Learning to Love, Let Go, and Stand Up For Myself
It’s hard to release friendships that no longer support you. What if you could love someone and still let go?
As summer winds down and we prepare for a new season, I've been reflecting on something that feels both universal and deeply personal—the evolution of our relationships. You know those moments when you realize that not every connection is meant to last forever, and that's actually okay?
There's something both liberating and painful about accepting that growth sometimes means growing apart. This week, I want to share some thoughts on navigating this delicate dance with grace, plus a powerful tool that's been helping many of my patients find their center when emotions run high.
👇 In today's email:
This week's inspiration: Learning to Love, Let Go, and Be Clear
Latest blog post: How to Calm a Racing Heart: Breathwork for Real Life Stress
What I'm Listening to: The TRUE History of the Vibrator
Learning to Love, Let Go, and Be Clear
I once believed every friendship should keep expanding—that we'd continuously add more people to our inner circle while maintaining all existing relationships. Now I'm embracing an evolution that supports my truth, even when it's complicated.
The Reality of Relationship Evolution
Human relationships are beautifully complex, and relationships between women can be especially layered. Mismatched expectations and flawed communication can create such strife, yet they're also where we find our deepest growth opportunities.
As my husband wisely observed, we often think of our relationships as "going up and to the right"—continuously expanding our social circle without ever letting anyone go. But here's what I've learned: as we evolve, the people around us do too, and sometimes we evolve in separate directions. That's not failure; it's natural.
The Courage to Be Clear
The question becomes: How do we bring the best of ourselves to our relationships with kindness, vulnerability, and compassion? And equally important—how do we advocate for ourselves when things are no longer working?
In my practice, I see women struggling with this balance constantly. We're taught to be accommodating, to smooth over conflicts, to keep everyone happy. But what happens when maintaining a relationship requires us to diminish ourselves?
Finding Your Voice
This isn't about becoming harsh or cutting people off carelessly. It's about developing the discernment to recognize when a relationship has run its course, and the courage to address it with honesty and grace. Sometimes that means having difficult conversations. Sometimes it means creating healthier boundaries. And yes, sometimes it means letting go.
As we enter this new week, I wish for you a strong backbone and an open heart—the ability to stand up for yourself and speak your truth, even when it's not perfectly received. Because honoring your authentic self is one of the greatest gifts you can give to both yourself and others.
Latest blog post
How to Calm a Racing Heart: Breathwork for Real Life Stress
While I'm no stranger to many wellness modalities, breathwork has been absolutely invaluable in my own journey and in supporting my patients. There's something profound about the connection between breath and emotional release that continues to amaze me.
The Power of Breath
Think about this: "To inspire" means both to breathe in and to find something that elevates us to a higher level. "To expire" means to exhale—and while it also means to end, we don't need to focus on the darkness there. Instead, let's focus on how conscious breathing can transport us to a more peaceful place.
Breathwork goes deep into our stored emotions and helps release what we've been holding onto. When your heart is racing from stress, anxiety, or those difficult relationship conversations I mentioned earlier, your breath becomes your most accessible tool for regulation.
Real-World Application
In my blog post, I share specific techniques you can use anywhere—whether you're dealing with perimenopause-related anxiety, work stress, or family dynamics. These aren't just breathing exercises; they're practical tools for nervous system regulation that can shift your entire day.
If you're local to Newport and interested in going deeper with breathwork, message me—I have an excellent referral for a breath coach who's been transformative for many of my patients.
What I'm listening to
The TRUE History of the Vibrator
Okay, in this section I might usually share poems or discuss the power of creatine, but this week? Something spicy, a bit political, and definitely polemical.
For your listening pleasure, this is an interview with Hallie Lieberman, author of “Buzz: The Stimulating History of the Sex Toy.”
The conversation dives into the fascinating history of vibrators—and trust me, it’s far more complex and surprising than you might expect. The interview really gets good about halfway through, so hang in there! I love a good podcast while doing the mundane tasks of life: commuting, washing dishes or cleaning out closets.
So grab your headphones for your next mundane task and prepare to learn something that will definitely give you interesting dinner party conversation material!
I'm cheering for you as always.
Dr. Cat 🥰