Building Resilience

Our beliefs shape our reality in more ways than we realize. What if simply believing in a treatment could lead to real, measurable healing? And on the flip side, could negative expectations actually worsen our symptoms? On this episode of Building Resilience, we explore the fascinating world of the placebo and nocebo effects: how our minds influence our bodies in profound ways. We'll dive into a s...

The balance between effort and surrender can be a tricky one to strike—we often feel the need to fix issues as soon as they come up. But in reality, surrendering to challenging times can actually have the opposite effect. On this episode of Building Resilience, we go over how we can achieve that balance between effort and surrender—where transformation and growth often occur. We’ll talk about the...

Words are a powerful thing—not just the ones we speak to others but the ones we say to ourselves. Words can shape our thoughts, which control our emotions, which ultimately drive our actions. They hold the power to lift us up or tear us down, sometimes in just a moment. But what if we could use words to build resilience, foster growth, and create a life filled with hope and possibility? On this ep...

Are you living a rich, fulfilling life, or are you waiting for the "right time" to enjoy it? Many of us are stuck saving for a future that may not come or waiting for the perfect moment to create memories. But what if the key to resilience and joy is found in living fully right now? On this episode of Building Resilience, I dive into the insights from the book Die With Zero by Bill Perkins . This...

Have you ever felt a pull between staying safe in what's familiar and venturing into the unknown? It's a common experience to wrestle with the tension between who you've been and who you're becoming. As we step into 2025, how can we navigate this journey with trust, intention, and resilience? On this episode of Building Resilience, we'll get into the concept of your past, present, and future selve...

Have you ever noticed how gratitude can transform even the toughest moments? It’s not just about saying “thank you” or counting blessings—it’s a profound practice that connects us to resilience, hope, and joy. But how do we lean into gratitude when life feels heavy, or when challenges arise that seem insurmountable? On this episode of Building Resilience, we get into the concept of deliberate grat...

Creativity isn't just for artists --- it can be an amazing tool to help calm your nervous system and expand your resilience. When life feels overwhelming, unlocking your creative side might be the unexpected solution you need. On this episode of Building Resilience, I’m teaching about the power of creativity for nervous system health. I'll explain how creative activities can signal safety to your...

We all know the stereotypes: the controlling mother-in-law, the aloof daughter-in-law. Why is this relationship often painted as inherently difficult, fraught with tension and unmet expectations? And what if it didn't have to be that way? On this episode of Building Resilience, I'm joined by  LeAnn Austin , a master-certified life coach who specializes in helping women create more connection...

So often, we get caught up in managing symptoms, treating disease, and reacting to challenges---but what if the key to lasting wellness lies in flipping that script? What if, instead of focusing on reducing danger, we focused on increasing safety and resilience to heal ourselves. On this episode of Building Resilience, I explore the profound impact of adopting a wellness-centered mindset. We'll di...

Happiness often feels like an elusive goal, something we're constantly striving for but never quite reaching. Is it about material wealth, ticking off life's achievements, or something deeper? And how do we cultivate it in a world that often feels overwhelming? On this episode of Building Resilience, I delve into the science of happiness, drawing from the groundbreaking research of Ed Diener and R...

Your nervous system shapes your daily life behind the scenes. It’s easy to overlook, but your nervous system is the hidden powerhouse behind your responses, emotions, and capacity to handle life’s challenges. When you understand and take care of it, it can unlock a whole new level of resilience and clarity. On this episode of Building Resilience, I sit down with two incredible guests, Lexie Hill a...

Ever feel overwhelmed by the big goals you set for yourself? Sometimes, the smallest actions can be the most powerful, helping us make meaningful progress without getting lost in the stress of it all. But how can we break down our aspirations into manageable, daily steps? On this episode of Building Resilience, we're exploring the transformative impact of micro habits. I'll share how incorporating...

Life doesn't give us the answers we want, at least not right away. Facing challenges without knowing how things will work out can feel overwhelming. But what if, instead of focusing on the how, we focused on the simple belief that it's possible? On this episode of Building Resilience, we'll break down the mantra, "I don't know how, but I know it's possible." I share personal stories, including my...

Ever felt like relationships can sometimes leave you emotionally drained or uplifted without understanding why? There's a subtle but powerful concept that might just hold the key to balancing these interactions---much like a real bank account, your emotional bank account determines the quality of your connections. On this episode of Building Resilience, I dive into the idea of the emotional bank a...

Whether working from home, commuting, or relaxing at the end of the day, sitting has become a constant companion. But what if I told you that sitting too much might be impacting your health—and in more ways than you realize? On this episode of Building Resilience, we'll explore the dangers of prolonged sitting and why it's been called "the new smoking." We'll also discuss how sitting for extended...

Expectations shape how we experience the world---but they can also be a trap, leading to stress and suffering when reality doesn't match our hopes. So, how do we manage them in a way that helps rather than hinders us? On this episode of Building Resilience, we'll talk about the double-edged nature of expectations. You'll hear why expectations are essential for setting goals and boundaries, and how...

Parenting is a journey filled with transitions. From being a superhero in your child's life to becoming the "villain" in their teenage years, to navigating the quieter years of being an empty nester, the changes can feel overwhelming. It's a constant evolution that brings both grief and joy. How do we manage the shift from being the central figure in our children's lives to stepping back and allow...

When we face adversity, we are often faced with the choice of how we want to respond to those challenges. Will they make us bitter, or will they help us become better? It's a choice we all face, and one that can significantly shape the direction of our lives. On this episode of Building Resilience, is the cliché of becoming "bitter or better" really true? I'll share how adversity can either weigh...

Many of us spend so much energy trying to push anxiety away, but what if we tried something different? What would happen if we embraced our feelings of anxiety and tension instead of pushing them away, allowing them to simply exist?  On this special episode of Building Resilience, I share a meditation designed to help you allow and accept anxiety rather than resist it. By learning how to befr...

"L" isn't just "for the way you look at me"---for me, it stands for some of my most important guiding principles: what I call "The L's": Live, Love, Learn, Leave a Legacy, Laugh, and Be a Source of Light. On this episode of Building Resilience, we'll go over how using each of these L's (plus a couple more I have added!) can play a pivotal role in living a life full of purpose and intention. Y...

We often face situations that make us feel like we have to choose between being compassionate and setting boundaries. But what if I told you that both are equally important?  On this episode of Building Resilience , we’ll get into the balance between compassion and boundaries. Understanding our nervous systems can help foster self-compassion and compassion for others, but we also need to do t...

In today's day and age, a lot of us tend to fill up our days and move fast, always trying to be productive. It can feel like a whirlwind, leaving little room for rest or just "being." There's incredible value in embracing moments of stillness—but how often do we actually give ourselves permission to do nothing? On this episode of Building Resilience, I’ll explain the intriguing concept of niksen ,...

When we feel stuck, sometimes the boundaries holding us in place that we might not even be aware of. These boundaries can shape our experiences, influence our relationships, and even determine our sense of self-worth. But what if we could break through them? On this episode of Building Resilience, I'm joined by Kristy Deys and Kim Rees, two extraordinary women who have not only broken through thei...

Life can often feel like a juggling act, where we try to balance our thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being all at once. But have you ever wondered how your nervous system plays into all of this, especially when things feel overwhelming? This is a question that many of us encounter, whether consciously or not, in our everyday lives. On this episode of Building Resilience, I'm joined by two am...

When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, one of the most significant hurdles is understanding the relationship between our brain and our eating habits. The connection between how we handle stress and how we manage our weight is often overlooked, but it's critical for long-term success. On this episode of Building Resilience, I'm thrilled to welcome Kathy Hartman, a weight loss coach and g...