Ep 172. How to Value Yourself and Start Living Differently, with Blake D. Bauer

This week, Ash sits down with author Blake D. Bauer, whose book You Were Not Born to Suffer has helped thousands rethink the way they relate to themselves, their pain, and their past. Blake opens up about his own journey through addiction, mental health struggles, and the pressure to keep it all hidden behind a smile, tracing how childhood experiences and emotional confusion shaped the way he moved through the world.He shares how meditation and Eastern philosophies became lifelines and a pathway into healing. Ash and Blake dive into the power of morning meditation, the quiet joy of everyday moments, and what it really means to take radical responsibility for your inner life instead of waiting for someone else to fix it.Throughout their conversation, Blake offers grounded, practical steps for cultivating self-love and rebuilding self-trust: listening to your own needs, telling yourself the truth, and learning to treat yourself with the same honesty and kindness you’d offer someone you care about.If you’re looking for simple ways that will significantly improve your life, this episode is for you!Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Blake Bauer's Journey02:59 The Importance of Morning Meditation06:01 Finding Joy in Everyday Life09:01 The Impact of Travel on Personal Growth12:04 Hiding Behind a Smile: A Personal Story15:04 Childhood Influences and Emotional Struggles17:51 The Role of Sports in Blake's Life20:50 Consequences of Substance Abuse23:48 Awakening to a Spiritual Journey27:06 The Healing Power of Eastern Philosophies32:57 The Journey to Self-Discovery34:10 The Importance of Self-Love38:38 Practical Steps to Cultivate Self-Love50:23 Rebuilding Self-Trust and Confidence58:44 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling LifeYou can connect with Blake using the links below:Free Meditation: https://vimeo.com/768757355Website: https://elevatewellness.io/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakedbauer/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouWereNotBornToSuffer.by.BlakeDBauer LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/blake-d-bauer Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterssTikTok @behindthesmilewithashbWebsite⁠ www.ashbutterss.comUpcoming Workshops:The Reconnection Ritual | June 21st | Melbourne - Buy Tickets Here Join Ash on retreat in 2026!The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026 Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.