Author: Glow

Hello Beautiful Soul! My name is Michelle, I'm known to some as Mimi. I developed a love for writing as a teen. I was a shy, introverted, dreamer who used writing as a form of expression as well as an outlet. That Outlet has become a confidant in my personal life and now, a valuable tool to help others in my life coaching business- Glow with Mimi.

When The Light Feels Far Away: What My Latest Battle With Depression Taught Me

Hey Boo.

There are seasons in life when the light feels unbearably far away. Not gone…just distant. And even though you know you’ve survived things before, there’s a particular kind of ache that comes with feeling stagnant, inadequate, or like life is moving without you.

Recently, I found myself back in that place.

Not the dramatic, cinematic kind of darkness.

The quiet kind.

The kind that creeps in slowly- a heaviness, a numbness, a persistent whisper that says, “You should be doing more by now.”

I tried to push through it like I usually do. I tried to “bounce back” to motivate myself, to force clarity. But depression doesn’t respond to pressure. It responds to honesty.

And when I finally got honest, I realized something:

I wasn’t broken – I was overwhelmed.

I wasn’t inadequate – I was depleted.

I wasn’t stagnant – I just needed stillness.

Sometimes your soul hits pause before your mind even understands why.

The Inadequacy Loop No One Talks About

When you’re struggling with depression, you slip into what I call the inadequacy loop:

“I should be further by now.”

“Everyone else is moving forward.”

“Why can’t I just get it together?”

“What’s wrong with me?”

You start to measure your worth by your productivity, your clarity, your consistency- all things that naturally dip when you’re healing.

But here’s the truth I had to relearn:

You are not meant to outperform your humanity.

Feeling low doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. And needing rest doesn’t mean you’re weak- it means you’re alive.

The Moment I Realized I Was Coming Back Online

It didn’t happen with fireworks.

It didn’t happen in a big “I’m healed!” moment.

It happened the day I felt the tiniest spark of curiosity again. Not joy, not motivation, just curiosity. A small desire to try, to move, to breathe. To meet myself where I was instead of where I “should” be.

That’s when I remembered-

Healing is not a leap- it’s a series of returns. A return to your breath. A return to small routines. A return to giving yourself grace. A return to seeing yourself with softer eyes. Every tiny spark counts- even if no one else sees it.

What This Season Taught Me

Here is what I want you to know, especially if you’re in that quiet, dark place right now:

  1. You are not inadequate- you are overwhelmed. Your mind is tired, not broken.
  2. You are not stagnant- you are incubating. Some seasons look like nothing on the outside, but everything is shifting within.
  3. You don’t have to “feel like yourself” to be deserving of care. You are worthy of gentleness even on your worst days.
  4. This season is not the end of your story. It is a passage- a slow, tender one- but a passage nonetheless.

If You’re Here Too… You’re Not Alone

I know how heavy this feels. I know how personal it gets. And I know how easy it is to believe the lie that you’re behind or you’re not enough. But your glow isn’t gone, love. It’s resting. Recalibrating. Gathering itself for the next chapter.

And when the light feels far away, that’s when you learn to build your own- breath by breath, choice by choice by choice, thought by thought, day by day. You are allowed to heal at your pace. You’re allowed to start again gently. You’re allowed to take up space even in your lowest moments.

I’m right here with you.

And I promise – there is a version of you on the other side of this who is so glad you didn’t give up.

Until Next Time Boo…Keep Glowing.

How to Stop Seeking Validation and Start Valuing Yourself

Hey Boo!

There’s something quietly powerful about choosing yourself- not out of ego, but out of remembrance. For so long, many of us were taught to earn love by being agreeable, accommodating, or endlessly understanding. We learned to shrink to fit. But eventually, that constant bending leaves us disconnected from our own reflection.

Lately, as I prepare to open my heart again- to date, to love, to be seen- I’ve realized how essential it is to return to myself first. Not to prove that I’m healed, but to remember that my worth was never broken to begin with.

