Meet Kristin Birdwell

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristin Birdwell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kristin, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Growing up a podunk, bullied tomboy with home haircuts, buck teeth, and capitalized and lowercase T traumas, I longed for love and acceptance.

Since my days roaming those small-town pastures, I’ve accomplished a lot—produced a short film, written a best-selling memoir, created a podcast, traveled the world, earned six figures, and more.

But if I’m being radically honest? Pieces of my creations came from a place of not feeling worthy or good enough.

A place where if I do X, Y, and Z, then I’ll be worthy of love, pride, or acceptance.

I now understand that an overactive response to not feeling worthy can be perfectionism. Couple that with people-pleasing, and I did all the things—honor society, straight A’s, student council, degrees, certifications—morphing into who I thought others wanted me to be. I checked every box I thought would make me worthy of love and belonging. And on the other end of the pendulum? I chased validation everywhere. Believe me, I probably tried them all—shopping, sex, substance abuse, black-out drinking, travel, and even spiritual practitioners. I kept seeking external solutions for an internal ache.

I spent so many years being what I thought everyone else wanted me to be that I didn’t know who I was anymore. Once I’d achieved what the world told me would make me happy, and it didn’t, I had a breakdown in my closet. But that led to a breakthrough, a reckoning, and a redirection. I finally placed my attention inward and started asking myself questions. Who am I? Why am I here? What do I want? How do I want to express myself?

Confidence and self-esteem were built, brick by brick, through devotion, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to showing up for myself… as myself. I believe people are inherently worthy, but to truly believe that about myself? That took repetition. Consistency helped grow my belief. Every time I honored my word—whether it was meditating when I said I would, pushing my edges, showing up on my yoga mat, or following my creative desires—I built trust in myself.

Instead of sticking to a rigid routine, which I undoubtedly tried for years, I asked myself, what will nourish me in this moment? What is my body and spirit calling for? Journaling and reflective writing. Movement. Stillness. Listening to myself. Exploring shadows. Play and pleasure. Honoring my body with hell yes clothing—because when I wear what makes me feel alive, I move differently in the world and carry myself with the energy of someone who knows their worth. From infrared sauna sessions to guided ketamine therapy, I eventually emerged from a once suicide-ideating place with self-compassion, realizing my tenderness was a gift and grounded in my true essence.

Fear, for me, became a compass. I used to think fear meant stop, but now I see it as a signal—showing me where I’m deeply invested. If something scares me that isn’t truly for my safety, it’s because it matters to me. So, I get curious. Instead of running from fear, I write it out, speak it aloud, ask where it’s coming from, and go into it. I remind myself why I’m doing the thing in the first place. A potent, well-defined why carries me through the doubt, the discomfort, the moments where I want to shrink back into the familiar.

But fear isn’t just about investment—it’s also a call for more love. Radical self-love. A deeper embrace of all the parts of me, even the ones that still feel tender, afraid, or uncertain. Fear shows me where I need to pour in gentleness, compassion, and acceptance. It asks me to love myself through the fear, not just beyond it. To offer radical acceptance of every part of me and recognize how they’ve all worked for me. (Yep, talking to you, anxiety. I love you, too.)

Writing my book was one of my greatest acts of self-love. With every word, I witnessed myself, giving voice to my journey and realizing just how much I had overcome. Journaling, too, was my mirror—showing me not just where I struggled but where I triumphed. I continue to write down my celebrations because they are fuel for my journey. Even if what I’m celebrating that day is rest or making breakfast.

I’ve also learned to give myself permission to be new at things. Perfection isn’t required; presence is. Confidence isn’t about being the best—it’s about being in it, willing to stumble, learn, keep going, and knowing that no matter what happens, I’ve got me.

Of course, self-esteem isn’t a straight line. I’ve fallen off, doubted myself, and had seasons where I isolated. But self-worth is built in the circling back. Giving myself grace, listening to my inner guide, and choosing—again and again—to stand in devotion to the person I am becoming. So, I crafted a vision of who I dream to be and how I wish to contribute. I consciously weave in her essence now while simultaneously being happy and grateful right where my boots are.
Being here now.
Being the woman who would have shown up for that tomboy.

Being the woman she’s proud to have become.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Kristin, your unapologetic guide to soulful living, fearless healing, and daring self-expression. Think of me as your mystical co-conspirator—a blend of wisdom, wit, and wild-hearted rebellion here to help you rewrite the story of your life.

