Episode 40: Reclaiming Your Power: Boundaries, Healing, and Holistic Mental Health for Women with Dr. Anna Marie Frank
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and suicidal ideation.
In this powerful and deeply authentic episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Anna Marie Frank, whom she met at The Power of Just One conference hosted by Swell Women and Lulu Agan. What begins as a conversation between two women quickly unfolds into a transformative dialogue about boundaries, healing, self-awareness, and reclaiming personal power.
Dr. Anna Marie Frank—known for her joyful, grounded, and holistic approach to life—shares her journey of rediscovering and reprogramming deeply ingrained beliefs that no longer served her. She explains how many of us live on autopilot for years before realizing that intentional self-awareness is the first step toward meaningful change.
A central theme of the episode is boundaries, especially for women who are often conditioned to prioritize others’ comfort over their own well-being. Anna reminds us that it is not our responsibility to manage other people’s emotions. You are responsible for yourself. Nothing more, nothing less. This realization can feel uncomfortable, but it is also profoundly liberating.
The conversation also explores the powerful connection between mental, physical, and spiritual health. Anna emphasizes that the body follows the mind, and that true healing happens when we address the whole person. Her philosophy centers on the belief that the medicine is within us, and that we have far more control over our health, confidence, and direction than we’ve been taught to believe.
Melissa and Anna discuss how emotions and life experiences don’t need to be labeled as “good” or “bad.” Acceptance, rather than suppression, is often the gateway to healing. By honoring all parts of ourselves, we create space to live more authentically and fully aligned with who we truly are.
This episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to start over, to follow your passions, or to reconnect with what lights you up. Through vulnerability, honesty, and wisdom, Dr. Anna Marie Frank inspires listeners to stop denying their gifts and start living with intention, confidence, and self-trust.
What is your biggest passion in life?
Does that answer come easily, or do you need time to reflect?
What activities nourish you or help you feel grounded?
How do you want to feel in the next six months?
Are your passions truly yours—or influenced by others?
Align your why with your passions and allow yourself to evolve.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-HOPE or text HOPE to 64673
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.
Want to be a guest on The FEEL Podcast - Finding Empowerment Embracing Layers? Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021 or complete our contact form here: https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact
Timestamps:
Prioritizing Self Care - ( 4:32 )
Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 9:11 )
Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:19 )
Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 26:24 )
Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 38:23 )
Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 43:24 )
Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 45:45 )
Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 51:15 )
5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 55:25 )
5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 56:40 )
Original FEEL Podcast Theme Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis
✨ 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.
Ready for deeper support? Visit embracinglayers.com to schedule a free 15–30 minute session with Melissa or learn more about the FEEL Reset one-on-one empowerment program.
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