Ep 087: Michaela Esplin on Breaking Free from Autopilot & Reclaiming Your Agency

What if the life you’re living on autopilot… isn’t actually the life God is inviting you to live?Michaela Esplin knows what it feels like to look like you’re doing everything right… but still feel completely lost inside.Raised in the Church with strong examples and a solid foundation, Michaela checked all the boxes — but quietly struggled with self-worth, often looking for validation in relationships.In college, everything came to a head.Despite “doing all the right things,” she found herself in a deep depression, engaged to someone who ultimately made her question everything about her future.That moment became a turning point.She realized she had a choice — continue down a path that didn’t align with who she truly wanted to become, or step back, rebuild, and intentionally create a gospel-centered life.So she chose differently.She moved home. Met with her bishop. Rebuilt her relationship with God.And along the way, she learned something that would shape her life and her work:Guilt is a gift from God — it invites us to change.Shame is Satan’s counterfeit — it tells us we "can’t".That shift changed everything.Soon after, through a simple connection her mom made, Michaela met the man who would become her husband. After days of deep conversations and an instant soul connection, they were engaged just five weeks later — and have now built a life together for over 16 years.But one of the most defining experiences of her life came through her son, Ashton.Born with a rare and severe syndrome, Ashton has faced immense physical challenges, including over a dozen surgeries and hearing loss. Yet through it all, Michaela witnessed miracle after miracle — from a perfectly placed specialist who could diagnose him, to innovative doctors who helped restore much of his hearing.For years, she worried about one thing:Would he feel confident in who he is?Then one day, at just 9 years old, Ashton came home and asked why he was different.Before she could even respond, he answered his own question: “I am blessed by God.”In that moment, Michaela realized something powerful: God had already given her son exactly what he needed.And He had been aware of her all along.Today, Michaela helps women step out of autopilot patterns and into intentional, faith-driven living — teaching them how to move from awareness into action so they can experience real growth, deeper charity, and lasting peace.Her perspective is simple but life-changing:When we actively look for God’s hand — we see it more.And when we see it more — we start to believe that He truly knows us.If you feel stuck, disconnected, or like you’re just going through the motions, this conversation will help you start living with intention again.🎧 Listen to the full episode now.📺 Watch the full interview on YouTube.💬 Comment below: Where have you seen God’s hand in your life recently?✨ And if you’re looking for guidance in breaking free from autopilot patterns, reach out to Michaela at @themichaelanicole#theMichaelaNicole#LiveWithIntention#BreakTheAutopilot#FaithAndGrowth#LDSWomen#RecognizeHisHand#HealingJourney#IntentionalLiving#ChristianPodcast#AgencyAndFaith