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

Ep 41. Pack the Diaper Bag Anyway: Navigating Setbacks, Injured Hands & Motherhood with Grace, Grit, and One Thumb | Paddle Forward Podcast

What do you do when life sideswipes your plans with a financial curveball and a freak playground accident? You breathe, you cry, and you paddle forward—one thumb at a time.
In this raw, car-recorded episode of Paddle Forward, host Anacani Walters shares how losing a major contract and nearly breaking both hands on a rainy day slide with her toddler became a crash course in presence over perfection. From adrenal fatigue awareness to the metaphor of the “diaper bag mindset,” Anacani unpacks how emotional preparedness, softness, and backup plans can shift how we mother, move, and lead.
This is for every woman navigating uncertainty with grace, grit, and love. Especially if you’ve ever felt like you had to hold it all together—with one working hand and a full heart.
💫 Listen in for:
A permission slip to rest
Oceanic metaphors for resilience
A gentle nudge to “pack your diaper bag anyway”
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction and Life's Unexpected Storms
00:23 Recording from the Car: Embracing Imperfection
00:48 Life's Recent Challenges and Adjustments
02:10 The Park Incident: A Painful Lesson
06:04 Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth
08:28 Metaphorical Diaper Bag: Preparing for the Unexpected
10:44 Embracing Transitions and Moving Forward
12:18 Conclusion and Encouragement
Because even when your hands are bruised, your spirit can still rise.
🧜🏽‍♀️ Let’s Stay Connected & Keep Paddling Forward Together
Thanks for joining me today on Paddle Forward: Navigating Life’s Currents. If this episode stirred something in your heart or reminded you of your own strength, don’t paddle alone.
✨ Visit anacaniwalters.com to explore holistic wellness support, yoga flows for motherhood, and free guides like "Top 12 Poses for Motherhood."
🌊 Dive into the ocean-inspired sisterhood at PHAT Mermaids for SUP classes, retreats, and confidence coaching: phatmermaids.com
🧡 Stay in the flow with us:
Instagram: @anacaniwalters | @phatmermaids
Facebook Groups: Thriving Moms Over 30 + PHAT Mermaids Lagoon
Mindful Roots Hub: Stress support, oils, and mindful parenting tools
💌 Want more self-love, stories, and strength? Sign up for my private member area and weekly love notes at anacaniwalters.com.
📣 Ready to bring oceanic empowerment to your next event or retreat? Invite me to speak.
We rise, we fall, we float, we paddle again. I’m so glad you’re here. Don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share the episode with another mermaid who needs this wave of support.
#PaddleForward #PHATMermaids #MatrescenceMagic #OceanHealing #MotherhoodUnfiltered

Ep 40. Beat the Heat: Body Wisdom, SUP Safety & Summer Prep for Moms Over 30 | Paddle Forward

In this soul-soaked episode of Paddle Forward, Anacani Walters explores the deeper layers of heat exhaustion—not just physical, but mental, emotional, and energetic. Sharing a real-life moment from the Okinawa zoo (hello, toddler meltdown in the sun 🌞), she walks you through how to listen to your body like you would your child—before it’s in crisis mode.
Whether you’re a paddleboard beginner or just trying to parent through a sticky summer, this episode will help you create real-time tools for hydration, breath, self-regulation, and radical preparation.
This episode is for:
Mamas running hot, fast, and overwhelmed
Women pushing through burnout (and needing permission to pause)
SUP-curious souls wondering how to start with confidence
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
[00:00:00] Intro: It doesn’t take a crisis to be exhausted[00:01:13] Splash pad story: Toddler meltdowns + Bento wins[00:02:27] Signs of heat exhaustion you might be missing[00:03:31] SUP as a safety model for everyday life[00:04:08] The body is a body of water—stop treating it like a robot[00:05:19] Hydration, meals, rest: A 3-point body check-in[00:06:10] Call to care: Free guides, support, and final Okinawa summer sessions[00:07:22] Wrap-up: Ocean wisdom, mermaid mantras, and your seasonal shift
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
🧜🏽‍♀️ Free SUP Confidence Booster GuideFeel safer and more empowered on the water—even if you’re nervous, new, or not sure you “fit the mold.”👉 https://phatmermaids.com/sup-confidence
🧘🏽‍♀️ Staying Sane as a Busy Parent GuideDaily mindset & energy reset tips for moms juggling summer heat, toddler meltdowns, and identity shifts.→ Get it inside the EmpowerHER Mama Collective FB group👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/empowerhermamacollective
📍 Okinawa Friends: Let’s Paddle Together!This is my final summer offering in-person stand-up paddleboard lessons on island. Book now!👉 https://phatmermaids.com
📲 Let’s Stay ConnectedIG (SUP Life & Mermaid Magic): @phatmermaidsIG (Personal + Matrescence): @anacaniwaltersPodcast: https://anacaniwalters.podbean.com

Ep 39. The Diaper Bag Mindset: How Everyday Prep Builds Confidence On the Water, In Parenting & Beyond

Welcome back to Paddle Forward! In this heartfelt first episode, Anacani Walters unpacks what she calls the “Diaper Bag Mindset”—a way of preparing for life’s messy moments with compassion, confidence, and clarity. Whether you’re heading to a splash pad with your toddler or your first stand-up paddleboard lesson, this episode invites you to reframe preparation as self-love, not fear.
We cover:
🔥 The real-life splash pad moment that inspired this episode
🧠 Why prepping isn’t about expecting disaster—it’s about protecting joy
🌊 How paddleboarding and parenting both require soft strength
💥 How the Diaper Bag Mindset creates more ease, confidence, and grace
💌 Two free guides to help you feel more prepared in whatever season you’re in
Let this be your reminder that confidence doesn’t come from having it all together. It comes from packing your bag, showing up, and knowing you’ve got this—even when it gets messy.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
[00:00:00] The unseen strength of “quiet confidence”[00:01:45] Splash pad mom win: Why preparation matters[00:03:30] The Diaper Bag Mindset: Compassion over control[00:05:00] Baby & Me Yoga + SUP: Easing the fear through thoughtful preparation[00:07:30] The real reason we fear new experiences (and how to calm it)[00:08:45] Free support: SUP Confidence Booster Guide + Parenting Resource[00:09:30] A real-life moment of emergency prep at the park[00:10:30] Embodiment check-in: “What do I need to feel safe today?”[00:11:30] Permission slips, community, and how to paddle forward together[00:12:00] Final mantra: “Fall. Float. Rise.”
🔗 CONNECT + DOWNLOADS
🎁 Free SUP Confidence Booster GuideFeel safer, stronger, and more ready to paddle—even if you’re a total beginner.👉 www.anacaniwalters.com/supconfidence
🎁 Staying Sane as a Busy Parent GuideDaily tools to help moms over 30 manage stress, identity shifts, and the messy middle.👉 Join the Thriving Moms Over 30 FB Group to access: www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingmomsover30
📲 Follow & ConnectIG: @anacaniwaltersFB: PHAT Mermaids CommunityWeb: www.anacaniwalters.com
🧜🏽‍♀️ Want to paddle with me before I leave Okinawa?Check out final summer SUP lessons and community events → Schedule Here
🎧 Subscribe to Paddle ForwardBecause you deserve stories that support your healing, strength, and joy:👉 https://anacaniwalters.podbean.com

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