Can we take a moment together? Just you and me. Because I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to want more for yourself, to dream of a better, brighter life, and then wrestle with thoughts that whisper, “You can’t do this.” Those thoughts? They’re not the truth. They’re self-limiting beliefs, and they’ve been taking up way too much space in your mind and heart. It’s time to evict them.
Here’s the deal. We all have stories we tell ourselves that hold us back. These stories didn’t appear out of nowhere. They might come from things we’ve been told in the past, from tough experiences, or even from our own fears. But the good news? Just because you’ve believed them before doesn’t mean you have to keep believing them.
I’m here, cheering you on, as we call these beliefs out for what they are. And I’m going to help you start breaking through them so you can live the amazing, authentic life you deserve. You ready?
Here are ten self-limiting beliefs that might be standing in your way and how we can challenge them together:
1. “I’m too old to start over.”
Oh, love, let me stop you right there. You’re not too old; you’re standing at the perfect moment. Every day that you’re alive is another opportunity to grow, change, and begin again. Think about it this way: Do you want the next five, ten, or even twenty years to look just like the last? I didn’t think so.
Here’s how to reframe it. Instead of thinking of starting over as a loss, think of it as a gift. You’ve got wisdom, experience, and resilience you didn’t have in your 20s. That new chapter you’re scared to start? It’s waiting for you.
2. “I’m not good enough.”
This one hits deep, doesn’t it? We’ve all felt it. But stop and ask yourself this question the next time it creeps in: Good enough for who? For what? Who gets to decide your worth?
Now repeat this out loud, even if it feels silly at first: I am enough. I have always been enough. I will always be enough. Because you are. Exactly as you are.
3. “I’ll fail if I try.”
Failure isn’t a verdict. It’s feedback. And oh, friend, if you could sit and hear how many times I’ve stumbled and gotten back up, you’d know that every single failure has taught me something valuable.
The key is not letting failure stop you. Instead, look at it as part of the process. What can you learn from it? What’s the next step after that setback? Trust me, your biggest successes will come from moments when you didn’t give up.
4. “I don’t have time for myself.”
If I had a dollar for every time I told myself this…! But being busy isn’t the same as being fulfilled. And you, my friend, deserve a life filled with meaning—not just activity.
Start small. Block out ten minutes for yourself each day. Take a walk, journal, breathe. Little by little, these moments add up. You’re allowed to take up space in your own life.
5. “Others have it worse. What do I have to complain about?”
You’ve always been so good at caring for others, haven’t you? But here’s the thing. Your struggles, your pain, and your desires don’t become less important just because someone else has challenges too.
What you’re feeling is valid. It matters. And the more you honor your own needs, the stronger and more capable you’ll be to help others when you choose to.
6. “I’m just not the kind of person who can succeed.”
That voice telling you that success isn’t meant for you? It’s not yours. It probably belongs to someone else who planted that doubt in your mind long ago.
Here’s the truth. You can shape your future any way you want. No one is inherently “meant” for success. It’s something you build over time. Start small, take one step, and watch the momentum grow.
7. “I can’t trust myself.”
I know how hard it can be to rebuild trust in yourself after that trust has been broken. But I believe with everything in me that you can. You’ve overcome so much to be here today, reading this.
Start practicing by listening to your gut on the small things. Make a decision and stick with it, even if it feels uncertain. It’s like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it will become.
8. “I need to make everyone else happy.”
This belief? It’s a sneaky one that keeps you stuck. You’ve spent your life being everything for everyone else, haven’t you? And who’s shown up for you the way you’ve shown up for them?
Here’s the truth. You’re never going to please everyone. The one person you can make happy is yourself. And when you start choosing you, you’ll find the kind of fulfillment that no amount of people-pleasing will ever bring.
9. “It’s selfish to focus on myself.”
Oh, friend. Where did we learn this? That our value is tied up in how much we give, how much we sacrifice? I’m here to tell you something deeply important now, so lean in close. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s survival. It’s self-respect. It’s necessary.
When you show yourself love and care, you teach others how to treat you. And you remind yourself that you are worthy—not because of what you do for others, but because of who you are.
10. “It’s too late for me to change.”
It’s never too late. Did you hear me? Never. Every breath you take, every sunrise you wake up to, is a chance to start again. There is no expiration date on growth.
