Consider Yourself Hugged

Welcome back! Today, Michelle and I are so excited to share something new—a book club! We’re diving into stories that inspire and impact us, blending fun and learning along the way. We’re starting with two very different books: Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough’s From Here to the Great Unknown and Corrie Ten Boom’s The Hiding Place. We’ll be talking about the lessons these books taught us, how t...

Hey friends, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Can you believe it? Last time we recorded, it was right before Christmas, and now it’s just before New Year’s. If you’re listening to this on the day it comes out, it’s officially New Year’s Day. Cheers to fresh starts! Let’s be honest—resolutions can be tricky. Did you know 80% fail by February, and only 8% of people actually achieve them? Here’s w...

Very short and sweet today - we just want to express last minute thoughts about the day and wish those of you who celebrate a Very Merry Christmas! Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanation...

🎙️ Welcome Back to Consider Yourself Hugged! In this episode, we continue our Holiday Mental Health Guide series with Part 5: Expectations, Family, Food, & Alcohol. The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, but for many, it's a source of stress and emotional strain. Today, we’re tackling four common holiday challenges that impact mental health and well-being. Show notes with a...

Today is a repeat of a 2021 holiday episode on grief. It was so popular that it made sense to reshare. Enjoy!! Connect with us Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!) TikTok: Short clips and stories YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation **The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and...

Hug 187 What's Been Your Favorite Thanksgiving?: Holiday Mental Health Guide Part 3 by Tami West Connect with us Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!) TikTok: Short clips and stories YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation **The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a...

Hi friends! This week, Michelle and I are back with Part II of our Holiday Mental Health Series, and we’re diving into anxiety. If the holidays bring you feelings of overwhelm, financial stress, or family drama, you’re not alone—and we’ve got you covered. What We Talk About Today:Anxiety and Holidays Can Go Hand in HandMichelle and I started by sharing some eye-opening stats on how common holiday...

Hey friends! Today, Michelle and I are diving into a topic that’s often swept under the holiday rug: depression. The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also intensify feelings of sadness, loneliness, and stress. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, this episode is for you. We’ll talk about what holiday depression can look like, how to recognize it, and ways to navigate it. You’re...

Hey everyone! Welcome to our final Positive Psychology episode/celebration! In this final episode of our Positive Psychology series, we look back at the journey we’ve taken, exploring the key insights and transformative lessons from each module. This episode brings together the core themes and strategies, offering a holistic view of how positive psychology can enhance our well-being, resilience, a...

So glad you're still with us! In today’s episode, Michelle and I delve into two essential pillars of positive psychology: gratitude and communication. We’ll talk about how they’re not only key to your happiness but essential for building and maintaining strong, fulfilling relationships. Throughout this episode, we’ll share stories, practical tips, and give you a sneak peek into the exercises...

Welcome back! Today we dive into the topic of mindfulness and what it really means to live in the present moment. We discuss why it’s so hard to stay focused on the here and now and explore how becoming more mindful can transform the way we experience life. Have you ever found yourself caught up in the past or worrying about the future? Today, we’re going to break down how mindfulness can help fre...

In this special Intermission episode, I take a moment to reflect on the three most significant lessons I've learned during the first seven modules of our Positive Psychology course. These lessons have deeply impacted my personal growth and outlook, and I believe they can resonate with anyone striving for greater well-being. Lessons/Questions so Far1. Do You Want to Get Well?2. Do You Want to...

We know that life can be tough, and sometimes it feels like things just aren’t going our way. That’s where optimism comes in, giving us the ability to see a brighter future. But it’s not just about having a positive mindset—it’s about staying motivated to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough. As always, we’ve put together an activity sheet filled with exercises to help you apply th...

Welcome back to another episode in our positive psychology series! Today, we’re diving into the topic of self-esteem and self-confidence, two qualities that affect all of us, whether we realize it or not. Be sure to get the activity sheet in the show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/self-esteem-confidence-positive-psychology-part-6.Understanding Self-Esteem vs. Self-ConfidenceSelf-esteem is...

Positive psychology, as we’ve been discussing throughout this series, is all about focusing on the strengths and attributes that allow us to thrive, rather than just avoiding or treating problems. In this session, we’re focusing on something truly magical—our positive emotions. According to research from positive psychology, cultivating emotions like joy, gratitude, serenity, and love doesn’t just...

Hi friends, welcome back! Today in Part 4, we are diving into something incredibly powerful that we all need to revisit from time to time—finding meaning in our lives and setting goals that align with our values. Michelle and I have both experienced times when we felt like we were just going through the motions, and I’m sure you have, too. We get so caught up in the busyness of life that we lose s...

Today, we're diving into the third module of the our Positive Psychology Course, focusing on the critical concepts of happiness and well-being. This module is all about understanding what happiness truly is, how to cultivate it in our daily lives, and how to guide others on this fulfilling journey. Understanding Happiness and Well-BeingWe all strive for happiness—a lasting state of satisfacti...

Welcome back friends! Today, Michelle is here with me, and we're delving into the 24 character strengths identified by psychologists Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman. These strengths, recognized and valued across various cultures and throughout history, play a significant role in our personal fulfillment. The real impact comes not just from identifying these strengths but from using t...

Hello, fabulous listeners/readers/watchers! If you were with me last week, you know I'm more committed than every to work on my mental and emotional wellbeing. I hope you are too.  I’m so excited to share something special with you: Over the next 10 weeks, I’m embarking on a journey to become certified in Positive Psychology—a field that’s all about boosting our happiness, well-being, and ove...

Welcome back to the new season, friends! I’m so glad to have my dear friend Michelle back with me today. We've both been on a bit of a journey lately, and today we’re diving into something that's been on our minds a lot: holistic mental health. Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/holistic-mental-health. Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you n...

Welcome Fellow Huggers for the last time this season!! Today, Michelle Kixmiller joins me for the first time in a bit 😊 You are going to be SO blessed by what she has to say. FYI, below are her notes & suggestions, but be sure to listen to hear the touching story of her brother. In today’s episode, titled “Loving Someone to Death,” we delve into the crucial topic of mental health awareness, f...

Yearbooks are snapshots of a time we often look back on with mixed emotions. For some, they encapsulate memories of friendships, triumphs, and the journey of self-discovery. For others, they are a reminder of challenging times, struggles with identity, and the harsh realities of adolescence. This is especially true for those who, like me, were quiet, bullied, and not popular. My middle school and...

Welcome to week 5 of Mental Health Awareness Month! Today I'm discussing two seemingly unrelated topics: The 1976 Chowchilla kidnappings and the death by suicide of golfer Grayson Murray. In 1976, 26 elementary and middle school kids and their bus driver were kidnapped by 3 armed men, their faces covered with panty hose. They were driven around for 11 hours and eventually forced to climb into...

Welcome to week 4 of Mental Health Awareness Month! Today is a bit different as I'm simply going to share a very personal story with you about my epiphanies about bullying, my bully, forgiveness, and more! Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/bullying-to-empowerment. Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one o...

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, week 3, we're diving into another crucial aspect of mental wellbeing: Celebration! This week I'm using more recommended resources from the National Council for Mental Well-being, the organization that sponsors the Mental Health First Aid course. You may know I am passionate about teaching that class! But I'm also diving a bit deeper with 4...