self-love Archives - Amy Jo Honey

Elyce Monet: The Me I Couldn’t See wasn’t hidden by the world—it was hidden by me. The journey to authenticity starts here.

Liz Rubico October 9, 2024 October 7, 2024Meet The Authors

In “The Me I Couldn’t See: A Journey Into Authenticity” by Elyce Monet, there’s this realization that really hits hard: the real you, the person you’ve been searching for all along, wasn’t hidden by the world. It was hidden by you. That’s a pretty big truth to swallow, right? It’s not society, or your friends, or your family that’s kept you from being your authentic self—it’s you. You’re the one who’s been hiding your true self, thinking it’s what you have to do to survive, fit in, or be accepted. Let’s be real for a second—how often do we hide parts of who we are just to feel like we belong? We craft this version of ourselves that feels “safe,” the version we think everyone will like, and over time, we get so used to wearing that mask that we convince ourselves it’s who we really are. But deep down, we know that’s not the truth. There’s this little voice inside that keeps reminding us that something is missing, that we’re not living fully as ourselves. Elyce Monet taps into this feeling so perfectly in her book. We spend so much of our lives editing ourselves, downplaying what makes us unique, and pushing down the parts we’re scared to show. Maybe we think we’re too weird, too different, or too much for people to handle. So, we hide. But the funny thing is, in hiding those parts, we’re also hiding the things that make us feel alive. We’re hiding our…

Adele Saccarelli-Cavallaro: In the search for Oz, the greatest treasures aren’t found on the road, but within ourselves.

Liz Rubico October 8, 2024 October 7, 2024Meet The Authors

In “Searching for Oz” by Adele Saccarelli-Cavallaro, we’re taken on a journey that feels familiar to all of us—the search for meaning, fulfillment, and that elusive feeling of “having made it.” For so many, the idea of Oz represents this magical place where all of life’s problems are solved. It’s a destination where everything finally falls into place. But as Adele beautifully illustrates throughout the book, the greatest treasures we seek aren’t found at the end of the yellow brick road. In fact, they aren’t found on the road at all. They’re within us. Think about how often we look for happiness outside of ourselves. We set goals, chase achievements, or seek approval, thinking, “Once I get there, I’ll be happy,” or “Once I achieve this, I’ll feel complete.” Whether it’s a better job, a relationship, or financial success, it’s easy to believe that something external will magically bring fulfillment. But Adele reminds us that the real treasure—whether it’s courage, self-love, peace, or wisdom—has always been inside us. We just forget to look there. In the book, we’re reminded of the characters from the classic tale: the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. Each of them believed they were missing something essential—a brain, a heart, or courage—and they thought Oz was the place to find it. But by the end of their journey, they discovered that everything they needed was already within them. The Scarecrow had his intelligence, the Tin Man had a heart, and the Lion had…

Joie Gharrity: Stop Waiting For Validation—Learn How To Be Your Own Superstar

Liz Rubico September 6, 2024 September 5, 2024Meet The Authors

“Stop waiting for validation—learn how to be your own superstar” hits on a feeling we all know too well: the need for approval. How often do we find ourselves holding back, waiting for someone else to tell us we’re doing great or that we’re good enough? Joie Gharrity’s book, Being Your Own Superstar: How to Expand Your Love Capacity, flips that idea on its head. Instead of waiting for others to validate you, Gharrity encourages you to take charge of your own self-worth and become your own biggest fan. The main idea here is powerful: you don’t need anyone’s approval to shine. It’s easy to get caught up in seeking praise from others, but Gharrity reminds us that true confidence comes from within. When you learn to love and believe in yourself, you stop needing external validation to feel good about your accomplishments. This shift can be incredibly freeing and empowering. Gharrity’s book is full of practical advice on how to build self-love and confidence. She offers simple, actionable steps that you can incorporate into your daily life. It could be something like celebrating your little victories, practicing positive self-talk, or setting boundaries to protect your energy. These aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re real strategies that can help you start feeling more confident and self-assured. Another key point Gharrity makes is about the people you surround yourself with. If you’re constantly seeking validation from people who don’t appreciate you, it’s going to be tough to feel secure. Gharrity encourages you to build a network…