Imagine the life you want to create for yourself. The vibrant, joyful, fulfilling life you’ve dreamed of. It’s not gone. It’s waiting for you to claim it. One step at a time.
Breaking Free
I know these beliefs can feel heavy, like chains holding you in place. But you don’t have to stay stuck. Start by calling out one belief at a time. Write it down, challenge it with the truth, and replace it with a more empowering story.
What’s one small shift you could make this week? Maybe it’s setting a boundary, taking ten minutes of quiet time for yourself, or journaling about the dreams you’ve been putting off. Start small—but start.
I’m rooting for you, always. Because you? You are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. And I cannot wait to watch you grow into the life you’ve always deserved.
You’ve got this. And I’m here, cheering you on every step of the way.
With love and belief in you always,
Angela xoxo
P.S. Are you ready to take the next step on your journey? Join my newsletter, The Life You Deserve! It’s a safe, empowering space where I share regular inspiration, practical tips, and heartfelt support to help women like you rediscover their confidence, heal, and build a life overflowing with joy and purpose.
If you’re ready to create the life you’ve always dreamed of, I’d love for you to be part of our community. Sign up today and start receiving encouragement straight to your inbox. You deserve this, friend. Always.
What are you going to be doing in your next chapter of life? It’s a question I’ve been asked more than once recently. For now, I’m keeping the details close to my heart, but my answer is simple yet profound: “I’m going to find myself.”
Turning 50 has stirred something inside of me. And before I go further, I want to say this loud and clear—I love being 50. I really do. While society might try to paint midlife as a crisis, I see it as a pivotal moment. I’ve lived so much life, and the thought of what’s still ahead excites me. Fifty feels like a badge of honor, a cool milestone that isn’t about clinging to youth but about stepping into who I truly am.
Losing Myself in the Noise
But here’s the thing—somewhere along the way, I lost parts of myself. Maybe you can relate. I spent so many years pouring my energy into others—family, friends, work—without really asking for much, if anything, in return. It’s supposed to be this admirable thing, right? To give selflessly? And in many ways, it is. But no one tells you the quiet cost of always putting yourself last.
You can lose touch with the person you are when no one’s asking for a favor or needing your support. You forget what makes your heart beat faster or your soul feel full. Your dreams take a back seat to someone else’s. And for those of us with a deep well of empathy, it’s even harder to define where you end and where others begin. Suddenly, their hopes and desires seem like yours. Their beliefs start to sound like your own. It sneaks up on you, and one day you realize, when someone asks, “What do you want?”—your answer doesn’t sound quite like you anymore.
Choosing Myself
This realization hit me in the weeks leading up to my 50th birthday. It wasn’t this dramatic epiphany, more like a chorus of whispers finally making themselves heard. And you know what? I’m ready to listen. I’m letting those voices guide me as I move into this next chapter.
I know it won’t always be easy. Change rarely is, even for those of us who thrive on some level of chaos. But this kind of change feels different. It feels like an unwrapping of something that was always there but got buried under the weight of life’s demands.
I’m excited—deeply, wildly excited—to get to know this new-old version of me. The “me” I’ve always been, beneath the expectations, responsibilities, and roles I’ve taken on. This time around, I’m showing up for myself first.
Finding Freedom
It feels a little rebellious, honestly. To unapologetically decide that my life, my needs, my joys are worth discovering. It’s a choice to live without restrictions, without having to work around or fit myself into someone else’s narrative. And that’s where the song Wild Child by Kenny Chesney comes in.
If you haven’t heard it, take a minute. Listen to the words. It’s about someone with an untamed spirit—someone who’s unapologetically themselves, marching to the beat of their own drum. To me, it’s the perfect anthem for this moment in my life. It captures the freedom I’m chasing and the independence I’m claiming.
Because that’s what this feels like—an opportunity to be unapologetically, beautifully me. And not just for this chapter, but for every chapter to come.
What About You?
If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to know. Have you found yourself in a season of rediscovery? What helped you reconnect with the real you?
Here’s to choosing ourselves, our peace, and our truth. Here’s to finding those quiet parts of us that deserve to be seen. And if it feels a little wild along the way? Even better.
