy I felt being in everyone's presence who was there. Being the oldest grandchild I felt happy to have been able to make it. I have those memories. And I have the videos, the photos. We get to cherish the moments.
I didn't know that was the last time
I would see my uncle. I'm happy I showed up. So this week, I'm giving myself permission to show up exactly as I am — not in perfection, but in authenticity. This week's question — for you, and for me: Who could you show up for this week —
even if it's just for a moment? You don't have to have the words. You just have to show up. In showing up for ourselves,
Ready to Begin?
If this letter met you where you are, I'd love to invite you to begin the Unbound Reset™ — a free 7-day guided experience designed to help you release what no longer serves you and realign with who you are becoming. |
Unbound with Dr. Nakiba
The Unbound Letter is a weekly reflection for people who are ready to release fear, obligation, and outdated identities so they can live with greater confidence, freedom, and purpose.
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