it's okay to just be

Do you ever have those moments where you take a step back and realize just how far you’ve come? 

I recently had one of those aha moments while getting a blowout.

Natalie from three years ago would have had my laptop out during my appointment – trying to squeeze the most productivity out of that moment. But this time, I just sat there. 

I took in the moment, relaxed, let my thoughts flow, and focused on regulating my nervous system. And let me tell you, I left there feeling amazing. 

I realized that there was a time when I believed my worth was tied to my productivity—every hour needed to be maximized, every task completed, and that it all meant something about me. 

The truth is… the most optimized or productive person isn’t always the happiest.

It’s okay to take a breath, enjoy the moment, and allow yourself the grace to step back from the hustle. 

This theme of self-acceptance and understanding our true value is something I explored in depth during my recent podcast interview with the incredible Israa Nasir.

Israa is a therapist, public speaker, + author who has dedicated her career to helping others navigate their mental health journeys. In our conversation, we dove deep into her personal story and how her experiences shaped her approach to life and work.

We discussed:

The pressure of achievement + how societal expectations can create a false sense of worth

The importance of understanding your own value system versus adopting others' timelines

How to use introspection as a tool + the power of regular self-reflection

Listen to the podcast on your favorite streaming platform.

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to do more or be more, this episode is for you. It’s a powerful reminder that your worth isn’t defined by your productivity, but by who you are at your core.

Next time you have the chance, I encourage you to just sit and take in the moment. Maybe this episode will give you the tools to do just that.

XO,

Natalie

P.S. You won't want to miss the CEO Mama episode we dropped on Saturday featuring some of our amazing CEO Mamas! This episode dives into how they navigate the challenges of childcare while pursuing their ambitious careers. 

If you feel inspired by their stories, I’d be so grateful if you could show us some love by leaving a review and rating the podcast. Your feedback means the world to me and helps us continue to bring you valuable content! 

P.P.S. Black Friday is right around the corner, and I have something special up my sleeve. Want to know what it is? Get on my super secret waitlist to be the first to find out when it goes live.