Growing with Sol

Boredom feels like a luxury I can't afford anymore. I'm busy, and constantly reaching for my phone the second I feel even slightly bored. But here's what I've learned: boredom is actually essential for creativity, stress relief, and mental health. Our phones have rewired us to escape boredom instead of experiencing it, and it's affecting our ability to think, create, and rest.Why boredom matters right now: Boredom allows your mind to wander and create (showers, mindless activities, that's where ideas come from) Phone escaping is actually making you more anxious and depressed (doomscrolling doesn't help, it hurts) You can practice boredom again without a full digital detox (meditation, reading, waiting without your phone)Boredom used to be something I experienced all the time as a kid. Now I actively avoid it. My generation grew up with enough boredom to know how to handle it, but now I need to relearn that skill. We're all reaching for our phones constantly, and it's stopping us from the creativity and mental clarity that comes from just sitting with our thoughts.Subscribe. Share. Remember that your phone is a tool, not a requirement.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Do you find yourself reaching for your phone whenever you're bored? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call👓 Research referenced: ‣ Potential Benefits of Boredom‣ Boost your brain with boredom‣ 5 Benefits of Boredom

Nonfiction audiobooks are my strategy for learning when traditional reading feels like a struggle. I'm out of my reading slump and ready to learn about investing, feminism, economics, and tech through four books that are calling to me. All of these have changed how I think about women, money, and society.What's drawing me to these books right now: Financial independence is a feminist issue (investing means women can have freedom and agency) Retirement is personal (as a millennial without a pension, I need to understand my future) Everything connects to economics (feminism, attraction, democracy, even tech fascism all tie back to economic systems)The four nonfiction books I'm reading are: "Friends That Invest" by Simran Kaur, "How to Be a Rich Old Lady" by Amanda Holden, "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism" by Kristen R. Ghodsee, and "The Nerd Reich" by Gil DuranAll are also audiobooks because that's how I actually finish nonfiction.Subscribe. Share. Remember that learning through nonfiction is an investment in yourself.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What nonfiction audiobooks are you reading? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

Reading slumps happen, especially when life gets chaotic and burnout creeps in. But the thing is, reading makes me feel alive. So finding cozy fall books is my strategy to break out of the slump and fall back in love with reading during the season I love most. These four books are exactly what I need right now: low stakes, autumn vibes, romance, and the kind of stories that heal.What I'm looking for in cozy fall reads: Low stakes stories that don't demand emotional labor (give me bookshops, tea shops, tea, dragons, magic without the heavy plot trauma) A little bit of romance mixed with cozy vibes (the kind that makes you feel safe while still feeling butterflies) Stories about understanding and connection (whether it's goblins and halflings bridging cultural gaps or vampires finding love)The four books I'm reading this fall are "Can't Spell Treason Without Tea" by Rebecca Thorne, "My Vampire Plus One" by Jenna Levine, "They Love Me Not" by Winnie Aster, and "How to Lose a Goblin in 10 Days" by Jessie Sylva. Some are cozy fantasy, some are romance with low stakes. All of them are exactly what my nervous system needs right now.Subscribe. Share. Remember that fun is part of a healthy lifestyle.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What are you reading this fall? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call📚 Books mentioned:  Can't Spell Treason Without Tea: Rebecca Thorne My Vampire Plus-One: Jenna Levine  They Love Me Not: Winnie Aster  How to Lose a Goblin in 10 Days: Jessie Sylva(All linked in the show notes with affiliate links)

You're not shy and they're not your people. This is about understanding that not vibing with certain people doesn't mean something is wrong with you. It means you've found people who don't match your energy or compatibility, and that's completely okay. Acceptance here is powerful.Three things about finding your people: Shy is a label, not who you are (kids are honest, not shy, about who their people are) Energy compatibility matters more than commonality (demanding vs welcoming interaction types are different) Accepting they're not your people brings peace (stop trying to force friendships that don't work)Growing up I was labeled shy for being honest about who my people were. I spent years trying to figure out what was wrong with me when I didn't vibe with certain people. The truth is simpler. Some people are your people. Some aren't. And that's not a character flaw in either direction. As an introvert, my segment of people who are my people might be smaller, but that doesn't make it worse. It just makes it real.Subscribe. Share. Remember that not everyone is supposed to be your people.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Have you experienced the "they're not my people" moment? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

Being quiet isn't a character flaw or something that needs fixing. It's about how your brain is wired to process stimulation and manage energy. Understanding introversion means understanding that quiet people aren't antisocial or shy, we're just selective with our energy and the people we engage with.Three things that define being quiet: Energy management is everything (introversion is an energetic style, not a personality flaw) Selectivity with people and activities matters (it's about how your brain handles stimulation) Your brain chemistry is different (dopamine vs acetylcholine means you need different things to feel good)From childhood until I understood what introversion actually was, I thought something was wrong with me. But learning that Carl Jung defined introversion in the 1920s and understanding the science behind it changed how I see myself. My quiet nature isn't a flaw to fix. It's just how my brain works.Subscribe. Share. Remember that quiet doesn't mean boring or broken.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Which introvert trait do you most relate to? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call👓 Articles:Introverts and Extroverts: The Brain Chemistry Behind Their DifferencesWhat Makes Someone an Introvert: Definition, Personality Traits, and Self-Care Tips

Being introverted isn't a character flaw or a weakness that needs fixing. It's part of who you are. I spent years believing my quiet nature was something wrong with me, something I needed to change. But accepting my introversion became the foundation of real confidence and self-acceptance.Three things I learned: Your introversion doesn't make you broken (accepting yourself is the first step to confidence) Confidence has nothing to do with being extroverted (quiet confidence is real confidence) You can learn social skills without changing who you fundamentally are (both can coexist)From childhood pressure to be more outgoing to forcing myself into activities I didn't want, I learned that trying to change your fundamental nature is exhausting. It doesn't work. The moment I stopped fighting my quiet nature and started honoring it, everything changed.Subscribe. Share. Remember that there's nothing wrong with being an introvert.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Are you an introvert on a similar journey to acceptance? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

How to solo date when you have social anxiety. Everyone's watching you. Everyone's judging. But the truth is far less dramatic, and building confidence happens through small, sustainable steps, not forcing yourself into discomfort. Solo dating is how you build your own life and prove to yourself you're capable.Three key strategies: People aren't thinking about you at all (they're thinking about themselves) Work with your anxiety, not against it (force creates burnout) Take small steps outside your comfort zone (incrementally build tolerance)Solo dating saved my life because it taught me I don't need anyone else to do things I love. I became my own companion. I stopped waiting for someone to be available. I started living. That confidence shift changed everything.Subscribe. Share. Remember that you don't need permission from anyone to live your life.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What's one thing you want to do solo? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

Three books changed how I see the world in 2026. Even though I'm behind on my reading goal, these specific books stuck with me and taught me things I never learned before. Reading recommendations that matter and why these stories need to be heard.Three impactful books: The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio - hidden stories of invisible communities  Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green - how everything connects to systems and history A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon - depression and recognition in the pagesWhat they taught me: History I never learned in school. Systems I couldn't see before. Myself reflected on the page. These books showed me perspectives that matter and stories that need hearing.Subscribe. Share. Remember that books show us what we need to see.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What book changed how you see the world? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

