In a world that rewards hustle, glorifies busyness, and rarely encourages rest, many of us push through exhaustion until our bodies say, "enough." But what happens when your immune system, your energy, and even your joy collapse under the weight of nonstop doing?

In Episode 18 of Connecting the Golden Dots, Teri Cox shares a deeply personal and empowering message about the hidden cost of ignoring downtime, and why "me time" isn't a luxury, but a lifeline. After a series of illnesses, injuries, and life changes, Teri was forced to confront the truth: rest and self-care are not signs of weakness. They're the foundation of resilience. From her 24/7 work life to finally embracing long walks, meditation, and joy-filled moments, she's redefining productivity and balance.

Tune in as Teri breaks down how quality me time recharges your mind, body, and spirit, and why you should stop feeling guilty for taking it. This isn't just about self-care. It's about building a life you don't need to escape from.

Episode Takeaways:

• Why "me time" isn't optional. What happens when health issues force us to stop (2:40)
• The toxic loop of guilt around rest (6:30)
• Why stepping away from tasks (even briefly) can reboot your brain and boost productivity (10:50)
• The power of daily walks, dancing, and live performances in creating soul-aligned energy (15:40)
• How "me time" strengthens relationships (21:10)
• Quiet time = clarity time (24:30)
• Make mornings count (28:10)

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When life feels heavy and the world seems to be spinning faster every day, it’s easy to slip into a spiral of negativity. The news cycle, personal struggles, and emotional fatigue can chip away at your well-being. But what if the way back to joy, resilience, and clarity doesn’t require a dramatic life overhaul? What if it just takes a shift in how you start your day, the energy you surround yourself with, and the thoughts you choose to nurture?

In today’s episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we dive into the transformative power of gratitude and the practical strategies you can use to stay grounded when life feels chaotic. Teri shares how she has learned to reframe negative self-talk, boost her mood through simple rituals, and rediscover joy after years of caregiving and personal loss. From creating a gratitude practice to limiting digital noise and being intentional with your energy, this episode is filled with actionable tips to help you shift from emotional burnout to soulful presence.

Episode takeaways

• Why your attitude shapes your health and energy more than you think (1:50)
• The fastest way to break a cycle of negative self-talk (4:20)
• Three things you can do every morning to reset your mindset (9:00)
• How music and movement instantly shift your mood (11:10)
• Why giving doesn’t have to involve money, and still brings joy (14:00)
• The surprising link between gratitude and emotional well-being (18:00)
• The ripple effect of positivity (24:10)
• Why you should embrace how blessed you are more often (28:30)

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We all face the challenge of staying focused in a world full of distractions—especially as the seasons change and summer encourages us to loosen our routines. Maintaining clarity and productivity can be difficult when life pulls us in multiple directions, but having a clear sense of purpose can make all the difference. From the constant buzz of social media to shifting responsibilities and the irresistible pull of warm-weather activities, this episode is a reminder that focus isn’t about rigidity—it’s about choosing what truly matters.

In today’s episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we explore how to stay focused during the busy summer months by setting realistic goals and breaking them down into manageable daily steps. We discuss the power of to-do lists, optimizing your workspace, staying energized with breaks and hydration, and creating healthy boundaries with technology. We also highlight the importance of weaving joy into your schedule—through activities that refuel you—so you can stay motivated without losing sight of your priorities.

Episode takeaways:

• Why focus feels hard—and why it matters (0:30)
• The foundation: Goal setting and visual reminders (3:15)
• Small steps, big impact: Building daily momentum (6:00)
• Planning with purpose: To-do lists and nighttime prep (8:30)
• Balancing work and play with a summer schedule (11:30)
• Creating a focus-friendly workspace (14:30)
• Tech boundaries, energy management, and taking breaks (17:30)
• Monthly planning and the importance of joy (21:00)

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As we've already shared on this podcast, there are two types of change. The first is the kind we initiate, one we seek out and work toward with intention. The second is the kind that arrives without warning, uninvited and unexpected. At first glance, these two types of change may seem like opposite sides of the same coin, but they share one undeniable truth: you'll have to deal with both.

In today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we talk about how to prepare ourselves for the kind of change that breaks into our lives, kicking the door, and the importance of self-advocacy when dealing with our health. We also go through the finishing touches of the last episode, as we cover how to allergy-proof our house. You'll hear tips and practical advice on creating an allergy-free environment and a real-life example of the importance of self-advocating for your health.

Episode takeaways:

• Why it is crucial to fight humidity if you suffer from allergies (2:30)
• How often do you change your bedding? (3:50)
• When was the last time you changed your AC filters? (5:00)
• Dealing with unexpected change (7:30)
• Why wouldn't you persevere if your health is on the line? (13:00)
• Don't let complications dictate the rhythm (16:10)

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As we watch the gray months of winter fade in the rearview mirror, the bright and warm days of spring hit our windshield, bringing renewal, fresh starts, and new energy. But for many, spring also arrives with sneezing, watery eyes, and relentless allergy flare-ups.

In today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we take a moment to appreciate the beauty of spring—the symbolism of rebirth and nature's vibrant transformation that exudes love. But we also tackle the not-so-glamorous side of the season: asthma and seasonal allergies. If only by reading these lines, you feel your nose itch, or your eyes start to fill with tears, and you can see yourself sneezing and coughing while everyone else is enjoying the fresh air, you're not alone.

Episode takeaways:

• The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and the days are longer! (2:40)
• About the symbolism and positive vibes of spring (4:40)
• The not-so-glamorous side of spring (6:00)
• How to prevent and be prepared for spring allergies (8:40)
• Pro tips from an allergy veteran (11:30)

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Have you ever noticed the more you look at the clock, the faster time flies? What is it, then, that makes days during holidays feel longer if they have the same 24 hours any other day has?

