  A World of Extremes Living in this body, with this mind, often feels like navigating a stormy sea with no anchor. Every wave of emotion, every whisper of sensation, crashes into me with the force of a hurricane. There is no middle ground. The joy I feel can lift me to the heavens, and the sorrow can bury me deep beneath the earth. Being highly empathetic and sensitive is a gift, but it is also a heavy burden to bear. As a child, my emotions were both my superpower and my greatest challenge. I remember sitting on the playground, watching other kids laugh and play, while I was lost in the colors of the wind rustling through the trees. I could feel the joy of the sunlight on their faces and the undercurrent of sadness in the boy who played alone. At night, I would cry for the world—for animals I’d never met, for wars I’d only seen on the news, for people’s stories that were whispered in passing but lived vividly in my mind. I used to think something was wrong with me. Why couldn’t I just let things go? Why did I feel everything so deeply? Over time, I’ve learned that this sensitivity is part of who I am, woven into the fabric of my being. It’s what makes me see the beauty in the mundane and the pain in the overlooked.  The Struggles of Sensitivity This heightened sensitivity is both a blessing and a curse. Society isn’t designed for people like us—those who feel everything to the extreme. The constant barrage of stimuli in today’s world is overwhelming. Social media, 24-hour news cycles, crowded cities, bright screens, and loud noises create a cacophony that leaves me spiritually and emotionally exhausted. There’s a scientific basis for this. Studies have shown that highly sensitive people (HSPs) have a more active central nervous system and heightened activity in the brain areas responsible for empathy and emotion processing. Dr. Elaine Aron, who first coined the term "Highly Sensitive Person," explains that HSPs process information more deeply, making us more attuned to subtleties but also more prone to overstimulation. (Aron, E. N., The Highly Sensitive Person, 1996) To cope, I’ve tried SSRIs—not because I’m depressed, but because they mute the constant deluge of feelings just enough for me to function. But there’s a trade-off. With muted feelings, I lose some of the information my emotions provide. Our feelings guide us—they tell us when something is wrong, when we need to set a boundary, or when we’re heading in the right direction. Without that guidance, I feel adrift, as if I’m navigating the world without a compass.  The Question of Boundaries In an overstimulating society, the question becomes: "What boundaries do I need to make between me and the world?" This question is both liberating and frustrating. I love everything so deeply that I want to experience it all—every event, every connection, every adventure. But the reality is that I can’t. My spirit is too oversaturated by the day-to-day demands of life. I find myself clinging to moments of silence and solitude, craving the stillness that allows me to recharge. There’s a paradox here. I long to immerse myself in the world and its wonders, yet that immersion often leaves me depleted. I’ve had to learn that saying “no” to some things is saying “yes” to myself. Still, it feels like a loss every time I have to choose.  The Cost of Modern Living America’s culture of overwork, consumerism, and constant connectivity is making us all sick, but for sensitive souls, the toll is even greater. The pressure to be always "on" is suffocating. I feel the illness of these systems seeping into my own soul, and it’s heartbreaking. When will it be enough? When will empaths begin escaping into the woods—not as a luxury, but as a necessity for survival? I’ve fantasized about retreating to a cabin in the forest, where the only sounds are the rustle of leaves and the songs of birds. But even this fantasy is tinged with sorrow because it’s a retreat from the very world I love. I don’t want to hide; I want to thrive. Yet, thriving feels impossible in a society that constantly demands more. A Love That Hurts I love the world too much. I love people too much. And that love often hurts. I want to be everywhere, do everything, and connect with everyone, but my capacity is limited. The irony is that the very love that fuels me also depletes me. It’s a delicate balance—one I’m still learning to navigate.
In the end, I believe our sensitivity is what will heal the world. It’s what allows us to see beauty in the broken, to feel compassion for the hurting, and to dream of a better way. If we can learn to harness it, to balance our love for the world with our need for rest, we can create something truly extraordinary. Sources:
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 I’ve often heard it said that family isn’t defined by blood, but by love, sacrifice, and the bonds we choose to nurture. My sister Jessica has been the living proof of that truth in my life. She didn’t just play the role of a sister; she became my best friend, protector, mentor, and the very foundation that kept me steady through a turbulent childhood.