It's July and your goals have derailed. Instead of pushing harder, sink into yourself and ask three questions that will show you exactly what's wrong. Centering yourself is the key to achieving goals that actually align with who you are.Three questions to recalibrate: Why do you want this goal? (Check your connection and investment) How will you feel when you achieve it? (Remember the emotional payoff) Is the process enjoyable? (Sunk cost fallacy check and making it better)Goals are tied to your self-perception, confidence, and self-esteem. When you sink into yourself, you ensure you're working toward something that actually matters. Make the process enjoyable with micro goals, progress tracking, and self-compassion instead of negative self-talk.Subscribe. Share. Remember that your goals should serve you, not the other way around.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What's one goal you need to recalibrate? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

Books became essential to my healing journey from trauma, depression, and emotional abuse. Three specific books guided me through understanding what happened, building unbreakable boundaries, and reconnecting with the parts of myself I'd lost.Three healing books: "Whole Again" by Jackson MacKenzie validates your experience and teaches self-forgiveness "Boundaries After a Pathological Relationship" by Adelyn Birch is short, direct, essential ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas helped me reconnect with my love of reading and myselfMy coach gave me assigned reading as part of my healing work. These books became homework, validation, strategy, and eventually, joy. Reading for healing isn't just about information. It's about seeing yourself in the pages and knowing you're not alone.Reconnecting with reading was reconnecting with who I was before the trauma. Old Marisol loved reading. That got lost. Getting it back was getting myself back.Subscribe. Share. Remember that healing has many forms and sometimes it comes through the pages of a book.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What book has helped you heal? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!📚 Books mentioned: Whole Again: Jackson MacKenzie Boundaries After a Pathological Relationship: Adelyn Birch ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses): Sarah J. Maas💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

Mid-year check-in on my two main goals for 2026 and where I stand at six months. Instead of setting goals in every area of my life, I narrowed focus to financial freedom by paying off credit card debt and getting back into shape. This approach is working better than years of overachieving and doing too much.Two goals and real progress: Credit card debt: Started with $12,500, now paying $1,400 monthly, adjusted strategy in May when progress felt too slow Fitness: Lost 5 pounds, increased muscle definition in legs and glutes through lifting and cardio, struggling with nutrition consistency Why two goals work: Less overwhelming, more achievable, better for accountability than setting ten goalsI struggled with emotional eating while healing from depression and CPTSD. The deeper I healed, the more emotions surfaced, leading me to emotionally eat through the recovery process. Now working on consistency with nutrition while maintaining a healthy food relationship.Subscribe. Share. Remember that focusing on two goals creates better outcomes than trying to achieve ten at once.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What are your one or two goals for 2026? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

Six life lessons about self-esteem, friendship, and toxic relationships I wish I'd known at 26. Self-acceptance and radical acceptance are the foundation for real confidence. Your flaws are not a moral failing and you deserve to celebrate your achievements.Six lessons across three categories: Self-esteem and confidence: Your flaws are not a moral failing, celebrate your achievements Friendship lessons: Deep friendships require intentionality, friends are your village Love life lessons: If your creativity dies because of him, leave him, one hard conversation shouldn't end a relationshipI learned these lessons through mistakes, painful friendships that faded, and a toxic relationship that took my creativity. Looking back, I wish I'd known my flaws didn't define me and that I deserved to celebrate my wins.Subscribe. Share. Remember that the lessons you learn the hard way are worth sharing so others don't have to wait 10 years to understand them.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What's a life lesson you wish you'd known sooner? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

Poetry and mental health intersect beautifully in this conversation with award-winning poet Leisly Roman about her seasonal poetry collection that guides intentional living and personal growth. Her latest book "All That a Season Can Carry (In Me)" is organized by seasons to help readers explore the emotional landscapes of winter, spring, summer, and fall while understanding how their inner world connects to nature.What we cover: How seasons guide self-reflection, healing, and intentional living throughout the year Winter as an opportunity for peace and quiet self-reflection instead of just depression and darkness Moving intentionally through seasons instead of carrying the same goals and guilt all year longAbout Our Guest: Leisly Roman is an award-winning Dominican American poet and mental health advocate from New York City. Her debut bilingual collection "Living in Phases" explores mental health journey with honesty. Her latest work uses poetry to help readers connect their emotional experiences to nature's rhythms and find healing through self-reflection.The book shows that each season offers different emotional and spiritual opportunities. Winter brings rest and self-discovery. Spring brings growth. Summer brings action. Fall brings completion. When you move intentionally through seasons, you let go of what each season teaches before carrying it into the next.Subscribe. Share. Remember that your inner world connects to the world around you and moving intentionally through seasons helps you let go of weight you've been carrying all year.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Which season are you in emotionally right now? DM me on Instagram!📖 Get Leisly's Books:Living in PhasesAll That a Season Can Carry (In Me)💌 Follow Leisly:InstagramWebsite & Links💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoMari's Book List: https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

People pleasing in parenting is costing your children their self-worth, emotional regulation, and healthy boundaries. Kids learn through observation, so if you're a people pleaser, your children are picking up those same behaviors and internalizing them as normal. This is how generational trauma works and how the cycle continues unless you heal it.How people pleasing affects your children: Kids learn interpersonal skills through observation and copy your people pleasing behavior You normalize overextending yourself and putting everyone else's needs first constantly Toxic family members stay around because you can't set boundaries, exposing kids to potential harmPeople pleasing parents struggle with consistent discipline and handling conflict, making parenting inconsistent. This becomes generational trauma that your children inherit.In my Growing Pains, I recognize how my parents' people pleasing affected me. Now as an adult healing, I understand this is a generational curse I want to break with my future kids.Subscribe. Share. Remember that your healing is your children's healing and breaking the generational curse starts with you doing the work.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! How has people pleasing shown up in your family? DM me on Instagram.💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoWe might just have the same taste in books Check out my Book List (Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

People pleasing in your career is costing you money, promotions, and career growth. If people pleasing is ruining your love life, chances are it's also ruining your finances. People pleasers take on more work for free, can't say no, avoid negotiating, and don't assert themselves for opportunities like promotions or raises.How people pleasing shows up in your career: Taking on more work for free and to the detriment of your own projects Unable to say no so you're always the last to leave, missing deadlines on your own tasks Taking blame for things that aren't your fault, damaging your professional reputationThis directly impacts promotions, raises, and how much money you make. Good leaders are authentic but people pleasers can't be authentic so they stay stuck. Money impacts everything: healthcare access, where you live, what food you buy, your overall quality of life.Subscribe. Share. Remember that healing people pleasing requires recognizing how it's affecting your career and finances, and taking small steps to assert yourself.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What's one thing you said yes to at work that you wish you'd said no to? DM me on Instagram!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoWe might just have the same taste in books Check out my Book List (Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

People pleasing in your love life is ruining your relationships, whether you're dating or in a committed partnership. If people pleasing has been ruining your life, I guarantee it's affecting your love life too. I've both experienced and witnessed how people pleasing leads down a path of feeling unloved and unfulfilled relationships.In the dating stage, people pleasers ask the wrong questions: Does he like me instead of do I like him, are they right for me You accept low and minimal effort because low self-worth has you feeling undeserving Minor red flags and small transgressions become the foundation of disrespect laterI was a people pleaser with low self-worth and ended up in an emotionally abusive relationship. It led to years of depression and CPTSD. But healing is possible. I'm now a healed people pleaser in healthy relationships.Subscribe. Share. Remember that healing people pleasing is possible and you deserve to be truly loved and cherished.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What red flag did you ignore early that you wish you hadn't? DM me on Instagram!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoWe might just have the same taste in books Check out my Book List (Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

