In this episode, Krista sits down with bestselling author Tara Schuster to talk about what healing really looks like behind the scenes. Tara shares how journaling became the foundation of her mental health, why retreats can activate insecurity + comparison, and how inner child work actually shows up in daily life—not just therapy sessions.

Ahead, find out why real self-compassion requires more courage than most people expect. Tara also opens up about leaving unhealthy relationships, navigating modern dating without losing yourself, and learning to trust your own inner authority instead of viral advice.

This conversation is an honest, practical reminder that growth isn’t aesthetic or linear—but it is available to you. If you’re moving through a breakup, identity shift, or season of reinvention, this episode offers grounded tools + permission to choose yourself, again and again.

We also talk about:

How IFS therapy helps you understand your inner parts + emotional patterns
Tara’s daily mental health rituals + why ritual works differently than habit
Specific journaling practices proven to build resilience + reduce anxiety
Healing the “inner popular girl” + letting go of comparison + self-judgment
What it really takes to leave toxic relationships + reclaim self-worth
Compassion for men, modern dating dynamics, and rewriting unhealthy narratives
Why celebrating small wins is essential for long-term self-trust
The downside of viral dating advice—and how to reconnect with your intuition
Creating meaningful rituals without spending money or following trends
Why “effortless healing” is a myth—and what real transformation actually demands

Resources:

Instagram: @taraschuster
Substack: @taraschuster
Website: taraschuster.com
This Journal F*cking Works Purchase Link

Order our book, Almost 30: A Definitive Guide To A Life You Love For The Next Decade and Beyond, here: https://bit.ly/Almost30Book.

Sponsors:

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Almost 30 is edited by Garett Symes and Isabella Vaccaro.

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