The Trap of Seeking Validation

Validation isn’t always obvious

Sometimes it’s the small things- checking your phone to see if they texted back, overexplaining to avoid being misunderstood, or agreeing when your heart quietly says no. It’s the part of us that asks, “Am I enough?” and waits for someone else to answer.

But the truth is, external validation is nothing more than a quick fix for the ego. It gives a brief rush of worthiness before it fades, leaving us hungry again. Real nourishment comes from within- from learning to validate your own emotions, choices, and needs before anyone else does.

Reclaiming Your Worth

When you start valuing yourself, the entire energy of your world shifts.

You speak differently.

You walk differently.

You choose differently.

You stop chasing closure and start protecting your peace. You stop performing for love and start standing in your truth. And the more you honor your worth, the more life- and love – rises to meet it.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Saying no without guilt.

Walking away from connections that require you to shrink.

Celebrating your progress even when no one else notices.

Taking time to rest, recharge, and realign before you re-engage.

Every act of self-respect reinforces your worth like a sacred affirmation.

Love, But From Wholeness

As I step back into dating, I’ve made a quiet promise to myself. I will no longer look for someone to make me feel chosen- I already am. I will not wait for validation- I radiate it from within. And I will remember that love is meant to add to my glow, not define it.

When you show up knowing your value, you magnetize people who see you clearly. You no longer chase energy- you attract your energetic match. You no longer beg to be understood- you speak your truth and trust it will land where it’s meant to.

A Gentle Reminder

You are not hard to love- you were just taught to love others more than yourself. You are not behind; you’re right on time for your own becoming. And you are not too much- you’re exactly enough for the version of love that’s ready for you now. So, before you reach for someone else’s approval, place your hand on your heart and whisper-

“I remember who I am. And that is enough.”

Want to go deeper? Each week I share exclusive journaling prompts with my subscribers- gentle guidance to help you put these insights into practice and reset your mindset in real time. Subscribe to the Inner Glow Blog and give yourself the gift of reflection, clarity, and calm.

Until next time Boo, keep Glowing…

How to Reset Your Mindset When Negativity Takes Over

Hey Boo!

If negative thoughts have been a challenge for you this week, you’re not alone.

We’ve all had those moments when our thoughts start looping, replaying the same worries or regrets on repeat. It’s like your mind gets stuck in a rut, and no matter how hard you try, it keeps circling back to the same negative track. This is what psychologists call rumination-and while it’s a normal human habit, it doesn’t have to run your life.

The truth is, you can reset your mindset. It’s not about never having negative thoughts- it’s about knowing how to gently redirect them so you can return to clarity and peace.

Why We Ruminate

Our brains are wired to scan for problems as a way of keeping us safe. That was useful for survival, but at this point in time it has outlived its usefulness. Rumination often causes us to overthink conversations, worry about the future, or relive old hurts. The problem is, rumination drains energy, magnifies stress, and keeps us from moving forward.

Here’s the good news- with awareness and practice, you can stop the spiral.

3 Steps to a Mindset Reset

Pause and Notice

The first step is awareness. When you realize you’re caught in a loop, pause and call it out: “I’m ruminating right now.” Simply noticing the pattern creates a little distance between you and your thoughts.

Breathe and Ground

Your body is your anchor. Take three slow, deep breaths. Feel your feet on the floor. This signals safety to your nervous system and calms the mental storm.

Redirect With Intention

Ask Yourself: “Where would I rather place my focus right now?” Choose something that lifts or steadies you- a gratitude list, a supportive affirmation, or even a small action like taking a walk. The point is to shift from passive replaying to active choice.

Gentle Practices to Help You Reset

Journaling: Write the looping thought down, then reframe it into something more supportive.

Affirmations: Speak kindness to yourself- “I am allowed to move forward. I choose peace over replay.”

Movement: Shake off the stuck energy with a stretch, dance, or walk outside.

Connection: Call a trusted friend or spend time with someone who makes you feel safe and grounded.

