Unmask yourself!

Halloween is my favorite holiday. Not because I read tarot cards and host retreats in my practically magic house in the woods,

but because ever since I can remember, I’ve explored the shadows.

As an adult, this continues — both for myself and in helping others do the same.

The things beneath the surface are what intrigue me.

Whether it’s helping people see themselves more clearly — their gifts, talents, skills, abilities, and magic — so they can build their businesses and voice their visions, or it’s a cozy dive into exploring the stories that become the operating systems of our lives and helping build internal alignment for the external world — I firmly believe that understanding our depths benefits everyone.

In marketing, you’ll often hear people say that your audience needs to LIKE, KNOW, AND TRUST you before they’ll buy from you. How can they do that until you do the same?

Understanding our conditioning can help us know, like, and trust ourselves first — and possibly limit how much we project unresolved traumas and stories onto others.

Pretty important work, I’d say. Especially given next week.

As we shift out of Halloween season where we put on masks and play a persona for a while in the name of fun, we move back to being who we really are — less superhero and monster and more like the hopeful & good humans we strive to be (albeit imperfectly, because well…we are humans).

As we go into election week, and the winter months where we naturally turn inward, let’s look beneath the surface.

Whether we’re a fan of our political choices or not —

Whether we are happy with our local and national election outcomes —

Whether we have access, education, and privilege to understand the larger workings (and failings) of our society or not —

Let’s remember our humanity.

Make no mistake about my words. I’m firmly against controlling policies and systems of oppression, and I’m voting and advocating to the extent that is available to me in this election and beyond.

You can read my hot take on what happens when a perceived majority feels threatened to lose their power and on the “witch” hunts that ensue. (spoiler: it’s never been about witches…it’s always been about fear and control.)

At the heart of it, all of the above is interwoven: the joy of trick-or-treating, the depths of exploring who we are under our stories and conditioning, grappling with our chaotic political climate, and remembering the long history of systematized oppression of those who are not elite, well-funded decision-makers.

Let’s continue to discover who we really are so we can voice and act on the things that matter most.

xox

Michelle

P.S. Get the checklist. If you missed my freebie about knowing when it’s time for a brand refresh, you can read more about it here.

P.P.S. I just wrapped up a whirlwind of speaking gigs (more to come) and am finalizing a bunch of client work as the year wraps up. Want to discuss your story and strategy headed into 2025? Book a call with me here.