Personal Blog

7 Days of Choosing Me (Anti-Sabotage Challenge Recap)

Last week, I shared that finding out I have a pituitary tumor completely “rocked my world.” Looking back, I believe it was the breakthrough I needed to keep making radical changes in my life.

The week before I got my diagnosis, I started a 7-day anti-sabotage challenge. The reason? I wanted to see if I could push past resistance, that moment when it feels easier to quit, and actually follow through on what I said I would do.

This post is all about what happened during those seven days: the lessons, the obstacles, and the ways I surprised myself by showing up differently.

✨ Why I Do These Challenges

These challenges are my way of pushing through the uncomfortable phase. The space where I know I need and want to change, but my old self tries to drag me back into old habits.

Growth isn’t always pretty. Sometimes it feels like a tug-of-war between who I used to be and who I’m becoming. That’s why I keep coming back to this practice, to remind myself that I can choose me, even when it’s hard.

💡 What the 7-Day Anti-Sabotage Challenge Is

The anti-sabotage challenge is something I created to help me stop getting in my own way. It’s seven days of small but intentional actions to break patterns of fear, perfectionism, and procrastination.

This was actually my third time doing it. The first time, I did a 7-day challenge and I completed it. The second time, I pushed myself to try a 14-day version… and that’s where I failed. I self-sabotaged, got in my head, and didn’t finish.

I’m sharing this because growth isn’t perfect. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and sometimes you fall off track. But this third time felt different. After my MRI breakthrough, I came into this challenge ready to face my fears — and I finished stronger than ever.

🗓 My 7-Day Anti-Sabotage Challenge Recap

DayChallengeReflection
Day 1Beat PerfectionismI started writing for my blog and stopped after just a few sentences — on purpose. It felt weird and unfinished, like a part of me wanted to keep going to “make it perfect.” But this reminded me that done is better than perfect. I distracted myself to avoid going back and over-editing — a big win for me.
Day 2Micro-Action WinsBlogging is something I tend to sabotage, but this time I actually scheduled it in my calendar and stuck to it. Even though I wanted to avoid the “hard work,” I didn’t give up on myself.
Day 3Protect Your EnergyI deleted Instagram and TikTok from my phone to stop my mindless scrolling habit. Protecting my energy meant protecting my focus.
Day 4Body ResetI went for a 25-minute walk without my phone. Being fully present and connecting with my body felt grounding and peaceful.
Day 5Radical HonestyI finally told my mom about my medical issues, including that I had gotten a brain MRI. It was hard but also freeing to say it out loud and be completely honest with her.
Day 6Release the OldAfter receiving the news that I have a pituitary tumor (check out last week’s post for more insight), I felt years of guilt leave my body. For almost 10 years, I had blamed myself for my irregular periods — and now, I finally let that go.
Day 7IntegrationResistance showed up hard each day. I wanted to scroll social media to avoid doing the work, but each time I reminded myself: we are changing. This day felt like a ceremony of saying goodbye to my old self.

🌱 What I Learned

This challenge showed me that resistance will always show up, but it doesn’t have to control me. I can feel the discomfort, do the thing anyway, and come out stronger on the other side.

Most importantly, it reminded me that every time I choose myself, even in a small way, I build trust with the new version of me I’m becoming.

🔗 What’s Next

I’m currently on FMLA for the next five weeks while I focus on my health and get answers about my medical situation. At first, I thought I needed to quit my job right away. Believe me, I was ready to plan my exit strategy. But being realistic with myself, I know I can’t afford to leave just yet, especially with the insurance coverage I need right now.

Instead of seeing this as a setback, I’m choosing to see it as a gift. Extra time to slow down, breathe, and put in the work toward building my dreams. My goal now is to use this time intentionally: to write, to create, and to lay the foundation for my blog to eventually become my brand and business.

