Calm Amidst the Chaos

And that's a wrap for Season 3! I want to first take a moment to thank you for coming along on this journey with me. One year, 3 seasons and 36 episodes later, it's time for me to take a pause on podcasting and shift my focus. To shift from where I want to be and to instead focus on where I am at. To be here and now in this moment. In a recent coaching call with a client I shared with her that sometimes the work isn't about getting to where you want to be and instead it's learning how to tolerate being where you are at on your journey. Instead of fighting and resisting the moment, it's learning how to take a breath, to acknowledge where you are, and to choose how to move forward. Whether that's recognizing our triggers and that we are still being affected by them. Or recognizing that as much as you want to push yourself to be better and stronger, instead you need to slow down and work with the reality of this moment. In this final episode of season 3, I break down for you more about being in the moment, learning how to tolerate things we might not like and how a mindfulness meditation practice can help you get there.

In this podcast episode, I am joined by Stefanie Boyer, a pain recovery specialist for woman and a structural integration manual therapist at Encove Health who is deeply passionate about filling the gap that we see in pain care. Stefanie joins me to discuss the complexities of chronic pain management, particularly for women who are often underserved in this area. Our conversation highlights the importance of a holistic, biopsychosocial approach to pain care, which includes mindfulness, personalized strategies, and understanding the unique pain experiences of individuals. Both of us share our personal experiences with chronic pain, illustrating the challenges of navigating the healthcare system and the necessity of advocating for oneself. We also emphasize the significance of patient-led care and the integration of various therapeutic practices to effectively manage and recover from chronic pain. To connect with Stefanie and to learn more about how you ca work with her or to get her 21 page pain guide you can find her here.

In this episode, I am joined by Lori Rose who discusses her mission to end interpersonal violence and promote healing through trauma-informed education and somatic movement. As a trauma-informed therapist with her own experience of trauma, I was interested in learning more about using movement on ones healing journey. Over the course of our conversation, we explore the complexities of trauma, the need for inclusive practices, and the value of vulnerability and empathy in building supportive communities. We also touch on the importance of accommodating diverse needs and the potential for collective healing through small, mindful actions. You can find Lori on her website The Rose Model to find out more about exploring somatic movement as part of your healing journey.

In this episode I am joined by Heather Criswell, a seasoned entrepreneur turned communication coach. Heather shares her expertise in helping individuals and leaders navigate difficult conversations with confidence, ease, and grace, emphasizing the importance of clarity and emotional awareness. To two of us sit down and discuss strategies for improving communication, including setting clear goals before conversations, understanding the energy you bring, and prioritizing relationship, respect, and outcomes. We also explore the impact of technology on communication, highlighting the importance of mindfulness in decoding messages accurately and managing emotional triggers. Heather provides actionable advice, such as having a conversation with yourself first to identify your non-negotiables and preparing for various outcomes. The discussion underscores the value of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy in creating meaningful connections and resolving conflicts effectively. You can find Heather at The Conversation Academy to learn more about her tool the conversation station.

In this episode I am joined by Tracy Desjardins, an international best-selling author of "The Diet-Free Diva". Tracy is committed to guiding women towards freedom from the constraints of restrictive dieting. As a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Tracy specializes in emotional eating recovery, guiding women on a transformative journey towards lasting self-love. In this episode I talk with Tracy about her journey from anxiety-inducing dieting to embracing self-love and intuitive eating. Tracy shares her personal experiences with chronic dieting and how societal pressures shaped her body image from a young age. Throughout our conversation, we explore the importance of mindfulness, self-compassion, and understanding one's emotional needs to overcome the detrimental effects of diet culture. We emphasize the value of listening to one's body, recognizing emotional triggers, and fostering a positive relationship with food. In her transformational book, “The Diet-Free Diva,” Tracy shares a powerful 5-step plan, liberating individuals from the toxicity of diet culture. You can find Tracy on her website

This week I am joined by Avery Willdridge, a 17-year-old podcast host, who focuses on mental health and aims to spread awareness and destigmatize it. In this episode, she shares her personal struggles and journey to help others understand and accept mental health issues. Avery believes it's important to talk openly about mental health, as many people pretend and suppress their struggles, which is not helpful. She emphasizes that it's okay not to be okay and encourages seeking therapy and counselling. Having experienced bullying myself as a teenager, Avery and I spoke openly about what that experience has been like for each of us and how mindfulness and DBT has helped us on our journey of healing. Take a moment to pour yourself a cup of coffee, pull up a chair and join me inside of my virtual living room for this vulnerable episode.

