Alex: Hey everyone, welcome! Today we're diving into something really interesting – how to break free from the things that hold us back. We're going to explore The Unlimited Self by Jonathan Heston, which offers a pretty direct plan for doing just that. Michelle: <Sarcastically> "Unlimited Self," huh? I can already smell the self-help clichés: "Be authentic," "find your power," and probably some kind of radical inner makeover, right? Should I start prepping my brain for reprogramming now, or wait until step three? Alex: Hold on a sec, Michelle. This book is actually more than just a pep talk. Heston lays out a practical four-step process for tackling those stories we tell ourselves, those limiting beliefs that keep us stuck in a rut. Michelle: Limiting beliefs, got it. Like that nagging feeling that I'll never win the lottery, so why even bother buying a ticket? Alex: It's deeper than that. It’s more like believing you’re destined to stay small, to not take risks, simply because of your past experiences. We're going to chart a course out of those mental traps and into what Heston calls your "unlimited self." Michelle: Okay, you’ve got my attention. Sounds like we’re moving from doubt to… possibilities. Alex: Exactly! We're going to unpack four key areas. First, where do these limiting beliefs even come from? (Spoiler alert: they're sneaky!). Then, we’ll look at giving ourselves the tools to actually change, because just wanting a different mindset isn't enough. Michelle: And this is where the real work begins, right? Like facing your fears head-on? Alex: You nailed it. Facing those inner fears is the third piece, and it’s all about being vulnerable and honest with yourself. And finally, we’ll talk about stepping into your authentic self, embracing your unique purpose, and sharing it with the world. Michelle: Sounds ambitious, I'll give you that. Alright, Alex, let's see if this book can win over both me and my inner cynic. Lead the way.

Alex: Okay, Michelle, let’s dive right into the basics: understanding limiting beliefs. Basically, these are the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what we’re capable of, and how the world works. And the thing is, we often don't even consciously choose these beliefs. They usually come from little moments in our lives—like, maybe a hurtful comment, societal pressure, or just patterns we’ve picked up over time. Michelle: So, let me get this straight. Our brains are like pack rats, hoarding every single negative comment or awkward experience, treating them like precious family heirlooms? Alex: Pretty much! Think about a kid who's repeatedly told at school that they’re just not creative, you know? And not because they lack the potential, but maybe a teacher just didn’t get their style, or their classmates were just more...showy. This kid grows up avoiding anything remotely artistic because they believe creativity “just isn’t their thing.” And that one belief? It shapes their identity and choices for years. Michelle: Wow, that hits a little too close to home. I could probably write a whole book of "you’re not good enough" stories I’ve collected. But, how do you even figure out which beliefs are holding you back? I mean, aren’t they hard to spot when they feel like, well, the truth? Alex: That's such a key point. Heston tells us to pay attention to our recurring thoughts, that little voice inside our head. These are the narratives that play on repeat, especially, you know, in moments of fear and doubt. For instance, if someone is constantly thinking, "I'm never going to be good enough for a leadership role," that’s a major red flag! It’s pointing you straight at a limiting belief. Michelle: Ah, yes, my brain’s greatest hits: "Don't even try, you're going to fail," "That's not realistic," and my personal favorite, "Stay in your lane, Michelle." So, we become detectives of our own inner thoughts. What's next on the agenda? Alex: Next, actively challenge those beliefs. Heston tells this story about an entrepreneur giving a speech who thought he was completely bombing it. He noticed someone in the audience looked distracted and just assumed he wasn’t connecting. Turns out, that person was just taking notes because they were super interested in what he was saying! It’s a classic example of misinterpreting a situation based on a limiting belief like, "I'm just not a good speaker." Michelle: I love that story! It's kind of a punch in the gut when you realize how creative our brains can be at drawing the wrong conclusions. It’s like our minds are putting on their own interpretive dance, but the choreography is all messed up. Alex: Exactly! That's why it's so important to shift your perspective. Heston says to ask yourself, "What's the actual evidence? Is there another way to look at this?" Just that one question can start to break down the walls in your head. Michelle: Okay, so once you've stopped jumping to worst-case scenarios, how do you actually begin to rewire those thoughts? Because it's one thing to say, "That belief isn't true," but it's another thing to really believe it, deep down. Alex: Great question. One method Heston suggests is reframing your self-talk. So once you've identified a limiting belief, ask yourself how you can replace it with something more empowering. For example, instead of saying, "I'm not creative," you could try saying, "I'm open to exploring new ways of thinking." These