Who says everything has to be extraordinary to be worthwhile?

In this episode, Philippa and Robbie take a look at what it means to live an ordinary life (and how extraordinary that can be).

We talk about the importance of presence, mindfulness, and appreciation for all the little things that as HSPs bring us such joy.

We also dig into how comparison can spoil a perfectly lovely moment and the importance of looking within to follow our own wisdom.

Have a listen and then let us know what simple pleasures in your life make your heart sing.

LINKS: 

Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Robbie:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.robbieleigh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Philippa: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.safeandsupported.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Willow McIntosh:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://inluminance.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Julie Bjelland:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.juliebjelland.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Highly Sensitive Refuge blog:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://highlysensitiverefuge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Podcast Production: Jay Herbert 

Original music: Jay Herbert and Alex Ware 

What do you think of when you hear "forgiveness"? This week Robbie and Philippa go deep (of course we do, we're HSPs!) into forgiveness and by that we mean the internal work of freeing ourselves from the stuck energy of re-feeling hurt.

We are not talking about releasing others to absolve them from hurt they have caused but we are talking about self-forgiveness as an important part of self-compassion and the work we can do to learn from past experiences.

We share our own examples of how self-forgiveness has really helped us release stuck energy so we can feel freedom around experiences that have repeatedly played out for us.

This is another big topic and the episode is full of useful tips, insights and stories. Let us know how it felt for you as you listened - use the email address below.

LINKS: 

Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Robbie:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.robbieleigh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Philippa: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.safeandsupported.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Willow McIntosh:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://inluminance.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Julie Bjelland:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.juliebjelland.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Highly Sensitive Refuge blog:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://highlysensitiverefuge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Podcast Production: Jay Herbert 

Original music: Jay Herbert and Alex Ware 

What are the messages we hear about how our bodies should look, and how does that influence the way we see ourselves?

In this episode, we talk about our ever-evolving relationships with our bodies. From childhood memories to societal pressures, we're sharing our personal journeys and unpacking the thin = good, fat = bad myth.

Robbie shares an exercise that helped her fall in love with her body after a lifetime of criticizing it, and Philippa talks about how liberating it's been to put on a swimming costume multiple times a week for the past year.

We're inviting you to embrace the amazing vessel that carries you through life, no matter its size, shape, age, or ability. We're here to remind you that you're fabulous just the way you are!

Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments. What do you love most about your body?

LINKS: 

Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Robbie:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.robbieleigh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Philippa: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.safeandsupported.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Willow McIntosh:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://inluminance.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Julie Bjelland:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.juliebjelland.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Highly Sensitive Refuge blog:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://highlysensitiverefuge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Podcast Production: Jay Herbert 

Original music: Jay Herbert and Alex Ware 

Trigger warning: we talk about trauma and trauma responses in this episode.

"Comparison is the thief of joy" said Theodore Roosevelt.

The mean voice that tells us we're not good enough (or anything else enough) when we're having self-confidence challenges. The voice that tells us to look at how well others are doing and we can't possibly be as good. It's trying to protect us from something perceived as a potential threat by keeping us full of shame and playing small. It also stops us growing and going for things we want. It steals our joy!

This is a deep dive into how comparisonitis strikes and the effect it can have on us. Robbie shares a recent experience and how she dealt with it. We also look at tools that help us and a range of tools that might help you in the moment to regulate your nervous system when comparison leads you to overwhelm. It is possible to live lighter and brighter and the key lies in nervous system regulation.

LINKS: 

Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Robbie:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.robbieleigh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Philippa: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.safeandsupported.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Willow McIntosh:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://inluminance.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Julie Bjelland:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.juliebjelland.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Highly Sensitive Refuge blog:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://highlysensitiverefuge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Podcast Production: Jay Herbert 

Original music: Jay Herbert and Alex Ware 

As children we need permission from adults to do almost everything, and often, that conditioning stays with us into adulthood. Do you find yourself waiting for someone else to give you permission to follow your dreams or speak your mind or prioritize your needs? Giving ourselves permission is really about reclaiming our power over our own lives.

