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Ever feel like your inner voice got buried under the roles you play—mother, partner, career woman—and somehow lost its way?

Hello and welcome back to the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast! I’m your host, Veronica Cisneros, LMFT, and today, we’re diving into the world of finding your voice. Joining me is the amazing Amy Green Smith, a certified life coach and hypnotherapist who’s mastered the art of blending irreverence, wisdom, and humor. Amy has dedicated her career to helping people step into their power and embrace their true selves, and today, she’s sharing her journey to discovering her voice.

Summary

• Recognize your worth and prioritize your own happiness
• Identify and overcome barriers to expressing yourself
• Communicate your needs and boundaries effectively
• Hypnotherapy can help reprogram subconscious beliefs and enhance self-worth Entering a wave state during hypnosis can quiet the inner critic and make it easier to believe in positive suggestions and affirmations.
• Taking an inventory of where you’re not being vocal and paying attention to your emotions can help you find your voice.
• Vulnerability, humor, and irreverence can break down barriers and foster deeper connections.
• Speaking up and setting boundaries can lead to transformative changes in personal and professional relationships.
• Practical steps for developing a stronger sense of self and advocating for oneself include taking an inventory, expressing the depth of importance, leading with vulnerability, and preparing for conversations.
• AI has the potential to revolutionize personal empowerment and self-development.

The Power of Finding Your Voice

So, what does it mean to truly find your voice? Amy’s story is a powerful example. Growing up in a strict, religious household, Amy had always been the “good girl,” following all the rules and doing everything “right.” But as she ventured into adulthood, she felt the need to step away from her family’s expectations and find her own path. This journey became especially poignant after her father’s passing, when she was confronted by her mother, who felt that she and her siblings had disappointed their family by not following the faith.

“I realized I was at a precipice: Make someone else happy or choose my own happiness. And that day, I chose me.” – Amy Green Smith

This moment marked a turning point for Amy—a realization that her voice mattered, even if it ruffled some feathers.

Embracing the Inner Struggle

Finding your voice isn’t easy. It’s a journey filled with self-doubt, fear, and sometimes, opposition. Amy and I joked about the struggle of “staying strong” in your beliefs while dealing with the discomfort that comes with asserting yourself.

“There’s this tug-of-war between staying true to yourself and the pain that comes with it. But choosing to stay silent just to keep the peace? That’s even harder.” – Amy Green Smith

Amy reminded me—and all of us—that finding your voice means embracing discomfort. It’s about learning to sit with the pain of standing up for yourself, even if it means going against what others want or expect. For her, the journey included setting boundaries, sometimes clumsily, with her mother. It was messy and often painful, but it was a necessary step toward living authentically.

The Art of Apologizing (Without Losing Your Voice)

One powerful lesson Amy shared is the importance of apologizing when we misstep, but without retracting our beliefs. She explained how, in her efforts to assert herself, she sometimes went overboard, expressing herself in ways she later regretted. But rather than backing down from her convictions, she found a way to apologize for the delivery while standing by her views.

“I don’t need to apologize for my beliefs, but I do want to apologize for how I said it. That’s powerful.” – Amy Green Smith

This is a game-changer, especially for high-achieving women who often feel pressured to be either all in or all out. Learning to own only the part of the conflict we regret, while maintaining our stance, can be a huge step in building our confidence and protecting our relationships.

The Dual Nature of Emotions

Amy and I laughed about the reality of speaking up—it’s far from just “shit and glitter.” When we set boundaries or stand up for ourselves, we often experience what Amy calls “dichotomous emotion.” We feel proud, yet sad; empowered, yet anxious. And that’s perfectly normal.

“It’s not all glitter and empowerment; sometimes, it’s sadness, frustration, and fear rolled into one.” – Amy Green Smith

As women, we’re often told to choose one emotion, but real empowerment comes from embracing the messiness. Amy’s journey taught her to accept these complex feelings, knowing they’re part of becoming unapologetically herself.

Barriers to Finding Your Voice

One of the biggest challenges for women, especially high-achievers, is dealing with societal conditioning. We’re taught to prioritize others, to be agreeable, to avoid conflict. Amy noted that women are often seen as “too much” or “difficult” if they assert themselves, and this societal pressure can make it harder to claim our space.

