In this episode, Rachel Brooks joins the Heal Through Humor podcast with Talia Bombola for an honest conversation about chasing perfection, hitting rock bottom, and learning how to rise stronger. Together, they unpack what it takes to stop performing, stop proving, and start healing from the inside out.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in cycles of burnout, identity shifts, or striving for “enoughness,” this episode reminds you: you are allowed to step back, surrender, and rebuild in alignment with who you truly are.

Timestamps:

• [00:01] Rachel’s rock-bottom moment and the trap of chasing enoughness
• [00:04] How perfectionism leads to burnout, injury, loss, and grief
• [00:07] Why you can’t think your way out of healing—you have to feel
• [00:11] Asking the 3 life-changing questions: Who am I? What’s holding me back? Why am I here?
• [00:17] Redefining success and fulfillment on your own terms
• [00:24] Breaking free from performance, people-pleasing, and external validation
• [00:29] Using emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical alignment for holistic healing
• [00:35] Why you’re never starting over—you’re starting with experience
• [00:40] Letting go of perfection, owning your worth, and writing a new chapter

Key Takeaways:

• Perfectionism is a lie that keeps you stuck; true freedom comes when you release the need to perform.
• Healing is a layered, ongoing process that unfolds at your own pace.
• You are not defined by your lowest moments—or your greatest achievements.
• Fulfillment doesn’t come from external success, but from living in alignment with your purpose.
• You have the power to rewrite your story at any time.

Quotes:

“You can’t perform, prove, or achieve your way into worthiness.”

“True confidence is built from the inside out—not from external validation.”

“You’re allowed to rewrite your story at any time; nothing is wasted.”

“Healing comes through honesty, surrender, and letting God meet you right where you are.”

Resources + Offers:

• The Confident Woman Starter Kit → Reclaim clarity, confidence, and direction.
• Create Your Own Story Journal → A beautiful blank journal to help you write, reflect, and own your authentic journey.
• Fit From Within: 60 Days to Finding Freedom → A guided digital journal to build mental, emotional, and spiritual strength.

Follow for more real, raw, faith-fueled conversations on confidence, identity, and creating a life you love.

Connect with Talia Bombola:

Website: therapywithtalia.com, taliabombola.com

Connect with Rachel Brooks

• Website → iamrachelbrooks.com
• Instagram → @iamrachelbrooks
• Newsletter → Subscribe here