Episode 42: Learning to Slow Down, Find Yourself & Define Success on Your Own Terms with Marianela Borbon

Aug 20

Five Years Of FEEL! We’re aiming for 500 Paid Subscribers for $5/mo or $50/year by August 31st, 2026! Become a Paid Subscriber and help us continue creating conversations, resources, and community that remind women they are valuable because of who they are, not what they do. -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://substack.com/@thefeelpodcast⁠⁠

What happens when you stay busy for so long that your body finally forces you to slow down?

In this episode of The FEEL Podcast, Melissa welcomes Marianela Borbon, an encouraging, grounded, resilient, empathetic, visionary, and community-oriented entrepreneur and friend from the Fresno County Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

Marianela shares her personal journey of learning that you don’t have to be “on” all the time, and that sometimes, slowing down is exactly what your mind, body, and soul need.

Learning to Slow Down Before Burnout Forces You To

Like so many of us, Marianela spent years moving from one responsibility to the next without taking enough time to rest. Eventually, her body made the decision for her.

Her story is an important reminder that rest and self-care shouldn’t have to wait until burnout, exhaustion, or a health crisis forces us to stop.

Even small changes can make a meaningful difference. Taking a few minutes to pause, creating intentional breaks, and building consistent self-care habits can help us reconnect with ourselves before we reach our breaking point.

You don’t have to be productive every minute of the day. You don’t have to constantly be “on.”

What Slowing Down Can Teach You About Yourself

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to slow down in ways they never expected. With routines, social events, and normal responsibilities suddenly changing, there was more space to reflect.

That unexpected pause created an opportunity to ask:

Who am I beyond my responsibilities?
What do I actually enjoy?
What brings me fulfillment?
What matters most to me?
What do I want my life to look like?
Am I living according to my own values?

Getting to know yourself is an important part of personal growth and self-discovery. And you don’t have to wait until retirement to start.

Turning Purpose Into Entrepreneurship

Marianela’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2020 when many celebrations moved outdoors. She saw an opportunity to bring joy to people through balloons and created Uplift Balloons.

But her business is about much more than celebrations.

Marianela chose biodegradable latex balloons to help reduce environmental harm and protect wildlife. Through her business, she is able to educate her community, provide a meaningful service, and create moments that uplift others.

For Marianela, entrepreneurship and community service are also forms of self-care because her work is connected to her values and gives her a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Defining Success on Your Own Terms

One of the most powerful lessons from Marianela’s story is that success doesn’t have to look the way society tells you it should.

Success can mean building a business. It can mean serving your community. It can mean having more time with your family. It can mean creating a life that aligns with your personal values.

Marianela has developed a deeper sense of self-trust, the confidence to recognize what feels right for her, and make decisions based on her own values.

When you trust yourself and understand what matters to you, you can begin creating a life that feels authentic rather than simply checking off everyone else’s expectations.

Planning for Success Without Overworking Yourself

Marianela’s practical approach to planning is simple: plan in quarters.

Look ahead at your calendar. Think about what you want to accomplish, but leave room for life to happen. Build flexibility into your schedule and intentionally schedule breaks.

Most importantly, make sure your calendar includes the things that matter to you.

Your goals matter. Your relationships matter. Your health matters. Your rest matters. Your joy matters.

Key Takeaway

You don’t have to wait for burnout to slow down.

Start small. Take a break. Learn who you are. Create space for yourself. Plan for what matters. And trust yourself enough to build a life and definition of success that truly aligns with your values.

Sometimes the things that fill your cup are also the things that allow you to pour into others.

What would change if you intentionally put more of what matters to YOU on your calendar?

Ways to Engage: Marianela plans in quarters. Look at your calendar and plan ahead, giving yourself some time for adjustments. Life happens, so give yourself breaks.Don’t overwork yourself and put things into your calendar that matter to you. You won’t believe the difference it makes.

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:38 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 6:28 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:46 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 14:20 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 20:14 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 24:29 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 32:14 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 35:29 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 38:22 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

#BurnoutPrevention
#MentalWellness
#PersonalGrowth
#SelfDiscovery
#WorkLifeBalance
#Entrepreneurship
#WomenInBusiness
#WomenEntrepreneurs
#MindfulLiving
#IntentionalLiving
#PersonalDevelopment
#EmotionalWellness
#SelfAwareness
#StressManagement
#LifeBalance
#PurposeDrivenLife
#SmallBusinessOwner
#CommunityLeadership
#TheFEELPodcast

✨ Free Download: Embracing a FEEL Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a FEEL Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are, beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Take advantage of this summer’s special 50% offer with code CLEANSE50on the Calendar Cleanseto get you started today on honoring your bandwidth and energy daily! Offer good through August 31st, 2026.

Ready for deeper support? Visit ⁠embracinglayers.com⁠ to schedule a free 30 minute session with Melissa ⁠⁠