Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl

Does clutter—whether physical, mental, or emotional—ever feel overwhelming? In this episode of Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl, Moorea sits down with ADHD coach and decluttering expert Susie Boutal, who shares powerful insights on how clutter affects every aspect of our lives.

Susie explains how clutter isn't just about the stuff in your room—it’s about the thoughts in your head and the emotions you carry. She dives into the connection between physical, mental, and emotional clutter and provides practical strategies to declutter in a way that lasts. Whether it's finding motivation to clean your space, tackling school stress, or setting priorities, Susie's advice will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take action.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
 🧠 How physical, mental, and emotional clutter are interconnected
 🏡 Practical tips for decluttering your space and keeping it that way
 💡 The "Glass vs. Plastic Balls" analogy to help prioritize what truly matters
 🛑 How to stop procrastinating and start tackling your to-do list
 🍕 The "Pizza Analogy" – embracing the idea of “good enough” to beat perfectionism
 ⏳ Why setting small, achievable goals can help you stay on track

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of clutter—whether in your space, your mind, or your schedule—this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to declutter, de-stress, and take control of your life!

Connect with Susie Boutal:
📲 Instagram: @aspaceforliving
🌐 Website: aspaceforliving.co.uk
Facebook
Facebook Group

⭐ Book a complimentary 20 minute call with Susie to kickstart your decluttering journey

Contact Balancing Act:
📧 Email Moorea: [email protected]
🌐 Website: balancingact.life
📸 Instagram: @balancingact.podcast

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Have you ever been told that you “care too much” or that you “try too hard”?

Me too.

I am a chronic over thinker and perfectionist, and honestly, it’s exhausting. And sure, sometimes it helps me to appear “productive” on the surface, but at what cost? I’m burnt out all the time and I’m sick of it. And if you've ever felt this way too, know that you're not alone.

In this solo episode of Balancing Act, I explore my thoughts on overthinking, perfectionism, and battling that really annoying inner critic. 

I ponder:

• How and why other people are too caught up in their own minds to notice (or care) about your imperfections 
• How to practice confidence until you feel confident
• The root of perfectionism and how regain perspective to combat perfectionist tendencies  
• Taking control in the moment instead of catastrophizing 
• Why motivating yourself through “I’m not good enough” doesn’t work
• Slowing down to reflect on your priorities and to allocate your energy wisely

Despite my perfectionist tendencies, I’m anything but “perfect”. I’m actively thinking about and working towards addressing my perfectionism to lead a more balanced life - which is the point of this podcast. (i.e. I talk a lot perfectionism and present some solutions but I don't have this figured out.) So let’s explore and rethink perfectionism together.

My key takeaways:

• People are often too caught up in their own lives to notice the small details of things that you’re insecure about. You are your own worst inner critic. It’s cliche but it’s true.
  • To combat this, approach every situation reassuring yourself that no one else notices your insecurities. Act as if you’re not insecure about these things, and people will treat you as if you are confident, helping you to actually become more confident.
• Perfectionism causes us to give some things unwarranted (and unnecessary) amounts of mental and emotional energy 
  • Regain perspective by reflecting on your motivation for making this thing perfect. Is it fear or passion? Do you truly need it to be perfect? In twenty years from now, will you remember more about the perfect outcome or the toll it took to get there?
• Constantly striving to be “productive” is unhealthy and unsustainable
  • Reflect on your motivations. If your productivity stems from feeling like “I’m not good enough”, no matter how productive you are, you’ll never feel fulfilled because you will constantly feel the need to prove your worth. Instead, slow down and consider your values and priorities. Write a list of what’s truly important to you - not just what external pressures are urging you to value. Allocate your energy according to your authentic priorities. 

Contact Balancing Act:
📧 Email Moorea: [email protected]
🌐 Website: balancingact.life
📸 Instagram: @balancingact.podcast

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Phones are more than just devices—they're our connection to everything. Or at least they seem to be.

So how do we balance our online lives with the real world? In this episode of Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl, Moorea sits down with Kirsten McCormick, founder of Teen Connect Adventure Camps, to talk about navigating the tricky balance between technology and meaningful real-life connections.

Kirsten, a mom of five and a thought leader on screen-life balance, shares valuable insights on how teens can take control of their phone usage without the constant pressure from parents. This episode is packed with practical advice, personal experiences, and actionable strategies to help you unplug and reconnect with what truly matters.

In this episode, you'll learn:
📱 How to redefine your relationship with social media on your own terms.
🙌 How to have better conversations with your parents about phone usage.
👥 The importance of real-life connection and how it impacts your mental health.
🎯 Tips for managing screen time while still staying connected and not feeling restricted.
🌿 The power of unplugging and finding joy in real-world experiences.
🫶 How to push past awkwardness to connect with people in real life.

Connect with Kirsten McCormick:
📸  Instagram: @teenconnectadventures
🌐 Website: teenconnectadventures.com

Contact Balancing Act:
📧 Email Moorea: [email protected]
🌐 Website: balancingact.life
📸 Instagram: @balancingact.podcast

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Have you ever felt like life keeps throwing storms your way, leaving you stuck in the rain with no umbrella?

