Living Your Best Life With Suzanne Wachtel

In this thought-provoking episode of Living Your Best Life, titled “Are You Altruistic?”, Suzanne Wachtel, LCSW, explores what it really means to put others first. Is altruism simply being kind and generous, or is there more to it? Suzanne looks at the motivations behind our giving and invites listeners to consider whether we help others because we genuinely want to, because we feel responsible, or because we are looking for appreciation, acceptance, or validation.

Suzanne also explores the important balance between caring for others and caring for ourselves. Being generous with our time, energy, compassion, and resources can be deeply rewarding—but giving too much can leave us depleted or resentful. With her signature warmth and insight, Suzanne encourages listeners to examine their own patterns of giving and ask: Can I be there for others without abandoning myself? This episode is an invitation to embrace generosity while remembering that healthy giving includes knowing when to give—and when to give yourself permission to receive.

Reflection Questions

1. When you help others, are you doing it because you genuinely want to—or because you feel you should?
2. Have you ever given so much of your time, energy, or attention to others that you neglected your own needs? What did you learn from that experience?
3. What would healthy generosity look like for you if you could give freely without expecting anything in return?

Want to know more about Suzanne?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.suzannewachtel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/suzannewachtel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this special reboot of the original Living Your Best Life episode “Grief,” Suzanne Wachtel, LCSW, takes another compassionate look at one of life’s most universal and deeply personal experiences. Suzanne revisits the many faces of grief and explores how our understanding of loss can change as we grow and move through different chapters of life.

She discusses the reality that grief isn't limited to the death of a loved one. We can grieve relationships, friendships, dreams, opportunities, our health, familiar routines, or versions of ourselves that we've had to leave behind. Suzanne reminds listeners that there is no timetable or single “right” way to grieve—and that healing doesn't necessarily mean forgetting or moving on. Sometimes it means learning how to carry the loss while continuing to live fully.

With warmth, honesty, and compassion, this reboot offers both a fresh perspective for longtime listeners and a meaningful introduction for those hearing Suzanne's message for the first time. It is an invitation to honor what we've lost, give ourselves permission to feel, and trust that even in the presence of grief, there can eventually be room for hope, connection, and joy.

Reflection Questions

1. What loss in your life has changed you in ways you may not have fully recognized at the time?
2. Do you give yourself permission to grieve in your own way, or do you sometimes feel you “should” be further along?
3. How might you honor someone, something, or a chapter you’ve lost while still allowing yourself to experience joy and move forward?

Want to know more about Suzanne?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.suzannewachtel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/suzannewachtel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/suzannewachtellcsw

In this thoughtful episode of Living Your Best Life, titled “Acceptance and Letting Go,” Suzanne Wachtel, LCSW, explores the powerful connection between accepting what we cannot change and finding the freedom to let go. She discusses how holding onto past hurts, disappointments, relationships, expectations, or the way we wish things should have been can keep us emotionally stuck and prevent us from fully experiencing the present.

Suzanne reminds listeners that acceptance doesn't mean approving of something, giving up, or saying that what happened was okay. Instead, it means acknowledging reality as it is so we can stop fighting what we cannot control and begin deciding what comes next. With warmth, compassion, and practical insight, Suzanne encourages listeners to release the need to control every outcome, make peace with what cannot be changed, and create room for new possibilities. Sometimes letting go isn't about losing something—it's about making space for something new.

Reflection Questions

1. What is something in your life that you may be holding onto that you cannot change or control?
2. What would acceptance look like for you—not necessarily approving of what happened, but acknowledging that it happened?
3. What might you have more room for in your life if you allowed yourself to let go of something from the past?

Want to know more about Suzanne?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.suzannewachtel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/suzannewachtel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/suzannewachtellcsw

In this thought-provoking episode of Living Your Best Life, titled “What Is Existentialism?”, Suzanne Wachtel, LCSW, explores the fascinating questions at the heart of existentialism: Who are we? Why are we here? What gives our lives meaning? And how much freedom do we really have to create the life we want?

Suzanne breaks down existentialism in a relatable and approachable way, exploring themes of choice, responsibility, authenticity, freedom, connection, and the search for meaning. Rather than getting lost in complicated philosophy, she brings these ideas into everyday life and invites listeners to consider how they can take ownership of their choices and live more intentionally.

With warmth, curiosity, and her signature practical perspective, Suzanne encourages listeners to embrace life's uncertainty, question the stories they've been told, and consider what truly gives their own lives meaning. This episode is an invitation to think deeply, live authentically, and remember that our lives are not simply something that happens to us—we have a role in creating them.

Reflection Questions

1. What gives your life meaning and purpose—and have those things changed throughout different stages of your life?
2. Are there areas of your life where you feel you're making choices based on what you truly want, rather than what others expect of you?
3. If you accepted that you have more freedom to shape your life than you may realize, what is one choice you might make differently?

Want to know more about Suzanne?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.suzannewachtel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/suzannewachtel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/suzannewachtellcsw

In this uplifting episode of Living Your Best Life, Suzanne Wachtel, LCSW, explores the powerful impact of choosing to believe in the positive. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, it can be easy to focus on what could go wrong—but what happens when we intentionally shift our attention toward what could go right?

Suzanne talks about the connection between our thoughts, our perspective, and the energy we bring into our everyday lives. Believing in the positive doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It means making a conscious choice to look for possibility, opportunity, gratitude, and hope—even when things don’t go exactly as planned. With warmth and practical insight, Suzanne encourages listeners to become more aware of their inner dialogue and to ask themselves: What if I believed something good could happen?