In this Stories That Shape Us episode, I'm breaking down A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon, a book about depression, hope, and stepping into your power when you least expect it. The unnamed protagonist is 29, depressed, drowning in debt. As a 35-year-old American with three degrees, hard relate. She's saved from attempting suicide by a clairvoyant magical girl and discovers she might be the one who saves the world.🚨 Major spoiler alert for A Magical Girl Retires and trigger warning for attempted suicide.What this book teaches about hope and transformation: By the mere act of trying, there is hope—persistence shows something worth living for You dare to hope then boom disappointment—that quick switch to "yeah that makes sense" From suicidal self-doubt to saving the world, then choosing yourself by retiringThe story shows that for those of us struggling with depression and mental health challenges, we can't deny how much hope we still have. The mere fact that you keep moving forward shows there's still a kernel of self-love, love for your dog, friends, family, something beautiful enough to keep going. Even if it doesn't feel good.Subscribe. Share. Remember that finding hope in unexpected places and choosing yourself, even after achieving something amazing, is radical self-acceptance.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What book unexpectedly taught you about hope? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!🎧 Related episode: Embracing the Dichotomy: How to Hold Space for All of Yourself💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoWe might just have the same taste in books Check out my Book List (Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

Do you ever struggle with loving yourself at the beginning of your healing journey when you're not a finished product? That constant feeling of not being good enough, not worthy, not deserving, even of things you've worked for. One day you feel confident like "Yeah, one step at a time, let's go." The next day you feel so low: "Is this even for me? Maybe I'm not meant to get better."The highs and lows of healing and transformation: Happens at beginning stages when you want change but haven't gotten there yet Affects your mood, mental space, and progress creating a vicious cycle High achievers attach self-worth to achievement—slow progress triggers self-hatredI also talk about being a writer. It feels like a "was" even though it's an "is." I lost my creativity in a toxic relationship and it took years to heal it back. Now I get frustrated with myself for not writing "enough", even though I recognize my life is busier and I need more sleep now than I did before.Subscribe. Share. Remember that radical self-acceptance means you can have love for yourself now while you are at the beginning of your journey.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! How do you practice self-acceptance during transformation? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoWe might just have the same taste in books Check out my Book List (Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

You want the soft life. You're tired of hustling. I texted my friend this morning: "Girl, I wish I had one job that paid for everything." But who actually gets to have a soft life? And is it even possible for most of us right now?What we're unpacking about soft life vs hustle culture: Trad wife isn't soft life, it's unpaid labor unless you're wealthy enough to hire help for everything Who gets to opt out, successful influencers can slow down, but most of us are working multiple jobs just to make ends meet Economic reality check, gas prices, living expenses increasing, gig work most accessible, we're hustling just to afford lifeInfluencers are finally being honest that there's no such thing as work-life balance. Sometimes work demands everything, sometimes life does. You can't have a perfect 50/50 pie chart. And for most of us right now? Not having a soft life is just a fact of life. But that doesn't mean you can't work toward it, financial baseline, knowing your security number, recalibrating how you hustle.Subscribe. Share. Remember that hustling to make ends meet isn't something to be ashamed of.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Are you in your hustling era or have you found your soft life? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoWe might just have the same taste in books Check out my Book List (Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

Life becomes a waiting game. Waiting for texts, commitment, apologies, explanations. Always from someone who isn't really interested in getting back to you. So what does decentering men actually mean, and how do you do it without giving up on wanting love?What decentering men really is: Men stop being the reference point for what you do, look like, where you go, what you tolerate, and prioritize Not outsourcing your worth to male attention or treating relationships as your main source of life success Not shrinking yourself to keep someone else comfortableI also talk about why this feels louder now. Emotional burnout from being the project manager of connection. Information everywhere, we're comparing notes in real time and can't be gaslit as easily. Economic reality where relationships add stress instead of support. And what you actually reclaim: time, money, body autonomy, ambition, deeper friendships, and peace. Single isn't a consolation prize, it's your home base.Subscribe. Share. Remember that you're not behind for being single, not incomplete, and not waiting for life to start.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What are you reclaiming by decentering men? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoWe might just have the same taste in books Check out my Book List (Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

Hot girl walks. Pilates. Korean skincare. Wellness trends are everywhere, and they all promise empowerment. But when does a helpful practice stop being about your wellbeing and start being about someone else's bottom line?What we're unpacking about the wellness industrial complex: When aesthetic and gear become more important than the actual practice Paywalling basic things like hydration and movement as luxury Turning missed days into failure when systemic barriers are the real problemI also talk about how wellness trends targeting women are tied to beauty standards. Post-COVID brought thinness back as health. "Good outfit or is she just thin?" Rest is something you earn, not something healthy. Moral virtue gets attached to how "well" you perform wellness.Subscribe. Share. Remember that wellness is a relationship with yourself, not with your gear.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What wellness trend have you questioned lately? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoWe might just have the same taste in books Check out my Book List (Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

In this episode of our series 'Stories That Shape Us', my friend Priscilla and I are breaking down Tower of Dawn, the book where the action is mostly physical therapy, political dinners, and a lot of walking (well, rolling). It's one of the most divisive books in the Throne of Glass series, and we get into why.🚨 Major spoiler alert for Tower of Dawn and the entire Throne of Glass series!What we explore in Chaol's healing arc: You can't fix your body without fixing your mental health - physical injury as manifestation of emotional wounds The right person appears after inner work - couldn't show up for Nesryn but could be vulnerable with Yrene Honesty builds foundations that last - Aelin relationship built on lies, Yrene's brutal honesty created real connectionWe also talk about Nesryn's glow-up. She went from accepting a situationship to finding her roots, a supportive prince (Sartaq is perfect boyfriend energy), and saving the day on a giant eagle. Meanwhile, Chaol was down in the city learning to walk. Both needed their separate paths to grow.Subscribe. Share. Remember that sometimes the stories we think are detours are exactly where we need to be.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Are you Team Chaol or did you skip this book? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!About my bestie Priscilla: Priscilla De Lara is originally from California now living in Milan, Italy working in international education. She is a lover of food, traveling, and reading! Fun fact: Priscilla was a college radio DJ. Connect with Priscilla on TikTok @priscillainitaly💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoWe might just have the same taste in books Check out my Book List (Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

When I picked up Jillian Turecki's "It Begins with You," I kept thinking: where was this book 12 years ago? I had to learn these dating lessons the hard way - depression, CPTSD, the whole mess. Zero out of 10, do not recommend learning it that way.The book breaks down 9 hard truths about dating and relationships: The mind is a battlefield - limiting beliefs like "my type's not my type" block you from finding someone and showing up fully Knowing theory versus embodying knowledge - revisiting concepts when you're healed (not in crisis) is when they actually sink in Learn from other people's mistakes through client stories and journaling prompts instead of living through the pain yourselfI've been single for a thousand years at this point. I get hit on once every three business years. People have called me intimidating my whole life (I just have resting bitch face). And I feel behind sometimes because I rarely get to practice these relationship skills. But that's exactly why books like this matter - you can learn before you need it.Subscribe. Share. Remember that other people's hard-earned lessons can save you years of heartbreak.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Have you read "It Begins with You"? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!📚 It Begins with You by Jillian Turecki💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTok | Growing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoWe might just have the same taste in books Check out my Book List (Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER: Schedule your discovery call

