In this empowering episode of The Hidden Pages Podcast, I sit down with Mary Ruiz, a provisionally licensed counselor with an incredible story of transformation. Mary shares how she went from helping manage a multimillion-dollar company to completely pivoting her life and career in her 30s, all while prioritizing her mental health and well-being.

Together, we peel back the layers of societal expectations to get real about what it takes to uncover your dream life. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck or unable to pivot toward a more authentic and fulfilling existence. We discuss the importance of self-compassion, letting go of what no longer serves you, and the courage it takes to embrace who you truly are.

If you’re ready to stop feeling trapped by societal pressures and start living authentically, this episode will leave you inspired and encouraged to take that first step.

✨ Visit The Hidden Pages Podcast website for detailed show notes, more episodes, and ways to connect.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to the Hidden Pages Podcast
02:15 - The weight of societal expectations and peeling back the layers
06:30 - Mary Ruiz’s story: Leaving corporate success to prioritize well-being
12:45 - Dr. Kristin Neff’s approach to self-compassion and discovering your true self
18:00 - How societal roles shape our identity and create feelings of being stuck
24:30 - The fear of pivoting in life and how to overcome it
31:15 - Redefining success: Living authentically and letting go of external pressures
38:00 - The power of self-compassion in creating your dream life
45:20 - Building self-awareness and identifying what truly makes you happy
51:40 - Practical steps to begin living authentically
56:00 - Final reflections and encouragement to take the first step toward change

Episode Resources & Links:

• It Didn’t Start with You by Mark Wolynn
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Self-Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff
• The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook
• Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive

• Learn about Dr. Kristin Neff’s self-compassion work: Self-Compassion.org
• Weighted Blanket for Stress Relief

Follow me for updates, challenges, and healing tips!
📸 Instagram: @hiddenpagespodcast
🎥 TikTok: @thehiddenpagespodcast

discovering purpose, societal expectations, redefining success, personal growth, self-compassion, Dr. Kristin Neff, mental health, career pivot, embracing change, Hidden Pages Podcast, Mary Ruiz interview, Vanessa Saleh

In this raw and vulnerable episode of The Hidden Pages Podcast, I share my experience navigating what I call the “purgatory phase” of personal growth. This messy, in-between stage—where you’ve outgrown who you once were but haven’t yet become who you’re meant to be—can feel isolating and uncertain, but it’s also where transformation takes root.

I dive into why personal growth often feels lonely, the cost of losing old relationships, and the joy of discovering new, aligned connections. I also reflect on my own journey, from questioning everything to finding my "gold friends," while anchoring myself in the "why" behind my healing journey.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure during your growth journey, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone. The messy middle is part of the process—and it’s preparing you for the person you’re becoming.

🔖 Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to the "purgatory phase" of personal growth
01:00 - Understanding the loneliness of this in-between stage
02:15 - Why growth feels isolating and staying connected to your "why"
04:06 - The cost of growth: losing relationships and mourning change
05:28 - Personal story: Finding "gold friends" who support your journey
09:00 - How to stay motivated in a journey that feels endless

Take a moment this week to reflect and write down your "whys"—the unshakable reasons behind your growth journey. What keeps you going when the path feels uncertain? Let this clarity guide you through the messy middle.

📌 One-Week Challenge: Take a moment this week to reflect and write down your "whys"—the unshakable reasons behind your growth journey. What keeps you going when the path feels uncertain? Let this clarity guide you through the messy middle.

💬 Let’s Connect:

Follow me for updates, challenges, and healing tips!
📸 Instagram: @hiddenpagespodcast
🎥 TikTok: @thehiddenpagespodcast

personal growth, self-discovery, loneliness in growth, purgatory phase, emotional healing, finding your why, self-care, breaking generational cycles, gold friends, navigating change

📚 Keywords for Your Journey: personal growth, self-discovery, loneliness in growth, purgatory phase, emotional healing, finding your why, self-care, breaking generational cycles, gold friends, navigating change

In this episode of The Hidden Pages Podcast, I, Vanessa Saleh, tackle the profound and deeply personal topic of breaking generational trauma. Inspired by a powerful quote from Terry Real, I reflect on what it means to be a generational trauma breaker—the person who decides to stop the cycle of pain and dysfunction.

I share my own journey of recognizing and addressing these inherited patterns, exploring how trauma can affect not only our lives but even our DNA. Together, we’ll navigate the incredible weight of carrying this responsibility, the courage it takes to face these challenges, and the grace needed to allow healing to unfold. This is a heartfelt exploration of why healing is vital—not just for us but for the generations that follow.

