Paddle Forward: Conquering Fear, Motherhood & Business with Ease | Overcome fear, find balance, and build a life you love.

Ep. 38 The Fear Is Never Really About the Water: How SUP Helps Women Reclaim Confidence

In this powerful episode of Paddle Forward: Navigating Life’s Currents, Anacani Walters gets real about what’s actually stopping so many women from trying something new — and it’s not the water.
From body image struggles to fear of failure and judgment, Anacani unpacks the hidden fears that hold us back in life and how stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) helped her confront them all. Whether you’re a mom, a midlife queen, or just a woman ready to reconnect with your strength, this episode is your invitation to paddle forward — fear and all.
You'll learn:
Why the fear isn’t about the activity, it’s about self-worth
How SUP and SUP Yoga helped Anacani rewrite her inner narrative
What falling in the water can teach us about standing tall in life
How moms can use confidence on the water to ripple into parenting, self-care, and beyond
🔗 FREE GIFT → Grab your Self-Confidence Booster Guide and start building belief in yourself — one brave breath at a time.
🌊 Want to paddle with me?Join a local SUP class in Okinawa, Japan or explore my Fearless SUP Online Course to conquer fear from anywhere.
🧘‍♀️ Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Welcome to Paddle Forward00:07 – The deeper fears women carry02:02 – My personal fear journey (yes, including fear of water!)04:56 – The moment SUP yoga shifted everything09:55 – How bravery isn’t the absence of fear — it’s showing up anyway14:56 – Free resources + local/online ways to paddle forward16:59 – Final pep talk & next steps
💬 Let’s Stay Connected:
✨ Instagram: @phatmermaids
or @anacaniwalters✨ Facebook Group: Thriving Women Over 30✨ Website & Freebies: phatmermaids.com/freebies

Ep 37. Rainy Days, Scary Thoughts & Showing Up Anyway: Real Talk for Overwhelmed Moms

Feeling touched out, overwhelmed, or just not okay lately? You’re not alone. In this heart-led solo episode, Anacani gets real about what it’s like to navigate motherhood, mental health, and rainy season chaos in Okinawa—all while trying to hold it together.
If your nervous system is fried and your self-talk is spiraling, this episode is the hand on your back reminding you: you’re not broken, you’re just human.
We’re diving into:✨ Postpartum anxiety & intrusive thoughts✨ The myth of maternal instinct (a.k.a. parental bias)✨ Emotional survival during Okinawa’s rainy season✨ The truth about scary thoughts—and why they don’t make you a bad mom✨ Nervous system resets that don’t require silence or alone time
💌 Want to feel more supported this season?Grab my free Rainy Season Survival Guide made for overwhelmed mamas in Okinawa—it's packed with simple sensory play ideas, nervous system resets, and affirmations that actually help.
👉 Download the free guide here(You’ll also get my cozy weekly notes—think permission slips, messy truths, and real-life wellness tips.)
🎧 Like this episode?Here’s how you can support + stay connected:
Subscribe so you never miss an episode
Leave a quick review—it helps the podcast grow
Screenshot this episode & tag me @anacaniwalters on IG so I can send you a thank-you gift 💛
DM me “podcast” for support, collabs, or to just say hi!
✨ More from Anacani:• Join my Baby & Me or Toddler Yoga Classes → anacaniwalters.com• Follow on IG, FB, YT → @anacaniwalters

Ep 36. Mompreneur Reality Check – Balancing Business, Motherhood & Self-Care | Paddle Forward

Paddle Forward: Navigating Life’s Currents with Anacani Walters
Welcome back to Paddle Forward! In this heartfelt episode, I dive deep into the realities of balancing business, motherhood, and self-care—without burning out.
I open up about my journey from being a workaholic nurse to a multi-passionate entrepreneur, my struggles with severe heart conditions in my 20s and 30s, and the wake-up call that forced me to rethink how I approach work, family, and well-being.
In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How I recognized the warning signs of burnout and shifted to a more sustainable lifestyle✅ The power of micro-moments of self-care and why even five minutes can make a difference✅ Why involving your kids in daily tasks (instead of waiting for them to sleep) creates connection, not chaos✅ My personal journey with yoga, breathwork, and hypnotic meditation to rewire stress patterns✅ Practical ways to reclaim time, energy, and peace in your daily life
🚀 Ready to integrate self-care into your busy schedule? Try these resources:🔹 3 Quick & Powerful Breathing Exercises – Watch on YouTube🔹 Yoga Magic: 12 Days of Toddler & Me Yoga – Get the first 5 days free! 🔹 Join the Community – Let’s talk about your biggest struggle balancing motherhood & business! DM me @anacaniwalters or tag me in your stories.
📌 Timestamps:00:00 Introduction & Host Background01:17 The Struggles of Overworking02:19 Health Crisis & Burnout Wake-Up Call05:24 Motherhood & Finding Balance06:49 Practical Tips for Self-Care08:52 Involving Kids in Daily Life11:18 Final Thoughts & Encouragement13:35 How to Connect & Join the Community
✨ If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review! Your support helps more women find this podcast and join the conversation.
Stay beautiful, stay you, and keep paddling forward. 🌊💙

