Mindful Poetic Stories Podcast

Celebrating The Voices of the Women Who Refused to Stay Silent In this powerful International Women’s Day episode, I honour the women who risked everything to speak the truth. From survivors of abuse to whistleblowers who challenged powerful institutions, these stories remind us that courage, curiosity, and compassion can break even the deepest silence. This episode explores resilience, justice, and the importance of listening to survivors, because when victims are silenced, evil and injustice thrives. Our curiosity is not corruption, it is our consciousness.   Women and Stories Featured in This Episode Virginia Giuffre; Author of Nobody’s Girl, Virginia’s story is one of remarkable courage and compassion after surviving unimaginable abuse. Her willingness to speak publicly helped expose powerful systems of exploitation. Philomena Lee; Philomena’s heartbreaking experience in Ireland’s Magdalene Laundry system highlights the injustice faced by unmarried mothers whose babies were taken from them. Gisèle Pelicot; quote “Shame has to change sides”. She chose to waive her right to anonymity in the trial of her ex-husband and the 50 men convicted of her sexual assault. Helen Evans; A former safeguarding officer who exposed systemic sexual abuse within humanitarian aid organizations. Rose McGowan; One of the first women to publicly accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, helping ignite the global #MeToo movement. Sara Rowbotham; A social worker who fought for justice for victims despite resistance from authorities. Joanne Hayes; Wrongly accused in 1980’s in one of Ireland’s most infamous miscarriages of justice before receiving a public apology decades later. Catherine Corless; Her research uncovered the names of hundreds of children who died in the mother and baby home in Tuam, Ireland, forcing a national reckoning. Lisa Phillips; An Epstein survivor speaking publicly about accountability and the power of survivors reclaiming their voices.   Documentaries, Books & Films Recommended Nobody’s Girl Book by Virginia Guiffre A survivor’s powerful memoir Philomena (2013) Movie, The true story of the search for her son Pray for Us Sinners Documentary by Sinead O’Shea on Ireland’s mother and baby homes Stolen Documentary – The story behind the discovery of children buried in unmarked graves When We Speak a 2022 Documentary about women who risk everything to tell the truth A Hymn To Life;  Book by Gisèle Pelicot Ash + Salt; From Survival to Empowerment After Sexual Assault- Book by Sarah Grace Website; Celebrating Women Whistleblowers Who have Changed the World; https://www.whistleblowers.org/members_categories/women-whistleblowers/   Key Themes Speaking truth to power Sexual abuse survivors and whistleblowers The legacy of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries and Mother and Baby Homes Institutional silence and accountability Why victims often remain silent The power of curiosity, awareness, and collective courage   Key Quote from the Episode “A victim’s silence is not weakness, it is emotional survival.”   Final Reflection The story of Pandora’s Box reminds us that when truth is revealed, pain may surface, but hope remains. Every movement for justice begins when ordinary people refuse to stay silent.   Einstein said, "Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.” –   This is a call out to match your energy to what you want to feed in this world.   What you want to grow. What you want to protect.   Rise up, own your voice, and let hope endure This episode is dedicated to the women who used their voices so others could find theirs.   Listen & Follow If this episode resonated with you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who believes in truth, courage, and justice.

Reflections; on a Self Love Journey The Power of the Pause on A Year of Self-Welcoming, Self-Love & Inner Wisdom   Episode 52 marks one full year of podcasting, and instead of rushing ahead, this episode was crafted from a mindful pause. A reflection on fear, self-sabotage, emotional intelligence, neuroscience, self-love, and the inner Sage that guides us home to ourselves. This episode weaves poetry, personal storytelling, philosophy, neuroscience, coaching insights, and poetic reflection to explore how our inner voices shape our lives, and how learning self-compassion, emotional regulation, and mindful self-care builds the strongest foundation of all: self-preservation through self-love. This is not a journey of “self-help,” but a self-welcoming journey, toward peace, resilience, meaning, and living in alignment with who you truly are.   Quotes from the Episode “No one teaches us how to talk to ourselves — and yet it shapes our entire life.” “Knowledge is only powerful when it’s applied.” “Knowing is 20%. Action is 80%.” “Labelling is disabling.” “The secret to change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” Socrates “Peace is priceless.” “No one drives me crazy unless I hand them my keys.” “Self-compassion softens the harsh edges inside you.” “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”   Key Themes Explored The power of the pause and reflection Self-sabotaging inner voices (Victim, Pleaser, Stickler, Avoider) Emotional intelligence; EQ vs IQ Fear as a system of control vs inner awareness as liberation Ancient wisdom (Buddha, Confucius, Lao Tzu, Socrates) Neuroscience, neuroplasticity, and nervous system balance Fight-or-flight vs rest-and-digest Gut health, hormones, and emotional wellbeing Mirror work and healing unfelt pain Writing, creativity, and finding meaning Living in alignment with values Self-love as self-preservation   Key Takeaways Self-love is not indulgence, it is self-preservation Fear keeps us stuck; awareness sets us free Emotional intelligence is foundational to a fulfilling life Our brains are malleable, what’s learned can be relearned Healing happens through practice, not just knowledge Peace comes from within, not from controlling circumstances Self-compassion creates the safety needed for growth When we stop fighting ourselves, transformation begins Meaning and purpose make life bearable, and beautiful   Your time to Reflect & Journal What if the voice sabotaging you isn’t the truth, but an outdated coping mechanism? What happens when you stop fighting yourself and start listening to your inner Sage? How would your life change if you met yourself with unconditional love instead of judgment?   Final Note This episode is a celebration, of consistency, courage, healing, and a year of showing up. A huge thank you to everyone who has been involved, for their support and encouaragement, and a huge thank you to you my listeners for tuning in and turning up for you. With a reminder that you matter, that your inner wisdom is real, and that choosing self-love is a revolutionary act in a fear-driven world. If you’d like to explore positive intelligence coaching and mental fitness, you’re invited to reach out to me via email   As always, take care of you.   You matter. Today, tomorrow, and every day.   Email me [email protected] to find out more about positive intelligence coaching, mental fitness and the journey of self love, and to book a free no obligation discovery call  

Your Home Song; Coming home to the unshakeable foundation of self-love This episode is about you. Your journey of coming home to yourself. At the very heart of this podcast is the invitation to build a solid, unshakeable foundation of self-love, from the core of who you are.   Your Sage self. Your authentic essence.   In this deeply personal and reflective episode, Patricia shares her own journey from feeling unlovable, not good enough, and disconnected from herself to discovering the power of self-care, self-welcoming, and unconditional self-love. Through stories from childhood, school, comparison, shame, and healing, she explores how our private logic, early experiences, and internal saboteurs shape the way we see ourselves, and how we can rewrite those stories and heal.   This is an episode about mental fitness, emotional intelligence, Positive Intelligence coaching, and learning how to live from a place of inner peace, authenticity, and self-trust. Because when we come home to ourselves, we can stop merely surviving, and start living, thriving, and shining.   Quotes from this Episode; “The journey home to yourself with unconditional self-love is the strongest, most stable foundation you can live and grow from.” “Comparison is the thief of contentment, and for years, I didn’t know what was stealing mine.” “When I didn’t love myself, I was miserable. When I found self-love, I found the home within me, and I feel alive.” “Our true responsibility in this life is to be true to ourselves and love the miracle that we are.” “The distress is not the event, it’s what happens inside us as a result of the event. And that is always personal.” “True lovability begins when you choose to welcome yourself home.”   Key Concepts Explained Private Logic (Alfred Adler) Our private logic is the unconscious belief system we form most of the time in childhood based on our experiences, environment, perceptions and interpretations. It shapes how we see ourselves, others, and the world, and can either empower us or limit us.   Saboteur vs Sage (Positive Intelligence) Saboteurs: Fear-based survival patterns rooted in shame, comparison, and self-criticism Sage: The wise, loving inner voice that helps us thrive through curiosity, empathy, creativity, and purpose   Mental fitness work helps weaken saboteurs and strengthen the Sage, creating emotional resilience and wellbeing.   References Mentioned Alfred Adler – Individual Psychology & the concept of Private Logic Positive Intelligence® – Mental Fitness framework (Saboteur vs Sage) Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ (1995) Poem; Henry Van Dyke, A Home Song Journal; I’m Lovable – discovered at Waterstones, Piccadilly (2017)   Poetic Inspiration Henry Van Dyke – A Home Song “Every house where love abides, And friendship is a guest, Is surely home, and home-sweet-home: For there the heart can rest.”   Re-imagined for this episode: The world needs your unique authentic light. From the beautiful home within you. Find it, claim it, and let it shine.   Key Takeaways You are one of a kind; biologically, emotionally, neurologically Self-love is not selfish; it is the foundation of authentic living Childhood experiences shape beliefs, but they do not define your future Comparison erodes self-worth; authenticity restores it Emotional intelligence and mental fitness are essential life skills Healing begins when we tell our stories with compassion Your true home is within your body and being When you live from your Sage, you serve yourself, and others more fully   Recommendations Begin noticing your inner self sabotaging negative voices, without judgment Practice self-welcoming instead of self-criticism Book a discovery call with Patricia to explore Positive Intelligence mental fitness practices Develop emotional intelligence skills: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy Write your own story; your words matter Protect your energy, peace, and uniqueness Choose yourself, again and again   Final Reflection Home is not just a place. Home is not something we earn. Home is where the heart rests, and the soul is at peace. And your truest home lives within you.   Come home to the one of a kind beautiful creation that is you.   Emails [email protected] Website www.pacoaching.co.uk      

Building Habits, Building You In this episode, Patricia dives into the powerful connection between self-care, identity, and habit formation. You’ll learn why habits, not resolutions, shape your future, how to become the “anthropologist” of your own life, and how tiny, consistent actions create long-term transformation. With insights from coaching, behavioural science, and personal stories, this episode guides you toward building habits that support a more intentional, compassionate, and fulfilling life.   Key Takeaways Habits shape your reality; Research suggests nearly half of our daily actions are habitual, often unconscious, and can steer us toward growth or self-sabotage. Interference holds us back; Coaching helps uncover the internal patterns (beliefs, fears, conditioning) that block your potential. Start small; Micro-habits bypass resistance and help your brain form new neural pathways with ease. Identity matters; As James Clear notes, habits stick when anchored to who you want to become, not just what you want to achieve. The RAS is always listening; Your brain filters information for whatever you focus on, so feed your intentions, not your fears. Habit formation takes time; The “21-day rule” is a myth. Research shows habits can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to become automatic. Consistency over perfection; Missing a day doesn’t break a habit, but quitting on yourself does. Track, celebrate, repeat; Small wins activate dopamine and reinforce your identity as someone who follows through. Gentleness is non-negotiable; Long-term sustainable change is built on self-love, patience, and awareness, not pressure.   Quote; “People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits — and their habits decide their futures.” — F.M. Alexander   Referenced Research Habit Formation Research Phillippa Lally et al. (2009), University College London; Study finding an average of 66 days to reach habit automaticity (range 18–254 days).   Tiny Habits / Behaviour Design BJ Fogg, Stanford University — Behaviour Model and the science behind tiny habits.   Identity-Based Habits James Clear — Book, Atomic Habits   Coaching Foundations Timothy Gallwey — “Performance - Interference = Potential – Interference” Positive Intelligence - https://www.positiveintelligence.com/   Final Message This year, choose habits that honour who you are becoming. Start small, stay curious, celebrate every win, and build a foundation of self-love that can support meaningful, lasting change. You matter, today, this year, next year and every year.   Email me at [email protected] Website www.pacoaching.co.uk    

Reclaiming Your Power: Mental Fitness, Self-Love & the Sage Within   Episode Release: Christmas Eve Special   Episode Summary In this heartfelt Christmas Eve episode, Patricia is closing out the year by revisiting the core themes that have shaped our journey together: emotional resilience, self-love, and the transformative power of mental fitness. You’ll hear why many of us stay stuck in self-sabotage, how our “Saboteur” autopilot loops keep us in survival mode, and, most importantly, how reconnecting with your inner Sage is the key to lasting positive change.   This episode also includes an exciting announcement: one listener will win a Positive Intelligence Coaching Programme with me in the New Year!   If you’ve been feeling disconnected, battling self-doubt, or longing to lead a more intentional, empowered life… this is the episode that ties it all together.   Key Takeaways Self-Love Is a Revolutionary Act Drawing on the insights of Tina Lifford and Abiola Abrams, we explore why knowing and accepting yourself is the foundation of emotional resilience, empowerment, and genuine transformation.   Mental Fitness = Thriving, Not Just Surviving Mental fitness helps you shift from the self-neglect of Saboteur mode to the self-care and clarity of Sage mode. It allows you to recognise your internal programs, outdated beliefs, and survival-driven thought loops that hold you back.   The Autopilot Trap & Why Change Fails Many attempts at positive change fail because we live on autopilot, constantly pulled back by ingrained habits, limiting assumptions, and emotional survival patterns formed long ago.   Performance = Potential – Interference Based on Timothy Gallwey’s pioneering coaching work, we examine how your internal “interference patterns” drain your potential, and how Positive Intelligence coaching helps you dismantle them.   Your Inner Sage Is Always There Your intuitive wisdom, the Sage, is quiet but powerful. Strengthening it requires daily mental fitness practice, awareness, and the ability to pause, choose, and respond intentionally.   You Can’t Thrive and Survive at the Same Time Survival mode keeps you anxious, dysregulated, and limited. Sage mode opens the door to creativity, wellbeing, deeper relationships, and real happiness.   Happiness Leads to Success (Not the Other Way Around) Positive psychology confirms that cultivating happiness first boosts motivation, resilience, productivity, and life satisfaction.   Emotional Intelligence Matters More Than IQ Inspired by Daniel Goleman’s groundbreaking work, we discuss why emotional intelligence, not cognitive intelligence, matters more and is what truly shapes our success, fulfilment, happiness and meaningful relationships.   Transformation Begins With Your Relationship With Yourself To step into the future you desire, you must: Understand your internal programs Identify both strengths and sabotaging behaviours Quiet the inner critic Strengthen your intuitive Sage wisdom These are the foundations of personal power and mental fitness.   Episode Recommendations Practice the Power of the Pause As Viktor Frankl said: “Between stimulus and response, there is a space.” Use this space to reconnect with your Sage, regulate your emotions, and choose consciously instead of reacting from fear.   Begin a Simple Daily Mental Fitness Practice Small, consistent exercises that engage your Sage build new neural pathways and strengthen your emotional resilience. Engage your senses regularly and you will start to reconnect with your Sage.   Start an Internal Dialogue Audit Pay attention to your inner voices. Are they driven by fear, doubt, or outdated survival patterns, or by intuition, wisdom, and compassion?   Focus on Intentional Living Shift from autopilot to awareness. Choose habits that support your future self, not your old protective patterns.   Own Your Story Let go of self-doubt and reclaim your inner authority. Your personal power lies not in perfection, but in self-acceptance and alignment.   Listener Giveaway (Christmas Eve Special!) To celebrate the year and this journey of emotional growth, I’m gifting one listener a Positive Intelligence Coaching Programme in the New Year. Listen to the episode for details on how to enter!   Final Words Your inner Sage is never lost, it’s waiting to be heard. When you reconnect with it, you reclaim your worth, your voice, and your power. You become the author of your life.   Know yourself. Accept yourself. Love yourself. Because when you do, you become invincible.   Email me at [email protected] website www.pacoaching.co.uk  