Next week, I’ll share exactly how I’m using this time away from work to focus on my mental health, personal growth, and the creative projects that light me up. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a season of “pause” into a season of purpose, you won’t want to miss it.

The MRI That Changed Everything: Finding Out I Have a Pituitary Tumor

Woman at the beach, reflecting after receiving brain MRI results about a pituitary tumor

The day before I finished my newest anti-sabotage challenge that I shared last week, I received life-changing news.

And I’m not exaggerating when I say this: it changed me.

🧠 Two Months of Fear, Tests, and Waiting

For the past two months, I’ve been living in survival mode.

Doctor after doctor. My first mammogram. Ultrasounds. Two MRIs. One for my breast, one for my brain.

It felt like I was watching a movie of my own life from the outside.

I was here, but not here.

Dissociating every chance I could. Avoiding fear, anxiety, and all those emotions I’ve spent most of my life trying to outrun.

And then, after what felt like forever waiting for answers, I got a text message with the results.

Finally, the thing I had been waiting for what feels like most of my life.

My brain MRI showed I have a pituitary macroadenoma tumor; a type of pituitary tumor that affects hormones and emotions.

😭 The Moment Everything Hit

When I first read the report, I didn’t even know what I was looking at. It was all medical terms so of course, I did what everyone does: I Googled it.

And there it was, in black and white: pituitary tumor.

The fear hit me like a wave.

I cried.

Not just a little. I sobbed. I felt sadness, hopelessness, and exhaustion from always feeling like I’m “going through something.”

My partner was there to hold me, to be my emotional anchor. And after a while… a shift happened.

🌱 The Internal Shift After Learning About My Pituitary Tumor

For the first time in years, I finally had an answer.

I wasn’t crazy. I wasn’t broken.

This little tumor explains so many of the things I’ve been feeling. My emotional highs and lows, my hormone imbalance, my irregular periods.

For the past decade, I’ve been struggling with PCOS and irregular cycles. And every time a doctor shrugged and said, “Sometimes it just happens,” I would leave their office with a knot in my throat.

Deep down, I thought it was my fault.

When I was 23, I made the decision to have an abortion (something I’ll share more about in a future post). For years, I believed that decision “broke” me. That it was the reason I couldn’t get my period regularly. I carried that guilt and shame for over 10 years, right into my almost-35-year-old self.

But when I got my MRI results, that weight finally lifted.

I felt lighter.

My body felt free.

My mind felt at peace.

This diagnosis didn’t crush me like I thought it would. Instead, it gave me strength.

✨ What This Tumor Is Showing Me

This pituitary tumor is showing me that my body is not broken.

It is showing me that I am allowed to forgive myself.

It is teaching me that I can climb every mountain life puts in my path and not just climb, but grow stronger along the way.

It is helping me see things from a new perspective, one where fear no longer has control over me.

Right now, it is still changing me. It is helping me shed old layers of shame, helping me soften into trust, and helping me step into a new version of myself. One who is no longer afraid to be seen.

🔗 What Comes Next

This breakthrough moment is what pushed me to finish my 7-Day Anti-Sabotage Challenge and spoiler alert: it was transformative.

I also know this is just the beginning of a brand-new process. There will be more doctor visits, more tests, and probably some hard days ahead as I figure out how to treat this pituitary tumor and rebalance my hormones. But I’m ready to take on this journey with a completely different mindset. One filled with trust, courage, and hope instead of fear.

Next week, I’ll share my full 7 Days of Choosing Me recap, including the resistance that came up, the lessons I learned each day, and how this challenge is helping me plan my exit strategy from an unfulfilling job.

Because if I can face my fear of a pituitary tumor, I can face the fear of building a life I truly love.

✨ Key Takeaways

  • Your body is always speaking to you. All you got to do is listen.
  • Guilt and shame weigh more than any diagnosis.
  • Finding the root cause can be the very thing that frees you.