Why is women's anger so often dismissed, suppressed, or even feared? The cool girl who doesn't get mad. The "hysterical" woman. The "spicy Latina." We're taught from childhood to be nice, polite, and agreeable - which actually means don't be angry, don't disrupt.Here's the truth about women and anger: Anger happens because we've been wronged - expressing it means accepting we're worthy of having that injustice corrected Every dismissal creates a feedback loop of "I am not worthy of better" that destroys self-esteem over time Why they fear it: freely expressing your anger makes you ungovernable, uncontrollable for someone else - and that's liberationI know this because I lived it. I suppressed anger in an abusive relationship, and it manifested as depression. Through self-forgiveness meditation, I found all the rage underneath, then had to teach myself to be angry in a healthy way again.Subscribe. Share. Remember that your anger is valid, informative, and just might change everything.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! How do you honor your anger? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

The people I know who don't use social media seem lighter than the rest of us. If you can quit, do it. But for those of us who can't - because we use it for work or entertainment or both - it comes down to how we curate our feeds. Because algorithms are exploiting your vulnerabilities, and yes, you are susceptible to propaganda even if you think you're too smart for it.Here's what we're exploring about intentional feed curation: How passive consumption lets algorithms manipulate you (red pill content targeting young men influenced elections) Why everyone is susceptible to propaganda through subtle nudges and emotionally charged fragments over time Growing Pains segment: I was found crying in front of the refrigerator after consuming genocide footage daily The highlight reel problem - comparing your daily reality to everyone's curated perfection destroys self-esteem Practical curation strategies: audit accounts, mute people you know, click "not interested" ruthlessly, reframe as YOU controlling the feedFrom understanding how Facebook board members discussed aligning with far-right parties for power to recognizing that staying informed shouldn't mean consuming trauma constantly, this episode unpacks passive vs intentional consumption. You have power here - use it.Subscribe. Share. Remember that you control your feed, not the other way around.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! How are you curating your feed? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari - let's talk about taking control!🎧 In case you missed it:Social Media Detoxes: Spring Cleaning Your Relationship With Technology📚 Sources cited:PubMed CentralMedium The Noösphere💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

I have a friend who could live off a flip phone, just calls and texts, barely uses social media. I was so jealous. Because here I am with 10+ hours of screen time, doom scrolling in bed, clicking onto Instagram and immediately seeing buildings exploding. Sometimes I become too informed and need to dissociate for a bit.Here's what we're exploring about digital spring cleaning: How millennials remember when you had to GO to the internet (now there's no leaving it... it's everywhere) The pressure to be constantly available online and that little green bubble showing you're active Growing Pains segment: my screen time is wrecking my eyes and I once had symptoms that could've meant detached retina Why going cold turkey with social media detox usually fails (intentionality over elimination) Practical boundaries that actually work: app audits, phone-free zones, doom scroll on couch not bed, digital wellness settingsFrom understanding how being informed can become overwhelming to recognizing that our work, entertainment, and downtime all require screens now, this episode gets real about digital life. Plus actionable tips you can actually sustain instead of burning out trying to do everything at once.Subscribe. Share. Remember that you don't have to consume every crisis in real-time to be informed.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What's your relationship with social media costing you? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari - let's talk digital boundaries!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

Let's face it - the American Dream is bullshit now. Or maybe it always was, because it was never supposed to pertain to someone like me anyway. But here's the thing: even the people it WAS designed for can't achieve it anymore. My parents owned a home at 35. I'm celebrating not having roommates.Here's what we're exploring about redefining success: How the American Dream shifted from consumerism (1895) to social mobility (1931) to complete fantasy (2026) The housing reality: $300k in 2012 → $500k in 2022 → $900k+ in California (studios are $2,500 somebody needs jail time) Why "making it" now means no roommates and washer/dryer in-unit (what was a stepping stone is now the goal) Gen Z refusing exploitation not work: the unpaid 7am meeting story and why boundaries aren't laziness New success metrics: community, mental health, work-life balance, experiences over material possessionsFrom understanding that productivity went up while wages stayed flat to recognizing that Gen Z watched millennials burn out in Girl Boss era for nothing, this episode gets real about systemic barriers. Growing Pains segment: I'm searching for housing in LA and it's breaking me.Subscribe. Share. Remember that you're not failing - the system is broken.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What's your definition of success now? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari - I want to hear how this reality is affecting you!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

The early 2000s beauty standards are back: low-rise jeans, "#SkinnyTok," Ozempic ads everywhere. I get GLP-1 ads every single day. And as someone who lived through the "you must be size zero or you're fat" era, I'm having flashbacks. But here's what's shifted for me: jiu jitsu changed how I relate to my body.Here's what we're exploring about body image and martial arts: How beauty standards are ever-changing (I finally got skinny in 2014 when the standard was 2003) The shift from aesthetics to functionality - what can my body do vs how does it look Why jiu jitsu is different from gym culture (jiu jitsu hair don't care is real) Growing Pains segment: I'm still struggling with body image even as a coach The most empowering shift - appreciating what my body can do instead of just how it looksFrom understanding that women are hyper-aware of how they're perceived everywhere to discovering the freedom of being too focused on not getting choked out to care about your appearance, this episode shares my 15-year jiu jitsu journey. Plus the new 'Growing Pains' segment where I share that I'm not completely healed, I still struggle, and that's okay.Subscribe. Share. Remember that your body's worth isn't determined by shifting beauty standards.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What helped you shift your relationship with your body? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

How many of you are in your 30s rediscovering old hobbies from childhood - things you were into as a kid that now bring you so much joy again? Same here. I think this whole phenomenon is part of a healing arc so many people started in their 30s, and it's about radical self-acceptance.Here's what we're exploring about finding your true self: How we lost ourselves in our 20s (work, hustle culture, Girl Boss era exhaustion) Why your childhood self was uninhibited and freely expressed joy without shame The 30s awakening: realizing what you were doing isn't working anymore How rediscovering childhood hobbies is radical self-acceptance (not regression) Fighting hustle culture by prioritizing joy, play, and things that bring you happinessFrom understanding that as kids we didn't overthink what brought us joy to recognizing that Girl Boss culture left us drained and searching for balance, this episode celebrates the healing journey of coming back to yourself. Your inner child knew your true self all along - you just lost touch with that part of you.Subscribe. Share. Remember that your childhood interests revealed who you really are.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What childhood hobby are you rediscovering? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari - I want to hear what brings you joy!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

I read a Threads post asking people to share the romantic thing they've always wanted but never had. I went from "oh that's relatable" to "this got me right in the trauma and I need to stop reading before I cry." We're all apparently just very traumatized from past relationships - and dating after romantic trauma is a mindfuck.Here's what we're exploring about love after trauma: The two paths after a toxic relationship: keep dating or pull back completely (why healing matters either way) Why healthy relationships can feel terrifying (the screaming goat is your trauma) How triggers are information from your body, not nuisances messing up your life Strategies for handling triggers in real-time (texting, dates, and reminding yourself you're safe) Why leaning on your trusted friends is essential when navigating dating againFrom understanding that everything feels triggering when someone is genuinely kind to recognizing that you don't have to respond to texts immediately when you're triggered, this episode validates how tough dating after trauma really is. Your triggers aren't there to mess things up - they're providing information about what you need (slow down, get more info, or leave).Subscribe. Share. Remember that dating after trauma is tough but not hopeless.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! How are you navigating dating after trauma? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