I’m a spiritual teacher, author, podcaster, tantrika, story doula, mystic, healer, and playful sacred rebel (yes, I wear all the hats, and they’re fabulous). I work with those who are ready to shed the shoulds, confront the shadows, and embrace their full, messy, magnificent humanity.​

I blend trauma-informed care with the rich traditions of red-and-white tantric rituals, weaving ancient wisdom with modern sensibility. Whether through spiritual guidance, hands-on healing, grief support, intimacy mentorship, or retreats, I offer a space for transformation where your truest self can rise.

Here’s the truth: life is too short to live by someone else’s rules. I believe in the power of vulnerability, the beauty of chaos, and the magic that happens when you give yourself permission to play big, love fiercely, and heal deeply.

When I’m not guiding others on their journey, you’ll find me writing bold stories, reveling in sacred mischief, or chasing sunsets with a laugh and a wink.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Self-Inquiry & Emotional Alchemy: Learn to sit in the fire without running. Your emotions are not enemies; they are guides, portals, and initiations. Alchemy happens when you stop resisting and start listening.

– Craft a clear vision. Don’t follow what the world or culture wants you to do – who do you want to be? Each person has a unique inner guide and set of gifts. How does this version of you move in the world? How do they feel? How can you feel this now?
– Believe that everything works out for you, even if you can’t see it in the present moment.
– Heal yo’ shit! Release victim mentality to consciously create your future.
– Journaling as a Mirror – Write without censorship. Let the raw, messy, painful, and beautiful truths spill onto the page.
– Shadow Work – Notice what triggers you and ask: What part of me is unhealed here? What part is asking for more love?
– Emotional Transmutation – Instead of just “processing” emotions, ask: What is this feeling trying to teach me? Then channel it into movement, art, or ritual.
– Radical Self-Compassion – Healing isn’t linear. Be gentle with yourself while still being radically honest.

2. Sacred Sensuality & Embodied Wisdom: Your body is not just a vehicle for your mind; it is a wise, primal, holy thing. The more you inhabit it, the more access you have to your power.

-Daily Sensory Awareness – Take a moment each day to fully experience pleasure: the feel of the sun on your skin, the taste of your food, the way music moves through you. Savor life and the present moment.
– Movement as Devotion – Dance, stretch, touch yourself with reverence—move your body not for appearance but for connection. Breath, sound, & movement are invitations to the present moment.
– Exploring Sensuality Without Shame – Make pleasure a ritual rather than a guilty indulgence. Learn where you hold shame in your body and gently unravel it.

3. Storytelling & Soulful Expression: Your story is your medicine. Even the parts you wish never happened. Especially those.

– Tell the Truth (Even If It Scares You) – The best stories aren’t the prettiest; they’re the realest. Write or speak from raw, unfiltered truth.
– Start Small, but Start – Share your experiences in whatever way feels safe—journaling, social media, voice notes, poetry, whatever moves you.
– Find Your Unique Voice – You don’t need to sound like anyone else. Your style, your quirks, your rhythm—it’s all part of your magic.
– Understand That Storytelling Heals – Writing or speaking your truth helps you integrate your past. And when others hear it, they feel seen in their own journeys.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One of the most impactful books I’ve ever read is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I discovered it in 2013, shortly after my dad passed, and it became a lifeline—resuscitating both my creativity and my sense of self. It reminded me that life itself is our greatest creation and muse.

Cameron’s concept of filling the creative well changed everything for me. She encourages “artist dates”—solo adventures to explore curiosity, play, and inspiration. These small acts of creative self-care helped me reconnect with wonder and possibility.

But perhaps the most transformative practice was morning pages—three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing done first thing in the morning. It became a moving meditation, a way to observe my thoughts rather than be consumed by them. Brain-dumping onto the page revealed truths I hadn’t yet voiced. It was through this practice that I made the life-altering decision to enroll in yoga teacher training—where, for the first time, I found grace and love for myself.

This book wasn’t just about creativity; it was about coming home to myself. It showed me that honoring my creative desires is an act of self-love, and that by consistently showing up for my art, I was ultimately showing up for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristinbirdwell.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinbirdwell_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cocreatewithkristin
• Other: https://www.sacredrebelsouls.com/