The Christmas Gift of Presence: Digital Detox, Family Connection & The Power of Gratitude   Episode Summary In this heartfelt Christmas episode, Patricia shares two powerful personal stories from last year’s holiday season, one planned, one unplanned, that enhance her wellbeing over the festive holidays. From an intuitive two-week digital detox with her mum, to a family “Gratitude Attitude Jar,” she explores how unplugging, reconnecting, and receiving gratitude can profoundly impact mental health, emotional resilience, and joy.   Listeners will hear practical guidance for digital fasting, family connection, emotional awareness, and creative ways to build meaningful traditions that nurture peace, presence, and genuine human connection.   Key Takeaways Unplanned pauses can become the greatest gifts. A spontaneous digital break led to deeper connection, peace, and presence. Deadlines matter, but not more than people. What feels urgent often isn’t; what’s irreplaceable often is. Technology is designed to keep our attention. Taking it back requires awareness, limits, and compassion. Digital detoxing reduces stress and boosts creativity. Stepping back created space for workshops, games, and meaningful conversations. Gratitude is most powerful when it’s received, not just expressed. Research shows witnessing gratitude strengthens emotional and physical wellbeing. Small, consistent habits make digital boundaries easier. Start with 30 minutes, one room, or removing one app. Family rituals deepen connection. A gratitude jar, creativity prompts, or shared offline time can become cherished traditions.   Memorable Quotes “Sometimes the gift of switching off comes without being planned.” “Is a problem a problem if you don’t think it’s a problem?” “My mum won’t be here forever. I won’t be here forever. Deadlines can wait, making memories cannot.” “The digital world promised connection, but we are becoming more disconnected in real life.” “Start small. Half an hour. One hour. Build up. Reclaim your attention.” “Gratitude isn’t only about giving thanks, its potent power is in receiving it.” “The genuine exchange of gratitude costs nothing, but gives everything.” “Presence is the best Christmas gift any family can share.”   Episode Highlights Patricia’s intuitive choice to take a two-week tech-free Christmas with her mum Letting go of deadlines and perfectionism The reality of digital overwhelm and “nomophobia” Creative family connection rituals during the holidays Why tech leaders like Steve Jobs limited their own children’s device use Get creative and start your own digital fast or digital detox A deep dive into the “December Gratitude Attitude bottled” Research on gratitude, emotional wellbeing, and the power of receiving thanks Practical ways to nurture your attention, focus, and mental health A Christmas challenge to reclaim presence, joy, and connection   Tips & Recommendations Mentioned Digital Detox Ideas Create a family digital lockbox Synchronise “phone-off” times together Start with 30 to 60 minutes of tech-free time Limit use of one specific app Choose tech-free rooms (especially the bedroom) Make your phone not the first/last thing of the day Remove social media apps temporarily Take nature walks, visit friends, or plan creative games   Gratitude Practices Make a Gratitude Attitude Jar for the holiday season Read gratitude notes aloud as a family Create a Christmas Gratitude Journal o Morning: “10 things I’m grateful for” o Evening: “3 people who made my day happier” o Bedtime: “The best part of my day was…”   Research & Resources Huberman Lab Podcast: The Science of Gratitude https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVjfFN89qvQ   Message to Listeners A gentle reminder to choose presence over pressure. Your wellbeing matters 365 days a year, and the greatest gifts of the season are compassion, togetherness, love, and real-life connection.   To find out more about mental fitness or book a discovery call email [email protected]  

Rethinking Christmas; Stress, Mindset & Meaning A reflective, poetic look at the emotional weight of Christmas, and practical ways to bring calm, creativity, and connection back into the holidays.   In this heartfelt Christmas-themed episode, Patricia shares the story that inspired a powerful reframing of the season: a 2021 conversation with someone who “hated Christmas”, perhaps not so much for its meaning, but for its pressure. That conversation sparked a deeper exploration into stress, expectation, emotional reactivity, and how mental fitness can transform the holiday experience.   You’ll hear personal stories of family, loss, boundaries, overwhelm, creative traditions, and ultimately, how mindset shifts lead to a more peaceful, intentional holiday.   Key Takeaways: Most people don’t hate Christmas, they hate the stress, so normalised, round it. Consumerism, pressure, overspending, overconsumption, and emotional reactivity create anxiety that becomes normalised. Emotional intelligence changes everything. Building inner calm allows you to experience peace even during chaos, instead of running from stress. Expectations are the root of holiday burnout. Letting go of the “perfect Christmas” allows joy to emerge naturally. What you feed grows. Thoughts, beliefs, actions, they all expand where attention goes. Pause to ask: “Is this feeding what I want more of… or less of?” Power pauses are essential. Regular, mindful check-ins help you shift from reactivity to intentional response. Boundaries matter every day of the year. Healthy limits protect wellbeing, energy, and connection, especially during emotionally charged seasons. Creativity & connection can transform Christmas. Games, question boxes, writing challenges, outdoor adventures, and family “spotlight days” build meaningful memories without spending money. If you’re alone this Christmas, it can still be mindful and meaningful. Community events, volunteering, support lines, or simple rituals can create connection.   Practical Recommendations: Holiday Mental Fitness Practices The Power Pause: Ask yourself what you’re feeding right now, and adjust. Intentional breathing: Try box breathing (4-4-4). Emergency Relaxation Plan: Time in nature, a brisk walk, music, or mindful movement to reset your nervous system. Mindful Eating: Savour each bite , taste, texture, temperature.   Creative, Connection-Building Traditions Christmas Question Box: Everyone creates 3 questions to put into the box, and then everyone picks one at random to answer. Family Member of the Day: Celebrate one person intentionally. Nature Photo Stories: Each person takes one outdoor photo, then shares the story behind it. Family Writing Challenge: Create poems, limericks, haikus or stories from a shared prompt. Play, laugh, make fun memories: Encourage imagination, curiosity, mistakes, and silliness.   For anyone spending Christmas alone Check local churches/community centres for events. Visit Action to End Loneliness. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/ Use free helplines such as Samaritans (116 123) or Shout (text SHOUT to 85258). Consider volunteering; its grounding, connecting, and meaningful.   Memorable Quotes from the Episode “Do you hate Christmas, or do you hate the hype, stress, and pressure we’ve normalised?” “What you feed grows! That includes our thoughts, your beliefs, your actions.” “I believed Christmas was uncontrollable stress… but now I can find peace even in chaos.” “Take ownership of you. Build emotional intelligence within yourself first.” “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” Wayne Dyer “Negative emotions aren’t the problem — staying in them is.” “Your health matters 365 days a year.” “You can’t use up creativity, the more you use, the more you have.” Maya Angelou “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, making mistakes, and having fun.” Mary Lou Cook “You matter 365 days of the year, look after you.” Book a discover call with Patricia by emailing [email protected]    

Introduction In this heartfelt December episode, Patricia shares stories of Christmases past, present, and future, and how the festive season, while full of joy, can also bring exhaustion, overwhelm, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and emotional strain. Patricia shares a poetic reflection on her former “autopilot Christmases,” the impact of mental fitness on transforming the holiday experience, and practical tools to help you reclaim peace, presence, and personal power this festive season. How you can not only survive Christmas but thrive through it.   Whether you celebrate Christmas or any other big holiday, this episode offers guidance to help you thrive, not merely survive.   Key Takeaways Christmas stress is often habit-driven. Much of the overwhelm comes from autopilot patterns: needing to control, please, or perfect everything. The Power of the Pause can transform your emotional experience, helping you choose peace, compassion, and presence rather than chaos and reactivity. A Personal Christmas Mission Statement brings clarity and intention to the season, helping you stay aligned with what truly matters. Emotional wellbeing > perfection. People remember connection, humour, and togetherness, not flawless dinners or pristine décor. Boundaries are essential. Saying yes to everything often means saying no to yourself. Support children with empathy. Christmas consumerism can heighten expectations; teaching emotional awareness and kindness helps them navigate disappointment. Joy is created, not bought. Connection, generosity, and shared traditions hold much deeper value than gifts.   Notable Quotes “Between every stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” – Viktor Frankl “No one can drive you crazy unless you give them the keys.” “This Christmas, begin with the end in mind and choose what truly matters to you.” “Your wellbeing is priceless, kindness and connection last longer than perfection.” “The power is not in the choice itself, but in consciously choosing.”   Practical Recommendations Write Your Personal Christmas Mission Statement Reflect on: Past Christmases—your memories, values, and lessons The present—your intentions and what you want to cultivate The future—how you want to feel in early January Turn your reflections into a short, positive, written daily reminder such as: “This Christmas, I choose………… calm, connection, and presence.”   Practice the Power of the Pause Use mindful pauses to: Regulate your emotions Reduce reactivity Redirect energy from chaos toward love, compassion, clarity, and peace   Let Go of Autopilot “Needs” Need to control: Prioritise kindness over being right; release tension for the greater good. Need to be perfect: Embrace imperfection. Chaos often becomes the story everyone laughs about years later. Need to please: Choose your “yes” and “no” consciously. Set boundaries. Ask for help. Delegate.   Support Children Emotionally Validate their feelings, especially around disappointment or comparison Use creative outlets to help them express emotions Teach the joy of giving with family kindness lists, handmade gifts, or toy donations   Remember What Christmas Is Really About Connection. Joy. Presence. Compassion. Shared moments—not perfect gifts or flawless planning.   Food you can buy more of! Gifts you can buy more of!   But time is something you can’t buy!   contact me via my website www.pacoaching.co.uk or email me [email protected]  

In this episode, Patricia explores the surprising science, psychology, and emotional wisdom behind tears. Why we cry and why it matters. From childhood beliefs about “crying alone,” to the therapeutic power of being seen, to the extraordinary microscopic landscapes of Rose-Lynn Fisher’s Topography of Tears, this conversation reveals why tears are far more than a sign of sadness, they’re a biological release, an emotional reset, and a universal human connector.   Introduction We often rush to stop our own tears, and the tears of others. Yet emotional tears are uniquely human and play a crucial role in healing, connection, and self-understanding. Today’s episode explores the biology of crying, why we’re uncomfortable with emotions, how coaching spaces can invite healthy release, and the unexpected beauty contained within a single tear drop.   Key Takeaways Emotional tears are biologically healing, releasing stress hormones and boosting oxytocin and endorphins. We often shut down tears due to discomfort, not compassion, yet supportive presence can make crying therapeutic. Tears can appear in coaching spaces when clients finally feel safe, seen, and heard. Microscopic tear patterns are unique, revealing emotional “landscapes” as shown in Rose-Lynn Fisher’s Topography of Tears. Crying is universal but deeply personal, influenced by culture, context, and human connection. Not all crying is cathartic, its healing depends on how others respond. Tears mark emotional turning points, allowing acceptance, release, and renewal. There is nothing to fear about tears, they connect us to ourselves and to one another.   Notable Quotes “We have nothing to fear from tears.” “Comforted tears heal, ignored tears may deepen pain.” “Tears are landscapes of emotion, tiny maps of the human soul.” “We cannot control the ocean, but we can learn to surf.” “Tears mark turning points, moments of acceptance, release, and renewal.” “If you need to cry, cry unapologetically.” “A safe space can turn tears into empowerment.”   Recommended Books The Topography of Tears – Rose-Lynn Fisher A stunning visual exploration of human emotion through microscopic tear photography. The Crying Book – Heather Christle A poetic, literary, and deeply moving examination of why humans cry. Why Humans Cry – Ad Vingerhoets A scientific look at crying, catharsis, and emotional expression. In Praise of Therapeutic Crying – Jeffrey Von Glahn (article) A compassionate exploration of crying as a healing tool   Contact me via my website www.pacoaching.co.uk or email [email protected]  

Listening The Art of Listening, Where Love Begins   Episode Summary In this reflective and heartfelt episode, Patricia explores the profound power of listening to others, to life, and most importantly, to ourselves. Drawing from personal stories, coaching experiences, and emotional lessons learned, this episode invites you to slow down, embrace silence, and reconnect with your inner Sage wisdom. You’ll learn why listening is one of the most transformational acts of love, how active listening nurtures deeper relationships, and how mental can help us cultivate self-listening and help us build emotional resilience, and meaningful human connection.   Key Takeaways Listening is the foundation of love and human connection. To feel listened to is to feel seen, valued, and loved. Listening builds trust, belonging, and emotional safety, things every human deeply needs. Silence is not emptiness, it's powerful. Silence helps nourish wisdom, create space for deeper reflection, and reveal truths often missed in noise and distraction. Active listening transforms relationships. Listening without interruption, judgment, fixing, or assuming allows others to process their own thoughts and uncover their own answers; “the brain that contains the problem also contains the solution.” Listening to yourself is an act of self-love. Your mind, body, intuition, and emotions are constantly communicating with you. When disconnected or distracted, you lose access to your inner wisdom. Our digital, fast-paced world weakens our listening muscles. Overconsumption and constant distraction make it easy to lose touch with our inner voice—and with each other. Advice is often less helpful than curiosity. Well-intentioned advice can interrupt someone’s thought process. Curious questions create space for clarity and empowerment. Mental fitness reduces self-sabotage and strengthens your inner Sage. By diminishing self-neglect and the self sabotaging Saboteur voice, you create space for intuitive, compassionate, aligned decision-making. We must relearn deep listening in our families. Partners, children, and friends thrive when we give them the gift of undivided attention, especially during emotional moments. Self-listening is needed before we can listen to others well. You cannot offer presence, compassion, or understanding if you don’t practice them with yourself first. Listening is love in action. A five-minute conversation where someone feels truly listened to is more nourishing than hours of distracted half-presence.   Notable Quotes “Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.” Francis Bacon “Listening is an art form.” Nancy Kline “Love is listening, and listening is loving.” Patricia Ahern “Silence is not empty, it’s full of answers.” “The brain that contains the problem also contains the solution.” Nancy Kline “Listening is where love begins.” Patricia Ahern “Every view is the wrong view if held as the only view.” “Your brain is always eavesdropping on your mind.” “You are a miracle, and self-love is your most powerful asset.” Patricia Ahern   Your Call to Action This Week Make space to listen to others Offer someone you love the gift of your full, uninterrupted presence. No fixing. No advising. Just listening. Make space to listen to yourself Ask yourself with compassion: What do I think? What do I feel? What do I believe right now? Create micro moments of silence Let silence nourish your inner wisdom. Strengthen self-love through self-listening Place a hand on your heart and affirm your worth. Reconnect with your childhood self. Stop saying yes when your heart says no. Make meaningful time for yourself.   Final Reflection Listening heals. Listening connects. Listening helps us belong. And when we learn to listen deeply to others and to ourselves, we awaken our inner Sage and live with greater clarity, purpose, and compassion. Thank you for listening with an open heart, open mind, and open ears.   Connect through my website www.pacoaching.co.uk or email at [email protected]  

