Well hello…
I’m Marilyn, and
I’m a reformed “Good Girl”
But here's what I've come to realize: that jacket was never tailored for me - for us. It’s cut from a fabric woven by centuries of suppression, designed to keep us quiet, obedient, and confined.
Throughout my life, I felt the weight of a narrative that cast me as a side character in my own story. Yet when I dug deeper, past the layers of conditioning, I discovered a legacy of strength. We come from a lineage where women like us led, preached, and held power — not over others, but with them.
The "good girl" persona? It's just a facade.
“Good girl” is gaslighting.
I once believed I preferred the heavy jacket, one laden with expectations of “should” and “supposed to”, over this lighter one that’s bedazzled with my authenticity.
Behind it lies the pulse of the divine feminine, a heartbeat I’ve come to embrace and recognize in so many of us — a heartbeat that resounds with wisdom, authenticity, and an innate trust in oneself.
My own journey of shedding these ill-fitting narratives and reclaiming my sovereign self ignited a passion within me to support other women on this transformative path. As a coach, through a framework I developed, I guide women like yourself through five key pillars of transformation. Together, through this framework, the Cinqtuary Method, we will journey together to remember, reconnect, and reclaim the essence of that lineage of powerful women.
Because, darling, we were never just meant to be "good."
We were born to be great.
The Power of Story
We often underestimate the potency of the narratives we tell ourselves. These internal monologues shape our self-perception, our actions, and the space we believe we deserve in the world. The insidious nature of the patriarchal narrative is such that it seeps into our subconscious, altering our personal stories to fit its mold. Before we realize it, we've adopted these tales as our own, gaslighting ourselves into believing in the limitations placed upon us.
Several summers ago, I confronted these internal narratives head-on in Cancun. Surrounded by my husband’s family of seasoned swimmers and, I was the odd one out – never had formal swimming lessons, prone to motion sickness, and a narrative I had built in my head of what I needed to prove in spite of being a larger-bodied person. Against my better judgment, I jumped off a boat to see the whale sharks. In the midst of salt water and swirling waves, more than the immediate discomfort, it was the weight of my self-imposed narratives that threatened to drown me. Was this jump about witnessing the majesty of nature? Or was it about proving a point, a tale of validation and self-worth I felt compelled to live up to?
But narratives, no matter how deeply ingrained, can be rewritten. Through introspection and personal growth, I've learned the art of discerning and reshaping these stories. By actively reshaping these internal narratives, I regained control over my sense of self, unshackling from the expectations and judgments.
These days, as a coach, I support others, with a focus on those in midlife (40s-50s) like myself. Using tools like Human Design, I guide women to reclaim their personal narratives. Self-knowledge is profound. By actively reshaping our internal stories to align with our true essence, we regain control over our sense of self, unshackling from the expectations and judgments that never truly fit.
I champion the transformative power of storytelling. The ability to craft, recraft, and embrace narratives that resonate with our authentic selves is liberating. And through coaching, I guide others to do the same. Because when we shift from tales that restrict to those that uplift, we don't just change our stories; we change our lives.
Books that empowered me…
The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte redefined my relationship with goals. No longer constrained by the push of ambition, I discovered the pull of my soul's true desires. Just as my core desire of 'connection' has evolved into 'communion', LaPorte’s wisdom has illumiinated a path to deeper, more meaningful pursuits in my life.
The Desire Map didn't just change my perspective; it helped reshape my soul. From interiors to intentions, it illuminated my path from designer to dedicated coach.
Brené Brown's words were a beacon in my journey to self-discovery. The Gifts of Imperfection shed light on the shackles of shame I unknowingly wore, guiding me toward wholehearted bravery. Braving the Wilderness taught me the transformative power of belonging deeply to oneself, even in solitude. Together, these books became the roadmap to my self-integrity and trust, reminding me of the profound difference between fitting in and truly belonging.