Que Wild Child—turn it up, and don’t look back.
Living with Fibromyalgia: My Journey and What I’ve Learned Over 30 Years
I was just 19 years old when I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what it meant, aside from the fact that it involved pain—pain that sometimes made the simplest tasks feel impossible. My dad had been diagnosed not long before me, so I had a small glimpse of what this “fibro” thing might look like. But when it became part of my own life, it felt new. Unknown.
I’ve always been an active person, and I wasn’t ready to give that up. Even at 19, I had this stubborn belief that fibromyalgia wasn’t going to control my life. I wasn’t interested in following the traditional medical route either. I thought, I can manage this on my own. And so, I set out to do exactly that.
Trial, Error, and Stubbornness
At first, my management style could best be described as “push through”—not exactly a textbook example of self-care. I didn’t want to slow down. Slowing down felt like giving up, and that was my greatest fear. But fibromyalgia is a persistent companion, and I quickly learned that it doesn’t appreciate being ignored.
I began to figure out, often the hard way, what my limits were. Some activities came with painful repercussions that lasted for days. Other things, I realized, brought genuine relief or at least didn’t make things worse. Over the years, through trial and error (and yes, sheer stubbornness), I found ways to live with fibromyalgia rather than against it.
I’ve now been managing fibro for 30 years, and while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s taught me a lot about myself, my body, and what truly matters.
What Holistic Management Looks Like
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this—you have to listen to your body. It’s easy to brush that advice off as a cliché, but it’s made all the difference for me. Over time, I’ve built a toolbox of holistic methods that help me maintain balance and live a life I love. Here’s what has worked for me:
- Listen to your body. This was my biggest lesson and the hardest one for me to learn. Pay attention to the signals your body is sending. Know when it’s okay to keep going and when it’s time to stop. And yes, sometimes you might still choose to push through, but at least you’ll go in with your eyes open.
- Stay active (within reason). Movement has been essential for me. Hiking, for example, is one of my greatest joys, and something I’ve been able to continue doing. I’ve also fallen in love with yoga. It’s helped me stay grounded, flexible, and in tune with my body’s needs. The key was figuring out what movement worked for me—finding balance without overdoing it.
- Eat in a way that supports your body. There’s a lot of trial and error here, too. I’ve had to learn what foods trigger pain and brain fog and what fuels my energy instead. Everyone’s body is different, so this is a process of tuning in and making adjustments.
- Be mindful of your environment. Stress, toxins, and external factors can all have an impact. I’ve worked to limit my stress as much as possible (admittedly, not always an easy task), and replaced toxic products in my home with healthier alternatives.
- Use natural support tools. Essential oils and other natural remedies have played a big role in my management. They’re not magic fixes, but they’ve been helpful tools along the way.
- Adapt as needed. One constant in life is change, and that applies to your body as well. What worked for me at 19 doesn’t look exactly the same at 49. You have to be willing to adjust and keep experimenting to find what works in each phase of life.
A Life Well-Lived, with Fibro Along for the Ride
Here’s the truth—fibromyalgia isn’t a life sentence. Yes, it’s part of my life, but it doesn’t define it. Over these 30 years, I’ve learned how to work with my body instead of against it. That stubborn teenager who refused to back down? She’s still with me, but she’s a little kinder now. A little softer.
Some days are harder than others. That’s true for all of us, fibro or not. But I’ve found that there’s so much life to be lived when you let go of the fear and focus on what you can do. Hiking trails, laughing with loved ones, trying new things—these are the moments that remind me that fibro doesn’t get to take the lead.
If you’re walking a similar road, I want you to know you’re not alone. This condition can feel isolating at times, but there’s a whole world of people who get it. And trust me—it’s possible to live a fulfilling life even with fibromyalgia by your side. You’re stronger than you think. Keep listening to your body, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep going.
Join the Soul Sisters Transformation Tribe
Are you looking for a community that truly gets it? A safe, compassionate space where you can share your experiences, find encouragement, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges you’re facing—whether it’s managing a health condition like fibromyalgia or tackling self-doubt?
The Soul Sisters Transformation Tribe is a supportive community built just for women like you. Together, we uplift, empower, and inspire one another to keep growing and thriving, no matter what life throws our way.
