In today’s episode, I share a quote that has stuck with me through the highs and the lows—a line that’s given me strength, clarity, and a sense of purpose. It’s more than just words; it’s become a mantra, a reminder of who I am and who I’m becoming. I talk about how I found this quote, why it resonated so deeply, and the role it continues to play in my everyday life. Quotes can feel like a small thing, but sometimes they’re the very thing that pulls us back into ourselves. This one has done that for me, again and again.

Almost 2 full decades under my belt and fifteen days into this journey, and wow — I’ve uncovered a lot.
So much of the past two weeks has been about reflection, healing, and being honest with myself about where I’ve been and who I’ve become.

But if there’s one thing I’ve realized as I’ve looked back… it’s that I’m learning how to let joy in again.

Not the big, perfect, picture-worthy kind of joy.
But the quiet kind. The small moments that catch me off guard — a song, a laugh, a blurry photo that reminds me I was present.

I’ve also learned that joy doesn’t always come naturally — especially when you’ve spent years focused on surviving, pushing forward, or trying to be “enough.” Sometimes, joy feels unfamiliar. Sometimes, it even feels like too much. And when you’re around people who aren’t on the same journey, letting yourself feel good can feel awkward… even selfish.

But I’m learning that it’s not selfish.
It’s necessary.
And it’s powerful.

These past 15 days have reminded me that healing isn’t just about unpacking pain — it’s about making room for light. For softness. For joy. Even if I still have to work at it. Even if some days are harder than others.

I’m not where I used to be. And I’m not quite where I want to be.
But I’m here — open, growing, and learning how to feel alive again.

And that feels like something worth celebrating.

Today’s episode is one of the most personal for me — because it’s about identity, heritage, and the lifelong dance of being Mexican-American.

Growing up, outside of my home, half of me often felt invisible. I rarely saw reflections of my culture in the world around me — in school, media, or leadership. And for a long time, I thought that if I just squeezed myself into the boxes that made other people comfortable, I would finally fit in.

But all that really did was make me shrink.

There came a point when I realized I didn’t have to choose one side of myself. I didn’t have to prove I was “Mexican enough” or “American enough.” I could be both — even if that meant existing in the in-between.

In this episode, I share what it’s meant for me to hold my culture close, even when it felt like others didn’t understand or even rejected parts of it. I talk about moments where I was made to feel like a spokesperson — not just for my community, but for all communities — and how unfair and heavy that pressure can be.

And still, I wouldn’t trade it.

Because my culture has shaped me, grounded me, and taught me resilience in ways I didn’t always recognize when I was younger. I talk about music, language, family, and pride — and also the quiet grief that comes from constantly having to navigate spaces where you’re “othered.”

But the most powerful part? I’ve stopped asking for permission to be who I am.

I’m Chicana. I’m proud. I’m complex. I’m soft and strong and figuring it out every single day.
And even when the world doesn’t fully see me — I see me.