Our Modern Emotional Lives

I'm thrilled to introduce my special guest, Kristine Ashworth, a recent graduate of the Feel Better Masterclass. This transformative six-week program, designed specifically for smart midlife women, teaches behavior change using cutting-edge neuroscience research and cognitive behavioral science. Kristine, a retired teacher with 32 years of experience who now works part-time as a writing tutor, wil...

Caring for aging loved ones can be incredibly challenging. That's why I've invited Mary Remmes here today. She is a life coach specializing in helping adults navigate the complexities of caring for aging family members. Her extensive background in nursing home administration makes her a trusted expert on this topic. Caring for aging parents is a demanding experience that many of us will face. Our...

Most of you know that I teach a masterclass called "Feel Better," designed to help smart, midlife women adjust their thoughts and emotions. This episode, drawing from my masterclass, is all about the true purpose of our lives and achieving emotional maturity. We often think happiness is our ultimate goal, but the true purpose lies in growth. Through increased awareness, challenges, and discomfort...

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 47. During the pandemic when we were under lockdown, I took an incredibly powerful class from Anita Moorjani. Anita has an amazing story that really inspired me in several ways, so I am spending today's episode sharing what I learned from her class, including but not limited to the idea that being spiritual is at our core, that a challenge can come with a blessing...

Do you ever find yourself thinking, "This is so hard," and feel overwhelmed by the challenges in front of you? It's a thought that might seem true but often goes unexamined. The real question is: What do we create when we think that thought? Do we like the outcomes it brings? By becoming aware of this thought and understanding that it's an opinion, not an objective truth, we can start to see how i...

Do you ever feel like there's something important you want to do, but you just can't make it happen? Do you get mad at yourself for not sticking with it or making a lasting change? In spite of our best efforts, it can feel impossible to change. A lot of this boils down to the thoughts we've accumulated over time. Actions don't arise out of the blue; they are based on our thoughts, which lead to fe...

If you're struggling with a problem or stuck thinking about a conflict or issue with another person, always start by asking yourself, "What am I thinking?" Your thoughts are what create feelings of worry or irritation. It's all coming from the thoughts you are thinking now. More analysis isn't always the answer. That's why, in this episode, I'm going to give you a few alternatives for when you are...

This week I share a story from a client who has been making great progress with Thought Work and learning how to turn down the volume on worrying. Just as she thought she was making headway, she started the same pattern of worrying and fretting about a new thing. Sound familiar? This is exactly how the brain works. And understanding this is the difference between creating the lasting change you de...

Tune in this week as we revisit episode 43 of the show, "Claiming Your Own Authority." Sharing insights from my recent Feel Better master class, ​​I rewind to episode 43 to delve into the profound importance of tuning into our inner world amidst societal pressures. Exploring the concept of "claiming your authority," I invite listeners to envision themselves as the authors of their own lives, empha...

Join me for a truly inspirational episode this week as I sit down with Becky Garner , a life coach with a remarkable journey from addiction to empowerment. Becky shares her intimate story of overcoming addiction, revealing the deep struggles and pivotal moments along her path to recovery. From battling depression and opioid addiction to finding hope through coaching, her resilience shines through....

I delve this week into a crucial topic that often sparks confusion: the distinction between emotions and nervous system reactions, and why it's essential to discern between the two. I guide my clients through understanding how their thoughts create emotions and how these reactions are intertwined with their nervous system's responses, but here's the thing: you can't effectively address your though...

Do you ever feel like your day is hijacked before you even open your eyes? This week on the podcast, I am diving into the power of mornings, inspired by those oh-so-popular morning routines. Don't worry, though – I am not here to add 21 steps to your already busy day - just one simple, game-changing step to kickstart your morning and set the tone for your entire day. Join me as we explore the anci...

