In a world that never stops moving, CarolAnn Tutera shares powerful insights on self-acceptance, slowing down, and rediscovering true joy by embracing who you are and living authentically.

In today’s fast-paced world, the idea of slowing down seems almost impossible. With technology keeping us constantly connected and societal pressures pushing us to do more, many people struggle to find moments of peace and true happiness. But is slowing down really a myth? And if so, how do we reclaim our joy in a world that never stops moving? In this insightful conversation, we sit down with CarolAnn Tutera, co-founder of SottoPelle Therapy, to discuss the importance of self-acceptance, reconnecting with oneself, and embracing the life you truly want to live. CarolAnn shares her personal journey of self-discovery, the lessons she’s learned about overcoming fear and judgment, and how taking control of our well-being—both mentally and physically—can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Throughout this interview, CarolAnn provides powerful insights on how people can rediscover joy, break free from societal expectations, and cultivate a life of authenticity. From learning how to be present in the moment to making time for self-reflection, she emphasizes that true happiness isn’t something we chase—it’s something we create within ourselves. She also shares the transformative benefits of hormone balance through SottoPelle Therapy, helping people maintain vitality and age gracefully. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from what truly makes you happy, this conversation will leave you inspired to take the first steps toward a more intentional and joyful life.

Thank you so much for joining us, CarolAnn! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?

Thank you for having me! My journey has been one of self-discovery, healing, and purpose. I’m the co-founder of SottoPelle Therapy, and I’ve dedicated my life to helping people achieve balance and well-being, both physically and emotionally. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with individuals navigating challenges such as grief, aging, and personal reinvention. My passion lies in guiding people toward rediscovering their joy and sense of self, especially after life throws unexpected challenges their way. Having gone through my own transformation, I know firsthand how difficult yet rewarding this journey can be. I’ve learned that happiness isn’t something that just happens—it’s something we actively cultivate through self-awareness, mindfulness, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences.

One of the topics we’re covering today is the idea of slowing down. Do you think it’s a myth that people naturally slow down as they get older?

Absolutely, it’s a myth! In today’s fast-paced world, I actually think people are speeding up rather than slowing down. We live in a society where productivity is glorified, and we feel compelled to always be “on.” Technology plays a huge role in this—we’re constantly connected, answering emails, scrolling through social media, and responding to messages. The idea of slowing down sounds wonderful, but very few people actually do it. That said, I do believe it’s possible, but it requires conscious effort. For me, I’ve started making small shifts—like waking up a bit later in the mornings, giving myself permission to ease into the day rather than jumping into work immediately. Another big step I’ve taken is staying off my phone in the evenings. That’s been a game-changer. Instead of ending my day staring at a screen, I’m learning to be more present, whether it’s with a book, my thoughts, or simply unwinding in a quiet space. Slowing down isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about being intentional with your time and energy.

That’s such an important point. So many people are glued to their phones, even when they’re out enjoying a beautiful place or spending time with loved ones. Do you think this constant connectivity is preventing people from finding real joy?

Without a doubt. We’ve become so attached to our devices that we’ve lost touch with the world around us. I was in Miami recently, and even in that beautiful setting, people were glued to their phones. Couples at dinner weren’t talking to each other—they were staring at screens. Families were out together, but instead of engaging, everyone was scrolling. It’s heartbreaking because these are moments we can’t get back. When I was growing up, life was different. We played outside, had face-to-face conversations, and enjoyed uninterrupted family time. That was real joy. Now, it feels like we’re constantly chasing something—notifications, updates, or validation from the digital world—when in reality, the most fulfilling experiences are happening offline. If people could just disconnect, even for a short period each day, they’d realize how much they’ve been missing.

I completely agree. I see it all the time—families out at restaurants, but everyone is staring at their screens. It makes me appreciate how we grew up, where we had uninterrupted quality time with our loved ones. Do you think people truly know what makes them happy anymore?

