Episode 40 - Reclaiming Your Power: Boundaries, Healing, and Holistic Mental Health for Women with Dr. Anna Marie Frank
By Jessica Garrison
Episode trigger warnings: sexual assault, suicidal ideation
Melissa met our latest guest at The Power of Just One conference from SwellWomen, hosted by Lulu Agan. She knew there was a much larger conversation to have with Dr. Anna Marie Frank, who is a joyful, “sunshine and rainbows, bare feet on the grass, coffee in hand, trying to get to the beach any time she can, wants to be outside” type of gal.
Anna recalls her journey involving rediscovering and reprogramming, the first step for many of us to take in changing our lives. We live a certain way for so long that we have to be self aware about making shifts. This subject came up while discussing boundaries, where Anna says that it isn’t your job to make other people feel comfortable. It took her a while to realize that, and some people go their whole lives without realizing it. You are responsible for your own self and people have to be responsible for their own selves. We talk a lot about that with boundaries because it’s crucial we learn that we can’t control the way others will act, and you can’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, worrying about everyone else. Women are raised to think that we should be doing all of these things, but we’re only human after all. It’s ironic that women tend to be seen as “lesser than” but are still given all of the responsibility. Anna describes the power within these realizations, reminding us that it’s just a matter of time before we unlock it.
Getting people to feel the connection between their mental, physical, and spiritual health is one of Anna’s passions, and it falls right in line beside boundaries. The body follows what your mind does, which is why it’s so important to take care of all aspects of your health. We have more control over our bodies than we realize, a point Anna works to get across to her clients. She says the medicine is within us, and she loves to help people discover and step into their power holistically. You don’t have to wait until something drastic happens in your life and, despite what people may think, it’s never too late to start following your dreams and passions. Anna says you can start small with simple things to build up your confidence and understand that we are capable of so much more than we realize.
The layers we experience and uncover don’t need to have a label of “good” or “bad,” just like Melissa has said in the past about our emotions. They are what they are, and accepting them is truly a lot easier than shoving them down to fester. It doesn’t seem like it will be easier, but that’s because of the ideas and stereotypes we were raised with. Don’t deny your gifts or let people talk you out of who you really are. I loved the vulnerability that Anna brought to the conversation, not holding anything back as she shares her truth. It’s inspiring to hear from women who have learned from themselves and work towards helping other women live authentically.
Ways to Engage: What is your biggest passion in life? Does this answer come easily to you or do you need to think on it? What are some activities that nourish you or ways you want to feel in the next 6 months? Are your passions something that you truly harness or are they coming from someone else? Align your why and your passions within yourself.
Resources:
Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
Call 800-656-HOPE or text HOPE to 64673 (National Sexual Assault Hotline)