Ep 35: The Hidden Truth About Success: Why No One Actually Has It All Together

Ever feel like everyone else has it figured out while you’re just trying to keep up? You’re not alone. In this episode of Paddle Forward: Navigating Life’s Currents, we’re diving into the illusion of success—how comparison, judgment, and assumptions distort our reality, making us feel inadequate in business, motherhood, and life.
💡 What You’ll Learn:✅ Why the ‘highlight reel’ on social media is NOT the full story.✅ How judgment is often a reflection of our own insecurities rather than truth.✅ The mindset shifts that will help you break free from comparison paralysis and start embracing your own journey.✅ Why defining success on your own terms is the key to true fulfillment.
🌊 Whether you’re navigating entrepreneurship, motherhood, or personal growth, this episode is your reminder that you are not falling behind—you're exactly where you're meant to be.
💙 Connect & Dive Deeper:
💙 For fearless confidence & body positivity on the water → PHAT Mermaids💡 For women entrepreneurs ready to work smarter, not harder → EmpowerHER Wave
🌊 For wellness, self-discovery, and navigating life’s biggest transitions → Anacani Walters
📲 Join the conversation on Instagram! @anacaniwalters🔥 Loving the podcast? Share this episode with a friend & leave a review—it helps more heart-led women like you find this space!
🎙 Subscribe & Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
Until next time—keep moving, keep growing, and most of all, keep paddling forward. 🚀💙

Ep 34. Doing It Scared: Depositing into the Universe & Showing Up Anyway | Paddle Forward Podcast

Ever felt paralyzed by fear? That little voice telling you, Who do you think you are? Yeah, me too. But here’s the truth—fear doesn’t mean stop. It means GO. 🚀
In this episode of Paddle Forward Podcast, we’re diving deep into what it really means to do it scared—to take action despite the doubts, the what-ifs, and the fear of failing. I’m sharing my personal journey, from running marathons to overcoming my fear of water (yup, your SUP instructor used to be terrified of open water!), and how I’ve built a life of showing up even when I don’t feel ready.
We’re also talking about the deposits we make into the universe—those everyday moments of kindness, resilience, and courage that come back to us when we need them most. Because success isn’t luck—it’s energy, and we get back what we put in.
🔥 Your Challenge: Pick ONE thing that fear has been holding you back from and take a step toward it this week. No waiting for the perfect time. No overthinking. Just do it.
🌊 If you're in Okinawa, book a SUP lesson with me and let’s get you standing tall on the water—because if you can do that, you can do anything.
🎧 Want to hear the full story of my snorkeling adventure and how I faced my biggest fear? Listen to Episode 13: "Conquer Your Fears – How Paddleboarding Transformed My Life" 👉 Listen Now
JOIN MY COMMUNITY:
💙 EmpowerHER Mama Collective (for moms): Join Here💙 EmpowerHER Biz Collective (for heart-led entrepreneurs): Join Here💙 PHAT Mermaids SUP Community: Join Here
📢 Loved this episode? Leave a review and share with a friend who needs to hear this today! 💙✨

Episode 33: Letting Go of Perfectionism: How Fear Holds You Back & What to Do About It

Perfectionism isn’t about high standards—it’s fear dressed in fancy clothes. In this episode of Paddle Forward, I get real about how perfectionism sneaks into motherhood, business, and even paddleboarding, keeping us stuck and afraid to take action. From the mom who won’t join a baby & me yoga class to the entrepreneur waiting for the "perfect" launch, we’ve all been there.
I’ll share my own journey as a recovering perfectionist, what I’ve learned from teaching women to paddle past their fears (literally!), and three powerful ways to break free from perfectionism and move forward with confidence.
If you’ve been waiting for permission to show up messy, imperfect, and beautifully YOU—this is it. Grab your paddle, your coffee, and let’s dive in.
Mentioned in this episode:🌊 Fearless SUP Course – Overcome fear & find freedom on the water🌊 [12-Day Baby & Me / Toddler & Me Yoga Challenge – Follow me on social @anacaniwalters for updates!🌊 Thriving Moms Over 30 Facebook Group – A supportive space for moms🌊 SUP Instructor Support Group – For those looking to turn their passion into a career
🎧 Listen now and tell me: What’s one thing you’re going to do imperfectly this week?

