📝 Issue #3: Your Past Doesn’t Define You

I know what it feels like to carry the weight of the past.

I’ve got stretch marks and loads of saggy skin (thanks to my 200lb weight loss) that are daily constant reminders of the choices I made most of my life. I’ve got stacks of debt and a shitty credit score that constantly remind me of the grief spending I did after my husband died. And I have millions of other mistakes and screwups that I can’t go back and redo.

I know because I’ve been there.

💡 Your past does not define your future. You do.

I remember in the first few tender moments after learning of my husband’s death, it felt like the rug was ripped out from under me. All my hopes and dreams and plans were suddenly drifting off, just out of my reach. I felt shattered into a million pieces, there was no way I’d ever be able to put myself back together.

I was in the final stretch of my life coach training, I’d been posting my journey on social media a TON and was actively marketing to fill my first coaching program.

“How could I do any of that now?” my mind raced, showing me all kinds of things that weren’t true.

“I’ll NEVER be able to help people now…”

And some small, strong part of me whispered back-"But what if you can?" 

I realized that being in this traumatic space on my timeline didn’t have to write the story of my future.

I could take control of the narrative. I could live life on my own terms. I could get up off the floor, take one step at a time, continue to live my truth and take control of my future. I could choose myself, trust in my hopes and dreams, and keep moving forward.

And so can you.

how might this show up for you?

✔ You replay past choices, wondering if you could have done things differently.✔ You feel like you “wasted time” in a toxic relationship, job, or situation.✔ You hesitate to trust yourself because of “mistakes” you made before.✔ You feel stuck in old patterns, afraid that change isn’t really possible for you.✔ You question whether you deserve better.

I want you to pause and ask yourself—what if you can?

What if your past is a chapter, not the whole book?What if you are not stuck, just standing at a turning point?What if you are already capable of stepping into a new future?

Because you are.

this week’s affirmation:

"My past does not define my future; I create my reality."

Read that again. Let it sink in.

Somewhere along the way, we were taught that the past is a blueprint for the future. That we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes. That we are who we’ve always been.

But you are allowed to evolve.You are allowed to change.You are allowed to rewrite the story.

a shift to try this week

Instead of: “I should have done things differently.”Try: “I did the best I could with what I knew at the time.”

Instead of: “I wasted so much time.”Try: “Every experience taught me something valuable.”

Instead of: “I don’t know if I can trust myself.”Try: “I am learning to trust myself more every day.”

Because you are learning. You are growing. And you are allowed to move forward.

What would it look like if you released the weight of the past and stepped fully into your future?

What if you chose to love your future self instead by making choices that set yourself up for success rather than failure? What if you start speaking to yourself with love, believing in the person you’re becoming?

What’s one belief about yourself that you’re ready to leave behind?

Hit reply and let me know-odds are I’ve dropped one just like it! If not, then I’m always honored to witness the shitty beliefs others drop about themselves.

🔮 What I’m Still Processing…

(A Real-Time Life & Work Update)

• 🎙 Podcast Episode 1 IS HERE!: I took the plunge into podcast land last weekend (after the 100th person asked me to start one!) Go check out the first episode (right here on Substack) where I’m sharing about my transition from behind the salon chair to full time coach. Got questions or ideas for an episode? Reply & let me know!

• 🌿 Here’s the healthy breakfast that helped me lose over 100lbs

• 💡 Links for upcoming events, 1:1 coaching, etc—[Click Here]

📩 Let’s Keep Processing Together

I know this one was a lot. What came up for you?

💌 Hit reply and tell me:👉 What’s one thing from your past that you’re ready to release?👉 What’s one way you’re choosing to move forward?

I read every response, and this is your invitation to invite me in. 💛

With love,Mindy

P.S. If this email spoke to you, forward it to a friend who needs this reminder, too. Let’s make healing contagious.