05/18/2026
If I’m being honest… I think imposter syndrome is hitting me harder than I expected lately.
This dream feels SO big. Bigger when I’m standing in it alone, in my own head.
And the wild part? I haven’t any time by myself at The Cardinal until today.
Not because I don’t love it… but because I’m scared. Scared of failing. Scared of succeeding. Scared of putting my whole heart into something people can actually see.
As I sit in this beautiful kitchen, this space that somehow feels like it was made specifically for everything I’ve dreamed about for years… chef-made breakfasts, hosting people, filming recipes, wine nights, laughter, late-night conversations, women gathered around a table, family, community, comfort.
Instead of feeling confident, sometimes I just feel overwhelmed. Like… “Who am I to do this?”
But then there’s this other voice...Quiet, steady, stubborn.The one that keeps saying:
“This is exactly where you are supposed to be.”
So I’m learning that courage maybe doesn’t look like fear disappearing.
Maybe it looks like unlocking the door anyway.
Sitting in the kitchen anyway.
Trying anyway.
Building anyway.
Maybe the people who create beautiful things aren’t the fearless ones. Maybe they’re just the ones who kept going while scared. 🔥
So here’s to trusting the path, even when it feels shaky.
Here’s to becoming the person your younger self dreamed you’d be.
And here’s to believing that maybe… just maybe… you were given the dream because you were meant to carry it and fly!
The Cardinal is coming...and so is the version of me brave enough to fully step into it, even if i stumble ❤️
-Michelle
