What am I sacrificing in the name of being the good mom, the good partner, the one who holds it all together?

What would it feel like to trust the unknown instead of needing the whole roadmap first?

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Escalera, a musician, ceremony guide, and facilitator who creates spaces for people to reconnect with themselves. Through retreats, trainings, private sessions, and music, Michelle helps people move through self-doubt, reconnect with their truth, and find the clarity to create a life that feels aligned. Her work blends practical tools with deep presence, inviting the people she works with to live with greater authenticity and intention. Michelle and I have known each other for over three years, since we met in our Soul Purpose coaching program, and I have watched her story unfold in the most beautiful way.

Michelle opens up about reaching a breaking point as a mom, burnt out without even realizing she was burnt out, sacrificing herself in ways that looked honorable on the surface but were quietly costing her nervous system, her health, and her relationships. She shares the raw, real story of choosing to move to Egypt to reclaim herself: the mom guilt, the hard conversations with her son and stepdaughter, the fear of disappointing the people she loves, and the healing that happened on the other side of asking for help and setting boundaries around her own capacity.

This episode is for the ambitious mom who feels like she's carrying it all and doesn't know how to put anything down. If you've ever felt like taking care of yourself means abandoning everyone else, or you've confused self-sacrifice with love, Michelle's story will show you what's possible when you choose emotional regulation and presence over constant output. You'll walk away with real language for setting boundaries, asking for support, and trusting yourself even when you don't have the full plan, just the mindfulness and nervous system awareness to take the next right step.

• Connect with Michelle on Instagram: instagram.com/MichelleTheCreatrix
• Learn more about Michelle's work at Rich and Full: Richinfull.com

Journal Prompts:

• Where in my life am I abandoning myself to take care of everyone else?
• What is one hard thing I've been avoiding asking for help with?

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With love and gratitude,

Josie Anderson