Transforming Self-Image and Body Confidence with Maike
Welcome to the Soft Power, where we explore the magic of Human Design and aligned energetics!
Join host Maike Gabriela, Human Design Expert, as she demystifies the cosmic, sprinkles enlightenment, and keeps it real. Whether you're a spirituality expert, curious seeker, or simply seeking radiant vibes, Maike and her wise guests offer a blend of celestial wisdom and down-to-earth practicality.
Put on your headphones and join us on this journey of self-discovery and universal connections. Tune into Soft Power, your go-to place for spirituality and everyday magic, as we illuminate the path to being our true selves – together. Shine on, beautiful souls!
In This Podcast…
In the latest episode of Maike's podcast, she dives deep into her journey of transforming her self-image and building body confidence. Maike begins with a heartfelt disclaimer, emphasizing that she's not a medical doctor and that everything shared in this episode is based on her own experiences. She candidly discusses how she shifted from hating her body and feeling shame to embracing her physical self with confidence, sensuality, and creativity.
A Journey of Overcoming Body Image Struggles
Maike offers a trigger warning as she shares the intense and personal details of her health, food, and body journey. She acknowledges the struggle many face with body image and the relationship with food, describing it as a "mind-consuming clusterfuck." In honor of the June edition of Light Supreme, starting June 15th, Maike aims to guide listeners through 30 days of creating radiant beauty from the inside out, focusing on energetics, nourishment, and self-love through human design.
Maike recounts her early years, around 7-10 years old, when a traumatic family situation led to a period of isolation and emotional turmoil. During this time, she began to gain weight and developed poor eyesight, which she now sees as symbolic of not wanting to "see" the family issues. This period marked the beginning of her struggles with food and body image.
Adolescence and the Pressure of Perfection
The pressure to conform to societal standards intensified during Maike's adolescence. She shares memories of being put on a diet by her mother at 12 and the significant impact of her father's critical views on weight. This period also coincided with her introduction to the fashion industry, where the standards for thinness were unforgiving. Maike candidly discusses her experimentation with harmful behaviors, including extreme dieting and self-harm, influenced by societal and industry pressures.
Finding Balance and Self-Love
Despite the challenges, Maike's journey took a positive turn as she matured. She explored various diets, including keto and veganism, each offering different benefits and challenges. Over time, she found a healthier balance and a more loving relationship with her body. Her experiences in the modeling industry further shaped her understanding of body image, leading her to reject practices that felt inauthentic.
The Breaking Point and the Decision to Step Back
The modeling industry, with its intense demands and often unrealistic expectations, can take a significant toll on an individual's mental and physical health. This story shares a personal journey through the highs and lows of modeling, the struggles with body image, and the ultimate path to self-discovery and self-worth.
At one point, the pressures of the industry became overwhelming. The relentless focus on body measurements and weight was incredibly intense. Agents often pushed unhealthy practices, and the expectation to conform to these standards was stifling. Despite trying various methods to maintain the expected weight, the demands became too much. Liposuction was suggested, but instead, a break was taken to reassess life and health.
The decision to step back from modeling was driven by burnout and a deep sense of dissatisfaction. The constant traveling, isolation, and lack of comfort were exhausting. Holidays were no longer a time for adventure but a desperate need for peace and routine. The break was not entirely voluntary—bookings dwindled, and weight became an issue.
A Period of Intense Struggle, Rediscovering Passion and Stablishing Healthy Boundaries
During this break, there was an attempt to eat normally after years of restriction, leading to significant weight gain. This period was marked by deep depression, feeling like a failure, and struggling with body image. The transition from the rigid modeling lifestyle to a more relaxed one brought its own set of challenges, including self-medicating with drugs to cope with the depression and discomfort.
Despite the struggles, the love for fashion remained strong. Enrolling in a master's program in fashion design provided a new avenue to channel creativity and passion. The experience was enriching and inspired the creation of a sustainable underwear brand aimed at promoting a positive and inclusive image.
The journey toward a healthier lifestyle involved letting go of toxic relationships, getting sober, and establishing new routines. Moving to Austria provided a much-needed change of scenery and a sense of peace. This period was also marked by a commitment to healthy eating and lifestyle changes, which led to significant improvements in well-being.
Throughout the journey, the most profound realization was that self-worth is not determined by external validation but by how one treats and views oneself. Embracing positive self-talk, nourishing the body with love and care, and recognizing one's impact on the world helped to heal the relationship with food and body image.
Embracing True Beauty
Maike's story is one of resilience and transformation. She celebrates the diversity of body shapes and sizes, advocating for self-love and authenticity. Through her podcast, she aims to inspire others to embrace their unique beauty and cultivate a positive relationship with their bodies.
Join Maike in this enlightening episode as she shares her journey from self-doubt and insecurity to confidence and self-expression. Tune in to gain insights and inspiration on how to nurture a healthy body image and live a life full of joy and self-love.
I know it can be a little bit annoying but it would mean the WORLD to me if you could rate the episode on Spotify here and go to Apple podcast to submit your review HERE.
WIN, WIN, WIN! As a REVIEW INCENTIVE I am giving away one FREE one-on-one 30-minute session where you get to ask up to 3 of your burning HD questions.
All you have to do is submit a screenshot of your written Apple podcast review to this FORM and you will be eligible to win some quality time with me. So excited!