Mindful Poetic Stories Shownotes Episode Title: Consumerism Part 2 - From Self-Neglect to Self-Care: Breaking Free from Overconsumption and Finding Conscious Freedom Episode Introduction In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Patricia explores how modern consumerism, manipulation in marketing, and emotional conditioning keep us trapped in a cycle of problem–reaction–solution. Sharing her personal awakening to the hidden toxicity and waste surrounding daily life, she invites listeners to reflect on how our buying habits impact both our mental health and the planet. Through storytelling, cultural insights, and thought-provoking documentary recommendations including; The Story of Stuff, Ethos: A Time for Change, and Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy, Patricia invites us to slow down, buy mindfully, and reconnect with our values. This episode is a heartfelt call to move from self-neglect to self-care, from unconscious consumption to conscious living.   Key Takeaways We are conditioned to consume through emotional manipulation and social pressure. Overconsumption and “retail therapy” often mask deeper emotional needs. Fast fashion and planned obsolescence fuel environmental and human exploitation. Awareness is the first step toward sustainable, mindful change. Mental fitness and self-love are foundations for conscious living. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to create.   Featured Topics Eco-conscious living and reducing toxic exposure Fast fashion, Shein, and the hidden cost of cheap clothes Consumer psychology: marketing, persuasion, and emotional triggers Sustainability documentaries that inspire change Mindful consumption and small, practical steps to reduce waste Mental fitness and self-care coaching for a more intentional life   Notable Quotes “We don’t buy products, we buy what a product promises us.” “Awareness is the first step to move from unconscious living to mindful action.” “Our body is our ultimate home. When we love and care for it, we naturally care for our planet.” “Letting go gives us freedom and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If in our heart we still cling to anything be it anger, anxiety or possessions we cannot be free”. Thich Nhat Hanh   Recommended Documentary; The Story of Stuff (2007) Documentary; Ethos: A Time for Change (2011) Documentary; Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy (2024) Book; Brave New World   Call to Action If this episode inspired you, share it with friends, family, or your community. Start conversations about consumption, sustainability, and self-awareness. Remember — small consistent steps create lasting change.   www.pacoaching.co.uk email at [email protected]  

In this powerful episode, Consumerism to Mindful Activism (Part 1), Patricia explores the deep connection between our inner world and the outer choices we make. Patricia shares her personal journey from external pursuit of happiness to inner reconnection, explaining how shifting mindset, healing the gut, and making conscious, sustainable lifestyle changes transformed her health, energy, and sense of purpose. This episode dives into consumerism, self-awareness, gut health, emotional wellbeing, and practical tools to help you begin your own journey toward intentional, mindful living, one small step at a time. Key Themes Moving from external validation to inner fulfilment Understanding how consumerism and overconsumption affect mental and physical health Reconnecting with the “Wise Sage” self through mindfulness and self-compassion The link between gut health, energy, and emotional wellbeing Making sustainable, toxin-free lifestyle choices without overwhelm Building mental fitness through awareness, curiosity, and self-love Powerful Quotes “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer “We are all wounded healers.” – Gabor Maté “People are fed by the Food Industry, which pays no attention to health, and treated by a Health Industry that pays no attention to food.” – Wendell Berry “It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they are being fooled.” – Mark Twain “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself.” – George Bernard Shaw “Every view is the wrong view if it is held as the only view.” – Thich Nhat Hanh “The very reason I write is so that I might not sleepwalk through my entire life.” – Zadie Smith “I can’t see a way through,” said the boy. “Can you see your next step?” asked the horse. “Yes.” “Then just take that.” – Charles Mackesy The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse   Recommendations & Resources Apps: YUKA App – Scan food and cosmetic barcodes to check for health impact and hidden additives. Documentaries: The Gut: Our Second Brain (2013/2014); How our gut microbiome influences mood, energy, and immunity. Fed Up (2014) – The truth about sugar, processed foods, and how the food industry shapes our health. Books: Activate Your Vagus Nerve by Navaz Habib; Learn how to restore calm, resilience, and optimal health through vagal tone. Other Mentions: Dirty Dozen List; Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) guide to fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues. https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php Eco-conscious brands like SEEP, Who Gives a Crap, and homemade natural cleaning solutions. https://theseepcompany.com/collections/all https://uk.whogivesacrap.org/pages/about-us Complimentary Therapist https://maresawalsh.ie/   Key Takeaways Awareness is the first step to move from unconscious living to mindful action. Small, consistent changes in what we eat, buy, and consume create long-term wellbeing. Happier people make healthy choices, and healthier choices make happier people Gut health is central to both physical energy and emotional balance. Mindful activism starts with understanding, self-love, curiosity, and compassion. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight, simply “take one step at a time.” Call to Action If today’s episode resonated with you, take one small conscious action, whether it’s scanning your food labels, switching to natural products, or simply pausing before your next purchase. Subscribe for Part 2 of “From Consumerism to Mindful Activism”, where Patricia explores the hidden costs of overconsumption and shares more inspiring resources for sustainable, conscious living. Want to go deeper? Book a free discovery coaching call to explore how mindful awareness and mental fitness can help you reconnect with your true self.   www.pacoaching.co.uk or email [email protected]  

In this week’s episode, Patricia explores the beauty and power of art as healing, human connection, and compassion in action. Following last week’s tribute to inspirational changemakers of the past, today’s story celebrates the people creating positive change right now, those dedicating their time to supporting others and making the world a kinder, more hopeful place. This episode is inspired by Tara Dominick, Artist and co-founder of the Kakuma Art Project, this episode shares my poetic story Through Your Paintings, born from a creative connection that has turned into a continuing inspirational movement of creativity, love, and empathy. The Kakuma Art Project began with one painting, The Boat, which sparked an initiative bringing therapeutic art workshops to refugees in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.   Through the lens of creativity, the film (The Good Lie), and the wisdom of thought leaders like Gabor Maté, Elif Shafak, and Jane Goodall, Patricia reflects on how trauma, art, healing and compassion intertwine, and how every small act of kindness can ripple out to change lives.   Key Points Discussed: The Kakuma Art Project’s Origin: How one painting, The Boat, inspired a movement that provides art workshops for refugees in Kenya, and much more. The Power of Connection: The friendship between Tara and Hubert, co-founders of the Kakuma Art Project, and how creativity builds bridges across borders. The Good Lie: Reflections on the 2014 film inspired by true events in Sudan and the Kakuma Refugee Camp, and its deep emotional impact and its continued resonance today. Understanding Trauma: Insights from Gabor Maté on how trauma lives in the body. Creativity can provide a pathway to healing, an inner connection but also human connection. Post-Traumatic Growth: The idea that from deep pain can come love, connection, resilience, creativity, and empathy. Numbness vs. Evil: Elif Shafak’s perspective on how apathy, not evil, may be the true opposite of goodness. The Role of Art in Healing: How painting, writing, and creative expression can help release pain and the power of creating safe emotional spaces. Rising Above Fear: Using awareness, kindness, and self-compassion to move from trauma to empowerment. A Call to Action: Supporting humanitarian initiatives like the Kakuma Art Project — and recognising that every act of kindness matters.   Quotes: “War is what happens when language fails.” – Margaret Atwood “War is itself the enemy of the human race.” – Howard Zinn “I’m fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.” – George McGovern “Trauma is not what happens to us, it is what happens inside of us as a result of what happened to us.” – Gabor Maté “Perhaps the opposite of goodness is numbness.” Elif Shafak “Holding anger and hatred in you is a poison… it eats you up from inside.” “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you wish to make.” – Jane Goodall   Key Takeaway: Art can be a bridge between pain and peace. Through compassion, creativity, and awareness, we can all play a part, however small, in bringing light to those living in darkness.   Together, we can help amplify the voices of those whose stories deserve to be heard.   Call to Action: If the Kakuma Art Project resonates with you and you’d like to contribute or learn more, there are lots of options as outlined below, please reach out via the following links;   Donate to Kakama Art Project; https://linktr.ee/Kakumaartproject?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=1ea5d87f-a981-44f0-8967-c27cdc44de5c Buy the book Power of One Painting available on amazon £12.99 https://amzn.eu/d/bI0dsyK If you are interested in any of the art/paintings reach out to Tara Dominick email [email protected] Website https://www.taradominickartist.com/ Submit your own piece of creativity to the fundraising online gallery on Kakuma Artline Grids https://kakumaartproject.com/ - your paintings, music, photography, favourite tree, your pet etc. £27 per submission Buy the book; Creative Souls; Poetry. Music Art Compilation - which is supporting the Kakuma Art Project fundraising https://amzn.eu/d/3LdaRxh £16.99   “Kindness is contagious.” Yours is much appreciated. Thank You   Connect with Patrica via email [email protected] Linktree: https://linktr.ee/pacoaching.co.uk    

How Inspirational Quotes Shaped My Life In this powerful and poetic episode, Patricia reflects on the transformative power of inspirational quotes and the legacy of the great minds who spoke them. "Ode to the Greats" is a heartfelt tribute to legendary change-makers like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, Benjamin Zephaniah, and others whose words still spark action, self-love, resilience, and post-traumatic growth. From teenage diary entries filled with motivational clippings to a “Words of Wisdom” box shared with her mother during lockdown, the journey of self-discovery is steeped in wisdom, emotional intelligence, mental fitness, and the power of the pause. This episode is more than gratitude, it’s a call to awaken, to step into your legacy with courage, to feed light instead of the dark, to move with love instead of fear, and to let inspiring words guide your healing, justice-seeking, and soulful action. Discussed in this episode: Resilience Building with Mental Fitness Emotional awareness Women's rights and justice Legacy building Emotional intelligence Post-traumatic growth Words of wisdom Power of pause Critical thinking Self Love Journey to inner empowerment Notable Quotes from the Episode: "Let your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears." – Nelson Mandela "Between the stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response." – Viktor Frankl "We are all one. Only egos, beliefs and fears separate us." – Nikola Tesla "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead "Do what you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." – Maya Angelou " All men dream; but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds Awake to find that it was vanity; But the dreamers of day are dangerous men. That they may act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible. ." – T.E. Lawrence "A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because its trust is not in the branch but in its wings." "Just don’t give up. Don’t let them grind you down. Rise up all ye sisters and brothers who know better, stand firm in the downturn." – Benjamin Zephaniah POETRY BOOK; Creative Souls – published “Ode To The Greats”, available to buy on Amazon https://amzn.eu/d/f7ZgaQI   Call to Action: Share your favourite inspirational quote with us! Which words have shifted your thinking or shaped your life’s path? Leave a comment below. Subscribe, Rate, and Review If this episode moved you, inspired you, or gave you pause, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs a dose of wisdom and courage today. Join the Conversation Let’s co-create a community that thrives on wisdom, compassion, courage, and legacy. Use the hashtag #OdeToTheGreats If you wish to know more about Mental Fitness and how it can help you email me [email protected]  

Reclaim Your Mind in the Age of Digital Distraction Episode Summary In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we dive into the hidden costs of social media and technology on your mental health, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and even identity. Inspired by the eye-opening docudramas The Social Dilemma and TikTok Boom, Patricia shares a deeply personal reflection on how digital overload is disconnecting us from our humanity. Discover how mindfulness, mental fitness, and positive intelligence can help you reclaim your time, attention, and peace, and why now is the time to take back control before we lose ourselves in the algorithm.   Discussed in this Episode The true psychological and emotional cost of constant digital engagement Why social media addiction is more than just screen time, it’s about manipulation Insights from The Social Dilemma and TikTok Boom How coaching, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence can reconnect us with our wise inner self Practical steps: creating tech-free zones, journaling, and digital detoxing Why building mental fitness is more urgent than ever in the AI age A call to action: How to protect yourself, and future generations, from digital disconnection   Quotable Moments "If you're not paying for the product, you are the product." "Mindfulness doesn’t happen while scrolling, it starts when we step away from the noise." "AI may be smarter, but it will never be wiser than a connected human being."   Key Takeaway Awareness is the first step to transformation and transformation is process of reconnection. When we consciously reduce our digital distractions and prioritise mental fitness, we reclaim our power, our presence, and our peace.   Mentioned in This Episode The Social Dilemma (Netflix) TikTok Boom (Docuseries) 10 Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media – book by Jaron Lanier Super Brain, book by Deepak Chopra & Rudolph E Tanzi Amusing Ourselves to Death – Book by Neil Postman Robert Kiyosaki quote: “Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow” Mark Twain “A lie can travel around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, book by Shoshana Zuboff , “the MARKET now trades exclusively in HUMAN FUTURES at scale”   Listen Now & Start Reconnecting Feeling overwhelmed by your devices? Tune in for deeper awareness of potential damage and learn how to cut through the digital noise and reconnect with your true self, before it’s too late, for you and your loved ones.   Connect with Patricia if you want to know more about how Mental Fitness can help you.   Hit the subscribe button for more weekly episodes.   www.pacoaching.co.uk email [email protected]  

This episode is powerful and heartfelt, and is all about moving from self-sabotage to self-welcoming with self-care, reclaiming body love and inner wisdom. Today Patricia dives into the inner critic that lives in all of us, the voice that tells us we’re not good enough. But what if it’s not only the world that’s to blame? What if it’s the stories we tell ourselves? Patricia shares a deeply personal journey of body shame, low self-worth, and the lifelong impact of unrealistic beauty standards. From the harsh truths about the media's influence to the importance of self-welcoming over self-improvement, this episode calls on women, and all listeners, to reconnect with their true essence, their "sage" within. Through reflections on culture, parenting, and healing, you'll discover how embracing your natural, authentic self isn’t just liberating, it’s revolutionary.   Concepts Discussed: body positivity overcoming low self-esteem unrealistic beauty standards self-worth and parenting emotional healing women empowerment body image issues makeup-free movement self-acceptance for women sage mindset vs saboteurs generational healing confidence in your own skin   Notable Quotes: “It’s not always the world telling us we’re not good enough. Sometimes, it’s just the stories we tell ourselves from our own perceptions.” “My Mindful Poetic Stories podcast isn’t about self-improvement, it’s about self-welcoming.” “If all women woke up and decided to love their bodies, half the beauty industry would collapse.” “You are loved for your unique miracle self. Now repeat that to yourself.” “Flawless doesn’t exist in nature, so why are we trying to chase it?” “When we come home to ourselves, our world changes for the better”. We live in a society which is very much dependent on roles and roles depend on how other people see you, so we all want to be seen in the best possible light and society punishes us for being authentic Gabor Mate "I don't have ugly ducklings turning into beautiful swans in my stories. I have ugly ducklings turning into confident ducks. Maeve Binchy "We get courage from other people's stories. We get consolation from the way they tell about failures, disappointments and crises. It means that we are not alone." Maeve Binchy   Call to Action - If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a reminder of their worth. - Follow the podcast and leave a review on your favourite platform—it helps more people join this self-love revolution. - Tag me on Instagram with your favourite takeaway using #MindfulPoeticStoriesPodcast. - Subscribe for weekly reminders to reconnect with your beautifully imperfect self.   www.pacoaching.co.uk or email on [email protected]  

