In this episode, Marsha invites listeners to pause and take an honest look at what’s been showing up emotionally as the new year unfolds. Instead of pushing discomfort away, she offers a powerful reframe: the emotion you keep avoiding may actually be the clearest signal of your next level of growth.

Through personal stories, client insights, and grounded reflection, Marsha explores how avoidance drains energy, keeps us stuck in cycles, and disconnects us from deeper connection and capacity. She shares why emotions are not problems to solve, but data to listen to, and how learning to feel instead of armor up creates space for more presence, meaning, and expansion.

This episode is an invitation to stop numbing, stop running, and gently meet yourself where you are. Because when you allow what you feel, you unlock what’s next.

[01:30] The question to ask a few weeks into the new year: what keeps showing up emotionally

[01:44] Why the emotion you’re avoiding may be pointing to your next stage of growth

[02:15] Fear of being too much, too weak, or too disruptive and how it fuels avoidance

[02:50] How much energy avoidance actually costs on a daily basis

[03:16] Doing what you can in 10 minutes and shifting overwhelm through action

[03:45] Emotions as invitations, not problems to fix

[04:42] Emotions as data and learning to pay attention instead of judging them

[05:20] Sitting with discomfort because it’s teaching you something important

[06:02] Choosing connection over productivity in a hard emotional moment

[06:45] Building capacity to feel by leaning in instead of shutting down

[07:25] Avoidance leads to numbness, not safety

[09:08] Meeting yourself without armor and discovering your emotional superpower

Marsha Vanwynsberghe — NLP Storytelling Trainer, OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster

Join the 2026 HWCEO Mastermind: https://meghan-weir.thrivecart.com/hwceomastermind/

Unbothered Mind Private Podcast https://www.marshavanw.com/unbotheredmindpodcast

Unbothered Entrepreneur Masterclass (for the Podcast Listeners): https://www.marshavanw.com/unbothered-entrepreneur-masterclass-podcast

Download “You Are Supported” Hypnosis and Subliminal Bundle HERE

Join the next cohort of OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification (kick-off in January 2026, in person or virtual) HERE

The Stories We Tell Ourselves Digital Program August Promo Save $333 HERE.

Tap the “Follow” button never to miss a show, and if you love the show, please feel free to tag me on social media, share it with a friend, or leave me a rating and review. This really helps the show grow!

Website: www.marshavanw.com

Connect on IG, click HERE

Subscribe on YouTube, click HERE

Mentioned in this episode:

WYDB - Feb 2026

Write Your Damn Book Program: https://www.marshavanw.com/writenow