LINKS: 

Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Robbie:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.robbieleigh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Philippa: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.safeandsupported.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Willow McIntosh:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://inluminance.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Julie Bjelland:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.juliebjelland.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Highly Sensitive Refuge blog:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://highlysensitiverefuge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Podcast Production: Jay Herbert 

Original music: Jay Herbert and Alex Ware 

We followed our intuition this episode and it took on a beautiful life of its own. :)

Philippa was intrigued by this definition: Intuition = instinct + spirit, and we had a lovely conversation around it.

What is intuition? What is spirit? Who is the core part of us? How do we tune in to the parts of us that know things?

We don't have all the answers, but we really enjoyed the exploration.

LINKS: 

Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Robbie:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.robbieleigh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Philippa: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.safeandsupported.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Willow McIntosh:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://inluminance.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Julie Bjelland:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.juliebjelland.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Highly Sensitive Refuge blog:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://highlysensitiverefuge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Podcast Production: Jay Herbert 

Original music: Jay Herbert and Alex Ware 

Perfectionism is a survival strategy we develop to keep us safe, but really, it keeps us small. As Dr. Brené Brown says, "It's a 20 ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us, when in fact, it's the thing that's really preventing us from flight."

Who defines perfect? Listen to hear Philippa and Robbie's strategies for letting ourselves off the hook, making friends with perfectionism, doing things imperfectly, and reclaiming our energy so we can pursue healthy striving on the things that really matter. Join us in making a joyful, imperfect impact!

LINKS: 

Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Robbie:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.robbieleigh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Philippa: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.safeandsupported.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Willow McIntosh:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://inluminance.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Julie Bjelland:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.juliebjelland.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Highly Sensitive Refuge blog:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://highlysensitiverefuge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Podcast Production: Jay Herbert 

Original music: Jay Herbert and Alex Ware 

Boundaries are a vital piece of the puzzle for HSPs and can feel really hard for us to create. In this episode, Philippa talks about boundaries in a way we've never heard before: as a resource management system. Join us as we share some tips and techniques for putting boundaries in place. We don't have it all figured out (far from it!) but we're happy to share what we know.

LINKS: 

Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Robbie:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.robbieleigh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Philippa: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.safeandsupported.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Willow McIntosh:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://inluminance.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Julie Bjelland:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.juliebjelland.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Highly Sensitive Refuge blog:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://highlysensitiverefuge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Podcast Production: Jay Herbert 

Original music: Jay Herbert and Alex Ware 

This episode is connected to episodes 4 (self-care) and 7 (relationships), so you may find it helpful to revisit those. Robbie discovered her rhythm and needs by learning from what didn't work for her. In contrast, for Philippa, it was a matter of taking a chance and trying something different, inspired by Brené Brown's Ted Talk on vulnerability. Both of them experienced significant changes as a result of their discoveries.

Acknowledging that, despite achieving what society deems as "success", it doesn't equate to happiness allowed Philippa to explore her own needs. She now finds joy in continuing to discover her rhythm for life. Robbie discusses the importance of self-love and prioritising one's needs to find her rhythm. By doing so, positive outcomes increase while negative outcomes decrease.

Both Robbie and Philippa aspire to encourage others to practice true self-love to spread love to others. They acknowledge that they are still learning and invite listeners to share your thoughts, questions, and feedback for future episodes.

LINKS: 

Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Robbie:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.robbieleigh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Philippa: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.safeandsupported.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Willow McIntosh:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://inluminance.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Julie Bjelland:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.juliebjelland.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Highly Sensitive Refuge blog:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://highlysensitiverefuge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Podcast Production: Jay Herbert 

Original music: Jay Herbert and Alex Ware 

Email us: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ 

Robbie:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.robbieleigh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Philippa: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.safeandsupported.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠ 

Willow McIntosh:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://inluminance.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Julie Bjelland:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.juliebjelland.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Highly Sensitive Refuge blog:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://highlysensitiverefuge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Podcast Production: Jay Herbert 

Original music: Jay Herbert and Alex Ware