You’ve faced your shadows. You’ve pulled yourself out of victimhood. You’ve taken ownership of your story. So what comes next?

That’s the question we’re diving into in this episode — because after healing, there’s still the journey of living. Healing doesn’t end with release; it’s about what you choose to create next. This is where courage becomes a practice, not just an idea.

Episode 5 brings us to the “V” in the BRAVE Framework — Venture & Validate. To venture means stepping boldly into new spaces, trying again after failure, or risking vulnerability even when it would feel safer to retreat. To validate means affirming your worth, your boundaries, and your truth, even when others don’t see it. Together, these create the turning point from surviving to thriving.

🌳 We use the metaphor of a tree to explore this transformation. A tree doesn’t apologize for stretching toward the light. It doesn’t beg permission to grow. It ventures upward, fueled by its roots, willing to weather storms and seasons. But its strength comes not just from reaching, but from grounding — from knowing where it stands. Your life is no different.

💬 In this episode we talk about how communication — with yourself, your loved ones, and your community — is the key to this growth. We examine how old, limiting patterns often show up in our relationships: falling into the roles of Victim, Rescuer, or Villain. These roles keep us small, reactive, and trapped in cycles that steal our power. By contrast, the empowered roles of Creator, Challenger, and Coach invite us into agency, accountability, and authentic connection.

🧬 Our root word this week is Validation. So many people seek validation outside themselves — through approval, achievement, or performance. But true freedom begins when you validate yourself: when you honor your emotions without judgment, when you trust your intuition, and when you set boundaries as acts of love rather than punishment. Boundaries are not walls to keep others out; they’re invitations to meet you in a space of respect.

✨ Throughout the episode, we weave in stories from both our personal lives and professional experiences. Erica shares powerful moments working with stroke survivors who fought for every word — showing us what it really means to venture into unknown territory and validate progress in small but profound ways. Together, we share raw, unfiltered experiences from our marriage where responsibility and honesty became the gateway to deeper connection. These aren’t polished stories; they’re human ones — the kind that remind us bravery is messy, imperfect, and worth it.

To close, we guide you through a future-self visualization designed to help you embody the version of you who has already ventured, validated, and stepped fully into your life. This practice anchors you into possibility, reminding you that you don’t need to wait for permission to begin. The future you’re dreaming of is already calling you forward.

This isn’t just an episode about growth — it’s about reclamation. It’s about trusting yourself enough to stop shrinking, to stop replaying old roles, and to start creating a life that feels true, expansive, and aligned.

So here’s the invitation: stop waiting. Stop apologizing. Venture into your future and validate your worth along the way.

🎧 Listen now and take your next step on The Brave Way.