In Episode 56, Denise and Jackie bring the "vava voom" to celebrate love and Valentine’s Day (even if you're listening in March!). The mother-daughter duo uses the holiday as a jumping-off point to dive into the complex topics of love, romantic relationships, and most importantly, self-love.

The conversation explores the difference between performative self-care and genuine self-love, and how setting boundaries is a crucial part of recovery and mental health. They also touch on Step 11, discussing how different forms of meditation—from silent walks to guided apps—can help regulate the nervous system and help us notice "glimmers" (the opposite of triggers) in our daily lives.

Ultimately, they remind us to release the pressure of arbitrary timelines and societal expectations, closing with their signature gratitude practice and a simple but powerful message: Love is everything.

Key Times:

00:00:42 "Vava voom" and Valentine's Day accessories

00:05:15 Exploring the concepts of self-love vs. self-care

00:11:30 Step 11: Finding your own version of meditation

00:18:20 Glimmers: Training your nervous system to notice the good

00:26:45 Navigating relationship expectations and boundaries

00:32:10 Releasing arbitrary timelines and societal pressures

00:38:24 "Love is everything" - A belated Valentine's Day message

00:38:37 The closing gratitude practice and deep breathing

00:39:11 "You're a miracle. Drink some water."

Topics Covered:

1. Valentine's Day, accessories, and the "vava voom" energy
2. Self-love vs. performative self-care
3. Step 11: Finding accessible ways to practice meditation
4. Regulating the nervous system by looking for "glimmers"
5. Setting healthy boundaries in romantic and platonic relationships
6. Letting go of timelines and societal pressures
7. Closing gratitude and breathing practice

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Follow Us:

1. Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la
2. Follow Denise: @denise.freed
3. Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone
4. Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone