There are seasons when it feels like nothing is moving forward.

My inner critic sounded strangely wise, almost protective—like it was guarding me against embarrassment or disappointment. But in reality, it was doing the opposite. It was shrinking my world. It was shaping my decisions out of fear, not trust. It was pulling me back toward an orphan mindset.

Neon-lit streets of a bustling nighttime district in Tokyo, capturing the vibrant energy and colorful signs as people walk through the...