You’re Not Broken. You’re in Survival Mode.

Hey Boo!

I just want you to know-

You’re not dramatic. You’re not “too much.” You’re not overreacting.

You’re in survival mode. And survival mode is hectic and loud.

It scans for danger, anticipates rejection, and prepares for disappointment before it happens. Survival mode can cause you to replay conversations over and over in your head and read between lines that may not even exist.

But it’s not because you’re messed up or broken. It’s because you experienced a shock to your nervous system and you’ve had to adapt. At some point in your life, being hyper-aware kept you safe. Overthinking protected you from danger and potential threats. Bracing for impact softened the blow and expecting less kept you from being disappointed when the person inevitably failed you. Your past experiences sent this message to your nervous system: “If I stay prepared, I stay protected.”

That makes complete sense- creating a survival strategy to be okay and minimize the risk of further danger. But the important thing to remember about survival strategies is that they don’t automatically turn off once the danger is gone. Your body doesn’t always know that you’re safe now, your mind doesn’t realize you’re no longer in that same toxic environment, and so it runs those old programs in new situations.

Running Old Programs in New Situations May Look Like:

Questioning Your Worth

Feeling Guilty For Resting

Feeling Like You Aren’t Doing Enough

Putting Too Much Pressure on Yourself

Wondering Why You Weren’t Chosen

Bracing in Relationships That Haven’t Actually Harmed You

It feels real because your body believes it is. But survival mode and present reality are not always the same thing.

And this is where self-trust begins. Don’t shame yourself for overthinking, there’s no need to force or feign positivity, and you don’t have to pretend not to be triggered when you are.

Just pause and gently ask yourself:

“Is this current, or is this familiar?”

Familiar feels urgent and is rooted in anxiety. Current is grounded in fact.

When you begin to notice the difference, you stop fighting yourself. You stop labeling yourself as ‘too sensitive’ or ‘too much’. You begin trusting your intuition and yourself and you realize that you’re not broken. You’re healing and coming back together just fine. You just needed to rebuild your self-trust.

Self-trust is built in small increments.

When you choose not to spiral or “crash out”

When you regulate instead of react

When you allow calm without searching for what’s wrong

When you rest without guilt

-And no, it’s not laziness. It’s nervous system healing.

The goal isn’t to become someone who never feels fear. The goal is to become someone who can feel fear and still choose from a place of clarity. From steadiness. From self-trust.

You don’t need to fix yourself. You need safety.

And safety begins inside.

I’m Back with Truth

I paused-

I didn’t disappear.

I didn’t lose momentum.

I didn’t fall behind.

I paused because I was listening.

Hey Boo!

The recent season that I experienced required more of me than I felt I was prepared for. It was a season where my body asked for gentleness, where my nervous system needed safety more than strategy, and my inner world mattered more than accomplishments and output. So, I did what I’d advise a friend or a client to do- I chose myself. Quietly, consistently. Without explaining.

During that time, I started sharing a series on my platform- Something For Me.

Pilates. Coloring. Slowing down. Ordinary acts of care that didn’t need to be dressed up or explained. They were small, grounding choices that helped me come back to myself- and back into truth.

And that truth is this:

Healing doesn’t mean stopping your life. It just changes how you move through it.

I used to believe that growth required pressure-that I needed to push, fix, or harden myself to move forward. But what I learned in the quiet is that self-compassion isn’t indulgence. It’s responsibility. It is mandated. It’s what allows growth to last.

This new season, this new chapter in my life isn’t about proving anything to anyone. It’s about trusting myself.

Trusting my pace. Trusting my intuition in places where I used to doubt it or ignore it. Trusting that softness can be strong, boundaries can be loving, and progress doesn’t have to cost me my well-being. I’m moving forward now- but not by abandoning myself like I once did. I’m moving with myself. In complete love and full alignment.

Glow with Mimi has always been about coming home to who you are beneath the noise, the pressure, the expectations. This season just asked me to live that truth before teaching it again.

So, if you’re here- whether you’ve been resting, recalibrating, or quietly choosing yourself too- please know this:

You’re not behind Boo. You’re integrating while elevating. And you’re allowed to move forward gently and at your own pace.

I’m back with truth. And I’m letting it lead.

