What if some of the choices you've made your entire life aren't really choices at all?

This summer, I decided to grow out my armpit hair. But this episode isn't about whether women should shave. It's about body hair, beauty standards, self-trust, and the invisible rules women inherit about how we're supposed to look, behave, and exist in the world.

The experiment began after I noticed myself having a surprisingly strong reaction to my daughter's unshaved armpits. Instead of asking her to change, I got curious about why something so normal was triggering me—and that question led me straight into some very real-time shadow work.

In this solo episode, I explore how childhood experiences, relationships, beauty standards, and patriarchal expectations shaped my relationship with body hair—and why seeing other women break those rules sometimes triggered something deeper: envy for a freedom I hadn't yet given myself.

We talk about body acceptance, triggers, motherhood, patriarchy, authenticity, self-expression, personal growth, and breaking generational patterns. Most importantly, I explore the difference between making a choice because you genuinely want it and making one because you've never realized you were allowed to choose differently.

Because maybe your thing isn't armpit hair. Maybe its another cage that you never realized you were trapped in.

At the heart of this episode, we ask: What rules are you still following simply because someone taught you that's what a woman is supposed to do?

What do you actually want?
What have you outgrown?
And what could change if you gave yourself permission to choose?

If you're rebuilding your life and questioning who you want to be from here, this episode is an invitation to get curious about the beliefs you're carrying—and decide which ones still deserve to come with you.

Further Resources:

👉 Need a break from routine and time to connect with what inspires you? Check out the Desert Muse Festival, Sept. 25-27, 2026, in Scottsdale, AZ. Get 25% off registration when they use code PHOENIX25MUSE at checkout at desertmusefestival.com.

👉 Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase!

👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast

👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com

Thank you for listening!

Remember, you are so worthy of a Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori

Music licensed through Soundstripe.

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