Bravely Connected

Life feels chaotic when we stray from alignment with who we are and what we’re meant to do. This misalignment often manifests as self-doubt, negative self-talk, or even feelings of inadequacy. Many of us experience moments where our internal dialogue becomes a source of self-criticism, questioning our worth and purpose.

Many of us carry beliefs from childhood, such as the idea that we’re only valuable when we “do things right.” This mindset can lead to settling—accepting unfulfilling relationships, uninspiring work, or simply “safe” choices. Over time, we tolerate situations that don’t serve us, leaving us disconnected from our true selves.

A lack of alignment with meaningful work or connections contributes to feelings of depression and dissatisfaction. As Johan Hari discusses in Lost Connections, our mental health suffers when we lose touch with purpose and meaningful relationships. Rather than ignoring these feelings, we can see them as signals prompting us to realign.

Finding Ease in Alignment

True alignment brings a sense of ease, even in challenging moments. For instance, activities that resonate deeply with who we are—such as teaching, creating, or leading—feel less burdensome because they align with our natural abilities and passions. That doesn’t mean everything aligned is easy, but it carries an authenticity that fuels perseverance and joy.

When you feel divided, it’s a sign to reassess. Life is too short to invest energy into pursuits that don’t align with your purpose. Instead, redirect that energy toward activities that bring you and others life.

Bravery in Transition

Making changes toward alignment often requires courage, as it involves stepping away from safety. Whether it’s leaving a job, starting a new venture, or embracing a long-held dream, transitions are rarely smooth but are often worth the effort. Overcoming fear and resistance allows you to step into a life that feels true to who you are.

Your Emotional Dashboard

The emotions and thoughts you experience daily are part of an internal dashboard, signaling when adjustments are needed. Pay attention to feelings of overwhelm, disconnection, or negativity, and use them as cues to explore areas where you might be misaligned. Change doesn’t have to be drastic or immediate; even small steps can lead to profound shifts.

The Attune-In Process

The attune-in process is a practical tool to help you recognize and address misalignment. Start by identifying your resting emotional state—whether it’s overwhelm, self-doubt, or frustration. Then, name the thoughts and beliefs behind those emotions. For example, thoughts like “Nobody likes me” or “Why bother?” may reveal areas where you’ve strayed from your authentic self.

Once you’ve acknowledged these feelings and thoughts, the next step is deciding what to do about them. This requires intentional reflection and often unfolds over time rather than in an instant.

What You Can Control and What You Can’t

One powerful exercise is listing what’s within your control versus what isn’t. For instance:

• Controllable: Your schedule, what you say yes to, and the atmosphere in your home.
• Uncontrollable: Other people’s actions, the economy, or external events.

For every controllable, create a specific action step. Simplify your schedule, adjust commitments, or create a calm environment. For uncontrollables, develop coping plans. For example, you can’t control your partner’s stress, but you can choose to offer support and encouragement.

Bringing Yourself Closer

Living misaligned distances you from your true self and increases dissatisfaction in life and relationships. The process of attuning in—naming emotions, identifying thoughts, and addressing control dynamics—helps you bring yourself closer to who you truly are.

The decisions required to realign with your authentic self are often the hardest but also the most rewarding. These brave choices pave the way for the life you dream of—a life rooted in purpose, joy, and connection.

Reverse Engineering Your Dreams

What do you envision for your life? Start by dreaming boldly, then reverse engineer the steps to make that vision a reality. Your dreams are often tied to your destiny. If you’re unsure what those dreams look like, it may be time to get some guidance.

Let’s Chat

I’m here to help women uncover their dreams, align with their true selves, and make courageous choices to live the life they deserve. Let’s have a conversation about how you can create the life you’ve always imagined.

In the meantime, keep tuning in to your dashboard, listening to your inner signals, and taking small but brave steps toward alignment. You are worth the effort.

Keep being brave.