Halloween may come once a year, but for many moms, the masks don’t come off when October ends. In this heartfelt episode, Licensed Therapist and Mom Coach Vanessa De Jesus Guzman explores the invisible emotional masks high-achieving mothers wear - the ones that hide exhaustion, guilt, and vulnerability behind a smile.

Through personal reflection and cultural insight, Vanessa shares how the pressure to “do it all” and “be la fuerte” (the strong one) can leave moms feeling unseen, disconnected, and overwhelmed. She opens up about the generational lessons of strength passed down by her own mother, and how those same values can sometimes keep us from asking for help.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

• The real meaning of the emotional “mask” in motherhood
• How cultural and generational expectations shape the idea of being “the strong one”
• The cost of appearing fine when we’re not
• What authenticity and mindful vulnerability actually look like
• How to gently remove emotional masks using the Mindful Living Framework

TUNE IN TO LEARN

• Why strength and silence are not the same thing
• How the “strong mom” identity affects your kids, relationships, and self-worth
• Practical ways to practice awareness, compassion, and intention
• How to find safe spaces and people to share your truth with
• The freedom and peace that come when you allow yourself to be real

TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
You don’t have to keep the mask on. True strength isn’t about holding it all together; it’s about being brave enough to be seen as you are. When we give ourselves permission to be real, we give others permission to do the same.

Listen in, and remember… you’re always free to be mindful.

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DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.