This is your New Year's week book episode to send off 2025 right - wrapping up the year with all the books I read, from the emotional to the adventurous to the absolutely spicy, complete with reading stats and spice levels. If you're looking for book recs to start 2026, this is it. 2025 READING STATS: * 27 books read (goal was 35, but last year was only 25 total!) * 9,954 pages * 12 days average per book * Top moods: Emotional, Adventurous, Funny * Top genres: Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary MY ONLY 5-STAR READ: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood - inhaled in under 24 hours, Adam Carlson is a certified yearner, low spice but exquisite tension 4-STAR READS: * Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood (vampires! low spice, Buffy vibes) * Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (medium spice, steamy, one triggering scene - check warnings) * The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins * Master of Me by Keke Palmer (audiobook win) * All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks * Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas (my book husband is in this one) HONORABLE MENTION: Knot Falling For You by Winnie Aster (3.75 stars but lives rent-free in my brain) - cozy Omegaverse, my first in the genre, perfect balance of cozy barista life and medium spice with a doting partner who only wants the best for her (life goals), when you get to the spice it's CAP LOCKS BOLD ITALICS From discovering that Ali Hazelwood owns my heart to realizing Omegaverse might be my new obsession, this year taught me that books give us the emotional, adventurous, and fun experiences we deserve. We deserve levity. We deserve to do shit just because it brings us joy. These books brought me joy. Subscribe. Share. Remember that reading for pleasure is valid and valuable. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Download the free 2025 reading list! [https://shop.beacons.ai/yourcoachmari/b0ad76fe-6559-4226-aa73-4cabbd4ec2ab]Organized by genre, ratings, and spice level - includes all books through December. Join the conversation! What was your top read of 2025? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari - I need recs for next year! Related Episodes: All About Love discussion, Empire of Storms Pt. 1 & 2, Heir of Fire analysis

This is your holiday special of Stories that Shape Us, because sometimes curling up with a good book discussion is exactly what you need. This is part 2 of the Empire of Storms analysis. We break down why Aelin's self-sacrifice is actually tragic, how keeping secrets is a trauma response, and why Rowan's love is the kind we all deserve. 🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨 Here's what we're exploring about Aelin's journey in Empire of Storms: * Secret-keeping as trauma: Aelin tells half-truths because she's afraid of disappointing people (hide the failure if you fail alone) * Self-sacrifice from unworthiness: willing to burn herself out, thinking love and friendship were gifts she didn't deserve * Rowan seeing all of her: flaws, destructive power, trauma - and saying "you do not face this alone" * SJM characters feeling undeserving: they believe they don't deserve life and good things, so they self-sacrifice * The vulnerability of love: Aelin had never let herself be that vulnerable, never felt something so consuming From recognizing that secret-keeping makes it look like you're not trying, to understanding that Rowan's respect for Sam shows the love Aelin deserves, this episode explores what Empire of Storms teaches about accepting you're worthy. Aelin has so much love for everyone except herself. She thinks of happiness as borrowed time. That's trauma, not strength. But Rowan doesn't just love her despite her flaws - he sees her completely and chooses to work through it together. He respects her past, her power, her struggles. That's what we all deserve. Subscribe. Share. Remember that self-sacrifice from unworthiness isn't noble - healing means accepting you deserve good things. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! Are you Team Rowan or Team Lorcan? Do you relate to Aelin's self-sacrifice? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]! 🎧 Related Episodes: Stories that Shape Us: Empire of Storms Pt. 1 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1eQv9L8NDkEi4jkI3U0a7T?si=L4fr-NTYTfue6zP7jdGynA] 💬 LET'S CONNECT: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is the year-end reflection that goes beyond productivity and asks what truly mattered this year. Life isn't just work and achievements - it's the fun moments, the love you experienced, the calm quiet peace you created. This reflection includes all five guided steps with every question to help you honestly assess your year while celebrating the joy and growth that can't be measured by goal completion alone. THE 5-STEP YEAR-END REFLECTION: 1️⃣ Step 1: Revisit Your Goals Look at goals from January and midyear. What changed? All progress counts - even dropped goals teach you what aligns with your values. 2️⃣ Step 2: Where Are You Now? Assess progress on kept goals. What emotions come up? How can you process them healthily? 3️⃣ Step 3: Be Brutally Honest What roadblocks got in your way? No shame, no guilt. Sometimes emotions derail us. We're one person - compartmentalizing isn't always possible. 4️⃣ Step 4: What Supported Your Success? What helped you make progress? Inner work? Community? Accountability? Identify what actually worked. 