I used to post for male attention—and I’m not ashamed to admit that. But over time, I realized the validation I was chasing didn’t equal respect, safety, or self-worth. This is the story of how I stopped performing and started posting for me.

I don’t romanticize the future because I hate the present. I do it because my imagination saved me. Because hope kept me going. And because I know I’m meant to build a life that feels nothing like the one I had to survive.

I used to think status meant safety. That if a man had money, influence, or fame, he’d treat you better. I’ve learned the hard way that’s not true. Blocking the NFL player who tried to fly me out was my reminder that power doesn’t excuse red flags—and walking away is the real flex.