Episode 31: Navigating Life’s Transitions: Tools for Resilience and Growth

Navigating Life's Transitions: Harnessing the Power of Breath
In this episode of Paddle Forward podcast, Anacani Walters guides listeners through life's transitions, providing tools for resilience and growth.
She discusses the overwhelming influx of global news, the prevalent feeling of helplessness, and the debilitating power of fear. Drawing from her experience as a military spouse and a surgical oncology nurse, Anacani emphasizes the importance of mindfulness practices, especially breathwork, in managing stress and trauma.
She shares personal insights on the transformative power of breathing techniques like three-part breath and alternate nostril breathing, aiming to help listeners find peace and move forward despite challenges.
00:00 Welcome to Paddle Forward Podcast
00:37 Navigating Global Challenges
03:44 Military Life and Personal Struggles
07:25 The Power of Mindfulness and Breath
15:26 Practical Breathing Techniques
18:35 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Episode 30: Unlock the Power of Vision Boards: My Journey to Manifesting Success

In this heartfelt episode, I share how I transformed my approach to goal-setting by embracing visual vision boards. From moving beyond resolution lists to anchoring each year with a single guiding word, I take you through my personal journey of manifestation. Learn how teachings from Terri Savelle Foy, Jim Kwik, and Bert Goldman helped me connect faith, science, and creativity to achieve my dreams. Plus, I’ll discuss how quantum leaping magnifies the effectiveness of vision boards.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why I replaced New Year’s resolutions with a single focus word.
How Terri Savelle Foy’s vision board strategies and biblical principles shaped my goal-setting.
The neuroscience behind visualization as explained by Jim Kwik.
What quantum leaping is and how Bert Goldman’s teachings made it actionable.
Tips to create your own powerful vision board.
Free Resources:
🎨 Download Your Free Vision Board Template on CanvaCreate a personalized digital vision board with ease! Check out my youtube video for your free template and step-by-step guide.
Watch on YouTube:📺 This Friday, check out my YouTube channel for a complete walkthrough of creating your vision board, including how I integrate mine into my daily planner.
Connect With Me:
🌊 Instagram: @empowerherwave  @anacaniwalters @phatmermaids
🌊 Website: EmpowerHer Wave Agency  Anacani Walters
🌊 YouTube: @HeartHustleAcademy
If this episode inspired you, I’d love to hear about it! Share your thoughts and tag me in your vision board stories. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us empower more listeners in 2025!

Episode 29:Reset, Realign, Empower: Navigating Life’s Waves with Intention

Life’s been a little wild lately, and even mermaids need a moment to reset. In this episode, I’m diving into how I’m navigating the chaos with intention—focusing on just three needle-moving activities a day, syncing my business with my cycle, and doing a DIY kinesiology alignment to prepare for a more empowered 2025.
We’ll chat about:🌊 How to simplify your to-do list with a 90-minute powerhouse hour.🌊 The magic of syncing your work and life with your cycle.🌊 Choosing a word for the year and letting it guide your decisions.
If you’re ready to paddle forward with purpose and ease, this episode is for you! 🌟
✨ Your Next Step: Share your word for 2025, your needle-moving activities, or how you’re resetting for the new year. Let’s ride the waves together!
🌟 Explore More and Connect with Me! 🌟
Welcome to a space where empowerment, creativity, and wellness collide! Dive deeper into everything I offer through my three unique brands:
🌊 EmpowerHER Wave AgencyFor heart-led women entrepreneurs, discover tools, strategies, and support to hustle smarter, not harder. From business tips to creative resources, we help you grow with ease.👉 Visit: www.empowerherwave.com
🧘‍♀️ Anacani WaltersYour hub for holistic wellness, yoga, and navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood. From free guides to yoga classes and mindfulness resources, find everything you need to embrace your wellness journey.👉 Visit: www.anacaniwalters.com
🏄‍♀️ PHAT MermaidsA community of fearless women redefining body positivity on and off the water. Explore paddleboarding tips, mindset coaching, and join a movement that celebrates every wave you conquer.👉 Visit: www.phatmermaids.com
📌 Let’s Stay Connected:
Instagram: @‌AnacaniWalters | @‌PHATMermaids | @‌EmpowerHERWave
Facebook: @‌AnacaniWalters
Facebook: @‌EmpowerHERWave
LinkedIn: Anacani Walters
✨ Join the conversation, explore my offerings, and let’s paddle forward together towards a life filled with joy, empowerment, and balance. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on all my latest episodes!
#EmpowerHERWave #PHATMermaids #AnacaniWalters #WomenEmpoweringWomen #HolisticWellness

Episode 28: Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: Why You’re Not Alone

Hey, mama. Have you ever had a thought so unsettling it made you question everything—yourself, your baby, even motherhood itself? You’re not alone.
In this episode, I’m opening up about my own journey with those scary thoughts we don’t always talk about. From the guilt that consumed me during pregnancy to the overwhelming responsibility of motherhood, I’ll share what I’ve learned about why these thoughts happen and why they don’t make you a bad mom.
We’ll talk about how matrescence (yes, that’s a thing!) transforms us, the power of connection, and how tools like yoga and mindfulness can help us find peace in the chaos.
This is a raw, honest conversation about the parts of motherhood we’re afraid to say out loud—but desperately need to. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough, this episode is for you.
If this resonates with you, I highly recommend Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman, MSW. It’s an incredible resource that helped me realize I wasn’t alone—and it might do the same for you. You can grab it here
Disclaimer: This link is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to purchase through it. Your support helps me continue creating content like this—thank you!
If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing enough—or just need a reminder that you’re not alone—this conversation is for you.
💬 Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.✨ Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more real talk about motherhood, yoga, and self-discovery."