Remember: Resetting is a Practice

You don’t have to get it “perfect.’

Negative thoughts will come- it’s part of being human. What matters is how quickly and kindly you guide yourself back. Each time you practice pausing, breathing, and redirecting, you strengthen your ability to reset.

Your mind isn’t the enemy. It just needs a gentle reminder that you are in charge of where your focus goes. And with every reset, you reclaim a little more peace.

You can’t always control the first thought, but you can choose the second. Each reset is a chance to realign with clarity, calm, and compassion.

Til next time Boo.

Want to go deeper? My subscribers receive exclusive journaling prompts with every theme to help turn insight into action.

Cultivating Positivity and Resilience in Challenging Times: How to Reset Your Mindset

Having trouble shaking those negative thoughts? This week was rough for me too.

Negativity is a powerful force. It creeps into our thoughts, colors our perceptions, and sometimes takes root, casting a shadow over even the brightest moments. We all experience periods when negative thinking becomes overwhelming—when setbacks, stress, or disappointments seem to pile up, making it difficult to see the good around us. But the human mind is remarkably adaptable. With intention, practice, and a bit of self-compassion, anyone can reset their mindset and reclaim their sense of hope and possibility.

This blog will walk you through practical strategies to break free from negativity, offering both immediate tools and long-term habits to nurture a more positive, resilient outlook.

Understanding the Power of Mindset

Our mindset is the lens through which we view the world and ourselves. When negativity takes hold, this lens distorts our reality, causing us to focus on what’s wrong rather than what’s possible. Recognizing that you have the power to shift this lens is the first step towards change.

It’s important to remember that resetting your mindset isn’t about ignoring difficulties or pretending everything is perfect. Rather, it’s about equipping yourself with tools to respond to life’s challenges with greater balance, clarity, and optimism.

Step 1: Awareness—Recognize Negative Thought Patterns

The journey to a more positive mindset begins with awareness. Often, negative thinking becomes habitual, running in the background of our minds. Start by tuning in:

  • Notice Your Self-Talk: Pay attention to the inner dialogue you have throughout the day. Are you criticizing yourself, expecting the worst, or focusing on failures?
  • Identify Triggers: Reflect on moments when negativity spikes. Is it in response to certain people, situations, or times of day?
  • Label Your Thoughts: When you detect negative thinking, gently label it. For example: “That’s a self-critical thought” or “That’s a catastrophic prediction.”

Awareness doesn’t mean judgment. Observe these patterns with curiosity, not blame.

Step 2: Pause and Breathe

When negativity feels overwhelming, pause. Take a few deep, intentional breaths. This simple act does more than calm your body—it creates a moment of space between you and your thoughts, offering a chance to respond rather than react.

  • Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four.
  • Hold for four counts.
  • Exhale gently through your mouth for a count of four.

Repeat this cycle several times. Notice how your body relaxes and your mind quiets, even if just slightly.

Step 3: Challenge and Reframe Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts often go unchallenged in our minds, gaining strength by repetition. To break their hold, question their accuracy:

  • Ask Yourself: “Is this thought absolutely true?”
  • Seek Evidence: What facts support or contradict this thought?
  • Consider Alternatives: What might you say to a friend in a similar situation?

Once you’ve examined your thoughts, try reframing them:

  • Instead of “I always mess up,” try “I’ve made mistakes, but I’m learning and improving.”
  • Swap “Nothing ever works out” for “There have been setbacks, but there have also been successes.”

Reframing isn’t about blind positivity; it’s about approaching challenges with honesty and hope.

Step 4: Practice Gratitude, Even in Small Doses

Gratitude is a powerful antidote to negativity. It shifts your attention from what’s lacking to what’s present and good, even if those things seem small:

  • Begin a daily gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day, no matter how minor.
  • Share your appreciation with others—thank someone, acknowledge a kind gesture, or savor a pleasant moment.

Over time, gratitude retrains your mind to seek the positive, creating a buffer against future negativity.