Setbacks, Restarts & Progress: Restarting My 7-Day Anti-Sabotage Challenge

If you’ve been following along with this series, you might have noticed something: I didn’t post last Wednesday like I said I would in my last post.

And honestly? That’s part of my story too.

The truth is, life has been super heavy lately. Between managing my health (lots of doctor visits, tests, and new treatments) and the mental/emotional weight that comes with it, I hit a wall. I felt exhausted. I self-sabotaged. And instead of showing up here like I promised, I froze.

But here’s the thing I’m learning: progress doesn’t always look like a straight line.

The Setback

I had just come off the high of completing my first 7-Day Shift Challenge. I felt focused, motivated, and proud. But then resistance crept in. I let fear, overthinking, and self-doubt talk me out of my own momentum.

For a while, I beat myself up for “falling off.” But eventually I realized.. setbacks are not the end of the story. They’re part of the process.

The Restart

So instead of quitting on myself, I created a new challenge for this week: the 7-Day Anti-Sabotage Challenge.

This one isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness. It’s about catching myself in those little moments where I tend to sabotage my own progress; whether that’s procrastinating, people-pleasing, or numbing out, and choosing something different.

Here’s what the challenge looks like:

Anti-Sabotage Challenge

Why It Matters

Because this isn’t just about a challenge. It’s about building the courage and consistency I need for the bigger leap: leaving a job that doesn’t fulfill me.

I promised myself that this time, I wouldn’t just quit out of frustration like I’ve done in the past. I’d build my exit on a foundation of savings, self-trust, and sustainable habits. Documenting these small wins (and setbacks) is my way of keeping that promise.

Moving Forward

So yes, I missed a week. Yes, I slipped into old patterns. But I also pressed reset. And that’s progress.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “behind” or you ruined your chance because you stopped showing up, please hear me: you can start again. You don’t need to wait for Monday, or the first of the month, or the perfect moment. You just have to decide today.

This is me deciding. Again.

And I’ll keep deciding, every day, until the day I finally take that leap and leave my job.. more confident, prepared, and free.

✨ Next week, I’ll share how my 7-Day Anti-Sabotage Challenge actually went—what I completed, where I struggled, and the lessons I’m taking with me as I keep building my quit plan.

How to Leave a Job You Dislike (My 7-Day Shift Challenge)

Last week, I shared Taking the Leap (But This Time, I’m Doing It Differently), the first post in my new blog series about preparing to leave a job that no longer serves me.

This week, I’m following up with something that really shifted my mindset: completing the 7-Day Shift Challenge.

If you’re feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or unsure of your next career move, this might be exactly the spark you need to start making changes and without doing anything drastic (yet).

Why I Took the 7-Day Shift Challenge

I’ve quit jobs in the past because I was unhappy, but I did it without a plan. No savings, no backup, just pure emotion. And honestly? That only created more stress later on.

This time, I’m taking a different approach. I’m building a strong foundation before I make any big decisions. The 7-Day Shift Challenge was my way of starting small, focusing on my daily habits, and proving to myself that I can commit to something consistently.

My 7-Day Shift Challenge

DayChallengeWhy It Mattered
Day 1Write a letter to my future self (6 months from now) living the life I want.Set a clear energetic blueprint for where I’m heading. I got specific about what my days look like, how I feel, and what I’ve achieved.
Day 2Say “no” to something that drains me (without guilt).Created space for things that truly matter. Saying no felt uncomfortable at first, but it was freeing.
Day 3Take action on ONE idea I’ve been sitting on.I chose to work on my blog series (this one!). It broke that feeling of being “stuck” in the planning phase.
Day 4Do one thing for my body.Went for a walk, stretched before bed, and made sure I actually rested. I can’t elevate my life if I ignore my health.
Day 5Tell someone the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable.Helped me build self-trust. It wasn’t easy, but it felt like I was honoring myself instead of people-pleasing.
Day 6Declutter my space (physical or digital).Organized my desk and cleaned up my laptop files. Clearing old clutter made me feel lighter and more focused.
Day 7Reflect.Looked back on the week and asked: What shifted? What am I proud of? What do I want more of? Reflection locked in my progress.

