Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2630:

Julie Morgenstern explores the hidden cost of hyper-independence, revealing how trying to "do it all alone" often leads to burnout and disconnection. By shifting from self-reliance to strategic collaboration, listeners can unlock greater productivity, deeper relationships, and sustainable success.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.juliemorgenstern.com/tips-tools-blog/2020/1/10/dont-do-it-all-alone

Quotes to ponder:

"Trying to be everything to everyone, all by yourself, is not a badge of honor, it’s a recipe for exhaustion."

"Inviting support into your life is not a weakness; it’s a strength."

"The truth is, none of us is meant to go it alone."

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2629:

Stephanie Wiggins explores the raw emotional terrain of parenthood, unraveling the often-unspoken reality that parenting rarely matches our expectations. With unflinching honesty, she sheds light on the grief, identity shifts, and deep personal growth that emerge when we embrace the gap between idealized visions and lived experience.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://corelivingessentials.com/parenting-is-not-what-i-expected-what-happened/

Quotes to ponder:

"Parenting, for me, was not what I expected - and no one really warned me."

"There was grief. Deep grief. And anger, too."

"I had to go back and rescue myself from the pressure of perfection."

Episode references:

The Conscious Parent: https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Parent-Transforming-Ourselves-Empowering/dp/1897238452

Hold On to Your Kids: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Your-Kids-Parents-Matter/dp/0375760288

Raising Good Humans: https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Good-Humans-Conflict-Reducing/dp/1684033888

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2628:

Shelby Forsythia shares a deeply practical and compassionate approach to managing anticipatory grief by creating a personal escape plan for when devastating news arrives. This strategy helps transform unpredictable emotional overwhelm into a sequence of intentional, self-loving actions that offer safety, stability, and support during life’s hardest moments.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/@shelbyforsythia/crafting-an-escape-plan-for-your-grief-5e3e2d48ffe7

Quotes to ponder:

"A grief escape plan is a premeditated plan of exactly what you want to take place after you get the call."

"A grief escape plan is a form of self-love that goes beyond the bubble bath."

"This is an exercise in creating a loving safety net for yourself."

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2627:

Renee Benes shares how truly connecting with others starts by shifting from self-focused narratives to deep, intentional listening. Through relatable stories and grounded spiritual insights, she invites us to embrace our shared humanity, release judgment, and begin with compassion, for others and ourselves.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thefunsizedlife.com/talk-to-anyone/

Quotes to ponder:

"If you remember, that’s ok. If you forget, that’s OK."

"When one tree falls, the rest don’t gradually shift their roots away from their fallen brother."

"Embrace the dark parts of you and allow them to intermingle with the light parts."

Episode references:

The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2626:

Renee Benes dismantles common myths about social anxiety and connection, revealing how real conversation starts by letting go of ego and self-focus. By challenging internal narratives and cultural conditioning, she offers grounded, uncomfortable truths that empower you to connect more deeply with others, starting with a genuine desire to know them, not impress them.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thefunsizedlife.com/talk-to-anyone/

Quotes to ponder:

"Other people’s movement tends to make us hyper-aware of our stagnation, and in an attempt to justify our lack of action, we simply talk poorly about others."

"Whenever I found myself lost in a thought spiral, I am instantly transported out of the moment, and my consciousness is so lost in my mind, concerned with whatever new thing I have found to concern myself with."

"No one in the history of the world actually knew what they were doing, they just made up everything as they went along and then handed down that made up stuff to their ancestors, AKA you."

Episode references:

Bob Proctor on paradigms: https://www.proctorgallagherinstitute.com/22787/what-is-a-paradigm

Presence by Amy Cuddy: https://www.amazon.com/Presence-Bringing-Boldest-Biggest-Challenges/dp/0316256579

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2625:

Evan Marc Katz explores the painful but liberating truth about romantic expectations and the importance of mutual desire in relationships. Through a candid coaching conversation, he highlights how fixating on unavailable partners can sabotage love, urging us instead to focus on those who are truly open to loving us back.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.evanmarckatz.com/blog/dating-tips-advice/do-you-want-to-date-people-who-dont-want-to-date-you

Quotes to ponder:

"It doesn’t matter what she wanted, there’s no relationship to discuss."

"You can only be the best person that you can be, and hope to attract the person that wants YOU, flaws and all."

"Focus on the men who want you, and you’ll find a man you want as well."

Episode references:

BeachBound: https://www.beachbound.com

Match.com: https://www.match.com

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2624:

Luis Congdon explores what it means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP), highlighting key traits like emotional absorption, sensory sensitivity, and overstimulation. With practical strategies for self-care and insight into how sensitivity can be a strength rather than a weakness, this reflection helps listeners better understand themselves or the sensitive people in their lives.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/signs-highly-sensitive-how-to-keep-it-from-holding-you-back/

Quotes to ponder:

"I used to feel guilty about asking my friends to turn off their fluorescent lights. Now I know that it’s essential that I make this small request to feel good in my skin."

"Crying more often than the average person is a perfectly natural result of feeling everything more intensely."

"The most essential thing for an HSP is to honor your needs whenever they arise."

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2623:

Amanda Kruse shares 25 years of lessons learned managing money within her marriage, emphasizing how consistent communication, shared financial goals, and evolving strategies built long-term trust and success. Her story highlights the power of transparency and teamwork over perfection, offering practical tools couples can adapt to align their values with their spending.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/how-we-manage-our-finances-couple/

Quotes to ponder:

"Combining finances seemed like the best option for us. So after getting married, we viewed it as 'our' money, and that's how it's been ever since."

"Even when we both earn money, we pretend like we only have one income."

"Through it all, we discussed money with honesty and transparency. And after many conversations about our future, we set shared financial goals."

Episode references:

Equifax Credit Reports: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/

Tiller Money: https://www.tillerhq.com

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2622:

Jay and Heather Harrington make a compelling case for prioritizing outdoor experiences with kids, emphasizing how nature and novelty foster deeper happiness and family connection than material things ever could. Backed by research, their perspective shows how simple planning and shared creativity can transform family life and strengthen emotional well-being.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeandwhim.com/first-moments-blog/2018/outside-kids-new-experiences

Quotes to ponder:

"You can really like your material stuff. You can even think that part of your identity is connected to those things, but nonetheless they remain separate from you."

"Memories born out of experiences form emotional 'anchors' that give kids comfort during tough times, they promote brain development, and they help forge close bonds between family members."

"Creating something doesn’t require a table saw, ladder, and carpentry skills, it just means working with your kids on something simple outside that your kids care about and, consequently, will care for."

Episode references:

The Science of Giving Experiences, Not Things - Cindy Chan: https://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/FacultyAndResearch/Faculty/FacultyBios/Chan

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2621:

Crystal Karges compassionately unpacks how pregnancy and postpartum can reactivate eating disorder behaviors, even after recovery. By shedding light on physical, emotional, and social triggers often left unspoken, she reminds women that needing extra support during this time is not weakness, but a vital part of healing.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.crystalkarges.com/blog/why-pregnancy-and-postpartum-can-trigger-eating-disorder-relapse

Quotes to ponder:

"Awareness helps you understand that you aren’t alone, nor are you failing in your recovery."

"Pregnancy and birth are transformative: physical, emotionally, and mentally, though the physical changes are what may feel most apparent."

"Even with all the triggers you might be experiencing, it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy and baby while remaining in eating disorder recovery."

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