Step 5: Engage in Activities That Uplift

When negativity feels all-consuming, positive action can disrupt the cycle:

  • Move Your Body: Physical activity—walking, stretching, dancing—releases endorphins and lightens your mood.
  • Connect with Supportive People: Reach out to friends, family, or supportive communities. Sometimes, sharing your thoughts can provide perspective and relief.
  • Do Something Creative: Draw, write, play music, cook—engage in activities that immerse you in the present.
  • Spend Time in Nature: Even a short walk outdoors can restore calm and clarity.

Step 6: Set Boundaries With Negativity

You can’t always control what happens, but you can choose what you focus on and how much energy you give to negative influences. Set boundaries:

  • Limit exposure to negative news and social media.
  • Distance yourself from chronic complainers or toxic environments when possible.
  • Replace negative content with things that inspire or educate you.

Protecting your mental space is an act of self-respect.

Step 7: Cultivate Self-Compassion

We are often our harshest critics. When negativity strikes, offer yourself the same kindness you’d show to a good friend:

  • Speak to yourself gently, especially when you’re struggling.
  • Recognize that everyone experiences difficulty and negative thinking—it’s part of being human.
  • Forgive yourself for setbacks and celebrate small victories.

Self-compassion doesn’t eliminate challenges, but it makes them easier to face.

Step 8: Create a Mindset Reset Routine

Consistency is key to lasting change. Create daily rituals that reinforce a positive mindset:

  • Meditate or practice mindfulness, even for five minutes each day.
  • Read or listen to inspirational material.
  • Visualize positive outcomes or repeat affirmations that resonate with you.

Over time, these practices lay the foundation for resilience and optimism.

Step 9: Seek Professional Support When Needed

Sometimes, negativity stems from deeper emotional struggles such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. If you find it difficult to manage on your own, reach out to a mental health professional. Therapy or counseling provides tailored tools and support to help you reset your mindset and heal.

Remember

Negativity is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to define you. By practicing awareness, challenging your thoughts, nurturing yourself with gratitude and kindness, and building daily habits that uplift, you can reset your mindset—even in the darkest moments. Remember: every step you take toward positivity, no matter how small, is an act of courage and hope. Over time, these efforts can transform not only your thoughts, but your life.

Your mind is a garden—tend it with care, and watch resilience and optimism blossom, even after the storms.

Til next time Boo!

What it Really Means to Glow Up Your Mindset

Hey Boo!

If you’re like most people, when you hear “glow up” you think of outer changes like new clothes, hair, makeup, or weight loss. While those things are wonderful and can be empowering, the real glow up begins on the inside. Your mindset shapes how you see yourself, how you move through challenges, and how much light you allow yourself to shine into the world.

A mindset glow up isn’t about becoming someone new-it’s about uncovering the radiant version of you that’s been there all along.

Why Your Mindset Matters

Your mindset is the lens through which you view your life. When it’s clouded with self-doubt, limiting beliefs, or fear, everything feels heavier. But when you begin to shift toward self-belief, possibility, and trust, life feels lighter and more aligned. Suddenly,opportunities that once felt out of reach begin flowing your way.

3 Ways to Glow Up Your Mindset

Release Old Beliefs

Think of old limiting thoughts as outdated clothes- they may have served you once, but they no longer fit who you are becoming. Letting them go creates space for new, empowering beliefs to take their place.

Try this: Write down one belief that no longer serves you, then reframe it into an empowering truth. For example, the limiting belief I’m not good enough can be reframed to I am more than capable and worthy of everything I desire.

Embody Your Glowed-Up Self

Manifestation works when you align with the version of yourself who already has what you want. That means showing up with confidence, speaking kindly to yourself, and making choices as if your desires are already reality.

Ask Yourself: “What would the glowed-up version of me believe, say, or do in this moment?” And then do exactly that.

Practice Daily Glow Rituals

Consistency is key. Small daily rituals- like affirmations, journaling, or mindful breathing-keep your energy aligned with your intentions. Over time, these little practices compound into major shifts in mindset and manifestation.

