This week’s podcast offers practical advice for overcoming a lack of drive and avoiding procrastination. The first tip: making tasks as easy as possible by preparing ahead of time. Other strategies include breaking down large tasks into smaller steps to make them less daunting and giving oneself credit or small rewards for accomplishments. Finally, I advocate for incorporating self-care and short breaks, such as naps or brief walks, to re-energize and prevent burnout, ultimately providing several simple ways to regain lost motivation

Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛

References:

https://medium.com/dose-of-wonder/6-hacks-to-increase-motivation-ca8112e6ec0d 6 Hacks To Increase Motivation by Caitlin McColl

This week’s podcast talks about the existential dilemma of feeling that all meaningful thoughts and expressions have already been articulated throughout history.. I talk about the common human experience of searching for life’s purpose, often feeling pressured by societal expectations to achieve specific milestones. But I say that life inherently lacks one fixed, overarching purpose. Instead, I encourage people to discover and redefine their personal purpose repeatedly throughout their lives, and that these purposes can be as simple as making coffee or as ambitious as starting a business, and are subject to change. It’s important to live boldly and embrace mistakes and contribute their unique perspectives even if the core ideas aren’t entirely new.

Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛

Reference:

There Is Nothing Left To Say - but you should say it anyway by Caitlin McColl https://medium.com/dose-of-wonder/there-is-nothing-left-to-say-51f5c58f385f

This week’s podcast explores the deeply personal and often unconventional ways individuals cope with grief and loss particularly through speaking aloud to deceased loved ones and pets, acknowledging that such actions might seem unusual but **offer comfort and a continued sense of connection. I reflects on the lasting impact of loved ones within one's consciousness and the varying forms grief can take. I illustrate the unique and essential journey of processing loss and keeping the memory of loved ones alive through personal rituals.

Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛

Reference:

Talking to the dead https://caitlinmccoll.medium.com/talking-to-the-dead-6fe11ed1c7fa?source=list-aaf985591f8f--------8-------277769a16dea---------------------

In this week’s podcast I give five practical suggestions for improving mental well-being, particularly relevant during Mental Health Awareness Month in May, but applicable year-round. I emphasize the importance of spending time outdoors, drawing on concepts like "forest bathing" to highlight nature's calming effects. And also advocate for connecting with others to combat isolation and gain different perspectives, and engaging in physical exercise to boost mood-enhancing chemicals. I also recommend fostering creativity or learning new skills to enhance brain health, and encourage listeners to practice self-compassion and listen to their own needs for rest and self-care.

Wait!

I recently created a free gift for subscribers of my publication! I’ve added a link to my Welcome Email for all new Subscribers. But if you already subscribe to me? Fret not! You can grab it right here:

A Little Guide to Everyday WonderI made a short, 11-page PDF just for you dear subscribers—full of gentle prompts, tiny invitations, and simple ways to notice the little wonders hiding in everyday life. It’s my gift to all subscribers, free to download, and easy to dip into whenever you need a sprinkle of curiosity or joy.

Grab your copy here and let a little wonder in today.

References:

5 simple things you can do for your mental health right now by Caitlin McColl https://caitlinmccoll.medium.com/heres-5-simple-things-you-can-do-for-your-mental-health-right-now-e42c87960929

This week’s podcast presents introversion not as a weakness, but as a superpower, highlighting how introverts' quiet observational nature allows them to perceive details others might miss and fosters trustworthiness. I share personal experiences illustrating the typical introverted lifestyle, emphasizing preferences for solitude and one-on-one interactions. I also talk about mental health concerns for introverts, providing five key areas—connecting with others, physical activity, learning new things, acts of kindness, and setting boundaries—and offers introvert-friendly strategies for engaging in each without compromising their energy or nature.

Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛

Want a bit more? Here’s an article not sent out via newsletter you can check out:

Wonder In Hard Places: A Trauma Sensitive Pause

References:

How Being An Introvert in an Extroverted World is a Superpower by Caitlin McColl https://medium.com/dose-of-wonder/how-to-be-an-introvert-in-an-extroverted-world-eb444375aa40?sk=2cb5011507cbcb5246bb05fc31a1e4f0

Thanks for listening to Dose of Wonder! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This week’s podcast explores the concept of personal freedom through the lens of Stoic philosophy. It challenges the initial assumption of being free by prompting reflection on the various external and internal factors that might hold individuals captive, such as work, finances, societal expectations, and even personal anxieties. I suggest that true self-possession might only be achievable through extreme isolation, similar to Henry David Thoreau's experience, as living within a society inherently involves obligations and compromises of personal autonomy. Ultimately, I invite listeners to consider the ways in which they are both free and bound, prompting contemplation on the nature of personal power and the sacrifices made in pursuit of a fulfilling life.

Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛

References:

Are you free or are you captive? By Caitlin McColl https://medium.com/inkslinger-magazine/are-you-free-or-are-you-captive-6b0d860b0208

Hi Wonderers,

This week’s podcast explores the unexpected and often illogical triggers of grief, highlighting how seemingly minor events can ignite profound sadness over a loved one's absence. I illustrate this through a personal anecdote, where a Facebook post about a lost recipe sparks a realization of missed opportunities to ask important questions of my dead mother and aunt, particularly concerning menopause. This experience, though initially feeling "ridiculous," underscores the deep emotional impact of losing the chance for shared experiences and advice. Ultimately, I’m advocating for compassionately allowing oneself to feel grief when it arises, rather than suppressing it, because processing these emotions leads to greater well-being.

Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛

References:

https://medium.com/mindful-mental-health/when-grief-rears-its-head-48dcc6658eff When Grief Rears Its Head by Caitlin McColl

Thanks for listening. Subscribe for a pocketful of wonder, right in your inbox — stories, sparks, and small reminders to see the magic in your everyday.

This is a repeat episode! Kind of… I accidentally published/sent out this podcast episode back on August 3rd, when I meant to schedule it for today! Oops… That’s me human-ing.

Today’s podcast offers a guide to authentic self-care, distinguishing it from mere indulgence. It emphasizes that self-care involves actions that benefit both physical and mental well-being, highlighting the importance of self-appreciation. I outline ten practical methods, ranging from physical activities like exercise and healthy eating to mental and emotional practices such as setting boundaries and taking digital breaks. A bonus tip encourages occasional treats, provided they’re just once in a while.

Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛

References:

https://medium.com/mindful-mental-health/10-ways-to-care-for-yourself-7c47c5785e8b?sk=95f8bc5746fdc742dc98e5446bec08d3 10 ways to care for yourself by Caitlin McColl

Thanks for listening! Subscribe for a pocketful of wonder, right in your inbox — stories, sparks, and small reminders to see the magic in your everyday.

Today’s podcast explores the profound concept that every single moment is entirely unique and has never been experienced before and emphasizes that even seemingly familiar activities are never exactly the same twice, due to constant changes in our environment, our bodies, and our perceptions. I encourage listeners to pause and observe their surroundings with this fresh perspective, highlighting the miraculous and special nature of each fleeting moment. This shift in mindset, inspired by a meditation, aims to cultivate awe and wonder by recognizing the significance of otherwise "insignificant" details and appreciating the unrepeatable quality of existence.

Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛

References:

https://medium.com/mindful-mental-health/you-have-never-been-here-before-d5317f2ba76a You Have Never Been Here Before by Caitlin McColl

Thanks for listening! Subscribe for a pocketful of wonder, right in your inbox — stories, sparks, and small reminders to see the magic in your everyday.

This week’s podcast talks about challenging things that we were experiencing back in 2022, when my original article was written, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and economic hardships, and acknowledging that things "suck" right now. Despite these difficulties, I emphasize that individuals do not have to succumb to negativity and can choose to foster positive attitudes, highlighting the power of individual action, and that even small acts of kindness and contribution can create significant ripple effects and make a difference. Engaging in benevolent acts benefits not only others but also one's own well-being, leading to improved mood and health. Ultimately, I encourage personal well-being as a prerequisite for helping others, advocating for self-care alongside community involvement to improve the world.

Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛

References:

https://medium.com/dose-of-wonder/the-world-sucks-right-now-424f24a4598b The World Sucks Right Now (but we don’t have to) by Caitlin McColl

How One Person Can Make a Lasting Impact in the World — https://www.waterford.org/education/how-to-change-the-world/

The Butterfly Effect: Everything You Need to Know About This Powerful Mental Model — https://fs.blog/the-butterfly-effect/