About Us

*MVP meaning Most Valuable Player

You can build a thriving career in a big city, crush your workouts, travel the world, browse every corner bookstore, or scroll TikTok for hours — but if you don’t feel truly seen, heard, and supported by the people around you? There’s a piece of the puzzle missing.

I learned this the messy way. Picture it: me, an only child navigating the world while slowly losing both my parents through the tender years of childhood and early adulthood. I carried my multicultural identity like a passport of resilience, weaving through international studies and building a career far from home.

Along the way, I formed meaningful, heart-opening relationships—across borders, languages, and cultures—that shaped me in ways I never expected. These connections nourished my sense of self, gave me courage, and reminded me that I wasn’t truly alone, even when it felt that way.

But now, as I walk this new chapter — still juggling my 9-to-5 career while pouring my soul into building my solopreneur journey as a yoga teacher and life & career coach — I’m reminded once again of the invisible scaffolding relationships provide. In moments of doubt, transition, or straight-up burnout, it’s the friends who check in, the mentor who believes in you, or even a kind stranger’s smile that keep you anchored.

Relationships. They anchor us when we feel scattered. They push us toward our potential. They’re not just a safety net—they’re the rock we stand on when life gets stormy. Honest relationships tell us the truth we don’t always want to hear. They’re not there to complete us — they challenge, complement, and sharpen who we are.

“Good relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement, all success, all achievement in real life grows.” – Ben Stein

You Are Not Alone Out There - Remember

You might think self-growth is a solo project — journals, vision boards, silent retreats. But spoiler alert: it’s not. We’re not built to evolve in a vacuum. Humans are social animals, wired for connection—for the good, the bad, and the ugly, and inevitably intertwined. It’s a love-hate relationship, let’s be honest. Whether we like it or not, our growth is shaped through our interactions with others.

Every single interaction is an opportunity to evolve. Your irritating coworker who always has something to say? A walking masterclass in patience (been there). That best friend who texts “coffee soon?” when you’ve gone radio silent? An accountability goddess in disguise.

Here’s the thing: the biggest “HA-HA” moments rarely happen when you're alone in your thoughts. They come mid-convo, mid-conflict, or mid-laugh. Relationships reflect your beliefs, challenge your comfort zones, and light up emotional bruises you thought were long gone. They make the invisible visible.

And yes, sometimes they also test your nerves. That one comment, that passive-aggressive tone, that feeling of not being heard—it pokes at something. But instead of blaming the other person, ask yourself:

Why does this bug me so much? What part of me is reacting right now?

That irritation? That’s growth knocking. Relationships aren’t just mirrors — they’re magnifying glasses. And the good news? What gets revealed can finally be healed.

And just like a compass needs true north, you find your direction when you’re around people who challenge and uplift you. So yes, take that solo time, that me-moment. But don’t forget to come back and build something real with others.

Making Friends as an Adult: Not Just for Extroverts

Let’s get real for a second — making new friends as an adult? It’s weird. It feels a bit like dating, just without the romantic pressure (and often without the apps… unless you’re scrolling through Bumble BFF, which, yes, is a thing for making platonic connections through events and shared interests).

It’s awkward. Vulnerable. Unnatural, even. You’ve got to step outside your comfort zone, strike up conversations with strangers (about what, exactly?), and basically expose a little piece of yourself to someone who might not even remember your name.

Where do you even start?

I’ve asked myself that question many times. Whether I was studying in England or Scotland, working in France, Ireland, or Canada—I was often the “newcomer”. And while I may look confident when I walk into a room (thank you, years of practice), the truth is: I’m also an introvert. Yep, shy. Especially in unfamiliar settings.

But here’s the twist — I didn’t let that stop me. Over the years, I learned how to gently push myself toward connection. I practiced small talk (even when it felt awkward), I found ways to introduce myself with clarity and warmth being always positive and smiling to others, and I got involved in activities that naturally sparked conversation: community events with Meet Up  (a platform to find and join local groups or events based on shared interests), tango dancing, coworking spaces, volunteering, yoga classes. Let’s not forget the workplace — I’ve built some incredible, lifelong friendships through work.

Connection isn’t always easy. But with time, courage, and a little intentional effort, it can feel natural.

I remember my first months settling into university life in England. During the welcome speech, one of the teachers said something that stuck with me: “Involve yourself. Meet people. Make the most of it.”

Involve yourself.

Those two words hit me like a trigger. A simple but powerful message: just go for it. Jump in. Meet people. Try things. Yes, study hard—but don’t overlook the real magic: connecting with others. Because that’s where you truly grow. That’s where the real experience happens.

