Living Deliberately with Shira Gura

Ever wondered if you could actually choose your feelings, steering them in the direction you desire? It might sound improbable, especially when emotions seem automatic and beyond our control. I pondered this last night while attending a national basketball game in Israel amid the current war with Hamas. The weight of the ongoing conflict triggered a flood of emotions, making it feel like I wasn't...

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I'll be satisfied when this happens," or "I'll be happy once I achieve that goal"? Or perhaps you've found yourself waiting for someone else to change before everything gets better. It happens to the best of us. Life doesn't always unfold as we expect, and it's easy to fall into the trap of postponing our happiness or contentment until certain conditions ar...

Feeling that familiar frustration of being out of control? You're not alone—it's a common experience. But let me share a little secret: it's not a reflection of you; it's the stories you tell yourself that take the lead. Discover the art of reclaiming control by making intentional choices with your narratives. In this week's "You Can Handle Anything!" podcast, we're diving into the realm of real-l...

Ever felt that sinking disappointment when those close to you fall short? Whether it's your spouse, child, co-worker, friend, or even a stranger, the frustration of trying to change them can be overwhelming, only to realize it's beyond your control. The urge to alter someone else often traps you in a cycle of frustration and disappointment. But, the key isn't changing others; it's introspection. R...

Mourner's guilt, also known as survivor's guilt, is a natural response that can follow the harrowing experience of surviving when others did not. It can affect anyone, regardless of their sensitivity levels, and it often brings feelings of depression, anxiety, and, of course, guilt. Join me this week on the "You Can Handle Anything" podcast as I dive into the depths of mourner's guilt, discussing...

We all have those moments when our reactions happen automatically, almost like a reflex. It's a part of being human, a natural thing we do without even realizing it. But guess what? We always have a choice about how we react to the things that bother us. Sometimes, though, making that choice isn't easy, and that's when we need some handy tools to help us make better decisions. Think of it like bui...

If you've ever felt like people were judging you based on how you look, the way they react, or what they say, you're not alone. It's easy to get upset and defensive when this happens. I recently faced a situation like this when I received an unexpected email. Instead of reacting quickly, I used The unSTUCK Method to respond thoughtfully. I realized that just because someone says something about me...

When you get triggered, do you ever find yourself sweating the small stuff, spiraling out of control, or turning into someone you don't even recognize? What if you could make every moment count and stop your emotions from taking over? How would your life change? In this week's episode of the "You Can Handle Anything" podcast, catch an insider's perspective on life during the current war in Israel...

What does it mean to be "emotionally balanced"? Is being "emotionally balanced" even something we should strive for? How can you become a more "emotionally balanced" person? In this week's episode of the "You Can Handle Anything" podcast, join me on a journey to discover how you can cultivate greater emotional balance in your life, starting today. Click here to save your spot at my next LIVE works...

I'm turning 50 this month, and I've chosen a unique way to celebrate - by sharing the gift of music with the world. I'm passionate about composing music, and I've written many tunes over the years. However, most have never been professionally recorded or shared. For my 50th birthday, I've set an ambitious goal: to record and release one new tune every week for 50 weeks. It's an exciting journey ah...

Have you ever encountered a situation where someone's words or actions planted a seed of doubt in your mind, causing you to question yourself? Getting stuck in self-doubt can be challenging, especially when it's triggered by external sources. Tune in to this week's "You Can Handle Anything" podcast to hear how my 15-year-old son navigated the self-doubt that was planted in his mind by his own sibl...

Have you ever noticed yourself absorbing other people's emotions? It's as if their bad mood or their entangled stories become your own, leaving you feeling powerless. This dynamic can often make you feel like you're handing over your personal power to someone else. In this week's episode, I share a personal experience where my husband was feeling irritated, and I found myself on the brink of takin...

