When Boundaries Are Tested: Holding the Line When It’s Hard Because sometimes, “No” is a full sentence… even when it’s whispered through clenched teeth. Let’s talk about that moment when you’ve clearly drawn the line—and someone tries to tap dance all over it. You know the one: You’ve told a friend, “I’m not available to... Continue Reading →
Week 20: How I’ve Built a Life That Reflects My True Values
How I’ve Built a Life That Reflects My True Values: Aligned, Caffeinated, and Content There was a time when my calendar was full, but my heart felt empty. I was busy, yes—but not with the things that truly mattered to me. Somewhere along the way, I had adopted someone else’s idea of success, and my... Continue Reading →
Week 19: The Power of Saying Yes to Myself
The Power of Saying Yes to Myself: Prioritizing Myself Without the Guilt There was a time when saying “yes” to myself felt like a betrayal to everyone else. If someone needed help, I was there. If someone needed something last-minute, I’d drop everything. If plans didn’t work for me, I’d still say yes—because saying “no”... Continue Reading →
Week 18: Learning to Take Up Space
Learning to Take Up Space: One Awkward Step at a Time There was a time when my idea of "taking up space" meant making myself as small, quiet, and unnoticeable as possible. If I could have tucked myself into a pocket or blended into a wallpaper pattern, believe me, I would have. Speaking up? Asking... Continue Reading →
Week 17: How I Celebrate Myself
How I Celebrate Myself (Without Feeling Guilty About It) There was a time when celebrating myself felt...wrong. Like, who did I think I was to throw an internal party just because I said no to something that drained me? Or because I finally kept a boundary without apologizing six times after? That, my friends, is... Continue Reading →
Week 16: How I’ve Repaired Relationships Impacted by Codependency
How I’ve Repaired Relationships Impacted by Codependency (And a Few I Had to Peacefully Let Go) If codependency were an Olympic sport, I would’ve medaled in the early 2000s. Back then, I thought being the “fixer” of every emotional emergency was just what strong, loving people do. Turns out, it was just me subconsciously clinging... Continue Reading →
Week 15: The Role of Trust in My Healing
The Role of Trust in My Healing: Or How I Learned to Stop Side-Eyeing Myself There was a moment (okay, many moments) when I realized I didn’t really trust myself. Not with decisions, not with people, and definitely not with online shopping past 9 p.m. Healing was happening, slowly, but trust? That felt like assembling... Continue Reading →
Reflection
Reflecting on the person I once was compared to who I am today fills me with immense pride. I look back and see someone who did the work, faced the challenges head-on, and persevered through moments of doubt. She learned from every experience, embraced growth, and embraced change. Now, she exudes confidence, takes pride in... Continue Reading →
Week 14: Loving Without Losing Myself
Loving Without Losing Myself: A Delicate Dance There was a time when I thought love meant saying yes to everything, being available 24/7, and bending myself into a human pretzel to meet everyone else’s needs. You know what I mean, don't you? Spoiler alert: That didn’t end well. Turns out, that’s not love—it’s self-abandonment, self-neglect,... Continue Reading →
When Petty Isn’t So Petty: Finding Strength in Everyday Struggles
A couple of weeks ago, I shared a post about how I stay grounded during stressful situations. I didn’t think much of it at the time—it was just me being honest, hoping maybe it would resonate with someone else. But not long after, a comment came through on one of the platforms I post on... Continue Reading →
Week 13: How I’ve Redefined My Role in Relationships
Confessions of a Recovering People-Pleaser: My Hilarious Journey to Healthy Relationships Once upon a time, in a land not so far away (okay, my own life), I was the Queen of Codependency. My royal duties included rescuing distressed citizens (a.k.a. significant others, friends, coworkers, and the occasional lost puppy), fixing problems that were never mine... Continue Reading →
Week 12: Releasing the Need for Approval
Releasing the Need for Approval: Reflect on moments where you’ve let go of external validation. My Ongoing Battle with People-Pleasing Rehab There was a time when a side-eye from a stranger could send me into an existential crisis. Did I say something wrong? Did I wear the wrong shoes? Am I radiating "bad person" energy?... Continue Reading →