In today’s deeply personal episode, Patricia explores the emotional toll of the “pleaser saboteur”, a self-sabotaging behaviour rooted in the fear of rejection, unmet childhood needs, and a relentless desire to be accepted by others. Drawing from both her own transformation journey and a poetic story inspired by the heartbreaking story of a friend’s experience with coercive control, Patricia shares insights into how empathy, when left unchecked, can lead to burnout, emotional manipulation, and the loss of self-identity. In this episode Patricia uncovers: How unconscious saboteur patterns like the pleaser and controller can trap us in unhealthy dynamics. Why self-love is not selfish, but essential, to our wellbeing and happiness. The danger of attachment disguised as love, and how to spot it. Why mental fitness and frameworks like Positive Intelligence help build resilience. How to set boundaries that protect your well-being and still honour your capacity to love. The words of wisdom that run through all of Patricia’s podcast episodes, “You wouldn’t sabotage someone you truly loved. And you wouldn’t self-sabotage if you truly loved yourself.” Join Patricia on a journey from self-abandonment to self-mastery, from self sabotage to self care, with reflections from thought leaders like Gabor Maté, Brené Brown, Carl Jung, and more. Powerful Quotes from the Episode: “You wouldn’t sabotage someone you truly loved. And you wouldn’t self-sabotage if you truly loved yourself.” Patricia Ahern “The power is not in whether we say yes or no; the power is in our conscious capacity to choose.” Patricia Ahern “My love is unconditional. But my presence is not.” “It is not others’ responsibility to think of me; it is my own.” Patricia Ahern “Being in the wrong relationship can be detrimental to your health.” — Gabor Maté “Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.” — Lao Tzu “The near enemy of love is attachment.” — Brené Brown “Before you heal someone, ask him if he's willing to give up the things that make him sick.” — Hippocrates “I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make others happy because they know what it feels like to feel absolutely worthless.” — Robin Williams “Empaths fall in love with those destroying them—not out of weakness, but because they are unconsciously seduced by the other’s wounds.” — Carl Jung   References and Mentions: Gabor Maté – Expert in trauma, addiction, and mind-body health Brené Brown – Researcher on vulnerability, shame, and wholehearted living Lao Tzu – Ancient Chinese philosopher Carl Jung – Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Robin Williams – Quoted on the pain behind people-pleasing Paul Brunson – Relationship coach (conversation with Gabor Maté) Hippocrates – On true healing and personal responsibility Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine – Framework of saboteurs and Sage mindset Serious Crime Act 2015 (UK) – Legal recognition of coercive control as abuse   RECOMMENDED BOOKS - if you are dealing with highly controlling or narcissistic behaviour   Why Does He Do That - by Lundy Bancrofts - inside the minds of angry and controlling men The Empath’s Survival Guide - Life strategies for sensitive people - by Judith Orloff Toxic Magnetism - How and Why Empaths attract Narcissists by Kara Lawrence Will I Ever Be Good Enough? - Healing the Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers by Karyl McBride Maybe You Should Talk To Someone - by Lori Gottlieb Adult Children Of Emotionally Immature Parents - How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting Or Self-Involved Parents by Lindsay Gibson. Daring greatly - How The Courage To Be Vulnerable Transfers The Way We Live, Love Parent and Lead by Brene brown   Takeaway Message: This episode is a heart-centered call to action for empaths, caregivers, and people-pleasers to turn their nurturing inward. Self-love is the foundation from which all healthy relationships are built. The journey may be challenging, but it’s the only one that leads to freedom, wholeness, and authentic connection, with yourself and others. Highlights: Pleaser saboteur Self-sabotage behaviours Coercive control in relationships Empaths and narcissists Mental fitness coaching Positive Intelligence saboteurs Healing childhood wounds Setting emotional boundaries Unmet emotional needs Emotional burnout recovery Self-love and empowerment Narcissistic abuse awareness Emotional manipulation signs Inner child healing Women’s emotional health   www.pacoaching.co.uk connect with me via social media or via my email [email protected]  

Podcast Show Notes: Episode 36 Episode Title: My Fridge, The Bigger Picture   Episode Summary In this soul-nourishing episode, we explore the emotional root of cravings, the difference between hunger and emotional eating, and how societal conditioning traps us in cycles of self-sabotage. Patricia shares deeply personal reflections, insights from her coaching practice, and powerful tools to start healing your relationship with food, all through the lens of self-love, compassion, and conscious choice. "We must learn to love ourselves so we self-care, not self-sabotage." Key Takeaways & Themes Cravings vs Hunger: Hunger is a biological need; cravings often stem from emotional longing or unmet needs. Emotional Eating Patterns: Food becomes a "pacifier" to numb discomfort, pain, or stress, leading to cycles of guilt and shame. The Power of the Pause: Creating space between the craving and the action allows us to tune into our "true essence" and choose differently. The Judge Saboteur: Harsh inner criticism perpetuates shame and can drive emotional overeating. Quick Fix Culture: From slimming pills to injections, many chase short-term solutions that ignore root causes, and the potential long term consequences. Hormonal & Biological Factors: Ghrelin, GLP-1, and other hormones play a significant role in hunger regulation, it's not just willpower. Reclaiming Power Through Self-Love: Healing starts by nurturing compassion, joy, and patience within yourself.   Quotes to Remember “Am I hungry? Or am I craving something else right now?” “What felt like comfort was a cycle, an emotional rollercoaster masquerading as relief.” “You are not weak when you binge eat, you're weary.” “Learn to love yourself so you self-care, not self-sabotage.” “Gaunt is not good. Tricking the body into not eating is not healing.” “Eat like you love yourself. Move like you love yourself.” — Jim Kwik “Nothing is more desirable than to be released from an affliction... but nothing is more frightening than to be divested of a crutch.” — James Baldwin “People are fed by the food industry which pays no attention to health, and treated by the health industry which pays no attention to food.” — Wendell Berry “At some point we need to stop just pulling people out of the river, we need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” — Desmond Tutu   Referenced in This Episode GLP-1 Drugs / Slimming Jabs (e.g. Ozempic, Wegovy) Vanessa Feltz Show: Commentary on slimming injections and societal attitudes toward weight Lizzie Cundy: On anorexia recovery and caution about slimming drugs Documentaries on food education (not named but mentioned) Psychologies Magazine – daily affirmations: o “Eat to nourish, not punish” o “Move to the rhythm of your body”   Tools & Practices Shared The Power of the Pause — slowing down before reacting to cravings Daily affirmations to rewire your beliefs around food Self-inquiry prompts like “Am I really hungry?” Listening to your body’s signals over societal conditioning Understanding hormones and how they influence cravings and hunger   ❤️ Final Message You are not alone in your struggle with food, cravings, or emotional eating. The path to healing starts with self-awareness, continues with self-compassion, and is empowered by self-love. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, presence, and patience. “You are not your body, but your body responds to how you treat it. Choose to drive it with love, not fear.”   👉 Join the Self Love Movement — a community focused on healing from the inside out. 📩 To find out more about my work check out my website www.pacoaching.co.uk 🎧 Subscribe & share this episode if it resonated with you!   Hear more about my weight loss and self love journey on my conversation with Martha Rice on her Casting the Net Podcast  https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=w04jsaohKQE&feature=youtu.be   www.pacoaching.co.uk, contact me to find out more or to book a free discovery call      

Podcast Series: Self Love to Self Sabotage   Episode Overview In Part 1 of this 2-part deep dive, Patricia shares a deeply personal journey of overcoming emotional eating, food addiction, and a once-toxic relationship with her fridge, which was not just an appliance, but an emotional crutch. From binging to self-awareness, from comfort food to self-love, this episode unpacks the psychological, societal, and biological reasons why we eat when we’re not hungry, and what finally helped Patricia break free. If you’ve ever turned to food for comfort, felt shame after eating, or battled diet culture, this one’s for you. ________________________________________ Key Quotes “You are not weak when you binge eat. You’re weary.” “My fridge wasn’t just an appliance — it was my emotional comfort blanket.” “Happier people make healthier choices.” “Self-love is a revolutionary act.” Abiola Abrahms “I don’t work on my body anymore, I work with my body.” Patricia Ahern There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” Desmond Tutu “And I said to my body, softly, ‘I want to be your friend.’ It took a long breath and replied, ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this.’” Nayyirah Waheed ________________________________________ Key Topics Emotional eating recovery Comfort eating triggers Treats & sugar dependency Slimming pills vs self-love Diet culture myths The obesity crisis and societal influence Self-love and body image Healing through emotional awareness What You'll Learn Why emotional eating isn’t just about willpower, it’s also about emotional suppression How childhood experiences may create lifelong associations between food and comfort The truth about diet culture, slimming drugs, and marketing manipulation How I shifted from food dependency to nutritional empowerment How I went from numbing to nourishment Why self-love is the foundation of sustainable health and helps us make healthier choices Actionable tips to begin your own healing journey with food and body image Listener Tips Write your WHY – Why do you want to feel better in your body? Connect with your why. Start small – One mini healthy shift a day is enough. Talk to your reflection – Build a positive, kind connection with your body. Use your fridge as motivation, not a crutch – Put reminders or photos that empower you. Remember: willpower is depleted by dependency and addiction. Healing refuels it. Final Thoughts This episode is more than a story about food, it’s about breaking cycles, reclaiming power, and learning how to love yourself from the inside out. If this resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs to hear they’re not alone. Let’s spread the message that healing is possible, and self-love is the real miracle cure. Mentioned in this Episode Mariana Cardore F* The Diet book and podcast - recommended Listen - https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/how-is-your-mental-fitness-interview-patricia-ahern/id1623052831?i=1000579711827 – Next Week To be continued….. Part 2 – My Fridge: The Bigger Picture – will zoom out and explore the wider landscape of slimming jabs, public health, convenience culture, and how we all got here. Plus: how to build resilience in a world that profits off your self-doubt. Don’t miss it. Call to Action 🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Here’s how you can support: ✨ Subscribe to the podcast for more soulful conversations on emotional well-being and personal transformation. 🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and a written review on Apple or Spotify ✨ Share this episode with someone who needs hope or healing today. 💌 Join the conversation: DM me on Instagram @pacoaching_foryou or email [email protected] 💻 Explore Coaching/Mental Fitness: www.pacoaching.co.uk      

Host: Patricia Ahern Theme: Grief, Resilience, Mental Fitness, Self-Healing, Rebirth ________________________________________ 🔥 Episode Summary In this powerful and poetic Part 2 podcast episode, Patricia explores what it means to rise from the ashes of loss, trauma, and emotional pain — just like the mythical phoenix. This is an honest and compassionate reflection on grief, emotional healing, self-reconnection, and building resilience. Through personal stories, the transformative RAIN framework by Tara Brach, and the pain of losing a dear friend to suicide, Patricia takes us on a journey of radical acceptance, inner trust, and mental fitness. If you’ve ever felt the weight of grief, regret, or emotional disconnection — this episode is a heartfelt guide to rising stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. ________________________________________   💬 Memorable Quotes "Time alone doesn’t heal wounds — healing comes from being open to learning and feeling." Patricia Ahern "To heal, we must feel. To rise, we must trust that we can." Patrica Ahern "You can’t get enough of something that almost works." – Dr. Vincent Felitti "The biggest tears at a graveside aren’t for loss — they’re for regret." "Mental fitness is not self-improvement — it’s self-welcoming." Patricia Ahern ________________________________________ RAIN: A Path to Healing and Acceptance Tara Brach’s RAIN framework is a mindfulness tool for processing difficult emotions. Learn more: RAIN Practice by Tara Brach R – Recognize what’s happening A – Allow it to be there I – Investigate with kindness N – Nurture with self-compassion ________________________________________ Resources & Mentions 🔗 Tara Brach’s RAIN Practice 📘 Radical Acceptance & Radical Compassion – by Tara Brach o https://www.tarabrach.com/ 🎓 Amusing Ourselves to Death – by Neil Postman 🧘‍♀️ Brahma Kumaris Meditation & Teachings o https://www.brahmakumaris.com/ 🧠 Positive Intelligence & The Sage Perspective o https://www.positiveintelligence.com/ BACP Therapist Directory https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-us/home/ UKCP Register https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/about-ukcp/our-register/ Counselling Directory UK https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/ Mental Health Ireland https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/ MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/ ________________________________________ 📢 Call to Action ✨ Explore therapy or mental health support — your healing matters. 🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Here’s how you can support: ✨ Subscribe to the podcast for more soulful conversations on emotional well-being and personal transformation. 🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and a written review on Apple or Spotify ✨ Share this episode with someone who needs hope or healing today. 💌 Join the conversation: DM me on Instagram @pacoaching_foryou or email [email protected] 💻 Explore Coaching/Mental Fitness: www.pacoaching.co.uk   If you’re grieving, struggling with inner pain, or feeling stuck — know that you are not alone. Healing begins with self-awareness, compassion, and connection.   email [email protected] website www.pacoaching.co.uk    

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, Patricia shares the first part of a two-part series on rising after loss, with an emphasis on grief, suicide, and emotional healing. Through a vulnerable recounting of her own experience losing a close friend to suicide, Patricia explores how emotional pain, when faced and processed, can lead to profound personal transformation. This episode is a gentle yet powerful reminder that from our darkest moments, we can rise—stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. 💬 "Our darkest times can be our greatest teachers and motivators." ________________________________________ Trigger Warning This episode discusses grief, trauma, and suicide. Please listen only if you feel emotionally safe to do so. Resources for support are included below. ________________________________________ Key Takeaways We Can Rise From Pain Healing is a conscious process, not a passive one. Pain avoided becomes pain prolonged; pain processed becomes transformation. "We may fall or fail, but these experiences define a life—they do not define us." ________________________________________ Grief and Loss Are Unique Journeys Based on the Kübler-Ross 5 Stages of Grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. These are not linear, nor the same for everyone. They are an emotional guide, not a rule. “The brain tries to protect us, but sometimes it traps us in past pain.” ________________________________________ The Power of Meditation and Reconnection Healing began through meditation at the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. Introduced the concept of a “diamond within”—our inner light muddied by life’s burdens. Brahma Kumaris UK https://www.brahmakumaris.com/ ________________________________________ Positive Intelligence & Mental Fitness Positive Intelligence (PQ) teaches us to recognize Saboteur voices vs. the inner Sage (the diamond). The Saboteurs see everything as bad and it will never be good. The Sage sees challenges and even our darkest moments with a gift or opportunity within. “The question: Which is true? The answer: Whatever you believe is true—for you.” Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine https://www.positiveintelligence.com/ ________________________________________ Suicide Prevention & Awareness Honouring Patricia’s friend’s memory, she shares some charities she supports for suicide prevention: Charities Mentioned: 🇮🇪 HUGG Ireland – Support after suicide loss 🔗 https://hugg.ie/about-us/ 🇮🇪 Pieta House – Suicide and self-harm prevention 🔗 https://www.pieta.ie/about/ 🇬🇧 Silence of Suicide (SOS) – Breaking stigma around suicide 🔗 https://sossilenceofsuicide.org/about-us/ 🌻 The OLLIE Foundation – Youth suicide prevention 🔗 https://theolliefoundation.org/ ________________________________________ Mental Health Insight: Post-Traumatic Growth 2023 Collective Trauma Conference Patricia first heard the phrase Post Traumatic Growth The concept that growth can follow trauma—emotionally, spiritually, even socially. "Not just healing—but rising. That’s what post-traumatic growth means." ________________________________________ Quote Spotlight “Trauma is not what happens to us, but what happens inside us as a result of what happens to us.” – Dr. Gabor Maté “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” – Robin Williams ________________________________________ Support Resources BACP Therapist Directory https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-us/home/ UKCP Register https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/about-ukcp/our-register/ Counselling Directory UK https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/ Mental Health Ireland https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/ MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/ ________________________________________ Closing Reflection This episode is a tribute to those lost too soon, we remember you and we rise in your name, and also a reminder to anyone struggling: you are not alone. You can heal. You can rise. ________________________________________ Next Episode Teaser: Part 2 In the next episode, we’ll dive into: Recognising self-sabotage patterns from pain The power of engaging and reconnecting with your Sage within Tara Brach’s RAIN Method for emotional healing   🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Here’s how you can support: ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and a written review on Apple or Spotify 📲 Share this episode with someone who might benefit 💌 Join the conversation: DM me on Instagram @pacoaching_foryou or email [email protected] 💻 Explore Coaching/Mental Fitness: www.pacoaching.co.uk      