aren't just empty affirmations. They're small, actionable ways to reshape how you see yourself. Michelle: So, baby steps towards some big changes, huh? But what about the emotional baggage we've been lugging around with these beliefs? I mean, it's not just thoughts, it’s feelings too, right? Alex: Exactly! Emotions are so tightly connected to limiting beliefs. You know, Unresolved fears or pain really keep those beliefs stuck in place. Heston highlights the importance of really acknowledging those emotions instead of just trying to push them away. It's like someone who's afraid of public speaking, and their chest tightens, or their palms get all sweaty. Instead of ignoring those feelings, they could try mindfulness—just observe what’s happening in their body without judging it and recognize that they're just echoes of past experiences. Michelle: Hold on, are you saying that I need to, like, thank my sweaty palms for showing up? Alex: Well, in a way, yes! Heston calls these emotions a "warning system." They're there to tell you something feels important, but we don't have to let them control us. And this is where things like journaling can be super helpful. It allows you to unpack what’s going on, think about where those feelings came from, and decide how much power they should really have over your life now. Michelle: Okay, that makes sense—less "run from it," more "examine it." But what if the belief is so buried that you don’t even realize how much it’s messing with you? Alex: That's why Heston outlines some really practical tools. One exercise I found powerful is this “rear-view mirror” approach. Think back to events in your life that may have created those early doubts. Let’s say someone avoids conflict as an adult. Exploring the reasons for that avoidance might uncover an "inner vow," such as, "I'll never start an argument because I don't want to repeat the fights I witnessed growing up." After recognizing that vow, that person can begin to dismantle it and assess whether it still serves them. Michelle: Kind of like turning on the lights to prove there really aren’t monsters hiding in your closet. Alex: Exactly! You know what else is helpful? Heston has this list of five clues for identifying limiting beliefs—areas where you feel helpless, depend too much on comfort, or constantly seek validation. Spotting these patterns can be like finding clues that lead you back to the original belief. Michelle: So, it’s not just about identifying the belief itself; it’s about seeing how it affects your overall life? Sounds reasonable. But, what's the ultimate objective here, Alex? How do we ensure that this isn't just a superficial solution? Alex: This is when consistent practice of reframing comes into play. Overnight change is impossible. This point is made very explicit by Heston. It involves rewriting those mental scripts and continually reinforcing new and improved beliefs. Each time you choose a more empowering thought, you create new neural pathways that get stronger over time. Michelle: So, rather than seeking a quick fix, is it more about completely overhauling the operating system? Alex: Exactly. The beauty of it is that after successfully challenging one belief, like, "I’m not creative," you’ll gain the confidence to challenge other beliefs. It triggers the domino effect. Each advancement you make clears the path for further expansion. Michelle: Alright, I’ll admit, there’s something satisfying about ripping up the rulebook your brain’s been dictating. Maybe there’s still hope for me and my inner skeptic.

Alex: So, once we've pinpointed those limiting beliefs, it's time to get ready for change. This is where things get interesting, Michelle. Identifying the roadblocks is just the beginning, right? The real question is, how do we actually prepare ourselves to move past them? Michelle: Ah, so we're not just complaining about our limiting beliefs anymore, but we are actually getting ready for action, huh? I guess that means diving into the, uh, sometimes uncomfortable emotional and mental preparation. Alex: Precisely. Preparing for change means we're building on that initial recognition by equipping ourselves with the tools to actually reframe those beliefs and move forward. It's about cultivating self-awareness, nurturing our self-esteem, and using what Heston calls "selective ignorance." These things together really create the mental framework for lasting change. Michelle: Selective ignorance? Now that's a concept I can get behind. Finally, someone is encouraging me to ignore things. But let's break this down, self-awareness first, right? Alex: Exactly, because self-awareness, it's really the key that unlocks everything else. Heston even calls it the "shortcut to growth". And here's why: when you intentionally pay attention to your emotions, your thoughts, and your behaviors, you start to see the patterns that are holding you back. It's like, if you can look under the hood of a car, then you can fix what you see, right? Michelle: Okay, I get the theory, but in practice, how does someone go from, say, a vague idea like "I'm always anxious before a big meeting" to using that insight to actually prepare for change? Alex: That's a great question. Think about Sarah from the book. She was constantly overwhelmed before team presentations, and she thought it was just the stress of the task itself. But when she really explored it – using