Always Becoming: Real Stories of Resilience, Healing, & Growth

To Be Honest, It Feels Good to Be Myself

Some journeys aren't about becoming someone new, they're about finally giving yourself permission to be who you've been all along. This week we have an exciting To Be Honest epsiode with one of my best friends, Holt! In this conversation, Holt shares what it was like growing up in a tiny North Carolina town where he didn't always feel comfortable being his full, authentic self, how moving away for college began to expand his world, and how finding community in Denver helped him fully embrace who he is today. We also talk about the role fashion has played in self expression, why no single part of your identity defines you, and how authenticity isn't something you arrive at overnight, it's something you build one small step at a time. In this episode, we talk about: * Growing up in a small town and feeling like you had to fit a certain mold * How college and new experiences can expand your perspective * Finding community and the power of being understood * Using fashion as a form of self expression * Why one part of your identity doesn't define your entire story * Taking small, courageous steps toward living more authentically Whether you're navigating your own identity, searching for where you belong, or simply learning to show up more fully as yourself, I hope this conversation reminds you that becoming who you are is always worth it. ✨Lets connect on instagram: @mikalen.co [https://www.instagram.com/mikalen.co/]

Something Always Has to Give

Have you ever felt like you're dropping the ball no matter how hard you try? Maybe you've been pouring more energy into work lately, and your friendships have taken a back seat. Or you've been focused on your family, your health, your relationship, or simply getting through a busy season and suddenly you feel guilty for everything you aren't doing. In this episode, we're talking about the pressure to do it all, why something always has to give, and how I'm learning to let go of the guilt that comes with shifting priorities. We get into: * why balance doesn't always mean giving everything equal attention * the pressure to keep up with every area of life * learning to see life in seasons instead of falling behind * why letting something take the back seat doesn't mean it isn't important * replacing guilt with self-compassion during busy seasons * giving yourself permission to do your best with the season you're in If you've been feeling stretched too thin lately, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not failing you might just be expecting yourself to do more than anyone realistically can. lets connect on instagram: @mikalen.co [https://www.instagram.com/mikalen.co/]

It Felt Impossible Until It Wasn't

Have you ever wanted something so badly that it felt impossible? A relationship. A job. A new chapter. Healing. A dream that felt so far away you couldn't even imagine how it would happen. And then one day it does. But almost as quickly as you get the thing you've been hoping for, your attention shifts to the next thing you don't have yet. In this episode, we're talking about why we do that, why the things we want often feel impossible until suddenly they aren't, and how easy it is to forget the things we once wished for when we're busy chasing what's next. We get into: * why we tend to doubt what we can't yet see * things in my life that once felt impossible but aren't anymore * the tendency to move the goalposts after reaching a goal * trusting life's timing when you don't know how things will work out * finding gratitude for where you are while still hoping for more * why "I don't know how" doesn't mean "it will never happen" If you're waiting on something right now and wondering if it's ever going to happen for you, I hope this episode reminds you that not knowing how isn't the same thing as never. Sometimes life changes faster than we think. ✨Let's connect on instagram: @mikalen.co [https://www.instagram.com/mikalen.co/]

Things I'm Still Figuring Out at 28

I think when I was younger, I assumed that by 28 I'd have a lot more figured out than I actually do. The truth is, there are still so many things I'm learning, questioning, and working through. And while I used to see that as a sign that I was behind, I'm starting to realize that maybe growth isn't about having all the answers, it's about learning to trust yourself while you're still figuring things out. In this episode, I'm sharing some of the things I'm still navigating in this season of life, including: * career, purpose, and the pressure to have a plan * relationships, dating, and learning to trust the process * body image, confidence, and self-acceptance * finding balance between ambition and being present * letting go of timelines and expectations * learning to be okay with uncertainty If you've ever felt like everyone else has it together except you, this episode is a reminder that most of us are figuring it out as we go. And maybe that's not a problem to solve. Maybe that's just part of life! ✨lets connect on instagram: @mikalen.co [https://www.instagram.com/mikalen.co/]

To Be Honest, I've Gotten Really Good at Leaving

In today's episode of To Be Honest, I'm joined by my friend Naya for a conversation about reinventing yourself, trusting your intuition, and having the courage to walk away from anything that no longer aligns. Whether that's a career path, a relationship, or an old version of yourself. We talk about her journey from studying finance to teaching herself how to code during covid, becoming a software engineer, building an online platform helping women break into tech, and the personal growth that happened alongside all of it. We talk about: * Taking unconventional paths and starting over * Teaching yourself new skills and breaking into tech in 2026 * Why it's not "too late" to pivot careers or start creating content online * The importance of representation when pursuing a dream * Building a community and personal brand online * Imposter syndrome, confidence, and reinventing yourself * Developing higher standards for yourself in dating * Not being afraid to leave relationships that aren't fulfilling you * The difference between something looking good on paper vs actually feeling aligned * Learning to trust yourself and ask the universe for more * Outgrowing old versions of yourself and choosing what truly feels right This is a fun, inspiring, real episode for anyone who feels scared to start over! Connect with Naya: IG @theblackfemaleengineer [https://www.instagram.com/theblackfemaleengineer/] TikTok @theblackfemaleengineer [https://www.tiktok.com/@theblackfemaleengineer] YouTube The Black Female Engineer [https://www.youtube.com/@theblackfemaleengineer] ✨Lets connect on instagram: @mikalen.co [https://www.instagram.com/mikalen.co/]