If you think you're ready to start your healing journey, or you're not quite sure and looking for a sign, here’s your sign. This is the second sign that you want to feel more connected with who you are on a deep level—mind, body, and spirit—because honestly, you're tired of feeling like a stranger to yourself, right?

If you haven’t read about the first sign, you can do it here and then come back! 

Growing up, there were many things you wanted to do but were told you couldn’t, for whatever reasons. Maybe it was because there wasn't enough money, your caregiver didn't see the value in them, or you simply had no way to get there. When you grow up being told "no" to the things you want to do, or that your feelings and emotions are wrong, for example, you start to lose trust in yourself. You stop listening to your inner guidance and the voice in your heart. You stop trusting your thoughts, thinking maybe you're crazy or completely out of touch. This often leads to feeling like an empty shell of a person

If you relate, I’m sure you want to know yourself. You want to be able to trust yourself, to have that strong connection that many talk about but you can’t seem to find. You want to listen to your body, trust your gut, and listen to your instincts without feeling like a completely crazy person. Often, these issues stem from being told "no" repeatedly growing up. Even after leaving those caregiving situations, you may still struggle to make decisions for yourself–and you’re not the only one!

Today, we’re diving into a pivotal moment in your healing journey: recognizing that you’re tired of putting everyone else first. This might have felt like an eternity to reach, but you're here, and that's what matters. It’s time to celebrate this realization as it marks the beginning of a true transformation!

Many of us grew up believing we had to prioritize others to receive the love, acceptance, and support we craved. As children, we longed for our emotions to be validated, for affection through hugs, movie nights, or shared moments like reading together. When we didn’t receive these things, we observed others who did and learned that the way to get attention and care was to put others before ourselves.

This behavior can infiltrate any relationship—friends, coworkers, or family. We find ourselves without boundaries, and we do not know it. Our time isn't ours; our money isn't ours, and our space isn't ours. The hard pill to swallow? It’s us that are doing this to ourselves!

Over-explaining is not something we do consciously and could be because of a few key reasons, most of them related to deeply rooted past trauma or childhood trauma.

If you’ve gone through it or you’re a compulsive over-explainer, you definitely know how bad it feels and probably just want to stop doing it. Please come with me to learn why it happens and how to prevent it forever. 

The journey toward healing and peace requires you to be present and, if you have to join the party, you might try to enjoy it as well. If you're new to this path, explore more resources and seek the support you need. This blog is a haven for those looking for guidance and understanding, and if you’re new here, I welcome you with open arms and so much joy. Together, we can learn to embrace peace and break free from the chains of worry. Trust in yourself and the journey ahead!

Do you ever feel like it's your way or the highway all the time? If so, you may be relying on an intense need for control as a survival strategy. This is something I grappled with for a long time, often without even realizing it. My desire to control everything and everyone around me was a misguided attempt to protect my loved ones from harm but, spoiler alert: The result was far from that!

There's a significant difference between control and influence, and understanding it is a great starting point if you want to engage in more respectful dynamics. Here’s what you should know:

Motherhood, creativity, and personal growth are journeys filled with challenges and triumphs. Recently, I had the pleasure of delving into a fascinating conversation with Mitzi Ocasio, a fellow podcaster, and children's book author, who shared her profound insights on these topics. Our discussion touched on the power of storytelling, overcoming fears, and leaving a legacy that transcends generations. Now I want to share it with you!

THow many times have you told yourself, "I just need a vacation"? It's a go-to line for many of us dealing with life's stress and challenges. I’ve heard it from my clients for years. But being completely honest—a vacation isn’t a magic fix, and we both know it, right?

While vacations are awesome for a short-term break –and maybe a sexy tan– they're not solving the underlying problems that made you run away in the first place. It’s easy to blame others when things don’t change after you come back. "I took time off, I relaxed, so it’s not my fault things are still bad." Well, I hate to break it to you but, even if the initial situation that was stressing you out was not necessarily your responsibility, the aftermath after avoiding it will be. It’s actually up to everyone involved to do the hard work of addressing the root causes before it becomes an unmanageable nightmare.

Instead of running away, let's face things head-on. It might mean awkward conversations, dealing with anger or frustration, maybe even some tears. But this is how we grow and find real solutions like real, very aware and responsible adults. Avoiding problems only leads to a never-ending cycle of stress and escape and that's exhausting.

Regret often stems from wishing we could rewrite history. But what if we reframed our experiences? Instead of dwelling on the pain, we can focus on the wisdom gained. That abusive relationship wasn’t wasted time; it was an intensive crash course in self-awareness, and these are three master lessons I learned and want to share with you, in case you need them today:

· Boundaries and Self-Respect: In the crucible of mistreatment, you discover the importance of setting boundaries. You learn that love shouldn’t hurt, and that self-respect is non-negotiable. As a coach, I now guide others toward healthy boundaries, helping them find their voice without compromising their well-being.

· Empathy and Compassion: Pain cultivates empathy. When you walk through fire, empathy fuels your passion for helping others and it’s the compassion you develop that helps you advocate for yourself, for growth and forgiveness.

· Resilience and Perseverance: Life isn’t always about cruising the highest waves magnificently; it’s about recovering gracefully when you miss them. What I mean is that life throws some crazy challenges our way. Your resilience—the ability to bounce back after heartbreak—inspires. Learn that setbacks are part of the melody of life, not the end of the song.

Letting go is an act of courage and strength. It’s about releasing the things that no longer serve us, making room for growth and moving forward with purpose. This journey of release is not just about saying goodbye; it’s about opening up to new possibilities and embracing change.

It was during a leadership seminar that I had an epiphany. As I worked toward my life coach certification, I explored my emotional landscape. I paused to understand what I truly needed—for myself and my relationships. The key? Self-awareness. I began asking questions:

“What emotions am I experiencing?”

“What triggers my emotional responses?”

“How can I validate myself without relying solely on external sources?”

I learned that self-validation was the missing piece. Instead of seeking validation externally, I started filling my own cup. Here’s how:

Filling your own tank is not just about self-indulgence; it’s about self-preservation and growth. When we learn to appreciate and love ourselves, we create a wellspring of positivity that overflows into every aspect of our lives. So, start today.

In this post you’ll find some of my most powerful activities for self-celebration and reflection.

Writing a victim impact statement can be a cathartic experience. It allows you to confront your past and articulate your pain, which can be a significant step towards letting go. It’s not about forgetting or excusing what happened, but about acknowledging it and reclaiming your narrative.

After attempting to write a victim impact statement, you may find that revisiting inner child work is beneficial. It’s an ongoing process, one that can be returned to as many times as needed. Each visit can offer deeper insights and further healing.

I invite you to consider these tools as part of your healing journey. Whether it’s through writing a victim impact statement, engaging in inner child work or finding other methods that resonate with you, the goal is to move towards a place of peace and self-compassion.

Self-reliance is about having a set of tools at your disposal that you can use to manage your emotional state. It’s about being equipped to handle whatever life throws at you, without feeling dependent on external solutions. This doesn’t mean rejecting medical advice or assistance; rather, it’s about complementing it with personal strategies that enhance your ability to cope.

My toolbox is built on three foundational pillars. Let’s explore each of these and how they can empower you to manage your emotional state effectively.