Soft Alchemy with Stevie Reneé

New Year, Same You: Remembering Who You Are, and Why You Don't Need to Reinvent Yourself to Grow

Steph R. Long Season 3 Episode 1

As we step into 2025, it’s easy to get swept up in all the “new year, new me” energy—but what if there’s a different way to approach growth?

In this episode, I’m flipping the narrative on reinvention and sharing my journey from chasing external validation to embracing self-acceptance rooted in remembrance. Together, we’ll unpack how societal pressures—shaped by capitalism, colonialism, and systemic conditioning—convince us we need to "fix" ourselves, and why breaking free from those stories is an act of liberation.

I’ll also guide you through a simple, reflective exercise to help you reconnect with your core truths, release the pressure to perform, and set intentions that align with your authentic self. Growth isn’t about erasing yourself—it’s about remembering and nurturing the brilliance that’s already within.

Reflection prompts from this episode:

• What’s one thing you already love about yourself?

• What makes you feel most like you?

• What messages about self-improvement have made you feel like you’re not enough?

• How can you lovingly let go of those ideas this year?

• What do you want to nurture or deepen in your life this year?

• How can you honor your growth while staying true to yourself?

Credits:

Music - "I Enjoy My Space" by Sarah, The Illstrumentalist (via Epidemic Sound)

Other episodes that may resonate:

Discovering and Aligning with Your Core Values for Self-Liberation

It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect—Just Get Started

Continue the journey

Work with me / explore offerings:
srlwellbeing.com

Watch the audio–visual episodes on YouTube:
youtube.com/@softalchemyspace

Follow along on Instagram

@softalchemyspace
@srlwellbeing
@steviereneewithin

About this space

Soft Alchemy is the evolution of my earlier work, In Case Nobody Told You. While the name has changed, the heart remains the same: creating grounded, honest spaces for healing, reflection, and liberation—especially for sensitive, intuitive, and socially aware beings navigating growth in a complicated world.

A gentle note

This podcast isn’t here to fix you.
It’s here to sit with you.

Let it meet you where you are.
Let your evolution unfold in its own time.