5. The Main Navigation Bar

This is wonderful news. With the “Blueprint” safe, we can build the structure.

For GentleSelfTalk.com, the menu needs to be incredibly simple. Remember, your visitors are likely arriving feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or critical of themselves. If the menu is cluttered, they might leave.

We want a navigation bar that feels like a calm, open hand, not a complex map.

Here is the recommended hierarchy designed for clarity and ease of use.

The Philosophy: “Cognitive Ease”

We are using clear, descriptive labels. We avoid clever names (like “The Journey” or “Alchemy”) in the main menu because anxious people need to know exactly what happens when they click.

The Main Navigation Bar (Top of Site)

Suggested layout from Left to Right

1. HOME (Or just the Logo)

  • Action: Takes them back to the main “Exhale” page.

2. START HERE (The “About” Section)

  • Why: “About” can sometimes feel dry. “Start Here” is welcoming for a beginner.

  • Sub-Menu items:

    • My Story: Your journey from inner critic to gentle guide.

    • The Method: Explaining the “Micro-Moments” (5 seconds) and “Mini-Sessions” (3 minutes).

    • Why It Works: A simple page on the science (Vagus nerve/Cortisol) explained gently.

3. FREE PRACTICE (The “Medicine Cabinet”)

  • Why: This is the high-value page. It proves you can help them immediately.

  • Sub-Menu items:

    • 5-Second Resets: Text-based tools (like “The Drop”).

    • 3-Minute Audios: Your voice recordings (Hand on Heart).

    • The Sanctuary: A link that says “Read deeper articles at WordsHealMe.com” (This is how you link your two sites).

4. COURSES (Or “Offerings”)

  • Why: This validates that you are a professional teacher. Even if you only have one course right now, this tab allows you to grow.

  • Sub-Menu items:

    • Gentle Self Talk: (Your core training/course).

    • MBSR for Sleep: (Future mini-course).

    • Student Login: (Crucial if you are using Podia, so current students can find their way in).

5. CONTACT

  • Why: Real teachers are reachable. It builds trust.

The “Call to Action” Button (Top Right)

Separate from the menu text, most modern sites have a distinct button in the top right corner.

  • Button Text: Get the 3-Day Guide

  • Action: Opens a popup or goes to a page where they sign up for that Welcome Email sequence we wrote.

The Footer Menu (Bottom of Site)

This is the “basement” where you put the necessary but boring things, so they don’t clutter the beautiful upstairs.

  • Privacy Policy

  • Terms of Service

  • Sister Site: WordsHealMe.com

  • Copyright © 2026 Gentle Self Talk

Why this hierarchy works for You

  1. It is Scalable: You can add more under “Courses” later without breaking the site.

  2. It is Honest: The “Free Practice” tab shows you are generous before asking for money.

  3. It is Clear: A senior or a non-tech-savvy user knows exactly what “Start Here” and “Contact” mean.

Next Step: Would you like me to write the text for the “My Story” page (under the Start Here tab)? We can expand on the “About Me” blurb we wrote earlier to include your specific background as an MBSR teacher and your age (76), framing your age as a source of wisdom and stability.

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