In this soulful episode, Patricia’s explore the transformative power of cultivating patience on your journey of self-love. Learning to trust the process of personal growth and healing. In a world obsessed with speed and instant results, this is your invitation to slow down, breathe, and trust your natural rhythm. Through storytelling, reflections, and poetry, she uncovers why patience is not just a virtue, but an essential ingredient for emotional resilience, habit change, and long-term success. Whether you’re facing setbacks, navigating illness, or feeling frustrated by slow progress, this episode will gently guide you back to a place of self-compassion, trust, and peace. Key Takeaways Growth takes time, just like a seed needs nurturing to bloom. Patience is active, not passive; it’s about keeping a good attitude while waiting. There are three types of patience: o Interpersonal (with others) o Hardship (during major life challenges) o Daily hassles (traffic, delays, etc.) Self-sabotage and perfectionism often block progress, patience helps dismantle them. Mindfulness, gratitude, and tiny consistent steps cultivate a patient mindset. Learn to trust your timing and honour your body and mind’s natural pace. Celebrate the small wins, they’re the seeds of long-term change. Line from the poetic story; "Know you won’t reap rewards from the seeds you never plant." Quotes "Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting." — Joyce Meyer "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." — Ralph Waldo Emerson “Patience is the calm ability to wait in the face of frustration or adversity” - Sarah Schnitker   Practical Tools Shared Mindfulness & Meditation – observe impulses, reduce reactivity. Gratitude Practice – recognise progress, practice delayed gratification. Micro-Goal Planning – break ambitions into daily manageable steps. Reframe Frustration – focus on what your body can do. Let Go of Control – adopt the pace of nature.   Call to Action If this message resonated with you, please share, subscribe, and leave a review. Come back to this episode whenever you need a reminder to trust your journey, nurture your inner self, and move with love, not pressure.   Contact me via my website www.pacoaching.co.uk email me on [email protected]  

From Change to Transformation: Reconnecting to Your True Self In this powerful continuation of our conversation on change, Patricia shares a transformative poem titled "The Light" by Helen Amery, from the groundbreaking book Poetry for Coaching – Transformation Through Verse. This episode explores how embracing transformation over superficial change leads to lasting growth, self-awareness, emotional resilience, and reconnection to your true self. Patricia dives into neuroscience, mindset, habit formation, and the power of the Reticular Activating System (RAS), and uncovers how mental fitness coaching offers a more sustainable, compassionate path to inner transformation.   Key Takeaways: The Power of the Brain: Learn how the RAS (Reticular Activating System) filters your reality and reinforces what you believe — both limiting and empowering. From Change to Transformation: Why change is external, but transformation is internal — a return to your authentic self. Mental Fitness & Positive Intelligence: How shifting from self-sabotage (saboteurs) to inner wisdom (Sage) creates sustainable mental wellbeing. Identity & Beliefs: Rethinking how you use the phrase “I AM” and breaking free from conditioned identities like people-pleaser, perfectionist, procrastinator. The Habit Myth: Busting the "21-day" myth - real habit formation takes on average 66 days, and up to 254, according to research. Resilience Metaphor: Trees thrive by bending with the wind. So can we, through learning flexibility, self-awareness, and inner connection, via mental fitness. Coaching Equation: “Performance = Potential – Interference” (Tim Gallwey) - it's not about becoming better, it's about removing the inner blocks that are interfering.   Science-Based Tools & Concepts: Neuroplasticity Confirmation Bias Reticular Activating System (RAS) Subconscious Conditioning Self-Sabotage vs. Inner Wisdom Positive Reinforcement & Growth Mindset Mentioned Tools & Frameworks: The R Coaching Framework: o Recognise your patterns o Realise which serves and what is interfering o Reconnect to your Sage true essence, and Release Mental Fitness Coaching: o Thrive through inner Sage o Shift out of survival mode o Build lasting transformation and resilience Quotes: "People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits, and their habits decide their futures." — F.M. Alexander “All that I know is that I know nothing”. Socrates   Resources Mentioned: Book; Poetry for Coaching: Transformation Through Verse (Creative Coaching Collective, Nov 2024) Research; Phillippa Lally's Habit Formation Study (2010) – Link to Study Book; The Inner Game of Tennis – Tim Gallwey Book a call via my www.pacoaching.co.uk or email [email protected]  

Change: From Resistance to Transformation   In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Patricia dives into one of life’s most challenging truths, change is inevitable. Patricia explores how our resistance to change keeps us stuck in old emotional patterns, especially within relationships, and how developing mental fitness, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness can help us embrace change as a path to personal growth and inner peace.   Drawing from her own transformational journey, including powerful stories about her relationship with her mother, Patricia shares what it truly means to be the change you wish to see in the world and how the ripple effect begins with you.   Whether you're navigating personal transitions, emotional reactivity, or challenging relationships, this episode will inspire you to shift your perspective and start the healing from within.   Key Topics & Takeaways: Why we fear change (and how to embrace it instead) The neuroscience of transformation Emotional intelligence vs. emotional reactivity What it means to co-create dynamics in relationships How healing your inner world impacts the outer world The role of mental fitness coaching in long-term change Moving from transactional to transformational change Understanding projection and the power of self-responsibility Real-life story: Healing the mother-daughter relationship   Resources Mentioned: TED Talk: “Honest Liars: The Psychology of Self-Deception” by Dr. Cortney Warren https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpEeSa6zBTE Tune in next week for Part 2: moving from change to transformation, how the brain can help us, and how coaching helps with new habit formation that drives real transformation   If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share with someone who needs a reminder that true healing begins within.   Connect with me via my website @pacoaching.co.uk or via email [email protected]      

In this deeply honest and transformative episode, Patricia dives into the all-too-common feeling of overwhelm, what it really is, how it manifests in our bodies and minds, and most importantly, how we can move through it with mindfulness, self-compassion, and intentional living. Patricia shares her own journey, from being debilitated by anxiety, stress, and internal self-sabotage, to reclaiming peace, balance, and self-love through simple, consistent practices of mental fitness and emotional resilience. With insights rooted in personal experience, neuroscience, and mindfulness coaching, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that healing is possible, and that you are the centre of your reality-making. ________________________________________ Key Takeaways: What overwhelm truly is: a perceived imbalance between demands and internal resources How stress, anxiety, and fear are often rooted in inner beliefs, not external events The power of mindfulness, breathing techniques, and mental fitness practices (like PQ reps) Overcoming overwhelm is not a one-time event, it’s journey, it’s a daily choice Small steps, when consistent, lead to long-lasting change Your thoughts, if unmanaged, can run your life, but you can take the reins The shift from self-improvement to self-welcoming is where deep transformation happens ________________________________________ Tools & Strategies Shared: Breathing techniques: Box breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, alternate nostril (Nadi Shodhanam), Ujjayi (Victorious Breath) Mindfulness practices: Sensory-based awareness, PQ reps, the “Power of the Pause” Self-care rituals: Walking, dancing, myofascial stretching, affirmations, mindful reflection Mental fitness tips: Quieting the inner saboteur, building new neural pathways, choosing thriving over survival https://www.positiveintelligence.com/   ________________________________________ Recommended Resources: The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle Daring Greatly – Brené Brown Superbrain – Deepak Chopra & Rudolph Tanzi The Oxygen Advantage – Patrick McKeown   Quotes “We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be”. May Sarton Be brave enough to live creatively…… The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition…… not quite knowing what you are doing. But what you will discover will be wonderful. Yourself. Alan Alda “You are at the centre of your reality-making. The problem may be with you, but so is the solution.” “Healing is not linear, it’s a continual choice to weed out negativity and sow seeds of positivity.” “Mindfulness isn’t about removing stress; it’s about learning how to respond to it with presence.” ________________________________________ Listen & Subscribe: 🔗 https://mindfulpoeticstoriespodcast.podbean.com/ 💌 Share with a friend who needs this message 🌱 Follow for more episodes on mindfulness, mental fitness & thriving   www.pacoaching.co.uk    

"Let Mistakes Make You Stronger: Embracing Failure with Self-Compassion & Mental Fitness" In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, Patricia dives into something every human experiences, mistakes, failures, and errors, and how we can transform them into powerful opportunities for growth. Through storytelling, science, and emotional wisdom, Patricia shares how our childhood conditioning, internal critic, and neuroscience of error recognition can shape our view of failure, and how we can rewire those patterns through mental fitness, self-love, and resilience. You'll hear personal stories of growing up with fear and shame around mistakes, the indelible marks left by red pens, and how she has shifted from self-criticism to self-acceptance and intuitive learning. Plus, she explores powerful research on Error-Related Negativity (ERN) and how your brain reacts to mistakes before you’re even aware of them. Let’s learn to fail forward, reclaim our worth, and rewrite the stories we tell ourselves—with gentleness, curiosity, and courage. ________________________________________   Key Episode Highlights The emotional and neurological impact of mistakes and failure Personal childhood stories of shame around error and the red pen Neuroscience of failure: how the brain reacts to mistakes (ERN + Error Positivity) How your internal saboteur can reinforce old beliefs and fear Shifting from reflexive self-criticism to reflective self-inquiry The power of positive intelligence and mental fitness Why your brain is always listening to your mind Inspirational quotes from Denzel Washington, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Thomas Edison The acronym F.A.I.L – First Attempt In Learning How to stop taking mistakes personally and start learning from them How building emotional awareness helps you bounce back faster The concept of "feeding what you want to grow" in your mindset ________________________________________ Resources & Links Mentioned 🎥 Denzel Washington – “Fall Forward” Motivational Speech Watch on YouTube 🎥 Giannis Antetokounmpo on Failure and Success Watch on YouTube 🧠 Neuroscience Article – Kids Frontiers Understanding Mistakes and the Brain 📖 Recommended Book: Super Brain by Deepak Chopra & Rudolph Tanzi 🧠 Positive Intelligence; https://www.positiveintelligence.com/   ________________________________________ Call to Action 👉 If this episode spoke to you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear that they are not their mistakes. ✨ Subscribe for more episodes on self-love, mental fitness, and emotional mastery. 💬 Let’s connect! Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram or your favourite platform and tag me! ________________________________________ Quote of the Episode "Take the ‘I’ out of Mistakes—and replace it with Intuitive Learning."   www.pacoaching.co.uk  

Featured Poem: A heartfelt original piece inspired by a conversation between two child-free women - one by choice, one by circumstance.   In this deeply personal episode, Patricia opens up about her decision not to have children, exploring themes of time, choice, societal expectations, and alternative forms of motherhood. With tenderness and honesty, she speaks to women who have chosen not to have children, as well as those who grieve the children they couldn't have. Through stories, reflections, and a heartfelt poem, Patricia honours the many ways we love, nurture, and leave a legacy beyond biology. This episode is for you if you've ever: Felt pressure from your “biological clock” Faced judgment for not having children Grieved infertility or loss Been a mentor, godparent, aunt, or carer who has loved deeply Wondered about your legacy outside of motherhood Topics Covered: Choosing child-free living with intention The emotional weight of societal and familial pressure Reflections on adoption, foster care, and shared parenting Emotional intelligence in parenting and relationships The power of nurturing beyond blood ties A poetic tribute to the children who’ve touched Patricia’s life Key Quotes: "To mother not with the body, but with the heart." "Your love matters. However it shows up in the world." "Legacy is not only about lineage — it’s about presence, care, and connection." Mentioned Resources: Poem: This Be The Verse by Philip Larkin Book: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman Inspiration from writer Maeve Binchy on the ‘borrowed parent” 🙏 Dedicated with love to: all the beautiful children I have been blessed to know in my life   🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Here’s how you can support: ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and a written review on Apple or Spotify 📲 Share this episode with someone who might be feeling lonely 💌 Join the conversation: DM me on Instagram pacoaching_for you or email [email protected] 💻 Explore Coaching with me: www.pacoaching.co.uk   book a call by emailing; [email protected]    

Hosted by: Patricia Ahern - @pacoaching   Episode Summary: In this deeply personal episode, Patricia explores the powerful difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Drawing from her own journey of self-discovery, emotional healing, and inner transformation, Patricia shares how loneliness stems not from solitude, but from disconnection, fear, and unmet emotional needs. Patricia dives into: The emotional pain of feeling misunderstood and unseen Toxic relationship patterns and the inner critic The impact of social media and modern disconnection How mindfulness and mental fitness help rewire self-sabotaging beliefs The importance of self-love, vulnerability, and authentic connection Insights from George Orwell, Robin Williams, and The Good Life study Key Takeaways: You can be surrounded by people and still feel deeply lonely Loneliness often stems from self-abandonment and limiting beliefs Connection starts within, with self-awareness, compassion, and care Reclaiming your inner “Sage” voice is the first step to emotional freedom Coaching and mental fitness can rewire your brain and help you heal Quotes of the Episode: "The most terrible loneliness is not being alone… but being misunderstood." – George Orwell “I used to think the worst thing in life is to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone”. - Robin Williams   Must-Watch Mention: Norwich City FC Mental Health Video – 2024 A powerful reminder that loneliness often hides behind a smile.   Resources & Recommendations: Episode 13: Faking It (for more on hiding behind masks) Book: The Good Life (on relationships, connection and happiness) Coaching & mental fitness resources https://www.positiveintelligence.com/   If this episode resonated, please share it with someone who needs to hear they are not alone. Connect with me: www.pacoaching.co.uk   Follow on Instagram: pacoaching_foryou   Email me at [email protected]  

In this heartfelt episode, Patricia shares wisdom from her Dad, centred around his favourite phrase, “Time waits for no man” and the paradoxical advice: “Hurry up and take your time.” Reflecting on his calm, witty nature and her own journey from burnout to balance, Patricia explores how rushing often leads to mistakes, exhaustion, and missed moments. Key takeaways include embracing mindfulness, presence, and intentional pacing to prioritise what truly matters and avoid burnout. I reveal how shifting from chaos to calm and replacing harmful habits with purposeful ones transformed my relationship with time and energy.   Key Themes “Hurry up and take your time” meaning Time management wisdom Mindfulness and presence Avoiding burnout and exhaustion Prioritising daily habits Intentional living Remembering Dad and his life lessons Emotional intelligence and self-care The power of words and simple phrases Balancing productivity and peace Mental health and time mindset   Summary: This episode dives deep into a powerful paradox; how slowing down in a hurry can actually save time and improve well-being. Drawing from personal stories and a father’s enduring wisdom, learn how to cultivate a calm, clear-headed mindset that embraces presence, purpose, and balance in everyday life.   Get in touch if you want to know more about Mental Fitness or the Self Love journey Email [email protected] Website www.pacoaching.co.uk  