Growing up, our home wasn’t the haven it was supposed to be. Our parents were often absent—physically, emotionally, or both—leaving a void that could have easily swallowed me whole. But Jessica refused to let that happen. Despite being only three years older, she wrapped me in a love so fierce and unconditional that it outshone any darkness we faced. I remember one particularly bleak day when the power went out (a frequent occurrence living in poverty), and our tiny, drafty house was dark and cold. I was scared and shivering, but Jessica lit candles, wrapped me in every blanket she could find, and told me magical stories until I fell asleep. In those moments, she was my warmth, my safety, my home. As we grew older, life kept testing us. Financial struggles, personal setbacks, and separations came like relentless waves. Life's circumstances kept us separated by miles... But distance was powerless against the bond we had forged. Late-night phone calls, tear-filled confessions, and shared dreams kept us connected, even when miles and life’s chaos tried to pull us apart. Through it all, Jessica remained my guiding star. She cheered for me when I couldn’t see my own potential, reminded me of my strength when I felt weak, and celebrated every victory—no matter how small—as if it were her own. And now, after years of longing for the closeness we lost to time and circumstance, life has brought us back together. At 45 and 48, we live just a mile apart. Not only are we sisters again in proximity, but we’ve also become partners in purpose. Together, we built Two Sisters Business Solutions, pouring our shared resilience and hard-earned wisdom into helping others thrive. Every day, I see her—the same fierce, loving soul who once told stories by candlelight to chase away the dark. Only now, we’re chasing bigger shadows for others, lighting the way with the same hope and determination she’s always carried. Jessica has been the wind beneath my wings, lifting me higher than I ever dreamed possible. Our journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been ours—filled with love that outlasts distance, time, and hardship. To my sister, my heart, my forever friend: Thank you for being everything. For being home. For being you. Jess can be the wind beneath your wings too. If you get the opportunity to work with her - take it. You'll be glad that you did.  People-pleasing is a deeply ingrained behavior that often stems from unmet emotional needs in early life. It’s the belief that being agreeable, useful, or accommodating is the only path to acceptance and love. But this mindset is rooted in distorted thinking patterns that keep us stuck in cycles of self-sacrifice and emotional exhaustion. Recognizing and challenging these patterns is the first step toward reclaiming our worth and living authentically. Erroneous Thinking Patterns in People-Pleasing
I was born into a world where love felt conditional—something to be earned, not freely given. I didn’t have a parental figure who loved me unconditionally, who saw me as their first priority, or who protected me with unwavering loyalty. If you have that in your life, you possess a rare and beautiful gift—one you likely take for granted. Growing up, I learned that love came with terms and expiration dates. My needs were "too much," and my emotions were "too sensitive." I remember once coming home from school, desperate to talk about something exciting that happened, only to be met with disinterest. I internalized the lesson: Don’t be too excited. Don’t be too anything. Without unconditional love as a foundation, I navigated relationships like a tightrope walker, constantly adjusting my balance to avoid rejection. I worked tirelessly to become what I thought others wanted—a chameleon shedding its skin again and again, never feeling truly known. As an adult, I carried these patterns into friendships, romantic relationships, and even professional settings. I bent over backward to make myself indispensable, thinking If I am useful enough, they will want me. It felt safer to be needed than to be loved. The most difficult relationships were with my parents. Even now, as I try to rebuild connections with them, I find myself slipping into old patterns. A few years ago, I arranged a special birthday dinner for one of them—something thoughtful and personal. When my effort went unnoticed, I felt that familiar sting of inadequacy. My immediate thought was: Maybe I should’ve tried harder. Maybe I expected too much. It wasn’t until I hit emotional rock bottom that I began confronting these distorted beliefs. Therapy helped, but so did moments of raw self-awareness. I remember journaling one night, scribbling furiously: Why do I believe I have to be less to be loved? The answer was painfully clear—I had never been taught otherwise. Learning to reframe these thoughts has been like untangling a knotted ball of yarn. I still catch myself thinking, How can I fix this? when a relationship feels strained. But now, I pause and ask: Is this mine to fix? Sometimes the answer is no. One defining moment came when a close friend canceled plans repeatedly without apology. Old me would’ve downplayed my hurt and worked harder to accommodate them. But instead, I set a boundary: "I value our friendship, but I need reliability in return." It was terrifying—and liberating. Healing from people-pleasing isn’t about becoming cold or detached; it’s about recognizing that love rooted in self-betrayal isn’t real love at all. I’m learning that my worth isn’t tied to how useful or agreeable I can be. I am enough, just as I am. Today, I choose relationships that feel mutual and supportive. I still struggle—years of conditioning don’t disappear overnight—but I’m no longer a shapeshifter in search of acceptance. I’m learning to show up fully, needs and all, and trust that I’m worthy of being met halfway. Empowerment Insight: You are not too much. Your needs are valid. You are worthy of love and respect simply because you exist. Let go of the belief that you have to shrink, over-give, or change who you are to be loved. Real connection happens when you are seen and accepted for your authentic self. I believe that sharing our authentic selves—our joys, struggles, and growth—is one of the most meaningful gifts 🎁 we can offer others. So today, I’m opening up about my own journey with you. My hope is that somewhere in my story, you’ll find a piece of your own—something that feels helpful, comforting, or simply relatable as you continue walking your path. My Turning Point I’ve always considered myself someone who lives courageously and authentically—or at least that’s what I thought. But a few years ago, I hit a personal breaking point. My understanding of courage and authenticity shifted—it went deeper. It felt like slamming headfirst into an internal wall that left me frustrated and furious. Something inside me snapped, and I knew I couldn’t ignore it. I had to tear down the barriers I’d discovered within myself. I decided I’d had enough:
 I know, I know... people say things like this all the time—but to actually live it, to feel it deep in your bones—that’s something else entirely. For me, it felt like death. Life chewed me up and spit me out, and to my surprise, I realized I liked who I was on the other side: raw, real, and finally free. Free to live each day with a depth I had only ever dreamed was possible. True freedom doesn’t come without struggle. Personal growth hurts. Anyone who tells you differently is trying to sell you something. But those who have faced the fire of transformation will all say the same thing: every agonizing, soul-stretching moment was worth it. Hold on to that truth.  Choosing to Begin Inspired by the motto, “The first step toward being good at something is to suck at it with enthusiasm,” I leapt into my own unique unknown. I saw my life up to this point as something I had built using a particular way of being—a specific tool. We’ll call it a “hammer.” The hammer I’d previously used to forge my (certifiably amazing) life was my mind: SMART goals, solid action steps, and relentless hustle. But I wanted to learn how to create an even more extraordinary life using a new tool. I thought of it as a paintbrush, symbolizing my intuition, vulnerability, and heart. Setting down that hammer was terrifying. This was the tool that had pulled me out of poverty, helped me escape an abusive relationship, aided my recovery from months in a hospital bed, and propelled my career forward. Trusting that there was a new and better way felt so f*cking risky. That trust—that surrender—took every ounce of my commitment and discipline. Time after time, as life presented me with situations, I had to choose the paintbrush over the hammer, leaning into creativity and intuition instead of sheer force and willpower. With this new tool in-hand, I asked myself bold questions in deeper ways than I ever had before:
Awakening to Self-Love This journey also led me inward, awakening a fierce commitment to radical self-care and self-love. I came to a life (and business) -altering realization: if I didn’t put myself first—my health, my wellness, and whatever I needed to feel grounded and connected to my core—I would never reach my goals. The version of me operating from burnout, stress, and self-neglect simply couldn’t attract or achieve the life I desired. I had to change on a fundamental level—energetically, vibrationally, and habitually. It wasn’t just about adopting healthier routines; it was about reshaping my entire way of being. I needed to realign with my intuition, listen deeply to my inner voice, and honor what truly nourished me. This meant making choices that prioritized my well-being, even when they felt uncomfortable or required stepping away from familiar patterns. It was terrifying. I had to say no to things that drained me, even as my old people-pleasing tendencies screamed that I would lose everything by not “being nice.” I had to trust that putting myself first wasn’t selfish—it was the only way to become the version of myself capable of building the life I now live. I began exploring:
 Living the Story Last summer, I was working in my garden, and suddenly I realized I wasn’t really there—I was lost in my thoughts and anxiety. In that moment, I made a conscious choice to shift into the present, I slowed way down, took deep breaths, and I got really, really, curious. Suddenly, the world came alive: the scent of blooming flowers filled the air, the textures of leaves and petals felt vivid under my fingertips, and the gentle hum of bees became music to my ears. The change wasn’t subtle. It blew my mind. This simple yet profound experience woke something within me. I wondered—what else was I missing by not bringing my full presence into the fullness of each moment? These are the types of experiences I began to have as continued to make the hard choices required to follow less of my mind and more of my soul. I learned to use my mind as a tool rather than designating it as the boss. This shift rippled through every aspect of my life: My Businesses: As the owner of Mindy Aisling Coaching & Two Sisters Business Solutions, I redefined how I approached both coaching and marketing. I stopped following the typical hustle-driven strategies and embraced heart-centered marketing. I focused on authenticity within myself and with my clients. I began prioritizing meaningful connections, ethical storytelling, and serving from a place of integrity. My Self-Care: I created rituals that nourished my body, mind, and spirit—morning meditations, mindful walks, and creative play with no agenda. I began honoring rest as essential, not optional. My Marriage: I deepened my relationship by being truly present with my partner. We explored new adventures, played like kids, and leaned into vulnerability with love and laughter. My Friendships: I cultivated connections rooted in truth and mutual growth. I let go of relationships that drained me and opened space for friendships that uplifted and inspired. My Hobbies: I rediscovered joy in art, writing, and gardening—not as tasks to complete but as soulful expressions of who I am. My Own Goddamn Rules: I rewrote the script of my life. I stopped asking for permission to live fully and started following my inner compass to an entirely new level. Your Journey Begins Here, Too  True freedom starts within: Strategies and tools only work when you’ve freed yourself from the belief that your dreams are impossible. There are ever-more magnificently deep levels of freedom, authenticity, alignment, joy, abundance and connection than you currently know (or think there are!). You can have what more of what you want. There is absolutely nothing wrong, silly or unreasonable about your desires.  