I didn’t have to settle when we chose our apartment. And that feels significant.

I knew exactly what I wanted. A two-bedroom. High-end finishes. Matte black details specifically. An island where we could place barstools. A refrigerator with ice and water on the outside. And most importantly to me? A balcony.

As we toured different apartments, I found myself visualizing my life in each one. Cooking in the kitchen. Sitting on the balcony. Walking through the rooms like they were already mine. Each place we viewed was upscale each one nicer than the last. And surprisingly, I felt like I belonged in every single one.

There was a time when I didn’t believe I could live in a place like that. It felt like a distant, hopeful dream. Something other people experienced. Not me. But somewhere along the way, my mindset shifted. I realized there’s nothing wrong with wanting the best for yourself.

The key is this you still have to be doing something. You still have to move. Work. Grow. Position yourself. Things don’t just fall into your lap. But when preparation meets opportunity? You don’t have to shrink back.

Now, I’m not ashamed of desiring quality. I’m not embarrassed by wanting excellence. I don’t apologize for expecting more.

I don’t settle anymore.