In today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, I invite you to take a breather, become more mindful of how you spend your time, and reflect on the impact of stepping away from the clock for a moment. As we age, our perception of time shifts, and the sensation that days grow shorter only intensifies. There's no point in trying to stop time; it moves forward relentlessly—many brilliant minds have tried and failed. While we can't slow time itself, we can make it feel less fleeting and learn to savor our 24 hours twice as much.

Tune in as we dive deep into practical ways of turning your days longer, learn to balance routine tasks with new experiences, and explore tools to keep our minds as sharp as possible. You'll also hear about why social media is so effective at distorting our sense of time, the difference between "clock time" and "mind time," and much more.

• What if we change the perspective on how we look at time? (2:30)
• Clock time and mind time, what's the difference? (5:00)
• Why do days feel longer during holidays? (7:10)
• How to find the sweet spot between routine and new activities (9:50)
• Why laughter and joy are great for modifying how we experience time (13:00)
• What causes us to lose track of time while scrolling mindlessly? (17:20)
• Make the best out of every day (22:00)

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Have you ever felt the gentle, reassuring presence of a loved one offering you comfort from beyond?

In today's heartfelt episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we reflect on the human spirit's transcendence as a shortcut to solace, strength, and comfort in loss and pain. An unexpected encounter with a black swallowtail butterfly opened my eyes to the enduring connection between the living and the departed. As I witnessed God's perfection manifested on that butterfly's wings, moving slowly, I found a harmonious space between mind and heart—a place to accept, see, and feel the presence of loved ones whose souls have transcended.

Tune in as I share the profound signs and messages I've received from beyond—whispers of love and reassurance that have transformed how I see the world. You'll also hear how My Butterfly Legacy became a guiding light in my journey toward peace, offering comfort in grief and a deeper understanding of life beyond what we can touch and see. Let it inspire you to find solace, strength, and connection in your own moments of loss.

• A disruptive swallowtail butterfly in the living room (3:40)
• What is that butterfly really here for? (7:30)
• Asking for signs from beyond (12:40)
• My Butterfly Legacy (16:50)
• A dance close to the heart, literally and figuratively (22:30)
• Your loved ones haven't left you (29:40)

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What kind of person are you during the holidays? Are you a bundle of joy who thrives and enjoys each moment, or do you turn the autopilot on and do your best to survive?

In today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we discuss how to leave unrealistic expectations and stress aside, navigate the holiday season calmly, and set ourselves up for success in 2025. With the end of the year already knocking at our front door, stress levels skyrocket the moment we start thinking about what to wear, how to decorate the house, the presents we want to buy, what we'll cook, how much we'll eat or drink... and the list goes on. But don't panic! There are plenty of things you can do to truly feel happy before, during and after the most anticipated season of the year.

Tune in as I go through simple yet effective techniques to let go of unrealistic expectations, avoid negative thinking, and prioritize self-care. You'll also hear about the importance of practicing gratitude, elevating yourself to the next level in 2025 through personal development, building meaningful and realistic New Year's resolutions, and so much more.

• How to deal with the toxicity of some family members (2:30)
• Is it possible to eliminate negative thinking? (4:00)
• What is the best way to stick to your eating routine during the holiday season? (5:50)
• The importance of being and feeling connected during the holidays (7:40)
• How to set realistic New Year's resolutions (13:00)
• Why self-care must be a #1 priority (18:10)
• Letting go of your imposter syndrome (21:20)

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How likely are you to remain resilient during a personal tsunami of back-to-back challenges?

In today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we talk about navigating and embracing change—both desired and undesired. This year was shaped by a handful of changes that I planned and made happen, and a ton of others entirely unpredicted, unwanted, and unwelcome. The truth is, I had to deal with both kinds, whether I liked it or not.

Tune in as we discuss what you should focus on to make it through the unexpected (and probably life-altering) changes coming your way. You'll get actionable strategies that will help you embrace change in a way that'll keep you resilient, mentally and physically. Plus, you'll get the tools that'll help you emerge stronger and more focused when dealing with personal struggles and broader societal challenges.

• About wanted and unwanted changes (3:10)
• How to embrace unwanted changes (7:00)
• Why setting priorities and self-care is crucial (13:00)
• How to use unpredicted changes to improve personal connections (18:10)
• Using unpredicted changes to boost personal growth (10:10)

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Today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots is part two of our previous conversation about the pros and cons of technology. This time, we focus more on technology's capacity to enhance our relationship-building skills and improve our interactions. While we, the older generations, had to learn to interact with old and new friends in the digital world, newer generations had to do the opposite. They were born in a digital world and had to learn the prehistoric ways of interacting with each other. In the middle of those two extremes, all of us, the young and the old folk meet, exchange experiences, and do our best to turn that flat, cold screen between us into a warmer place.

Tune in as we discuss how to make our interactions more effective, build healthy boundaries in the digital world to protect ourselves in real-world scenarios, and strengthen our relationships. You'll also hear about how social media affects our interactions with each other and its negative and positive effects on scholars. Plus, I share tips on how to leverage technology in your favor and enhance your personal relationships, manage screen time for healthier relationships at home, and so much more.

• About generational perspectives on technology (4:00)
• Using the positive aspects of technology in our favor (6:10)
• Technology's role in love and politics (8:20)
• How to deal with the impact of digital relationships in face-to-face interactions (10:30)
• The importance of self-awareness to create effective communications (19:40)
• Managing screen time at home (23:40)
• The importance of constantly learning and adapting our lives to new technologies (27:00)

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