In this episode, I am joined by Neha Negandhi, a TEDx speaker and certified life coach, in a discussion of the importance of meditation and prayer as tools for calming and centering oneself. Neha highlights how daily meditation has alleviated her anxiety and emphasizes the power of slowing down and breathing to access inner strength. Neha shares her personal practice of meditation and prayer, which she attributes to her cultural upbringing, and how it brings clarity and calmness to her day. Starting my day off with a 10 minute meditation practice has been so helpful for me in calming my anxiety and creating more clarity and focus. Meditation helps me to make decisions and reduces decision fatigue by planning my day in advance which also helps me to manage my invisible disability and chronic pain. While we touch on prayer in this episode, prayer and meditation can also be secular. A mantra, a guiding thought, journalling or even a gratitude practice are ways that you can incorporate "prayer" into your practice as it is really about getting quiet and still with your thoughts. You can reach out to Neha here if you are interested in booking a 20 minute consulting call. As always, I encourage you to reach out to me in my Instagram DMs for any questions about this or any other episode.

In this episode of Calm Amidst the Chaos, I speak with Reign Love, a soul and life alignment mentoring coach, about her journey into coaching and the transformative work she does. Reign discusses how the pandemic led her to host a free self-love course, which unexpectedly launched her coaching career. She emphasizes the importance of aligning one's inner and outer worlds, defining personal success, and cultivating self-love. In this episode, Reign shares insights on how people often seek fulfillment externally, but true contentment comes from within. The discussion also touches on emotional intelligence, the necessity of experiencing a full range of emotions, and the significance of presence, love, and connection in achieving personal alignment. You can find Reign on Instagram and don't forget, if you mention you heard her on this podcast episode you can book either a free soul and life alignment call or an expansion call.

In this episode, I got really deep and honest as I give you a look into the reality of the last few years. Full disclosure - it was rough. There might be some curses sprinkled in throughout this episode, which is unusual for me, but some situations call for a good curse word. Mindfulness and my practice was a Godsend for me during this time. It's what kept me afloat when things were at there worst. It's why I am so passionate about teaching mindfulness through my programs like, From Overwhelm to Ease, or my 1:1 Anxiety coaching packages. This stuff works if you are open to putting in the time to heal. I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please reach out to me on Instagram with any thoughts or questions .

In today's episode I am joined by Alenka Kyslik, a former corporate overachiever who after experiencing burnout and a severe ankle injury, created the SAHA Collective, a platform to connect individuals with holistic health professionals tailored to their unique needs. Throughout the course of this episode. we discuss the importance of self-advocacy, listening to one's body, and exploring alternative healing methods. We also highlight the challenges of navigating healthcare systems and the significance of making holistic care accessible and affordable for everyone. Throughout our conversation, we highlighted the need for personalized care, recognizing that what works for one person might not work for another. Alenka's matchmaking system considers shared values, symptoms, and lived experiences to connect individuals with the right professionals. This approach acknowledges the uniqueness of each person's journey and the importance of finding the right fit in healthcare. As someone who has been told, more than once by doctors, that I don't respond typically to treatment, I am a huge advocate for incorporating holistic options into a medical model. Please join us inside of my virtual living room for this conversation. Then, come over to Instagram to continue the conversation by sharing with me your thoughts and experiences. I would love to hear them.

In this episode, I am joined by Elizabeth Kipp to discuss healing from chronic pain using a combination of non-pharmaceutical methods and mindfulness practices. Elizabeth Kipp, is a stress management and historical trauma specialist, and she shares her journey of overcoming over 40 years of chronic pain through non-pharmaceutical approaches such as yoga-informed addiction recovery coaching, ancestral clearing, and compassionate inquiry. As someone who also experiences chronic pain, I know how important it is to find methods and strategies that can help on your healing journey. For me, mindfulness and in particular acceptance, has been helpful for me on my journey. Together, in this episode we explore how these practices that we have used, can empower individuals to find relief and healing.

Hello and welcome back to season three of Calm Amidst the Chaos! In this episode, I touch on grief and mourning the loss of the life you thought you would have, how mindfulness can help you to manage the uncertainty and challenges of life, and I touch on a few things you can look forward to for the rest of this season. Oh, and I also sing a little 😉. You're welcome in advance. Come join me inside of my virtual living room as we talk about saying goodbye to the person you were, managing the grief, guilt and anger that comes up during trauma, and how mindfulness and acceptance can help you move forward.

Today, I am joined by one of my IRL besties, Lindsay Johnson, an experienced entrepreneur known as the Radical Connector. In this episode we discuss our personal experiences with anxiety, the impact of the pandemic, and our professional journeys. We also delve into the importance of mindfulness, self-compassion, and effective communication in managing anxiety and building meaningful relationships. Since Lindsay and I are already friends, we were able to have a real and honest conversation touching on some pretty tough subjects. We delve into the importance of having tough conversations while also highlighting the significance of recognizing safe people in one's life and the value of being present and authentic in both personal and professional settings. This is a pretty raw and vulnerable (at times) conversation that feels like you're joining us in the messy middle - because you are! We were catching up at the beginning before hitting record and inviting you to join us inside of my virtual living room. This is the final episode of season 2 and I can't think of a better way to wrap up this series of guest interviews than with touching on the importance of having people in your corner as you navigate the journey of being an entrepreneur. You can find Lindsay on their website, The Radical Connector where you can sign up for their freebie to help you on your entrperneirual journey. They are also on YouTube, Instagram and inside their Facebook group where they share tips on how to entrepreneur. Season 3 will return in the fall! In the meantime click subscribe to be notified when new episodes return.