mindfulness and journaling – she realized her anxiety stemmed from an old fear of having her ideas rejected. Michelle: So, the anxiety wasn't really about the presentation itself, but more like old baggage being brought along for the ride? Alex: Exactly! And once she realized that, she was able to shift her perspective. She started seeing her anxiety not as something that was crippling her, but as a signal that said, "This matters to you." Through that self-awareness, she started managing her emotions more compassionately and ultimately, reframed how she approached those team meetings. Michelle: Okay, I'll admit it, self-awareness sounds less like naval-gazing and more like gathering intel on your triggers. But what happens when awareness isn't enough? I mean, you know what's holding you back, but you are still stuck. Alex: That's where the second thing comes in: nurturing your self-esteem. It's the rocket fuel for change, because even with self-awareness, if you don't genuinely believe you deserve to grow or are capable of growing, you're going to stay put. Michelle: So… do we just wake up, look in the mirror, and just repeat "I'm awesome" until we believe it? Alex: Not exactly, although affirmations can certainly play a role. Think of Alex, another example Heston shares. He was a brilliantly talented artist, but he refused to show his work because he kept thinking, "It's just not good enough." He was constantly comparing himself to others, and that just chipped away at his confidence. Michelle: Classic imposter syndrome. I've seen so many people – and, yeah, myself included – talk themselves out of even trying because they think they don't measure up. Alex: Exactly. That's the trap. So, Alex started small. He used daily affirmations as a way to remind himself of his capabilities. Something like, "I am a unique artist, and my work has value to offer." At first, it felt fake – and look, that's normal, right? – but repeating it consistently started to rewire how he talked to himself. Michelle: But this wasn't just about pep talks in the bathroom mirror alone, what else did Alex do? Alex: He combined it with action. He started posting his art on social media, connecting with local art groups, and reflecting on times when his work was appreciated. These small wins reinforced his sense of self-worth, and it created a positive feedback loop. Michelle: So he basically built his confidence brick by brick, starting with belief, but backing it up with tangible steps. I like that. It feels real, not some grand leap of faith. Alex: Exactly. And once his self-esteem started to grow, Alex stopped trying to be perfect and just embraced progress, which opened up a whole new world of opportunities. Michelle: Okay, so far, so good. We've got self-awareness to diagnose the problem, self-esteem to act on it. But now, let's talk about this "selective ignorance" thing, because the name alone is intriguing. Alex: Selective ignorance is about filtering out the noise. I mean, in today's hyper-connected world, it's so easy to get overwhelmed by endless opinions, criticisms, and comparisons. That's where people like Mia, another example from the book, found freedom by intentionally tuning out the negativity. Michelle: Let me guess, Mia was drowning in the chaos of social media? Alex: You nailed it. She was an entrepreneur, and her confidence was constantly taking a hit from critical comments online and comparisons to those "perfect" peers. So, she decided to take control of her mental environment. She unfollowed accounts that triggered self-doubt, limited her screen time, and replaced it with more constructive content, things like uplifting podcasts and community groups. Michelle: It's amazing how much peace you can get back just by setting those boundaries. It sounds so simple – don't give energy to things that drain you – but it's harder in practice, especially when part of your brain just wants to keep scrolling. Alex: Exactly! But once Mia adopted this mindset, she didn't just feel better, she became more productive, she channeled her energy into meaningful work instead of spiraling over criticism. Michelle: Another win for boundaries, huh? And the patterns here are pretty clear: self-awareness, self-esteem, and selective ignorance, they build on each other. You've got to know what's affecting you, believe you can do something about it, and then clean up the external chatter so you can actually focus. Alex: Perfectly put. And Heston doesn't just introduce the ideas, he gives you actual tools for each one. Things like journaling for self-awareness, affirmations for self-esteem, and digital detox strategies to practice selective ignorance. Michelle: Alright, this is all pretty compelling. It's not just theory, it's backed up with actionable steps. I might even try this digital detox thing. Alex: Michelle, I think the world is ready for a more balanced you. These tools aren't just about quick fixes. They're the groundwork for long-term change. It's about positioning yourself mentally and emotionally to tackle whatever comes next. Michelle: Makes sense. It sounds like once you've laid that foundation, you're ready for the tougher stuff, like facing those deeper fears head-on. Let me guess, that's what's coming next? Alex: You got it. But for now, it's all about preparing yourself so you “really” believe you're capable of change. It's the foundation for everything else.

