Maybe self-doubt isn’t there because you’re broken. Maybe it’s because a younger part of you learned it wasn’t always safe to trust yourself. Last summer, my daughter and I drove past this huge field with hay bales lined up so neatly. She looked out the window and said, “That would be so cool to jump over.” I kept driving for a second… and then I stopped the car. Because I wanted to seize the moment. I wanted us to do something random and playful and fun. We got out of the car, picked the bale we would jump over & started running. But suddenly, I realized I was running all alone. She didn't come. She was too afraid she’d get in trouble by the farmer who owned the land. I told her we’d be okay. We weren’t hurting anything. We were just going to run out, jump the hay, and run back. And in that moment, I saw something so tender: She wanted to do it. She wanted the joy. She wanted the memory. But a part of her was more focused on being “good,” being careful, and not doing the wrong thing. And honestly… so many of us still live like that. We think self-doubt means we need more confidence. But often, self-doubt goes deeper than confidence. Sometimes it’s a younger part of you that learned: it’s not safe to be wrong it’s not safe to disappoint people it’s not safe to be fully seen it’s not safe to trust your desires it’s not safe to choose what feels true for you So as an adult, that can look like: overthinking people-pleasing perfectionism checking what everyone else thinks first freezing when it’s time to act knowing what you want… and still not moving Not because you’re lazy. Not because you’re incapable. But because some part of you learned that self-trust came with risk. This is the work we’re getting into inside my upcoming masterclass: The Inner Child Wound Behind Self-Doubt A deeper look at why you second-guess yourself and how to begin rebuilding self-trust from the inside out. Join me live on Zoom Tues April 14th at 630pm est Click below to join!

We had a beautiful time on today's Masterclass. Here is a link if you'd like to watch the replay. There was even an unplanned moment of vulnerability I was faced with right on the call. It was pretty epic (and uncomfortable) lol https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/sLCxUCnMDMo4krnNr5DJoYUwDMzYcXmvIwsPAyKQbNIYJyMKd19ExjjJAFzx-lE.zPG1pPQ-NnOSRZFF

On Monday Feb 16 at 3pm EST I'll be hosting a free master class all around authentic living and my courageous communication model. This model is a nervous system informed communication sequence that supports regulation, reflection, listening and authentic speaking to guide individuals to move beyond approval seeking and communicate with self honouring clarity, relational attunement, and courageous vulnerability. I'd love to see you there. Here is a link to join https://melissamaher.as.me/?template=class

Want real intimacy? Learn to be vulnerable... Its a super power! To wage your own comfort to be fully accepted and seen To speak your fears, desires, longings No masks, no titles, no filters Just a raw, open heart, willing to risk it all It is bold. It is cathartic. It moves mountains. Trust me, I know it's not easy. It wasn't always this way for me... I used to silence myself. I'd shrink to fit in. I'd be a "good girl" and keep the peace. My throat would literally ache when I was suppressing my truth. It felt like it couldn't breathe. Now when that feeling happens, I know I need to speak up. Say what needs to be said. Ask for what I need. Dare to be witnessed in my emotional mess. It's not easy. It took me years to develop the skills. But I'll tell you this, vulnerability and transparency will deepen your connection and intimacy with the person you share it with... If they can receive you in it... And that in itself is a whole other conversation for another post 😉 Start small, with someone you trust. Begin with one share. Speak out loud how uncomfortable or difficult it is. Let your truth come forward. Breathe before speaking. Drop into your heart. Speak from there. The more you do it, the more you'll want to do it all the time. It's still uncomfortable every time for me, but the aftermath... Oh it's so beautiful once you've shared. If you want to start with me, feel free to DM me something you've only ever thought about inside and wouldn't dare to say out loud. I'll hold space for your vulnerability and keep whatever you share safe within my heart.

If these were doors you could walk through today, which one are you choosing? 🚪 Door A: “I trust myself even when I don’t feel ready.” 🚪 Door B: “I stop abandoning myself to keep the peace.” 🚪 Door C: “I allow myself to go slower than expected.” Drop the door number + two or three words why. I'll go first... Door A - because I'm growing