You know that friend who's been there longer than any boyfriend? The one you joke with saying "I'll be at your wedding, but he might not be"? That's soul-deep connection - and science says it might be saving your life. This Galentine's Day, let's celebrate the power of female friendship.Here's what we're exploring about women supporting women: The science behind female friendship (oxytocin, stress response, and community-seeking) How women with close friends survive spouse loss without health decline Why "I'll be at your wedding but your boyfriend won't" isn't just a joke - it's staying power Breaking the myth that women are catty (we're each other's lifelines) Different types of friendships worth celebrating (childhood, work, mom friends, long-distance)From understanding that Galentine's Day started on Parks and Rec to discovering that female friendships create soul-deep bonds where you can be 100% yourself, this episode celebrates the relationships that might be your most important ones. Your friendships are literally protecting your health.Subscribe. Share. Remember that your female friendships might be your most profound relationships.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! How are you celebrating your Galentines this year? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari and tag your ride or die!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

Everyone wants the benefits of a village, but nobody wants to be a villager. We all want community, support, and deep connections - but we're terrified to actually be vulnerable ourselves. With Valentine's Day and Galentine's Day this week, let's talk about what's really at the foundation of every meaningful relationship: emotional intimacy.Here's what we're exploring about building deeper connections: Why sharing difficult things from your past doesn't always mean you're being vulnerable The village paradox: everyone wants community benefits but nobody wants to be a villager How vulnerability is actually an act of radical self-love (not weakness) The communication pitfalls that destroy emotional intimacy without you realizing Why you need to be choosy about who you practice vulnerability withFrom understanding that emotional intimacy is the ability to share your true self and feel safe doing so, to recognizing the paradox of wanting to be there for others while not believing anyone can be there for you, this episode challenges how you think about vulnerability.Think about your best friend - that person you can call to complain, to process the same thing 20 times, to show up however you are. That's emotional intimacy. And you can have it in all your relationships.Vulnerability is scary, especially when you're unpracticed. But it's the gateway to genuine connection. And it requires you to accept something about yourself before you can share it with someone else.Subscribe. Share. Remember that vulnerability is strength, not weakness.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Who is your safe person for vulnerability? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is the very first episode of 2026 - and we're starting the year by stepping into our power. If you have goals you want to reach this year, things you want to change, or you're ready for real growth, this episode is for you.Here's what we're exploring about stepping into your power: Why your definition of power might not actually be yours (and how social media messes with this) The perfectionism trap disguised as preparation - and why it keeps you stuck How to build momentum when you're paralyzed by overthinking The energy audit introverts naturally do (that everyone else should learn) Why "I don't mind being around you" is the highest compliment an introvert can giveFrom recognizing that done is better than perfect to understanding that boundaries aren't selfish, this episode breaks down exactly how to stop playing small in 2026.You can't make powerful moves without stepping into your power first. And that means defining success for yourself, taking imperfect action, and protecting your energy fiercely.If you're thinking "I want to create a powerful 2026 but I need support" - that's exactly what coaching is for. Sometimes we need accountability, clarity, and someone who sees our potential when we can't.Subscribe. Share. Remember that your power is personal. Define it, act on it, protect it.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What does stepping into your power look like for you in 2026? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is your New Year's week book episode to send off 2025 right - wrapping up the year with all the books I read, from the emotional to the adventurous to the absolutely spicy, complete with reading stats and spice levels. If you're looking for book recs to start 2026, this is it.2025 READING STATS: 27 books read (goal was 35, but last year was only 25 total!) 9,954 pages 12 days average per book Top moods: Emotional, Adventurous, Funny Top genres: Fantasy, Romance, ContemporaryMY ONLY 5-STAR READ: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood - inhaled in under 24 hours, Adam Carlson is a certified yearner, low spice but exquisite tension4-STAR READS: Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood (vampires! low spice, Buffy vibes) Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (medium spice, steamy, one triggering scene - check warnings) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Master of Me by Keke Palmer (audiobook win) All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas (my book husband is in this one)HONORABLE MENTION: Knot Falling For You by Winnie Aster (3.75 stars but lives rent-free in my brain) - cozy Omegaverse, my first in the genre, perfect balance of cozy barista life and medium spice with a doting partner who only wants the best for her (life goals), when you get to the spice it's CAP LOCKS BOLD ITALICSFrom discovering that Ali Hazelwood owns my heart to realizing Omegaverse might be my new obsession, this year taught me that books give us the emotional, adventurous, and fun experiences we deserve.We deserve levity. We deserve to do shit just because it brings us joy. These books brought me joy.Subscribe. Share. Remember that reading for pleasure is valid and valuable.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Download the free 2025 reading list! Organized by genre, ratings, and spice level - includes all books through December.Join the conversation! What was your top read of 2025? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari - I need recs for next year!Related Episodes: All About Love discussion, Empire of Storms Pt. 1 & 2, Heir of Fire analysis💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is your holiday special of Stories that Shape Us, because sometimes curling up with a good book discussion is exactly what you need.This is part 2 of the Empire of Storms analysis. We break down why Aelin's self-sacrifice is actually tragic, how keeping secrets is a trauma response, and why Rowan's love is the kind we all deserve.🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨Here's what we're exploring about Aelin's journey in Empire of Storms: Secret-keeping as trauma: Aelin tells half-truths because she's afraid of disappointing people (hide the failure if you fail alone) Self-sacrifice from unworthiness: willing to burn herself out, thinking love and friendship were gifts she didn't deserve Rowan seeing all of her: flaws, destructive power, trauma - and saying "you do not face this alone" SJM characters feeling undeserving: they believe they don't deserve life and good things, so they self-sacrifice The vulnerability of love: Aelin had never let herself be that vulnerable, never felt something so consumingFrom recognizing that secret-keeping makes it look like you're not trying, to understanding that Rowan's respect for Sam shows the love Aelin deserves, this episode explores what Empire of Storms teaches about accepting you're worthy.Aelin has so much love for everyone except herself. She thinks of happiness as borrowed time. That's trauma, not strength. But Rowan doesn't just love her despite her flaws - he sees her completely and chooses to work through it together. He respects her past, her power, her struggles. That's what we all deserve.Subscribe. Share. Remember that self-sacrifice from unworthiness isn't noble - healing means accepting you deserve good things.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Are you Team Rowan or Team Lorcan? Do you relate to Aelin's self-sacrifice? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!🎧 Related Episodes: Stories that Shape Us: Empire of Storms Pt. 1💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is the year-end reflection that goes beyond productivity and asks what truly mattered this year. Life isn't just work and achievements - it's the fun moments, the love you experienced, the calm quiet peace you created. This reflection includes all five guided steps with every question to help you honestly assess your year while celebrating the joy and growth that can't be measured by goal completion alone.THE 5-STEP YEAR-END REFLECTION:1️⃣ Step 1: Revisit Your Goals Look at goals from January and midyear. What changed? All progress counts - even dropped goals teach you what aligns with your values.2️⃣ Step 2: Where Are You Now? Assess progress on kept goals. What emotions come up? How can you process them healthily?3️⃣ Step 3: Be Brutally Honest What roadblocks got in your way? No shame, no guilt. Sometimes emotions derail us. We're one person - compartmentalizing isn't always possible.4️⃣ Step 4: What Supported Your Success? What helped you make progress? Inner work? Community? Accountability? Identify what actually worked.5️⃣ Step 5: The Questions That Actually Matter Beyond productivity metrics, these questions reveal what made life worth living: List 3 memories from 2025 that bring you happiness What lessons did you learn this year? What did you learn about yourself? What impact has this had? How much fun did you have this year? How could you make 2026 more fun?Being a sensitive person who feels emotions intensely isn't a flaw. Joy is resistance even when the world feels crazy. You deserve a joyous, beautiful life.If you're realizing 2026 needs to be different - more support, accountability, or joy - that awareness is your first step. Sometimes having someone in your corner makes all the difference.Subscribe. Share. Remember that life is more than productivity.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Download the free Year-End Reflection Cards through the show notes. DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari!Download the free Year-End Reflection Cards to work through all these questions at your own pace!