You’re scared they’ll judge you? Amiga… they already are.
So go ahead and post it. Start the thing. Say the dream out loud.
In this episode, we’re getting into the fear of being perceived. Why it keeps us small. Why it still hurts (even when you know better). And why doing it anyway is the most poderosa move you can make.

💌 Subscribe to the Con Alas newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/ab59f968f99c/subscribe-to-con-alas-notes-from-maras-desk
📚 Browse my books: https://mariadoloresaguila.com/forthcoming-books/
🎥 Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mariadaguila
📲 Follow me on IG: @maria.d.aguila + TikTok: @mariadaguila

✨ This week’s affirmation: I release the fear of being seen and choose to show up anyway.

🎵 Music credit: “Dream Pop LoFi” by DRAGON_STUDIO via Pixabay

Emotional Regulation for Creative Latinas: Anxiety, Rumination & Becoming Rooted

In this grounded and personal episode, I reflect on the deep inner work behind creativity and peace. I share how emotional regulation, not happiness, became my foundation, and how learning to sit with discomfort helped me come home to myself.

We talk about what it means to be addicted to worrying, how rumination gets in the way of our creativity, and why regulating our emotions can help us move forward when we feel stuck. I also talk about affirmations, boundaries, and giving ourselves permission to grow slowly.

If you’ve ever spiraled before starting, pushed through panic to get things done, or felt shame for not doing enough, this one’s for you.

✨ Topics we explore:
• Why worrying feels productive when it’s not
• The difference between emotional regulation and suppression
• How affirmations help rewire anxious patterns
• Boundaries, people pleasing, and protecting your energy
• Growing at your own pace instead of chasing urgency
• Writing through discomfort and learning to trust the process
• Finding your way back to calm without forcing perfection

💌 Weekly Affirmation:
I’m rooted. I’m safe. Estoy creciendo, poquito a poco.

📚 Check out my books, podcast clips, and upcoming events:
https://mariadoloresaguila.com/links

📸 Follow along on Instagram:
@maria.d.aguila

🎶 Episode Music:
“Dream Pop Lofi” by DRAGON_STUDIO via Pixabay.
Free to use, no credit required, but I love to give them a shoutout.

Rooting takes time.
Your peace is worth the effort.
You’re not behind. You’re becoming.

Friendship After 30 for Latina Moms: Boundaries, Chisme & Becoming Rodeada

In this tender, honest episode, I’m breaking format to share a more personal story about friendship, loneliness, jealousy, and healing. I open up about how I went from having almost no close friends in my twenties to being rodeada, surrounded by comadres who truly see and support me.We talk about what it means to unlearn toxic family dynamics, how chisme can be both protective and harmful, and the difference between emotional intensity and emotional intimacy (yes, even in platonic relationships). I also share what I’ve learned about small talk, boundaries, reciprocity, and putting yourself out there, especially as a Latina millennial mom still figuring things out in her forties.If you’ve ever felt too awkward, too intense, or just too behind when it comes to making real connections, this one’s for you.✨ Topics we explore:• How jealousy reveals what we actually want• Chisme, nuance, and red flags in friendship• The myth of the “one perfect best friend”• Love bombing in platonic relationships• Why small talk isn’t shallow, it’s foundational• Making friends as a neurodivergent, recovering people pleaser• How to keep showing up, even after rejection💌 Weekly Affirmation:I don’t have to force connection. I am worthy of being rodeada by people who see me, choose me, and grow with me.📚 Check out my books, podcast clips, and upcoming events:mariadoloresaguila.com/links📸 Follow along on Instagram:@maria.d.aguila🎶 Episode Music:"Dream Pop Lofi" by DRAGON_STUDIO via Pixabay.Free to use, no attribution required, but I love to shout them out anyway.Your people are coming.Some of them might already be here.You just haven’t met all your comadres yet.