Knowing Oneself with Niña Anna Mariano

Level Up with Jevi

Summary:

After a two-month pause to level up behind the scenes, Jevi returns with a deeply reflective episode featuring Niña Anna Mariano—freelancer, executive assistant to Coach Harry (Kage), and former nun. Niña shares her winding life journey from the convent to freelancing and the powerful process of rediscovering her identity. Her story dives into the struggles of burnout, the confusion of life after a long spiritual commitment, and the value of finding direction and clarity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling lost, stuck, or unsure of the next step. Niña’s vulnerability and wisdom remind us that we’re all works in progress—and that with patience and reflection, we can reshape our lives.

Highlights:

🌱 Pre-Level Up Life: From Convent to Confusion

Niña recalls her bold decision to enter the convent just days after graduation, spending nine years in service and spiritual formation before choosing to step away and face a world she no longer recognized.

💼 Freelancing, Burnout & Breakthrough

From book editing to juggling multiple freelance clients and corporate work, Niña candidly shares her experience of burnout and how it forced her to slow down, reflect, and rebuild with intention.

🧠 Knowing Oneself & Identity Clarity

Niña discusses the challenge of identity loss, comparing herself to others, and the journey to truly understand who she is outside of the expectations and labels she once embraced.

🌟 The Role of Mentors

She highlights the importance of having the right mentor—not just any guide, but someone aligned with your values who offers fresh, unbiased perspectives to help you grow.

🧘 Habits that Shape Identity

Niña shares practical habits that supported her healing and growth—10k steps, online workouts, and audio journaling—as part of her commitment to self-care and identity building.

💡 Defining Success & Building a Joyful Life

For Niña, success means peace, joy, financial security, and quality time with loved ones—not necessarily six figures, but stability and intentional living.

🗝️ Advice to the Lost & Confused

To those struggling with identity or constantly comparing themselves to others, Niña offers simple yet powerful advice: be patient with yourself, seek mentors, and don't fixate on one future. We’re all evolving, and that’s okay.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ Your identity is a work in progress—don’t fixate on one version of yourself.

✔️ Slow down when you’re lost; reflection and patience lead to clarity.

✔️ Mentors offer crucial perspectives—choose one who aligns with your values.

✔️ Cultivate simple habits to ground yourself daily.

✔️ Success isn’t just income—it’s peace, direction, and joy.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Welcome back! Meet Niña Anna Mariano

1:41 - Niña’s journey from convent life to teaching

4:03 - Burnout, breakdown, and letting go

7:33 - Finding direction through the Clarity Challenge

10:19 - Niña’s greatest challenges: identity confusion and comparison

17:24 - What sparked her to level up?

21:08 - The importance of having a mentor

24:09 - Daily habits that helped shape her identity

27:22 - Redefining success through peace and intention

32:41 - Advice for classmates who feel lost or behind

36:40 - Measuring identity progress—where is Niña now?

38:49 - Why we’re all works in progress

41:08 - Final reflections: “Life is good, and it can always be better.”

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