This week on Calm Amidst the Chaos, I sit down with Emilie Joy Rowell, an embodiment coach and doula. Inside our conversation, we delve into the significance of embodiment and mindfulness practices in managing anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions, particularly childbirth. Emilie explains her work with pregnant and postnatal families, emphasizing the importance of connecting with one's body to navigate these experiences. We also discuss how embodiment helps in recognizing and managing emotions, advocating for oneself, and handling uncertainty, with practical examples from their personal and professional lives. Pull up a chair and join me inside of my virtual living room for this enlightening conversation on the importance of understanding the connection between our thoughts, our emotions and how they all show up in our body. You can find Emilie on her website and at The Body Doula online and on Instagram.

In this episode of Calm Amidst the Chaos, I sit down with Jennifer Erwin, a women's empowerment coach specializing in guiding high-achieving moms from burnout to a thriving life. We discuss our personal and professional journeys, the similarities in our journeys and emphasize the significance of mindfulness and self-compassion in managing anxiety, stress, and burnout. Both of us share insights on how these practices can transform lives, highlighting the importance of being present, accepting emotions, and fostering self-kindness. We also touch on the challenges of balancing multiple roles and the necessity of community and support in personal growth. So pour yourself a cup of coffee and join me inside of my virtual living room for this enlightening conversation. Jennifer can be found on her website or you can connect with her over on LinkedIn

Today I am joined by Christine Samuels, who is an inner work coach, facilitator, author, and speaker. With over two decades of expertise in the user experience field, bridging the interaction between humans and technology, she now dedicates her time to answering vital questions. What creates transformative human experiences? How can we tap interrelational intelligence in our way of working together? Christine guides individuals and organizations through transitions, fostering a new paradigm of heart-centered connection and growth in our rapidly changing world. Through coaching, facilitation, and speaking engagements, she empowers them to cultivate deep listening skills, self-awareness, and inner wisdom. Christine is the author of the book: The Heart Space. Living with Grace, at Ease in an Era of Uncertainty. You can find her on her website or on her Instagram @ChristineSamuelHere.

In this episode, I sit down with Estelle Rose, an author and life coach who specializes in helping women with ADHD. Over the course of this episode we discuss Estelle's late ADHD diagnosis, the challenges faced by women with ADHD, and the various strategies they use to manage their conditions, including mindfulness, DBT, and self-care. We also touch on the importance of self-acceptance, the societal pressures that exacerbate these conditions, and practical tips for daily living. While I do not have ADHD, since sustaining my TBI I have started to experience some ADHD like symptoms such as time blindness which is why I was so interested in having Estelle join me inside of my virtual living room this week. You can find Estelle on Instagram or on her website where you can sign up for her mini course on transforming your ADHD struggles. Don't forget to check out her books: Brain Boosting Food for Women with ADHD, Empowered Women with ADHD, and the Empowering ADHD Workbook for Women.

In this episode, you've got me, a psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher, and Lainne Love, an award-winning spiritual psychology coach, as we talk all about the transformative power of love and mindfulness. In this episode we explore how shifting one's inner dialogue to a loving mindset can lead to profound personal and relational healing. Lainey shares her personal journey, including her experiences with her neurodivergent son, and emphasizes the importance of each person's mission in contributing to the evolution of humanity. We also highlight the significance of self-awareness, presence, and the use of various tools and practices, such as Ho'oponopono, to achieve personal growth and fulfilment. You can find Lainne on her website or on Instagram.

Today, I want to share an amazing story with you. Meet Dr. Sarah Coxon. She spent a decade as an archaeologist, digging into the past because she felt modern culture was missing some ancient wisdom. But academia wasn't the right fit for her. 🏺 While writing her PhD on creativity, she discovered yoga and the profound wisdom our bodies hold. This revelation led her to leave academia and dive into teaching yoga full-time, eventually transitioning into somatic therapy. 🌿 It's an inspiring journey of following your passion and listening to your body. Curious to learn more? Somatic attunement is like mindfulness, but with a focus on recognizing our bodies as landscapes. It's about listening to the felt sense – those subtle signals our bodies send us. This practice isn't a one-time thing; it's a lifelong journey. 🌿 Even if you practice yoga or meditation, there's always more to learn. It's about taking small, doable steps every day to tune into your body. Trust me, your body will guide you towards deeper healing and resilience. 💪✨ Ready to start your somatic journey? Listen to today's episode to find out how. To connect further with Dr. Sarah Coxon you can check out her podcast series that she mentions here or over on IG at her handle @DrSarahCoxon

