In today’s episode, we’re unpacking a dilemma that hits a little too close to home: “Is it just me… or am I just average?”

Not failing, not thriving… just floating. If you’ve ever looked around and felt like everyone else is standing out while you’re stuck in the background, this one’s for you.

We’re talking comparison, quiet seasons, and the lie that you have to be exceptional to be valuable.

Spoiler: You don’t. You’re enough — even in the middle.

💌 Send in your dilemmas or thoughts:

📩 Email: [email protected]

📲 DM me on Instagram: @shumimakuto

We’ve all seen the TikToks about the “soft life” — the slow mornings, the effortless luxury, the permanent peace.

But what does a real soft life actually look like? In this episode of Is It Just Me?, I’m unpacking how softness doesn’t always mean ease or laziness. Sometimes, it’s choosing rest and responsibility at the same time.

I reflect on my own journey with this — including glamping at Glastonbury for the first time (yes, soft life but with limits 😂) — and why choosing comfort sometimes takes courage too.

Verse of the Week:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28-30

New episodes weekly.

Let’s unpack it together.

Share your dilemmas or thoughts:

Email 👉 [email protected]

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In this episode of Is It Just Me?, we’re unpacking a listener dilemma that hits way too close to home:

“Am I actually over it, or am I just avoiding it?”

You know the drill — we say we’ve moved on, healed, let go… but have we really? Or are we just really good at burying things until they bubble back up?

I talk about emotional avoidance, delayed grief, and how healing isn’t always linear (or loud). This one’s for anyone who’s ever brushed something off and called it peace — when it might’ve actually been fear.

Verse of the Week:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

New episodes weekly.

Let’s unpack it together.

Follow me:

Instagram: @shumixx

TikTok: @shumimakuto

Ever felt like your heart is holding both sorrow and joy at the same time?

In this episode of Is It Just Me?, we’re talking about grief — and how it doesn’t cancel out gratitude. I reflect on losing my dad to cancer when I was 10, how Father’s Day still brings up all the emotions, and why it’s okay for healing to feel messy.

We dive into how grief isn’t something to “get over,” but something we learn to live with — and how you can still live a beautiful, joyful life while carrying it. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is feel both the ache and the awe.

Verse of the Week:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

New episodes weekly.

Let’s unpack it together.

Follow me:

Instagram: @shumixx

TikTok: @shumimakuto

Ever felt stuck waiting for the perfect plan before you make a move?

In this episode of Is It Just Me?, we’re unpacking the grip of control and how clinging too tightly to the plan you once had might be the very thing holding you back.

I talk about underestimating your own gifts, over-familiarity with your faults, and the trap of believing “anyone could do this” — when in reality, not everyone can. We also dive into how trusting God means making room for blessings you didn’t see coming, even if it means letting go of the life you thought you wanted.

Let this episode remind you: you don’t need the full picture to take the next step — just faith, courage, and a little less control.

Verse of the Week:

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” — Proverbs 19:21

New episodes weekly.

Let’s unpack it together.

Follow me:

Instagram: @shumixx

TikTok: @shumimakuto

Ever held back because you didn’t want to look silly trying something new?

In this episode of Is It Just Me?, we’re unpacking how the fear of embarrassment might be quietly blocking your blessings.

I talk about perfectionism disguised as caution, the power of starting badly, and why it’s more than okay to try something — and change your mind. We also revisit that viral Doechii moment where she declares she has nothing to lose and walks boldly into new spaces. That kind of mindset? It might be the thing that shifts everything.

Let this episode be the nudge to stop letting past failures dictate your future confidence. Your potential deserves more than silence and second-guessing.

Verse of the Week:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

New episodes weekly.

Let’s unpack it together.

Follow me:

Instagram: @shumixx

TikTok: @shumimakuto

In this episode of Is It Just Me?, we’re talking rom-com delusion, emotional manipulation, and the chaos we used to call “true love.”

I’m unpacking My Best Friend’s Wedding—a film I once adored but now see with very different eyes. From sabotage and gaslighting to full-blown manipulation, Julia Roberts’ character wasn’t fighting for love… she was fighting for control. And the worst part? We were taught to root for her.

This week, I’m reflecting on how media shaped our early ideas of romance, why chaotic love isn’t romantic, and how I’ve come to desire peace over performance. Because now? The only love I aspire to is one that looks more like Jesus—steady, gentle, and rooted in truth.

Let’s unpack it together.

Got a thought or story to share? DM me for Let’s Unpack This:

TikTok: @shumimakuto

Instagram: @shumixx

New episodes every week. Follow to stay tuned.

In this episode of Is It Just Me?, we’re getting into the emotional chaos that is… trying to be consistent while feeling everything all at once.

I’m talking about that weird space between giving yourself grace and feeling guilty for not doing more, and how it’s possible to cry on the floor and still tick things off your to-do list (barely).

We’ll unpack why vulnerability with friends can feel so loud, how healing isn’t always aesthetic, and why we often push ourselves to look okay even when we’re not.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re supposed to be the strong one, but also low-key want someone to hug you and force you to nap—this one’s for you.

Let’s unpack it together.

Got a dilemma or something on your heart? DM me:

TikTok: @shumimakuto

Instagram: @shumixx

New episodes every week—hit follow so you don’t miss what’s next.

In this first episode of Is It Just Me?, I’m diving into what it’s like to live in your twenties, love God, and still feel like you’re behind in life—whatever “behind” even means.

We’re chatting about the pressure to have everything sorted, what society expects of us (spoiler: it’s a lot), and how easy it is to fall into comparison online. But also—the beauty of figuring things out slowly, trying new things (even if they flop), and trusting God’s timing.

This isn’t a motivational speech. It’s just me, being real, and hopefully reminding you that you’re not alone and you’re definitely not failing.

Let’s unpack it together!

Got something on your mind or a story you want me to unpack on the pod? Slide into my DMs:

TikTok: @shumimakuto

Instagram: @shumixx

New episodes every week. Hit follow so you don’t miss what’s next!