Sometimes, others see your magic before you do.

This post is inspired by a snippet of insight I received working on GrandValli and talking with my friend Felix Guillen, who's a music producer and who's stage name is Falling Castles. During our chat he spoke about how as an artist, sometimes it is the people around you that help you to identify your sound. It made me thing of the bigger idea of how the people around you can see the talents or skills you have that you may not even believe in. Sometimes it is what people see in you that serve as potential direction.

As I bet on myself and navigate this journey of growth and self-discovery, I’ve found something powerful: people around you can recognize your gifts long before you do. I’ve recently been reminded of this through conversations with those I respect.

Two old professors pointed out things about me I hadn’t fully embraced. One mentioned, “You have a voice, and you need to use it,” and the other said, “A 9-5 doesn’t suit you. You’re a creator with an entrepreneurial spirit.” A friend also shared, “You have so much wisdom, and you connect with people in a way that’s rare.” These comments, which were once just words, have slowly started to sink in, helping me see the magic I’ve struggled to accept in myself.

It’s funny how feedback—whether it’s praise, criticism, or simply recognition—can often fall on deaf ears until we’re ready to hear it. I didn’t fully understand or value these compliments at first. But now, as I’m opening up and leaning into the idea that maybe I have more potential than I believed, I realize how others can help us see parts of ourselves we’ve been blind to.

But here’s the catch: As much as others can inspire us, guide us, and reflect our strengths back to us, it’s crucial to learn to trust ourselves. The real challenge is not just listening to those around you, but also finding that balance between external validation and internal confidence. It’s about trusting your instincts while letting others show you new perspectives.

For so long, I’ve been caught in people-pleasing, doing what I thought was expected of me, and ultimately shrinking myself to fit into a mold that wasn’t mine. But now, I’m learning that the key to growth is doing the things that feel right to me, even if they challenge my comfort zone. I’m learning to take up space, take chances, and pursue what truly excites me.

I’ve realized that we often sell ourselves short, staying small because we’re afraid of stepping into the fullness of who we are. But if we take the time to listen to others and to ourselves, we begin to uncover parts of ourselves that have always been there, waiting to be acknowledged.

So here’s my challenge for you: Pay attention to what others see in you. You might be surprised by the magic that’s already within you—magic that’s just waiting to be embraced. And at the same time, trust yourself. The more you lean into your own instincts, the more you’ll discover about who you are and who you’re capable of becoming.

Don’t wait for the world to show you the way—take the leap and trust your path.