Peace Over Popularity
The hustle culture we're all caught up in is borderline toxic. I'm not talking about hustle as in working to build a legacy or get the right things done with healthy time management. I'm talking about the hustle and bustle of the unnecessary pressure of being something, and somewhere that isn't in alignment with who and what God called you to be and do. Three months of stepping back and I'm feeling the characteristics of a stressed, aggressive, and supercharged woman slowly melt away. I feel lighter, I smile more, I sleep better, and I have more emotional capacity to be the wife, mom, and friend I know I can be. Now that I've let go, I have the space and room to grow.
It hasn't been easy because I've had to rewire my brain's way of thinking, aka Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP).
Rewire 5 years of toxic hustle culture.
Rewire 3.5 years of having nanny support.
Rewire working from 10am-3pm, cooking dinner from 4-6pm, and working again from 8-10pm, either networking or on the computer.
Rewire working out at 5am.
Rewiring your brain is one of the hardest things to do. In the beginning, it takes a lot of energy because you're controlling your initial reactions and responses to everyday life. That is why people stay stuck in unhelpful behavioral and thought patterns until something extreme happens and forces them to change. Through prayer, studying the word, pursuing the Spirit, and constantly doing a body check using key techniques from NLP, I've overcome the tendency of wasting energy on things that do not matter in the season of life I am in and using that energy for what really matters and keeps me aligned and ultimately creates a flow of momentum.
Of course, obedience comes with a cost, and I've had to sacrifice my work and my social presence to maintain the solid foundation of our family. Now this poses a question I have for all of you: How likely are you to sacrifice your wellness to stay relevant? Your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness?
If you are likely to sacrifice peace for popularity, here are 3 reasons why I have not:
Whole, home-cooked meals over convenience and chaos — because what I put on our table impacts everything from our mood to our mindset.
I don't post about what I'm doing anymore because what I'm doing requires all of me—being present, persistent, and fully committed to my walk with God. Moving without nanny support taught me that I cannot do it all, and I'm not going to try.
Now I'm grocery shopping on Saturdays and meal prepping ALL day on Sundays so we have whole-food meals aligned with my menstrual cycle. This supports me while I support my family.
I cannot sacrifice my well-being to stay relevant to strangers. I cannot sacrifice my time with my kids for content. I am focused on the non-negotiable pillars of wellness in my life: Faith, Family, Food, and Fitness.
Protecting my energy and nervous system — I choose environments, conversations, and commitments that feel aligned, not performative.
I think you've gathered that I don't have much to give, but when I do, it's intentional.
It's for a good cause, it contributes to God's Kingdom, or it's to aid in the unlocking of one's destiny, like being a health coach.
I don't have the time to put myself in unnecessary spaces that aren't elevating me. How many events have we gone to that equate to nothing but the debt of our time? How many conversations do we engage in that bring negativity into our lives? And dammit, why are we so overcommitted?
I'm done performing, and I'm done sacrificing my wellness to check a box or to show face. There's a difference in actually investing your time and energy into a person, place, or thing that is deserving and meaningful, but those empty exchanges and meaningless chatter are a big NO for me.
Movement as a lifestyle, not a performance — I don't chase extreme workouts or trends, I stay consistent with what actually supports my body.
Movement has been a major adjustment for me in this season.
With limited time and our mornings starting an hour earlier, I don't have that 5am-6:30am time to myself anymore. Occasionally, I'll get the green light from my husband to take a 6 am pilates class, but now my workouts are happening after school drop-off.
I'm at this point where exercise is all about monitoring which zone I'm in for heart health and muscle building, and then also training specifically to support my cycle. Because if I overdo it during my luteal/menstrual phase, the rest of my day is a wash of low energy and insensitive impatience.
This is exactly why I coach the way I do. I'm not chasing trends or adopting what's popular to impress followers. I'm living what I teach—showing up consistently for myself so I can authentically show up for my clients. Pilates has become my new favorite thing. I'm not getting in as much cardio as I'd like to, so there's still room for improvement, but I feel great, I look amazing, and I consistently show up for myself.
The Real Message: Alignment Creates Momentum
Here's what I want you to understand: We are all on the same clock. When you take care of the main things—your faith, your family, your health, your peace—everything becomes aligned with God's design. He uses the universe to create momentum, blessing you with abundance, clarity, and prosperity. Not the other way around.
You don't have to sacrifice your wellness for relevance. You don't have to choose between peace and success. In fact, the most powerful thing you can do is choose yourself—choose alignment, choose obedience, choose the life God called you to live. That's when the real blessings flow.
What's Next for Balcony People?
I'm working on something exciting, and I can't wait to share it with you soon. But first, I want to stay connected with you in a way that feels authentic and intentional—not performative ;)
Here's how we can stay in alignment together:
Join my email list — This is where I share real conversations, insights, and updates without the noise of social media. Sign up here
Opening my books (SOON) — I’ll be accepting new clients again and sharing all the details about memberships and one-time calls so you can book what works best for you.
New digital products coming — I'm creating curated resources—from nutrition and wellness brand recommendations. These will be available for purchase soon.
The work I'm doing right now… the REAL, behind-the-scenes work is preparing me to serve you better. And when I'm ready, I'll be here with tools, wisdom, and support that actually move the needle.
Until then, protect your peace. Choose alignment. Trust the momentum.
Much Joy,
Alex Ayodele
A Balcony Person Building a Health Legacy
