Guest: Marianna Clark, Founder of Travel Within Retreats

In this premiere episode of Step Into Me, host Belinda Lee welcomes Marianna Clark, founder and director of Travel Within Retreats, for a heartfelt conversation about self-love and the power of leaning into discomfort. Together, they explore how putting yourself first—especially when it feels uncomfortable or “selfish”—can actually be the most loving thing you do for yourself and those around you.

Marianna shares her personal journey growing up in a culture where selflessness was prized, and how she learned, through guidance and practice, to break free from old conditioning. She reveals how embracing discomfort and practicing “selfishness” without judgement can dissolve old patterns, replenish your inner resources, and ultimately allow you to give and receive love more authentically.

Listeners will discover practical tools for moving through resistance, the role of forgiveness in letting go of self-judgement, and why self-love is the foundation for healthier relationships, greater fulfilment, and true transformation.

• Redefining Self-Love: Why self-love is not selfishness, but a necessary act of alignment with your heart and soul.

• Leaning Into Discomfort: How facing the discomfort of putting yourself first can lead to profound personal growth and deeper connections.

• Breaking Old Patterns: Marianna’s story of moving beyond cultural and familial expectations of self-sacrifice.

• Suggested Practices: Tools like movement, physical theatre, and free writing to help process and release guilt around self-care.

• The Power of Forgiveness: How letting go of self-judgement and forgiving yourself and others opens the door to compassion and self-love.

• A New Look at Boundaries: Rethinking boundaries as energetic self-love rather than rigid walls.

• Daily Rituals: Simple practices—like morning stillness and meditation—to set a loving tone for your day.

“Self-love is associated with being in alignment with my heart and my soul—not just what I think is loving based on old programming or conditioning.” – Marianna Clark

“When you fill your own cup, it’s inevitable that everyone around you feels it too.” – Belinda Lee

• Give yourself permission to put your needs first—even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

• Practice daily rituals of stillness and self-reflection to connect with your inner voice.

• Use movement and writing to process feelings of guilt or resistance around self-love.

• Remember: the more you love and care for yourself, the more you can genuinely give to others.

• Marianna Clark: Travel Within Retreats

• Belinda Lee & Step Into Me: Website: stepintomepodcast.com Instagram: @stepintomepodcast Facebook: facebook.com/StepIntoMePodcast Email: mail@stepintomepodcast.com

• Host: Belinda Lee

• Guest: Marianna Clark, Founder of Travel Within Retreats

• Theme Music: "Strive to Be Better" by Craig Riley (licensed)

• Incidental Music: "Loputu Teekond" by Aetherwave (freepd.com) "Aquatic City Vanished" by Bryan Teoh (freepd.com)

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Next week: Meet David, whose journey from outward success to inner truth will inspire you to step into your own authentic life.