Episode 44: How to Protect Your Peace, Build Self-Worth & Master Self-Care with Carla Perez
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Welcome to the Season 10 finale of The FEEL Podcast! For this special episode, Melissa sits down with the inspiring Carla Perez, whom she met through the Fresno County Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
Carla describes herself as intentional, compassionate, creative, resilient, and immalleable. Her story is a powerful reminder that personal growth begins with self-awareness, learning to honor your needs, and giving yourself permission to slow down when your mind and body are asking for rest.
Protecting Your Peace Through Self-Care
As a naturally empathetic person, Carla has learned how to recognize negative energy and protect her peace. She understands that self-care isn't selfish, but it's necessary.
By taking time to fill her own cup, Carla is better able to show up for the people who support and uplift her. One of the most important lessons she shares is that it's okay to take a day off when you need it. Your calendar, responsibilities, and commitments don't have to come before your health and well-being.
Learning to listen to your body is an essential part of emotional wellness and self-care. Sometimes we recognize that something isn't right but continue pushing forward until our bodies force us to stop. Carla demonstrates the importance of being proactive about your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Your Self-Worth Is Not Determined by Others
Carla credits her father as one of her greatest inspirations. His words of wisdom continue to influence how she approaches life, especially the powerful reminder that nobody determines your limitations or self-worth.
That message is at the heart of this episode.
Your worth isn't determined by your gender, career, accomplishments, relationships, mistakes, or anyone else's opinion of you. Carla encourages everyone to take their seat at the table because there is room for all of us to succeed.
Embracing Your Layers
One of the most meaningful parts of Carla's story is how she approaches her "layers." Rather than ignoring the parts of herself she doesn't like, she has learned to identify them, become aware of them, and take accountability for them.
Self-awareness doesn't mean expecting perfection.
We're human. We're going to make mistakes. We're going to have difficult emotions, habits, and reactions. The goal isn't to beat ourselves up for those things, but it's to understand them and learn from them.
For many women, guilt and self-criticism can become deeply ingrained patterns, particularly after becoming a mother. Carla shares how she's learned to extend more patience and grace toward herself while continuing to prioritize her own needs.
Give Yourself Permission to Be Human
One of the greatest takeaways from Carla's story is the grace she gives herself and the confidence she has in being authentic.
She honors herself, her values, and the legacy of her father by continuing to be the empathetic, generous, intelligent, and courageous woman she is.
This season finale is an invitation to do the same.
You don't have to have everything figured out. You don't have to be perfect. And you don't have to sacrifice yourself to prove your worth.
You can practice self-love, self-awareness, healthy boundaries, emotional wellness, and personal growth while allowing yourself room to make mistakes and grow.
Ways to Engage: Become more self aware of your emotions, your layers, and your boundaries. Keep track of your habits and routines that might be triggering, or the things that you notice uplift your spirits. Tune into your body and listen.
Key Takeaway
Your self-worth is inherent. You don't have to earn it, prove it, or let someone else define it.
Give yourself permission to rest, grow, make mistakes, set boundaries, protect your peace, and become more fully yourself.
And remember Carla's powerful message: there is a seat at the table for you.
About This Episode
In this Season 10 finale of The FEEL Podcast, Melissa and Carla Perez discuss self-care, self-awareness, resilience, emotional wellness, boundaries, self-worth, personal growth, authenticity, empathy, motherhood, and learning to give yourself grace.
Timestamps:
Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:19 )
Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 4:13 )
Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:49 )
Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 14:54 )
Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 22:35 )
Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 25:02 )
Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 29:57 )
Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 36:12 )
5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 40:38 )
5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 45:20 )
Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis
self care for women
self worth and self love
how to practice self care
importance of self awareness
emotional wellness for women
setting healthy boundaries
how to protect your peace
women empowerment
personal growth for women
building self confidence
learning to love yourself
authentic living
emotional self awareness
overcoming guilt and self criticism
resilience and personal growth
prioritizing your mental health
how to set boundaries
giving yourself grace
positive mindset and self worth
how to become more self aware
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Ready for deeper support? Visit embracinglayers.com to schedule a free 30 minute session with Melissa
In this Season 10 finale of The FEEL Podcast, Melissa and Carla Perez discuss self-care, self-awareness, resilience, emotional wellness, boundaries, self-worth, personal growth, authenticity, empathy, motherhood, and learning to give yourself grace.