Meet Marla Mervis-Hartmann

We were lucky to catch up with Marla Mervis-Hartmann recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marla, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Developing confidence and self-esteem was not an overnight process for me. It was a journey filled with setbacks, realizations, and ultimately, a shift in perspective. It started with acknowledging the deep-rooted issues I had with my body and the harmful behaviors with food I had adopted to manage my weight and appearance. The turning point came during one of the lowest moments in my life, where despite reaching my lowest weight, I was still profoundly unhappy. This was when I realized that physical appearance and happiness were not inherently linked.

The support I received through various forms was invaluable, but it was the internal shift that made the real difference. Understanding that I needed to love and care for myself, rather than just trying to fit into a certain mold, was key. Prioritizing my mental and spiritual health became essential. This change in mindset from self-criticism to self-care was the cornerstone of developing my confidence and self-esteem.

By going on a deep soul journey and learning practices like Reiki, Tantra, Inner Child work and Breath-work, I reconnected with my truth and realized that I am a being of God here to love, serve, and experience life. This journey taught me that true confidence and self-esteem come from within and are built on the foundation of self-love and acceptance. It’s a path that many people struggle to find, but it is entirely possible, and I am living proof of that transformation. The process of self-confidence never ends. The more I accept myself, the more I allow my light to shine. It is a death of the ego that allows me to be present in the world. Self-esteem is an inside job—it isn’t about how many followers you have or whether people like you. As a recovering people pleaser, I am finding my way to loving myself no matter what.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a life coach dedicated to helping individuals heal from deep trauma that keeps them from living their truth. My specialty is in food and body freedom, but my work doesn’t stop there. Food and negative body image are often symptoms of deeper issues, and my goal is to address these underlying traumas and thought patterns to facilitate holistic healing.

With over 20 years of experience as a Reiki Master and Teacher, I integrate Reiki into all aspects of my practice. Reiki, an energy healing technique, has been a transformative tool in my journey and the journeys of my clients. It helps to balance the mind, body, and spirit, promoting overall well-being and aiding in the release of negative energy and past traumas.

In addition to Reiki, I also read the Akashic Records, an ethereal archive of every soul’s past, present, and future. This practice has been mind-blowingly helpful for people struggling to find their purpose and unwind years of negative patterns. Understanding oneself on a deeper level through the Akashic Records has provided my clients with profound insights and guidance.

I have also had the honor of sharing my message on a global scale as a TEDx Speaker. I have spoken to many groups around the world about self-confidence, leadership, emotional eating, and positive self-talk. These speaking engagements allow me to reach a broader audience and inspire positive change in individuals from all walks of life.

My most exciting new offering is my book, “BE-Friend Yourself: Finding Freedom with Food and Peace with Your Body,” which comes out on October 1st. This book encapsulates my teachings and experiences, offering readers practical tools and insights to break free from the shackles of food obsession and negative body image. It’s a guide to nurturing a loving relationship with oneself and embracing the journey to self-acceptance.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been particularly impactful: 1. learning how to listen deeply to my inner knowing, cultivating self-compassion, and guiding others into healing experiences in a safe, loving environment. Learning to tap into my body’s wisdom and intuition was a game-changer. By trusting my inner voice and not always following others’ opinions, I began to make choices that truly aligned with my authentic self. This deep listening helped me navigate my healing journey with greater clarity and confidence. 2. Replacing negative and critical self-talk with self-compassion transformed how I felt about myself and others. By being curious rather than critical, I fostered a more loving and understanding relationship with myself. This shift not only improved my self-esteem but also enhanced my interactions with others. 3. Creating a safe, loving environment for others to heal has been deeply fulfilling. Guiding people through their healing journeys has reinforced my own growth and commitment to this work. Witnessing the transformation in others inspires and motivates me to continue evolving.

For those just beginning their journey, my advice is to embrace the cyclical nature of healing and be patient with yourself. Trust your intuition and listen to your body’s wisdom, practicing mindfulness and creating space for reflection. Cultivate self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and curiosity, especially during setbacks. Surround yourself with supportive people and be open to receiving help. Remember, healing is not linear, and every step, even the challenging ones, brings you closer to a life of self-love and inner peace.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who feels the deep call for transformation and is genuinely ready to take responsibility for their own healing journey. They are ready to seek guidance and support, knowing they can’t do it alone. They understand that their struggles are not just surface-level issues but symptoms of deeper, unresolved traumas and patterns. This person is prepared to look beyond the immediate concerns and dive into the root causes of their challenges.

Characteristics of my ideal client include:

Willingness to Look Deeper: You understand that true healing involves more than just addressing food and body image issues. You are ready to explore the underlying emotional and spiritual causes of your struggles.

Open-Mindedness: You are open to holistic and spiritual approaches to healing. You are willing to embrace practices like Reiki and other spiritual techniques that can provide deeper insights and healing.

Commitment to Personal Growth: You are dedicated to your personal development and are willing to invest the time and effort required to unlearn negative behaviors and thought patterns. You are motivated to grow and transform your life.

Readiness to Take Responsibility: You are ready to take an active role in your healing process. You understand that you have the power to change your life and are committed to taking the necessary steps to achieve your goals.

Desire for Self-Love and Acceptance: You are on a journey to develop a loving and accepting relationship with yourself. You seek to cultivate self-confidence and self-esteem from within, rather than relying on external validation.

If you feel a resonance with these characteristics, I am here to support you on your path to healing and self-discovery. Together, we can uncover the deeper issues and work towards a life of freedom, self-love, and inner peace. Your journey to transformation starts with the willingness to take that first step, and I am honored to walk this path with you.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Amy Goalen

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