Embracing Self-Love and Healing Emotional Wounds   Episode Description: In this deeply personal episode, Patricia reflects on what she would tell her 20-year-old self — a time marked by feelings of worthlessness, confusion, and silent battles with depression. Join Patricia as she explores the powerful journey of reconnecting with your younger self through unconditional self-love, compassion, and emotional healing. She dives into the impact of childhood emotional suppression, societal stigma around mental health, and the importance of learning to validate your own feelings. Discover how self-love can transform your life, break toxic patterns, and build emotional resilience. Patricia shares practical tips on self-compassion, setting boundaries, and celebrating small wins. Plus, learn why writing a love letter to your younger self can be a powerful step in your self-care journey. Key Topics Covered: Healing childhood emotional wounds Overcoming mental health stigma The difference between conditional and unconditional love Self-love as a foundation for emotional and positive intelligence Breaking toxic relationship cycles Practical self-care strategies: self-compassion, boundaries, celebration Using journaling to reconnect and heal Embracing hope and faith over fear for personal growth   Why Listen? This episode is perfect for anyone on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and emotional growth, especially women, mothers, and those feeling stuck in patterns of self-doubt or low self-worth.   Email [email protected] Website: www.pacoaching.co.uk      

Time, Energy & Self-Love: Turning Crisis into Clarity In this deeply reflective and empowering Part 2 episode of Where Does The Time Go, Patricia explores the profound value of time, energy, and health, and how these three life currencies shape our wellbeing, success, and happiness. Drawing on insights from Jay Shetty, Elizabeth Gilbert, Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, Bronnie Ware, and Bonnie Annis, this episode is a heartfelt call to action to stop waiting for crisis to teach you what really matters. From self-sabotage to self-love, this episode encourages you to take back control of your time, redirect your energy, and make conscious choices for long-term wellness, inner peace, and personal empowerment. With personal reflections, coaching wisdom, and inspiring quotes, this is your invitation to live intentionally, love fully, and embrace your unique purpose. Key Topics Discussed: Why time is your most valuable currency The myth of “I don’t have time” and how to shift that mindset How health, wealth, and time evolve throughout life Powerful lessons from palliative care nurse Bronnie Ware Reflections on cancer, resilience, and living without regret The difference between working hard and working with purpose How to live from your inner Sage (not your Saboteur) Insights from positive psychology, spirituality, and mental fitness Cultivating self-love, emotional regulation, and personal power Resources Mentioned: Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware Before You Waste Your Time – Watch This by Jay Shetty YouTube The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra Positive Intelligence Shirzad Chamine Blog: “Cancer hanged me for the better” Bonnie Annis Connect & Reflect: What’s one way you can invest your time better today? Share your thoughts, tag on social media or email [email protected] www.pacoaching.co.uk email: [email protected]    

Time, Energy & the Sage Within – Living with Intention In this reflective and empowering episode, Patricia explores two transformative themes: Time and Energy. Drawing from personal insights, coaching experiences, and ancient wisdom, she shares how understanding and protecting these vital resources can help listeners live more intentionally, overcome self-sabotage, and thrive from within. Listeners will be inspired to: Reevaluate how they spend their time Recognise energy drainers Tap into their inner Sage Practice mindfulness and intentional living Let go of limiting beliefs From referencing Einstein’s theory of relativity to Jay Shetty’s views on time, and Michael Singer’s The Untethered Soul, this episode is packed with thought-provoking questions and life lessons for anyone seeking to live a happier, healthier, and more purpose-driven life. Resources Mentioned: Jay Shetty youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5y3_4jOLjI Gemma Curtis https://www.dreams.co.uk/sleep-matters-club/your-life-in-numbers-infographic Book - The Untethered Soul – Michael A. Singer Book - Super Brain – Deepak Chopra & Rudolph Tanzi Positive Intelligence https://positiveintelligence.com/ ________________________________________ Top Quotes: "Time is free, but it’s priceless – once it’s lost, you can never get it back." "Protect your energy. Use your time like the precious currency it is." "It isn't the mountain ahead to climb that wears you out; it's the pebble in your shoe"   www.pacoaching.co.uk email: [email protected]  

Letting Go of the Old Self: A Journey of Inner Transformation   In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Patricia explores the transformative journey of letting go of the parts of ourselves that no longer serve us. From the inner struggle with saboteur self sabotage influence to cultivating radical self-love, this conversation is an honest reflection on how true healing begins with awareness, forgiveness, and compassion. Patricia shares insights from her own life and coaching experience, sharing some inner dialogue that holds us back, and how to shift into a place of empowerment, presence, and purpose. 💡 Key Topics Covered: The emotional death that comes with personal change How inner saboteurs like the Judge, Pleaser, Avoider, and Victim operate The power of neuroplasticity and mindset rewiring Releasing limiting beliefs and embracing your authentic self Replacing fear with self-worth, gratitude, and unconditional love Learning to live not as a servant of your mind, but its master 🔥 Quote Spotlight: “Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.” Lao Tzu “An arrogant person considers himself perfect. This is the chief harm of arrogance. It interferes with a person’s main task in life – becoming a better person.” Leo Tolstoy "The important thing is to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are, for what we could become." Charles Dickens "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us." Marianne Williamson 💬 3 Powerful Takeaways: Awareness is the first step to transformation – become the detective of your thoughts. Daily forgiveness and gratitude fuel healing and growth. Speak to yourself with love, as you would to a child. Featured Concepts & Mentions: Positive Intelligence founded by Shirzad Chamine Poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley Movie - Coach Carter Emotional overthinking saboteurs vs. the intuitive Sage Self-command and rewiring habitual thought patterns Healing childhood self and self-compassion work Episode reference: Ep. 1 – Welcome To Me 🎧 Whether you're navigating a life transition, stuck in old patterns, or simply ready to step into your full potential, letting go of the old parts of you that are holding you back this episode is for you.   book a discovery call: [email protected] www.pacoaching.co.uk  

The Power of the Pause: How Mental Fitness Transforms Emotional Reactions into Empowered Responses In this powerful episode, Patricia dives deep into the stories that live in our minds, the ones that hold us back, trigger our emotional reactions, and influence how we show up in the world. From understanding the difference between emotional reactions and responses, to learning how mental fitness and positive intelligence can help us navigate life’s inevitable curveballs, this conversation offers real, transformative insights. You’ll learn how outdated beliefs from our past shape our present behaviours, and how coaching, especially when rooted in the work of thought leaders like Timothy Gallwey and Shirzad Chamine, can support deep personal growth. The heart of this episode is all about The Power of the Pause: in what Viktor Frankl called the space between stimulus and response, where true growth, empowerment, and healing begin. ________________________________________ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 💡 How old internal stories and belief systems drive our emotional reactions 💡 The difference between feelings and emotions, and why it matters 💡 Why mental fitness is a trainable skill, just like physical fitness 💡 The role of saboteurs in self-sabotage and how to shift into your inner Sage 💡 The neuroscience behind emotional triggers and how to rewire your brain 💡 Why your triggers are actually powerful messengers for healing 💡 How the “Power of the Pause” is a revolutionary tool for reclaiming self-care, self-love and conscious choice ________________________________________ Key Takeaways: Mental Fitness is Trainable – You can build emotional strength and resilience just like a muscle, and begin shifting out of reactivity through practices rooted in awareness. Triggers are Teachers – Emotional triggers are not your enemy, they’re signposts to healing. They help you meet and soothe the younger version of you that still seeks love and validation. Self-Love is the most stable Foundation; Living from self-respect, self-trust, and inner worth is a revolutionary act that rewrites your inner story and transforms how you face life’s challenges. ________________________________________ Featured Concepts & Mentions: The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey Positive Intelligence founded by Shirzad Chamine Quote from Epictetus: “It’s not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters.” Viktor Frankl: “Between stimulus and response there is a space…” Emotional overthinking saboteurs vs. the intuitive Sage Self-command and rewiring habitual thought patterns Healing childhood self and self-compassion work Yasmina Floyer, Writer, https://www.instagram.com/yasfloyer/ Episode reference: Ep. 16 – Blind Men and the Elephant ________________________________________ Quotes Worth Remembering: “You can turn your triggers into glimmers that glow with learnings and hope for a happier future.” “You are not your triggers. They are messengers, your greatest teachers toward self-awareness.” “When you pause, you create a sacred space within. In that space, you reclaim your power. THAT is a revolutionary act.”   [email protected] www.pacoaching.co.uk  

From the Train of Life – Embracing Vulnerability, Rejection, Boundaries & Self-Love   In this heartfelt episode, Patricia shares a deeply personal reflection on the power of vulnerability, healing from rejection, and the transformative journey toward self-acceptance and emotional resilience. With gratitude to her listeners, she reflects on the courage it takes to share real and relatable stories, exploring how her past fears and inner critic once held her back, and how coaching helped her overcome self-sabotage to discover her true purpose. Using the beautiful metaphor of “The Train of Life,” Patricia weaves poetic storytelling, life lessons, and reflections on love, loss, and emotional growth. She honours the people, both supportive and challenging, who have shaped her journey through life. Patricia offers insights on: Overcoming fear of vulnerability and rejection Emotional healing through self-compassion and mindfulness Setting healthy boundaries with love and respect The importance of forgiveness and letting go Understanding difficult relationships and embracing growth Mental fitness, positive intelligence, and inner peace She also shares impactful influence encouraging listeners to embrace emotional authenticity and transform pain into purpose. Links: Brene Brown’s The Power of Vulnerability TED Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o   James Tippett’s The Train of Life poem, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yXwPAdrPM8   Patricia’s message is clear: when we love ourselves unconditionally, we reclaim our power, protect our energy, and cultivate stronger, more meaningful connections. Every person on our path teaches us something, and no encounter is ever wasted. Embrace your life. Embrace your teachers. Embrace your life lessons. And Patricia thanks you all for being on her journey with her   Book a call by emailing your name and details to [email protected]  

In Part 2 of Blossoming Of The Black Sheep, Patricia explores the powerful intersection between being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), empathy, and generational trauma, and how these influence brain function, emotional responses, and personal identity. Drawing on the research of Dr. Elaine Aron, Dr. Gabor Maté, and Dr. Bianca Jones Marlin, the episode offers a compassionate lens on how sensitivity and trauma may shape individuals across generations, affecting both children and adults alike. Listeners will learn about: The D.O.E.S traits of HSPs: Depth of Processing, Overstimulation, Emotional Reactivity, and Sensitivity to Subtleties The evolutionary and neurological basis of sensitivity, including findings from animal studies The emerging science of epigenetics and how trauma can be biologically inherited Tools for emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and mental fitness coaching The transformational power of compassion, empathy, and emotional self-awareness Patricia reflects on personal experiences of being misunderstood, and using substances like food and alcohol as a coping mechanism, and ultimately finding strength and healing through embracing sensitivity. She also touches on the emotional impact of music, from her idol Alanis Morissette who is a highly sensitive person, and the importance of raising emotionally intelligent children. Patricia also shares some of her own personal reflections and opinions for you to ponder on. Key Takeaways: Sensitivity is not a flaw; it's a natural trait found in 20% of the population Emotional resilience begins with self-compassion and understanding your unique nervous system Generational trauma is real, and healing it can transform not just your life, but future generations Mental fitness practices, such as those inspired by Positive Intelligence (PQ), can help shift from reaction to transformation Empathy is a superpower, not a weakness, especially in a world that desperately needs more connection Recommended Resources: The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron Sensitive: The Untold Story (documentary) Sensitive is the New Strong by Anita Moorjani Scattered Minds by Dr. Gabor Maté Research by Dr. Bianca Jones Marlin on trauma inheritance Teachings from Alanis Morissette, Pema Chödrön, Brené Brown, and Deepak Chopra Call to Action: Listeners are invited to reflect: Are you a reflector, absorber, or transformer of emotional energy? Choose compassion. Choose curiosity. And most importantly, choose you.   Book a discovery call by emailing your name and details to [email protected]  

What if being the “black sheep” was never something to fix, but something to honor? In Part 1 of this deeply personal 2-part series, Patricia explores what it means to stop quitting on ourselves, even in our darkest chapters. From the emotional weight of judgment, criticism, and blame, to growing up in emotionally repressive environments, this episode shines a light on the misunderstood experience of being sensitive, different, and deeply aware. Inspired by The Banshees of Inisherin, this episode uncovers how emotional suppression, loneliness, and trauma often shape our self-worth, and how healing begins when we choose curiosity over criticism and compassion over control. Topics Covered: Reclaiming the “black sheep” identity Emotional suppression, shame & sensitivity The hidden cost of judgment, criticism & blame Growing up in Ireland under stigma & silence How kindness and self-love shift the nervous system Key Phrases for SEO: emotional healing, black sheep identity, self-love journey, inner critic, trauma awareness, mental health podcast, generational pain, healing shame, sensitivity is strength Listener Reflection: What if your deepest pain isn’t a flaw to fix, but a signpost toward who you really are? Next Week (Part 2 Teaser): We go deeper into being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), the science of generational trauma, and how brain-based healing tools and cultivating unconditional self love can help you come home to yourself. Final Note: Thank you for showing up. Thank you for staying curious. And thank you for being part of this movement toward deeper understanding, compassion, connection, and self love.   www.pacoaching.co.uk [email protected]  

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Patricia explores the timeless parable The Blind Men and the Elephant, originally penned poetically by 19th century American poet John Godfrey Saxe, and used as a metaphor for personal development, emotional intelligence, and coaching. Drawing from psychology, coaching frameworks, and personal stories, Patricia examines how limited perspectives, unhealed distress and trauma, and entrenched beliefs can create conflict in our relationships and within ourselves. This episode invites you to look inward, uncover your blind spots, and triggers and understand how coaching and self-awareness can transform not just your mindset, but your entire life. ________________________________________ Key Topics Covered The origin and meaning of The Blind Men and the Elephant Why human perception is flawed and subjective How coaching helps uncover blind spots and self-sabotaging patterns Emotional triggers and the impact of unhealed pain Language habits and their energetic impact The "Performance – Interference = Potential" coaching equation How beliefs shape our reality and emotional responses Real-life examples from coaching sessions and personal growth The importance of open-mindedness and growth mindset How to reframe limiting beliefs with practical tools   Notable Quotes “When you believe something is true, you literally go into the state of its being true.” – Tony Robbins “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” – Stephen R. Covey “People are strange: They are constantly angered by trivial things, but on a major matter like totally wasting their lives, they hardly seem to notice.” – Charles Bukowski “What we resist persists.” – Carl Jung “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer ________________________________________ Coaching Tools & Tips Shared Mirror work in coaching: How reflecting back to clients helps them see blind spots Reframing exercise: How to challenge a belief by asking: Is it true? Is it helpful? Gentle self enquiry: Being your own compassionate detective, without judgment, just curiosity and tender loving care. The 3 R’s Framework: Recognise, Realise, Reconnect – with Positive Autonomy Coaching - a path to healing and transformation ________________________________________ Call to Action If you’re feeling stuck, defensive, or emotionally drained by recurring patterns in your life—this episode is for you. Coaching isn’t about fixing you; it’s about helping you reconnect to who you really are. Ready to uncover your blind spots, triggers and reach your full potential? Book a free discovery call with Patricia via her website.   www.pacoaching.co.uk [email protected]  