“Women are conditioned to believe that speaking up makes us ‘difficult,’ but staying silent means we lose ourselves.” – Amy Green Smith

Breaking through these barriers isn’t easy, but it starts with challenging the beliefs we’ve internalized and recognizing our worth. Amy’s message is clear: reclaiming your voice means understanding that you deserve to be heard, no matter what others might think.

Turns out, when we’re running on empty and just pushing through, our brains slow down into a state where our inner critic loosens its grip. Imagine if we could tap into that state to let go of self-doubt and just be. This idea was a game-changer for me because it speaks to something we often ignore: the signals our emotions send us.

When you’re feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or plain irritated, don’t shrug it off. Take it as a cue. Amy explains that our emotions, like physical pain, are signals telling us something deeper is at play. Ignoring these feelings is like ignoring a warning light on your car—it doesn’t end well. Pay attention to what’s beneath the surface, and let those emotions guide you to where you need to be.

How many of us try to solve emotional pain with physical remedies? We hustle, turn to wine, or dive into exercise thinking it’ll “fix” us. But here’s the truth: those actions are just band-aids. Instead, we need to embrace the discomfort, sit with it, and actually process it. Trust me, it’s hard, but it’s so worth it.

Owning Your Voice, One Step at a Time

Finding your voice doesn’t mean shouting from the rooftops or being confrontational. It’s about learning to say, “This is who I am, and I’m okay with that.” Amy reminds us that this journey is ongoing, filled with setbacks, but each moment of discomfort is a step closer to freedom.

If you’re ready to start your own journey to finding your voice, remember: it’s okay to stumble. It’s okay to feel a range of emotions. What matters is that you take that first step—no matter how small—toward living unapologetically as yourself. And if you ever doubt your progress, look to Amy’s story as a reminder that empowerment isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence.

“Every moment you choose yourself over others’ expectations, you’re rewriting your story.” – Amy Green Smith

So, here’s to finding our voices, embracing the messy, beautiful process of self-discovery, and living empowered and unapologetic.

Be Unapologetically You—Gangster Dad and All

Thoughts from Veronica: Now, let me tell you something personal. My dad was a gangster. Yep, that gritty resilience he taught me? It shows up in my therapy sessions. I’m not here to be a detached professional; I’m here to be real and to connect. Authenticity matters, and in finding your voice, showing up as your true self is essential.

Finding your voice is a journey—a commitment to loving yourself so much that every decision becomes clear. It’s a process, a partnership, and as Amy and I agree, it’s 100% collaborative. Embrace the journey, let go of perfection, and watch how it transforms not just your relationships, but your whole life.

Speak to a Therapist

Our team at Outside the Norm Counseling understands the unique struggles women experience and provides compassionate, tailored care to guide you through difficult times. Don’t face these challenges alone—reach out to us at Outside the Norm Counseling and take the first step toward feeling empowered and supported in your journey. For more information, go to Outside the Norm Counseling or call us at 951-395-3288.

Meet Regina Casini

Amy Green Smith helps women leaders finally believe they are ‘enough’ so they can create unshakable boundaries and communicate with power. 

She focuses mainly on teaching chronic people-pleasers how to speak up for themselves without being riddled with guilt and fear (Yes, please!). She’s known for her raw, irreverent slant on personal development and would love to share real-world, implementable tools (not just airy-fairy concepts) with your audience.

Amy Green Smith is deeply committed to offering expert coaching, backed by extensive credentials and certifications. She holds a CPCC coaching certification from the Coaches Training Institute, a credential with the International Coaching Federation, and certifications in hypnotherapy from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute. Beyond this, Amy is trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping), Handwriting Analysis, and Inner Child Work. With a background in business management and a wealth of specialized tools, Amy brings a well-rounded, professional approach to coaching that goes far beyond basic training.

DIGITAL COORDINATES:

Amy Green Smith’s Website

Instagram

Youtube

TALK TO A THERAPIST

If you’re feeling stuck and ready to explore these challenges more deeply, consider reaching out for professional help. Here at Outside the Norm Counseling, we’re here to support you on your journey to self-discovery and confidence. For more information, go to Outside the Norm Counselingor call us at 951-395-3288.

Thank you for joining me today. Remember, you are beautiful, you are worthy and empowered. Until next time, stay unapologetically you. Bye for now.

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• Outside The Norm Counseling – 951 395 3288 call to schedule an appointment today!
• 5 Things that are Killing your Marriage Free Guide available at www.veronicacisneros.org

Meet Veronica Cisneros

As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.

But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.

Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.

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Thanks for listening!

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