Blog Post Seventeen - “Letting Go of Moldy Cheese”
Someone—perhaps a friend at the time, an enemy, or maybe just a stranger now—once handed me a book at my doorstep: Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, M.D., the #1 best-seller touted as the world’s most popular management guide. Why did they give me this book? Was it out of pity? Inspiration? Encouragement? Love?
As I stood there, holding the book in my hands, I couldn’t quite place the reason behind the gesture. Yet, curiosity won. I embraced the gift, set everything aside, and dedicated two days to immersing myself in its pages. Little did I know, those pages would change my perspective—and perhaps, my life.
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson is a motivational tale about navigating change with resilience and adaptability, but for me, it became so much more than that. This book found its way into my life at a time when I was healing from heartbreak, finding myself again, and finally setting boundaries with those who had hurt me. As I turned each page, it felt less like a story and more like a mirror—reflecting the changes I needed to make in my own life.
The story follows four characters—two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two little people, Hem and Haw—who live in a maze and search for cheese, which symbolizes their goals and happiness. When their cheese runs out, each character reacts differently: Sniff and Scurry adapt quickly and move on, while Hem resists, and Haw learns to let go of fear and take a leap forward. Was this book sent to me as a message, expecting me to react? Yes—but not in the way the giver intended.
Ironically, the person who handed me this book hoped it would convince me to give our relationship another chance by changing our behavior. But instead, it gave me the clarity I needed to finally cut ties and move on. If you’re reading this, thank you for the book—truly. It served as a powerful reminder that staying in "Cheese Station C"—waiting for a love that didn’t meet my standards, a love that hurt me, made me question my worth, and never encouraged my growth—was no longer an option. Change was needed on both ends, yes I agree, but I refused to sit around hoping for someone else to grow while neglecting my own happiness and peace.
Like Sniff and Scurry, I chose to leave the old, moldy cheese behind. I let go of what wasn’t serving me, what was holding me back, and started searching for new, better opportunities that align with my worth and protect my peace. The old cheese kept me stuck, but why? Fear of change. Fear of the unknown. Fear that I wouldn’t find new cheese. It was comforting to believe that having any cheese, even moldy cheese, was better than having none at all… Right? But I disagree. I’d rather search a lifetime for the right cheese than settle for the wrong one—or none at all. This book reminded me that success, growth, and love all exist beyond our comfort zones. Moving on is uncomfortable, yes, but it is the best decision I have made. Now, I’m on my way to finding my “new cheese,” and I’ve never felt more empowered.
These past few months have been about reclaiming my happiness, embracing the unknown, and trusting that what lies ahead will be far better than what I’ve left behind. I’ve learned that protecting my peace during times of change is essential to staying grounded and maintaining clarity about my standards, boundaries, and priorities. I stood in my station for far too long, hoping my “brand-new cheese” would return and finally deliver the flavor it had promised me. But time and time again, I was met with disappointment—a lack of effort, a lack of growth, and a lack of determination. No more waiting around.
To anyone still stuck in their own "Cheese Station C," consider this your sign: let go and move forward. Your new cheese is out there, waiting to be found.
Give this book a read, and go find your new cheese!
