Join the founder of Best Kept Self, Shauna Mackenzie, as she hosts a roundtable discussion on Money + Mindset.

As a Holistic Coach, Aleka Thorvalson helps clients discover their true purpose by embracing and balancing all parts of themselves. An ICA Advanced Coach Training Program graduate and ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), she draws from her personal journey and counseling experience to facilitate lasting change.

Aleka had the pleasure of being on the Matt Townsend Show, BYU Radio where we discussed the gift of feelings. Scroll down the page and you can hear my segment of the show.

Sometimes, we lose it. In a Publix checkout line, overwhelmed and teary, I learned that perfection isn’t about control or outward success but embracing our flaws and being whole.

Feelings are our inner compass, offering crucial insights and energy for personal growth. While often dismissed or misunderstood, they provide valuable information about our inner world and help us process emotions. By consciously engaging with our feelings, we can heal, grow, and align with our true selves.

Understanding the difference between judgment and discernment is crucial. Discernment is based on personal truth and fosters constructive dialogue, while judgment stems from fear and seeks to control. Embracing discernment helps us navigate disagreements with integrity and authenticity.

Entrepreneurs thrive on action, but balancing this with surrender is crucial. Surrender isn’t passive; it’s an act of trust that allows new possibilities to emerge. Watch for signs like burnout or resistance—they often signal it’s time to let go and align with life’s natural flow.

When I got a suspicious one-star review on Google, I panicked but then remembered my training on managing triggers. I used the moment to ask clients for honest reviews, which brought a flood of positive feedback. This experience reinforced that even in tough situations, grace and growth can emerge.

Mercury retrograde isn’t just a time for chaos; it’s an opportunity for growth and reflection. This cycle in Taurus invites you to reassess self-worth, abundance, and your relationship with money. Use this period to pause, listen, and realign with your inner self.

Change can disrupt our lives, leaving us feeling lost. To navigate this transition, stay present, be kind to yourself, embrace your emotions, and seek grace. These steps help you move through uncertainty, finding resilience and strength along the way.

Unplugging from digital distractions for ten days revealed how much I had been blocking my own authentic expression. Disconnecting brought clarity, creativity, and a deeper connection with myself. Technology is powerful, but balancing it with time offline can help reduce overwhelm and reconnect us with our true selves.

Arguments often stem from deeper issues, not the surface topic. Our “lizard brain” triggers defensive reactions, escalating conflicts. To manage this, use awareness, time-outs, and humor to cool down and address underlying issues, fostering healthier, more constructive conversations.

Most people try to avoid conflict, but what if it could actually strengthen connections and reveal your authentic self? Conflict often highlights our own unresolved issues and projections. By embracing conflict consciously, you can use it as a tool for self-discovery, healing, and personal growth, transforming it from a threat into an opportunity for deeper understanding and connection.