Alli MacDonald

08/20/2026

07/30/2026

Since leaving my last role, I’ve had a hard time celebrating myself. Especially the achievements that were tied to that role.

It almost feels like they don’t count. As if me leaving the position knocks them off my roster.

Part of that is because my life looks very different now.

I’m not sharing every win online. I’m not receiving the same level of feedback or validation that used to come with my work. And if I’m being honest, that adjustment hurt more than I expected.

I lost support from some people I thought would be in my corner. Not in a blind support type of way, but a “I’m still rooting for you” way. Boy was I wrong 😂 And at the time, that felt really personal.

But with some distance, I actually don’t think it’s a bad thing. It taught me how much of my confidence had become tied to external validation.

And that’s forcing me to learn a different skill: believing in myself when no one else is handing me proof.

Because the truth is, the title didn’t accomplish those things. I did.

The role gave me an opportunity, but I’m the one who built the skills, solved the problems, led the conversations, and stood in front of rooms full of people.

So when imposter syndrome starts whispering (or someone tries to say I was never a real leader 🤭), I try to come back to the evidence.

I’ve been that bitch. I am that bitch. And to think, I almost forgot?

Maybe confidence isn’t convincing yourself you’re capable. Maybe it’s remembering that you always were.

07/19/2026

Camera roll lately ✨

07/15/2026

I’ve been sitting on this thought for a long time.

I see it all the time on this app:

“The cost of community is inconvenience.”

And it’s not that I completely disagree. I will absolutely inconvenience myself for the people I love. I have. And they have returned the favor. That balanced dynamic continues, and I’m eternally grateful.

But I would never put the expectation on my friends that they have to show up 100% of the time. And I would hope they wouldn’t put that expectation on me either.

The drive is too far? Heard. You had another commitment and you’re too tired? I get it. You don’t feel like it anymore? Valid. You don’t need to explain any further.

I don’t think real community is built on proving yourself through constant sacrifice. It’s built on trust. Trusting that the people you love know their own capacity and are doing the best they can.

As a recovering people pleaser, I’ve spent plenty of time pouring from an empty cup because I thought saying no made me a bad friend. It doesn’t.

I show up when I have the energy to genuinely be present. If that’s not enough, then maybe we’re just not the right fit for each other.

My energy is a privilege, not an expectation.

07/09/2026

Ive been finding so much peace in this lately

07/03/2026

Do we still post just selfies???? Asking for a friend