Living Life The Happy Way - Rachel Stokes

WHY DOES MY BRAIN STILL BELIEVE IT? ✨

Yesterday we talked about questioning the old stories we carry about ourselves.

But what if you know something isn’t true anymore…and part of you still believes it?

There’s a reason for that.

Our brains learn through repetition and experience. When we hear something often enough—or experience something powerful enough—our brain can begin to treat that belief like a familiar path.

Maybe you were criticized over and over.

Maybe you learned that keeping everyone happy kept the peace.

Maybe you were embarrassed once and decided, “I’m not good at that.”

Maybe someone else’s words became the voice you eventually started using on yourself.

Over time, the thought becomes familiar.

And here’s the important part:

Familiar doesn’t necessarily mean true.

Your brain often reaches for what it already knows because familiar patterns require less effort than creating new ones.

That’s why simply saying, “I’m not going to believe that anymore,” doesn’t always make an old belief disappear.

Changing it takes awareness, repetition and new experiences.

Each time you notice the old thought and challenge it…

“Wait. Is that true today?”

…you’re interrupting the old pattern.

You may have traveled that old road thousands of times.

Be patient with yourself while you create a new one. 💜

Wednesday reflection:
Whose voice do you hear when one of your old beliefs shows up?

And is it time for your own voice to become louder?

Come back tomorrow. We’re going to talk about how to begin changing those old beliefs—and why simply replacing them with a positive affirmation you don’t actually believe may not be enough.

You are worthy. You are loved. You are enough.

What a FULL and beautiful day. 💜

We spent the day with the women from ADA Women’s Center, beginning on the beach with a labyrinth drawn in the sand—a powerful experience of releasing, gratitude, and remembering that love begins with us. 💗

From there, our day unfolded with a beautiful women’s circle, lunch together, and creating glass labyrinths with the wonderful Barbara Parker. Annette Martinez then led a powerful session on the weight of the things we carry—shame, guilt, trauma—and reminded each woman that she is worthy, loved, and enough.

We ended with a peaceful sound bath and, of course, pizza together. 🍕💜

Today was about creating space—to release, to be heard, to heal, to create, and to remember our worth.

My heart is full. What a beautiful day of women holding space for women. 💜

✨ IS IT STILL TRUE? ✨

There are things we believe about ourselves that we’ve repeated for so long, we’ve stopped questioning whether they’re actually true.

“I’m not good enough.”

“I always mess things up.”

“I’m too much.”

“I’m not smart enough.”

“I have to take care of everyone.”

“I can’t change.”

But here’s something worth thinking about:

Where did that belief come from?

Was it born from something someone said to you?

A difficult experience?

A mistake you made years ago?

A version of yourself that was simply trying to survive what was happening at the time?

Sometimes we continue living by an old belief long after we’ve outgrown the experience that created it.

So today, when you hear that familiar voice telling you who you are, don’t automatically believe it.

Get curious.

Is this actually true?
Or is this just a story I’ve told myself for a very long time?

You are allowed to question the old story.

You are allowed to see yourself differently.

And you are allowed to become someone your past never gave you permission to imagine.

💜 Tuesday reflection:
What is one thing you’ve believed about yourself that might not be true anymore?

You are worthy. You are loved. You are enough.

What a great night! 💜

The weather had us switching things up a bit, but sometimes the unexpected turns out to be exactly what we need.

We are so grateful for each and every one of you who showed up tonight—for yourselves and for one another.

Our double sound bath under Shawn’s studio turned out to be the perfect space to settle in, let go of what no longer serves, and simply receive. The beautiful vibrations were so calming, and the standing singing bowl became the perfect substitute for our labyrinth—giving everyone a different way to slow down, release, and move inward.

Thank you for trusting us to switch things up and for making the evening so special. 💜

What a powerful way to welcome in a new month. 💜

The rain held off—with only a few drops—but oh, that WIND! 🌬️

The earlier rain had changed the texture of the sand, making the Labyrinth harder to create and, in places, harder to walk. Some of the sand was soft and fluffy, while other parts were wet and firm.

It felt a lot like life.

Some parts of our journey feel light and easy beneath our feet. Others take a little more effort to move through. But we keep walking.

Seven women showed up, holding space and support for one another as we released what no longer serves, gave gratitude, and welcomed in the new.

A beautiful and powerful way to begin a new month. 💜✨

✨ TUESDAY RESET ✨

Our minds can be really good at finding what’s wrong.

What we didn’t do right.
What we should have said.
What we don’t like about ourselves.

So today, let’s interrupt that chatter in a different way.

Look up and look around.

Without moving too quickly, let your eyes slowly travel around the space you’re in.

Find:
💜 Something that makes you feel peaceful
💜 Something beautiful
💜 Something that makes you smile
💜 Something that reminds you of a good memory
💜 Something you’re grateful for

Take your time. Actually LOOK at each one.

This simple practice is called orienting. Gently noticing your surroundings can help bring your attention out of the thoughts spinning in your head and back into the present moment.

Then turn that same attention toward yourself.

Instead of searching for what’s wrong, ask:

What is GOOD about me that I sometimes forget to notice?

Maybe you’re kind.
Maybe you’re resilient.
Maybe you’re a good friend.
Maybe you keep showing up even when things are hard.

Your mind has had plenty of practice finding your faults.

Today, give it some practice finding your good. 💜

What’s one good thing about YOU that deserves to be noticed today?

You are worthy 💜 You are loved 💜 You are enough 💜

This Friday, I’ll be out of the office for a very special reason. 💜

I’ve been invited to spend the morning with the staff of United Against Human Trafficking, offering a little time for self-care, grounding, and a chance to simply breathe.

The work they do is incredibly important, and it is truly an honor to hold space for the people who spend so much of themselves helping and supporting others.

Sometimes the ones who care for others need a little care, too. 💜

I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back in this small but meaningful way.