What I Learned

  • Discipline starts small. You don’t need to overhaul your life in one night. Start with one habit and build from there.
  • Clarity comes from action. Even small steps move you forward.
  • Boundaries are a form of self-respect. Saying no is powerful.
  • You can’t build a new life in old clutter. Letting go creates room for what’s next.

How This Ties Into My Bigger Goal

Completing the 7-Day Shift Challenge reminded me that big life changes don’t happen overnight, they happen because of consistent small steps. And if I’m serious about leaving my job one day to follow my dreams, I need to keep showing up for myself now.

What’s Next for Me

Now that I’ve completed the challenge, I’m working on:

  • A savings plan for when I eventually leave my job
  • Exploring new income streams
  • Continuing these small daily shifts so the momentum doesn’t stop

This series isn’t about reckless quitting. It’s about preparing yourself so that when you do make the leap, it’s from a place of confidence, not desperation.

If You’re Feeling Stuck Too

If you’re stuck in a job you hate, try it.

Your version of the 7-Day Shift Challenge might look different, but the point is to start now. No waiting for the right time. No needing the whole plan. Just small daily shifts to remind yourself that you’re in charge of your life.

Next week: I’m breaking down the steps I’m taking to build my “quit plan” and how I’m getting financially, mentally, and emotionally ready so that when I do make the leap, I land on my feet.

Taking the Leap (But This Time, I’m Doing It Differently)

There comes a moment when you realize that staying where you are is more painful than the fear of what comes next. And I’m standing in that moment right now.

I’ve quit jobs before.. usually out of pure frustration and emotional exhaustion. I’d wake up miserable, hate every second of the workday, and finally say, “That’s it, I’m done.” And then I’d just… leave. No plan. No savings. Just vibes. It never ended well.

This time? I’m not doing that.

This time, I’m still at the job that makes me feel unfulfilled, disconnected, and honestly… like I’m sleepwalking through my life. But I’m choosing a different approach. Instead of letting the discomfort drive me into chaos, I’m sitting with it. I’m building a plan. I’m learning to walk away on purpose, not out of panic.

It hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to face some uncomfortable truths—like the fact that I’ve spent years following a path that was never really mine. I was raised to believe that success meant doing everything “right”: go to school, get the degree, find a stable job, retire at 65. That was the dream. Only… it wasn’t mine.

Now, at 34, I feel more lost than ever. And that sense of “being behind” has eaten me alive some days. I compare myself to others, spiral into shame, and wonder what’s wrong with me. But I’m starting to see that there’s nothing wrong with me, my path just looks different. I’m not meant to fit into a box. I’m meant to create something new, on my own terms.

So why haven’t I done it yet? Honestly; Discipline. Consistency. Fear. I abandon myself the second things get hard or uncertain, I make excuses, and I settle. Then I wonder why I feel so stuck.

But I’m done blaming everyone else. The only person who can change this is me.

So here’s what I’m doing:

  • I’m making a plan.
  • I’m saving money.
  • I’m being honest with myself about what I want and what needs to change.
  • I’m rebuilding trust with myself after years of giving up too soon.
  • I’m laying the foundation before I leap, because I want this next chapter to actually work.

And I’m documenting all of it right here.

This is the start of a new series on the blog, my journey to changing my life, one week at a time. I’ll be sharing everything: the small wins, the struggles, the mindset shifts, the setbacks, and all the messy in-between. Not because I have all the answers, but because I’m finally asking the right questions.

So if you’ve ever felt stuck in a job you hate… if you feel like you’re not living in alignment with your purpose… if you’ve made impulsive choices in the past and want to do it differently this time, this space is for you too.

Let’s grow through it together.

Not perfectly. Just intentionally.

This time, we leap with a plan.

