Have you ever felt like life is slipping through your fingers, even as you chase your dreams and hit your goals? 

You’re not alone. In this episode, I unpack the hidden reasons high achievers and those on a healing journey often feel disconnected from their own lives. 

Grounded in neuroscience and real-world experience, I walk you through five powerful, practical steps to stop life from feeling like a blur — and instead, step fully into the moment. 

Learn how to calm your body, interrupt unhealthy thought patterns, and build a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

Plus, I share insights into the new Personal Mastery Framework™ and why you don’t have to sacrifice your ambition to live a deeply present, fulfilled life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why high achievers struggle with presence and what drives that constant restlessness
• How stress hijacks your brain and makes joy hard to feel
• What the "when-then" trap is and how it steals your peace
• The science of neuroplasticity and how to rewire your mind for presence
• Five actionable steps to start experiencing your life more fully, right now
• Why presence is not passivity, and how it actually makes you more powerful

Resources & Links:

• 🎯 Learn about the Personal Mastery Coaching Program: jerryhenderson.org
• 🎙 Listen to the transition episode: Self-Love Is the Root from Which Personal Mastery Grows
• 📲 Subscribe to the podcast now so you don’t miss the transition to Personal Mastery with Jerry Henderson

Chapters:

00:00 — Welcome & Episode Preview: Are you missing out on your life?
01:52 — Quick Podcast Update: Transition to Personal Mastery with Jerry Henderson
03:13 — Jerry’s Personal Story: Achieving but not living
06:06 — Why Your Brain Resists Presence: Safety over happiness
07:22 — Chronic Stress and Numbness: The hidden cost
08:48 — Overactive Default Mode Network: Stuck in autopilot
10:21 — Cognitive Overload: Why you can’t feel the moment
11:56 — The Dopamine-Cortisol Trap: Chasing wins but feeling numb
13:37 — The Role of the Nervous System: Healing hyperarousal
15:33 — Introducing the Personal Mastery Framework
18:37 — Step 1: Calm the Body to Free the Mind
22:35 — Step 2: Break the When-Then Trap
25:17 — Step 3: Anchor to Small Moments of Meaning
26:36 — Step 4: Practice Stopping and Observing
29:28 — Step 5: Train Presence with Meditation
31:43 — Recap: Five Steps to Stop Missing Out on Life
32:53 — Final Words: Your life is happening right now

I am grateful you are here,
Jerry

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Website:
www.jerryhenderson.org

How is your relationship with yourself going?
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Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing

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Disclaimer

In this empowering episode, we explore the essential role of grit in personal mastery and growth. 

You’ll learn why grit is more than just pushing through — it’s about purpose, resilience, and sustained passion for your goals. We look at the practical, research-backed strategies to build grit in a way that’s healthy and sustainable, not self-destructive.

In the episode I also opens up about my own journey of perseverance through addiction, burnout, and self-doubt, and why high achievers often need a different kind of fuel to truly thrive. 

If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why grit outperforms talent, IQ, and even leadership potential
• How to develop grit sustainably (without burning out)
• The role of purpose and meaning in keeping you motivated
• How to reframe failure and use it as fuel
• The importance of relationships that reinforce perseverance
• How grit supports both healing and high performance
• Introduction to the Personal Mastery Framework

Resources & Links:

• 🎯 Apply for the Personal Mastery Coaching Program: jerryhenderson.org
• 🎧 Related Episode: Self-Love: The Root from Which Personal Mastery Grows
• 📩 Connect with Jerry: [email protected]
• 📱 Instagram: @jerryahenderson

Connect & Subscribe:
The podcast is transitioning to Personal Mastery with Jerry Henderson on May 5th. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode.