5️⃣ Step 5: The Questions That Actually Matter Beyond productivity metrics, these questions reveal what made life worth living: 1. List 3 memories from 2025 that bring you happiness 2. What lessons did you learn this year? 3. What did you learn about yourself? What impact has this had? 4. How much fun did you have this year? 5. How could you make 2026 more fun? Being a sensitive person who feels emotions intensely isn't a flaw. Joy is resistance even when the world feels crazy. You deserve a joyous, beautiful life. If you're realizing 2026 needs to be different - more support, accountability, or joy - that awareness is your first step. Sometimes having someone in your corner makes all the difference. Subscribe. Share. Remember that life is more than productivity. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! Download the free Year-End Reflection Cards through the show notes. DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]! Download the free Year-End Reflection Cards [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qGD7ogwn99VY4S4K8cWaYXFCETuPheW0/view?usp=sharing] to work through all these questions at your own pace! 💬 LET'S CONNECT: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is why doing nothing is the most revolutionary thing you can do this holiday season - and why you desperately need to reclaim rest. Here's what we're exploring about rest as revolution: * The competition problem: 43% say holiday stress interferes with enjoyment, 36% say holidays feel like competition * Hustle culture invades holidays: pressure to ace it, attend everything, find perfect gifts, create Instagram moments, make it magical * Why rest is revolutionary: in the US we're expected to always be productive - even rest should be "productive" - so just being is radical * Practical rest practices: say no, take micro-breaks (5 min in car), create cozy rituals, digital detox (grayscale phone mode) * Redefining productivity: measure success by how you feel, not by parties attended or gifts bought From understanding that rest is viewed as laziness to recognizing it's actually radical self-care and boundary setting, this episode challenges you to refuse participation in toxic productivity. About half of people aren't enjoying the holidays because there's so much pressure to perform, get it right, be better than someone else. It doesn't have to be that way. Rest is resistance. When you honor what your body needs over external expectations, you model healthy behavior for others. You lead by example. Subscribe. Share. Remember that rest isn't lazy - it's revolutionary. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! What's your rest practice this holiday season? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]- let's normalize rest! 💬 LET'S CONNECT: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is the unconventional new year prep you actually need: releasing what no longer serves you before you add anything new. Here's what we're exploring about letting go rituals: * What to release: limiting beliefs, toxic relationships, old habits, grudges, past failures - things emotionally tied to your self-concept * Burning ceremony ritual: write it down, safely burn it, watch it physically release (turns intangible mental stuff into tangible release) * Forgiveness practice: daily meditation releasing anger toward yourself (feminine rage about other stuff can stay) * Physical decluttering: releasing emotional baggage attached to items (that post-depression clean energy) * Mental release: constant reminders you're not that limiting belief and you're capable of achieving great things From doing forgiveness meditation daily for months to learning that being introverted isn't something to fix, this episode challenges you to stop focusing only on what to add and start with what to release. These things literally hold you back from reaching goals and feeling joy. Think about how amazing you'll feel once you truly release them. That's what you're stopping yourself from achieving by holding on. Create space for growth, new opportunities, and positive energy by letting go first. Sometimes it's therapy or coaching. Sometimes it's a burning ceremony or decluttering your closet and facing what items represent emotionally. Subscribe. Share. Remember to release before you restart. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! What are you releasing before 2025? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari - let's do this together! Related Episode: Ep138 - Thankful for Growth (reframing past failures) [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0dJYZNNKvbOW8WhiztBGT0?si=da8a256c1bb74cb5] 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is the uncomfortable gratitude practice you need - being thankful for your failures, setbacks, and the hard things that shaped you. Here's what we're exploring about reframing failure: * Why looking back at setbacks is difficult but necessary: avoiding them means missing powerful lessons * The self-forgiveness journey: facing every moment of self-betrayal through daily meditation (gut-wrenching but fruitful) * Reframing the question: instead of "why did this happen to me?" ask "what did this teach me? who did I become?" * Growth Inventory exercise: identify three past failures and find at least one skill/insight gained from each * Healing holds deeper lessons: sometimes what you learn from the recovery process matters more than the experience itself From doing self-forgiveness meditation daily during depression recovery to recognizing there are reasons you're where you are (many out of your control), this episode challenges you to expand your gratitude practice beyond the good stuff. Nobody loves looking at failures. We'd rather focus on successes and achievements. But when we avoid examining setbacks, we miss out on lessons about resilience, redirection, and what we truly value. Be thankful for the challenges that made you stronger, the losses that taught you what matters, the failures that redirected you toward your purpose. Appreciate how far you've come. Subscribe. Share. Remember that gratitude can include the hard things that shaped who you are. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! What's one failure you're actually grateful for? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]- I want to hear about your growth! 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is why being single in your 30s isn't the problem everyone makes it out to be - and why it might actually be the best thing for you right now. Here's what we're exploring about being single in your 30s: * Why acceptance doesn't mean settling: you can embrace where you are without loving it forever * The confidence factor: you're finally secure enough to show up fully yourself in every area of life * Knowing what you want: you're not exploring anymore - you know what works and what doesn't (weeding out bad matches is growth) * Better communication skills: you can articulate what you want, assess emotions, and relay them effectively * Intentional vs serious dating: you can want a relationship and still have fun without treating dating like a grave problem to fix From seeing everyone struggle to find someone to understanding that failed dates aren't failures when you know yourself well enough to recognize bad matches, this episode reframes what it means to be single in your 30s. A lot of us have healed from people pleasing. We communicate like badasses. We're confident and secure. Dating in your 30s means you're not wasting time on situations that won't work. That's not picky - that's powerful. The intention is to get to know somebody, have fun, and see who fits. If they don't fit, move on to the next person. Stop making it so serious. Subscribe. Share. Remember that being single in your 30s allows you to date with intention and exit romantic situations gracefully. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! Are you single in your 30s? DM me your experiences on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]- girl, you got this! 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is why reading romance novels isn't just fun - it's actually healing work, especially when you're traumatized and scared to date again. Here's what we're exploring about romance novels and healing: * What romance actually is: central love story with satisfying ending - not porn despite misogynistic claims * Why the writing is phenomenal: making readers feel emotions deeply takes serious skill * How romance raises standards: seeing what's possible in relationships makes you want better for yourself * The safe space factor: experiencing love, dating, sex in controlled environments when real dating feels terrifying * Teaching your body safety: feeling emotions through predictable tropes trains your nervous system that these feelings are safe From discovering paranormal romance and romantasy to understanding that predictability isn't boring when you're healing from trauma, this episode defends the genre that helps us feel safe exploring romance again. A lot of us have been burned in love. Dating feels daunting as fuck. But we still want connection, and romance novels provide safety to explore those feelings. You're feeling emotions, giggling, falling in love - and learning these feelings are safe. That's healing. Subscribe. Share. Remember that raised standards are exactly what romance novels should give you. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! What's your favorite romance trope? Drop your fated mates recs in my DMs on Instagram @YourCoachMari! Get the Book: 📖 "Audiophile" by Emerie Hart - Get the book here [https://emeriehart.wixsite.com/books] 🎧 Related Episode: Romance and Healing [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6TmP84FLLOb8QqzumcYqdK?si=JDM1F7b_T8-NVpMNogjMAA] - This is the book lover's guide to understanding why solo healing has limits and connection is essential for deeper growth. 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is the deeply personal story of why my dog Mochi isn't just a pet - he's the reason I'm still here. The moment when getting an emotional support animal at the height of my depression became the best decision I've ever made in my entire life. Here's what we're exploring about emotional support animals and mental health: 1. What ESAs actually are: animals that provide therapeutic benefit through presence (not service animals), requiring documentation from a licensed mental health professional 2. The University of Toledo study: statistically significant decreases in depression, anxiety, and loneliness in participants paired with shelter animals 3. How they help beyond companionship: consistent comfort, intuitive response during crisis, physical touch combating touch-deprivation, and reducing isolation 4. The Mochi effect: from horrible days with mood in the trash to perfect moments when he curls up next to me - his presence makes everything okay again 5. The reality: ESAs are expensive (Mochi's spinal stroke cost thousands) and require serious responsibility and proper care From literally getting Mochi at the deepest point of my depression to understanding that pets somehow sense when you need them (backed by research), this episode breaks down why ESAs are more than just cute animals - they're legitimate therapeutic support. Because here's what matters: in a world where isolation and loneliness are epidemic, having an ESA can genuinely save your mental health. I wouldn't be where I am today without Mochi, and that's just facts. I can be having the absolute worst day - everything feeling wrong - and Mochi will just curl up next to me. And suddenly? Life feels okay again. That's not just my story. That's documented science. Subscribe. Share. Remember that if you're considering an ESA, make sure you can provide proper care - but if you can, it might just change your life. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! Does your pet help your mental health? DM me your ESA stories on Instagram @YourCoachMari - I'd love to hear about your companions! If you want to dig deeper into the science behind what I'm sharing, check out: * Emotional Support Animals: The Basics [https://www.umassmed.edu/TransitionsACR/resources/emotional-support-animals-101/] * Study Finds First Scientific Evidence [https://news.utoledo.edu/index.php/05_20_2021/study-finds-first-scientific-evidence-emotional-support-animals-benefit-those-with-chronic-mental-illness] * The power of support from companion animals for people living with mental health problems [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5800290/#Sec11] 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

What if pausing for 30 seconds to notice sunlight through tree leaves could improve your mental health? I've always found beauty in small things—a perfect coffee, golden hour light, watching my dog Mochi exist in his adorable glory. Turns out, these moments of appreciation are powerful acts of gratitude that reshape our brains. Here's what we're exploring about gratitude and daily happiness: * The neuroscience: Gratitude activates the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex - the parts of your brain associated with empathy and pro-social behavior (serotonin is the key player) * Rewriting negativity bias: We all have it (I'm right there with you), but gratitude practice can help shift our mindset to see more positive things - though it takes consistent practice * Health benefits beyond mental wellness: Reduces depression, lessens anxiety, relieves stress, improves sleep, and even supports heart health * Six stupid-simple practices: Morning gratitude ritual, gratitude journal, gratitude jar, expressing appreciation to others, evening reflection, or just pausing to appreciate beautiful moments * Avoiding toxic positivity: Having gratitude doesn't mean ignoring real struggles - you can acknowledge life is hard AND find moments of beauty (both are true) From realizing that being "too busy" often means we're not pausing to appreciate what we've created in our lives, to understanding that you can find beauty everywhere if you're paying attention (even in rinky-dink neighborhoods with gorgeous graffiti art), this episode breaks down why gratitude is a muscle that gets stronger with practice. Because here's what matters: gratitude doesn't require a perfect routine or complicated system. It just requires creating space to pause and appreciate the world around you. Pick ONE habit this week and commit to it daily - whether it's listing three things you're grateful for in the morning, keeping a gratitude jar, or simply pausing when you notice something beautiful. Subscribe. Share. Remember that you don't need a perfect routine, you just need to create space to pause and appreciate. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! What's one beautiful thing you noticed today that made you pause? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] and share your moment of gratitude! If you want to dig deeper into the science behind what I'm sharing, check out: * Gratitude and Neuroscience [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-from-a-neuroscience-perspective/202505/gratitude-and-neuroscience-how-a-mason-jar-is] * Health benefits of gratitude [https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/health-benefits-gratitude] 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is the science-backed case for why creativity isn't just a hobby - it's essential for building confidence and self-esteem. Have you ever felt better about yourself after creating something? There's actually research explaining why that happens. Here's what we're exploring about creativity and confidence: * The science: Children who engaged in creative activities daily had significantly higher self-esteem - and ability level didn't matter (consistency is key) * Why creativity works: It provides safe emotional processing, judgment-free self-exploration, and that sense of accomplishment we're missing from the endless hamster wheel of life * Real examples: From my two high school choirs to using poetry as a teenager to process emotions to Ariana Grande using music to heal from trauma * Five practical tips: Establish regular creative practice, celebrate small wins, join creative communities, use creativity as self-care, try different mediums * The challenge: Commit to ONE creative thing this week - write, sing, paint, knit, color, dance - and notice how you feel afterward From realizing that high achievers never celebrate wins because goalposts keep moving, to understanding that art isn't about being "good" (it's about process and completion), this episode breaks down why creativity fosters confidence through agency, voice, and accomplishment. Because here's what the research shows: having high but realistic self-esteem is essential to good mental health. And creative expression is one of the most effective tools for building it - whether you're naturally talented or not. Maybe you need to process some experiences or emotions. Maybe you're stuck on that achievement hamster wheel never feeling accomplished. Whatever it is, try turning to art form this week. Subscribe. Share. Remember that creativity isn't about perfection, it's about expression and the confidence that comes from completing something meaningful. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! What's your creative outlet? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari and let's celebrate your creative practice together! If you want to dig deeper into the science behind what I'm sharing, check out: * Healthline: Self-Esteem [https://www.healthline.com/health/self-esteem] * Arts engagement and self-esteem in children [https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nyas.14056] * The Power of Creativity in Boosting Mental Health and Self-Esteem [https://eddinscounseling.com/the-power-of-creativity-in-boosting-mental-health-and-self-esteem]

This is the honest preparation guide for what actually happens when you set boundaries with family. With the holiday season approaching, it's time to talk about the outcomes nobody warns you about, including the most painful one: sometimes they just leave. Here's what to expect when you set family boundaries: * Best case: They accept the boundary and adjust their behavior (yes, this can actually happen - you know your family best) * The offense: They take it personally, want to argue, and get defensive no matter how you word it (have an exit strategy ready) * The manipulation: They shift blame and make it your fault they crossed the line (don't fall for it) * The abandonment: They exit your life entirely, which nobody expects because "that's what family does - they stick around, right?" (not always) * The painful truth: Sometimes people were only around because they liked taking advantage of your people-pleasing ways From decades of history and unspoken "don't rock the boat" cultural norms to realizing that boundaries are meant to deepen relationships (not push people away), this episode prepares you emotionally for what might happen when you finally set that boundary. Because here's what you need to know: if someone's response to you wanting a healthier, more loving, more respectful relationship is to leave, then maybe that's exactly where they need to go out the door. It's painful, but accepting that reality is part of healing. You know your family best. You might already have an inkling about who will respond which way. Use that knowledge to prepare yourself emotionally and practice what you'll say. Subscribe. Share. Remember that setting boundaries doesn't make you the bad guy - it makes you someone who values healthy relationships. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! Are you setting boundaries with family this holiday season? DM me your experiences on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is the grounding conversation we all need when survival mode becomes daily life. The moment when ICE notifications pop up two miles from home and you're left asking: is this paranoia or just what we need to survive? Here's what we're unpacking with Cynthia Magaña, the Chicana Therapist: * Understanding "shock and awe" as a military tactic designed to create trauma responses - and why our reactions are normal responses to abnormal events * How collective trauma affects us all, even when we're not directly targeted, and why metabolizing anger productively matters more than performing online * Finding your role in social change beyond frontline protest (organizers, healers, caregivers, bridge-builders) and asking "who am I keeping safe?" * Concrete safety planning: emergency contacts, ICE tracking apps, five-minute family check-ins, and creating parameters that actually work * Navigating family with different ideologies during crisis - from opposing Tíos at holidays to that adult "rite of passage" of standing up to elders From getting Ring notifications about ICE trucks nearby to recognizing we don't heal in isolation, this conversation provides psychological frameworks and practical tools for surviving state violence while protecting your mental health. Because here's what Cynthia knows as a therapist: Our bodies respond to keep us safe through fight/flight/freeze/fawn. The key is pausing to metabolize information before reacting, understanding that virtue signaling has real consequences for those without certain privileges, and remembering that showing up for community means decompression gatherings and chosen family too. Guest: Cynthia Magaña. A queer, Latinx clinical social worker specializing in culturally affirming, trauma-informed care for first-generation professionals and cycle breakers healing intergenerational wounds. She's also a yoga teacher and sound bath practitioner who believes healing happens in community, not isolation. Find her @chicanatherapist [https://www.instagram.com/thechicanatherapist/] on Instagram or visit cynmagana.com [https://cynmagana.com/]. Listen to Cynthia's Healing Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4YwE0MJiyLa51KwuDZDLHM?si=vwJuMueeR52AnXQ-jYyPpA] in Spotify. Subscribe. Share. Remember that we don't go through this alone - community care is how we survive. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! How are you staying grounded right now? DM me your stories on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] 🎧 Related Episode: How All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks Predicts Today's Social Issues [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4H0F1qZD7FEcvthnXNbkS6?si=132cfa9771694d7e] - Bell Hooks predicted our current loneliness epidemic, reminding us that healing happens in community, not isolation. 