Alex: So, with preparation in place, we can then actively confront and expose our inner conflicts. This is really where things get real, Michelle—when we step directly into that discomfort, face our fears, and begin to dismantle those narratives that have been holding us back. What's important is that this stage represents the “active” phase of transformation, where we engage directly with those inner conflicts. Michelle: Okay, so, showtime. It sounds like this is where you can’t just analyze the problem or do mental prep work anymore. What exactly are we exposing here, anyway? Alex: Well, at its core, we’re exposing all the fears, doubts, and traumas that are tied to our limiting beliefs. These are the inner conflicts we typically avoid, right? Those moments of vulnerability where we are forced to face the question: "What am I afraid to acknowledge about myself?" Michelle: Vulnerability, huh? That word always makes me a little uncomfortable, but go on. How do we do this without, you know, completely falling apart? Alex: The way I think about it, and the way Heston presents it, is that it all starts with acknowledging that fear isn’t really the enemy—it’s more like a signpost. Heston talks about recognizing it as a natural guide. He uses an example of Rebecca, an entrepreneur who was terrified of public speaking because she tied her self-worth to perfection. Instead of suppressing her fear, she wrote down everything she dreaded about the event. She didn’t ignore it. She dissected it and used what she learned to prepare. Michelle: So Rebecca turned her fear into a kind of to-do list? Like, “Hey fear, thanks for the helpful tips—let me just work through those”? Alex: Exactly! She identified practical steps to mitigate her anxiety, like rehearsing her pitch methodically and preparing answers for potential critiques. And by doing so, Rebecca realized her fear wasn’t there to stop her—it was just pointing to what mattered. Then, when the day came, she just harnessed that fear to stay focused and engaged. Michelle: I have to admit, I like that approach. Instead of trying to “conquer” fear like it’s some kind of dragon, you’re almost making peace with it—and then putting it to work for you. Alex: It’s a powerful shift, definitely. And another tool Heston recommends is visualization, but not in the fluffy, "imagine yourself as a superhero" way. Instead, it’s about practicing scenarios mentally, especially the ones where fear might arise. For example, Rebecca didn’t just imagine herself succeeding; she also visualized herself handling potential hiccups—forgetting a line, facing tough questions—and staying composed. Michelle: Ah, so it’s not just painting a rosy picture but also preparing for the messiness. I imagine that makes it feel more real, and less like wishful thinking. But what about when fear is deeply tied to emotional pain? Alex: Well, that’s where we get into forgiveness, Michelle. It’s really one of the most profound ways to resolve inner conflicts. Emotional wounds, guilt, and resentment perpetuate those bad self-sabotaging patterns we talked about earlier. Forgiveness helps release that emotional weight. Michelle: I’m all for lightening the load, but forgiveness? That’s, uh, easier said than done. How do you forgive someone—or yourself—when the pain feels, you know, justified? Alex: Right, but it’s not about condoning what happened or pretending it didn’t matter. It’s about releasing the hold it has on you. Take Andrea, for example. After a major falling-out with a close friend, she carried years of anger and mistrust. That bitterness didn’t just hurt her—it affected how she connected with others. Michelle: So, her old conflict was spilling into every new relationship? Alex: Exactly. She eventually tried a forgiveness exercise where she wrote a letter—not to send, but just to externalize her emotions. In that letter, she admitted her pain, acknowledged where she might’ve been at fault, and then gave herself permission to let it go. Michelle: And that helped her move on? Really? Alex: It did. Once Andrea released those suppressed feelings, she realized how much energy she’d been sinking into resentment. And it allowed her to rebuild trust, not just with others, but with herself. Michelle: Okay, that tracks. Writing a letter sounds doable—it’s a private way to process everything without expecting some kind of magical reconciliation. Alex: Exactly. And those same tools extend to self-forgiveness too, which is often overlooked. People beat themselves up for their perceived failures, but forgiving yourself is just as critical for actually healing and growth. Michelle: Alright, I’m starting to see how these exercises can chip away at those deeper conflicts. But let’s talk about the endgame of all this. Once you’ve faced your fears, released your emotional baggage, and forgiven...what’s next? Alex: So that’s where visualizing and proactively creating your future self comes in. It’s not just about resolving the past; it’s about consciously stepping into who you want to become. Michelle: So the focus shifts from “what happened to me” to “what do I want to create”? Alex: Precisely. Heston emphasizes that you can’t just wish for change—you have to align your actions and mindset with your vision. Take Michael, an aspiring musician who doubted whether he’d ever make it professionally. He spent years holding himself back, just thinking he wasn’t good enough. Michelle: Another case of impostor syndrome, yeah? Alex: Exactly. But Michael decided to flip the script. He visualized himself as a successful musician—playing at concerts, connecting with his audience. Then he aligned his daily habits with that vision, practicing consistently and networking in the industry. And over time, those small actions reshaped not just his skills, but his self-perception. Michelle: Alright, I’ll bite—this is starting to sound less like a leap of faith and more like building a ladder, step by step. Alex: That’s a great metaphor. The point is, transformation isn’t about perfection or erasing fear. It’s about evolving “through” the process—turning fear, pain, and limiting beliefs into fuel to redefine yourself. Michelle: Got it. So confronting inner conflicts isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about clearing space for what’s possible. Alex: Exactly. By stepping into this active phase, we’re not just surviving our fears—we’re using them to thrive.