Meg joins me today inside of my virtual living room to talk all about assertive communication. Meg describes the difference between assertive communication, which is a way to reinforce your boundaries, and aggressive or passive aggressive communication. During the course of our conversation, we break down, with examples, how you can practice assertive communication in your own life. Meg McCabe a CCI Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach based in West Hartford, CT. She's the Founder of The Recovery Collective, a global, eating disorder recovery community focused on healing through connection. She is also the host of The Full & Thriving podcast and you can check out my guest episode on social anxiety here. Meg can also be found on Instagram @Meg_Mccabe

In today’s episode I am joined by Janis Isaman, the Founder of My Body Couture, a 1:1 private movement studio. Janis is a trauma sensitive movement specialist who focuses on providing customized body focused services to clients with chronic pain, illness, injuries and other movement limitations. Join us inside of my virtual living room as we talk all about taking a mind body approach to healing.  As someone who has experienced trauma, I know how important it is to be attuned to our bodies, to be able to hear them and to help them to move our emotions through the body. Movement is part and parcel with learning how to regulate and manage your emotions.  In this episode, we discuss the importance of the mind-body connection and how trauma can be stored in the body. We explore the role of movement and exercise in healing trauma and regulating emotions. One of the main things that I want to emphasize is the need for self-awareness and self-compassion in listening to and understanding the signals of the body.  When looking to introduce movement into your daily life it’s important to find movement practices that are enjoyable and sustainable for each individual. Overall, this episode promotes the idea of embracing movement as a tool for healing and well-being, and encourages listeners to cultivate a deeper connection with their bodies. We had such a great time chatting that this is a long interview, haha. So grab yourself a cup of coffee, put on your earphones and dive right into today’s conversation.  You can find Janis on Instagram @mybodycouture or on YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave this podcast a review. Have a follow up question for me or Janis? Please find us on Instagram and send us a DM.

In this episode, I am joined by Carol Mae Whittick, a creativity and spiritual life coach. Carol supports women over 40 to trust their intuition, rediscover their creativity, leverage their unique wisdom and design a purposeful life. Over the course of our conversation, we discuss topics such as dealing with criticism and rejection, finding confidence in oneself, and embracing the wisdom gained from life experiences. Carol emphasizes the importance of owning one's identity and not comparing oneself to others. She encourages listeners to trust their intuition and recognize the connection between spirituality and creativity. Both of us highlight the significance of embracing midlife as a time of growth and self-discovery. Through the sharing of personal anecdotes and insights, we talk about how to navigate challenges and find joy in life. Overall, our conversation promotes self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of finding one's unique path and I think that it is one that you will really enjoy. You can find Carol at her instagram @cazmick or on her website.

In this podcast episode, I interview Maggie, a licensed clinical social worker, about the topic of anxiety and how it can cause individuals to shrink themselves and struggle to ask for what they need. Maggie shares her personal journey and how she discovered her passion for working with clients who struggle with anxiety and setting boundaries. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in recognizing and accepting anxiety, rather than trying to fight against it. Maggie also discusses the various therapeutic approaches she uses, such as DBT and self-compassion practices, to help her clients find their voice and overcome social anxiety. She encourages individuals to do things even when they are scared and highlights the significance of practicing self-compassion and embracing imperfection. Throughout our conversation, both of us emphasize that healing from anxiety is a continuous practice and that progress over perfection is key. We also emphasize the importance of finding connection and support in a community. Maggie shares information about her solo practice, Rosebud Psychotherapy, where she offers virtual sessions and walk-and-talk therapy in Georgia. She also mentions her women's anxiety group and DBT skills group. As a final reminder, both Maggie and myself want you to remember that anxiety does not have to control your life and that it is possible to live with more ease and empowerment. You can find me on Instagram @themindfulnessjourney or Maggie @rosebud.psych

Welcome back to Season Two of Calm Amidst the Chaos! This season, other than this episode, I will have guest experts joining me inside of my virtual living room. Why the change? Well, for one, I absolutely love having conversations with other people and getting different perspectives. Plus, I thought it would be incredibly helpful to hear expert opinions on the topics we discuss here on the podcast. In Season One, we delved into anxiety in various forms, exploring its causes and ways to manage it. Now, in Season Two, we're diving deep into social anxiety, specifically for entrepreneurs. We'll explore how social anxiety can impact entrepreneurs and discuss topics like emotion regulation, healing our nervous system, networking, confidence building, conserving energy, having difficult conversations, advocating for ourselves, dealing with uncertainty, task avoidance, and handling negative feedback. As an entrepreneur, networking can be incredibly challenging and draining, and it's not just about attending events and meeting new people. Networking also involves building collaborations, participating in summits, and guesting on podcasts. All of these can be daunting for those with social anxiety or introverted tendencies. That's why this season is dedicated to exploring how to navigate social anxiety as an entrepreneur. I want to show you that even with social anxiety and introversion, you can still thrive as an entrepreneur. In fact, I'm using the skills I teach in real-time by inviting guests onto the podcast. It's a way for me to practice what I preach and show you that it's possible to overcome these challenges. I've come a long way from the shy and socially anxious person I used to be. Tomorrow, I'll be recording my first guest episode for this season, and it's something I couldn't have imagined doing a decade ago. I've grown so much that I can now have conversations with confidence and ease. It's a testament to the power of doing the work and practicing mindfulness consistently. And let me tell you, it is work. Inner work that takes time and effort, but the benefits are immeasurable. I'm incredibly grateful that I made the choice to embark on this journey years ago. That's why I'm so passionate about teaching mindfulness and sharing my experiences. I want you to know that it's possible to overcome social anxiety and thrive as an entrepreneur. It's not always easy, but the work is worth it. I've seen the transformation in my own life, and I want to help you experience it too. That's why I'm starting this podcast, bringing on guest experts, and running a group coaching program on managing social anxiety as an entrepreneur. It's all connected because I believe in the power of mindfulness and its ability to change lives. So, as we embark on this new season, I want to invite you to join me on this journey. Let's explore social anxiety together, learn from experts, and support each other along the way. If you have any thoughts or topics you'd like us to cover, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @themindfulnessjourney. I'd love to hear from you. Until next time, remember that you have the power to overcome social anxiety and create the life you desire. Keep practicing mindfulness, embrace the work, and watch as your life transforms one moment at a time. You've got this! 💪🌟

