You know that feeling when you're supposed to be grateful just to be at the table but you're still holding your breath, hoping things don’t fall apart? If you’ve ever felt voiceless or powerless in high-stress situations, this one’s for you.

Last week, I shared how my son had a medical incident while driving my car. He’s okay now (thankfully), but the event totaled my vehicle and left me with that familiar, gut-sinking dread about replacing it.

Car buying has never been fun for me. It’s always felt like walking a tightrope. Waiting for credit approval. Worrying the numbers wouldn’t work. Settling for “whatever runs” because I needed something, anything, to get by.

But this time?

Something in me snapped and said, “Not this time.”

All the internal work I’ve done as a business owner—the boundaries, the self-trust, the clarity—spilled into that dealership like a quiet superpower.

I researched the cars I wanted.

Made a cheat sheet (thanks, ChatGPT 💡).

Included pros, cons, KBB value, and negotiation points.

Printed it out. Brought it with me.

And reminded myself: I am allowed to ask for what I want...and walk away if I don’t get it.

I expected a battle.

What I got was respect.

They met my number. I got the car. I left with confidence.

And for once, not just because I had a vehicle but because I had claimed my power.

So… why am I telling you this?

Because it’s not just about car dealerships.

It’s about every area where we’ve been taught to shrink ourselves, question our worth, or hope someone else gives us a break.

You’re allowed to be prepared.

You’re allowed to want more.

You’re allowed to walk away.

And when you do?

You don’t just get the car.

You get yourself back.

🚙 Here's to unapologetically driving your own story,

💼 Thinking About a Fresh Start?

If reclaiming your power has you rethinking how you spend your time (and who you’re doing it for), you’re not alone.

Maria Refanidou shared this after taking my Work From Home as a Virtual Assistant course on Udemy:

"This course is amazing! Tina Marie has this natural flow in her speech, so she can help me organize and guard my thoughts through the beginning of my new era!"

Whether you’re starting fresh or reshaping your path, this course walks you through the real-deal steps to build flexible, paid-from-home work without the chaos or fluff. If you’ve ever wondered whether you could make your work-life work differently—this is a powerful place to start.

👉 Check out the course on Udemy

✉️ Know Someone Who Needs This?

If this Shift Note made you pause, nod, or whisper “yep, that’s me”… chances are someone in your circle needs it too.

✨ Forward it to a friend who’s done settling.

✨ Or share it on social like a quiet mic drop.

Either way, you’re helping someone reclaim a little more power today. That’s a kind of magic all its own. 💌

🖋 Why You’re Receiving This

You’re getting Shift Notes because you signed up to hear from me—Tina Marie Hilton—about meaningful work, running a business on your terms and finding your way back to clarity, creativity, and calm (without selling your soul or burning out in the process).

If your inbox is feeling full or your season is shifting, you can unsubscribe anytime—but I’ll be a little sad to see you go.