This morning, I chose not to compromise


Elena Agafonova

Coach | Author | Happiness Explorer 🌱

Letters of Change

A weekly space for happiness, self-trust & the art of living well

Dear friend,

Let me share a small story with you.

This morning, something shifted...

Since last week, my rhythm has been shaken a bit — my son started a new job in a big corporation (a proud moment!), which means our mornings have a new beat. Early alarms. Breakfasts on a deadline. Less sleep. Less space. I noticed how quickly I started compromising with myself — skipping yoga, rushing through breakfast, squeezing in chores instead of grounding myself.

But today… I paused.

I still helped my son get ready, but then I did something different:
I chose not to rush back into the noise of the day.
Instead, I gave myself a slow morning: 30 minutes of movement, a warm bath, a real breakfast, sunlight on the balcony, a conversation with my husband, fruit, a second coffee.

And now, I feel clear. Energized. Present.
I’m here, writing to you — the first Letter of Change — with no rush, no guilt, no compromise.

This is the kind of happiness I believe in:
Not the grand goals. But the quiet, meaningful victories of choosing yourself.

Whether you found your way here through a workbook, a quiz, or a chapter of one of my books — I’m truly glad you’re here.


🟢 What you can expect from Letters of Change

Every week, I’ll send you a short letter — a blend of story, science, and soul.
You’ll find inspiration, practical tools, and gentle nudges to help you:

  • Understand yourself better
  • Build habits that feel good (not forced)
  • Explore your values, strengths, and purpose
  • Embrace change (because it’s coming anyway)
  • Grow your self-confidence
  • And most of all, nurture happiness on your terms

This series weaves together insights and practices from years of coaching, writing, and personal exploration. I’ll share reflections on finding purpose in life, discovering true vocation, navigating career pivots, cultivating self-acceptance and compassion, and growing into emotional freedom — all rooted in real stories and small, meaningful steps toward joyful change.

Inside each letter, you’ll find:

  • Stories to spark reflection or inspire
  • Practices to try
  • Prompts or questions to explore
  • Occasional bonus tools or resources

Some weeks may include a question to reflect on. Others simply offer a quiet moment — a pause, a breath, a gentle nudge toward what matters.


💌 Today’s gentle question:

Where in your life are you quietly compromising with yourself?
And what’s one small act you could reclaim — just for you?

If something comes to mind, hit reply. I’d love to hear.

Thank you for being here.
Let’s walk this path of change, gently, together.

With love,
Elena

Nino Zhvania street, 73, Tbilisi, Tbilisi 0179
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Letters of Change

Hi, I’m Elena Agafonova — Happiness & Transformation Coach, author of "The Midlife Career Pivot" and "Embrace Change Gently". Letters of Change is your quiet space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. Every Wednesday, receive one story, one insight, and one gentle prompt — a gift for the inner growth, helping you move through life’s transitions with more clarity, courage, and self-compassion. We’ll explore themes like: your pathway to happiness, finding purpose, career reinvention, building true self-confidence. These letters are not quick fixes, but invitations to listen deeply and grow forward — one honest step at a time.

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