Hey there! Today, let's dive into the topic of burnout. It's something that so many of us are familiar with, including myself. I've experienced burnout a few times in my life, and I'm sure many of you can relate. I was trying to do it all, and it was overwhelming. That's when I realized I needed to hit the pause button. I took a break from teaching, coaching, and even social media. I sent an email to my subscribers letting them know I needed some time off. And you know what? It was exactly what I needed. I gave my body the time it needed to heal. And that's the key to overcoming burnout - giving yourself the time and space to heal. So, what exactly is burnout? It's a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. We've talked a lot about stress in previous episodes, so feel free to check them out for more information. Burnout can be particularly challenging for entrepreneurs because if we can't work, we don't get paid. That's why learning how to manage and prevent burnout is crucial for us. Remember, healing and managing burnout is a journey. It takes time and practice. That's why I offer coaching programs and workshops, like my upcoming workshop on healing burnout, to help you develop the skills and strategies you need. If you're interested, check out the link in the show notes to learn more and register. And with that, we've reached the end of season one of Calm Amidst the Chaos. I want to thank you for being a part of this journey and for all the support you've shown. I'll be taking a break for the next four weeks, but don't worry, I'll be back for season two with more episodes to help you find peace and balance in your life. In the meantime, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @themindfulnessjourney. I look forward to having you join me again soon. Take care and be well. Bye for now!

Learning how to meditate, particularly through mindfulness meditation, has taught me how to quickly calm my mind and find peace amidst the chaos. It has been my saving grace during the toughest moments of my life, as I faced crisis after crisis. Meditation has become an essential part of my daily routine, and I can't wait to share its incredible benefits with you. Imagine grabbing a hot beverage, curling up in your coziest chair with a soft blanket, and joining me inside my virtual living room as we delve into the world of mindfulness meditation. I have personally experienced the transformative power of meditation, and I am passionate about helping entrepreneurs like you harness its potential. Now, I know what you might be thinking. Meditating is tough, and it's not something most of us want to do. Trust me, I've been there. I used to struggle with meditation too, especially when I was under immense stress during my university years. But let me tell you, meditation isn't about quieting your mind completely. It's about being present, focused, and engaged in the practice. It's about learning to sit with discomfort and cultivate resilience. During the most chaotic times in my life, mindfulness meditation became my anchor. It helped me navigate uncertainty, sit with difficult emotions, and find strength within myself. It taught me to accept the reality of the present moment with kindness, curiosity, and non-judgment. By embracing the unknown and focusing on the here and now, I discovered that I had the skills to navigate whatever challenges came my way. I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery and healing. Let's learn how to calm our minds, manage anxiety, and find peace amidst the chaos. To get you started, I've created a guided meditation called The Welcome Mat. It will help you practice sitting with your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a kind and non-judgmental manner. If you're ready to explore the transformative power of meditation, simply click the link to access the guided meditation. Remember, meditation is a practice that requires patience and consistency. Start with just a few minutes each day, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable. With time, you'll notice the positive impact it has on your overall well-being. I'll be here to support you every step of the way. In the coming weeks, I'll be sharing more insights on managing burnout and incorporating mindfulness into your entrepreneurial journey. Stay tuned!