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is why doing nothing is the most revolutionary thing you can do this holiday season - and why you desperately need to reclaim rest.Here's what we're exploring about rest as revolution: The competition problem: 43% say holiday stress interferes with enjoyment, 36% say holidays feel like competition Hustle culture invades holidays: pressure to ace it, attend everything, find perfect gifts, create Instagram moments, make it magical Why rest is revolutionary: in the US we're expected to always be productive - even rest should be "productive" - so just being is radical Practical rest practices: say no, take micro-breaks (5 min in car), create cozy rituals, digital detox (grayscale phone mode) Redefining productivity: measure success by how you feel, not by parties attended or gifts boughtFrom understanding that rest is viewed as laziness to recognizing it's actually radical self-care and boundary setting, this episode challenges you to refuse participation in toxic productivity.About half of people aren't enjoying the holidays because there's so much pressure to perform, get it right, be better than someone else. It doesn't have to be that way.Rest is resistance. When you honor what your body needs over external expectations, you model healthy behavior for others. You lead by example.Subscribe. Share. Remember that rest isn't lazy - it's revolutionary.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What's your rest practice this holiday season? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari - let's normalize rest!💬 LET'S CONNECT:Instagram | TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is the unconventional new year prep you actually need: releasing what no longer serves you before you add anything new.Here's what we're exploring about letting go rituals: What to release: limiting beliefs, toxic relationships, old habits, grudges, past failures - things emotionally tied to your self-concept Burning ceremony ritual: write it down, safely burn it, watch it physically release (turns intangible mental stuff into tangible release) Forgiveness practice: daily meditation releasing anger toward yourself (feminine rage about other stuff can stay) Physical decluttering: releasing emotional baggage attached to items (that post-depression clean energy) Mental release: constant reminders you're not that limiting belief and you're capable of achieving great thingsFrom doing forgiveness meditation daily for months to learning that being introverted isn't something to fix, this episode challenges you to stop focusing only on what to add and start with what to release.These things literally hold you back from reaching goals and feeling joy. Think about how amazing you'll feel once you truly release them. That's what you're stopping yourself from achieving by holding on.Create space for growth, new opportunities, and positive energy by letting go first. Sometimes it's therapy or coaching. Sometimes it's a burning ceremony or decluttering your closet and facing what items represent emotionally.Subscribe. Share. Remember to release before you restart.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What are you releasing before 2025? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari - let's do this together!Related Episode: Ep138 - Thankful for Growth (reframing past failures)💬 LET'S CONNECT:My InstaMy TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List.(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is the uncomfortable gratitude practice you need - being thankful for your failures, setbacks, and the hard things that shaped you.Here's what we're exploring about reframing failure: Why looking back at setbacks is difficult but necessary: avoiding them means missing powerful lessons The self-forgiveness journey: facing every moment of self-betrayal through daily meditation (gut-wrenching but fruitful) Reframing the question: instead of "why did this happen to me?" ask "what did this teach me? who did I become?" Growth Inventory exercise: identify three past failures and find at least one skill/insight gained from each Healing holds deeper lessons: sometimes what you learn from the recovery process matters more than the experience itselfFrom doing self-forgiveness meditation daily during depression recovery to recognizing there are reasons you're where you are (many out of your control), this episode challenges you to expand your gratitude practice beyond the good stuff.Nobody loves looking at failures. We'd rather focus on successes and achievements. But when we avoid examining setbacks, we miss out on lessons about resilience, redirection, and what we truly value.Be thankful for the challenges that made you stronger, the losses that taught you what matters, the failures that redirected you toward your purpose. Appreciate how far you've come.Subscribe. Share. Remember that gratitude can include the hard things that shaped who you are.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What's one failure you're actually grateful for? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari - I want to hear about your growth!💬 LET'S CONNECT:My InstaMy TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List.(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is why being single in your 30s isn't the problem everyone makes it out to be - and why it might actually be the best thing for you right now.Here's what we're exploring about being single in your 30s: Why acceptance doesn't mean settling: you can embrace where you are without loving it forever The confidence factor: you're finally secure enough to show up fully yourself in every area of life Knowing what you want: you're not exploring anymore - you know what works and what doesn't (weeding out bad matches is growth) Better communication skills: you can articulate what you want, assess emotions, and relay them effectively Intentional vs serious dating: you can want a relationship and still have fun without treating dating like a grave problem to fixFrom seeing everyone struggle to find someone to understanding that failed dates aren't failures when you know yourself well enough to recognize bad matches, this episode reframes what it means to be single in your 30s.A lot of us have healed from people pleasing. We communicate like badasses. We're confident and secure. Dating in your 30s means you're not wasting time on situations that won't work. That's not picky - that's powerful.The intention is to get to know somebody, have fun, and see who fits. If they don't fit, move on to the next person. Stop making it so serious.Subscribe. Share. Remember that being single in your 30s allows you to date with intention and exit romantic situations gracefully.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Are you single in your 30s? DM me your experiences on Instagram @YourCoachMari - girl, you got this!💬 LET'S CONNECT:My InstaMy TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List.(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is why reading romance novels isn't just fun - it's actually healing work, especially when you're traumatized and scared to date again.Here's what we're exploring about romance novels and healing: What romance actually is: central love story with satisfying ending - not porn despite misogynistic claims Why the writing is phenomenal: making readers feel emotions deeply takes serious skill How romance raises standards: seeing what's possible in relationships makes you want better for yourself The safe space factor: experiencing love, dating, sex in controlled environments when real dating feels terrifying Teaching your body safety: feeling emotions through predictable tropes trains your nervous system that these feelings are safeFrom discovering paranormal romance and romantasy to understanding that predictability isn't boring when you're healing from trauma, this episode defends the genre that helps us feel safe exploring romance again.A lot of us have been burned in love. Dating feels daunting as fuck. But we still want connection, and romance novels provide safety to explore those feelings. You're feeling emotions, giggling, falling in love - and learning these feelings are safe. That's healing.Subscribe. Share. Remember that raised standards are exactly what romance novels should give you.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What's your favorite romance trope? Drop your fated mates recs in my DMs on Instagram @YourCoachMari!Get the Book: 📖 "Audiophile" by Emerie Hart - Get the book here🎧 Related Episode: Romance and Healing - This is the book lover's guide to understanding why solo healing has limits and connection is essential for deeper growth.💬 LET'S CONNECT:My InstaMy TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List.(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is the deeply personal story of why my dog Mochi isn't just a pet - he's the reason I'm still here. The moment when getting an emotional support animal at the height of my depression became the best decision I've ever made in my entire life.Here's what we're exploring about emotional support animals and mental health: What ESAs actually are: animals that provide therapeutic benefit through presence (not service animals), requiring documentation from a licensed mental health professional The University of Toledo study: statistically significant decreases in depression, anxiety, and loneliness in participants paired with shelter animals How they help beyond companionship: consistent comfort, intuitive response during crisis, physical touch combating touch-deprivation, and reducing isolation The Mochi effect: from horrible days with mood in the trash to perfect moments when he curls up next to me - his presence makes everything okay again The reality: ESAs are expensive (Mochi's spinal stroke cost thousands) and require serious responsibility and proper careFrom literally getting Mochi at the deepest point of my depression to understanding that pets somehow sense when you need them (backed by research), this episode breaks down why ESAs are more than just cute animals - they're legitimate therapeutic support.Because here's what matters: in a world where isolation and loneliness are epidemic, having an ESA can genuinely save your mental health. I wouldn't be where I am today without Mochi, and that's just facts.I can be having the absolute worst day - everything feeling wrong - and Mochi will just curl up next to me. And suddenly? Life feels okay again. That's not just my story. That's documented science.Subscribe. Share. Remember that if you're considering an ESA, make sure you can provide proper care - but if you can, it might just change your life.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Does your pet help your mental health? DM me your ESA stories on Instagram @YourCoachMari - I'd love to hear about your companions!If you want to dig deeper into the science behind what I'm sharing, check out: Emotional Support Animals: The Basics Study Finds First Scientific Evidence The power of support from companion animals for people living with mental health problems💬 LET'S CONNECT:My InstaMy TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List.(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

