Do you want to know the quickest way for me to process your refund and ensure we never work together again? Listen up because, in this episode, I'm dropping some truth bombs about freedom of choice. Many people willingly surrender their power to those who don't even understand the reality. If you don't want to reach old age wishing you hadn't cared so much about other people's opinions, this episode is a must-listen!
Topics Covered:
- Setting boundaries as a woman
- Distinguishing between leadership and dictatorship
- Utilizing your freedom of choice
- Making positive choices in mid-life
- Effective communication for achieving goals
- The power of supportive partnerships
- How men can support women's success
How much more of your life are you going to live under somebody else's expectation of what you should be? I would love to know! Message me on Instagram to let me know and tell me what topics you want to hear more about or who I should have on the show.
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More about the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast
Ever wish you had a fit and straightforward BFF with over 15 years of experience to help you filter through all the information regarding fitness, nutrition, and life?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you listen to the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
Join Former Bikini Olympia Champion, mom of 2, and fitness coach Nathalia Melo each week as she shares fitness, nutrition, and life tips to help busy working moms simplify their fitness journey so they can learn easy and simple strategies on how to lose weight and feel sexy AF.
After helping over 5000 busy working moms, Nathalia has found the blueprint to fitness, nutrition, and life success, which she will be sharing in this podcast: actionable tips that will help busy working moms be more present at work and at home.
This show is for you if you realize that nothing good comes from your comfort zone and are ready to challenge yourself to achieve great things. Follow Unfiltered Fit Life wherever you are listening to join us each week for a splash of sass, humor, and a whole lotta truth.
This episode is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.
The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
Hello, hello there, friends! Welcome back to The Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast. I’m your host, Nathalia Melo, and today’s episode is one I’m deeply passionate about. We’re diving into a topic that affects so many of us—the hard truths about the freedom of choice and how we often give away this incredible power to others who may not fully understand our struggles.
Before we jump in, I just want to take a moment to thank you all for your support. I’ve been getting messages from listeners asking how they can help me keep this podcast ad-free. First of all, thank you!
The best way you can support the podcast is simple: share it. Share this episode—or any episode that resonated with you—with a friend or on social media. Tag me, let me know what spoke to you, and leave a review if you feel inclined. It means the world to me and helps keep The Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast going strong.
The Freedom of Choice
Now, let’s get into it. Today, we’re talking about freedom of choice—a freedom many of us take for granted—and how that intersects with the dynamics of leadership, partnership, and self-empowerment.
This topic came up during a conversation with my incredible coach, Annie Yatch. We were peeling back the layers of why I feel so strongly about empowering others, especially women. Annie said something that hit me like a lightning bolt:
"Natalia, you’re passionate about this because you understand the power of choice—the power of making hard decisions and the freedom that comes with it."
That simple observation completely reframed how I view my own journey and the choices I’ve made in life.
The Hard Choices That Define Us
When I look back, every pivotal moment in my life came from a hard decision.
- Leaving Law School in Brazil: At 20 years old, I dropped out of law school, sold my car, and moved to the U.S. with less than $400 in my pocket. It was a terrifying choice, especially coming from a Latino household where career options are often limited to becoming a doctor or a lawyer. But it opened doors I never imagined.
- Competing at the Olympia: Training for and competing at the highest level of bodybuilding wasn’t just a physical challenge; it was a choice to push myself beyond my limits.
- Moving to Northern Ireland for Love: Leaving my life in the U.S. to be with my now-husband was a leap of faith. It was a hard choice, but it led to the beautiful family and life we’ve built together.
- Returning to the U.S. with Two Small Kids: Another tough decision, but one that was right for our family.
Each of these moments required courage, and each one taught me the value of owning my choices.
Leadership vs. Dictatorship
Now, here’s where I get fired up. We live in a country—at least in the U.S.—that prides itself on freedom, including the freedom of choice. But so many women I work with unknowingly give away that freedom.
I’m not here to bash anyone, and I’m certainly not here to get political. I’m here to say this:
There’s a big difference between leadership and dictatorship.
Leadership involves listening, understanding, and making decisions that align with shared goals. Dictatorship, on the other hand, is about control without context or collaboration.
I see too many women following a “leader” in their life—whether that’s a partner, a boss, or even societal expectations—without questioning where they’re being led. And that’s a dangerous path.
Blind Submission Isn’t Partnership
Let me be clear: I believe in partnership and respect in relationships. In my own marriage, I respect my husband’s leadership in many areas. But that doesn’t mean I follow blindly.
A real partnership involves communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making. If your partner refuses to listen, understand your struggles, or be part of the process, that’s not leadership—that’s control.
Real-Life Examples
Recently, I spoke to several women who wanted to join my Powerhouse Academy program. Their stories broke my heart:
- A woman ready to step down from a leadership position: She felt so disconnected from her body and confidence that she considered asking for a demotion at work.
- A mom struggling with resentment in her marriage: She felt like she’d lost herself and was giving too much without receiving the support she needed.
- An aspiring entrepreneur lacking confidence: She wanted to start her own business but doubted her ability to succeed because of how she felt about herself.
In each case, their struggles were affecting their lives, careers, and relationships. And in each case, their partners either weren’t aware of the depth of their pain or weren’t fully supportive.
The Role of Supportive Partners
I always encourage women to involve their partners in the decision-making process. The best outcomes come when both partners are on the same page.
I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible husbands who’ve shown true leadership by listening, asking questions, and supporting their wives. Shoutout to Colin, Ryan, Alf, Greg, Troy, and others who exemplify what partnership looks like.
The Cost of Inaction
Here’s the harsh truth: If you don’t take ownership of your choices, someone else will make them for you. And that often leads to resentment, missed opportunities, and a life filled with regret.
I’ve worked with women in their 60s and 70s who look back and wish they’d taken action sooner. They regret the memories they didn’t make, the pictures they didn’t take, and the dreams they didn’t pursue.
Don’t let that be your story.
This isn’t about blaming anyone. It’s about empowering yourself to take advantage of the freedoms you have. It’s about recognizing the difference between leadership and control, asking questions, and standing up for what you need.
You deserve to live a life that feels fulfilling—not one dictated by someone else’s expectations.
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s keep this conversation going and create a community where women feel empowered to take ownership of their lives.
You can find me on Instagram at @NataliaMeloFit. The links are in the show notes. Until next time, stay strong, stay unfiltered, and keep thriving!
