confidence building – Naty Matos

Imagine standing at the edge of a pool, heart racing, and mind flashing back to every challenging water experience. For many adults, swimming isn’t just about learning strokes; it’s about facing a fear that’s been lurking for decades. This journey of overcoming fear and building confidence is a powerful testament to personal growth and empowerment.

“Swimming is 80% mental and 20% physical,” says Cori, a seasoned swim instructor. Her approach transforms more than just your relationship with water; it changes your relationship with yourself. By focusing on mindfulness and somatic awareness, Cori helps her students stay present and avoid panic, teaching them to trust their bodies and minds.

On this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, Cori shares stories of students who, after conquering their fear of water, found the courage to make significant life changes. “I took my swim lesson and then I quit my job,” one student said. This empowerment extends beyond the pool, encouraging individuals to face life’s challenges with newfound confidence.

The journey begins with small steps, like learning to float or putting your face in the water. Cori emphasizes the importance of creating a safe environment where students can explore their fears and build confidence at their own pace. This approach not only teaches swimming but also instills a sense of self-assurance that ripples into other areas of life.

Empowerment through swimming lessons is about more than just mastering a skill; it’s about transforming fear into freedom and building a confident, resilient self. Whether you’re learning to swim or facing other life challenges, the lessons of mindfulness, presence, and self-trust can guide you towards a more empowered life.

Subscribe Now: Dive into more stories of transformation and empowerment by subscribing to our blog and YouTube page. Join us on this journey of growth and discovery.

In our fast-paced world, many women are juggling more than ever—careers, family, relationships, and personal goals. If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to keep it all together while burning out at both ends, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to live like this, and there is a way to find balance.

On this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with Dr. Kaci Lacey, a renowned psychologist and founder of H & L Legacy Consulting. Dr. Lacey has dedicated her career to empowering women, helping them navigate the challenges of leadership, life, and burnout. With personal experiences as a former C-suite executive and as a mom, Dr. Lacey understands the pressures women face and shares strategies to reclaim confidence and live authentically without falling into the burnout trap.

In this insightful conversation, we tackle:

The signs of burnout that go beyond the workplace.
How perfectionism can lead to burnout and how to let go of it.
The role of workplace culture in burnout and what needs to change.
Practical strategies to balance career, family, and personal fulfillment.
How to build unshakeable confidence and prevent burnout in leadership roles.

Dr. Lacey offers a fresh perspective on how women can overcome the unrealistic expectations placed on them—whether in the office or at home—and why authenticity is key to thriving.

But we’re not giving it all away here! Tune in to hear Dr. Lacey’s empowering story of grit, resilience, and practical tips that will inspire you to take control of your life and prevent burnout before it takes over.

Dr. Kasi Lacey is a psychologist and executive coach dedicated to supporting women and fostering thriving workplaces. Moving out on her own at 16, she earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology by age 26, driven by her passion for leadership and change. As a former vice president/c-suite executive, she led diverse departments and secured significant federal grants, and her service on various boards reflects her commitment to community and equity. Dr. Lacey’s experience spans various settings, where she has helped women build confidence and excel in their roles. She aims to work with corporations and organizations to create environments where employees feel valued, motivated, and supported. She is a highly regarded speaker, with expertise in leadership, psychology in the workplace, and positive change, and is driven by her two daughters to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Dr. Lacey is launching a course this October. “Building Unshakable Confidence in 6 Weeks” — a transformative journey designed to help you step into your most powerful, authentic self. She created this course because she understands the unique challenges women face in leadership roles — from battling imposter syndrome and self-doubt to struggling with work-life balance and finding their authentic voice in a world that often tells us to shrink. She’s been there herself, and has seen countless women hold back from their true potential simply because they lack the confidence to fully own their strengths. This course is crafted to meet you where you are and guide you toward where you want to be. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or someone just stepping into your power, the tools and insights provided here will help you break free from self-imposed limitations, cultivate a mindset for growth, and lead with confidence and authenticity. (Sign up for the newsletter at here to be the first to get the details on date, discount price, etc.)

Listen now to this transformative episode and start your journey to living a more balanced, confident, and fulfilled life!

Don’t forget to subscribe to Thrive by The Rising Muse for more conversations like this, and share this episode with anyone who needs to hear it.

Stay tuned, stay thriving!