We live in a world that loves polished highlight reels — but the truth? No one has it all together. In this episode of Counselors and Coffee, Jessie Brockel unpacks the myth of perfection and the hidden ways it impacts our mental health. You'll hear why chasing "having it all figured out" keeps us stuck, and how embracing our imperfections leads to real growth, resilience, and connection. Plus, Jessie shares practical ways to replace self-criticism with self-compassion. If you’ve ever felt like you're falling behind, this conversation is your reminder that you are exactly where you need to be.Take a deep breath. You're doing better than you think.You don’t have to have it all figured out to be doing meaningful, important work in your life.Resources Mentioned:Connect with Jessie and explore mental health resources at https://www.thesupportcircle.com/Let’s Stay Connected:Follow The Support Circle on Instagram @_thesupportcircle and Facebook @thesupportcircleShare your thoughts on today’s episode using #CounselorsAndCoffee

Join us for an insightful episode as I sit down with former Oncology Nurse Cherri Hildebrandt to explore the personal journey of navigating retirement. In this episode, Cherri shares her experiences, challenges, and the rewarding aspects of transitioning into retirement. Whether you’re nearing retirement, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the future, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and practical advice. Tune in to gain inspiration and guidance for making the most of your golden years with grace and fulfillment.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction and December Update

0:14 Introducing Cherri Hildebrandt

1:09 Rethinking Retirement

2:42 Why Cherri Retired

5:26 Challenges of Retirement

8:36 Adjusting to a New Routine

9:53 A Unique Family Bond

13:32 Overcoming Isolation

20:03 Maintaining Social Connections

24:53 Looking Ahead: Plans and Goals

In this episode of Counselors and Coffe, we explore the little (and big) things that bring us joy and how they’re deeply connected to mental health. 🌈 Learn about the science behind feel-good hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, and discover simple, practical ways to boost your well-being every day.

We also dive into topics like the importance of connection, seasonal mood changes, and how to jumpstart motivation when it’s hard. Whether you’re feeling great or looking for a pick-me-up, this episode is full of inspiration to help you thrive. 🧠✨

💖 Like, subscribe, and share if you love this content, and let us know in the comments what brings you joy!

0:00 Intro: Welcome to the episode

0:14 Stuff We Love: Today’s topic explained

1:23 Feel-Good Hormones: Why they matter

2:44 Seasonal Moods: Coping with the blues

3:50 Motivation: How to start when it’s hard

5:39 Oxytocin: Connection and love hormone

8:08 Dopamine: The reward system

16:16 Serotonin: Boosting mood and sleep

23:38 Endorphins: Natural pain relievers

29:02 Finding Joy: Starting new things

https://www.thesupportcircle.com/

Chapters:

Our self-identity is shaped throughout our lives and often impacted by the things we choose to try!  As we get older - we frequently stick to what we know. It is scary to try something new and risk failure, judgment, or imperfection. In this episode, Jess & Ashley explore the value of trying new things just for the HECK of it, how to be open to new experiences, and how to normalize the challenges of stepping outside our comfort zone.  You will also learn tips to bolster your bravery and step into something new!    

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The loss of a loved one is a very difficult experience to navigate and LITERALLY sucks.  In Part 2 of our grief series, Ashley and Jess explore how we adjust to life after the loss of a loved one.  Grief is an individual experience and often looks different for everyone.  In this episode, we discuss unexpected loss, anticipated loss, and loss of a loved one by suicide.  We share our go-to methods for taking care of yourself and others who may be experiencing grief.  Whether you've lost a loved one, are supporting someone who has, or is seeking to understand grief better, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice. 

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Some of Jessie’s favorite children’s books include “A Shelter for Sadness” by Anne Book & David Litchfield, “One Wave At a Time” by Holly Thompson, and “The Next Place” by Warren Hanson. 

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In this deeply heartfelt episode, we explore the complex and often overwhelming journey of non-death losses and transitions. Join Ashley & Jess in this 2 part series, as they share their insights on the stages of grief, coping mechanisms, and the importance of allowing oneself to mourn. Tune into our next episode which will explore surviving the loss of a loved one.

You don’t want to miss:

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And, if you enjoyed this episode - SHOUT IT OUT. We appreciate it if you would leave a rating and review.  This totally helps us make shifts and give you more of what you want!

Friendships & connection play an important role in our lives both socially and physically!  The biological benefits are REAL and in spending time with others it allows us to grow in our beliefs and values, all while building empathy and understanding for differing views.  There are many different kinds of connections and in this episode, Ashley and Jess explore those connections and also how to INCREASE your connections!  

You don’t want to miss:

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And, if you enjoyed this episode - SHOUT IT OUT. We appreciate it if you would leave a rating and review.  This totally helps us make shifts and give you more of what you want!

Goal setting is not just about creating a to-do list! 

Jessie and Ashley revisit their goals, reflect on both their challenges and progress, as well as share tips and tricks that work in their personal lives to keep moving towards their goals. 

We explore a variety of ideas including repurposing planners to help create positive reinforcement, reflecting and continuous check-ins to shift if you have gotten off the beaten path, and giving yourself grace when life disrupts your timeline.  

You don’t want to miss:

Links and resources:

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you get your dose of Ashley & Jessie delivering all things wellness.

And, if you enjoyed this episode - SHOUT IT OUT. We appreciate it if you would leave a rating and review.  This helps us make shifts and give you more of what you want!

Its been a few months since we made New Year’s Resolutions or Intentions…hows your’s going? On this episode, Jess and Ash check in on eachother and see how they are coming on the goals and intentions they set for themselves a few months back, and look to the future and how they can be even more successful. 

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Instagram: @wholeheartedhub

Website: wholeheartedhub.com

Spring is here!

SUMMARY PARAGRAPH: At least here in the Midwest, spring has finally sprung after a long winter.  But the change in seasons can bring some new feelings and opportunities for transitions.  Jess and Ash walk through how to navigate this time of transition and how to thrive while doing it!

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Instagram: @wholeheartedhub

Website: wholeheartedhub.com