She Left Her Old Life Behind to Start Over in Europe - Joanna Lay’s Story of Trusting Herself

What actually happens after you finally choose yourself?

Not the polished version.
Not the “everything falls into place” fantasy.
But the real, messy, in-between.

In this revisit episode, I’m joined again by Joanna Lay, licensed psychotherapist and returning guest, whose life has completely transformed since our first conversation. (Make sure to listen to her first episode released on 9/10/2025)

Eight months ago, she made a bold decision—leaving her life in San Francisco and moving across Europe with her dog. No perfect plan. No guarantees. Just a deep trust in herself.

And what she’s learned since?
This is the part no one talks about.

In this episode, we explore:

What it really looks like after you stop over-functioning and chasing validation
The emotional reality of starting over (and why growth isn’t always graceful)
How to trust yourself when everything feels uncertain
Letting go of timelines and redefining success on your own terms
The quiet confidence that comes from living in alignment

If you’ve been holding it all together on the outside but feel drained on the inside…
If you’re craving a life that actually feels like yours…
If you’re standing at the edge of a big decision…

This conversation is your permission to trust yourself.

Because choosing yourself isn’t the finish line.
It’s where everything begins.

Follow me for more inspirational content:

Website: thefeistyheroine.com

YouTube: @thefeistyheroine

Instagram: @thefeistyheroine

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(72)

Why I’m Pressing Pause: Healing, Reflection & Redefining What Matters

In this personal solo episode, I’m sharing why I’ll be pressing pause on The Feisty Heroine Podcast this summer as I prepare for surgery, focus on healing, and reflect on what’s next for this journey....

6 Maj 8min

Feisty Fridays: Why I’m Choosing Self-Sufficiency Over Hustle Culture

In this episode of Feisty Fridays, I’m diving into a realization that stopped me in my tracks this week. I heard that we may soon have our first trillionaire.And instead of feeling inspired… I felt un...

1 Maj 8min

You Are Not Lost, You’re Just Looking for Home in the Wrong Places

What if the reason you’ve never felt fully “at home”…is because you’ve been looking for it in the wrong places?In this deeply personal solo episode, Rachel shares her journey through small-town life, ...

22 Apr 20min

Feisty Fridays: Women Are Done Performing. So Why Are We Still Being Judged?

Why are women still being judged… just for existing?In this Feisty Fridays episode, we’re diving into the pressure women face to look, act, and show up a certain way just to be accepted and what happe...

17 Apr 11min

Feisty Fridays: Why Women Are Still Being Punished for Choosing Motherhood (The Emma Bates Story)

Let’s talk about something that honestly shouldn’t still be happening—but is.In this Feisty Fridays episode, I’m diving into a story that stopped me in my tracks… and might just do the same for you. P...

3 Apr 6min

Kerry Chaput on Women’s History, Female Empowerment, and Breaking Generational Cycles

Where are the women in history… and why were their stories erased?In this episode of The Feisty Heroine Podcast, I sit down with historical fiction author and women’s history advocate Kerry Chaput, cr...

25 Mars 56min

Feisty Fridays: The Power of Slowing Down in a Noisy, Chaotic World

Feeling overwhelmed by the noise of the world right now? You’re not alone.What if the exhaustion you’re feeling isn’t burnout… but awareness?In this Feisty Fridays mini-sode, we’re talking about what ...

20 Mars 14min