Search She Handles It Blog Posts

Hey SheHandlesIt family!

I recently had an eye-opening experience that I couldn’t wait to share with you all. 

As many of you know, I’ve been on a journey to balance work, life, and everything in between. 

And let me tell you, sometimes the most profound lessons come when we least expect them.

A Moment of Revelation

Picture this: a stunning resort, the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore, and me, lounging in a hammock by the pool. It was the epitome of relaxation. 

My fiancé, always looking for the perfect photo op, decided to capture the serene backdrop with me in the frame. 

As he walked away to grab his phone, I found myself fidgeting, adjusting my position, and battling a wave of insecurities about my body.

Sound familiar? 

How often do we find ourselves criticizing our appearances, focusing on perceived flaws rather than appreciating the beauty that others see in us?

The Realization

When my fiancé returned and showed me the picture, it was like a lightbulb went off. 

The issue wasn’t my body; it was how I perceived it. 

In that photo, I saw a relaxed, happy woman enjoying a beautiful moment. 

It was a stark contrast to the critical image I had in my mind just moments before.

Self-Love and Self-Care: Changing the Narrative

Ladies, let’s take a moment to absorb this: the way we see ourselves is often harsher than the way others see us. 

Our loved ones see our smiles, our strengths, and our unique beauty. 

They see the real us, unfiltered and unedited. 

Yet, we frequently allow our self-perception to be clouded by societal standards, past experiences, and our own insecurities.

It’s time we start viewing ourselves through the lenses of those who love and support us. 

This means understanding that the love and admiration we receive from others are based on genuine appreciation of who we are, not an idealized version of ourselves. 

Our friends, family, and partners see the beauty in our authenticity, in our moments of joy and vulnerability. 

They cherish our unique quirks, our resilience, and our unwavering spirit.

Why Is Self-Love Important?

Self-love is more than just a concept; it’s a transformative practice that allows us to recognize our intrinsic value. 

When we love ourselves, we acknowledge that we are deserving of happiness, respect, and care. 

This internal affirmation builds a foundation of confidence and resilience, empowering us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and strength.

The Power of Self-Care

Self-care, on the other hand, is the practical application of self-love. It’s about making choices that nourish our body, mind, and soul. 

Self-care involves setting boundaries to protect our energy, engaging in activities that bring us joy, and prioritizing our well-being.

It is through self-care that we demonstrate our self-love in tangible ways.

Changing the Narrative

To change the narrative of how we see ourselves, we need to practice self-awareness and mindfulness. 

Begin by identifying the negative self-talk that often arises. 

Challenge these thoughts by asking whether they are true or if they are based on unfounded fears and comparisons. 

Replace them with affirmations that reflect your true worth and accomplishments.

Consider creating a “self-love toolkit” filled with practices and reminders that help reinforce positive self-perception. This could include:

  • Gratitude Journals: Writing down things you are grateful for about yourself can shift your focus from flaws to strengths.
  • Mindfulness Meditation: Practicing mindfulness helps you stay present and appreciate your current self without judgment.
  • Mirror Work: Spend a few minutes each day looking into the mirror and speaking kindly to yourself. Affirm your beauty and worth as you would to a dear friend.

The Role of Community

Surrounding yourself with positive influences is crucial in this journey. 

Engage with people who uplift and inspire you, those who see and celebrate your true self.

Let their love and support be a mirror that reflects your beauty back to you. 

Share your journey with them, and let their perspectives help you reshape your own.

Steps to Embrace Self-Love

  1. Shift Your Perspective : Next time you look in the mirror, try to see what your loved ones see. Focus on your positive attributes and celebrate them.
  2. Practice Kindness : Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you offer to others. Remember, you deserve it just as much.
  3. Positive Affirmations : Start your day with affirmations that boost your self-esteem. Remind yourself of your strengths and achievements.
  4. Surround Yourself with Positivity : Spend time with people who uplift and support you. Their positive energy can help reinforce your self-worth.
  5. Self-Care Rituals : Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a long bath, or simply lounging in a hammock, find what makes you happy and prioritize it.