Challenging People Challenging Behaviours “Beyond the Behaviour: From Judgment to Understanding in Our Relationships”   Today in episode 15, Patricia shares her deep reflection, wisdom, and vulnerability in this transformative and thought-provoking episode, she explores the layered complexity of human behaviour, judgment, and emotional awareness. Through personal storytelling, poetic insight, and powerful analogies, Patricia takes you on a journey of moving beyond blame to build deeper, more meaningful relationships, with others and with yourself. Discover how unconscious conditioning and childhood experiences shape our reactive patterns, why judgment fuels disconnection, and how compassion and curiosity can pave the way to healing and deeper connection. Whether you're a parent, a leader, or just someone craving healthier dynamics, this episode offers empowering mindset shifts and practical tools to move from conflict to understanding.   Highlights: Intro An invitation to reflect on how we judge vs. understand behaviour, especially in relationships. The Pain Behind Behaviour A personal share on how behaviours often mask pain, not personality. The Judgment Loop A vulnerable moment of self-awareness and the power of stopping the cycle of judgment and criticism. Coaching Insights How mental fitness coaching helped shift long-held inner beliefs and reactive patterns. A Breakthrough with My Mum A transformative phone call and the epiphany that helped change a mother-daughter dynamic. NLP & The Positive Intention Behind Behaviour Introduction to the NLP presupposition: “The person is not their behaviour.” The Orange Story A metaphor for missed understanding, intention, and conflict in relationships. The Language of Understanding Why how we speak matters—switching from “you are rude” to “that behaviour feels rude.” The Power of ‘I Wonder Why’ Three simple words that shift us into curiosity and compassion. Emotional Triggers & Autopilot Reactions How unresolved trauma and repressed pain fuel negative reactions like road rage. Ted Lasso Wisdom A powerful example of being underestimated and the life-changing quote: “Be curious, not judgmental.” Boundaries and Self-Respect Learning to protect your peace without losing compassion. Final Thoughts & Affirmations Quotes, closing affirmations, and a heartfelt reminder of your unique value and power. ________________________________________ Resources & Mentions: Book: What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey & Dr. Bruce Perry Podcast Episode 5: “SELF TALK – I AM” Podcast Episode 9: “Bees Knees – A Dedication to My Mum” Podcast Episode 12: “Emotional Manipulation” Podcast Episode 14: “Real Friends” Quote: Walt Whitman — “Be curious, not judgmental” Quote: Esther Perel — “The quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life.” Study Mentioned: The Good Life – 80-year Harvard study on happiness Author: Rumi – “Don’t move the way fear makes you move…” ________________________________________ Episode Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend who’s navigating difficult relationships. Leave a review or DM me on Instagram with your thoughts. I'd love to hear what stood out for you. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode full of insight, healing, and connection.   Find out more about me on my website www.pacoaching.co.uk or book a 1:1 discovery call via email [email protected] if you would like to know more about how mental fitness can help you with your wellbeing and relationships  

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, Patricia explores the profound, complex, and transformative nature of friendship, how it shapes us, how it can hurt us, and how, ultimately, it can lead us back to ourselves. Through heartfelt stories from her childhood in the Irish countryside to her adult years navigating emotional growth, boundaries, heartbreak, and healing, Patricia shares how her friendships have mirrored her inner journey, from people-pleasing and pain to empowerment and self-love. Whether you’ve held on to lifelong friends, outgrown connections, or felt the sting of toxic dynamics, this episode is a reminder that every relationship can teach us something, and the most important friendship is the one you have with yourself. ________________________________________ In This Episode, You’ll Hear: How growing up without a “best friend” shaped Patricia’s understanding of friendship The joy of childhood bonds and the realisation of unspoken connections How past friendships influence our current relationships & beliefs The grief of being left behind in friendships, and the guilt of letting go The impact of toxic friendship dynamics and how they keep us small How people-pleasing shows up in friendships, and how to reclaim your worth What Schadenfreude and Freudenfreude reveal about true support Why boundaries are key for emotional wellbeing The meaning of Anam Cara, soul friendships, and connecting with your own soul ________________________________________ Takeaways: Friendship doesn’t always look how we expect, but it’s about how it feels. Grieving a friendship is valid. Letting go can hurt, even when it’s the right thing to do. You don’t need to earn love. Healthy relationships are mutual, not transactional. Boundaries protect your peace. The only people upset by them are the ones who benefited from your lack of them. You co-create every relationship you’re in. Own your part, grow from it, and choose from your authentic self-loving, self-caring heart. You can be your own best friend. It’s the most authentic empowering, grounding friendship you’ll ever know. ________________________________________ Quote of the Episode: "Friendship is what it feels like, not what it looks like." ________________________________________ Episode Resources & Mentions: Brene Brown’s work on empathy, shame, and vulnerability The emotional concept of Schadenfreude vs. Freudenfreude Coaching reflections on people-pleasing and emotional boundaries Instagram post referenced from “We’re Your Girls” podcast The Irish term Anam Cara – “soul friend”   Find out more at www.pacoaching.co.uk or email me [email protected] to book a 1:1 discovery call to find out more about mental fitness and improving your wellbeing and relationships  

From Faking It to Living Authentically: Embracing Your True Self Episode Overview: In today’s episode, Patricia takes you through her transformative journey of healing, self-discovery, and the shift from faking it to living authentically. Reflecting on personal conversations with friends who’ve witnessed her inner transformation, Patricia dives deep into how our perceptions shape the way we see others and ourselves. She shares powerful insights on overcoming self-doubt, healing emotional wounds, and embracing your true essence. Key Topics Covered: Emotional Healing & Self-Awareness: Patricia discusses the importance of healing emotional wounds to create deeper connections and see others for who they truly are. She touches on the role of self-awareness and emotional regulation in personal growth. Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome: Patricia opens up about battling imposter syndrome and how her journey in coaching helped her recognise and realise her innate self-worth. She highlights the pivotal moment when she realised that success doesn’t bring happiness—happiness brings success, a deep and profound finding from positive psychology research. The Power of Self-Love: Explore how self-love is the foundation for lasting transformation and inner fulfilment. Patricia shares how embracing your authentic self leads to an abundance of opportunities, both personally and professionally. Perception vs. Reality: Patricia shares stories of friends who saw her in a particular light, despite the inner struggles she faced and hid. She reveals how we often don’t see people as they are but as we are, illustrating this concept through the Iceberg Theory. Transformation Through Reconnection: Dive into how true transformation isn’t about changing who you are, but is a reconnecting with your authentic self. Patricia shares the powerful idea that true change happens when we shed the roles and conditioning that mask our true essence. From Faking It to Being Authentic: The episode reflects on the popular phrase "Fake it till you make it", and how Patricia now views it not as pretending, but it can be a stepping stone towards authenticity. Key Insights: You are not defined by the roles you play in life. True fulfilment comes from embracing your authentic self. Emotional healing and self-awareness are key to overcoming the barriers that hold you back from realising your true potential. Self-love and self-compassion are powerful tools for shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. Living authentically means letting go of the need for external validation and reconnecting with your true essence. Success follows naturally when you focus on being true to yourself and align your actions with your values. Resources Mentioned: The Iceberg Theory (Video): Watch here Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk on Confidence & Body Language: Watch here Join the Journey to Emotional Freedom: If you’re ready to embark on your own transformation and move beyond self-doubt, reach out. Patricia is here to support you in embracing your authentic self and finding lasting happiness and fulfillment, becoming more mentally fit and emotionally resilient.   get in touch via website www.pacoaching.co.uk or email Patricia [email protected] for a free 1 hour no obligation call to discuss how mental fitness can help you  

Recognizing and Overcoming Emotional Manipulation Episode Summary In this powerful episode, Patricia explores the complex world of emotional manipulation, what it is, how to recognise it, and most importantly, how to protect yourself through mental fitness, positive and emotional intelligence. In this episode Patricia shares a very personal story of when she believes she was emotionally manipulated and persuaded into joining a very expensive business mentorship program, and she offers valuable insights from her experience and her coaching research. Key Points Covered Understanding Emotional Manipulation Definition: Emotional manipulation is a form of psychological control using subtle, deceptive tactics to influence another person's thoughts, feelings, or behaviours Common tactics: Lying, making excuses, selective truth-telling, blame-shifting, exaggeration, and generalisation Thomas Sowell quote: "When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear." Real-World Examples Paul Frampton: A brilliant physicist who fell victim to an online romance scam that led to his imprisonment for drug smuggling Moira Stuart: Despite believing she was so aware of scams, was manipulated by someone claiming to be from her bank, into visiting her bank to redraw and transfer money. It was the bank clerk who prevented her from being scammed. These stories demonstrate that anyone, regardless of intellectual intelligence, can fall prey to manipulation and persuasion of varying degrees. Red Flags of Emotional Manipulation Pressure tactics creating unnecessary urgency or anxiety Emotionally charged stories and promises Money-back guarantees with impossible conditions Association with celebrities or industry leaders to establish credibility "Their way is the RIGHT way or the ONLY WAY" mentality Three Elements of Manipulation Blame shifting: The manipulator avoids taking accountability Gaslighting: Makes you question your perception of events and reality Emotional abuse: Includes coercion, criticism, threats, and lying Building Protection Through Mental Fitness Mental fitness helps build resilience and balance between analytical and emotional thinking It is not a changing process but a reconnection process with your "Sage within", your intuitive, wise self Balancing left and right brain hemisphere for better decision-making Finding the Gift in Difficult Experiences Mental fitness helps find gifts and opportunities in challenges and Patricia shares her gift. Reference to Michael Caine's wise advice: "Use the difficulty" Paul Frampton's reflection on his imprisonment: gained valuable insight into human nature Building resilience allows you to grow from difficult experiences Practical Steps for Listeners Commit to personal growth and empowerment Practice regular journaling for self-expression Write daily self-love notes or positive affirmations Set and maintain healthy boundaries Learn to say "no" without guilt Profound Quotes to Remember "Having a soft heart in a cruel world is courage, not weakness." Katherine Henson "When you become master of your mind, you are master of everything." "If you don't control your mind, someone else will." John Allston "Emotional manipulators choose their prey – and they do not target people who are empowered from the inside out." "To seek is only human, but to seek wisely is always a smart idea." - Sarah Edmondson Resources Mentioned Sarah Edmondson's TED Talk: "How to Spot a Cult" Sarah Edmondson's book: "Becoming Cult Literate" Paul Frampton's book: "Tricked" Michael Caine's autobiography: "Blowing the Bloody Doors Off" Carl Rogers' work on egalitarian therapeutic relationships Contact Patricia on [email protected] www.pacoaching.co.uk  

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Perfectionism – A Journey to Self-Acceptance Episode Overview: In this deeply reflective episode, Patricia shares a poetic story about her personal battle with imposter syndrome and perfectionism in her professional career. From feeling like a fraud despite external success to embracing the power of self-acceptance, Patricia explores how these limiting beliefs impacted her mental and emotional health and well-being. She also discusses how she gradually learned to replace fear of failure with self-compassion, which allowed her to finally believe in her self-worth and embrace progress over perfection. Key Themes: Imposter Syndrome: A phenomenon where high-achieving individuals feel like frauds, despite evidence of their success. Patricia shares her personal experience and how she had a constant sense of self-doubt, and fear of making mistakes. Never feeling “good enough” with a debilitating fear of being “found out”. Perfectionism Trap: The stickler saboteur. Patricia discusses how striving for perfection created unrealistic standards and feelings of inadequacy. The relentless pursuit of flawlessness fuelled constant anxiety and stress that and eventually led to burn out. The Pleaser Saboteur: Constantly trying to meet others' expectations while neglecting our own needs. Patricia explores how this sabotaged her ability to say "no" and led to overwork and self-sacrifice. Fear of Failure: How the fear of not measuring up, either to others or to her own high standards, created an ongoing cycle of stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. Self-Worth & Self-Acceptance: A journey from feeling inadequate to embracing self-love. Patricia shares how learning to embrace failure and rejection as part of growth led her to redefine success as a process of improvement, not perfection. Highlights: Understanding Imposter Syndrome: Patricia dives into the psychological experience of imposter syndrome and the feelings of inadequacy that persist even when there’s clear evidence of success. Patricia shares how learning about imposter syndrome helped her realise that she wasn’t alone in her feelings. The Story Behind the Poem: Patricia reflects on my early career, as she recounts a funny but embarrassing story of typing "baloney" instead of "below knee cast," and how an error as simple as this only compounded her feelings of fraudulence. Patricia explains how mistakes for her younger self were seen as proof of incompetence rather than learning opportunities. Perfectionism & Overwork: Patricia’s explores how perfectionism, the fear of making mistakes or not being perfect enough, can cause physical and emotional burnout. By constantly overworking and ignoring personal needs, she neglected her health, which ultimately led to burnout. Growth & Resilience: Over time, Patricia learned that overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t just about receiving external validation or praise; it’s about internal validation. By embracing her worth and learning to praise herself, she found the courage to grow and face challenges head-on. Self-Empowerment & Inner Validation: Patricia discusses how shifting from a need for external validation to developing internal self-validation led her to embrace mistakes and imperfections as part of the journey of life, for all of us. Practical Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Patricia offers strategies for managing self-doubt and perfectionism, including: o Embrace failure and mistakes as part of growth. o Celebrate every small achievement you make towards self-love. o Practice self-compassion and empathy daily. o Learn to let go of the debilitating need for external validation. The Importance of Self-Awareness: Patricia explain how understanding and recognising the underlying drivers of imposter syndrome, such as perfectionism, from the pleaser and stickler saboteur, and fear of failure, are crucial steps in breaking free from this limiting mindset. Takeaways: Recognise the Saboteurs: Whether it's the perfectionist, pleaser, or the inner critic (judge), understanding the saboteurs at play in your mind is key to managing imposter syndrome. Coaching in Positive Intelligence can help with this process. Self-Worth Is Not Defined by Perfection: True success comes from self-awareness, growth, and the willingness to keep moving forward, not from achieving an impossible standard of perfection. Mental Fitness & Resilience: Building resilience through self-compassion, embracing mistakes, and seeking progress over perfection allows you to thrive in both your personal and professional life. Relevant Resources: The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women by Dr. Valerie Young: A book that explores the five subtypes of imposter syndrome and how to thrive despite it. Pauline Rose Clance & Suzanne Imes’ Research on Imposter Syndrome: Foundational work on imposter syndrome, especially in high-achieving women. The Imposter Phenomenon in High-Achieving Women (1978): A research paper that explains the psychological experiences of imposter syndrome and its impact on women in the workplace. Conclusion: In this episode, Patricia hopes to inspire anyone struggling with imposter syndrome or perfectionism to recognise that their worth is not defined by external achievements or societal expectations. The journey to self-acceptance and self-love is ongoing, but with each small step, we can break free from the chains of self-doubt and embrace our true potential. Reach out to Patricia via email [email protected] if you would like to find out more.   Email Patricia on [email protected] to book a 1 hour discovery session  

Overcoming Self-Doubt, Building Confidence & Embracing Fear In today’s episode, Patricia explores how self-doubt affects our lives and how to overcome it. We discuss the relationship between fear, confidence, and self-belief, and how understanding and managing fear can lead to personal growth and empowerment. Key Topics: What is Doubt? Exploring the meaning of self-doubt and how it impacts our decisions and mindset. We also discuss how skepticism and negative thoughts feed into self-doubt. Comfort Zone vs. Growth: The comfort zone may feel safe, but it limits growth. Stepping outside this zone is essential for developing creativity, resilience, and self-belief. Fear as a Survival Mechanism: Understanding fear as part of our natural survival instinct. It’s not about eliminating fear, but about managing it to prevent it from holding us back. Building Confidence: Self-belief and confidence are powerful antidotes to self-doubt. Learn how to shift your mindset and strengthen your inner resilience to overcome fear and doubt. The Power of Faith from Others: The impact of encouragement and support from others. A personal story highlights how the belief of a loved one can ignite confidence and help you break free from self-doubt. Mental Fitness Coaching: Discover how mental fitness coaching can help you face fear, manage doubt, and cultivate emotional resilience and self-trust. Letting Go of Doubt: Releasing doubt is crucial for personal growth. Embrace the high road to freedom and growth, letting go of fear and stepping into your full potential. ACRYCOMS around FEAR 'Forget Everything And Run' or 'Face Everything And Rise. ' The options are there and the choice is always yours. Key Quotes: “The only limit to our realisation of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt “Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe. Mohammad Ali I don’t fix problems I fix my thinking then the problems fix themselves. Louise Hay book a free 1 hour session via email [email protected]  

