Join Uncle Dave for an inspiring conversation with wellness expert and podcast host Michelle Aalbers. Michelle discusses her transformative journey through Thai massage, intentional living, and Zentangle art, sharing insights on how to find personal clarity, inner peace, and self-trust. Key Points from This Episode:Meet Michelle Aalbers:Owner of a wellness studio in Oeo, Minnesota. Started her journey with Thai massage and evolved into holistic wellness coaching. Host of the podcast "Hypothetically Intentional." Michelle’s Journey:Experienced early-life struggles, feeling depleted and challenged by daily life. Uncovered past traumas and discovered her empathic nature, providing clarity. Entered Thai massage through her sister, finding deep personal and professional growth. What is Thai Massage?Practiced fully clothed, typically on a futon/mat on the floor. Combines acupressure, stretching, joint mobilization; described as "yoga done to you." Helps clients relax deeply and reconnect with their bodies, facilitating emotional and physical release. Moving from Thai Massage to Coaching:Michelle emphasizes meeting clients where they are today, understanding energy shifts. Recognizes the importance of emotional release and moving through energetic blockages. Handling Emotional and Energetic Blockages:"We put our issues in our tissues" – emphasizing the importance of releasing emotional and energetic blockages physically. Encourages clients to pause, reflect, and move intentionally through life's challenges. Discusses the power of intention, mindfulness, and self-awareness in healing. Michelle's Healing Philosophy:Advocates for connecting with inner wisdom and authentic self. Promotes self-love, patience, and kindness, helping people move past negative self-talk. Emphasizes importance of community, finding people who show up in love and call you out on your BS. The Power of Zentangle:Zentangle described as a meditative drawing method that creates mindful focus. Combines intention, gratitude, and appreciation to transform drawing into a spiritual practice. Helps reduce anxiety, relieve physical pain, and creates intuitive insights. How Zentangle Works:Step-by-step guided art creation; if you can draw basic shapes (lines, circles, "C", and "S"), you can Zentangle. Each drawing is unique, reflecting individual creativity without pressure for perfection. Michelle uses Zentangle to teach mindfulness, surrender, and letting go of perfectionism. Overcoming Resistance to New Experiences:Michelle encourages pushing through discomfort and embracing beginner experiences. Discusses growth that comes from stepping into new, sometimes uncomfortable activities. Practical Advice for Healing and Growth:Pause regularly and ask, "What do I need right now?" Accept temporary discomfort in the healing process for lasting ease. Engage in practices that resonate personally rather than blindly following external advice. Intentional Practices Mentioned:Writing as energy release; visualizing negative energies leaving through pen onto paper. Burning written pages as symbolic letting-go practice. Visualizing emotional burdens as energy balls, releasing them intentionally. Magical Garden Meditation:Michelle guides listeners to visualize releasing energetic clutter to magical fireflies or dragonflies, symbolizing transformative healing. Planting the seed of intentional letting-go and surrender in daily life. Quotes from the Episode:“We put our issues in our tissues.” “Let it go. Your clutter is their nourishment.” (On fireflies and energetic healing) “Every mistake is just an opportunity for a different outcome.” (On Zentangle) “Healing is beautiful, magical, and messy.” “Pause and ask yourself what you need—that is a beautiful form of self-love.” Action Items from the Episode:Pause Daily: Take intentional pauses throughout your day to identify your current needs. Try Zentangle: Challenge yourself creatively to release perfectionism and control. Practic