In this powerful episode of Balancing Act, Moorea sits down with Gem Gale—a 17-year-old author of Storms Don’t Last Forever—to talk about how she’s turned some of life’s hardest challenges into strength and purpose.

From navigating her parents' cancer diagnoses to overcoming her own struggles with mental health and dyslexia, Gem shares how she found the courage to share her story and inspire others to keep going. This raw and honest conversation will motivate you to reflect on your own struggles, reframe how you think about setbacks, and remember that you choose how to move forward.

In this episode, Moorea and Gem dive into:
 📖 How Gem turned her personal journals into a published book to help others feel less alone.
 💪 The power of taking control of your story—no matter how messy it feels.
 🌀 How to break out of cycles of isolation and reconnect with the world.
 🏋️‍♀️ Why daily "me-time" and movement have been essential to Gem’s healing.
 📝 How writing can be a tool for reflection and growth—even if it’s never shared.
 🌟 The importance of realizing that while storms are inevitable, they don’t last forever.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in your own storm or just need a reminder that it’s okay not to have everything figured out, this episode will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and empowered to choose how you face life’s challenges.

Resources Mentioned:

Gem's Website
Gem's Book
Gem's Instagram

Contact Balancing Act:

Email Moorea: [email protected]

Balancing Act Website
Instagram

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Has school ever felt like it's your entire life? Like you only exist to wake up, go to school, come home, sleep (for less than you want to), and then go back to school?

As we head back into school after break, many of us may be less than excited to get back into the cycle of school, non-ideal sleep, and the stress that comes from all of it. Oh the stress...

To help ground you (and also herself) Moorea has compiled expert insights on school and college, and the internal and external pressure to achieve perfection. Most importantly, Moorea uses this episode as a means to remind all of us that we are so much more than our identities at school, and that we need to choose for ourselves how we're going to spend our energy. What actually matters to you? And does school always have to define your identity?

This pressure may not be your experience at school, but it's something that Moorea's witnessed and definitely experienced first hand.
 
In this episode Moorea draws on expert insights to share:
🎓 How going to one of 24 top colleges doesn't define your future
🚦 How to focus your energy where it will make the biggest impact.
🍕 How the "pizza analogy" reminds us that sometimes "good enough" is exactly what we need
🛌 How setting boundaries around bedtime can improve focus, mental health, and overall well-being.
🎯 How you can let go of stress over things beyond your power, and put energy into areas you can influence.
🗺️ How to visualize the different components of your identity to remind yourself of your multifaceted self.

Episodes Mentioned:
CREATE Better Sleep Habits: Teen Sleep Science and Strategies with Dr. Afolabi Brown
Conquering Anxiety: Science-Backed Tools for Teens with Dr. Rachel Hutt
Navigating Stress: Dr. Lisa Damour's Tips for Teen Life

Contact Balancing Act:

Email Moorea: [email protected]

Balancing Act Website
Instagram

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

As 2024 comes to a close, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the ups and downs of the year. From navigating eating disorder recovery for the third time to starting this podcast, this year has been anything but linear—and that’s okay. In this heartfelt solo episode, I share my personal journey, lessons learned, and the importance of embracing progress and experiencing life, even when it doesn't play out as we wished in last year's resolutions.

💭 To reflect on this past year, I draw from impactful guest insights on

• Redefining productivity during hard times.
• The power of resilience and embracing change.
• Letting go of regret and learning from every experience.

Whether you’ve had a transformative year or feel like you’re still finding your footing, this episode is a reminder that progress takes many forms. Let’s reflect, reset, and head into 2025 with self-compassion and an open heart. 💕

Episodes Mentioned:
Working Through Depression: Science and Strategies for When You're Feeling Stuck
One Size Doesn't Fit All: Navigating the (College) Stress to Have it All Figured Out
Rolling with the Punches: Redefining Struggle with Tiff Cook

Contact Balancing Act:

Email Moorea: [email protected]

Balancing Act Website
Instagram

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

With college decisions looming on the horizon (or right in your face), we're all feeling the pressure to have our life plans set.

The truth of life? Almost no one has it "all figured out" and it's better to approach life with an open mind instead of trying to lock yourself into the "perfect life plan".

In this episode of Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl, I sit down with Cassie Scheiner, a mental health counselor specializing in reproductive and perinatal experiences. But Cassie’s journey wasn’t always about psychology—she started her career in digital media, studying communications in college and then spending seven years in the field before taking the leap to pursue her true passion.

This episode dives into the pressure many teens and young adults feel to have their lives figured out. We have a thoughtful, vulnerable conversation which reassures us that it’s okay to take time to explore, grow, and change. Whether you’re a high school student stressed about college applications or a parent wanting to better support your teen, this conversation is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and the reminder that no one has everything figured out.

