Protective strategies are often misunderstood. They’re talked about as bad habits to get rid of, patterns to fix, or proof that something is wrong with us. Especially for high-functioning women, protective strategies can feel like a personal failing: Why can’t I just stop doing this? Why do I keep reacting this way? But protective strategies … Read more
Reaching black belt is more than a milestone; it’s a journey of self-mastery, empowerment, and joy, amplified by training alongside my daughter.
A few days ago, during a meditation, I found myself in a place that felt so peaceful, it almost startled me. It wasn’t a physical space; not a beach, not a forest, not even the comfort of my favourite chair. It was an inner place. Quiet, spacious, warm. And in that space, there was nothing … Read more
This week, my coach gave me a simple task: track how I spend my time. What I found was confronting.Every moment of my day was accounted for. There was no slack, no contingency, no pause. And when I did stop, it was because I’d run out of energy, not because I’d consciously chosen to rest. … Read more
Life trains us early to protect ourselves. From childhood, we develop strategies—masks, habits, and roles—that help us navigate the world. Over time, these protective layers can feel like the sum total of who we are. People-pleasing, overworking, avoidance, and perfectionism are all forms of armour, designed to keep us safe and acceptable. And yet, beneath … Read more