Alex: So, after we've wrestled with those inner conflicts, right? We're ready to “really” step into who we are. And that brings us to the heart of Jonathan Heston's roadmap: embracing authenticity. It’s really more than just the result of facing our issues. It's this ongoing, evolving journey of living in sync with your own purpose, your values, and your true self. Michelle: Okay, "Embracing Authenticity," the grand finale. But, uh, what does that even mean, really? It feels like one of those buzzwords everyone throws around, but nobody can quite define. Alex: Good point, Michelle. As Heston puts it, living authentically is about shedding those masks we wear and just completely stepping into who we actually are—flaws and all. It's not about becoming some perfect ideal, but aligning all your actions, choices, relationships with your core values, your purpose. It’s about discovering your unique “Y,” like Heston says, the thing that drives you at the deepest level. Michelle: Right, but what if you're the type of person who’s never really felt like they had a core "Y"? Like, a "unique purpose" sounds amazing for someone who wakes up every day wanting to cure cancer or climb Everest, but what about the rest of us just trying to, you know, figure it out? Alex: Exactly, but it's not about requiring to have it all figured out from the start though. His idea is to begin by asking yourself some powerful, open-ended questions. Heston uses the example of a guy who felt stuck in his job, like it wasn't meaningful, and he just started asking himself, "What do I truly care about? What impact do I want to have?" And through that reflection, he found his passion for mentoring and built a career around that. So the real key is to explore what genuinely excites and fulfills you. Michelle: So it's less about some grand epiphany and more about, kind of, sifting through the day-to-day stuff until you find what clicks. Sounds exhausting, frankly, but I guess worthwhile. What tools does Heston give people to help uncover their purpose without turning their lives into this, you know, prolonged soul-searching montage? Alex: Yes, Heston is big on practical exercises, things like journaling and visualization. For journaling, it's about answering questions like, "When do I feel most alive?" or "What would I do if money and fear weren't issues?" For visualization, imagine yourself succeeding in a scenario where you're really acting on your purpose, whether it's creating something, mentoring, leading... And the goal isn't to nail down every single detail, but more to start clarifying patterns of what fulfills you. Michelle: Okay, but here's the problem. What happens when you do identify a passion, a purpose, but you just don't feel confident enough to pursue it? You see the destination, but you don't trust yourself to get there. Alex: Okay, that’s where vulnerability comes in, which Heston says is super important for authenticity. It's about owning those fears and doubts that are holding you back from stepping into your purpose. Like, he tells the story about a corporate leader who was afraid of showing vulnerability to her team. She thought it would hurt her credibility, so she avoided being open, until a crisis kind of forced her hand. Michelle: And then what? Did she just suddenly drop her guard and everyone loved her? Alex: Well, not that dramatic, but close. She addressed her team, and basically admitted the challenges they were facing and asked for collaboration. Instead of losing authority, she gained trust and respect, because her openness invited the team to connect and actually contribute authentically themselves. And vulnerability isn't about oversharing everything, it's about giving a space for real, human connections. Michelle: Interesting. So, vulnerability can actually strengthen relationships, even in high-stakes situations. But I can't imagine that's always easy. How do you even start showing that kind of honesty, especially if you're naturally someone who keeps things bottled up? Alex: Mmm, you start small. Share real moments with people you trust. You can confess a fear, admit a mistake, or ask for help. It's about building those muscles first, in safe environments. And as you practice and see the positive results, you build up the bravery to extend that vulnerability into other areas, like work or social settings. Michelle: So, baby steps. Okay, I see how that might lead to stronger relationships. But let’s circle back to this "taking 100% responsibility for your life" thing Heston talks about. That sounds a little intense. Alex: I hear you, but it's also really empowering, though. Embracing authenticity means stepping out of that