Embrace Your Unique Beauty

Let’s make a pact to be kinder to ourselves. To recognize and appreciate the beauty that the rest of the world sees in us. We are all uniquely beautiful, and it’s high time we embrace it.

So, to anyone who needed to hear this today, remember: you are beautiful, you are worthy, and you deserve to love yourself as fiercely as you love others.

Until next time, stay strong and keep handling it like the amazing women you are.

By CJ Stasik July 22, 2025
Feeling overwhelmed by constant doing? Discover how stillness—not hustle—can lead to clarity, strength, and more intentional leadership. A personal reflection from CJ Stasik of SheHandlesIt.
By shehandlesit July 14, 2025
The other night, I found myself wide awake at 2 a.m.—and not in the romantic, creative genius kind of way. I tossed, I turned, I stared at the ceiling. And then it hit me: I had forgotten to set my alarm. So first—thank you, Spirit Guides, Universe, God, or whatever higher force you believe in—for … The post The Breath That Brings You Back: How a Longer Exhale Calms the Chaos appeared first on She Handles It.
By shehandlesit July 7, 2025
Not all bold moves make headlines. Sometimes they look like quietly clicking “publish” on your first blog post.Sometimes they sound like a whisper in your heart, nudging you to speak your truth out loud for the first time. For me, one of the boldest decisions I’ve ever made was choosing to talk openly about my … The post Bold Moves Don’t Always Look Big—But They Always Feel Brave appeared first on She Handles It.
By shehandlesit June 2, 2025
And no, you’re not losing it — your brain’s just asking for something better. There was a time when I wore multitasking like a cape.Emails flying, dinner cooking, homework help, Slack pings, calendar reminders — I was the queen of juggling all the things. I used to pride myself on being able to do five … The post Why Multitasking Gets Harder After 40 — and What to Do About It appeared first on She Handles It.
By shehandlesit May 13, 2025
The Myth of Balance Let’s just say it: balance is bullsh*t.At least, the version we’ve been sold. You know the one—where you’re perfectly splitting time between career, motherhood, self-care, marriage, friendships, and hobbies… all while glowing and drinking green juice. The truth? That version of balance is exhausting just thinking about it. And it’s keeping … The post The Power of Presence: Leading with Calm, Confidence, and Clarity appeared first on She Handles It.
By shehandlesit April 21, 2025
A few nights ago, I found myself gathered around a bonfire with my family after my niece’s wedding.  We were laughing, swapping stories, and soaking in the warmth of a Florida evening. It was one of those rare, soul-filling moments that you don’t plan—they just happen.  And as I sat there, I realized something: not … The post How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety by Living in the Present Moment appeared first on She Handles It.
By shehandlesit March 31, 2025
I’ve given a lot of presentations over the years—on stages, in boardrooms, at industry conferences, and in small rooms with just a handful of attendees.  And while I’ve learned that public speaking does get easier with experience, it also gets better when you approach it with intention. There are tons of great public speaking tips … The post Speak Like You Mean It: 5 Real Tips That Made Me a Better Public Speaker appeared first on She Handles It.
By shehandlesit February 24, 2025
If you’ve ever hesitated to ask for help, you’re not alone. Many women feel that reaching out for support somehow signals failure—as if we should be able to juggle everything on our own. But here’s the truth:  No one succeeds alone.  A strong support network isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. Networking is about more … The post How to Build a Strong Support Network (Without Feeling Like You’re Failing) appeared first on She Handles It.
By shehandlesit February 18, 2025
As working moms, we are conditioned to believe that saying “yes” is part of the job description. We say yes to bake sales, work projects, last-minute favors, and endless requests that drain our energy and time.  Why?  Because we don’t want to let anyone down. The pressure to be everything for everyone is overwhelming, but … The post The Art of Saying No: How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt appeared first on She Handles It.
By shehandlesit February 10, 2025
This morning, I attended a breakfast meeting—the good kind. You know, the ones where you actually want to be there. Great people, great food, and, from what I heard, great coffee (tea for me, obviously).  The conversation was engaging, and the guest speakers were talking about something that instantly caught my attention—storytelling. I nodded along, … The post Storytelling: The One Skill You’re Already Using, But Probably Need to Get Better At appeared first on She Handles It.
Show More