I'm a huge Mel Robbins fan. In a recent episode of her podcast, Dr. James Doty, a neurosurgeon and neuroscientist, shares how self-compassion, visualisation, and a “heart mode” mindset can be transformative. He delves into the neuroscience behind manifestation and how our brains can be reprogrammed to overcome negative self-talk, achieve goals, and embrace a more fulfilling life. As the owner of Positano Lifestyle Boutique, I resonated deeply with this message. I spent years talking to myself in ways I never spoke to anyone else. Regardless of my age, weight, appearance, or achievements, I remained my biggest critic. The sad reality is, I know I'm not the only one. I've met so many incredible women at pop-ups and in our Noordhoek shop who’ve spoken to me about this very thing. The mere thought of getting undressed and trying on swimwear is triggering on many levels. What saddens me is how much joy we have missed out on by giving in to that inner voice. They say, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears,” so perhaps like me, you are ready to embark on the journey toward self-acceptance, learning to be more gentle with yourself, and realising the freedom that comes from letting go of harsh self-judgment.
The benefits of this shift are immense—not just in how we view ourselves, but in how we interact with the world. Choosing to embrace ourselves fully means choosing to live more authentically, more joyfully, and more freely.
If you can’t find the 80 minutes to listen to his incredible wisdom, I've simplified some of his practical steps to help us make the shift. Here are five small but powerful practices to embrace, helping us live the joyful lives we deserve:
- Daily Gratitude Moments: I try to start or end my day by jotting down three things I’m grateful for. It’s amazing how focusing on positivity shifts my perspective.
- Shift to Heart Mode: Life gets stressful. When I feel that tension, a few deep breaths reconnect me with calm and clarity.
- Visualize Your Goals: I’m a huge believer in visualizing our dreams. By imagining the life I want, I find myself aligning with my goals more naturally.
- Self-Compassion First: When negative thoughts creep in, I try to replace them with kindness. I talk to myself as I would a friend. Self-love is a journey, but this shift is freeing.
- Acts of Kindness: The more kindness I show others, the more connected and uplifted I feel. This ripple effect builds joy for us all.
I hope Dr. Doty’s message reminds you, as it reminded me, that living our best life is a choice. We are exactly as we were intended to be – and we need to be in our corner, celebrating ourselves as we are. Here’s to embracing each stage with love and gratitude.
Love
Debbie
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Why I created "The Next Chapter"
By Debbie Combrink June 19, 2026
If you'd told me years ago that one day I'd be coaching women through life's transitions, I probably wouldn't have been surprised.
Long before I started Positano, I was fortunate enough to be trained as a life coach as part of my corporate career. I worked with middle managers, helping them gain clarity, build confidence and step into their potential. It was rewarding work, and I absolutely loved it.
There was something incredibly fulfilling about watching someone realise they were capable of far more than they had ever imagined for themselves.
When I started Positano, I thought I was creating a clothing and swimwear brand.
What I didn't realise was that our Live Fabulously philosophy would become the catalyst for some of the most meaningful conversations of my life.
Over the years, women have shared so much of themselves with me. In the store. At the markets. During our Positano Plunges. Over coffee. Through messages and emails.
I've listened to stories of burnout, divorce, menopause, empty nests, online dating, changing careers and changing identities. I've met women who have spent years looking after everyone else and have slowly lost themselves in the process.
And I've met just as many women who aren't sure they've ever really known themselves at all.
Women who did everything they thought they were supposed to do.
Built the career.
Got married.
Raised the children.
Ticked all the boxes.
And still found themselves wondering:
"Is this it?"
I felt that burning question myself over 8 years ago when I made the decision to move from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
What followed was the start of one of the toughest, most rewarding journeys of my life.
One that humbled me in ways I wouldn’t want to repeat (thank you COVID!), but also paved the way for a more purpose-driven, authentic way of being in the world.
If you had told Joburg Debbie she would be modelling swimwear on the internet, I would have never believed it. Having been employed my entire career, becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t ever on my radar.
And yet, here I am hustling and tap-dancing as only a business owner knows how! And there’s nowhere else I would rather be… well, except Italy. On a beach. Sipping a cocktail! I digress…
Turning 50 has been a pivotal chapter in my own life. It's a new season of stepping fully into my power, caring less about what everyone else thinks, and continuing to focus on creating a life I don't need a holiday from.
It's also made me realise that many women are craving the same thing.
They're also craving connection.
Real connection.
Not another social media follower or WhatsApp group.
Someone who will genuinely listen, ask the hard questions and create the space to explore what comes next.
Not a different life.
A more authentic one.
A life that feels aligned with who they are today. Not when they were in their 20’s or before they had kids.
A life where they feel excited again.
Inspired again.
Alive again.
The Next Chapter was created for those women.
Women who know there is something more waiting for them, even if they can't quite see what it is yet.
Women who want a safe space to dream, explore possibilities, gain clarity and create meaningful change.
Women who want to stop existing and start truly living.
My hope is that every woman who joins this journey leaves feeling seen, heard and empowered to make choices that honour who she is and what she wants from this next chapter.
Because after spending so much of our lives being who everyone else needed us to be, perhaps the greatest gift we can give ourselves is the courage to ask:
"What do I want from this next chapter?"
And then give ourselves permission to find out.
Debbie xx
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Travel, Sea & Sunshine - Where I Find My Energy
By Debbie Combrink October 25, 2025
I am often asked where I get the energy to do it all - grow a business, raise a teenager, keep the creative juices flowing, and still show up with a smile.
The reality? I don't always. There are days I am exhausted, stretched thin, or operating on silent fumes. Yet, over the years, I've found what restores me to myself - those little rituals and rhythms that fill my cup when life becomes heavy.
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Why Style - as I approach 50 - Is About Freedom
By Debbie Combrink October 10, 2025
I’ve never really been one for chasing trends. Even when I was younger, I leaned toward pieces that felt a little more classic - things I knew I’d love wearing again and again.
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