Hey, y'all, and welcome back to another episode of This is for Us!

Last week, I started talking about a paragraph one of y'all submitted, and I had a feeling I’d get emotional and vulnerable. I ended up splitting it into two parts because I didn't want to overwhelm you with a super long episode. So, if you're just tuning into part two, make sure to listen to part one first. It's amazing!

The Paragraph That Started It All:

Here’s the paragraph that got this little mini-series started:

“This is not really a question, but one of the most impactful podcasts from you has been on heartbreak. At almost 40, sometimes I still think I'm all alone in how I felt most of my life. But hearing how you went through all of the emotions, hurt and betrayal, helped me realize I wasn't alone. Knowing that people who seem perfect still deal with the hard things has given me a new look at my past and, in some parts, set me free. I could have really used that talk when I was 20. I'm interested in hearing about the hard things. Or things people are scared to talk about.”

Rapid-Fire List of Hard Things (Part 2)

So today, I’m diving back into the list of hard things I’ve faced. These are the real, raw struggles that have shaped me.

1. Wanting to Be Successful Without a Clear Definition

   • What does success mean to you? Is it your definition or someone else’s?
   • I realized that success should be defined by the person living it, not by societal standards or family expectations.

2. Confronting Societal Expectations

   • I shared my story of breaking off an engagement because I knew it wasn’t right, even though it went against societal norms.
   • Trusting your intuition and following your own path can lead to a life that truly makes you happy.

3. The Influence of Early Messages

   • Growing up, I received conflicting advice: marry a rich man vs. never depend on a man.
   • It’s crucial to decide which messages to hold onto and which to let go of.

4. The Emotional Impact of Family Dynamics

   • Hearing my mom criticize herself was tough. It made me realize the generational cycle of self-criticism.
   • It’s important to break this cycle and foster self-love and acceptance.

5. The Pressure to Conform

   • Whether it’s drinking, doing drugs, or hanging out with the wrong people, the pressure to conform can be overwhelming.
   • Knowing yourself and making choices that align with your values is essential, even if it means standing alone.

Reflecting on My Journey

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that it’s okay to define success on my terms and follow my unique path. It’s okay to confront societal expectations and trust my intuition. And it’s okay to let go of harmful messages and embrace self-love.

Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Did any of these points resonate with you? Please share your experiences and join the conversation in our free Facebook community, This Is For Us. It’s a place where we can support each other, share our journeys, and talk about all the real stuff.

Thank You for Being Here

Thank you for spending your time with me. Your support means the world. I hope you have the most incredible week, and I can’t wait to continue this journey together.

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