Find the people who knew the old you and still cheer for the new one. Keep them close.

Some people only recognize the version of you they met first, and any change reads to them as a betrayal. Others hold both versions at once, remember where you came from, and are genuinely glad about where you are going. That second kind is rare and easy to take for granted. They give you history without holding you to it.

Think of who texted you after the thing you were proud of and meant it. Tell one of them specifically what their support has been worth. Then protect the time you spend with them the way you would protect anything scarce.