Have you ever felt like the world expects you to be smaller, quieter, and more "convenient" to love? Have you ever found yourself believing that your worth is tied to how well you meet those expectations?

If the answer is yes, you’re in the right place.

This might be one of the only times I tell my story in such detail. It’s the story of a woman who faced her deepest fears and wildest emotions. Who made peace with her flaws and decided—against all odds—that she is worthy of love. A decision that carried me through the darkest nights and still does. Because self-love isn’t a one-time victory; it’s a journey of refusing to abandon yourself, even when the world pushes you to.

In this episode, I’ll share my raw, personal story. Not as a clinical psychologist, but as a woman—a mother, a daughter, a survivor. We’ll explore the weight of societal expectations, the quiet rebellion of self-worth, and the transformative power of saying, “I am enough.”

In this episode, I’m talking about:

• My personal story of embracing all of my emotions, flaws, and imperfections, ultimately deciding I am worthy of love despite societal pressures.

• Self-love as a continuous process of choosing not to abandon oneself.

• “Mothering” myself through hardships

• The cycle of diminishment

• Rejecting societal norms that valued women only for their utility, like cooking, cleaning, and being "pleasing."

• The problem with traditional psychology

• How women are often socialized to endure critique, comparison, and sacrifice, causing them to suppress parts of themselves for the sake of acceptance.

• Women who claim their self-worth inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect that uplifts entire communities.

I hope my story inspires you to look inward, to find that voice within you saying, “You are worthy.” Listen to the full episode, and let’s take this journey together. Because when one woman rises, we all do.

Join my Self-Love Program here: https://amandahanson.mykajabi.com/self-love-program

Connect with Dr. Amanda Hanson on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/midlife.muse/