62 \\ The Importance of Letting Your Guard Down

Saying “yes” can feel like the easier option, but every "yes" is also a "no" to something else. In this episode of A Fresh Start, we explore how to make choices without guilt, align your "yes" with your true values, and protect your time and energy in the process. If you’ve ever struggled with overcommitting, people-pleasing, or feeling guilty for saying "no," this conversation will help you pause and reflect on what you actually want to prioritize. You’ll learn simple ways to shift from reactive decisions to intentional ones, so that your "yes" becomes powerful and purposeful. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why every "yes" automatically becomes a "no" to something else How to release guilt around saying "no" Ways to align your decisions with your values and goals A healthier framework for boundaries and commitments Something to think about: Where in your life do you need to start saying "no" so your "yes" can mean more?   Resources: https://stan.store/shannonmarqueta  Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/afreshstartcommunity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonmarqueta   Email: [email protected]   2025: Hello / Goodbye Playlist Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8b909d05-f1fa-4eba-88ff-c8571aac6c3e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jv87DuQfexSEWCA6BcRrB?si=Z_RLfEYeQOigmba78oUFGw

New seasons often spark the desire for change, but what if you could tap into that fresh-start energy anytime? In this episode, we talk about how to give yourself permission to reset, no matter what the calendar says — and why the back-to-school season can be a powerful reminder that you are allowed to start over as often as you need. This is your encouragement to stop waiting for the “perfect time,” and start making small, meaningful shifts today. XO, Shannon   Resources: https://stan.store/shannonmarqueta  Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/afreshstartcommunity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonmarqueta   Email: [email protected]   2025: Hello / Goodbye Playlist Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8b909d05-f1fa-4eba-88ff-c8571aac6c3e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jv87DuQfexSEWCA6BcRrB?si=Z_RLfEYeQOigmba78oUFGw   Episode Mentions: Miss Congeniality (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Congeniality-Sandra-Bullock/dp/B002R5HQDK 

Whether you have kids or not, the back-to-school season feels like a natural reset. In this episode, I walk you through how to use this time of year to refresh your routines, simplify your schedule, and build habits that stick — without falling into the “do everything at once” trap. You’ll learn how to align your energy with your priorities, make small changes that compound over time, and set yourself up for a calmer, more productive season. If you’re ready for a fresh start, this episode will give you the exact framework to make it happen. XO, Shannon   Resources: https://stan.store/shannonmarqueta  Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/afreshstartcommunity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonmarqueta   Email: [email protected]   2025: Hello / Goodbye Playlist Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8b909d05-f1fa-4eba-88ff-c8571aac6c3e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jv87DuQfexSEWCA6BcRrB?si=Z_RLfEYeQOigmba78oUFGw

Do you ever find yourself saying 'yes' our of habit, only to regret it later? You're not alone. In this episode, we talk about how to shift from overbooked to living on purpose so you can reclaim both your energy and peace without guilt. You’ll walk away with a few gentle but powerful questions to help you make aligned decisions that protect your time, energy, and joy. In this episode: How to spot when you’ve slipped into automatic 'yes'-mode Why alignment isn’t about doing less — it’s about doing what matters Journal prompts to help you reset your calendar and commitments XO, Shannon   Resources: https://stan.store/shannonmarqueta  Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/afreshstartcommunity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonmarqueta   Email: [email protected]   2025: Hello / Goodbye Playlist Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8b909d05-f1fa-4eba-88ff-c8571aac6c3e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jv87DuQfexSEWCA6BcRrB?si=Z_RLfEYeQOigmba78oUFGw   Episode Mentions Geek Girl (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/81637842?source=35&fromWatch=true 

Do you feel spread thin, even though everything on your calendar seems “important”? In this episode, we explore the difference between being aligned and being overcommitted. You’ll learn how to recognize when your 'yes' is actually holding you back and discover ways to reset your priorities using the IDT Method. This is for the high-achievers, the helpers, and the quietly overwhelmed - you don’t have to stay stuck in hustle mode. Protecting your energy and peace matters too. In this episode, we cover: Why we overcommit even when we know better The subtle signs you’re overcommitted (and what to do) What aligned action actually feels like How to gently reset and protect your peace XO, Shannon   Resources: https://stan.store/shannonmarqueta  Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/afreshstartcommunity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonmarqueta   Email: [email protected]   2025: Hello / Goodbye Playlist Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8b909d05-f1fa-4eba-88ff-c8571aac6c3e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jv87DuQfexSEWCA6BcRrB?si=Z_RLfEYeQOigmba78oUFGw

