E195: From People-Pleasing to Freedom and Fulfilment: My Personal Transformation

In this episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I sit down with Sara Surani—an activist, entrepreneur, educator, and co-founder of She is the Universe—to explore the transformative power of storytelling, identity, and intergenerational healing.  Sara shares her journey as a first-time author of her debut poetry and prose collection, Songs of My Grandmother, and how her hyphenated identity as a Pakistani-American shapes her work.  Together, we delve into the importance of honoring our ancestors, processing grief and hope through community, and reclaiming feminine strength. Prepare to be inspired by Sara’s profound insights and heartfelt storytelling.   What we’ll explore together Writing can be both a healing process and a necessity rather than just a creative outlet. Community and collective healing are vital for processing grief and finding hope. Intergenerational trauma and healing are intricately connected, with storytelling acting as a bridge. Feminine wisdom, anger, and resilience are powerful tools for transformation and social change. Colors can be used as an emotional lens to understand and organize our feelings. Honoring one’s cultural heritage enriches personal growth and global connection. Exploring intergenerational trauma, healing, and the hope found in collective experiences. Reclaiming anger as a protective force and embracing the full spectrum of feminine power. How community rituals and shared experiences foster belonging and resilience.   Connect with Sara: WebsiteInstagram Pre-order Sara Surani’s Songs of My Grandmother, available now wherever books are sold.    Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook

In this special episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I’m reflecting on a milestone—turning 60—and the journey that brought me here.  Fifteen years ago I found myself at a turning point. I was living a life that looked perfect on the outside, yet I was completely disconnected from myself. One weekend I attended a retreat led by my dear friend Debbie Ford. Debbie asked me a question that still reverberates in my bones, because it led to a moment of truth that changed everything and set me on a path of deep inner work, personal transformation, and self-liberation.  It wasn’t easy—healing never is—but choosing myself again and again led me to the life I have now –  a life of authenticity, freedom, and alignment. In this episode, I’m sharing some of the lessons I’ve learned over the past 15 years, the incredible transformational power of saying yes to you, and why it’s never too late to rewrite your story.   What we’ll explore together: How transformation isn’t instant—it happens in small, consistent choices. Why choosing yourself—even when it’s hard—is the most courageous act of all. The cost of staying stuck is greater than the discomfort of change. You don’t have to wait for the “right” moment—your true life begins when you choose yourself. Your shadows aren’t something to fear; they are a doorway to freedom. It’s never too late to begin again, at 30, 45, 60, or beyond.   I hope this episode serves as an invitation for you to reflect on your own journey and the choices ahead. Remember it’s never too late to say yes to you, and begin living your truth.

Does the thought of saying no stir up guilt, fear, or resistance in you? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I’m unpacking one of the most misunderstood concepts in personal growth, relationships, and boundaries—saying no.  Many of us have been conditioned to believe that saying yes is the path to being a good person. But what if saying no is actually the most generous and loving thing you can do? Join me as I challenge the myth that people-pleasing is kindness and show you how to reclaim your time, energy, and authenticity by embracing the power of a confident, compassionate no. What We’ll Explore Together: Why people-pleasing isn’t generosity—it’s fear in disguise. How overcommitting is actually draining, not virtuous. The hidden cost of saying yes when you really want to say no. How saying no strengthens your relationships and inspires others. Practical steps to set clear, guilt-free boundaries. Key Insights: Every yes is a no to something else—choose wisely. Boundaries are bridges, not barriers—they foster deeper connections. Saying no doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you self-honoring. A clear, confident no leads to a more aligned, fulfilling life. Practicing small no’s builds the courage for bigger, life-changing ones. Ready to reclaim your time and energy? Start practicing your intentional no today!    Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook  

Have you ever achieved a BIG goal you worked so hard for...only to feel empty or  unfulfilled afterward?  In this episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I’m challenging a belief that so many of us have held onto— the idea that goal-setting is the key to success. While goals can be powerful, they can also become traps—driving us into exhaustion, disconnecting us from what truly matters, and even making us feel like failures when life doesn’t go as planned. Together, we’ll explore how to redefine success from an internal lens, uncover the hidden shadow commitments that might be driving some misaligned goal-setting, and create a relationship with achievement that nourishes your soul instead of depleting it.   What we’ll explore together: The hidden costs of goal-setting that no one talks about. How external validation keeps you chasing the wrong goals. Why achieving a goal doesn’t always lead to fulfillment. How to uncover your shadow commitments and release them. A new way to set goals that align with your soul.   PLUS If you’re ready to break free from outdated goals and create a life that’s aligned with your truth, I invite you to explore Your Inner Eclipse, my 8-week group coaching experience. Together, we’ll dive deep into shadow work, self-inquiry, and personal transformation so you can step fully into your power. 🔗 Join me at nancylevin.com/eclipse   Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook  