What if pausing for 30 seconds to notice sunlight through tree leaves could improve your mental health?I've always found beauty in small things—a perfect coffee, golden hour light, watching my dog Mochi exist in his adorable glory. Turns out, these moments of appreciation are powerful acts of gratitude that reshape our brains.Here's what we're exploring about gratitude and daily happiness: The neuroscience: Gratitude activates the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex - the parts of your brain associated with empathy and pro-social behavior (serotonin is the key player) Rewriting negativity bias: We all have it (I'm right there with you), but gratitude practice can help shift our mindset to see more positive things - though it takes consistent practice Health benefits beyond mental wellness: Reduces depression, lessens anxiety, relieves stress, improves sleep, and even supports heart health Six stupid-simple practices: Morning gratitude ritual, gratitude journal, gratitude jar, expressing appreciation to others, evening reflection, or just pausing to appreciate beautiful moments Avoiding toxic positivity: Having gratitude doesn't mean ignoring real struggles - you can acknowledge life is hard AND find moments of beauty (both are true)From realizing that being "too busy" often means we're not pausing to appreciate what we've created in our lives, to understanding that you can find beauty everywhere if you're paying attention (even in rinky-dink neighborhoods with gorgeous graffiti art), this episode breaks down why gratitude is a muscle that gets stronger with practice.Because here's what matters: gratitude doesn't require a perfect routine or complicated system. It just requires creating space to pause and appreciate the world around you.Pick ONE habit this week and commit to it daily - whether it's listing three things you're grateful for in the morning, keeping a gratitude jar, or simply pausing when you notice something beautiful.Subscribe. Share. Remember that you don't need a perfect routine, you just need to create space to pause and appreciate.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What's one beautiful thing you noticed today that made you pause? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari and share your moment of gratitude!If you want to dig deeper into the science behind what I'm sharing, check out: Gratitude and Neuroscience Health benefits of gratitude💬 LET'S CONNECT:My InstaMy TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List.(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is the science-backed case for why creativity isn't just a hobby - it's essential for building confidence and self-esteem. Have you ever felt better about yourself after creating something? There's actually research explaining why that happens.Here's what we're exploring about creativity and confidence: The science: Children who engaged in creative activities daily had significantly higher self-esteem - and ability level didn't matter (consistency is key) Why creativity works: It provides safe emotional processing, judgment-free self-exploration, and that sense of accomplishment we're missing from the endless hamster wheel of life Real examples: From my two high school choirs to using poetry as a teenager to process emotions to Ariana Grande using music to heal from trauma Five practical tips: Establish regular creative practice, celebrate small wins, join creative communities, use creativity as self-care, try different mediums The challenge: Commit to ONE creative thing this week - write, sing, paint, knit, color, dance - and notice how you feel afterwardFrom realizing that high achievers never celebrate wins because goalposts keep moving, to understanding that art isn't about being "good" (it's about process and completion), this episode breaks down why creativity fosters confidence through agency, voice, and accomplishment.Because here's what the research shows: having high but realistic self-esteem is essential to good mental health. And creative expression is one of the most effective tools for building it - whether you're naturally talented or not.Maybe you need to process some experiences or emotions. Maybe you're stuck on that achievement hamster wheel never feeling accomplished. Whatever it is, try turning to art form this week.Subscribe. Share. Remember that creativity isn't about perfection, it's about expression and the confidence that comes from completing something meaningful.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What's your creative outlet? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari and let's celebrate your creative practice together!If you want to dig deeper into the science behind what I'm sharing, check out: Healthline: Self-Esteem Arts engagement and self-esteem in children The Power of Creativity in Boosting Mental Health and Self-Esteem

This is the honest preparation guide for what actually happens when you set boundaries with family. With the holiday season approaching, it's time to talk about the outcomes nobody warns you about, including the most painful one: sometimes they just leave.Here's what to expect when you set family boundaries: Best case: They accept the boundary and adjust their behavior (yes, this can actually happen - you know your family best) The offense: They take it personally, want to argue, and get defensive no matter how you word it (have an exit strategy ready) The manipulation: They shift blame and make it your fault they crossed the line (don't fall for it) The abandonment: They exit your life entirely, which nobody expects because "that's what family does - they stick around, right?" (not always) The painful truth: Sometimes people were only around because they liked taking advantage of your people-pleasing waysFrom decades of history and unspoken "don't rock the boat" cultural norms to realizing that boundaries are meant to deepen relationships (not push people away), this episode prepares you emotionally for what might happen when you finally set that boundary.Because here's what you need to know: if someone's response to you wanting a healthier, more loving, more respectful relationship is to leave, then maybe that's exactly where they need to go out the door. It's painful, but accepting that reality is part of healing.You know your family best. You might already have an inkling about who will respond which way. Use that knowledge to prepare yourself emotionally and practice what you'll say.Subscribe. Share. Remember that setting boundaries doesn't make you the bad guy - it makes you someone who values healthy relationships.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Are you setting boundaries with family this holiday season? DM me your experiences on Instagram @YourCoachMari💬 LET'S CONNECT:My InstaMy TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List.(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is the grounding conversation we all need when survival mode becomes daily life. The moment when ICE notifications pop up two miles from home and you're left asking: is this paranoia or just what we need to survive?Here's what we're unpacking with Cynthia Magaña, the Chicana Therapist: Understanding "shock and awe" as a military tactic designed to create trauma responses - and why our reactions are normal responses to abnormal events How collective trauma affects us all, even when we're not directly targeted, and why metabolizing anger productively matters more than performing online Finding your role in social change beyond frontline protest (organizers, healers, caregivers, bridge-builders) and asking "who am I keeping safe?" Concrete safety planning: emergency contacts, ICE tracking apps, five-minute family check-ins, and creating parameters that actually work Navigating family with different ideologies during crisis - from opposing Tíos at holidays to that adult "rite of passage" of standing up to eldersFrom getting Ring notifications about ICE trucks nearby to recognizing we don't heal in isolation, this conversation provides psychological frameworks and practical tools for surviving state violence while protecting your mental health.Because here's what Cynthia knows as a therapist: Our bodies respond to keep us safe through fight/flight/freeze/fawn. The key is pausing to metabolize information before reacting, understanding that virtue signaling has real consequences for those without certain privileges, and remembering that showing up for community means decompression gatherings and chosen family too.Guest: Cynthia Magaña. A queer, Latinx clinical social worker specializing in culturally affirming, trauma-informed care for first-generation professionals and cycle breakers healing intergenerational wounds. She's also a yoga teacher and sound bath practitioner who believes healing happens in community, not isolation. Find her @chicanatherapist on Instagram or visit cynmagana.com. Listen to Cynthia's Healing Playlist in Spotify.Subscribe. Share. Remember that we don't go through this alone - community care is how we survive.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! How are you staying grounded right now? DM me your stories on Instagram @YourCoachMari🎧 Related Episode: How All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks Predicts Today's Social Issues - Bell Hooks predicted our current loneliness epidemic, reminding us that healing happens in community, not isolation.💬 LET'S CONNECT:My InstaMy TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List.(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is the vulnerable exploration of why others can see your gifts before you can. The moment when you realize you've been your own worst enemy, ignoring clear signs of your capabilities while others saw them all along.Here's what we're unpacking about believing in your potential: Why others recognize your potential while you're stuck in self-doubt (and how imposter syndrome hits first-gen individuals hardest) Root causes of not seeing your potential: lack of skill, experience, knowledge, or confidence How lacking confidence becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that keeps you proving yourself wrong Getting to the root of your specific problem instead of generic "build confidence" advice Finding community over hunting for the perfect mentor + delineating your next two concrete stepsFrom the poetry professor who said "don't stop writing" to 15 years of ignoring that wisdom, this episode explores why we prove ourselves wrong when we could be proving ourselves right.Because here's the painful truth: when you don't believe in your potential, you don't take the actions needed to reach it, creating the exact outcome you feared. But when you identify the real barriers - whether it's knowledge, experience, or confidence - you can actually address them.Your imposter syndrome is lying to you. You are incredibly intelligent, skilled, and competent. The only way to get experience is to start doing the thing, even when you don't feel ready.Subscribe. Share. Remember that someone else already sees what you're capable of - now it's time for you to see it too.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Have you ever had someone see potential in you that you couldn't see? DM me your stories on Instagram @YourCoachMari💬 LET'S CONNECT:My InstaMy TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List.(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching→ The Transformation Program→ The Evolution Program

