I just broke up with a client, mama.

It was a big deal, because I love this client. I’m passionate about the mission. I believe in what they do. I want them to be a huge success.

And all of that meant that I absolutely had to end the relationship.

I’m no longer in a position where I can put in the time and attention the client deserves. They needed my help on projects I didn’t have the time to do the right way. I couldn’t in good faith take on the work when I had no idea how to fit it into my schedule.

I knew a different freelancer could serve this client better than I could.

It wasn’t easy to accept that reality. My head got it, but my heart was aching — and my stomach was a mess. I didn’t want to destroy the relationship. I didn’t want to let down the client. I didn’t want to walk away from something that had meant so much to me for so long.

But I knew that I couldn’t become the next version of myself if I stayed stuck in the same place.

I see a lot of Free Mamas start out with a client or two while still managing the day job. And then they get to the place where I was — where it’s time to walk away from the 9-5 and go all in on being a Free Mama. They know it in their heads — but the heart. And the stomach.

Sometimes, you have to let go of something good — something you love, something that matters to you — because it’s holding you back from hitting the next level.

If you stay at your job, you can’t sign on the client who needs you for more hours. You can’t take on the role you really want. You can’t get to where you want to be.

If I kept working for this client, I wouldn’t be able to take my business to the places I’m dreaming about. I wouldn’t be able to show up for you the way I want to.

So we had to break up.

It was hard. I did it with love and great respect — but the break had to be clean. I had to fight my instinct to stay in constant touch. I had to hold back from offering to meet up several times in the near future.

It wouldn’t be fair to the client or to me if I broke up, but still wanted to be “in a relationship” with them. That doesn’t mean I’ve blocked them and torn up all our pictures. I can remember the great times. I can be genuinely happy to see them when we run into each other. But I’m not showing up for a booty call. (Mama, have I completely overdone this metaphor?)

Maybe you have a client you started with who’s not right for you anymore — or maybe it’s time for you to leave the 9-5 behind.

It’s hard — wrenching, even. It really can feel like you’re ending a significant relationship. But the same way you gave up nights out on the town for the joy of snuggling a 2-year-old, you can walk away from the relationships that don’t give you what you need so that you can have the things you want.

You’re strong enough, Mama.

And it’s time to step into the newest, best version of yourself.