Join us today and discover a tribe that feels like home. Because you don’t have to walk this path alone—we’re stronger together.
Join the Tribe Now and start your transformation!
Have you ever caught yourself being your harshest critic? Maybe it’s that voice in your head telling you, "You’ll never be good enough," or that sinking feeling when you compare yourself to someone else’s highlight reel. Trust me, I’ve been there. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned on my self-growth journey, it’s this: self-love isn’t just a buzzword or a fleeting trend—it’s a daily practice.
But where do you even start? How do you go from tearing yourself down to building yourself up? That’s what we’re going to explore together. By the time you finish reading this, I hope you’ll have tangible tools to treat yourself with the same kindness you so easily offer to others.
What Does Self-Love Really Mean?
Before we get into the "how," let's talk about the "what." What is self-love? Is it bubble baths and spa days? Sure, sometimes. But at its core, self-love is about valuing yourself as a person. It’s about understanding that you deserve respect, compassion, and care—yes, even when things aren’t perfect.
For a long time, I thought self-love was something you unlocked after achieving a goal. I’d say to myself, “I’ll love myself once I lose 10 pounds” or “I’ll be kinder to myself after I’ve hit that career milestone.” Spoiler alert: the milestones came and went, but the self-love never showed up — because I wasn’t practicing it.
Self-love isn’t conditional. It’s not something you earn when you’re "better" or "fixed." It’s about accepting yourself right now, as you are.
Why Self-Love Is Harder Than It Sounds
If you’ve struggled with self-love, you’re not alone. We live in a world that profits off our insecurities. Think about it—how many ads have you seen with the underlying message, "You’re not enough, but if you buy this, maybe you will be"?
It doesn’t help that many of us grew up with mixed messages. Be confident, but not too confident. Love yourself, but don’t be selfish. It’s no wonder self-love feels confusing and even unachievable at times.
But here’s the truth I wish someone had told me sooner: you can rewrite those narratives. They don’t define you unless you allow them to.
6 Practical Ways to Start Loving Yourself
The good news? Self-love isn’t about one big, life-altering moment. It’s about the small, intentional choices you make every day. Here are six practices that have worked for me—and that I hope will work for you, too.
1. Talk to Yourself Like You Would a Friend
Would you tell your best friend, “You’re such a failure for making that mistake”? Of course not! But how often do you say things like that to yourself?
Start paying attention to your internal dialogue. When you catch yourself being self-critical, pause and ask, “Would I say this to someone I care about?” If the answer is no, try rephrasing it. Instead of, “I’m such a mess,” try, “I’m doing my best, and that’s okay.”
It feels strange at first—I won’t lie. But over time, this small act of kindness can transform the way you see yourself.
2. Set Boundaries (And Stick to Them)
Here’s a tough truth I had to learn the hard way: you can’t love yourself if you’re always sacrificing your well-being to please others. Self-love often looks like saying "no" to things that drain you, so you can say "yes" to what nourishes you.
Maybe it’s declining that extra work project when you’re already swamped. Maybe it’s setting limits with a friend who’s always asking for favors but never reciprocates. Remember, boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re necessary.
3. Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small)
We’re so quick to celebrate others, but when was the last time you celebrated yourself? And I’m not just talking about the big achievements. Did you get out of bed on a day when anxiety tried to hold you hostage? That’s a win. Did you finally tackle that pile of laundry? Another win.
Try ending each day by writing down three things you’re proud of yourself for. It might feel silly at first, but trust me—it’s a game-changer.
4. Forgive Yourself
I used to carry my mistakes around like heavy luggage. I’d replay them in my head, wondering why I wasn’t smarter, better, or more prepared. But here’s the thing about mistakes: they’re proof that you’re trying, learning, and growing.
Self-love means extending grace to yourself. Forgive yourself for the times you fell short. Treat those moments as lessons, not verdicts.
5. Prioritize Self-Care that Feeds Your Soul
When you hear “self-care,” what comes to mind? For me, it’s not always face masks or long baths—though I do love a good skincare routine. Sometimes, self-care is as simple as going for a walk, eating a meal that nourishes my body, or calling a friend when I feel low.
Ask yourself, “What do I genuinely need right now?” Then honor that need without guilt.