This is the poetry celebration that validates our dual identity and mental health struggles. The moment when you find books that perfectly capture being "bad Mexican, bad American" and realize you're not alone in navigating multiple cultural spaces.Here's what we're highlighting for Latine Heritage Month:"Bad Mexican, Bad American" by Jose Hernandez Diaz Slice-of-life poetry exploring dual cultural identity through vignettes Perfect for anyone with "one foot in one culture, one foot in another" Addresses the "pocho" experience and language struggles Set in Los Angeles, captures Mexican-American experience authentically Shows how you're Mexican in America, American in Mexico - never fully fitting either space"Living in Phases" by Leisly Ann Roman Dominican-American poet writing entire collection on mental health journey Crucial representation for Latine community where mental health is stigmatized Shows mental health as "fluctuating, moving, bending thing" - not linear progression Begins and ends with poems for her parents, connecting healing to family roots Incorporates Spanglish and cultural identity throughout mental health narrativeBoth poets create work that reflects our experiences as children of immigrants, validating feelings of cultural displacement while celebrating the beauty of our dual identities. These collections provide representation we desperately need.Get the Books: 📖 "Bad Mexican, Bad American" by Jose Hernandez Diaz 📖 "Living in Phases" by Leisly Ann Roman🎧 Related Episode: The Power and Beauty of Spanglish - Because here's what these poets understand: being Chicana feels like "the one identity that really feels whole" when everything else leaves you straddling two worlds. Poetry helps us process these complex cultural experiences and find home in our authentic selves.Subscribe. Share. Remember that our voices and experiences deserve to be celebrated in literature.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What Latino poets are on your reading list? DM me your recommendations on Instagram @YourCoachMari💬 LET'S CONNECT:My InstaMy TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List.(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching

This is the linguistic celebration that reclaims the power and beauty of how we actually speak. The moment when you realize that Spanglish isn't "broken" language - it's a sophisticated cultural dialect that deserves respect and celebration.Here's what we're diving into for Latine Heritage Month: Defining Spanglish: the linguistic phenomenon of mixing English and Spanish to create its own legitimate dialect Code-switching as a superpower: expertly navigating between two cultural and linguistic identities Chicano identity: decentering the Anglo-American worldview through language and culture How immigrant communities create language: why Spanglish comes from us, the children of immigrants The complexity beyond substitution: how words convey better meaning and nuance in different languages Chicano English as a fully formed dialect: "barely" meaning "just now" and other linguistic features The power dynamics of language: who decides what's "proper" versus what's a "dialect" Why linguistic shame is about control, not correctnessFrom growing up speaking three languages simultaneously (Spanglish, Chicano English, and English) to understanding that being told your natural speech is "wrong" is actually about power dynamics, this episode celebrates the sophisticated linguistic abilities of bilingual communities.Because here's what I need you to know: Spanglish is beautiful. Chicano English is beautiful. Code-switching makes you a fucking badass. Don't ever let anyone talk down to you for how you naturally express yourself.We created this dialect because we navigate two worlds, and our language reflects the complexity and richness of that experience. It's not a lack of proficiency - it's cultural artistry.Sources: PBS: Chicano English Mitu: Chicano English Dialect UC Davis: Spanglish Research LA Times: Chicano Identity YouTube: Language AnalysisSubscribe. Share. Remember that your linguistic heritage is something to celebrate, not hide.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! What's your favorite Spanglish phrase or code-switching moment? DM me your linguistic pride stories on Instagram @YourCoachMari.💬 LET'S CONNECT:My InstaMy TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List.(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching→ The Transformation Program→ The Evolution Program

This is the character development deep dive that shows how love calls us into becoming who we're meant to be. The moment when you realize that fictional transformations mirror our own healing journeys and teach us profound truths about breaking free from toxic conditioning.Here's what Empire of Storms teaches us about growth and purpose: Character redemption isn't about becoming someone new - it's about discovering the heart you always had How toxic family conditioning can make us believe we're heartless when we've been showing compassion all along The power of having people see your potential before you recognize it yourself (the 13 saw Manon's heart first) Breaking free from manipulation requires recognizing that cruelty isn't strength - it's learned behavior Ruthlessness as a survival tool versus ruthlessness as your entire identity How love and connection call us into our authentic selves (Manon with Dorian, Elide with Lorcan) The difference between fantasy romance intensity and actual emotional safety in relationships Why some character arcs feel more satisfying than others (earned growth versus told growth)From Manon's transformation from "evil" witch to beloved character showing us how to reclaim our authentic selves, to Elide and Lorcan demonstrating what emotional care looks like in relationships, this episode explores how the best fantasy mirrors real psychological growth.Major spoiler alert: We discuss plot points from Empire of Storms and reference the entire Throne of Glass series.Content note: This episode includes discussion of adult themes and fantasy violence.Get the Book: 📖 Empire of Storms by Sarah J. MaasBecause here's what we learned: the characters who resonate most deeply are those whose growth reflects our own journey of breaking cycles, healing from conditioning, and being called into purpose through love and authentic connection.This is part one of our Empire of Storms analysis - part two coming next month!About my bestie Priscilla:Priscilla De Lara is originally from California now living in Milan, Italy working in international education. She is a lover of food, traveling, and reading! Fun fact: Priscilla was a college radio DJ.Connect with Priscilla on TikTok @priscillainitalySubscribe. Share. Remember that character development mirrors personal development.Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨Join the conversation! Which fictional character's transformation has taught you the most about your own healing journey? DM me your insights on Instagram @YourCoachMari💬 LET'S CONNECT:My InstaMy TikTokGrowing with Sol PodcastBuy Me a CafecitoSend in questions: contact+[email protected] might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List.(Bookshop affiliate)🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER→ Schedule your discovery call