So, start by getting involved.
I know—it's easy to say "be intentional," but what about the how?
Here’s my real talk—some tried-and-tested ways I’ve personally used to build my circle, the kind of connections that actually make life richer:

• Say yes more often: That yoga class, after-work drink, or awkward BBQ? Go. You might meet someone who changes your life.
• Lead with curiosity: Ditch the boring “What do you do?” Ask something real, like “What made you smile this week?” People open up when they feel seen.
• Be a regular: Familiar faces breed connection. Your local coffee shop, gym, or co-working space can quietly become your social circle—if you show up.
• Create your own vibe: Don’t wait. Host a potluck, a game night, or a simple meetup. Shared moments build real bonds.
  
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• At the end of the day, it’s not about how many people are in your circle — it’s about who gets your weirdness, holds space for your dreams, celebrates your growth, and who you’re willing to open up to — because connection can’t bloom behind walls.
  
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Trust: The Delicate Glue That Still Needs Maintenance

Ah, trust. That magical, delicate ingredient we all crave — but so often guard like a treasure buried deep. Sometimes, in trying to protect ourselves, we build walls so thick that no one can get in — not even the people who genuinely want to care. We start pulling away, not because we don’t want connection, but because we’re afraid. Afraid of being used, misunderstood, or—worse — abused for our kindness or generosity.

But let’s be honest: that fear doesn’t appear out of nowhere. It’s often rooted in disappointment—a painful breakup, a broken friendship, betrayal, or even watching someone else go through something heartbreaking. Like resilience, self-protection becomes a reflex, one that calcifies over time. We stop giving people the benefit of the doubt. We become overly cautious, suspicious, or simply unavailable.

And while that armor may have served us once, it eventually starts to work against us. It keeps us isolated. It confirms our deepest fears —“See? It’s better to be alone.” We mistake isolation for strength. We convince ourselves that trust is weakness. That safety lies in self-sufficiency.

But that’s the trap — a quiet, clever, vicious circle. Because the very thing we need to grow, to soften, to expand — trust — is the thing we keep locked away.

Trust doesn’t mean being naive. It means being brave enough to let someone see you, knowing there’s risk — but choosing openness anyway. It’s not about handing your heart to everyone. It’s about slowly letting it breathe in safe company, while staying rooted in your own boundaries.

And yes, there will be times when you make mistakes. But other times? You'll get it wonderfully, deeply right.

Trust isn’t a guarantee — it’s a practice. You don’t build it once and hang it on the wall like a diploma. It’s more like a garden. Water it with honesty. Weed out assumptions. Give it sunshine with consistency.

But here’s the kicker: trust doesn’t always lead to lasting connection. You can deeply trust someone and still grow apart. That doesn’t mean the connection failed. It means it taught you what it was meant to.

Trust yourself to ride the ups and downs. Some people are here for a season, some for the long haul—and honestly, they all matter.

When Friendships Shake (And They Will, Trust Me)

You’re going to outgrow some people. And yes — some people are going to outgrow you too. That’s not a failure. It’s not a sign that something went wrong. It’s simply life doing what life does: evolving.

We often think of friendships fading as something dramatic — like a falling out, a betrayal, or a big misunderstanding. But sometimes, it’s way more subtle than that. It’s just change. You grow in one direction. They grow in another. You make different choices. You take different paths. It doesn’t make either of you wrong — it just makes you different.

Time passes, experiences shape us, and the people we were at 16 — or even at 30 — aren’t always who we are today. I’ve lived this through every chapter of my life. When I left my hometown in France to pursue my studies abroad, and later when I immigrated for new adventures across continents, I noticed how the fabric of my friendships began to shift.

Some childhood friendships couldn’t stretch to fit the new version of me—someone who had become increasingly “acculturated” through living abroad, learning new languages, and adopting new perspectives. We just didn’t see the world through the same lens anymore. Our values, priorities, and ways of relating had changed.

And that’s okay.

Some friendships need physical closeness to survive. Others are rooted so deeply they stretch across oceans and years. I’ve been lucky to have both. There are those rare soul friendships—some over a decade old—that remain beautifully intact. We don’t talk every day, but we show up for each other when it matters. A birthday, a baby, a spontaneous meet-up in a new city. We choose each other, over and over, despite the distance.

Growing apart doesn’t change the fact that for a long time, we grew side by side.”
– Ally Condie

Letting go of a friendship that no longer fits doesn’t mean erasing the memories. It means honouring the chapter they were part of, and giving both of you the freedom to keep growing. Mourning the end of a friendship is valid—it meant something. But clinging to something that’s no longer aligned? That can quietly stunt your growth.

