Choosing You, Forever: Lessons from Netflix’s Newest Mini-Series for Today’s Professionals
The recently released Netflix mini-series Forever is not just a teen love story—it’s a mirror reflecting back some hard truths and timely reminders for professionals of all ages. At the heart of the show is one undeniable message: choose yourself.
In this blog, I’m reflecting on three major takeaways from Forever that deeply resonated with me, and I believe they’ll resonate with you too—especially if you’ve ever felt stuck between societal expectations and your own dreams.
Mara Brock Akil brilliantly speaks to the teen in all of us. She reminds us that while the world may throw challenges our way, love—real love—includes nurturing our wildest dreams. So let’s talk about how the characters in Forever modeled what it looks like to center yourself, trust your vision, and step boldly into your own design.
Find Your Path
Justin Edwards (played by Michael Cooper Jr.) powerfully represents what happens when we internalize the expectations of others. He carried the weight of his parents' dreams, his coach’s demands, and his girlfriend Kiesha’s needs—all while navigating his own “superpower” of ADHD.
Yes, Justin was good at basketball (an external expectation), but his heart was in music—his real dream. Eventually, he stood at a crossroads: live for others, or live for himself. He realized that one path meant abandoning his true self.
Sound familiar? Many professionals carry the burden of fulfilling roles that don’t align with who they truly are. But like Justin, when we pause to define what excites us, what makes us feel safe, and what brings us joy, we can begin forging a path that feels right. And guess what? When Justin did that, everything started aligning. (But don’t worry—I won’t spoil the details!)
Make Your Plan And Don’t Bend
Kiesha Clark (played by Lovie Simone) delivered a moment that made me yell at the screen: “Yup—she said what she said!”
She had a plan. A real one. And though others didn’t fully understand it, she had her why—and that was all that mattered. If you’ve followed my blogs, podcasts, or attended my masterclasses, you know how much I stress the importance of knowing your why. It’s not just a catchy phrase—it’s the soul of your plan. Kiesha’s vision centered around herself, and that’s the key. Your plans—career or personal—must be anchored in who you are, not in what others expect from you.
And if you’re still figuring that out? That’s okay. Take time, like Justin did. Explore. Reflect. Because once you’re clear, you can walk confidently in your purpose. When others question it, regardless of whether they are a big-time Nike trainer or seasoned CEO mogul, give them Kiesha energy—bold, unwavering, and self-assured.
Letting Go To Make Room
Whew. This one hit deep.
One of the most poignant takeaways from Forever is the idea that sometimes, we must separate to grow. Justin and Kiesha realized that their growing co-dependency was stalling their individual growth. They loved each other deeply—but the next phase of their journey required space, reflection, and solitude.
As Black and Brown women navigating workplaces and systems not built for us, we often cling to roles, habits, or environments that once supported us but are now holding us back. Sometimes, success means pivoting, letting go, or saying no to what once served us so we can evolve into who we’re becoming.
Letting go isn’t failure—it’s transformation. And yes, like my grandfather used to say: if it’s real, it will come back around. But what’s most important is loving yourself enough to make room for your growth. The past you will thank the future you for showing up.
In Conclusion: Forever Is for Us
Forever was made for us—millennials and professionals navigating the tension between old constructs and new ways of being. It's a call to release outdated rules: staying quiet, following systems built to break us, or dimming our brilliance just to fit in. Success today doesn’t live there anymore.
It lives in self-alignment. In purpose. In clarity. In love—especially the love you show yourself. As we continue navigating the twists and turns of life, let’s remember to choose ourselves, love ourselves, and stay rooted in who we are, forever.