Making money is spiritual work: At its core, money is simply energy—an exchange of value, intention, and impact. When you align your energy with your purpose, money stops being a source of stress or scarcity and instead becomes a natural flow, a reflection of the good you’re putting into the world. It becomes a spiritual practice. This alignment starts with clarity: knowing what you stand for, what you want to create, and who you want to serve. When your work resonates deeply with your soul’s purpose, you attract opportunities that feel right—partnerships, clients, and projects that light you up and push your mission forward. It’s no longer about grinding to “get” something; it’s about co-creating with the universe. In my own work, I’m intentional about who I collaborate with. I work with clients whose missions I feel—deep in my heart and bones. I fiercely believe in their vision, their message, and their ability to create meaningful change. I don’t just help them grow their businesses; I help them amplify their reach, expand their impact, and feel deeply supported as they move toward their goals. It’s an energy exchange rooted in mutual respect, passion, and possibility. This shift is profound. My clients love paying me because they feel the value of what we’re building together. They don’t see it as a transaction; they see it as an investment in themselves, their dreams, and their future. They experience progress, growth, and tangible results—and that feels good. As they thrive, so do I. It’s a win-win relationship that’s about more than just money—it’s about love, empowerment, and shared success. This is what I call ethical business. It’s business that feels good. It’s not about scarcity or manipulation; it’s about trust, integrity, and an unwavering belief that we all deserve to thrive. It’s about knowing that when you charge for your work, you’re not just asking for money—you’re honoring the energy, time, and expertise you’ve poured into creating something of value. You’re saying yes to yourself and yes to the people who are ready to step up and invest in their own transformation. When we embrace this truth—that making money is spiritual work—we start to view wealth as a tool for good. We stop apologizing for wanting abundance and start seeing it as a resource that allows us to expand, give, and create in ways that matter. We break free from old stories of “not enough” and step into a reality where we’re all thriving, together. I feel SO DAMN GOOD about this kind of work because it’s rooted in love—love for myself, love for my clients, and love for the ripple effect our collaboration creates in the world. When you lead from the heart and align your energy with your purpose, the money you earn becomes a powerful reflection of the lives you touch and the impact you make. Money, when earned and exchanged in alignment, isn’t just currency. It’s connection. It’s freedom. It’s a celebration of what’s possible when we show up fully, unapologetically, and in service of something greater. And that, to me, is deeply spiritual work. ✨  Reprogram Your Mind: My journey has been deeply supported by plant medicine, meditation, breathwork, nature, journaling, shared investigation and ancient wisdom. These practices have been my guides, helping me peel back the layers of conditioning and reconnect with who I truly am. It’s incredible how much we carry—limiting beliefs, societal expectations, old stories that no longer serve us—and how they quietly shape our lives. Deconditioning ourselves from these patterns is no small task, but it’s the first step toward true freedom. It means letting go of the thoughts and beliefs that keep us small, the ones that whisper we’re not enough or that we can’t change. It means stepping into the unknown, trusting ourselves, and opening up to new ways of being. Through this process, I’ve learned that true freedom doesn’t come from the outside—it comes from within. It’s found in the moments when we release what weighs us down and allow ourselves to fully step into our power, our truth, and our authentic selves.  Pursue What Matters: Passion is your edge—it’s the secret ingredient that sets you apart. Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or service provider, your genuine love for what you do is what fuels your success and keeps you moving forward, even when things get tough. Passion isn’t just about what you create or offer; it’s the energy you bring to every conversation, every project, and every interaction. It’s what draws people in, makes them feel something, and turns a simple transaction into a meaningful connection. At the heart of it all, business is human. People don’t just want products, services, or solutions—they want to feel seen, heard, and understood. That’s why it’s so important to connect with clients as humans first and let the business flow naturally from there. When you lead with authenticity, kindness, and real connection, you’re not just building a business—you’re building trust, loyalty, and relationships that last. Passion isn’t just your edge; it’s your compass. It guides you to the people who resonate with your energy, believe in your vision, and want to be part of what you’re building. When you show up with that kind of fire and heart, success becomes more than just a goal—it becomes an inevitable byproduct of doing what you love, for the people who need it most. Start Now: Start now and keep experimenting until something clicks. Building this life didn’t happen overnight—but within a few years, everything changed. You can create your dream life too, if you start today. Let’s Build Together
If you’re ready to design a life or business that aligns with you—your passions, your truth—I’m here to help. Together, we’ll create your unique path to freedom. Email me to explore how we can work together, or join me on social media (links below) where I vulnerably share my heart and journey. I see a world where we all thrive by living our truth. Let’s create something better—together. With love and possibility, Mindy ❤️ |
AuthorMindy Amita AislingArchives
December 2024
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