Mindset Matters

It Starts In Our Thoughts

I used to believe my biggest problem was everything outside of me. The people. The situations. The pain I carried. But when I got still—really still—I realized something that rocked me to my core: my real issue was my thinking.

That truth was a hard pill to swallow. I saw myself as smart, self-sufficient, capable. So to admit that my own mind was the source of my suffering? That was humbling. But it was also the key to my healing.

When Your Mind Becomes the Battlefield

For years, I tried to fix my life with outside solutions. Food, alcohol, work, relationships—anything to distract or numb the noise in my head. But no matter what I used, the chaos always came back.

Because the problem wasn’t what was around me. The problem was what was going on inside me.

My thinking had become a bully, one that convinced me I was broken, unworthy, and doomed to stay that way. And the more I listened, the more I suffered.

Admitting the Truth (and Taking Back My Power)

The turning point came when I hit my emotional and spiritual bottom. I had to face the truth: My best thinking had gotten me here.

So I stopped trying to outthink the pain, and I started getting help. Recovery work. Support groups. Therapy. People who understood this path and weren’t afraid to tell the truth. The more I shared, the less power my thoughts had over me.

I began learning new tools—meditation, reframing, gratitude. I started asking for perspective instead of assuming my perspective was fact. And I promised myself I would stay teachable, because the moment I think I know it all? That’s when I’m in trouble.

Watch Your Thoughts—They Become Your Reality

Our thoughts shape our perception. And our perception shapes our choices. If your thoughts are rooted in shame, fear, or scarcity, your life will reflect that.

But when you begin to challenge those thoughts, you shift your reality.

Today, I ask myself:

  • Is this thought true, or just familiar?
  • Is it coming from love or fear?
  • Does this thought serve the version of me I’m becoming?

You don’t have to believe everything you think. And you don’t have to let your mind run the show.

You Can Rewrite the Story

If your thoughts have been taking you down, know this: you can take back the pen. You are not your thoughts. You are the one witnessing them.

With support, honesty, and consistency, you can rewire your mind. You can heal what once felt permanent. And you can choose thoughts that empower rather than destroy.

Don’t let your thoughts bully you out of the life you’re here to live. Shine a light on them. Bring them into the open. Then take one brave step in a new direction.

SLAY on.

SLAY Reflection

  1. When has your thinking gotten you into trouble?
  2. What are the recurring negative thoughts you notice most often?
  3. Have you ever challenged a thought and discovered it wasn’t true?
  4. What tools help you shift into a more positive mindset?
  5. What’s one belief you’re ready to release today?

S-L-A-Y:

  • See your thoughts clearly and call them out.
  • Let go of the need to control them all—just notice.
  • Ask for support and seek out truth-tellers.
  • You are not your thoughts—you are your healing.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you.
What thought are you ready to stop believing today?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s stuck in a negative thought loop, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

Why Fit In When You Were Meant To Stand Out

When I was younger, all I wanted was to blend in. To disappear into the background, unnoticed, safe from prying eyes. The thought of standing out filled me with anxiety. What if people saw what I saw? What if they really saw me? I spent years hiding behind a mask, trying to fit into roles that made me feel acceptable. Even as an actor, I found comfort in playing characters—if someone disliked them, at least it wasn’t the real me.

But the real transformation happened when I stripped away those layers and stood there with nothing to hide behind. Vulnerable. Exposed. For a long time, I felt like there was nothing there but a gaping void.

The work of discovering and embracing my true self wasn’t easy. It took courage to not just like the real me, but to love and celebrate her. And it all began with saying yes—to experiences, to challenges, and to moments that stretched me outside of my comfort zone.

Embracing the Weird and Wonderful

As I started saying yes more often, my quirks surfaced. The playful, silly side I’d suppressed began to shine. I realized that being called “weird” was actually a compliment. Weird meant I was no longer trying to mold myself into what others expected. I was me—unapologetically.

Now, I seek out the other “weirdos” on my path. They inspire me, because they’re living authentically, just like I strive to do. Their light is a reminder that authenticity is beautiful and magnetic.

Think about it: why settle for being a copy of someone else? When we dim our true selves to fit in, we lose trust—not just in others, but in ourselves. Trust grows when we embrace our truth, when we stand confidently in who we are.

The Power of Authenticity

When we live authentically, we will stand out. Our light shines brighter. It attracts others who are also ready to step into their truth. It gives them permission to do the same.

Authenticity creates connection. It breaks down barriers. And it gives us a sense of belonging—not because we’re fitting into someone else’s mold, but because we’ve finally found our people.

You have something special to offer the world. Don’t hide it. Step out of the shadows. Let us see you—the real you. Because when you do, you’ll inspire others to do the same. And that’s how we all rise together.

SLAY Reflection

Here’s your chance to reflect and take action, SLAYER:

  • S: What masks are you wearing to fit in?

  • L: How would it feel to let those masks go and embrace your true self?

  • A: What’s one small step you can take today to let your light shine?

  • Y: Who inspires you with their authenticity, and how can you draw from their courage?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one thing you’re hiding that you’re ready to embrace?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s struggling to show up as their true self, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.