In this episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I’m diving into the value of deep and consistent inner work. If you’ve ever found yourself searching for meaning outside of yourself, looking for validation, success, or proof that you’re worthy, this episode has some insights for you. Because the truth is, the answers aren’t out there—they’re already within you. And the only way to access them is by committing to self-inquiry and self-discovery. Join me as we explore how doing this inner work helps you release limiting beliefs, reclaim your wholeness, and create a meaningful life on your own terms. What we’ll explore together: Why external achievements will never create lasting fulfillment. How deep self-inquiry reconnects you to your truth. The unconscious beliefs and patterns keeping you stuck—and how to shift them. The importance of shadow work in embracing all parts of yourself. How consistency in inner work leads to real transformation.   PLUS - Are you ready to go deeper? Join my 8-week coaching experience! If you’re ready to commit to meaningful inner work, join me for Your Inner Eclipse, my 8-week group coaching experience! Together, we’ll dive deep into shadow work, self-inquiry, and personal transformation so you can step fully into your power. 🔗 Join me at nancylevin.com/eclipse   Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook    

Welcome to The Nancy Levin Show! As we move into the new year, I want to talk to you about moving from chaos to confidence. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life’s chaos or stuck in limiting patterns, this episode is for you.   I’ll guide you through the power of shadow work—a process that helps you uncover hidden parts of yourself, embrace your wholeness, and rewrite the narrative that’s been holding you back. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered to meet your shadow with compassion and take brave steps toward living confidently and authentically.   What we’ll explore together:   How chaos is not your enemy but an invitation to uncover your truth. The concept of shadow work and why it’s key to transformation. The patterns and beliefs keeping you stuck—and how to shift them. My personal story of moving from chaos to confidence to create the life I live today. Three powerful steps to embrace shadow work and step into your confidence. Take it deeper:  If you’re ready to take the next step – you can join my free live virtual workshop, From Chaos to Confidence! Together, we’ll explore how to find your footing, overcome overwhelm, and create the peace you desire and deserve!   Sign up here to choose the date that works best for you, and if you can’t make it live, I’ll send you the replay! Let this be the year you step into your power and embrace all of who you are. You’ve got this – and I’ve got you. 💛   Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook

In this episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I’m diving into a pivotal moment many of us face—the moment we decide, “I can’t live like this anymore.” If that resonates with you, you’re in the right place.  By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered to give yourself the permission you’ve been waiting for: the permission to live freely, authentically, and on your own terms. I’ll walk you through how to identify what’s keeping you stuck, how to rewrite limiting beliefs, and how to take micro-actions to shift your narrative. We’ll explore the power of setting boundaries, facing fear with courage, and cultivating self-compassion to create a life that feels aligned with your truth. Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook   You can also join my free virtual workshop ’From Chaos to Confidence’ at  www.nancylevin.com/chaos, to find your footing, overcome chaos and create the peace you desire!  

In this episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I explore the transformative journey of menopause and how this stage of life can open up an extraordinary opportunity to prioritize yourself, reclaim your voice, and set boundaries like never before. While menopause is often seen as an ending, it is truly a profound beginning—a chance to redefine how you show up in the world and rediscover the joy and power within. For those navigating this transition—or for anyone seeking to shift patterns and embrace their truth—this episode offers insights, practical tools, and inspiration for letting go of what no longer serves you –  and stepping fully into the life you deserve. You can also join my new free workshop ’from Chaos to Confidence’ at  www.nancylevin.com/chaos, to find your footing, overcome chaos and create the peace you desire!   Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook  

In this episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I’m joined by my dear friend, New York Times bestselling author and spiritual teacher Gabby Bernstein. Gabby introduces her brand-new book, Self Help, and walks us through a simple yet transformative four-step practice that helps us check in with ourselves and reconnect with our true self. Gabby and I go deep—because that’s what we do!—talking about self-reflection and how compassion and curiosity can unlock clarity, calm, and creativity. She explains how embracing every part of ourselves can lead to profound healing and personal growth. This conversation is full of actionable insights and inspiration for anyone on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I know you’re going to love it!   Connect with Gabby: GabbyBernstein.com Follow Gabby on Instagram: @gabbybernstein Grab Gabby’s new book, Self Help Join Gabby on her Change Your Life Tour in New York, L.A., San Francisco or Boston: gabbyberntein.com/events   Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook Grab your copy of my latest book! - Embrace Your Shadow to Find Your Light

In this episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I explore the powerful concept of non-negotiables and why they’re so much more meaningful than resolutions. As we step into the holiday season and the close of another year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what truly matters—and to shift our focus from fleeting promises—to steadfast commitments that honor our well-being. Non-negotiables can serve as anchors in our lives; providing clarity, stability, and alignment with our deepest values. We’ll also talk about how balancing connection and solitude plays into this—why it’s essential to listen to your inner needs and give yourself permission to pause. If you’re tired of the pressure of New Year’s resolutions that fade by February, this episode will guide you in creating a life centered on what you truly need and deserve.   Connect with me:  Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook   Grab your copy of my latest book! - Embrace Your Shadow to Find Your Light