“Woman thinking about quitting her job at her computer”

Feeling Stuck & Numb: Using the Cancer New Moon to Reclaim My Purpose

🖤 Let’s Be Real: I’ve Been Feeling Disconnected

I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve been feeling like I’m just… floating.

Not in a dreamy way but more like I’m living on autopilot. I wake up, go to work, do what I have to do, go back home, then bed and repeat the next day. It’s like I’m watching my life happen from the outside, but I’m not actually in it. You ever feel that way?

There’s this quiet kind of sadness that comes with it. Not full-blown depression or anything like that, but more like a numbness. Like something’s off and dead inside me.

The truth is, I don’t feel connected to my purpose right now. Yes, I’m grateful to have a job, but the truth is… it doesn’t light me up. It doesn’t feel like “me.” I find myself daydreaming about a different kind of life one where I’m doing something that actually matters to me, where I wake up excited, where I feel alive.

But instead, I feel stuck and numb. Waiting for something to change, even though I know I’m the one who has to change it. And that’s what hurts the most.

🌑 A New Moon Ritual to Call Myself Back

Since tonight is the new moon in Cancer, the sign of home, intuition, and deep emotional healing, I’m using this energy to reconnect with myself. To start small. To remember what it feels like to actually feel again.

In astrology, new moons mark the beginning of a cycle — and this one will ripple out over the next six months.That means whatever we choose to plant right now (energetically, emotionally, or spiritually) could shape how the rest of this year unfolds.

So I’ve made a decision: I’m done waiting for clarity to find me. I’m using this new moon as my signal to move, even if it’s slow. I’m choosing to believe I’m not stuck forever. That this “funk” I’ve been in isn’t permanent. That maybe this feeling of disconnection is actually my soul nudging me toward something more aligned and fulfilling.

🌑 My Ritual Plan (With a Soft, Witchy Touch)

Here’s what I’m doing to gently work with this energy. You can follow it exactly or just pull what resonates:

🦋 Set Intentions

I sit with myself, and write down what I want to call into my life over the next six months. I write these intentions as if I already have them in my current life and I finish setting my intensions with love and gratitude.

💧 Moon Water

I fill a glass jar with water and leave it on my windowsill to charge under the moon. I whisper my intention into it before bed: “I welcome clarity, softness, and change.” The next day, I sip it slowly or use the water to make some matcha or tea.

🔥 Candle Ritual

With the candle still burning, I write down what I’m ready to release, the numbness, the overthinking, the guilt for not having it all figured out and I burn it (safely). Letting it go, quite literally.

🧘🏽‍♀️ Meditation + Breathwork

I breathe. I visualize. I give myself permission to feel again. I picture the version of me I want to become six months from now, rooted, fulfilled, free, and I invite her in.

🛍️ Soulful Tools That Support My New Moon Rituals

(Affiliate links below — I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog + my energy 💛)

🌙 Final Words

If you’ve been feeling disconnected, stuck, or just tired of faking it, know that you’re not alone. And you’re not broken.

This new moon is a chance to reset. To remember that you’re still allowed to want more. That you’re still allowed to change. And that what you set into motion tonight might be the beginning of a whole new reality, six months from now.

So give yourself grace. Give yourself permission to start over or start again.

You’re not behind. You’re exactly where you need to be.

“I Don’t Have It All Figured Out — And That’s Okay”

Let’s just get this out of the way: I don’t have it all figured out.

And you know what? I’m learning to be okay with that.

I used to think not knowing what I was doing meant I was behind, like I had missed some secret adulting memo that everyone else got. Life constantly felt like a checklist I was failing to keep up with; career, goals, purpose, passion, friends, society and family expectations. And if I didn’t have a five-year plan, I’d spiral into thinking I was doing everything wrong.