So allow space. Honour the friendships that faded. Water the ones that still blossom. And trust that your people—your real people—will find ways to stay in your life if the connection is meant to last.

Keep your standards loving, not rigid. Forgive when it's safe to. Let go when it's necessary.

Love in All Its Forms: Romantic, Platonic, and Everything In Between

Not all life-changing relationships come wrapped in a love story—and thank goodness for that. Sometimes, the most transformative connections in your life have nothing to do with romance… and everything to do with friendship, mentorship, or even a beautifully random encounter on a Eurostar train zipping through the UK (true story).

We live in a society that puts romantic love on a pedestal — Hollywood, social media, even your family WhatsApp group. But let’s be real: friendships? They deserve just as much hype. Sometimes even more. A solid, soul-deep friendship can hold you together during heartbreak, career pivots, identity crises, or those “what am I even doing with my life?” moments.

In fact, a belly laugh with a friend who really gets you releases more serotonin than any swipe-right thrill could ever deliver (sorry, dating apps). And when your heart is heavy, chances are the first one to show up at your door isn’t a partner—it’s that ride-or-die friend with snacks, hugs, and no judgment.

Never underestimate the power of human connection — in any form. It doesn’t need to be clearly labeled or follow a timeline. There’s no “do you want to be my friend?” contract. Sometimes, a five-minute conversation with a stranger in a waiting room, a colleague checking in after a tough week, or a shared moment at a yoga class can be deeply meaningful. Some people enter your life quietly and leave a lifelong imprint.

Human interaction is sacred. Every exchange is a chance to learn something, to feel seen, or to see someone else more clearly.

So nurture it all. The friendships. The mentor chats. The “hey, I’m here if you need to talk” texts. Hang out a little longer. Listen more deeply. Ask better questions. Let people in—even just a little.

Because every connection you water has the potential to help you grow—and shine.

The Most Important Relationship? The One You Have With Yourself (If You Want to Truly Connect With Others)

First things first: the relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other connection in your life. Sounds a little self-centered? Maybe. But here’s the thing — you can’t build real relationships if you’re ignoring, criticizing, or lying to yourself. If you’re disconnected inside, it’s going to leak out everywhere else. People will feel it, and more often than not, they’ll mirror it right back to you.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. You can’t expect others to meet needs you won’t even admit you have.

Ask yourself:

• How do I listen to myself and honor what I need?
• How often do I show up for myself the way I wish others would?
• How am I supporting the version of me I’m becoming—not clinging to the one I used to be?
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Be real with yourself. Be patient. Treat yourself like you matter — because you do.
Connection starts inside, not outside.

I’ll be honest: I forget myself too. Life gets loud. We hustle, rush, react—and even with yoga and coaching, I sometimes disconnect from myself and others. When that happens, it’s a clear sign to pause.

Breathe. Reflect. Reset.

Because if you’re not connected to yourself, your connections with others will feel shallow too. Your body, thoughts, and emotions are sending you signals — you just need space to hear them. Not more noise, not more advice. Just you, listening to you.

So What Can You Do Differently Now?

Relationships — including the one you have with yourself— are your greatest mirrors. They reflect back your strengths, your wounds, and the parts of you still evolving. They are your toughest teachers when things feel messy, and your softest landing spots when you need comfort. They hold up a truth-telling lens that shows you the good, the bad, and the beautifully unfinished. They challenge you, support you, grow with you—and sometimes, outgrow you. They are not just part of life—they are life.

If you want to grow through connection, not just alongside it, here are a few grounding actions you can take:

• Take time for yourself - Before reaching out, slow down. Breathe. Reflect. Know yourself first—growth starts there.
• Get curious about others - Go deeper than small talk. Ask real questions. Listen to understand, not just to reply.
• Be brave enough to start - Don’t wait. Send the text, start the conversation. Small moves open real doors.
• Nurture what feels mutual - Connection needs effort. Check in. Celebrate each other. Show up without keeping score.
• Accept that some relationships fade - Not everyone is meant to stay. Honor what they brought you, and know when to let go.

I want to take a moment to honour all the relationships in my life—past, present, and those still to come. I’m deeply grateful for everything they’ve taught me and the ways they’ve shaped me. I wouldn’t be the confident person I am today without them—and for that, I’m proud and thankful.

Sab

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If you enjoyed this post, feel free to leave a comment, share it, or explore more of my blog content:

- Building Confidence : Stay Grounded, Gain Clarity, and Take Action

- How to Change Your Life Starting with Why?

As a life and career coach, I help people gain clarity, confidence, and direction—one conversation at a time.
Sometimes, a small step is all it takes to open a new path. Explore my private coaching and yoga offerings at  www.innerzestwithsab.com or visit my LinkTree.