Dr. UnStuck Podcast — Get Out of Your Head. Get Into Your Life.

Many of us who grew up in an addicted and/or dysfunctional home were forced to grow up too quickly, often not feeling like we were able to be a child. Children are like puppies, in that they are spontaneous and carefree. Spontaneity is also directly connected to one's ability to experience joy. When childhood is derailed by dysfunction, we are shaped in a way that is different from other children.

#ACOA #familyaddiction #innerchild #shame #recovery #codependency #authenticity #resilience #worthiness #selflove

We can sometimes very casually think and say things that are unaccepting of ourselves such as how we are too fat, too short, too tall, not good at whatever, not successful in school or the workplace. When this self-rejecting loop of negative internal dialogue is allowed to continue on autopilot, there is a high price to pay as far as our mental health, happiness, and success. Self-rejection leaks into every aspect of our lives like battery acid, corroding our self-image, relationships, and overall life satisfaction. Shifting into a place of self love and acceptance is essential to become the highest version of yourself and to live your best life.

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#selfacceptance #selflove #positiveaffirmation #selfrejection #selfdepracation #anxiety #depression #happiness #mindfulness #gratitude #resilience #authenticity #authenticjourney #authenticpath #selfvalue #worthiness #originalworthiness #selfesteem #selfworth #selfimage #Positivity #positiveenergy #Champlaincollege #Stmichaelscollege

It can be so easy to seek out ways to feel important and to acquire a feeling of self-worth from doing good things for others. From the outside looking in this can appear to be a good thing, though in reality, when we are actively engaged in the "disease to please" it can leave us feeling empty, resentful, and emotionally bankrupt. 

#codependency #peoplepleasing #diseasetoplease #addiction #selfimportance #authenticity #mindfulness #mindfulgiving #ego #positivity #Champlaincollege #Stmichaelscollege

We often engage in "conversational editing" when someone is sharing a point of view that we disagree with. Much like a volcano erupts, we feel that "shenpa" surge from our toes which then rises upward through the body much like a thermometer in the summer heat. We often get so moved by this urge that we must let the other person know that what they are saying is not correct. Though engaging in a battle of the egos can be enormously rewarding in that moment, this "ego-fix" is at the expense of our inner peace.

#ego #innerpeace #mindfulness #authenticity #shenpa #letothersberight #kindness #happiness #joy #positivity #positiveeducation #Champlaincollege #Stmichaelscollege

Dr. Leslie Averill of Champlain College, speaks to us about designing a successful day much like an architect designs a building, from the ground up. The foundation is one of "progress not perfection," and can be achieved with any combination of 8 "success variables." Dr. Averill stands by the concept of building upon these success variables to strive for a day that is "OK" or "decent." It is also important to show ourselves compassion along this new path of well-being, as well as to acknowledge and self-affirm our own progress. Then, once we make progress with and master these smaller steps, the doors will open more easily for a "great" day.

Leslie Averill has spent the last two decades in higher education leadership working in roles such as Vice President of Student Life, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Operating Officer.  She earned her doctorate from the University of Vermont in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies and is a self proclaimed life-long learner, outdoor enthusiast, and disciplined positivist.

#positivity #success #successarchitect #wellbeing #wellness #resilience #bestself #liveyourbestlife #authenticself #wellbeingjourney #wellnesseducation #happiness #authenticity #mentalhealth #outdoorenthusiast #lifelonglearner #womenleadership #Champlaincollege #Stmichaelscollege #Universityofvermont

Dr. Valerie Esposito of Champlain College, speaks to us about the many benefits that getting out into nature has on our minds and bodies. Dr. Esposito explains that the mind and body are intimately connected, and how taking in fresh air for only 15 minutes not only reduces anxiety and depression, but boosts our immune systems as well. Dr. Esposito talks to us about the restorative power of something called “Shinrin-Yoku” (forest bathing), a Japanese technique which is as its name implies, a total immersion in the forest just as we would sink into a deep bubble bath.