If this resonated with you, stay connected. This new chapter is rooted in self-trust, embodied care, and creating a life that feels safe to live wholly and completely.

We’re not rushing. We’re glowing- honestly and authentically.

Til next time Boo…keep Glowing.

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:

You are not inadequate- you are overwhelmed. Your mind is tired, not broken.
You are not stagnant- you are incubating. Some seasons look like nothing on the outside, but everything is shifting within.
You don’t have to “feel like yourself” to be deserving of care. You are worthy of gentleness even on your worst days.
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…

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…

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…

5 Signs You’re Healing (Even if it Doesn’t Feel Like It)

Hey Boo!

If you’re on a healing journey then you know that healing doesn’t always feel good. Some days, healing feels like breaking. Like going in circles. Like you’re never going to get “there”- wherever there is. I’ve been there more times than I can count.

One thing that I’ve discovered is that healing isn’t always loud. It isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s subtle and sacred. It hides in the way you keep going, even when it hurts.

Here are five signs that you’re healing, even if doesn’t feel like it right now:

You’re More Aware of What Triggers You

Before, Things might’ve thrown you into a spiral without warning. Now? You notice. You see the common themes in the situations that put you in a negative space. You’re more aware of your emotional state than you use to be. That awareness is growth. It means your mind is working with you now, not against you. Healing begins with noticing.

You Set Boundaries (Even if it Feels Uncomfortable)

You used to put the comfort of others ahead of your own. You’d be the first to show up for others and the last to show up for yourself. But now, you’ve started saying no, taking up space, and not explaining yourself every time. If you’ve been doing any of those things lately, even awkwardly- you’re healing. You’re learning to protect your peace. Boundaries are an act of healing and self love.

You’re Gentler with Yourself Than You Used to Be

You used to live in this loop of overthinking then beating yourself up, and it was hard for you to forgive yourself. But now you find that you give yourself a bit more grace and forgiveness. That grace and forgiveness is the softness that comes as a result of healing. Self-compassion is quiet, but it changes everything.

You Don’t Chase What Once Broke You

The old relationship, that toxic friend, the bad habit that you always ran to. If you’re choosing yourself and walking away from the things that once hurt you, you’ve shown a great amount of strength. That’s healing. Walking away isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.

You Still Hope- Even a Little

If you’re here, reading this, trying to feel better… that’s hope. Even when it’s dim. Even when it’s tired. Hope is a sign that somewhere deep down, you believe in the possibility of more. Healing is holding onto hope in the dark.

You may not see your progress, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Healing isn’t linear. It’s messy and painful and brave. You’re doing better than you think.

Keep Glowing

Discover Your Purpose in 3 Steps

Hey Boo!

Do you know what your purpose is in life?Life can feel pointless and perhaps even cruel when you haven’t found that thing that gives it meaning.

Determining what our purpose is in life can be one of the hardest questions that we as humans must try to answer. In this blog we will be going through a step-by-step process, exploring your feelings and options and by the end, you should have a fairly solid tool you can immediately employ in your life, to help give it a meaningful direction!

There are three steps to the process of discovering the purpose of your life:

Understanding the principle of choice
Creating your “underlying principle”
Aligning your life with this underlying principle

Understanding The Principle of Choice

Norman Vincent Peale has this to say about the power of choice. “The greatest power we have is the power of choice. It is an actual fact, that if you have been groping under unhappiness, you can choose to be joyous, instead. And, by effort, lift yourself into joy. If you tend to be fearful, you can overcome that misery by choosing to have courage. The whole trend and the quality of anyone’s life is determined by the choices that are made”.

“Choosing” is the most important activity of your mind, because by making a choice, you are proclaiming your desires to your subconscious mind. Once the subconscious mind gets to know your desires, it is going to do anything to manifest them in your life. The choices you make in your life become your goal. And, if you are sincere in pursuing them, there is no reason why you should not accomplish them.

Indecision, on the other hand, not only creates frustration and anxiety, but can also confuses the subconscious mind about what you want. But it is important that the choices you make are made by you, in accordance with your true desires, purposes and aptitude. A lot of us let others make choices for us or make our choices according to what we think is ‘correct’, even if that means going against our own wishes. What is right for someone else may not be right for you, and the way to know this is listening to what your heart says.