Embracing Self-Love & SAGE Energy with My Mum In today’s episode, Patricia discusses, how her self-love journey, rooted in SAGE energy, positively impacted her relationship with her mother. She shares how her mum, at 88 years old, is embracing self-care and shifting her mindset from self-sabotage to positive self-talk. Patricia highlights the power of kind words, self-compassion, and how they can improve our well-being, health, and overall energy. Key Highlights: Self-Love & Empowerment: How self-love can transform relationships and mental well-being. SAGE Energy: Patricia shares how adopting a SAGE mindset, self-awareness, compassion, and empowerment, helps to replace self-criticism with kindness. The Impact of Language: Speaking kindly to yourself and others fosters a healthier, more positive life. Personal Stories: Patricia recounts a touching and humorous moment with her mum as they bonded over a sprained foot and practiced positive self-talk. Mind-Body Connection: How words influence our bodies, including scientific studies on plants thriving with kind words and suffering from negative ones. Practical Tips: Simple steps to cultivate self-compassion, including daily affirmations and mindfulness about how we speak to ourselves. Takeaways: Be Gentle with Yourself: Learning to speak kindly to your body and mind is a powerful act of self-care. Shift Negative Self-Talk: Replace self-criticism with empowering language to build a positive mindset. Lead by Example: Show kindness to yourself and others, especially in challenging times. Resources: Research on Words & Stress: Studies linking negative words to stress and illness (Gabor Maté and others). Personal Growth: More on shifting from self-sabotage to self-love in future episodes. Study DO WORDS HURT? https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304395909004564 Book by Gabor Mate - When the body says no Samantha Petralgia study : https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/bullied-plants-project-bullying-samantha-petraglia-long-island-coalition-against-bullying/   IKEA study (video): https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/bullied-plants-project-bullying-samantha-petraglia-long-island-coalition-against-bullying/   Actionable Steps: Self-Love Practice: Each day, choose one body part to connect to with tender loving attention and choose to speak kindly to that part, and your whole body, acknowledging and appreciating the complexity of all the various parts. Journaling Exercise: Write about your relationship with that body part and explore how it feels to speak kindly to it. Start with small steps. Choose to be your body’s best friend. email [email protected] to book free 1 hour coaching session    

Overcoming Childhood Conditioning & The Pleaser Saboteur In this episode, I explore how childhood programming may unconsciously fuel negative patterns in our adult lives, due to our perceptions. The focus is on the Pleaser Saboteur, a program that can manifest as people-pleasing tendencies, driven by a fear of rejection and a deep need for love, acceptance and validation. I delve into: Understanding childhood conditioning and how early experiences shape our behaviours. The empowering strength of empathy and sensitivity, which underpin the Pleaser Saboteur, and how overdoing these strengths can lead to debilitating patterns of behaviour and emotional depletion. The impact of the Pleaser Saboteur on self-worth and the development of unhealthy relationship dynamics. The importance of self-love and self-empathy in healing negative patterns and building emotional intelligence. NLP and Timeline Therapy: Techniques that can help reconnect with the younger self and reprogram beliefs that are now hindering us in adult life. The difference between conditional and unconditional love, and how to cultivate authentic self-love without expectations. By the end of this episode, I hope listeners will be inspired to reconnect with their own childhood self, offering them compassion and unconditional love, while also gaining tools to break free from people-pleasing behaviours. I’d also like to recommend a powerful video that can support you in your journey of healing. It’s a 1990 Oprah Winfrey episode where John Bradshaw, a pioneering counsellor, takes the audience through an exercise that opens the door to healing from childhood trauma link here: Watch the video. I realised that it’s up to me to understand and love myself now. I accept myself and my 8-year-old self just the way I am. I know that I can now be the senior my younger self never had, embracing her humour, her playfulness, her creative side, so that I can go out and thrive, not just survive in saboteur mode, but I can thrive in Sage mode. Phylicia Rashad once said, "Before a child speaks, they sing. Before they write, they paint. As soon as they stand, they dance. Art is the basis of human expression." I believe it’s never too late to reconnect with that childhood self and rediscover the joy of singing, painting, writing, dancing, or whatever it is that allows you to reconnect with your inner imaginative, creative being. I now know I am a spiritual, creative being having a human experience, and my childhood self has played a key role in helping me learn this. I invite you to consider being the senior you needed when you were younger. If and when you decide to reconnect with that younger self, I hope you can build a beautiful life together, just as I have done. To practice building self-love: Continue to build on what I mentioned last week, keep cultivating that foundational awareness, respect, and appreciation for you and now for your younger self. We were all created uniquely. Your childhood self has her unique fingerprint, her unique brain design. Celebrate that. Celebrate them. In your journal, think of your childhood self at any age of your choosing. Write to them, what would you say? Rumi, the Persian poet, said, “If everything around seems dark, look again, you may be the light.” My 8-year-old self is certainly now my light. By embracing your younger self, you can rediscover what unconditional self-love truly feels like. Remember look after yourself and look after your younger self, you are both worthy of love.   When you are ready to reconnect with your childhood self and grow together in self love, you can book in a 1 hour fee, no obligation, session to discuss how I can help facilitate this. To connect email me [email protected]   www.pacoaching.co.uk    

The Power of Self-Love: Reconnecting with Your True Essence In this episode, Patricia dives deep into the transformative power of self-love and shares how she understands it to be the greatest foundation to build a fulfilled happy life. Patricia starts by reflecting on the heartfelt Rumi quote, "Why are you knocking at every other door? Go, knock at the door of your own heart," and then shares her journey of when she decided to knock on the door of her own heart, developing and practicing self-love. She explores why society often labels self-love as selfish and how she believes this idea is fundamentally flawed. Patricia shares the backstory behind the writing of her poetic story "Love Letter to Self," written during the isolation of Covid-19, and how the act of buying herself flowers became a powerful symbol of worthiness through the practice of self-love. Through this poem and her journey, she discusses how shifting from external validation to internal self-respect has helped her grow in profound ways. Plus, she reveals how Positive Intelligence and mental fitness, especially through the practice of empathy, can rebuild the connection with our true selves. Patricia also shares her learnings around “ego” from the Brahma Kumaris, World Spiritual University and how embracing self-love, not as ego but as a life-enhancing practice, can empower you to make healthier choices, set healthy boundaries, and build resilience. She explores the importance of self-compassion, especially when dealing with toxic relationships, and shares how understanding the difference between ego-driven love and self-value and respect can shape a healthier, more fulfilling life. Key Takeaways: • Self-love is NOT selfish; it’s an essential act of self-preservation. • Recognising the inner "Pleaser" saboteur programme and learning to manage it is key to healthy self-love. • Mental fitness and empathy help us tap into our “Sage powers” and reconnect with our true essence. • Understanding the difference between self-love and ego can help you build a foundation of unconditional self-compassion. • Real life transformations happen when you start with the powerful practice of self-awareness, self-appreciation and acceptance. In this episode Patricia explores; • Why we’re conditioned to believe self-love is selfish • The importance of understanding self-love beyond ego and vanity • A glimpse into her personal transformation • How the "Love Letter to Self" poem was created and its healing power • The role of Positive Intelligence in overcoming self-sabotage • Learning how to embrace your unique essence and start your self-love journey today Resources Mentioned: • Miley Cyrus’ song “Flowers” (Embracing self-love through song lyrics) • Wayne Dyer's philosophy on self-worth and loneliness. “You cannot be lonely if you like the person you're alone with”. • Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 and its inspiring relevance to Love Letter to Self • Positive Intelligence – A book by Shirzad Chamine (Building mental fitness with Sage love to overcome our self-sabotaging saboteur voices) Remember: "When you get to understand, know and love yourself, you will never be alone." Actionable Tips: 1. Reflect on three qualities you love about yourself and their positive impact on your life. 2. Practice self-compassion by becoming of and addressing your internal saboteurs voices with empathy. Next week teaser: Join Patricia next week with her mindful poetic story called “The beautiful young girl in me”, when she dives deeper into the Pleaser saboteur and shares how reconnecting with her younger, childhood, self enhanced and deepened her practice of self-love, Get in contact via my website; www.pacoaching.co.uk  

Exploring Intelligence; Unveiling the Power of Positive Intelligence In this thought-provoking episode, Patricia delves into the multifaceted nature of intelligence and explores how understanding different types of intelligence can lead to personal growth and enhanced awareness, and in particular she shares more about positive intelligence which underpins mental fitness. Key Topics: 1. Expanding the Definition of Intelligence o Moving beyond traditional IQ to explore multiple forms of intelligence o Introduction to Emotional, Social, Positive, Creative, and Spiritual Intelligence 2. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence o Reflecting on the rapid growth of AI and its potential effects on human roles o Balancing technological advancements with nurturing human capabilities 3. Positive Intelligence (PQ) and Mental Fitness o Understanding PQ as a measure of mental fitness o Exploring the concept of self sabotaging Saboteurs and our wise inner Sage o How PQ encompasses and enhances other forms of intelligence 4. The Importance of Human Connection o Insights from the book "The Good Life" – Lessons from the world's longest study on happiness o Why strong relationships are crucial for a long happy and fulfilling life 5. Personal Growth Journey o Patricia shares her experience with developing different intelligences o How coaching and mental fitness have improved her wellbeing, performance, and her relationship with self and others 6. Protect your Positive Energy "An entire sea of water can't sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. Goi Nasu. Similarly, the negativity of the world can't put you down unless you allow it to get inside you." Memorable Quotes: • "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited; imagination encircles the world." - Albert Einstein • "The degree to which a person can grow is directly proportional to the amount of truth they can accept about themselves without running away." Leland Val Van De Wall Call to Action: Reflect on the different types of intelligence in your life. Use your journal for noting down your thoughts and the things that most resonated with you. How can you nurture your positive, emotional, social, and creative intelligence to enhance your mental fitness and your relationship with yourself? Tune in for Next Episode: Stay tuned for the upcoming episode "Love Letter to Self," where Patricia will share her personal journey to self-love and how Positive Intelligence has helped build a stronger foundation of self-empathy and unconditional self-compassion. More about Positive Intelligence: https://www.positiveintelligence.com/ Book Recommendations: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk The Good Life- Lessons from the World's Longest Study on Happiness by Marc S. Schulz and Robert J. Waldinger Get in contact via my website www.pacoaching.co.uk    

The Power of "I AM" and Rewriting Your Inner Story In this episode, Patricia explores how, many of us are disconnected from our true essence, the “I AM,” due to limiting beliefs and negative self-talk. Patricia shares her personal journey of overcoming self-doubt and discovering the power of language, across cultures, particularly with the phrase "I AM." She also discusses the impact of our perceptions when growing up, from our school days and societal conditioning, on our sense of self-worth.   Key highlights: • Power of the “I AM”; The importance of reconnecting with your true self through the power of the "I am." • Perceptions and School Days: Patricia reflects on her school experiences growing up in Ireland, the judgments that shaped her self-perception, and how she eventually broke free from the belief that she was "not brainy" or "not creative." She explores how language can shape our inner story and beliefs, often limiting us without realising it. • The Victim Mentality: Exploring how we unknowingly program ourselves into victimhood through the negative stories and beliefs we form early in life. • Patricia shares her transformative experience with the Brahma Kumaris, The World Spiritual University, which helped her begin her journey of spiritual growth. • Practical coaching exercise: Reflect on the "I AM" statements you tell yourself and evaluate whether they are true, helpful, and empowering. • The concept of intelligence and how it’s often misunderstood as purely academic. Patricia introduces intelligence beyond academics, touching on the various other types of intelligence like emotional, creative, spiritual, and more, that go beyond intellectual capability and how understanding these can unlock a more fulfilling life. Key Takeaways: • Our perceptions are often not a true reflection of who we are but are stories we internalise from external influences. • Language is not just a means of communication but a tool of self-definition. Being mindful of how we speak to ourselves can transform our sense of self. • There is a diamond within each of us, a core of true potential that can become clouded by limiting beliefs. With self-awareness and positive language, we can begin to "shine" from the inside out. Recommendations and Journal Prompts: • Take time to pause to reflect on your inner language and reframe limiting beliefs. • Practice self-compassion and forgiveness to release the power of past judgments. • Consider the many forms of intelligence and start honouring your own unique strengths. Find out more about Brahma Kumaris https://www.brahmakumaris.org/ Find out more about Positive Intelligence https://www.positiveintelligence.com/   If you found this episode insightful, please leave a review, subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit from this message. Join Patricia next week as she continues this transformative journey with her poetic story "Call the Self Love Police" as she dives deeper into the concept of positive intelligence, a key element of mental fitness, and how building self-love and self-care into our daily practice helps us build a strong inner stable foundation, which is key to finding true happiness and fulfilment.  

In this episode, I explore the journey of discovering your uniqueness and making your mark on the world. As inspired by the wisdom in Victor Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning, we discuss how meaning and self-belief are the keys to thriving in life. We’ll reflect on why fear and self-doubt often hold us back and how to transform these barriers into stepping stones toward our full potential. ✨ Key Takeaways • Finding Meaning Within: True purpose is discovered by looking inward, not outward. • Overcoming Fear: Fear and lack of confidence are the biggest obstacles to personal growth. • The Power of Encouragement: Sometimes, all it takes is one person to believe in us to spark self-belief, but we can also become our own great supporter with self love. • Personal Mission Statement: Learn how creating a personal mission statement can provide clarity, focus, and inspiration. • Inspiration from Stories: Discover “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds and hear how a simple act of trying can lead to remarkable breakthroughs. 📖 Stories Shared • A heartfelt journey of overcoming self-doubt in songwriting. • Personal insights from coaching and a survey about fear and self-confidence. • The transformative power of writing, journaling, and creative expression. 🛠 Actionable Challenges: 1. Write your own personal mission statement. Reflect on what you value, your goals, and how you want to make your mark. 2. Journal your thoughts and feelings to activate personal growth and emotional clarity. 📚 Resources Mentioned • Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl • “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers https://www.positiveintelligence.com/ • The Art of Possibility by Benjamin Zander • Watch Benjamin Zander’s talk: Link • Watch “The Dot” on YouTube: Link 💡 Inspiration to Take Away • “Don’t die with your music still in you.” – Wayne Dyer • “The meaning of life is to find your gift and the purpose is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso • New word: Meliorism — the belief that we can improve the world through love, creativity, and compassion. 🎧 Next Week’s Episode Join us as we dive into “Self Talk: I AM,” exploring how to silence inner voices of self sabotaging saboteurs and rewrite the script of your life. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to find their unique mark! https://www.pacoaching.co.uk/