Ever feel like putting yourself first makes you an evil, nasty, bad person, even when you're running on fumes?

If you've been struggling with the guilt of saying no, setting boundaries, or making decisions that prioritize your wellbeing over others' expectations... this episode will change how you think about choosing yourself.

In this episode of Being Relatable, host Erica Castner sits down with two incredible women who've learned that choosing yourself isn't selfish; it's essential for showing up as your best self for everyone else.

MEET OUR PANELISTS:

• Karina Borgia Lacroix - Owner, American Real Title & Borgia Consulting Corporation (17 years in business, 26 years in real estate law)
• Lori Willinski - Certified Integrative Nutrition Coach & Founder, Plant Powered Collective (helping women in midlife feel better through nutrition and lifestyle medicine)

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• How to move forward when others label your choices as "selfish."
• Why prioritizing your long-term happiness benefits everyone involved
• How to say no to last-minute demands without feeling guilty
• The difference between good customer service and being a pushover

KEY TIMESTAMPS:

• 6:52 - Karina shares her decision to divorce her second husband when their son was 5 months old, despite family opposition
• 13:12 - Lori discusses quitting her job to start her nutrition coaching business after discovering her husband's double life
• 19:27 - Karina's car accident revelation: realizing she couldn't control everything was actually freeing
• 25:58 - Lori explains how her sister's death taught her not to wait and to be less scripted
• 38:38 - Karina's story about refusing a client's last-minute demand and getting a one-star review
• 41:40 - Lori's advice on how choosing yourself attracts the right people into your life
• 44:11 - HYPE SESSION: The incredible women our panelists are celebrating

QUOTABLE MOMENT:

"You teach people how to treat you. And if you're constantly bending over backwards and putting your own needs aside to please everybody else, that's never going to lead you anywhere."

ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING:

• Ask for help with something specific instead of saying "I've got it"
• Stop apologizing for choices that align with your values and long-term happiness

WOMEN WE'RE HYPING UP:

• Kelly Sloan - New Board President of Little Bear Sanctuary, also saves sea turtles (nominated by Lori)
• Kathia Ogando Abba Gana - Single mom raising two boys after her husband's passing from ALS, keeping kids active in sports, and honoring her late husband's wishes (nominated by Karina)

CONNECT WITH OUR PANELISTS:

• Karina Borgia Lacroix - Website | Instagram
• Lori Willinski - Facebook & Instagram

RATE + REVIEW

If this episode gave you permission to put yourself first without the guilt, leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find the courage to choose themselves.

STAY CONNECTED

Follow host Erica Castner on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content and more conversations about building authentic relationships in work, life, and leadership.

Ready to stop feeling guilty about choosing yourself? Remember: you can't pour from an empty cup, and prioritizing your wellbeing isn't selfish, it's strategic. Get Erica's Weekly "Pep Talks" directly to your inbox HERE!