Let Go of the Guilt

Hello everyone!

Happy Spring! I've been loving the extra time outside and seeing more people soaking in the beautiful weather. Like many others I've talked to, I’m feeling energized by the new season and all it brings. Recently, I shared a post about how it feels like I’m getting my personality back—if you can relate, I hope you’re embracing it, too! This season, I’m especially looking forward to more meals outdoors, the return of baseball, and weekend trips to the farmer’s market.

All the best,

Mandy

MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-IN
6 Things You Deserve to Stop Feeling Guilty For

Ever felt guilty for setting a boundary or putting yourself first? You’re not alone—so many of us carry unnecessary guilt for simply taking care of ourselves. Let this be your permission to release the guilt, honor what you need, and step into a season of self-compassion. You deserve to make choices that align with your values.

1. Saying “no” without a long explanation: You don’t have to justify your no. Your boundaries reflect what matters most to you, and honoring them is an act of self-respect.

2. Changing your mind about something: You’re allowed to grow, evolve, and chance directions. Choosing something new doesn’t mean the old choice was wrong, it just means you’re learning more about what’s right for you.

3. Resting your body when you need it: Rest isn’t something you have to earn. Your body deserves care, and slowing down is just as important as pushing forward.

4. Choosing yourself over people’s expectations: It’s okay if your path looks different from what others expected. Your well-being matters, and prioritizing it is never selfish.

5. Not replying to texts right away: You don’t have to be available all the time. It’s okay to take your time and respond when you have the energy. The people who care about you will understand.

6. Outgrowing relationships that no longer align with you: Not every connection is meant to last forever. Letting go with love and gratitude makes space for relationships that support who you’re becoming.

MEDIA
Finding Balance: Lessons from Severance on Work and Life

I've been a fan of Severance since it first came out, and with the Season 2 finale dropping this week, it feels like the perfect time to explore how the show tackles the separation between work and life. While I won’t be sharing any major spoilers, feel free to keep scrolling if you'd rather avoid any hints!

In the show, a person’s "Innie" has no awareness of their "Outie’s" life and vice versa. For the Innie, work is an endless loop—they don’t know the purpose of their tasks or have any sense of life outside of the office. Meanwhile, the Outie enjoys life without experiencing the mental and emotional toll that work can bring. But as the episodes unfold, it becomes clear that this extreme separation creates more problems than it solves. If anything, Severance highlights that completely severing work and personal life can strip away meaning, purpose, and even personal fulfillment that can exist in both spaces.

Of course, most of us don’t live in a world where work and life are so dramatically divided—but striking a realistic work-life balance can still feel just as tricky.

Instead of aiming for complete separation, here are a few ways to create a healthier balance:

• Set clear boundaries: Define your work hours and stick to them—whether that means shutting your laptop at a certain time or resisting the urge to check emails after hours.

• Take breaks: Stepping away from your desk, taking a short walk, or grabbing lunch can help reset your mind and boost productivity throughout the day.

• Reflect on your role: Finding meaning in your work can make a big difference. Take time to identify aspects of your job that align with your strengths and values—it can help create a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.

• Prioritize rest and play: Your job is important, but so is your well-being. Make space for hobbies, social connections, and downtime without guilt.

• Have check-ins with yourself: If work is consistently draining you or creeping into your personal life too much, it might be time to reassess your workload, expectations, or even your workplace environment.

  Finding balance doesn’t mean cutting off work completely when you clock out—it’s about making sure work fits into your life rather than taking over it. And if Severance teaches us anything, it’s that we don’t want to lose ourselves in the process.

INSPO
🌈 Color Walks

A beautiful trend has been making waves on social media called a “color walk,” and I think it’s a perfect spring activity. The idea is simple: before heading out for a walk, choose a color to focus on, then intentionally look for that color as you go.

This practice engages your senses, encourages mindfulness, and helps you feel more present and grounded. I’ve tried it before and really enjoyed how it shifted my perspective and made me more aware of my surroundings. I’m looking forward to taking more color walks this season—maybe you’ll give it a try, too!

LISTEN
🎙️ Living Intentionally with Ellen Vora

On this episode of Move with Heart, Melissa sits down with Dr. Ellen Vora to discuss managing anxiety, navigating grief, and moving through life with intention. Listen here.

Today’s Affirmation

RESOURCES
Books

• The Anatomy of Anxiety Dr. Ellen Vora.

• Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA.

• Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving by Celeste Headlee.

If you're in Maryland or DC and looking to discuss therapy options, you can find me at Mindful Therapy Collective.