In this episode of the I Heart My Life Show, I had the pleasure of hosting Asha, a periodontist and dentist by profession, who is currently on a journey of self-discovery and finding her voice. Our conversation revolved around the importance of letting go of societal expectations and following one's heart. The Journey of Self-Discovery Asha's journey of self-discovery is a testament to the power of introspection and personal growth. She emphasized the importance of letting go of preconceived notions of what the future should look like, and instead, focusing on the present. She advised listeners to follow their hearts first and then let their brains guide them in the right direction. Asha is currently in a space of self-discovery and finding her voice, particularly in discussing topics that are often not talked about, especially among women. She highlighted the tendency to define ourselves by our professions and encouraged listeners to explore who they are beyond their careers. Seeking Help and Healing Asha's journey wasn't without its challenges. She realized that she needed help and reached out to trusted friends, therapists, and spiritual teachers. She talked about the process of healing her inner child and detaching from societal conditioning and expectations. One of the major life changes she made was ending a long-term relationship. She emphasized the importance of giving oneself permission to grow and evolve, even when it means making difficult decisions. Embracing Authenticity and Facing Fear Asha discussed the fear and uncertainty she faced when making the decision to change her relationship and the impact it had on her life. She emphasized the importance of authenticity and surrendering to the unknown. She also talked about the fear of judgment and the guilt she felt as a mother, but ultimately realized that her own happiness was important. She shared how letting go of fear opened up new opportunities and brought her closer to people who were aligned with her true self. The Power of Vulnerability and Self-Love Asha acknowledged that not everyone understood her choices, including some close friends, but she learned to prioritize self-love and accept that not everyone will be on the same journey. She also highlighted the power of vulnerability and the healing it brings, especially when sharing personal experiences on a public platform. Breaking Cultural Stigmas As someone from an Indian background, Asha acknowledged the cultural challenges and stigma surrounding divorce but emphasized that personal growth and happiness should be prioritized. She discussed the challenges of divorce within the Indian community and the shame and stigma associated with it. Despite her fear of how her parents and the community would react to her decision, she decided to break the silence and share her story through writing a book and speaking publicly about her experiences. Final Thoughts In response to my final question, Asha advised listeners to let go of expectations and be present. This conversation with Asia was a powerful reminder of the importance of self-discovery, authenticity, and the courage to follow one's heart. It's a journey that may not be easy, but it's certainly worth it. CONNECT Follow the I Heart My Life Show on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the I Heart My Life Show on Spotify Connect with Emily: Emily Williams Website Emily on Instagram I Heart My Life Website I Heart My Life on Instagram To Be Ambitious I Heart My Brand Email: info@iheartmylife.com Connect with Asha: Go to Her Website Get Her Book