Join me this week as I dive deep into the complexities of parenting and emotional pain. As a coach for smart midlife women, I explore the universal experience of suffering for our kids and offer insights into separating clean pain from unnecessary suffering. From unraveling guilt to increasing emotional tolerance, I present eight transformative ideas to navigate the intricate journey of being a pa...

Join me on a reflective journey this week as I explore the four transformative gifts I gave myself that shaped my entrepreneurial journey and personal life. From investing in self-directed learning to embracing authenticity and love, I'll share insights and practical tips for crafting a fulfilling path tailored to your desires. Discover the power of asking the right questions, trusting yourself, a...

We are diving this week into the whirlwind of life, from the excitement of my daughter's college acceptance journey to the intriguing tales my husband uncovers while writing his latest book about... wait for it... the tuba. Amidst it all, I find profound joy in my coaching practice, guiding others through life's twists and turns, so join me as we explore the power of envisioning our futures, chall...

Discover how perceptions shape reality and how questioning beliefs can transform our emotional landscape. Listen as I discuss the importance of not solely relying on external validation and instead focusing on examining your own beliefs for personal growth, understanding that everyone's opinions are just perspectives, not absolute truths. It's time to prioritize self-reflection and learning, recog...

Join me today as I tackle a crucial life skill: disappointing people. As adults, we grapple with this, especially women conditioned to be nice and compliant. I get it; it's hard, but here's the key - disappointing others or ourselves is an inevitable choice. Listen in as I discuss how to navigate this discomfort, drawing from my own struggles. Trust me; it's worth the temporary unease for the long...

Join me this week as we dive deep into the concept of being "present." We often hear about the importance of presence, especially in our most cherished moments, but what does it truly mean to be present, and why is it so powerful? I break down the dynamics of our brains, the right hemisphere capturing the essence of now, while the left brain constantly compares to the past and projects into the fu...

I recently stumbled upon Fred Rogers' 1969 testimony before Congress, a poignant moment during a tumultuous time in history. Reflecting on the backdrop of political assassinations and war, I found his words resonating even more deeply. Watching his documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor? became a powerful reset, reminding me of the timeless relevance of his teachings. Amidst societal challenges, Rog...

In this week's episode, I share a surprising revelation from a conversation with my 88-year-old mother during the Christmas break. Despite a life filled with accomplishments, she confessed to not having a to-do list or a structured way of planning her time, which led me to reflect on the societal pressure to equate self-worth with productivity, a mindset ingrained in our culture. As we age, transi...

I want to tell you this week about an eye-opening conversation that I had with my 17-year-old daughter. In a world bombarded with messages to always be positive and live our best lives, I asked her a crucial question: Does she feel the pressure to be happy all the time? Her response not only affirmed the principles I've been teaching but also shed light on the profound impact this mindset can have...

I am breaking from my usual broad discussions to share a more personal journey with you. I'll be delving into the profound impact that the integration of Thought Work and spirituality has had on my life. Exploring the transformative power of aligning our thoughts with deeper dimensions, I draw inspiration from the incredible story of Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroanatomist who experienced a life-a...

Join me for this week's episode as I delve into the profound concept of challenging our ingrained beliefs about ourselves and our past. Sharing a personal reflection sparked by an old photo, I explore the transformative power of questioning the narratives we hold dear. From unraveling the aftermath of a breakup to dissecting the impact of childhood experiences, we are navigating the terrain of lim...

I am so thrilled to dive into this week's episode with you, in which I delve into the profound connections between our minds, bodies, and spirits. We're embarking on a journey into self-development through the lens of Thought Work, understanding the mechanics of our brains, and tapping into the spirit's desire for a fuller, more abundant life. Join me as we navigate the complexities of embracing a...

Welcome to the first episode of 2024, everyone. As we embark on this new year, I want to dive into the power of resolutions and why they're crucial, despite their bad rap. If there's an aspect of your life that you want to change, remember this: you can change it! Listen in as I share my top five pieces of advice for those striving for change. From understanding the importance of setting goals to...