Now, let's talk about skills. Learning mindfulness meditations completely changed my life and even saved me during the chaos of the last few years. In fact, I'm so passionate about mindfulness meditation that I'll be discussing it in today's episode and next week's too. I'll be sharing some of the skills and strategies I teach, and how they can help you manage your mental health. Just a quick heads up, I'm a registered psychotherapist with a background in psychology. I used to work as a therapist before my accident, and although I can no longer practice, I still incorporate my training into my courses and programs. I've studied cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and I find that these therapeutic skills are incredibly helpful for managing mental health. Now, let's talk about therapy. I'm a huge believer in therapy and I'm actively in therapy myself. It's fantastic! But sometimes, we need a little extra support in between sessions or when we can't access therapy for various reasons. That's where skills come in. Skills are like tools in our toolkit that we can use when we need some extra support. They're not a replacement for therapy, but they can be a valuable addition to your mental health journey. One of the great things about skills is that you can take them with you wherever you go, and most of the time, all you need is your breath. It's pretty amazing, right? So, what exactly is a skills-based approach to managing your mental health? It's all about enhancing your coping skills, emotional resilience, and problem-solving abilities. We do this through stress management, communication skills, mindfulness, and emotion regulation techniques. These evidence-based practices, like CBT and mindfulness-based stress reduction, have been effective for my clients and have helped me navigate some of the toughest times in my life. Before we wrap up, I want to emphasize that skills are not a replacement for therapy or medication. Sometimes, we need more support, and that's okay. Skills can be a valuable addition to your mental health toolkit, especially in those moments when therapy isn't accessible or in between sessions. I hope you found this episode helpful. Next week, we'll dive deeper into mindfulness and meditation, and how they can further support your mental health. And in our final episode of this season, we'll discuss burnout and how all these skills come together. Thank you so much for joining me today. If you resonated with this topic or know someone who could benefit from it, please share this episode. Take care, be well, and I'll catch you next time. Bye!

As an entrepreneur and solopreneur, I make countless decisions every single day for my business. But here's the thing: I've always struggled with self doubt and anxiety. Doubt, overthinking, second-guessing, you name it. It would always show up when I had to trust myself and make important decisions. It made me so nervous that I would often avoid taking action altogether. But as an entrepreneur, hiding away and not making decisions is simply not an option. That's where mindfulness comes in. It has been a game-changer for me in recognizing and letting go of self doubt, insecurities, and negative thoughts. My meditation, The Welcome Mat, is a great practice to help you to start to notice which thoughts and emotions are contributing to your self-doubt and to start to make friends with them. I talk about this all the time on my podcast, website, and social media because paying attention to our thoughts is crucial. It helps us understand how we talk to ourselves and how our doubts and insecurities can hold us back. So today, I invite you to grab a cup of tea or coffee and join me in my virtual living room as we dive into how to overcome self doubt using mindfulness meditation.

I used to be incredibly shy and socially anxious. Learning how to heal my anxiety with mindfulness meditation changed my life. I always thought I would be stuck in that anxious state forever, watching others navigate social situations with ease. But through mindfulness, I discovered that I could change my life. It wasn't always easy, but it was worth it. Mindfulness meditation has given me the tools to overcome my anxiety and increase my confidence. It's not about never feeling anxious again, but rather learning how to navigate those moments and not let them hold me back. I've come a long way from the shy and socially anxious person I used to be. I can now attend networking events, strike up conversations with strangers, and even speak in front of a room full of people. It's incredible how much mindfulness has transformed my life. It's not just about the big moments either. Mindfulness has helped me in everyday situations, from talking to the barista at my local coffee shop to attending social events. It's given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Mindfulness has taught me to be present in the moment, to let go of self-consciousness, and to embrace life with confidence. It's been a journey of self-discovery and growth, and I'm grateful for every step of it. Remember, you don't have to meditate for hours on end to experience the benefits of mindfulness. Even just a few minutes a day can make a difference. So take a moment each day to sit, breathe, and be present. You'll be amazed at the positive impact it can have on your life. If you'd like to try a guided meditation, I've included a link to my most popular one, the Welcome Mat, in the show notes. Give it a try and see how it feels to welcome everything that shows up in your life. And if you find this podcast episode helpful, please share it with your friends and consider leaving a review. Your support means the world to me. Thank you for joining me on this mindfulness journey. Until next time, take care and be well. Bye!

Hey there! Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite topics when it comes to mindfulness: acceptance. Now, acceptance can be a tricky thing. Just the word itself can bring up a lot of feelings for people. Many of my clients have struggled with acceptance over the years. It carries a weight that I want to unpack a bit. So, let's dive into what acceptance really is, why it's so important, and how to practice it. Acceptance is a critical skill when it comes to mindfulness. Mindfulness is all about paying attention to the reality of the present moment with kindness, curiosity, and nonjudgment. And that's exactly what acceptance is all about. It's about accepting the reality of the present moment, whether we like it or not. You don't have to like the present moment to accept it. I want to emphasize that acceptance is a choice we make. We don't have to like the choices we're faced with, but by accepting the reality of the moment, we create space for making the best decisions for ourselves. It's about opening the window of choice and responding instead of reacting. It's not always easy, and it's a practice that requires patience and self-compassion. But the more we practice acceptance, the more ease and peace we can bring into our lives. I hope this episode has shed some light on the importance of acceptance and how to practice it. Remember, you don't have to like the present moment to accept it. Acceptance is about embracing the reality of this moment, the good and the bad. It's about finding a more neutral stance and working with what is. It's a lifelong journey, but one that can bring more ease and peace into our lives. If you want to dive deeper into acceptance and mindfulness, I invite you to check out my programs. They provide guidance and support in developing your mindfulness practice. And remember, acceptance is a continuous practice. So, let's start small and notice when resistance shows up in our lives. Let's choose acceptance and see how it can make a difference. Thank you for joining me in my virtual living room today. I appreciate you taking the time to explore acceptance with me. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your loved ones. Let's spread the message of healing anxiety one moment at a time. Take care and be well until next time!