6. Surround Yourself With Positivity
They say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Who are yours? Do they uplift you, or do they drain you?
Cultivate a circle that encourages self-love and growth. Follow social media accounts that inspire you, join communities that align with your values, and spend time with people who see and celebrate your worth.
Self-Love Is a Journey, Not a Destination
Here’s the thing about self-love that no one really tells you—it’s not a one-and-done deal. Like any relationship, the one with yourself requires ongoing care and attention. There will be days when it feels easier and days when it feels nearly impossible. That’s okay. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
If you’re struggling with where to start, consider this your gentle nudge forward. Pick one practice from this blog and try it today. Then tomorrow, and the day after that. With time, these small acts of love will add up. And when they do, you’ll look back and realize you’ve built a life that feels lighter, brighter, and more you.
Because at the end of the day, you are the only you there will ever be. And if that’s not reason enough to love yourself, I don’t know what is.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Best Self
Feeling inspired to start your self-love journey? Why not make 2025 the year you truly step into your power? I’ve created a free Word of the Year Workbook to help you find your guiding word—your anchor for the year ahead. Think of it as a personal mantra that keeps you focused, motivated, and aligned with the life you want to create.
This workbook is simple, fun, and designed to help you reflect on what matters most to you. By the end, you’ll have a word that feels like it was made just for you—a compass to guide you through 2025, one intentional choice at a time.
Don’t wait—grab your Word of the Year Workbook now and start creating a year that feels more you. You deserve it! đź’•
Can Mindfulness Transform Your Holiday Stress into Joy?
Have you ever felt the pressure of juggling work, family, and festive cheer during the holiday season? For single working moms, this time of year can feel like an impossible balancing act. I know this firsthand because I've been there too. Managing a career while raising active kids who are involved in sports and other extracurricular activities is no easy task. Add the holidays into the mix, and stress levels can skyrocket.
The holidays are meant to be joyful and filled with warmth, yet it's all too easy to get swept up in the hustle and lose sight of what truly matters. This time of year often involves shuttling kids between different households, a task that demands logistics worthy of a general. But in the middle of all the chaos, I want to invite you to pause, breathe, and immerse yourself in mindfulness.
The Transformative Power of Mindfulness
Mindfulness—a practice rooted in being fully present and aware in the moment—can be your anchor in the swirling sea of holiday madness. It's not about achieving a state of perfect calm but finding moments of peace amid the noise. As a working mom, you may believe that carving out time for mindfulness is impossible. But what if I told you that it only takes five minutes a day?
Imagine this: You’re on your way to work, and instead of tuning into the chatter of your to-do list or worries, you focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, noticing the air filling your lungs, and exhale slowly, releasing tension. Or find solace in the bathroom for a few extra minutes, allowing yourself the luxury of silence and reflection. These small pockets of mindfulness can make a significant difference.
Real-World Evidence of Mindfulness Benefits
The benefits of mindfulness are backed by research. Studies have found that mindfulness practices significantly reduce stress and anxiety, improving emotional well-being. It empowers you to respond to holiday challenges with a calm mind rather than reacting impulsively.
Overcoming the Challenges of Busy Schedules
I understand the challenges you face; I remember sneaking in moments of mindfulness while waiting for my kids at practice or before bed. I encourage you to look for these moments throughout your day. They're there, waiting to be claimed. You might even find that these brief reprieves enhance your ability to juggle responsibilities, bringing clarity and focus when you need it most.
A Community of Support
You don’t have to do this alone. I’ve created a free group dedicated to supporting and encouraging each other as we explore mindfulness and self-care. It’s a space to share triumphs and struggles, to learn from one another, and to grow together as we strive to transform holiday stress into joy.
I invite you to join our community. Let's walk this path of mindfulness together, empowering ourselves to find peace and happiness even during the busiest times. Together, we can redefine the holiday season, turning it into a celebration of presence, gratitude, and love.
Call to Action
Ready to take the first step? Join my free group and connect with like-minded moms who understand the unique challenges you face. Let's inspire and support each other on this mindfulness journey. Click here to join now and unlock the door to a more joyful holiday experience.
Remember, amidst the holiday hustle, you deserve moments of peace and mindfulness. Your well-being is a gift worth giving not only to yourself but also to those you love.