Lately though, I’ve realized that not knowing doesn’t mean I’m lost, it just means I’m living. Life doesn’t always make sense right away. It unfolds in messy, unpredictable, beautiful ways. And no, I don’t love the uncertainty. I still catch myself overthinking and panicking when things feel unclear. But I’m learning to sit with the discomfort instead of running from it.

One thing that’s been helping me is journaling. When my thoughts are loud and tangled, putting pen to paper gives me space to just be and let the emotions come out. I’ve been using this guided journal that has gentle prompts to help me reflect without overthinking. It’s been a lifesaver on really messy days.

And let me tell you, setting the vibe matters. Whenever I need to get in my zone, I’ll light incense sticks. There’s something about that grounding scent that helps me slow down and just breathe.

Some days I switch it up and use my essential oil diffuser with a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus. It helps me ease into sleep mode without even trying. No deep productivity hacks. Just softness.

Oh, and books. One that’s really stuck with me and I’m constantly re-reading it is The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest. It hits in all the right ways. Not preachy, just honest. Like having a big sister talk you through your chaos.

And of course, some nights I’m over here spiraling at 11pm scrolling on TikTok instead of sleeping. That’s when these blue light glasses come in clutch. Protect your eyes and your peace, sis.

Anyway, this whole “figuring life out” thing? I don’t think it ever really ends. But I’m trying to stop treating uncertainty like a problem to solve. I’m reminding myself that showing up, doing my best, and not quitting on myself is enough. Even when it doesn’t look “perfect or put together”.

If you’re in a similar space, figuring it out, feeling lost, unsure what the next step is, just know I see you. And you’re not behind. You’re just human.

Thanks for being here. More posts coming soon — no promises of perfection, just realness and progress. 💛

Things That Help Me When I Don’t Have It All Figured Out:

Here are a few tools and comforts that keep me grounded when life feels confusing or overwhelming. These are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog 💛

“I’m Writing Again—Here’s Why I Stopped Blogging”

It’s been a while, and here’s why I stopped blogging.

Actually, it’s been over a year since I last posted here. I never meant to stop, but the truth is… this is the real story of why I stopped blogging. Not because I didn’t care, but because I cared so much that it scared me.

For a long time, I kept telling myself I’d come back when I felt more motivated or had something “important” to say. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t the real reason why I stopped blogging. I was overwhelmed, afraid, and honestly, doubting myself more than I wanted to admit.

Writing this blog has always meant something personal. It was never about going getting recognition or being perfect. It was about expression, growth, connection. But somewhere along the way, fear crept in. Fear of not being good enough. Of failing at something that mattered to me. But mostly, fear that no one was even reading or that my words didn’t have value.

Life happened too. I returned to work after nearly eight months away, and the transition hit me harder than I expected. It felt like I was drowning in responsibilities, self-doubt, and this pressure to be productive again when I hadn’t even fully found my footing.

I told myself I didn’t have the time. Or the energy. Or the motivation.

The truth is, writing never left me. The idea of this blog lingered in the back of my mind all this time. I kept pushing it aside, waiting for the perfect moment, when I felt more focused, more disciplined, more inspired.

But that moment never came.

So here I am, writing again. Not because I finally feel “motivated” but because I had to stop letting excuses win. I had to remind myself that I started this for a reason, because I wanted to create something real. Something that felt like me.

Keeping up with the things I start has always been a struggle. I’ll be the first to admit it. And restarting feels even harder because it forces me to confront everything I’ve avoided. But I don’t want to keep quitting on myself, especially not on something that means this much to me.

So this is me showing up. Imperfectly, vulnerably, and maybe a little late—but I’m here. And that’s a start.

If you’re reading this and you’ve ever felt like giving up on something you once loved… I get it. But maybe today is the day you just try again. Not because everything is in place, but because it matters.

As for right now, I don’t have a content plan or a clear direction for where this blog is going. I just knew I had to come back and start writing again. That’s it. I’m letting go of the pressure to have it all figured out. Going with the flow. I’m learning to release control, to stop overthinking every step, and to let life be my teacher. Whatever I feel called to share, I’ll write it. That’s the only plan. For now.