I don’t think many people do. We’re so conditioned to react to external stimuli—whether it’s work, social media, or societal pressures—that we rarely take a moment to ask ourselves what truly brings us joy. It’s almost as if we’ve lost touch with ourselves. Instead of looking inward, we look to the outside world for happiness, thinking that a new job, a bigger house, or a new relationship will magically fulfill us. But that’s not how it works. True happiness comes from within. It starts with self-awareness, learning to enjoy your own company, and appreciating the little things. But to get there, we need to unplug, reflect, and reconnect with what really matters.

That’s such a powerful statement—just being. Many people struggle with that. What was your journey like in rediscovering what makes you happy?

It wasn’t easy. For years, I was completely consumed by my business. I poured so much of myself into my work that I forgot about me. I didn’t have hobbies. I didn’t take time for myself. My identity was so wrapped up in my company that when I finally took a step back, I felt lost. I had to ask myself some tough questions: What do I enjoy? What excites me? Who am I outside of my work? To find those answers, I had to give myself space—space to reflect, to try new things, and to simply be. I didn’t use a vision board because I think life is unpredictable, and sometimes our best experiences come from what we don’t plan. Instead, I journaled, I experimented with different activities, and I started listening to myself again. That’s how I rediscovered what truly brings me joy.

That’s amazing! Writing is such a great tool for self-discovery. Were there any fears or challenges you faced in this process?

Definitely. Sitting with yourself can be scary because you’re forced to face everything—the good and the bad. I realized I had been suppressing certain parts of myself for years. As a child, I loved dressing in a fun, quirky way, but at some point, I let societal expectations dictate how I presented myself. Now, I’ve started embracing that side of me again. I wear what makes me happy, not what’s considered “appropriate” or “trendy.” It’s liberating. But it takes courage to break free from the mold that society places on us. The fear of judgment is real, but at the end of the day, you have to ask yourself: Am I living for others, or am I living for me?

That’s so inspiring. So many people are afraid to stand out because they fear judgment. How do you overcome that?

Self-acceptance is key. Once you embrace who you truly are, the opinions of others lose their power over you. It’s a process, but every time you make a choice that aligns with your authentic self, you build confidence. The fear of judgment often comes from a desire for external validation, but when you start living for yourself, you feel lighter and freer. People will always have opinions—that’s inevitable—but their thoughts don’t define your worth. The moment you stop seeking approval from others, you gain the freedom to express yourself fully.

That’s such an important lesson. For people who want to start this journey but don’t know where to begin, what would be the first step?

The first step is spending time alone and reconnecting with yourself. Grab a notebook and just start writing—don’t filter your thoughts or worry about making sense. Use colors, doodles, or anything creative to tap into your emotions. The goal isn’t perfection but exploration. Many people are disconnected from their true desires because they’re constantly distracted. When you slow down and reflect, you start uncovering what truly makes you happy. Even taking a walk without your phone or sitting in silence for a few minutes a day can help you rediscover what brings you joy.

That’s incredible advice. Now, shifting gears, can you share a little about SottoPelle Therapy and how it helps people?

SottoPelle Therapy focuses on hormone balance to help people feel their best as they age. My late husband, Dr. Gino Tutera, pioneered individualized dosing for hormone pellet therapy, which provides a steady release of hormones into the bloodstream. Unlike pills or creams, pellets ensure consistent levels, reducing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings. I’ve been on them for 30 years, and they’ve made a huge difference in my energy, mental clarity, and even skin health. Our goal is to help people age gracefully—not just grow older, but live vibrantly.

That’s fantastic. How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can find us at SottoPelle Therapy. We’re also active on Instagram and Facebook, where we share wellness tips, hormone health insights, and success stories. We love connecting with people who want to take control of their well-being and feel their best at any age.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experiences with us today. Your insights on self-acceptance, slowing down, and finding true joy are incredibly inspiring. It’s been a pleasure having you!

Thank you so much for having me! I always love our conversations. It’s so important to talk about these things, and I hope this encourages people to take time for themselves and rediscover what truly makes them happy. I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey, and I look forward to connecting again soon!

Originally published at https://community.thriveglobal.com on February 25, 2025.