If you’ve been wondering whether you’re making progress or just spinning your wheels, this episode will help you see your growth clearly - even when no one else does. if you have you ever looked around and thought, “Am I still stuck … or am I just growing quietly behind the scenes?” It’s a hard question, and this episode is here to help you answer it with clarity and confidence. In today’s teaching episode, we break down: The difference between being stuck vs. quietly growing How to spot real, internal progress even when it's invisible to others Why external validation can’t define your timeline The subtle signs that you're healing, becoming, and showing up more than you think You’ll leave this episode feeling encouraged and equipped to trust your journey, even if it doesn’t look loud, flashy, or fast. XO, Shannon   Resources: https://stan.store/shannonmarqueta  Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/afreshstartcommunity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonmarqueta   Email: [email protected]   2025: Hello / Goodbye Playlist Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8b909d05-f1fa-4eba-88ff-c8571aac6c3e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jv87DuQfexSEWCA6BcRrB?si=Z_RLfEYeQOigmba78oUFGw

You’re Growing, Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It Yet Do you ever feel like you're doing the work, but still stuck in place? Like no matter how much effort you give, you're not seeing results fast enough? This episode is for the quiet growers, the inner healers, and the high-achievers who constantly downplay their progress. Inside this episode of A Fresh Start, we’re unpacking: What real growth actually looks like (spoiler: it’s not always obvious) How to recognize emotional and behavioral progress The common mistake high-achievers make that keeps you feeling “not enough” Journal prompts to help you finally give yourself credit If you’ve been feeling like your efforts aren’t paying off, this is your reminder that growth is happening, even when you can’t see it yet. Press play, and let’s walk through this together. XO, Shannon   Resources: https://stan.store/shannonmarqueta  Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/afreshstartcommunity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonmarqueta   Email: [email protected]   2025: Hello / Goodbye Playlist Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8b909d05-f1fa-4eba-88ff-c8571aac6c3e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jv87DuQfexSEWCA6BcRrB?si=Z_RLfEYeQOigmba78oUFGw

If you’ve been feeling behind, stuck, or like your small efforts aren’t adding up - this episode is here to remind you: you’re doing better than you think. Whether you're working on healthier habits, healing your mindset, or just trying to keep up with life - it’s easy to miss the progress that’s happening underneath the surface. Especially when comparison, self-doubt, or burnout creep in. This episode is a permission slip to pause, reflect, and recognize how far you’ve come. Because you might be showing up, growing, and thriving more than you realize. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why high-achievers often miss their own progress How to notice (and celebrate) the small things that are actually big wins A simple mindset reframe to reduce self-doubt The one phrase to keep in your back pocket for tough days XO, Shannon   Resources: https://stan.store/shannonmarqueta  Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/afreshstartcommunity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonmarqueta   Email: [email protected]   2025: Hello / Goodbye Playlist Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8b909d05-f1fa-4eba-88ff-c8571aac6c3e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jv87DuQfexSEWCA6BcRrB?si=Z_RLfEYeQOigmba78oUFGw

Feeling stuck or unsure if your hard work is even making a difference? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about the quiet signs of personal growth that most people overlook—especially high-achievers who are used to measuring progress in productivity or perfection. If you’ve been doing the work but still asking, “Why don’t I feel like I’m getting anywhere?”—this is the episode for you. We’ll walk through real, invisible signs that you’re growing, even when your life doesn’t look all that different yet. Whether you’re trying to stick to healthier habits, build self-confidence, or simply keep going when motivation fades, this is your reminder that you are moving forward—even when it’s subtle. In this episode, you’ll learn: Unexpected signs that prove you’re growing (even if no one else notices yet) Why it’s hard to trust progress you can’t “see” yet How to stop downplaying your effort and start giving yourself credit A small shift that can help you rebuild trust in your own process XO, Shannon   Resources: https://stan.store/shannonmarqueta  Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/afreshstartcommunity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonmarqueta   Email: [email protected]   2025: Hello / Goodbye Playlist Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8b909d05-f1fa-4eba-88ff-c8571aac6c3e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jv87DuQfexSEWCA6BcRrB?si=Z_RLfEYeQOigmba78oUFGw

External progress is often an overflow of internal work. People will congratulate and celebrate your achievements, often as if it happened quickly, when in reality it took years of commitment and dedication to growth and consistency that no one ever saw or recognized. Invisible progress are the intangibles. How you handle your attitude, commitment, leadership, responses. Success is far more than monetary. Define your own timeline and remember that the progress behind-the-scenes may be quiet, but it's steadiness will speak volumes in time. XO, Shannon   Resources: https://stan.store/shannonmarqueta  Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/afreshstartcommunity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonmarqueta   Email: [email protected]   2025: Hello / Goodbye Playlist Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8b909d05-f1fa-4eba-88ff-c8571aac6c3e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jv87DuQfexSEWCA6BcRrB?si=Z_RLfEYeQOigmba78oUFGw