Ask yourself why you feel hesitant about a particular situation. Are you feeling that the experience won’t serve you (instinct), or does it challenge you in ways that feel uncomfortable (fear)? Instinct often keeps you safe from what doesn’t align with you, while fear tends to hold you back from what challenges you. When the motivation leans toward staying in a comfort zone, it’s likely fear at play.

There’s something truly powerful about seeing the distance between who you once were and who you’re becoming. When we go on a journey of personal growth, especially when it involves inner child work, we start to look back at behaviors that were once driven by self-protection and survival. Maybe you were judgmental, quick to put up walls, or acted from a place of insecurity, but here’s the truth: that was the best you could do with the tools you had at that time.

Your journey may involve walking away from situations or people that try to mold you into something you’re not. It could mean rejecting beauty standards that make you feel like you have to look or act a certain way. And it might be a gradual process of peeling back the layers of expectations you’ve carried for years. But every step you take toward breaking free from these confines is a step toward understanding yourself better, and that’s where the real beauty lies.

The key to personal growth is understanding how your ego operates and learning to navigate it.

It’s easy to get stuck measuring yourself by what others think of you—whether it's trying to meet career expectations, seeking approval in relationships, or chasing likes on social media. We’re conditioned to think our worth is tied to external achievements, but this constant pursuit of validation leaves us feeling drained, anxious, and disconnected from who we truly are. That’s where self-empathy comes in.

There’s a story we all carry, whether we realize it or not—a wound that keeps coming up, a part of ourselves we can’t seem to “fix” no matter how much we try. This is the energy of Chiron, known in astrology as the “Wounded Healer.” Chiron represents our deepest wounds, but more importantly, it holds the key to our greatest healing and personal transformation.

How many of us are really living in alignment with who we know we want to be? Identity is fluid, ever-changing, and sometimes downright confusing. Speaking from experience, I've changed my identity multiple times throughout my life. Different friend circles, relationships, fashion phases, hobbies—all eras that have made me who I am. And just when I think I’ve “figured it out,” life circumstances or an internal shift force me to re-examine what aligns with my core. And here's the thing—it makes sense. From a deeper, maybe astrological perspective, our charts, our stars, our energies are all about cycles, change, and evolution. So why do we struggle so much with this concept of shifting our identities? Are we in the majority for embracing all these shifts, or are we just a minority of “odd balls” daring to try out new ways of living?

As we navigate life, many of us slip into a hardened shell, pushing aside our soft, gooey parts—the ones that embrace imperfections and revel in the joy of rainbows. We ignore the parts of ourselves that are unconventional or messy because we’ve been conditioned to believe those qualities are unacceptable. But here’s the truth: it’s never too late to reconnect with that inner child and recreate a version of yourself that feels more aligned with your authentic self.

Let’s talk about something real—setbacks. You know, those moments when life throws you off your game? Especially when it comes to self-love and self-respect. As women, it’s all too easy to find ourselves falling into the trap of people-pleasing, compromising who we are just to keep the peace or fit in. You might feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of agreeing to everything while silencing your true desires. But here's the thing: it’s time to shift that narrative.

Those furrowed brows and pursed lips? They might just be masks that conceal their own curiosity. Yes, it’s true! When people feel threatened or confused by someone who dares to be different, their discomfort can manifest as judgment. So, when you catch someone giving you that look, flip the script in your mind. Instead of internalizing their negativity, remind yourself that their reaction is about them, not you.

As we navigated this tumultuous period, the vibrant spirit of our inner child began to dim. The joy of self-expression was overshadowed by the need to conform to expectations that often felt out of reach. In this climate, the natural desire to play, create, and simply be was stifled, replaced by an anxiety over whether we fit into the molds defined by others.

When life feels overwhelming, the concept of "reverie"—a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts—becomes a vital refuge. It’s that dreamy space where you can escape the pressures of adult life, societal expectations, and the relentless grind. So, what does reverie really mean, and how can it help us reconnect with our inner selves?

When you start exploring the idea that you can change the way you think about yourself and your life, you might face skepticism. Some might label it as being delusional, but in reality, it’s a powerful exercise in self-awareness and intentional living. This process is about critically examining your beliefs and deliberately choosing what you want to believe about yourself, your life, and your interactions with others.

In a recent episode of Huberman Lab, Dr. Marc Brackett shared invaluable insights on emotional intelligence, an essential skill for personal and collective well-being. Emotional intelligence isn't just about managing our feelings; it's about understanding and harnessing them to improve our interactions, self-awareness, and overall quality of life. Dr. Brackett’s RULER model—Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating—provides a robust framework for enhancing our emotional skills. Here's how we can apply these strategies and also navigate negative energy effectively.

In the hustle and bustle of adult life, it’s easy to lose touch with the playful spirit and boundless imagination of our inner child. We become consumed by responsibilities, deadlines, and societal expectations, often forgetting the pure joy of creativity and self-expression that once came so naturally to us. Yet, staying in tune with our inner child is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. The arts offer a powerful means to reconnect with this playful essence, allowing us to nurture our creativity and find joy in the simplest of acts.

- Why do you need people to do what you want them to do? Or believe as you believe, or use the same language that you use?

- How does the tension make you feel? How do you manage your discomfort?

- How am I resisting change by clinging to my fears?

- What, if anything, about the idea of unconditional acceptance frightens you?

- How are you preparing a home of unconditional acceptance for yourself?

These questions encourage us to examine our expectations, fears, and resistance to change. They challenge us to consider how we can create spaces of acceptance and warmth for ourselves and others.

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you’ll create a more balanced and peaceful existence. Remember, protecting your peace is an ongoing process that requires awareness and intentionality. Prioritize your well-being, and you’ll be better equipped to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

But remember, we are not alone in this.

We are a community of kindred spirits,

quietly navigating the corridors of our inner worlds while yearning to be seen and understood.

Our experiences may differ, 

but the desire to be noticed without judgment binds us together.

Venturing into the unknown can be daunting, but it's also where the greatest growth occurs. Terra incognita in our personal journeys can involve exploring new hobbies, adopting new philosophies, or even reevaluating long-held beliefs. Each step into the unknown is a step towards discovering more about ourselves and what we're capable of achieving.

Jung’s concept of the persona provides a valuable framework for understanding how societal standards shape women’s identities and experiences. The pressure to conform can lead to the development of personas that may not fully reflect a woman’s true self, resulting in a loss of authenticity and psychological strain. However, through the process of individuation and the collective efforts of feminist movements, women can reclaim their authenticity, challenge restrictive norms, and develop personas that align more closely with their true selves.