You can start the mindset shift by saying an affirmation every morning while taking a deep breath. It could be something simple like: “I radiate confidence, love, and abundance.”

The Glow-Up Isn’t About Perfection

Remember: a mindset glow-up doesn’t happen overnight, and it isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress. It’s about catching yourself in moments of self-doubt and choosing to redirect yourself toward self-belief. It’s about celebrating small wins, trusting the process, and glowing brighter each day.

Never forget- your glow isn’t something that you need to earn, it’s already within you. By upgrading your mindset and aligning your energy, you allow your inner light to shine more powerfully. That’s the kind of glow that no one can take away.

Til next time Boo

P.S. Keep Glowing…

Soft Strength: The Power of Being Both Gentle and Unshakable

Hey Boo!

When most people think of strength, they imagine steel walls, unshakable composure, and the ability to push through no matter what. And when they think of softness, they often picture fragility or weakness.

But here’s the truth: real strength isn’t about never bending, and real softness isn’t about breaking. Soft strength is the harmony between a tender heart and an unshakable core. It’s the courage to stay open in a world that sometimes asks us to shut down.

Why Soft Strength Matters

We live in a culture that celebrates hustle, grit, and toughness. Now, don’t get me wrong- those qualities are valid and have their place, but they can leave us disconnected from our humanity if they become our only mode of living.

Soft strength is important because it reminds us that we can be assertive and compassionate, we can set boundaries and stay kind, and more important still- we can cry and still be capable, loving, and powerful.

It’s not about choosing between being gentle or strong- it’s about being both, fully.

Vulnerability as a Form of Courage

Vulnerability isn’t about oversharing or exposing yourself to harm, it’s about showing up as your authentic self, even when there’s a risk of being misunderstood. That’s bravery in its purest form. Every time you tell your truth, ask for help, or admit you don’t have it all figured out, you’re proving that your strength doesn’t depend on pretending- it depends on being honest and authentic.

Resilience with a Soft Heart

Resilience often gets portrayed as bouncing back quickly, but soft strength knows there’s value in moving slowly, in feeling the impact before standing tall again. True resilience means allowing yourself to grieve, rest, and process- not skipping over the discomfort but moving through it with self-compassion.

I’ve learned that my own resilience doesn’t come from ignoring my pain; it comes from acknowledging it and still choosing to move forward. Some of my most courageous moments where I held my boundaries while keeping my heart open, or when I let tears fall but still spoke my truth. That’s the balance of soft strength- open hands, steady feet.

A Challenge for You This Week

Ask Yourself:

-Where can I let myself be a little softer without fear of losing my strength?

-Where can I stand a little taller without closing my heart?

Because when you embrace both, you become unstoppable- not because you can’t be broken, but because you know how to heal and rise again. Remember soft strength doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. It radiates from within.

Until next time Boo, keep Glowing…

From Rock Bottom to Rebirth: Why I Became a Life Coach

Hey Boo!

Some stories aren’t easy to tell. But they’re the ones that matter most.

For a long time, I stayed silent about what I had been through- about the pain, the fear, the loss, and the quiet hope that somehow kept me going. But today, I want to share a part of my journey with you, for those of you who aren’t familiar. Not for pity, but for the sake of authenticity and connection. Because if you’re in a dark place right now, I want you to know that you aren’t alone and that healing is possible.

The Breaking Point

From 2017 to 2021, I was in a marriage that was emotionally- and at times physically- abusive. Despite how miserable I was, I still found it difficult to leave. Part of me was still holding on to this hope that we would ‘get past’ this horrible time in our marriage and return to the love and life that we had planned together. He was also there for me during one of the most difficult periods of my life- the loss of my father in 2020. I felt like I couldn’t leave him after that. I mean, how could I walk away now?

The ’how’ became clear once the abuse worsened. It was as if the passing of my father emboldened him. And although I had a fear of the unknown, I knew that the unknown had to be better than what I was going through. I left with my daughter and the clothes on our backs. And for a time, we were homeless.