victim mindset and realizing that you're in control of how you respond to challenges. Heston talks about his marriage. Instead of blaming outside stress or his wife for their struggles, he looked at his own patterns, like defensiveness, and worked to change how he communicated. And that shift from blame to accountability really changed their dynamic. Michelle: That’s a bold move—looking inward instead of pointing fingers. But isn't there a risk of overdoing it? Like, taking so much responsibility that you blame yourself for things out of your control? Alex: Yeah, definitely, and that's why responsibility needs to be balanced with compassion. It's not about self-criticism, it's about owning the parts you can control while letting go of what you can't. Heston's idea is that when you focus on what is in your power, like your actions, responses, and choices, you reclaim the ability to shape your own life. Michelle: Fair enough. That probably carries over into relationships too, right? Does Heston offer any tips on how to practice this accountability without, you know, making every conversation feel like a therapy session? Alex: Mm-hm, he emphasizes mindful communication—approaching conversations with empathy and owning your role when there are misunderstandings. It can be as simple as saying, "I realize I could've handled that better," instead of getting defensive. It sounds basic, but that honesty can really diffuse any tension and builds trust. Michelle: Alright, Alex, you're convincing me that this responsibility thing isn’t so bad after all. So, what's the final piece of this authenticity puzzle? Alex: Living fully in your authentic self, about taking all the principles and doing them. It's not a one-time thing, it's this continuous journey of aligning who you are with what you actually do. Heston talks about Michael, this musician who overcame years of self-doubt by committing to small, daily actions that aligned with his passion. As he embraced authenticity, opportunities just started coming his way. Michelle: Ah, so it's not about waiting for confidence or clarity to magically appear. It’s about iterating as you go. Alex: Exactly. The act of living authentically is dynamic and creative. It’s about seeing your life as a work in progress, adjusting, learning, and growing along the way. Michelle: Alright, Alex, you’ve sold me on this authenticity thing—mostly because it doesn't require perfection. But I’ll start small. Maybe tackle one limiting belief and see where it takes me. Alex: That's all it needs. One belief, one action at a time. Authenticity isn't a destination. It's a way of navigating life that allows you to living with a purpose and connection as well.

Alex: Okay, so to recap, we’ve been diving into Jonathan Heston’s four-step framework from The Unlimited Self. First, we talked about spotting those sneaky limiting beliefs that mess with how we see ourselves. Then, we moved on to getting ready for change—building self-awareness, boosting our self-esteem, and practicing a bit of selective ignorance, which is key. After that, it's all about bravely facing and exposing our inner conflicts—confronting fears, reframing pain, and, really importantly, practicing forgiveness. Finally, embracing authenticity – aligning with your purpose, being vulnerable, and taking full responsibility for your life. Michelle: What “really” grabs me is how doable this all seems. It’s not some pie-in-the-sky ideal, right? It’s about taking real baby steps to get out of your own head and your own way. Whether you're rewriting an old mental script, tackling a fear head-on, or just keeping it real with yourself and the people around you, it’s all about making progress, not striving for some unattainable perfect. Alex: Exactly! So, here's the thing: start small. Pick one limiting belief that’s been holding you back, question it, and then swap it out with something that empowers you. Next, just take one action that aligns with who you “really” are—whether that’s sharing a fear with someone you trust, trying something totally new, or letting go of a story that’s just not working for you anymore. Change, it all starts with one step. Michelle: And let’s be real—authenticity isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about navigating life with some courage and a clear intention, even when things get messy, because they will. So, go face those shadows, turn towards the light, and see where it all leads you. I think the journey is the destination in this case. Alex: Beautifully put, Michelle. Thanks for joining us on this deep dive, everyone. Until our next conversation—keep challenging those beliefs and stepping into your unlimited self!