How Culture Shapes Identity and Belonging | A Journey Through Faith, Psychology, and Self Acceptance

In this episode, Alveena reflects on the experience of growing up wishing she was white and the journey toward self acceptance. Through powerful storytelling, she explores self discrepancy theory and how the tension between who we are and who we think we should be shapes our sense of belonging.

Blending insights from psychology, mental health, and Islamic spirituality, Alveena shares how wholehearted living begins when we stop performing for acceptance and start embracing our true selves.
This episode is perfect for anyone interested in faith and identity, mental health podcasts, and healing through psychology and spirituality.

00:30 Welcome to Reflections and Realizations
01:00 Growing up wishing to be white
03:02 Feeling different and learning to belong
04:30 Discovering self discrepancy theory
05:49 Brené Brown and wholehearted living
07:30 Faith, intention, and self acceptance
09:22 Reclaiming identity and belonging
11:23 Healing through parenting and reflection
13:14 Journal prompts and closing thoughts

LINKS

LinkedIn:   / alveena-salim-a98abb49  

Instagram:   / withalveena  

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4jamFYZ...

ABOUT THE HOST

Alveena is a psychology MSc student, writer, and seeker exploring the intersection of mental health, psychology, and Islamic spirituality.
Her work blends academic insight with lived experience, drawing from her background in teaching, therapy, and faith to explore identity, belonging, and healing.

Through her writing and podcast, she shares deeply personal reflections that bridge science and spirituality, encouraging honest self inquiry and wholehearted living.

Grounded yet introspective, Alveena invites others to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with who they truly are.