What would it feel like to trust your own authority?

We’ve recently experienced powerful cosmic shifts—stirring energy that might feel intense or overwhelming as you navigate these times. For me, these transitions are a welcome invitation to shed what is no longer me and fully embrace what is. There is so much life I want to live, and I’ve committed to moving through the changes that allow me to step deeper into truth, abundance, joy, and love.

This past week, I felt the fullness of this commitment—both the exhilaration and the resistance.

I experienced the excitement of preparing for my ALIVE masterclass, sharing my heart’s work in a way that is profoundly life-giving. I feel most myself when offering these spiritual teachings, bringing forward deeper truths than I ever could in my past roles as an OT or PhD student, where credibility was tied to evidence-based frameworks. But spiritual truths hold their own kind of evidence—ones deeply woven into human history and experience, even if the rational mind resists them.

While it’s a privilege to share these truths, it also surfaces emotions and old fears—fear of failure, fear of disapproval—shadows I’ve placated for so long. I remind myself that expansion often feels like stepping into a cold shower: I know it’s good for me, but I hesitate just before taking the plunge. (Yes, I’ve started taking actual cold showers in the morning… and while they feel amazing after four seconds, I never want to do it in the moment.)

So, with the masterclass ahead and the equinox ushering in change, I embraced the shift… and then, by Sunday, a heaviness crept in. By Monday night, I was overwhelmed, crying in the bathroom. And then—my period started. Relief. A monthly reminder that my emotional waves are real, valid, and intimately tied to my body.

Later that night, I stood in front of my boyfriend, tears streaming down my face, saying, "See? I’m not overly emotional—it’s just my period." He just looked at me, full of love, then silently glanced at his wrist, pointed to the time, and shrugged.

• Yes, this happens every month.

• Yes, I knowingly stepped outside my comfort zone.

• Yes, I welcomed the season’s change.

• And yes, I still felt the challenge of navigating it all.

But here’s the gift: I allowed myself to be seen. I shared my struggle, received support, and was reminded that I don’t have to have it all together. I received support from my community AND these beautiful flowers and note from my boyfriend.

My inner child still finds it scary to admit when I’m struggling, but when I do, I receive exactly what I need.

This is the spiritual journey—not about fixing or overcoming anything, but about seeing, accepting, and integrating all parts of yourself. As you do, so much shifts:

✨ You trust your own authority and decisions.

✨ You wake up feeling energized instead of dreading the day.

✨ You go to bed feeling fulfilled, knowing you lived with purpose.

✨ You find abundance in something as simple as the breath in your lungs.

If you’re walking this path and feel ready for deeper self-discovery and integration, I’d love to connect. Reach out to stephanie@paradigmexpansions.com with your questions and companionship.

So much love to you,

Dr. Steph