In The Body is Not an Apology, Sonya Renee Taylor's profound insights challenged the societal scripts I'd internalized about my own body. Her message? Our bodies are not mistakes to be hidden away. Reading this, I embraced my space unapologetically, and shed the weight of shame that had kept me feeling 'too big' for the world.
In The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks revealed the 'Upper Limit Problem,' pushing me to confront habits of self-sabotage. But it was his 'Zone of Genius' concept that resonated deeply, leading me from interior design to coaching. In this role, I thrive, using my natural aptitude to see the bigger picture and effortlessly draw connections. Recognizing this was a transformative moment, pushing me to embrace and lean into my unique strengths.
Untamed ignited a fierce awakening within me. Glennon Doyle's words dismantled my 'good girl' shackles, unearthing desires long stifled by societal norms. This book is a call to freedom, revealing our self-imposed cages and offering the keys to liberation.
in breaking free from
the“Good Girl”
Lineage, Learning, and Legacy: Completing the Circle
Our stories, both personal and shared, aren't merely tales of the past but are living legacies, evolving and interweaving with each generation. At the heart of this is our ancient lineage—a powerful tapestry of resilient women whose narratives have often been shadowed or rewritten. Yet, through diligent search and the guidance of dedicated mentors, we can uncover these authentic tales.
My mother-in-law, Juana, played a pivotal role in guiding me to this path. It was through her influence that the initial seed of transformation was lovingly planted, reconnecting me with the strength of our shared lineage.
“Momma Juana”
Since then, a number of remarkable women, be it mentors, authors, or friends, have broadened my understanding. They've shown me that every woman's story, including my own, is a vital strand in this vast web.
As a Midlife Alchemy Coach, I'm privileged to witness the profound transformation that occurs when women reconnect with their authentic stories and step into their sovereign power. Through the framework of the Cinqtuary Method, we explore five pillars - Story, Sacred, Support, Sustainability, and Strategy, weaving a new narrative that honors our true essence and desires.
This is where you, dear one, come into this expansive narrative. Your journey of growth and empowerment isn't an isolated act but a ripple that touches the lives of everyone around you, from your loved ones to your wider community. As you reclaim your story and embrace your wild wisdom, you contribute to the collective awakening of women rising into their power.
Embracing our lineage and learning from our mentors propels us forward, but it's your unique journey and the seeds you plant that truly bring this circle to completion. Just as I have been both a recipient and a transmitter of this wisdom, so too are you. By intertwining your growth with this lineage, you not only reclaim your personal sovereignty but ensure that this living legacy of empowerment, resilience, and truth-telling thrives for generations to come.
Your story, your healing, your awakening—each is a sacred thread in the tapestry of our collective becoming. Step into your power, dear one. Your voice matters, and your journey is a gift to us all.
Imagine a time when women were holy.
Revered. Honored. Sacred.
Once we were warriors. And healers. And guides.
And the embodied voice of the goddess.
Once we were
priestesses.
JULIE PARKER
author of "Priestess: Ancient Spiritual Wisdom for Modern Sacred Women"
Working with Marilyn was beyond anything I could imagine. She (gently) pushed me out of my comfort zone, asked me the questions I didn't know I needed to answer, held space in the most beautiful way, and really listened.
Vanessa Wright
I was immediately blown away when we started working together! I knew this experience would be life-changing, and it has been. I am endlessly grateful that our paths crossed. What a gift she’s been to my life.
Sarah Mickle
Marilyn has helped me understand myself, my purpose, and my path at a profound level! Her insights and guidance have unlocked a new level of living for me!
She is a kind and vibrante soul.
Annalicia Niemela
What I Know
for Sure
You are beauty.
You are capable of big things.
The Universe is rigged in your favor.
You matter & your story matters.
Your thoughts will bring you life,
or they will bring you strife.
You are love, & you are loved.
Your purpose is a priority.
You are enough.
You are worthy.
Not “WHEN” but