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If your version of growth feels less like a glow-up and more like low-key panic in a new time zone... this one’s for you.
Here’s your Sunday permission slip to do the thing that scares you—even if your voice shakes, even if your Google Translate tab is open. Because stretching yourself doesn’t always look good on paper. Sometimes it looks like showing up anyway.
And spoiler: that’s where the real shift happens.
What's Inside
This Might Be Uncomfortable (and Worth It)
Here’s the thing no one really tells you about growth: it rarely feels aligned in the moment. It doesn’t feel graceful or “high vibe” or like something you'd want to post. It usually feels awkward. Uneasy. A little sweaty.
This week, growth looked like me rereading the same email fourteen times before finally hitting send. It looked like pacing around my apartment, talking to myself in half-Spanish, half-panic. And most of all, it looked like agreeing to lead a skincare workshop—mic’d up, slides prepped, a real crowd—in Spanish. And not just a casual chat. A full-on event where I’d have to own my voice, my brand, and my words… in a second language.
Every part of me wanted to cancel. To reschedule. To say, “Actually, I’m good.”
But deep down, I knew this wasn’t really about skincare. This was about showing up scared—and doing it anyway. And as wild as it sounds, it brought me back to the first time I signed up for a race. I wasn’t ready then either. I didn’t feel fast enough, strong enough, “runner” enough. But I crossed the start line anyway. And the feeling I had afterward? That quiet, grounded pride; that deep trust in myself that I didn’t have before?
Same exact feeling.
It brought me back to my early twenties, when I was launching my first business and pitching it to anyone who would listen. I was green, naïve, and honestly had no idea what I was doing—but I had this wild confidence and tenacity that powered me through. I didn’t overthink every move back then. I just moved. And sometimes, at 39, I wish I had a little more of that beginner energy—that boldness that comes from not knowing all the reasons something might not work. There’s something kind of magical about that version of yourself who doesn’t need proof yet—she just tries.
Growth isn’t loud. It’s not about getting it perfect or going viral. It’s that calm, solid hum you hear when you’ve done something you genuinely thought you couldn’t. That’s what this week reminded me. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply show up—even if your voice shakes, even if your Spanish is messy, even if you’re overthinking the entire time.
The version of you that you’re becoming? She lives just beyond your comfort zone. The only way to meet her is to keep walking toward the edge.
And when you do? It’s never about proving anything to anyone else. It’s about becoming someone you trust to show up when it counts.
Especially when it’s hard. Especially when it’s scary. Especially then.
💡 3 Signs You’re Growing (Even If It Feels Like Chaos):
You’re overthinking everything. Welcome to the stretch zone.
Your confidence hasn’t caught up with your courage. (It will.)
You keep checking your calendar for ways to cancel—don’t.
Reset Tools of The Week
Product that helps when you’re low-key spiraling:
ALO magnesium body spray. Apply post-shower, post-run, or post-social overstimulation. It chills your nervous system faster than your inner critic can spiral.Podcast I played on repeat this week:
Brené Brown on vulnerability and courage. Again. Because even the science says: we grow when we’re brave enough to be seen trying.If you need a little “delusional founder energy”:
Listen to the Acquired episode with Steve Ballmer (yes, that Ballmer). It’s chaotic, confident, and a masterclass in high-stakes leadership energy. Warning: may cause spontaneous goal-setting.For when you’re overthinking a recent flop:
Per My Last Email's How to Handle Failure Like a Pro episode. Real talk about bouncing back with your self-worth intact. Less toxic positivity, more resilience with receipts.The skincare product I always pack for post-event spirals:
Root + Renew The Quench — light, hydrating, zero fuss. It’s my go-to after long days when I want one small win before bed (besides not canceling on myself).
🔁 Your Turn
One Tiny Dare This Week:
Do one thing that mildly terrifies you. Bonus points if it’s not content-worthy.
Go to the class where you don’t know anyone
Pitch the brand if you’re a content creator
Ask for what you want at work
Sign up before you feel “ready”
Practice a language out loud (even if you cringe at yourself)
Then don’t post it. Just feel it. That’s the win.
Hit reply and tell me what rest actually looked like for you. You can also tag @wellnessbum or @valeriealvarez on Threads. We’ll feature your responses in next week’s “Rewind Crew Writes In.”
📬 Rewind Crew Writes In
Last week we asked: What’s one thing you never do on Sundays anymore?
Here’s what some of you had to say:
“I used to meal prep like I was auditioning for a cooking show. Now I just batch-order from a local spot and call it peace.” — Lexi, Brooklyn, NY
“No more calendar-cramming. If it’s not a walk, a podcast, or a skincare mask, it can wait until Monday.” — Aaron, Austin, TX
“Checking email. Not even a peek. Sundays are for dopamine, not deadlines.” — Maya, San Diego, CA
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Just remember… Discomfort ≠ danger.
Sometimes it’s just a signal that you’re expanding.
Say yes. Show up. Then take a nap after. That’s the real routine.
Valerie
@valeriealvarez
P.S. Was this issue a vibe? Forward it to someone who could use this.