In this episode of *The Hidden Pages Podcast*, host Vanessa Saleh welcomes Amber Henry, a mom, content creator, and entrepreneur. Together, they dive deep into the powerful topics of prioritizing oneself and recognizing when it’s time to walk away from a relationship. Through Amber’s personal stories and invaluable insights, listeners are guided on how to rebuild confidence, recognize red flags, and embrace self-compassion after a relationship ends. Discover practical self-care practices and the vital role that community and friendships play in healing and personal growth. If you’ve ever wondered how to prioritize yourself, identify unhealthy relationship patterns, or find support, this conversation is for you. Don’t miss this empowering discussion that reminds us all to lead fulfilling lives by putting our own mental and emotional well-being first. --- ### 📌 **Timestamps to Navigate This Episode** **0:00:00** - Introduction **0:01:55** - The Importance of Sharing Vulnerable Experiences **0:05:34** - Recognizing Early Warning Signs in Relationships **0:21:14** - Rebuilding Confidence and Trust After a Breakup **0:38:28** - The Value of a Strong Support System **0:47:12** - Recognizing When It’s Time to Move On **✨ Listen to what resonates with you!** --- ### 📚 **Episode Resources & Links** **Amber Henry's Socials:** - [TikTok: @amberhenryy](https://www.tiktok.com/@amberhenryy) - [Instagram: @amberhenryy](https://www.instagram.com/amberhenryy) **Books Mentioned:** - *[What Happened to You?* by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Perry] - (https://amzn.to/4e6iMPa) - *[Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle] - (https://amzn.to/4hluSH7)* **Vanessa's Go-To Skincare Routine:** - [Farmacy Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm] - (https://amzn.to/3CbTjqg) - [OleHenriksen Cold Plunge Pore Remedy Moisturizer] - (https://amzn.to/3UrX0OO) - [Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask]- (https://amzn.to/3BZJOdP) ### 🔗 **Connect with Us** For more insights, visit our website: [The Hidden Pages Podcast](https://www.thehiddenpagespodcast.com/) Follow us on social media for updates, challenges, and healing tips. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to join our journey toward self-discovery and healing!

In this episode of The Hidden Pages Podcast, I dive into some real, anonymous confessions from listeners who are struggling with relationships, motherhood, and self-discovery. They’ve shared their personal dilemmas, asking for advice on situations that challenge their sense of self and happiness. I respond to each confession with compassion and honesty, offering insights on relationship red flags, finding clarity, and making those hard choices.

Listen in as I discuss whether an attraction outside a relationship signals the end, why stepping out of our comfort zones can truly transform connections, and how motherhood can feel isolating yet rewarding. You’ll hear some practical tips on setting boundaries, finding community, and putting self-care first, especially for anyone managing complex relationship dynamics or feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of motherhood.

✨ Visit The Hidden Pages Podcast website for detailed show notes, more episodes, and ways to connect.

📌 Timestamps to Navigate This Episode

0:00 - Introduction to the Hidden Pages Podcast
1:18 - Addie's Relationship Dilemma
6:54 - Sophia's Struggles with Motherhood
13:06 - Emily's Situationships and Self-Sabotage
16:17 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

✨ Listen to what resonates with you!

📚 Episode Resources & Links

Books I Recommend:

• • Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab - (Link to buy)
  • How to Be the Love You Seek: Heal Your Relationships - (Link to buy)

🔗 Connect with Me

Follow me on social media for updates, challenges, and healing tips.

• Instagram: @hiddenpagespodcast
• TikTok: @thehiddenpagespodcast

For more insights, visit our website: The Hidden Pages Podcast

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected and join me as we turn the raw and relatable pages of healing and self-discovery!

In this heartfelt episode of The Hidden Pages Podcast - Confessions of My Silent Journal, Vanessa Saleh explores the complex journey of growing up as a parentified child—the “little adult” responsible for others’ happiness. Through raw, relatable stories, Vanessa shares her experiences navigating early responsibilities, the impact of being a caretaker on adult life, and her journey of reclaiming her own identity.

From spotting relationship red flags to learning to say “no,” Vanessa dives into the ways that childhood patterns affect our adult lives. Listeners will gain insight into practical self-care steps and rediscovering joy while unlearning these patterns to prioritize themselves. This episode is dedicated to all those who grew up too soon, offering validation and gentle encouragement to make space for self-care and healing.

✨ Visit The Hidden Pages Podcast website for detailed show notes, more episodes, and ways to connect.

0:01:00 - The “Little Adult” Syndrome
0:02:00 - The Impact of Parentification on Adult Life
0:03:00 - Learning to Say No and Setting Boundaries
0:05:00 - Reclaiming Identity and Self-Expression
0:08:00 - Rediscovering Joy Through Art
0:09:00 - Making Time for Self-Care
0:11:00 - One-Week Challenge: “The One-Minute Self-Care”

✨ Listen to what resonates with you!

🔗 Connect with Us

Follow us on social media for updates, challenges, and healing tips.

• Instagram: @hiddenpagespodcast
• TikTok: @thehiddenpagespodcast

For more insights, visit our website: The Hidden Pages Podcast

📌 Timestamps to Navigate This Episode📚 Episode Resources & Links:

Books Recommended:

• Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents - (Link to buy)

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - (Link To Buy)

Vanessa's Go-To Skincare Routine:

• Farmacy Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm - (Link To Buy)

• OleHenriksen Cold Plunge Pore Remedy Moisturizer - (Link to Buy)

• Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask - (Link to Buy)