In this episode, I want to dive deeper into what it's like to wake up one day with a traumatic brain injury and navigate this new reality. Life as I knew it was completely turned upside down in an instant, not just once, but twice. And now, I'm in the process of rebuilding my life again.  I do a lot of work in the brain injury community, and sharing my story has been helpful to others. But I also want to reach more people through this podcast and share my wisdom to help anyone going through a life-changing diagnosis or illness, whether it's an invisible disability, chronic illness, or mental health issues. So grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join me in my virtual living room as we talk about life as a high achiever with a traumatic brain injury.  In 2013, I was hit by a bus and suffered a traumatic brain injury. I don't remember much from that time, but I do remember the moment when I realized I could think again after my emergency craniectomy. My life completely changed, and I had to rebuild everything from scratch. Mindfulness became a crucial tool for me, even before I knew what mindfulness was. It helped me focus on the present moment and take things one step at a time. I couldn't make any long-term plans or decisions, so I learned to focus on the here and now. Over the past ten years, I've had to rebuild my life multiple times due to subsequent injuries and surgeries. It hasn't been easy, but mindfulness has been my saving grace. It's about accepting the reality of the present moment with kindness, curiosity, and non-judgment. It helped me navigate the uncertainty and challenges I faced.  I want to emphasize that this episode is not about seeking pity or sympathy. I don't want you to feel sorry for me. I'm sharing my story to shed light on the struggles many people with chronic illnesses and invisible disabilities face. It's important to recognize that everyone's journey is unique, and acceptance plays a significant role in finding peace amidst the chaos. Acceptance doesn't mean liking or being happy about the situation. It's about acknowledging the reality and working with it. It's a constant practice, and it's not always easy. But through mindfulness, I've learned to accept and fight for myself. I'm constantly working with my treatment team to find ways to improve my health and rebuild my life. It's a slow process, but I'm committed to doing the best I can with the resources I have. I want to remind you that life is unpredictable for all of us. None of us know what the future holds. We can't control everything, but we can learn to accept and adapt to the challenges that come our way. Mindfulness can help us find peace and resilience in the face of uncertainty. I hope this episode has given you some insight into my journey and the power of mindfulness in navigating life's challenges. Next week, we'll delve deeper into the concept of acceptance and explore how to practice it in our daily lives. Remember, you're not alone in your struggles, and there is always hope for a brighter future. Take care and be well. Bye for now!

Catastrophizing, when our anxiety takes over and makes everything out to be the end of the world. In this podcast episode I'm digging into the vault of embarrassment and telling you all about the time I thought I had been ghosted on a date. Click play to hear all about what happened in my head, what really happened and how this experience is connected to anxiety. In this episode I share some of the common signs to help you recognize when you are starting to catastrophize and what you can do to stop it such as talk therapy and mindfulness practices. If you'd like to learn more about mindfulness and try a guided meditation, I invite you to download my welcome mat meditation. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. I'd love to hear from you. And if you found this episode helpful, please consider leaving a review and subscribing to my podcast. New episodes are released every Monday morning. Thank you for tuning in and take care of yourself.

Do you ever find yourself getting 85% of the way through a task, only to suddenly feel overwhelmed and unable to finish it? Or maybe you constantly struggle to choose which task to start with because they all seem equally important? It's like there's a never-ending to-do list hanging over your head, and you just can't seem to find the motivation to tackle it. Believe me, I've been there too. As someone who has worked in the mental health field for years and has also experienced chronic illness, I understand the challenges that come with feeling overwhelmed and unable to get started on important tasks. The story we attach to these tasks, along with the strong emotions they evoke, can keep us stuck in a cycle of procrastination. But here's the thing: procrastination is not a sign of laziness. It's an emotional management problem. When we procrastinate, we're not avoiding effort; we're avoiding the unpleasant feelings that the task stirs up. It's our way of protecting ourselves from discomfort. So, how can we break free from this cycle of procrastination and anxiety? Inside this episode, I'm sharing some of the strategies that I personally use and that I've shared with my clients over the years that you can start implementing right away. The book I reference in this episode is: The Procrastination Equation by Dr. Steel.

Grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and join me in my virtual living room. Today, I want to talk to you about something that every entrepreneur with a chronic illness can relate to: stress. We all know that stress is a part of life, but managing it effectively is crucial for our well-being and success. Stress, in moderation, can actually be beneficial. It can motivate us to accomplish tasks, achieve goals, and produce our best work. However, too much stress can lead to burnout and negatively impact our physical and mental health. So, how do we find that sweet spot of just enough stress? Mindfulness can be a powerful tool in managing stress. By practicing mindfulness, we can learn to be present in the moment, notice our thoughts and emotions, and choose how we respond to stressful situations. It's about finding that window of choice and taking control of our reactions. A great first step is learning how stress shows up in your body. With my guided body scan mediation, you can start to learn where tension shows up and start to release it breath by breath. You can download a copy of this meditation here. Take a moment each day to focus on one task, one breath, or one moment of self-care. Notice how it feels to be fully present and give yourself permission to let go of unnecessary stress and expectations.

Hey there! Today, I want to dive a little deeper into the topic of anxiety. Don't worry, I won't get too technical. But it's important to understand that worry, fear, and anxiety actually serve an evolutionary purpose. Back in the day, when our ancestors were constantly in danger of being eaten by lions, anxiety helped them anticipate problems and plan accordingly. It literally saved their lives.  Fast forward to today, and we're not as likely to be eaten by lions (thank goodness!). But our fight or flight response, which is the same system that helped our ancestors, still kicks in when we perceive a threat. The problem is, sometimes this response gets triggered even when there is no real danger. That's where learning how to work with and heal our anxiety becomes important. I used to think I was just shy, but then I experienced a traumatic event that triggered intense anxiety. It made me realize that I had been anxious all along, worrying about what others thought of me and constantly fearing judgment. There were many factors contributing to my anxiety, both external and internal, but the point is, I was anxious a lot. Anxiety can be useful in certain situations, but it can also spiral out of control. Minor or nonexistent threats can produce overwhelming concerns. We can have a panic attack over something as simple as being stuck in traffic. But with mindfulness, we can learn to recognize when our minds are mistaking mice for lions. We can regulate our nervous system, anchor ourselves in the present moment, and reframe our thoughts to defang our worries and fears. I know it's not always easy. It takes practice and patience. But the more we cultivate mindfulness, the more we can find ease in our day-to-day lives. We can learn to respond rather than react, and make choices from a place of wisdom and calm. So, as we wrap up this week, I invite you to take some time to notice your state of mind. Are you caught up in worry and anxiety? Are you mistaking mice for lions? Take a few mindful breaths and choose how you want to respond. And remember, you can always reach out to me on Instagram at @themindfulnessjourney with any questions or topics you'd like me to cover in future episodes. Take care, be well, and have a peaceful week ahead.

Kicking off this podcast on a lighter note… by sharing all about the time that I was hit by a bus. I vulnerably share about some of the darkest times in my life, in hopes you can relate and thus feel like you’re not alone and are welcome here.  As difficult and traumatic as this experience (and the ones to follow) were, it also put me on the path to healing my lifelong anxiety. Through it all, I discovered the power of mindfulness in navigating life's difficulties. That's why I created this podcast series - to share the transformative practices that have helped me find calm amidst chaos. In each episode of Calm Amidst the Chaos, we'll explore different aspects of anxiety and how mindfulness can be used as an effective tool for managing it. We'll delve into topics like equanimity - finding mental calmness even in difficult situations; recognizing the two arrows - embracing life's challenges while letting go of unnecessary thoughts; and practicing the welcome mat meditation - learning how to accept our emotions without judgment or resistance. Mindfulness isn't just about sitting still or emptying your mind; it's about being present in each moment no matter what arises. It allows us to respond rather than react impulsively when faced with stressors or triggers. The first episode will focus on understanding anxiety itself - its causes and effects on our daily lives. We'll discuss why we get anxious and how mindfulness can help us navigate those moments of heightened anxiety. I'll also introduce you to the welcome mat practice, a powerful meditation technique that allows us to embrace our emotions without getting lost in them. I invite you to join me on this journey towards healing anxiety through mindfulness. You can download the welcome mat practice guide by clicking [here]. It's a great starting point for incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine.

Imagine feeling more at ease in your mind and body. What if you could heal your anxiety and find peace? It might sound impossible, but trust me, it's not. I've been there too. Hi! I'm Charlene, a former shy person turned psychotherapist and mindfulness meditation teacher. In my podcast series, I share my personal journey of overcoming anxiety after a life-changing accident. Plus, I'll give you practical tips and strategies that have worked for me and my clients over the years. Mindfulness is backed by decades of research – it really works! Growing up, social situations made me anxious - even ordering pizza on the phone was nerve-wracking! But through mindfulness meditation, everything changed. Now, I can confidently speak to people and do things old-me would never have imagined. Join me on this path to healing anxiety one moment at a time. Whether it's big panic attacks or smaller anxieties like speaking in front of others or advocating for yourself – we'll navigate them together. Episode 1 is ready to go! Grab a comfortable seat with your favorite beverage and come join me in my virtual living room as we dive into meaningful conversations about our journeys with anxiety and mindfulness. Have questions or topics you want us to discuss? Leave me a message on Instagram @TheMindfulnessJourney - let's connect! Take care & be well, Charlene