Karen Retardo Karen Retardo

How My Father's Legacy Inspired Me to Empower Immigrant Women

Finding Strength in Legacy Let me tell you about my father—a man whose stories are not just tales of the past but guiding lights for my present. His life was a testament to resilience, to making the most of every single day, even when the days were tough. He carried his wooden sandals in his hands on his way to school to save them from wearing out too quickly—a simple act that showed his deep understanding of preserving for the future. This image of him has always inspired me, especially in my mission to empower immigrant women to carve out a space for themselves in this world.

Read More
Karen Retardo Karen Retardo

Finding Time for Your Dreams: Juggling Career and Passion Projects

In the rhythmic dance of our daily lives, where demands and deadlines often set the beat, many of us carry a quiet symphony of dreams unplayed—passion projects and creative pursuits waiting in the wings of our packed schedules. How do we tune into these dreams amid the cacophony of career responsibilities? This article explores practical strategies for harmonizing professional obligations with your passion projects, ensuring that your dreams get the stage time they deserve.

Read More
Karen Retardo Karen Retardo

Why You Deserve a Seat at the Table: Overcoming the Fear of Not Belonging

You are enough. Though often shadowed by doubts, this simple truth is the cornerstone of your journey to the table. In every field, in every room, you have the right to be present—not just as an observer but as an active, valued participant. This article explores why embracing your worth is not just a nicety but a necessity and how you can start to believe in your rightful place.

Read More
Karen Retardo Karen Retardo

How AAPI and LGBTQ+ Voices Can Be Heard in Rooms That Weren’t Built for Them

In spaces historically not designed with diversity in mind, LGBTQ+ and AAPI individuals often find themselves on the margins, striving to be heard and understood. This article is a heartfelt call to ensure these vibrant voices break through the barriers of rooms that weren’t built for them but are nonetheless theirs to claim.

Read More
Karen Retardo Karen Retardo

Embracing Impostor Syndrome as an Immigrant

Understanding and embracing impostor syndrome is not merely about combating or overcoming these feelings but about recognizing them as a part of your growth and adaptation process as an immigrant. This shift in perspective isn't just beneficial—it's transformative, turning what may seem like a personal drawback into a catalyst for development and deeper self-understanding in your new environment.

Read More
Karen Retardo Karen Retardo

The Power of Self-Trust: Breaking the Cycle of External Validation

Have you ever paused to consider where your sense of worth truly comes from? What if, instead of seeking validation in the applause and affirmations of others, you turned inward and listened to the enduring voice of your own soul?

Self-trust is a mosaic built piece by piece—choosing self-compassion over self-doubt, authenticity over performance. It’s about letting go of society’s expectations and crafting a life rooted in your own truth.

Each step toward self-trust is a brushstroke in the masterpiece of your life, empowering you to break free from external validation and embrace the liberating journey of coming home to yourself.

Read More
Karen Retardo Karen Retardo

Self-Sacrifice vs. Service: Finding the Balance That Honors Both You and Others

Self-sacrifice often leads to burnout and resentment, while true service comes from strength and abundance. It’s about saying yes when you mean it, no when you need to, and honoring your needs too.

You matter. Serve with love, not guilt. Give generously without losing yourself.

Where in your life can you shift from self-sacrifice to service? Let’s talk.

Read More
Karen Retardo Karen Retardo

Reclaiming Your Confidence: Tips for Immigrants and AAPI Women

Confidence isn’t about being loud—it’s about owning who you are, even when the world tries to tell you otherwise. For immigrants and AAPI women, societal pressures and cultural conditioning can bury self-assurance under layers of doubt and fear. The good news? Confidence isn’t missing; it’s just waiting to be rediscovered.

Read More
Karen Retardo Karen Retardo

The Loneliness Pandemic: Breaking the Chains of Silent Isolation

Despite living in a digitally connected world, loneliness persists as a silent pandemic. Acknowledging these feelings isn’t a weakness but a step toward genuine connection. Key actions include:

  • Checking in with your emotions daily.

  • Prioritizing deep, meaningful connections.

  • Advocating for mental health awareness.

  • Creating and joining supportive communities.

Loneliness is part of being human, but with vulnerability, self-compassion, and intentional effort, we can build bridges toward connection and understanding.

Read More
Karen Retardo Karen Retardo

The Importance of Self-care - How to Nurture Yourself

Be kind to yourself, especially when you struggle to maintain your self-care routine. Remember that self-care is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay to have off days; what matters is your intention to prioritize yourself in the long run.


Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for leading a balanced, fulfilling life. By recognizing its importance and integrating simple, sustainable practices into your routine, you can nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t about being selfish—it’s about showing up as the best version of yourself for both you and those around you. So start small, stay consistent, and make self-care a non-negotiable part of your life today.

Read More
Karen Retardo Karen Retardo

Life by Design vs. Life by Default: How to Shape Your Future with Intention

Imagine waking up tomorrow to a life filled with purpose and excitement, exactly as you've always dreamed. Now, contrast that with waking up to a life that just...happened—without intentional choices, just drifting along.

This isn't just a thought experiment; it highlights the stark difference between living life by design and life by default. Living by design means being the captain of your ship, steering towards your chosen horizon. In contrast, living by default is like floating adrift at sea, directionless.

Are you ready to take the wheel and steer toward a life filled with purpose? Let’s dive into how you can shift from default to design, and truly live on your own terms.

Read More
Karen Retardo Karen Retardo

Why 'Being' Matters More Than 'Doing'

Ever catch yourself in the “If only” trap? You know, the one where you think, "If only I had that degree, then I'd be successful," or "If only I had their approval, I'd finally be enough." I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing—what if it's not about having more to be more? What if it’s about embracing who you are right now and letting the rest naturally follow? In this piece, we’ll explore why being matters more than doing, and how flipping the script can lead to a more fulfilling, authentic journey. So, let’s dive in and start from where we are—with a whole lot of heart and a little bit of courage.

Read More