If you are reading this post, thanks for sticking around. More posts soon—no promises of perfection, just progress.

A woman writing in a typewriter , symbolizing a return to blogging

From Self-Doubt to Self-Love: My Path Through Low Self-Esteem

Realizing that I had low self-esteem was one of the hardest and most painful truths that I had to face once I started my healing journey.

For today’s blog, I’m going to share my personal journey with low self-esteem. For years, I struggled with self-doubt, insecurities, and a lack of self-love. It wasn’t until I hit my 30s (hey there Saturn’s return) that I woke up to the harsh reality that I didn’t truly love myself. The constant self-criticism, the fear of not being “enough,” it all weighed heavily on me. All of this made me realize that I had been neglecting the most important relationship in my life: the one with myself. So grab a cup of tea and cozy up as I share my story and some tips for boosting your own self-esteem.

Realizing the Struggle:

As mentioned in a previous post, I always felt like an outcast, like I didn’t fit in anywhere. I was constantly comparing myself to others, feeling like I wasn’t good enough. Always scrutinizing my face or body in the mirror, only to become obsessed with perceived “imperfections” and feeling worse about myself. While I don’t want to fully blame my parents for not fostering my self-esteem, when I look back, I see how both of them struggled with their own self-worth, which inevitably influenced my own self-perception.

Once puberty hit, I became even more critical of my appearance. From enduring two years of braces to struggling with styling my frizzy hair, every change seemed to magnify my self-doubt. Acne became a constant battle in my teenage years, leading to hours spent watching YouTube tutorials on how to cover it with makeup, hoping to mask the flaws I saw in the mirror. The comparison game continued into my 20s, fueled by social media standards and the painful sting of betrayal from being cheated on, which further ruined my self-esteem.

Luckily, as I said farewell to my 20s, I had a wake-up call. Staring at my reflection one day, I realized I didn’t recognize the person looking back at me. I had neglected myself for far too long, and it was time to make a real change. I no longer wanted to feel that low and empty, and so my healing journey began.

The Journey Begins:

And so, my journey to self-love began. It hasn’t been easy, let me tell you. In fact, it has been one of the most painful journeys I have embarked on, but to say it hasn’t been beautiful would be a total lie. I dived headfirst into the depths of my psyche, confronting painful memories and buried traumas that had shaped my perception of myself. 

I embarked on intense “shadow work,” digging into the darkest corners of my soul to unearth the wounds that desperately needed healing. It has been a raw and vulnerable process—one that brought tears, laughter, and everything in between.

The Beauty in the Pain:

But amidst the pain, there was beauty. As I faced my demons with courage and compassion, I began to unravel layers of self-limiting beliefs and negative self-talk. My ego had dominated my psyche and inner dialogue for most of my adult life and I needed to put an end to it. 

I discovered that self-love isn’t just about bubble baths and reciting positive affirmations (though those certainly help!). It’s about embracing every part of myself—the light and the shadows, the triumphs and the scars. It’s about learning to hold myself tenderly, like a precious work of art in need of restoration.

Tips for Cultivating Self-Esteem:

Now, you might be wondering, how can you begin your own journey to self-esteem? I’ve compiled a few tips to get you started on your path to self-love:

  1. Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself, especially in moments of struggle or self-doubt. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a dear friend.
  2. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Whenever you catch yourself engaging in negative self-talk, challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself, “Is this belief based in reality, or is it simply a product of my inner critic?”
  3. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to things that drain your energy or diminish your sense of self-worth. Honor your needs and prioritize your well-being above all else.
  4. Celebrate Your Wins: Whether big or small, take time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. Celebrating your successes reinforces a positive sense of self-esteem.
  5. Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. Whether it’s through therapy, support groups, or trusted friends, having a support system can make all the difference on your journey.