“We can never have enough of nature."

~Henry David Thoreau.

Dr. Valerie Esposito has been the Program Director for the Environmental Studies and Policy program since 2010. She has a Valerie attended American University, earning a B.A. in Justice. She received an M.A. from Brown University in Environmental Studies. She obtained her Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Ecological Economics from the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics at the University of Vermont.  Her teaching interests include ecological literacy, education for sustainability, place-based learning and ecological economic policy implementation.   Valerie enjoys spending time  taking advantage of Vermont's playground with family and friends through skiing, biking, hiking, gardening and being in the woods with her dog. Reading and cultivating her inner yogini also keep her busy.

#Champlaincollege #Forestbathing #nature #mentalhealth #anxiety #reducestress #depression #reducedepression #gratitude #mindfulness #resilience #emotionalhealing #freshairbenefits #innerpeace #happiness #authenticity #selfcare #selfvalue #peace #solitude #Stmichaelscollege

The USA is home to 3.1 percent of the world's children, yet they are the consumers of roughly 40 percent of the world's toys. Though we can mean well as parents, teaching kids to associate stuff with love is not the best idea, and the clutter it causes can lead to anxiety and an overall lack of focus. Also, the inherent social comparison that occurs when seeing what other kids have can lead to sadness and depression. Role-modeling and teaching minimalism at a young age can lead to a higher level of authentic happiness and open the doors wide for creativity and innovation.

#minimalism #creativity #minimalistlifestyle #minimalistkids #consumerism #overindulgedkids #happiness #holidaycommercialism #materialism #authentichappiness #joy #innerpeace #lessismore #simplicity #simplicityparenting #Champlaincollege #Stmichaelscollege

It is of utmost importance to evaluate and filter out the company you keep much like you would clean a closet or attic. Our valuable life-minutes are limited each day, yet we often continue to do things out of obligation with people who do not give us a lift and whose company we simply no longer look forward to. Sometimes we even dread making a plan with someone which is a definite sign that they need to be demoted to the third string or even benched. Though there are certainly obligations in life that are essential, many of these relationships can be weeded out like weeds from a garden. It is also important to realize that when our lives are filled with unnecessary relational obligations we don't care much about, this leaves very little room for new relationships to enter into our lives.

#relationships #boundaries #relationshipobligation #newrelationships #connection #communication #lifeminutes #selfvalue #selfworth #worthiness #selflove #happienss #innerpeace #Champlaincollege #Stmichaelscollege

Dr. Lindsey Godwin explains to us that all change begins with asking that first question, whether this is larger organizational change in the workplace, or a desire to lose a few pandemic pounds. Change and questions are simultaneous moments, with awareness and intention being key to moving toward what we want. Dr. Godwin further explains that "words create worlds" and "images of the future inspire the action of today." We can choose what to focus on like a flashlight shines on an object.

Dr. Lindsey Godwin, The Robert P. Stiller Endowed Chair & Professor of Management  & Academic Director of the David L. Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry, Champlain College.

#appreciativeinquiry #positiveeducation #posttraumaticgrowth #mindset #positivity #resilience #authenticity #fallingup #happiness #habits #positivechange #intention #mindfulness #gratitude #Champlaincollege #Stmichaelscollege

It seems that many of us are on a secret mission to "get it all done" each day. We check email compulsively, making sure to respond to every one of these in order to prevent a pile up, the underlying fear that drives us. If we don't stay on top of each email we risk disappointing people and not acquiring their approval. Most of us also have a To-Do List of micro-tasks which includes a litany of boxes to check for work, as well as those for the partner, the kids, and the dog. It is as if we are in a hypnotic trance to complete all of this, as once complete we can then be happy, relaxed, enjoy inner peace, and spend time with those we love.  

#emailcompulsion #worklifebalance #Nottodolist #happiness #innerpeace #relaxation #positivity #balancedlife #mentalhealth #selfvalue #lifeminutes #Champlaincollege #StMichaelscollege