In this episode, we discuss:
🧠 Career Changes: Cassie’s inspiring journey from media to mental health and what she learned along the way.
📚 The Pressure to Have It All Together: Why it’s okay to not have your entire future mapped out in high school.
💬 How to Support Teens: Practical ways parents, friends, and mentors can hold space and validate feelings.
🌟 The Role of Mindfulness: How slowing down and listening to yourself can help you make authentic decisions.
🔄 Life is Ever-Changing: Why flexibility and adaptability are life-long skills worth developing.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty or the pressure to have a perfect path, this episode is here to remind you that you’re not alone.

Contact Balancing Act:

Email Moorea: [email protected]

Balancing Act Website
Instagram

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

✨ Procrastination isn’t about poor time management—it’s about fear, guilt, and perfectionism. ✨

In this episode of Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl, I speak with Brittany Smith, a productivity and ADHD coach at Devise and Conquer Productivity Coaching, to explore how we can take small, actionable steps to overcome procrastination and take our power back from technology. Brittany’s background in cognitive neuroscience and her practical tips make this a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed by their tasks—or their phone.

In this episode, we discuss:
🧠 The Truth About Procrastination: Why it’s more about feelings than time management and how guilt, shame, and fear can hold you back.
🤝 The Power of Body Doubling: How working with others can anchor you and make intimidating tasks less scary.
🛠️ Breaking It Down: Tackling overwhelming tasks one micro-step at a time.
📲 Reclaiming Your Phone: Tips to turn off unnecessary notifications, reorganize apps, and find freedom from your phone.
🌟 Finding Joy Amidst the Chaos: Why incorporating hobbies or passion projects can boost productivity and mental health.
✨ ADHD-Specific Tips: Strategies to manage time, simplify tasks, and avoid perfectionist traps.

Whether you’re a student drowning in assignments, a perfectionist battling procrastination, or just looking for a healthier relationship with your phone, this episode is packed with fun conversation and practical advice to aid you in your journey.

Resources Mentioned:
Devise and Conquer Productivity Coaching
Unstuck Your Tasks Course
*Course starts on January 27th, 2025. Use code “PODCASTPILOT” for 20% off!

Contact Balancing Act:

Email Moorea: [email protected]

Balancing Act Website
Instagram

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

No matter what your eating disorder says, you are not alone.

Content Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders and may not be supportive for everyone. If you're in a sensitive place, please consider skipping this episode and exploring other resources. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders is a great place to start.

When I was in the depths of my eating disorder, I felt so alone—like nobody could understand what I was going through. One of the most dangerous aspects of eating disorders is how they thrive on isolation. But you are not alone.

In this episode of Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl, I speak with Nic Coppage, a helpline specialist at the National Alliance for Eating Disorders and an advocate for mental health and people with marginalized identities, including the LGBTQ+ community. Together, we have an open, raw, and deeply personal conversation about our journeys with eating disorders.

We explore:

🌈 Nic’s Advocacy Journey: How personal experiences inspired her work with the LGBTQ+ community and individuals with eating disorders.
🧠 The Minority Stress Model: Exploring the connection between marginalized identities and mental health challenges.
💬 Practical Tips for Recovery: Differentiating eating disorder thoughts from your true self and striving for neutrality.
🤝 Seeking Help: Why reaching out is brave and how therapists, dietitians, and support groups can aid you in your journey.
📞 Supportive Resources: The National Alliance for Eating Disorders and how they can help.

Whether you're struggling with an eating disorder, supporting a loved one, or seeking to better understand this often-misunderstood topic, this episode will provide you with insights, personal stories, and actionable tips to better navigate eating disorders.

You are not alone, and recovery is possible.

Resources:
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders
Eating Disorder Hotline: +1 (866) 662-1235
Nic's Instagram

Contact Balancing Act:

Email Moorea: [email protected]

Balancing Act Website
Instagram

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

"Just love yourself!" 

We’ve all heard it, but let’s be real—easier said than done, right? What if loving yourself isn’t the goal at all? What if self-esteem is about something deeper, something more attainable?

In this episode of Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl, I sit down with Hannah Lieb, a licensed clinical social worker who works with teens and young adults, to redefine self-esteem. Spoiler alert: It’s not about loving yourself 24/7 or always feeling confident.

We dive into:
 🌱 The difference between self-esteem, self-love, and self-confidence—and why they’re not all the same
 🧠 How childhood shapes your core beliefs about worth and how social pressures as a teen can impact them
 💬 Practical tips for challenging negative self-talk and rewiring your brain
 💡 Why self-esteem is about trust and resilience, not perfection
 💔 How to stop tying your worth to external validation like grades, sports, or social media likes
 💞 Why improving self-esteem makes you a better friend, family member, and teammate

This episode is packed with insights, relatable stories, and actionable advice to help you start trusting yourself—even when life feels messy. Tune in and join me on this journey to understanding and building true self-esteem. 💕

Resources Mentioned:
Hannah's Website
Hannah's Insta
Hannah's TikTok

Contact Balancing Act:

Email Moorea: [email protected]

Balancing Act Website
Instagram

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.