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

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/]

How I Actually Made Friends As An Adult

I used to genuinely think that if you didn't meet your friends in high school or college… you kind of just missed your opportunity. Making friends as an adult felt awkward, forced, and kinda intimidating. I never knew what to say, and it always felt like everyone already had their people. But over the past few years, that's actually changed a lot for me. I've met more people and built more of a community than I ever have before, which feels wild to say as someone in their late 20's! So in this episode, I'm talking through what shifted, how I actually started meeting people, and what helped me get out of my comfort zone to start making friends as an adult. I get into things like: * why it feels so hard to make friends as an adult * how my mindset around it changed * how I actually met people * building confidence socially when it doesn't come naturally * why not every connection has to turn into a close friendship If you've ever felt like you don't really know how to meet people or where to start, you're definitely not the only one but the good news is that it doesn't have to be as hard as you think! ✨lets connect on instagram: @mikalen.co [https://www.instagram.com/mikalen.co/] See if Volo [https://www.volosports.com/?gad_campaignid=22505218003&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADR2-oYxVl-SrqpLxO-HhN3C32S2i&gclid=CjwKCAjwqubPBhBOEiwAzgZX2hQ5EilkJWg3fuITOH7fQlXbJoOKJMO3YButmvFUtLhocuvpf4DQihoCbiEQAvD_BwE&hsa_acc=1151907345&hsa_ad=749683692135&hsa_cam=22505218003&hsa_grp=184574897491&hsa_kw=volo&hsa_mt=e&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-19209891&hsa_ver=3&utm_campaign=SCM_Volo_Google_Brand_Search_Denver_Core&utm_medium=search&utm_source=google&utm_term=volo] is in your city and get $10 off your first league when you use the code BOAB21

Why Waiting to Feel Ready Is Keeping You Stuck

Ever feel stuck even when you want to change? Like you have ideas, goals, things you care about but you keep overthinking, waiting, or telling yourself you'll start when you feel more ready? In this episode we talk about what that "stuck" feeling actually looks like and what it takes to start building momentum from that place, not after it. We get into: * why starting can feel so hard * how we procrastinate under the disguise of planning * how overthinking quietly keeps you stuck * the pressure to feel confident before taking action * what momentum actually looks like in real life * how small, imperfect actions can shift your energy * why you don't need clarity or motivation to begin * what it means to move with doubt instead of waiting for it to go away This isn't about having it all figured out. It's about learning how to move anyway. If you've been feeling stuck lately, this is your reminder that momentum doesn't come from a big breakthrough, it comes from taking one small step. lets connect on instagram: @mikalen.co [https://www.instagram.com/mikalen.co/]