Week 4 Mental Health Recap: Confidence, Boundaries, & Apologies: 🌟
- Tami West, PhD
- May 28
- 3 min read
Hey friends! This week, I explored some powerful truths around confidence, setting boundaries, and the transformative power of apology—essentials for mental and emotional health.
Speaking Up with Confidence 🙋♀️Inspired by an intense scene from White Lotus, I shared how true confidence isn't about perfection but about owning your truth, even when it's uncomfortable. Ever frozen instead of speaking up? Confidence helps you navigate those tough conversations.
"Confidence isn’t about never messing up. It’s about speaking your truth, even when it’s hard."
The USA Method: Saying 'No' Gracefully 🙅♀️Saying 'no' can be tough, but necessary. I dove into the "USA Method": Understand the request, State your situation, and Assert what you can do. This approach protects relationships while respecting your boundaries.
"Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and still love myself." – Anne Lamott
Nightlights & Choices: Small Decisions, Big Healing 💡A funny but deep story of how a nightlight helped me see clearly—literally and metaphorically. Healing starts with small, intentional choices. Therapy, medication, faith, support—all tools that empower your journey from darkness to light.
"Sometimes healing starts with a nightlight—a small decision to see in the dark."
Apology as Strength, Not Weakness ✨I shared a personal story about a professional mishap turned healing moment. Apologizing can strengthen bonds, enhance credibility, and fuel personal growth. It’s not surrender; it’s strength.
"Apologizing doesn’t make you weak. It makes you whole."
Guilt: Judgment vs. Emotion ⚖️Finally, we dissected guilt, a feeling that often gets mislabeled. It's not an emotion—it’s a judgment. When my child cheated on a test while I was away, was I guilty? No. What I felt were real emotions—fear, shame, disappointment.
"Guilt isn’t an emotion—it’s a judgment. You’re either guilty, or you’re not."
Perfectionism: Pain Disguised as a Trait 🎯Perfectionism isn’t something to aspire to—it’s pain in disguise. My personal turning point involved accepting imperfections (literally holes behind pictures on my wall!). Change your language, start small, and choose peace over perfect.
"Let go of perfect. Choose peace instead."
🌟 Engage with the full resources and assessments mentioned this week in my Resource Vault
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHAM2025 #Confidence #HealthyBoundaries #EmotionalWellness #Leadership #ApologyPower #GuiltFreeLiving #LetGoOfPerfect #ConsiderYourselfHugged
Keep the Conversation Going!
Which of these topics helped you most this week? Drop a comment below or send me a message—I love hearing your stories. And if you want downloadable quote cards, images, or deep-dive guides for any of these posts, just let me know!
Hugs,
Tami
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Tami West, PhD
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.
Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.
Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In any given year, Tami speaks to groups with audiences consisting of anywhere from 100 to 3,000 people.
Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including three books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. When she's not speaking or writing, you might find her with her traveling with her husband and family, reading historical fiction, or watching Big Bang Theory.
Tami connects with audiences through real experience, cutting edge research, and transparent stories – all sprinkled with humor! She will make you laugh, cry, and shine a refreshingly new light on life's challenges.
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Contact Tami at tamiwest@tamiwest.com
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