Do you ever worry about how others perceive you? Have you ever held back from speaking your mind because you fear disapproval? Discover the power of The unSTUCK Method in this week's "You Can Handle Anything" podcast. Learn how to navigate your thoughts and emotions, freeing yourself from the trap of overthinking. Remember, getting stuck is a part of life, but staying stuck is a choice. Tune in no...

Join me in a FREE 3-Day Challenge called "Silence Negative Self-Talk." This is a fantastic chance to interact with me in real-time, pick up some new techniques I haven't talked about on this podcast before, and discover more about how you can be part of my community. Don't miss out! Enroll now by clicking here . I'm excited to have you with me for the Challenge.  

Our minds often linger in the past or drift into the future. During these moments, we engage in a silent dialogue with ourselves. Sometimes it's a supportive coach, but at other times, it turns critical. In this week's " You Can Handle Anything " podcast, I shared a personal experience where my inner critic got the best of me when I was at a speaking event in Chicago. I'll elaborate on this journe...

Have you ever felt the sting of exclusion? That moment when you see friends or family together, and you weren't invited, leaving a pang of sadness? I recently had such an experience, a fleeting encounter that could have soured the moment if I hadn't employed my trusty tool, The unSTUCK Method . During a family trip to the shore, while strolling along the boardwalk, I spotted a group of relatives g...

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone probes you with a question, seemingly seeking some intriguing tidbit, and you feel the pressure to share in response? It's a scenario that often leads to post-conversation regrets. But what if you could reclaim the power to say nothing at all? What if you could take a moment, pause, and consciously decide whether that question deserves your...

Have you ever caught yourself trapped in the cycle of saying "Poor Me"? Do you sometimes find yourself succumbing to self-pity when things don't go as planned? It's a common inclination to allow external factors to dictate how we perceive the world around us—a state I refer to as our "way of being." How you show up in the world is not only a reflection of your internal state but can also influence...

Have you ever faced the challenge of someone being rude without knowing why? It's a common and uncomfortable experience that can leave us feeling stuck and unsure of how to respond. Recently, during my trip to Poland with my son for the European Little League Baseball tournament, I encountered a situation where my son was surprisingly rude to me. It was more than just a little rude—it was downrigh...

In life, we often encounter situations where people seek our assistance, even for tasks they are fully capable of handling themselves. It can be challenging to resist the urge to step in and help, especially when they guilt-trip us into doing so, leaving us torn between being supportive and enabling their reliance on us. And yet it's possible to get unstuck from feeling guilty and consider they ca...

Have you ever found yourself caught off guard by someone's unexpected words or actions, leaving you at a loss for how to respond? Those moments can freeze us in our tracks and often lead to regrettable reactions later on. I recently experienced such a surprise while traveling in Poland with my son, who is participating in the European Little League Baseball tournament. In this week's episode of th...

Have you ever caught yourself uttering phrases like "It was awful," "It was the worst," or "I wouldn't wish this on anyone!"? It's easy to fall into negative patterns of thinking, genuinely believing that things couldn't possibly get any worse. But what if that assumption isn't entirely accurate? What if things actually could get worse? I invite you to consider this not because you desire things t...

When someone gets angry at you, how you respond can impact your relationships and inner peace. If you've ever felt stuck, defensive, or excessively apologetic when someone expresses disappointment with something you did (or something you intend to do), you're not alone. The other person's behaviors (and our reactions to them) can lead to resentment and affect our well-being. Learn how to break fre...

Have you ever felt like the obstacles in your life are never-ending? Join me as I share with you 5 real-life stories from forgotten IDS at the airport to tech issues, Uber mishaps, and credit card fraud, and how you can cultivate a "live, laugh, learn" mindset when faced with emotional setbacks. Gain valuable insights into how you can get emotionally unstuck and practical tips to empower yourself...

When it comes to creating meaningful changes in your life or pursuing your goals and dreams, it's common to feel stuck. Despite having well-crafted action plans, diets, or strategies, many people find themselves unable to make progress and ultimately give up on themselves. The reason behind this recurring pattern is often the lack of a solid foundation. To truly transform your life, you need to st...