Evolve & Grow

As women, we are constantly told to “stay true to ourselves,” to “be authentic,” and to embrace who we are. 

Yet, there’s an unspoken expectation that we should also remain frozen in time. Our  appearance, our values, our relationships, and even our careers should fit some idealized version of youth and perfection. But what if we could release the pressure to stay the same, to evolve gracefully in every aspect of life, and to embrace change rather than fear it? 

There’s a moment many women encounter when they look in the mirror and wonder, Where did she go? That vibrant, confident, joyful version of yourself who laughed freely, dreamed boldly, and carried a spark that lit up every room—sometimes she feels lost under the weight of responsibilities, pain, or life’s unexpected twists.

What does it take to reach a dream? Planning, preparation, action. Time, energy, motivation. I tend to think of dreams as big long-term goals. You might dream of starting your own company, getting married, or retiring early. When you begin planning and preparing, you may realize there are many smaller goals to reach before you get to the big dream, with steps to take for each smaller goal. You may succeed sometimes, fail other times, and still reach the larger goal. 

I used to think manifestation was about thinking positive and maintaining a high vibe long enough for the universe to finally save me from my problems.
Have you felt this way, too?
The idea of “good vibes only” and “getting into the vortex,” when taken at face value, misses the mark on how manifestation actually works.

Let me tell you something: if someone had told me years ago that writing in a journal would change my life, I would’ve laughed and said, “Yeah, okay… next suggestion, please.” Because I didn’t like journaling. At all.

Growing up, I thought journaling was something only dramatic teenage girls did in movies, writing about their crushes and secrets in little pink diaries with a lock and key.

As a Filipino-American woman navigating the complexities of modern life, life has taught me that true confidence emerges not from conforming to others’ expectations, but from deeply embracing the self – including one’s cultural heritage, values, and lived experiences.

As BIPOC women, many of us have grown up in environments where compromise was a survival skill. We’ve often had to navigate spaces that weren’t designed for us—whether in our workplaces, communities, or even within cultural norms—by diminishing parts of ourselves to fit in, avoid conflict, or gain acceptance.

In a world dominated by constant comparison and rigid definitions of success, it’s easy to feel trapped. Wealth, status, and productivity are often heralded as the ultimate benchmarks, while happiness is marketed as a shiny product tied to material possessions and unattainable perfection.

Overcoming fear and stepping into our most authentic selves will always come at a cost, but the beauty lies in the long-term gains. We all have a story of overcoming fear and seeing something come to fruition with intention, courage, and consistency.

Bring to your mind a memory of when you have experienced a challenging moment, whether mentally or emotionally, a moment when you did not feel the most supported. It wasn’t a comforting experience, was it?

At first glance, it seems logical that where there is purpose, peace should naturally follow. But what happens when you’re not entirely comfortable with your purpose? What if the path that feels right doesn’t necessarily feel calm?

In the business of our daily life, finding moments of spirituality can feel challenging, especially for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) women who often navigate unique cultural and social landscapes. Integrating mindfulness and spiritual practices into your everyday routine can bring a sense of peace and fulfillment. As a Black female therapist,…