Blog 1: My Story & Why This Podcast Exists
Aloha and welcome—I’m Ana, your host of Wind in Her Hair.
I didn’t start this podcast because I had it all figured out. I started it because I’ve been lost, broken, and stuck. I’ve walked through shame, toxic cycles, and survival mode. Through God, grit, and healing, I’ve rebuilt my life. And now I feel called to share my story—so you know you’re not alone.
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Why “Wind in Her Hair”?
The name was inspired by Dances with Wolves. Since I’m part Sioux Indian, I wanted a name with meaning. For me, nothing feels freer than the wind in my hair.
Whether I’m riding horses, bikeriding, driving with the windows down, or just standing in the ocean breeze—it’s freedom. It’s also boldness. It’s choosing to throw caution to the wind, step outside your comfort zone, and show up even when it’s scary.
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The Wound That Shaped My Worth
I grew up on the North Shore of Oahu. Life looked picture-perfect—ocean, horses, family, church. But when my parents divorced when I was 13, I made a quiet vow: I’m not worth much.
That lie shaped everything—who I dated, what I tolerated, how I saw myself. Later, when I became pregnant at 24, the church made me stand on stage and “repent.” That moment reinforced the lie: You’re cheap. You don’t deserve good things.
And that belief dictated decades of choices.
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Toxic Marriage & Survival Mode
Those lies led me into a toxic marriage. For 13 years I lived in dysfunction, convinced chaos and emotional abuse were just my normal. I told myself it was the best I could do.
But deep in my gut, I knew better. Eventually, I chose the harder path—leaving—because staying was destroying me…
almost literally.
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The Winery Breakthrough
One afternoon at a winery, a friend said words that shattered me:
“Ana, you’re punishing yourself—and you think God is punishing you too.”
That hit me like a brick. For years, I had carried shame and believed God was disappointed in me. That single conversation cracked the door open to real healing.
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Rock Bottom in Florida
After divorce, I hustled in Hawaii while still homeschooling my children—Airbnb SuperHost, custom furniture builder just getting by every month until I eventually took the leap and moved to the east coast to snag an amazing opportunity as a corporate flight attendant. And I continued to hustle even more so that I could level up our quality of life, become financially free, and bring to life my lifelong dreams of using my voice to speak grace and truth to the world. From the outside, it looked like progress. Inside, I was empty, especially without my children. It took so much longer than expected to set myself up financially enough to support my children living with me on the Mainland.
My journey took me to Florida where I hit rock bottom. Feeling very alone. Isolated. Surrounded by darkness, doubt, despair.
And it was there, stripped of distractions, that God finally had my full attention. I surrendered. And for the first time in years, I stopped trying to do it all on my own.
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From Hawaii to Nashville
Not long after, I packed up my Jeep, hooked a U-Haul, and drove to Nashville. On my birthday, I walked into a church and instantly knew: I was home.
God brought me to Nashville not just for my own healing, but to heal my relationship with my children, my mindset, and every area of my life. Here, I’ve found peace that truly surpasses all understanding.
Every day, He is making a way—guiding me as I take step after step up this staircase of independence, healing, and freedom. I know my children will be with me soon enough, and in the meantime, I’m living in the purpose and calling He’s placed over my life.
The Seven Pillars of Wind in Her Hair
This podcast is built on seven pillars—the areas that hold our lives together:
Spiritual* – You’re a spiritual being having a human experience. Stay connected.
Emotional/Mental* – Heal your wounds, rewire your thoughts, regulate your nervous system.
Physical* – Care for your body and build strength.
Relational* – Heal your relationship with yourself first; every other relationship flows from there.
Professional* – Step into your calling and use your gifts.
Financial* – Money is a tool for freedom, not the end goal.
Sexual* – Heal shame, reclaim intimacy, and experience deep connection.
When one pillar cracks, the whole structure shakes. When they’re aligned—you thrive.
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Final Thoughts
This podcast isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up messy, telling the truth, and growing together.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Bring your fears, doubts, and limiting beliefs—and let’s walk this journey side by side.
Because you are seen. You are heard. You are enough.
And this week? Go get some wind in your hair. 🌊
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Connect with Ana
💻 Coaching: [analeacoaching.com](https://analeacoaching.com)
📸 Instagram: [@ana\\_lea\\](https://instagram.com/analea_)
🎵 TikTok: [@ana\\_lea\\](https://tiktok.com/@analea_)
▶ YouTube: [youtube.com/@analeacoaching](https://youtube.com/@analeacoaching)
📧 Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
☕ Support the podcast: [buymeacoffee.com/ana\_lea](https://buymeacoffee.com/ana_lea)