Recommended Resources:

If you’re looking for some extra support on your journey to self-love, here are a few resources I highly recommend:

  • Book: “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown
  • Book: “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
  • Podcast: “The Self-Love Fix” by Beatrice Kamau

Conclusion:

It’s been a wild ride, filled with twists and turns, highs and lows. But through it all, I’ve emerged stronger, more resilient, and fiercely in love with myself. I still have my days where my self-esteem isn’t where I would like it to be. But I snap out of it quickly and remind myself that the negative self-talk isn’t my true self, and the little me that lives within me deserves better. Remember, you are worthy of love, belonging, and all the good things life has to offer. Embrace your journey, embrace yourself, and never forget the incredible power of self-love. Until next time, take care, and remember to be kind to yourself. You’re an amazing, sweet soul.

From Self-Doubt to Self-Love: My Path Through Low Self-Esteem

Discovering Healing Through Poetry: My Favorite Poetry Books

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Poetry has a unique ability to weave emotions into words, creating a picture of emotions that resonates deeply with the soul. For me, poetry isn’t just about beautiful verses; it’s a journey of self-discovery, healing, and profound connection. As I embarked on my healing journey four years ago, I found solace, inspiration, and empowerment within the pages of poetry books.  In the past I wrote a post about my top 5 personal growth books to read in 2024. Now, I am going to share with you a selection of my favorite poetry books. Each of which has played a significant role in my healing journey. From exploring the depths of self-love to embracing the complexities of human emotions, these books have touched my heart and soul in profound ways. 

1. Flowers on the Moon by Billy Chapata:

“Flower on the Moon” by Billy Chapata is a poetic masterpiece that speaks directly to the heart imo. His words are like gentle whispers of wisdom, guiding readers through the complexities of life with grace and compassion. This collection is a beautiful journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. Each poem is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of embracing our vulnerabilities.

favorite poetry books
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2. The SHE book by Tanya Markul:

Markul’s powerful prose celebrates the divine feminine within us all. Through her evocative writing, she invites readers to embrace their authenticity and reclaim their power. It’s a journey of self-love and empowerment that leaves a lasting impact.

favorite poetry books
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3. HER by Pierre Alex Jeanty:

Jeanty’s collection beautifully captures the essence of womanhood, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience. His words are both empowering and comforting, offering a sense of solidarity to those navigating the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. Each poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

favorite poetry books
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4. Inward by Yung Pueblo:

“Inward” by Yung Pueblo offers profound insights into mindfulness, self-reflection, and inner peace. Pueblo’s poetry encourages readers to look inward, confront their fears, and embrace personal growth. His words resonate with authenticity and wisdom, guiding us on a journey of self-discovery.

favorite poetry books
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5. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur:


Rupi Kaur’s “Milk and Honey” talks about love, sadness, and feeling better. Kaur’s poems are simple but meaningful, touching on things like tough times, being strong, and feeling good about yourself. Her words are strong yet gentle, bringing comfort to anyone who needs it.

favorite poetry books
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6. Evergreen by Kristen Robinson:

“Evergreen” by Kristen Robinson, better known as @nakedwriting on Instagram, is a captivating collection of poetry that celebrates love, growth, and resilience. Robinson’s words resonate with authenticity and vulnerability, inviting readers to embrace their imperfections and find beauty in the journey of self-discovery.

favorite poetry books
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These books have not only served as sources of comfort and a brief escape from my reality, but have also inspired me to explore my own creativity through writing poems. As I continue on my healing journey, I find comfort in the written word, knowing that poetry has the power to heal, uplift, and transform.

Whether you’re seeking comfort in times of struggle or simply looking to connect with your innermost thoughts and emotions, these poetry books are sure to leave a lasting impression. Dive into their pages and let the healing power of poetry guide you on your own journey of self-discovery and growth.

Remember, healing is a journey, and poetry can be your companion along the way.

favorite poetry books

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