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is the vulnerable exploration of why others can see your gifts before you can. The moment when you realize you've been your own worst enemy, ignoring clear signs of your capabilities while others saw them all along. Here's what we're unpacking about believing in your potential: * Why others recognize your potential while you're stuck in self-doubt (and how imposter syndrome hits first-gen individuals hardest) * Root causes of not seeing your potential: lack of skill, experience, knowledge, or confidence * How lacking confidence becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that keeps you proving yourself wrong * Getting to the root of your specific problem instead of generic "build confidence" advice * Finding community over hunting for the perfect mentor + delineating your next two concrete steps From the poetry professor who said "don't stop writing" to 15 years of ignoring that wisdom, this episode explores why we prove ourselves wrong when we could be proving ourselves right. Because here's the painful truth: when you don't believe in your potential, you don't take the actions needed to reach it, creating the exact outcome you feared. But when you identify the real barriers - whether it's knowledge, experience, or confidence - you can actually address them. Your imposter syndrome is lying to you. You are incredibly intelligent, skilled, and competent. The only way to get experience is to start doing the thing, even when you don't feel ready. Subscribe. Share. Remember that someone else already sees what you're capable of - now it's time for you to see it too. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! Have you ever had someone see potential in you that you couldn't see? DM me your stories on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/] → The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/] → The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is the poetry celebration that validates our dual identity and mental health struggles. The moment when you find books that perfectly capture being "bad Mexican, bad American" and realize you're not alone in navigating multiple cultural spaces. Here's what we're highlighting for Latine Heritage Month: "Bad Mexican, Bad American" by Jose Hernandez Diaz * Slice-of-life poetry exploring dual cultural identity through vignettes * Perfect for anyone with "one foot in one culture, one foot in another" * Addresses the "pocho" experience and language struggles * Set in Los Angeles, captures Mexican-American experience authentically * Shows how you're Mexican in America, American in Mexico - never fully fitting either space "Living in Phases" by Leisly Ann Roman * Dominican-American poet writing entire collection on mental health journey * Crucial representation for Latine community where mental health is stigmatized * Shows mental health as "fluctuating, moving, bending thing" - not linear progression * Begins and ends with poems for her parents, connecting healing to family roots * Incorporates Spanglish and cultural identity throughout mental health narrative Both poets create work that reflects our experiences as children of immigrants, validating feelings of cultural displacement while celebrating the beauty of our dual identities. These collections provide representation we desperately need. Get the Books: 📖 "Bad Mexican, Bad American" by Jose Hernandez Diaz 📖 "Living in Phases" by Leisly Ann Roman 🎧 Related Episode: The Power and Beauty of Spanglish [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5QMEcUizfPZ067xBN6pmjl?si=865cfd50d2724160] - Because here's what these poets understand: being Chicana feels like "the one identity that really feels whole" when everything else leaves you straddling two worlds. Poetry helps us process these complex cultural experiences and find home in our authentic selves. Subscribe. Share. Remember that our voices and experiences deserve to be celebrated in literature. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! What Latino poets are on your reading list? DM me your recommendations on Instagram @YourCoachMar [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]i 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is the linguistic celebration that reclaims the power and beauty of how we actually speak. The moment when you realize that Spanglish isn't "broken" language - it's a sophisticated cultural dialect that deserves respect and celebration. Here's what we're diving into for Latine Heritage Month: * Defining Spanglish: the linguistic phenomenon of mixing English and Spanish to create its own legitimate dialect * Code-switching as a superpower: expertly navigating between two cultural and linguistic identities * Chicano identity: decentering the Anglo-American worldview through language and culture * How immigrant communities create language: why Spanglish comes from us, the children of immigrants * The complexity beyond substitution: how words convey better meaning and nuance in different languages * Chicano English as a fully formed dialect: "barely" meaning "just now" and other linguistic features * The power dynamics of language: who decides what's "proper" versus what's a "dialect" * Why linguistic shame is about control, not correctness From growing up speaking three languages simultaneously (Spanglish, Chicano English, and English) to understanding that being told your natural speech is "wrong" is actually about power dynamics, this episode celebrates the sophisticated linguistic abilities of bilingual communities. Because here's what I need you to know: Spanglish is beautiful. Chicano English is beautiful. Code-switching makes you a fucking badass. Don't ever let anyone talk down to you for how you naturally express yourself. We created this dialect because we navigate two worlds, and our language reflects the complexity and richness of that experience. It's not a lack of proficiency - it's cultural artistry. Subscribe. Share. Remember that your linguistic heritage is something to celebrate, not hide. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! What's your favorite Spanglish phrase or code-switching moment? DM me your linguistic pride stories on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/] → The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/] → The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is the character development deep dive that shows how love calls us into becoming who we're meant to be. The moment when you realize that fictional transformations mirror our own healing journeys and teach us profound truths about breaking free from toxic conditioning. Here's what Empire of Storms teaches us about growth and purpose: * Character redemption isn't about becoming someone new - it's about discovering the heart you always had * How toxic family conditioning can make us believe we're heartless when we've been showing compassion all along * The power of having people see your potential before you recognize it yourself (the 13 saw Manon's heart first) * Breaking free from manipulation requires recognizing that cruelty isn't strength - it's learned behavior * Ruthlessness as a survival tool versus ruthlessness as your entire identity * How love and connection call us into our authentic selves (Manon with Dorian, Elide with Lorcan) * The difference between fantasy romance intensity and actual emotional safety in relationships * Why some character arcs feel more satisfying than others (earned growth versus told growth) From Manon's transformation from "evil" witch to beloved character showing us how to reclaim our authentic selves, to Elide and Lorcan demonstrating what emotional care looks like in relationships, this episode explores how the best fantasy mirrors real psychological growth. Major spoiler alert: We discuss plot points from Empire of Storms and reference the entire Throne of Glass series. Content note: This episode includes discussion of adult themes and fantasy violence. Get the Book: 📖 Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] Because here's what we learned: the characters who resonate most deeply are those whose growth reflects our own journey of breaking cycles, healing from conditioning, and being called into purpose through love and authentic connection. This is part one of our Empire of Storms analysis - part two coming next month! About my bestie Priscilla: Priscilla De Lara is originally from California now living in Milan, Italy working in international education. She is a lover of food, traveling, and reading! Fun fact: Priscilla was a college radio DJ. Connect with Priscilla on TikTok @priscillainitaly [https://www.tiktok.com/@priscillainitaly] Subscribe. Share. Remember that character development mirrors personal development. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! Which fictional character's transformation has taught you the most about your own healing journey? DM me your insights on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call]

This is the book lover's guide to understanding why solo healing has limits and connection is essential for deeper growth. The moment when you realize that fiction isn't just entertainment - it's medicine that shows us what healthy healing relationships actually look like. Content note: This episode discusses themes of trauma and healing. The book contains content warnings for depression, stalking, sexual assault, forced pregnancy, miscarriage, and infant loss. Here's what "Audiophile" by Emerie Hart teaches us about healing through connection: * People pleasing is a learned behavior - through modeling (watching parents handle conflict), direct teaching ("don't make waves," "what will people think?"), and emotional reinforcement (conditional love based on good behavior) * Trauma manifests similarly: isolation, pushing people away, avoidance, escapism, hopelessness about dreams and improvement * How two hurt people can create healing space for each other without waiting to be "perfect" first * What healthy partnership looks like: encouraging without pushing, respecting boundaries, enthusiastic consent, seeing each other as whole people * Reed helps Petra come back to life by showing her windows of possibility and respecting her healing pace * Petra helps Reed trust again by seeing him as a person (not just his persona) and consistently respecting his boundaries * The beautiful truth that we are meant to heal in community, not isolation - there's a limit to solo healing From characters who moved back home and gave up on dreams to those running from abusers with strict rules to keep everyone away, this book shows how genuine interest, boundary respect, and creating space for authentic expression can transform lives. Because here's what I'm convinced of: we cannot fully heal without connection to others. We can heal to a certain extent by ourselves, but eventually we need relationships that call us into deeper growth. Fiction shows us templates for what that looks like. Get the Book: 📖 "Audiophile" by Emerie Hart - Get the book here [https://emeriehart.wixsite.com/books] Subscribe. Share. Remember that stories have the power to teach us about real healing. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! What fiction book taught you something profound about healing or relationships? DM me your book recommendations on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/] → The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/] → The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is the hard truth about how your healing journey doesn't just change your life - it rewrites your family's entire story. The moment when you realize that the validation-seeking patterns causing you pain right now are the same ones you might be unconsciously teaching the next generation. Here's what's really happening with intergenerational people pleasing: * People pleasing is learned behavior - through modeling (watching parents handle conflict), direct teaching ("don't make waves," "what will people think?"), and emotional reinforcement (conditional love based on good behavior) * Children absorb relationship templates from what they observe, creating emotional inheritance that intensifies with each generation * Identity formation struggles when kids are constantly told to put others first instead of developing a strong sense of self * Ineffective decision-making patterns where major life choices get deferred to others instead of considering your own needs * The ripple effect: how your healing work impacts not just you but generations to come * Practical strategies: modeling healthy boundaries, validating authentic expression even when inconvenient, normalizing disagreement, and making repair visible * The beautiful truth that when you break these patterns, you create a completely different legacy From buying my dog a $150 ice blanket while I don't have one (learned from watching my mom always put our needs first) to recognizing how cultural messages like "quieter equals prettier" shaped generations of women, this episode exposes how family patterns repeat until someone decides to break the cycle. Because here's what I know: you can't model healthy behavior without embodying it yourself. But when you do the inner work to heal your own relationship with validation, the ramifications are wonderful and lasting. The work you're doing today doesn't just benefit you - it benefits the children you may have, their children, and so many generations to come. 🎧 Related Episode: Embracing Disapproval [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FPacj72vnKaaEO0cyHYt5?si=GB55qkBMTWm4lZUA7few4w]- This is the gentle guide for when you've decided to stop people pleasing but that uncomfortable feeling has you frozen. Subscribe. Share. Remember that breaking generational patterns starts with your own healing. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! What people pleasing patterns do you see in your family across generations? DM me your reflections on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/] → The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/] → The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

This is the gentle guide for when you've decided to stop people pleasing but that uncomfortable feeling has you frozen. The moment when you realize you no longer want to do backflips for everyone's approval but you're frozen because you don't know how to handle their disappointment without immediately backtracking. Here's what's really happening when disapproval feels threatening: 1. Early conditioning: how childhood taught us that love was conditional on good behavior and performance 2. Social media amplification: why stranger approval online feels life-or-death important 3. The physical response: recognizing tight chest, stomach knots, and shallow breathing as normal reactions 4. The costs of continuing: loss of authenticity, decision paralysis, emotional exhaustion, and diminished boundaries 5. Why successful people inevitably disappoint some people - and that's actually okay 6. The power dynamic shift: how people get upset when they lose their ability to use you 7. Practical strategies: body awareness, questioning assumptions, and practicing your "disapproval muscle" 8. Diversifying approval sources instead of putting all your worth into one person's opinion From the person who couldn't make decisions to save their life during narcissistic abuse to recognizing that healthy relationships still involve conflict, this episode exposes why disapproval feels so threatening and gives you tools to sit with the discomfort. Because here's the truth: if someone only likes you when you're bending over backwards for them, that's not a relationship worth keeping. Your health, your peace, and your life are more important than any one person's approval. You don't need to avoid disapproval - you need to learn to survive it. Subscribe. Share. Remember that not everyone will like you anyway - and that's perfectly fine. Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨ Join the conversation! What does disapproval feel like in your body? DM me your experiences on Instagram @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] 💬 LET'S CONNECT: My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/] My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari] Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/] Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito] Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List] (Bookshop affiliate) 🌱 LET'S GROW TOGETHER → Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call] → 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/] → The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/] → The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]