So, to begin with, make a list of things which interest you; things which you have always enjoyed, which make you feel better, which inspire you to press forward, no matter what obstacles you face. Do you like doing something creative, or something artistic? Do you enjoy nature? Do you like the sea? Do you enjoy helping others? Do you get pleasure out of making a difference in other people’s lives?

Whatever it is that interests you, write it down and answer these questions:

What thing do you love to do?

What is it that you love about this thing and why?

How could you do this for money, and make a living out of it?

Creating Your Underlying Principle

The next step is to examine the list you just made and find out if there is any recurring theme. Maybe, it is contribution that keeps coming up, or a desire to seek or give love, to feed the hungry, or help the elderly cope with old age. Whatever it is, try to identify the central theme of the things you love to do, and try to put it in a short and precise statement. This will be your ‘Mission Statement’. It may even be a quote by a famous person, or a philosophy that has influenced you. Of course, as you grow up, this statement could evolve, but its soul will remain the same. Now, write down your Mission Statement.

Aligning Your LIFE With Your Underlying Principle

The final step in this journey is to map your path to your ultimate purpose and to begin implementing changes that help to align your daily life with your underlying purpose. Take a moment to brainstorm on the little things that you can do right now to cultivate the energy and environment you want to be in. By making these little changes in your lifestyle, you will be able to begin living this principle out each and every day. It might take a few days, but by becoming aware and intentional of this underlying principle of your life, you will certainly start to feel the difference in your enthusiasm for life as a whole. If you realize that you love being amidst nature, plan out vacations and outings. Maybe an outing with your children or friends can be the start as you create even more ways to get into the environment that helps you thrive most. If you discover that you enjoy helping those in need, start to look for opportunities to volunteer in your community. On the other hand, you might even want to change your job, or start a new business that is more in line with your mission.

Whatever it is that you desire to do, know that it is in you to do- or else you wouldn’t have had the idea or desire in the first place.

So, there you have it! By following along with the steps outlined above, you will be on your way to finding and living out your purpose. And, as you go through this process, just remember, “You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose, and to do it courageously.” – Steve Maraboli

Until Next Time Beautiful Souls, keep Glowing…

6 Questions to Ask Yourself When Pursuing Your Dream.

Hey Boo!

What’s your dream? Want to stop hoping and start making things happen? Write down your goals and use these questions to speed up delivery of your dream.

1. What’s your highest priority in this lifetime?

What’s most important for you to experience, explore or embrace in your life right now? Until you answer this question, your life goals will be off purpose. Unaligned with your inner passion, your intentions will lack the power to attract the people and situations necessary to become a reality.

Get tuned in to your true joy. What activities did you enjoy as a child? What are your hobbies now? When your goals are aligned with your soul, synchronicity kicks in to guide you exactly where you desire to go.

2. Is this your dream, or someone else’s?

Are your goals your own choice, or what others think you should strive for? Do you want to look back on your life in your old age and wish you had followed your passion? Will you regret having “played it safe?”

Is it selfish to go after your own dream? What joy can you give to others if you haven’t given it to yourself first?

3. Are you settling for less than you deserve?

Are you resigned to accepting less than your full share of love, health and success this lifetime? Have you compromised and sacrificed your dream?

Anything short of living your true passions will never make you happy.

4. What will you feel like when you reach your dream?

Personal passion fuels a vision. Dive into the thrill and exhilaration of the feeling of living your dream.

The Hawaiian Kahuna say, “Where your creative attention flows, so flows your life.”

5. What steps can you take today toward your dream?

Don’t defer your dream. Set up supports and systems around you to instantly translate your intentions into action. Jump on every opportunity that is in line with your purpose and vision.

Are there smaller projects that lead to your larger dream? If the dream is to run a marathon, train for a local fun-run first. And find a way to measure your progress. Track those little wins-by writing in a journal or telling a friend.

6. Are you telling yourself: “I can’t have my dream?”

Most people don’t believe they can live their dream. Either their belief system has them believing they can’t make a living doing what they love, or they feel they don’t deserve their dream. To avoid the pain of feeling they can’t have their dream, people often keep their dream so buried they can’t remember they ever had a dream.

Everyone has a dream! And everyone is destined to fulfill that purpose. Why wait?

Until Next Time Boo, keep Glowing…