We bounced from motel to motel just trying to survive. My sister and I worked twelve hour shifts to keep us from literally being on the streets- and to take care of ourselves, my daughter, and mama. I was exhausted, heartbroken, and unsure of how we’d ever rebuild. But somewhere in all that pain, a small voice inside me whispered: this is not the end of your story.

The Turning Point

I didn’t become a life coach because I had it all together. I became one because I needed healing.

I enrolled in a certification program not to start a business at first, but to save myself. To understand my trauma. To learn how to process the pain, and piece my life back together.

And slowly, I began to do just that.

I applied what I was learning to my own life. I started seeing myself more clearly. I began trusting my voice again. I reclaimed my peace- and in doing so, I found my purpose.

Why I Coach Now

Today, I don’t just coach people on mindset and motivation. I walk them through their own moments of doubt, overwhelm, burnout, and healing. I create space for others to find themselves again- because I know what it’s like to feel lost and invisible.

This work isn’t a cash grab to me or just a job. It’s sacred.

It’s proof that even after everything… you can still glow.

If my journey teaches you anything, let it be this:

-Rock bottom doesn’t mean you’re broken- it means it’s time to rise.

-Healing isn’t linear, but it is possible.

-Your power is still within you, even if you’ve been through hell and back.

You’re not too broken. You’re not too late. And your story? It’s not over yet.

This is why I became a life coach. To rise- and to help others rise with me.

Until next time Boo, keep Glowing…

5 Ways to Reclaim Your Power After Feeling Defeated.

Hey Boo!

There comes a moment- after the heartbreak, the burnout, the betrayal, when you realize that you want your power back.

Your Power. Not the kind of power that dominates or controls. But the quiet, steady, sacred kind. The power to choose, to protect your peace, to speak your truth, and to live in full alignment with who you truly are.

If you’ve ever felt like life has stomped the fire out of you, I want you to know something:

Your power was never gone. It was just waiting for you to remember it.

Here are five ways to begin that journey:

Start with Self Forgiveness

You are not weak for giving others the benefit of the doubt. Or for staying too long. Or for dimming your light in hopes of peace. Forgiveness is how you stop abandoning yourself.

I carried a lot of shame from my marriage because of the things that I allowed him to do- the things that I stayed through. The things I swept under the rug. Once I let go of the past and forgave myself for being who I thought I needed to be at the time, I was able to begin healing and gaining my power back.

Journaling Prompt

What do I need to forgive myself for in order to move forward with grace?

Speak the Truth You Were Silenced from Saying

Reclaiming your power means using your voice even if it shakes. You don’t need to shout. You just need to honor your truth out loud. Despite how others may feel, you have the right to speak your truth. It’s not about being messy, it’s about being authentic.

Affirmation:

My voice matters. My truth is valid.

Reinforce Sacred Boundaries

Boundaries are not walls; they are bridges back to yourself. When you say no to what drains you, you say yes to your power. Your energy is sacred. Use it for things that matter to you- things you prioritize. Own your power with reinforced boundaries.

Glow Tip:

Notice where resentment builds. That’s usually a sign of a boundary needing to be set or strengthened.

Take Small Aligned Actions

Power doesn’t always roar. Sometimes power is choosing to rest when you’d normally push. Power could be going back to school, starting your business, or saying ‘yes’ to a new opportunity. Sometimes power is finally saying, I’m not doing this anymore.

Ask Yourself: What is one small, bold step I can take this week that aligns with who I really am?

Affirm Who You Are-Daily

Your inner dialogue is the soil where power either blooms or withers. Speak life into yourself on purpose.

Try this Affirmation- I reclaim every piece of me I once abandoned to survive. I am whole. I am home.

You don’t need to become someone else to reclaim your power. You just need to return to you. Piece by piece. Day by day. The most powerful version of you is the one that feels like truth.

Until next time Boo, keep Glowing…