If you want to know who you are, look beyond your thoughts...
... to experience your true nature.
It’s been a minute, but there’s so much to share this month! We’re diving into imposter syndrome, comparison, and getting out of your mind and into the wisdom of your body. I’m sharing my go-to nutritional beauty resources, along with new Karmic Mirror podcast episodes—exploring everything from holistic beauty to our most recent release featuring Taylor Grewe of Human Design with Jenna Zoe, where we discuss navigating the complex world of emotions.
🎧 Latest Episode: Navigating Emotions in Human Design with Taylor Grewe
I’ve never done one of these “in’s and out’s” for the year—partly because it never occurred to me and partly because, well, what does that even mean? Trends, whether they’re skinny jeans or even skinnier eyebrows, have a habit of cycling back around. Sometimes, unfortunately.
But as I sat down for the 78th time to write this newsletter, I realized something. What I want to share this month has nothing to do with outer fads but feels deeply aligned with how inner work can often mirror collective trends. Words like “imposter syndrome” or talk of “ego” and “comparison” have always been around, always been challenges. Yet today, they’re more visible than ever, shaped and amplified by our increasingly online lives.
So, here’s my take on some “in’s and out’s” of 2025—not as fleeting trends but as guiding principles for inner growth. Because I firmly believe that winter isn’t the time to take action on those lofty goals (though you certainly should if you feel called to). It’s a season of hibernation— not like sleep the next two months away but more so a time to cultivate the subtle habits and shifts that will support you (and said lofty goals) longterm, as you reemerge in spring, like flowers breaking through the earth - rooted and deeply grounded.
Out: Comparing ourselves to others for validation.
In: Using comparison as a tool for self-reflection and deeper understanding.
Out: Feeling like an imposter.
In: Recognizing that imposter syndrome is my ego not quite caught up to the person I am becoming.
Out: Overthinking as a way to avoid feeling.
In: Reconnecting with my senses, using them to guide me out of rumination and back into my body.
When we talk about imposter syndrome, we’re really acknowledging a disconnect: our ego hasn’t fully caught up to who we are in this moment. It’s a not-always-friendly reminder that we are constantly evolving, and sometimes our self-perception lags behind our actual growth. Our mind clings to past versions of ourselves, reluctant to recognize how far we’ve come.
This disconnect highlights how our mind, body, and soul—though inherently connected—can often feel like they’re operating at different speeds or existing on separate planes. My guess is that ego plays a role in this separation as well. Ego who so often (like our brains) tries to protect us, keeping us small and hidden or avoiding the full depth of our emotions.
But to bridge this gap is to accept the fullness of your existence. It means challenging the ways your mind tries to shield you, listening to the messages your body and emotions carry, and allowing your spirit to hold space for the entire gorgeously messy spectrum of life—shame, joy, fear, love, and the rest—all without judgment.
There are layers to this inner work y’all!
Hence my belief that living in flow means aligning with the seasons - both inner and outer - wherever possible. In these dark winter months, this might look like slowing down, recalibrating, and readjusting. It’s a time for reflective preparation; a softer season to gather energy and intention as a foundation you’re building for the year ahead.
Developing a Powerful Self-Concept
At the core of this inner work is self-concept: the way you see yourself (self-image), how you feel about yourself (self-esteem), and what you believe you are capable of (self-efficacy). Developing a strong self-concept means stepping into alignment with who you are today, honoring both your growth and the layers of your humanity. Let’s take a deeper look…
What are three qualities you admire in others that you rarely acknowledge in yourself? How might these qualities already exist within you, even in small ways?
Is there a belief or habit in your life that feels like it’s keeping you safe but might also be keeping you small? How can you honor its role while gently exploring a new way forward?
If your body could speak, what would it say about the version of yourself you are becoming? What sensations, emotions, or signals can you tune into to better support this evolution?
Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Body: A Grounding Practice
Take a moment to press play, breathe, and let your body guide you.
Tell me what you eat and I shall tell you who you are.
To further nourish your body… and in that ripple effect, your beauty…
What we eat affects not only our physical health but also our mental clarity, mood, and self-esteem. True beauty starts from within, and nourishing your body with wholesome foods can have a lasting impact on your overall well-being.
I’ve written a blog on the nutrient-rich foods that lay the foundation of your beauty routine in a way that no one product can. And I’ve included some beauty nutrient downloads for you to keep handy.
👉🏼 Read the full blog here: Beauty in Every Bite
Ending this month’s with what’s giving me the feels and coloring life lately…
Have you heard of an “ear worm”? Apparently it’s when you wake up singing a song; which has been me all week with a few gems from Hozier’s new album, currently on my Wintering playlist. If you care to listen.
After pondering this book for some time, I finally got myself a copy of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius at my local bookstore. One of my favorite practices with many philosophical books is to open to any page and let the first passage I land on be the reading for the day. Here’s a recent one:
Love nothing but that which comes to you woven in the pattern of your destiny. For what could more aptly fit your needs?
BANANA BREW of MY DREAMS: My husband and I escaped the cold for a few beach days this month and happened on my new obsession. It’s called a banana brew and I fear I’m late to this trend because I don’t tik tok but it’s: banana, dates, milk, a dash of cinnamon, and a shot of espresso in the blender. Enjoy!
The episode of Chef’s Table this season featuring Nok Suntaranon. Her style, her zest and fierceness in which she lives her life, her story… all left an imprint on me.
Thanks for being here. With Love, Michelle
My reframe queen! Love your 'Ins and Outs"! And we MUST go try out that restaurant in Philly!