Reflection Quetions

1. When life feels uncertain, do you naturally focus on what could go wrong—or what could go right?
2. What positive outcome are you hoping for right now, and what would it mean to truly believe it’s possible?
3. How might your life change if you consciously looked for the good, the possibility, and the opportunity in each day?

In this candid and relatable episode of Living Your Best Life, titled “Not Your Dishes, Not Your Sink,” Suzanne Wachtel, LCSW, explores the importance of knowing what is—and what isn’t—your responsibility. Using the everyday frustration of dirty dishes and a messy sink as a humorous metaphor, Suzanne talks about how often we take on other people’s problems, responsibilities, emotions, and messes. She encourages listeners to stop automatically fixing, rescuing, or cleaning up after others and instead ask themselves, “Is this really mine to deal with?” Suzanne discusses the connection between boundaries, resentment, and personal responsibility, reminding us that letting other people manage their own responsibilities isn't selfish—it’s healthy. With humor and insight, this episode offers a refreshing reminder: sometimes protecting your peace means leaving the dishes in the sink and letting someone else handle them.

Refection Questions

• What “dishes” are you currently cleaning up in your life that may actually belong to someone else?
• Why do you feel responsible for fixing, solving, or managing other people’s problems?
• What would it feel like to step back, set a boundary, and allow someone else to handle their own mess?

Want to know more about Suzanne?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.suzannewachtel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/suzannewachtel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/suzannewachtellcsw

In this warm and insightful episode of Living Your Best Life, titled “You Get More with Honey,” Suzanne Wachtel, LCSW, explores the power of kindness, patience, and taking a softer approach in our interactions with others. The old saying, “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar,” reminds us that how we communicate can be just as important as what we say. Suzanne discusses how approaching people with warmth, respect, and compassion can open doors, reduce conflict, and create stronger connections. She also explores the difference between being kind and being a pushover, reminding listeners that you can be both gentle and strong while still maintaining healthy boundaries. With her signature honesty and humor, Suzanne encourages us to consider whether leading with a little more “honey” could make our relationships—and our lives—a whole lot sweeter.

Reflection Questions

1. When you're frustrated with someone, do you tend to lead with kindness or react from the emotion of the moment?
2. Can you think of a time when approaching a difficult person with patience and compassion changed the outcome of the situation?
3. How can you be kind and compassionate while still standing up for yourself and maintaining healthy boundaries?

In this relatable and practical episode of Living Your Best Life, Suzanne Wachtel, LCSW, introduces “The 10-Minute Rule”—a simple approach to helping friends who need to vent without allowing negativity to take over the entire conversation. Suzanne explores how giving someone a dedicated 10 minutes to complain, express frustration, or simply get something off their chest can provide a healthy outlet while also creating a natural boundary around negativity. After the 10 minutes, it's time to shift the conversation toward solutions, perspective, gratitude, or something more positive. Suzanne reminds listeners that being a supportive friend doesn't mean becoming someone's emotional dumping ground. With warmth, humor, and practical insight, this episode offers a simple tool for listening with compassion while protecting your own energy and encouraging healthier conversations.

Reflection Questions

1. Do you have relationships where the conversation often becomes centered around complaining or negativity? How does it affect your mood and energy?
2. How comfortable are you setting boundaries when someone repeatedly vents or complains to you?
3. What could you say or do to gently shift a negative conversation toward something more positive or productive?

Want to know more about Suzanne?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.suzannewachtel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/suzannewachtel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/suzannewachtellcsw

In this uplifting episode of Living Your Best Life, titled “Brighten Your Day with Acts of Kindness,” Suzanne Wachtel, LCSW, explores the powerful impact that simple acts of kindness can have on both the giver and the receiver. From a thoughtful compliment or a helping hand to a simple smile or unexpected gesture, Suzanne reminds us that kindness doesn't have to be complicated or costly to make a difference. She discusses how doing something kind can shift our own mood, strengthen our connections, and create a ripple effect of positivity. This episode encourages listeners to look beyond themselves, notice opportunities to make someone else's day a little brighter, and discover how spreading kindness can ultimately brighten their own lives as well.

Reflection Questions

1. What is one small act of kindness someone has done for you that you still remember, and why did it have such an impact?
2. How does your mood change when you intentionally do something kind for someone else?
3. Who in your life could use a little extra kindness right now, and what is one simple thing you could do to brighten their day?

In this comforting episode of Living Your Best Life, titled “How to Deal with a Blue Day,” Suzanne Wachtel, LCSW, reminds listeners that everyone has days when they feel a little off, emotionally drained, or simply "blue." While these moments are a natural part of life, Suzanne explores healthy ways to move through them with self-compassion rather than self-criticism. She shares practical strategies for lifting your mood, including getting outside, connecting with supportive people, practicing gratitude, moving your body, and allowing yourself to feel your emotions without becoming consumed by them. Suzanne also discusses the importance of recognizing the difference between an occasional blue day and persistent feelings that may require professional support. With warmth, empathy, and encouragement, this episode offers gentle reminders that difficult days don't last forever and that small acts of self-care can make a meaningful difference. Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is simply give yourself permission to have a blue day—and trust that brighter days are ahead.

This episode offers hope and practical tools to help listeners navigate life's emotional ups and downs with resilience, kindness, and the confidence that they won't stay in a difficult place forever.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are the first signs that you're having a “blue day,” and how do you usually respond to those feelings?
2. What healthy activities or people help lift your spirits when you're feeling emotionally low?
3. How can you show yourself more compassion on difficult days instead of judging yourself for having them?

Want to know more about Suzanne?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.suzannewachtel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/suzannewachtel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/suzannewachtellcsw