🕰️ Chapter Markers

00:00 - Introduction & Podcast Update
01:46 - What Is Grit (And Why It Matters)
03:53 - Michael Jordan and the Power of Perseverance
05:36 - Grit Outperforms Talent & IQ
07:06 - Trauma, Healing, and Finding Grit
10:22 - Introducing the Personal Mastery Framework
13:26 - Grit Turns Effort Into Achievement
14:12 - My Personal Story: From Struggle to Grit
16:30 - Building Grit: Step 1 - Connect to Your Purpose
19:41 - Building Grit: Step 2 - Deliberate Practice
23:37 - Building Grit: Step 3 - Adopt a Growth Mindset
27:18 - Building Grit: Step 4 - Embrace “Failure”
31:01 - Building Grit: Step 5 - Surround Yourself with Gritty People

I am grateful you are here,
Jerry

Setup Your FREE Strategy Call:
Schedule Call

Watch On Youtube

Website:
www.jerryhenderson.org

How is your relationship with yourself going?
Get your free-self assessment guide

Pick up your copy of my book:
Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing

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Instagram: @jerryahenderson

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson

Disclaimer

In this powerful transition episode, I share a heartfelt announcement: Permission to Love is evolving. Starting May 4th, the podcast will become Personal Mastery with Jerry Henderson—a space dedicated to helping you thrive emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and relationally.

Together we reflect on the journey so far, the healing roots of the show, and why self-love is just the beginning. 

This next chapter builds on that foundation and expands into deeper personal development—mindset, emotional resilience, presence, purpose, and alignment. 

If you’re ready to stop surviving and start thriving, this episode is for you.

🧭 What You’ll Learn:

• Why Permission to Love is expanding—and what’s not changing
• The vision behind the new Personal Mastery podcast
• The six-pillar framework for inner transformation
• How to grow from performance into presence
• Why thriving requires both healing and growth tools
• How to stay subscribed and make the seamless transition

💬 Key Quotes:

"Self-love is the root system. But now it’s time to grow what comes from it."
"Personal mastery isn’t about perfection. It’s about wholeness."
"Success doesn't heal you. Alignment does."

📌 Chapters:

00:00 Welcome + the heart behind this new direction
01:43 The journey so far: healing, shame, self-love, and wholeness
03:23 The shift: moving from survival to thriving
05:39 What is Personal Mastery?
06:48 The six pillars of the Personal Mastery Framework
08:35 Who this new chapter is for (high achievers, healers, seekers)
10:40 Bridging healing and high performance: why this is needed
13:45 Why traditional coaching or therapy alone may not be enough
15:53 How to learn more + free strategy call info
16:37 How to stay subscribed + invite others on the journey
17:07 Final encouragement: wholeness happens in community

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Learn about the new Personal Mastery Coaching Program and set up a free 60-minute strategy call: www.jerryhenderson.org

Reminder:
You are worthy of your own love. And you are worthy of a life that feels good on the inside—not just one that looks good on the outside.

I am grateful you are here,
Jerry

Setup Your FREE Strategy Call:
Schedule Call

Watch On Youtube

Website:
www.jerryhenderson.org

How is your relationship with yourself going?
Get your free-self assessment guide

Pick up your copy of my book:
Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing

Get Your Free Weekly Tips!

Instagram: @jerryahenderson

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson

Disclaimer

In this episode we dive into part two of the course on learning how to love yourself. If you haven't listened to part one yet, make sure to check that out first—it sets the foundation for today's practical steps. 

In this episode we walk through the science and psychology behind self-love, providing actionable tools to help you shift your thoughts, words, actions, and relationships toward greater self-acceptance. 

If you've struggled with feelings of inadequacy, a harsh inner critic, or thinking there's something wrong with you, this episode will give you the tools to change that narrative and begin developing true self-love.

What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Why self-love is a skill, not a personality trait
✔️ How to rewire your brain for self-love using neuroplasticity
✔️ Thought reframing and self-compassion techniques
✔️ How affirmations work (backed by neuroscience)
✔️ Why setting boundaries is an act of self-love
✔️ How to heal attachment wounds and build healthier relationships

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and why this course matters
01:31 Self-love is a skill (not a personality trait)
03:15 How neuroplasticity makes self-love possible
04:53 Science-backed strategies for cultivating self-love
05:51 Thought reframing: How to change negative self-talk
07:08 The power of self-compassion
10:35 Why affirmations work (backed by brain science)
12:26 How positive self-talk lowers stress and improves emotional health
15:46 How visualization rewires your brain for self-love
18:21 Why action matters: Self-care and behavioral activation
21:43 Setting boundaries as an act of self-respect
23:55 How relationships influence self-worth
26:41 Letting go of toxic relationships

Resources:

• 👉 Download the 37-page workbook: DOWNLOAD
• Book a free strategy call with me: SCHEDULE HERE
• Follow me on IG: @jerryahenderson

I am grateful you are here,
Jerry

Setup Your FREE Strategy Call:
Schedule Call

Watch On Youtube

Website:
www.jerryhenderson.org

How is your relationship with yourself going?
Get your free-self assessment guide

Pick up your copy of my book:
Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing

Get Your Free Weekly Tips!

Instagram: @jerryahenderson

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson

Disclaimer

In this special two-part series, I’m sharing a powerful course I developed on learning how to love yourself. If you’ve ever struggled with self-acceptance, carried feelings of shame, or felt like you had to keep achieving to prove your worth — this episode is for you. 

I'll share my personal journey from deep shame and self-loathing to learning how to love myself, and how you can start healing your relationship with yourself.

In this first part of the course we'll cover:

• What Self-Love is
• Why self-love is NOT selfish or narcissistic
• How trauma, shame, and perfectionism block self-love
• What happens when self-love is blocked.

What You’ll Learn:

• The truth about why self-love feels so hard
• How shame drives the need to achieve (and why it never works)
• Why perfectionism and people-pleasing are self-sabotaging
• How to start healing your relationship with yourself today

Resources:

• 👉 Download the 37-page workbook: DOWNLOAD
• Book a free strategy call with me: SCHEDULE HERE
• Follow me on IG: @jerryahenderson

Episode Highlights:
00:00 Welcome to the episode and why this course matters
01:52 Why self-love is something you can learn
03:12 My story: Childhood trauma, addiction, and learning to heal
06:44 What self-love is (and isn’t)
10:56 What blocks self-love
15:30 What happens when self-love is blocked

Next Steps:
✅ If this episode resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
✅ Subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people discover the podcast.
✅ Ready to go deeper? Download the workbook or book a strategy call today.

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I am grateful you are here,
Jerry

Setup Your FREE Strategy Call:
Schedule Call

Watch On Youtube

Website:
www.jerryhenderson.org

How is your relationship with yourself going?
Get your free-self assessment guide

Pick up your copy of my book:
Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing

Get Your Free Weekly Tips!

Instagram: @jerryahenderson

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson

Disclaimer

In this episode, we’re diving into a hard truth that so many high achievers face but rarely talk about—shame-based achievement. Why do we chase success and still feel empty when we get it? Why does the high from accomplishment fade so quickly, leaving us feeling even more inadequate? The truth is that many high achievers are driven not by passion, but by fear—fear of being unworthy, fear of failure, fear of rejection.

Today, we are breaking down the cycle of shame-based achievement and how it creates burnout, emotional numbness, and the constant feeling of "not enough." 

More importantly, I’m sharing how you can break free from it. You’ll learn how to stop defining your self-worth by your achievements, start building intrinsic motivation, and redefine success in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re only as good as your last win—or that you have to keep achieving just to feel safe—this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why so many high achievers are driven by shame and fear rather than passion
• The cycle of shame-based achievement—and why success never feels like enough
• How trauma and perfectionism wire us for overachievement and burnout
• How to redefine success in a way that feels authentic and sustainable
• Why self-compassion and emotional safety are the keys to true motivation

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
03:45 How perfectionism and shame create unhealthy success patterns
06:10 The Hidden Cost of Shame-Based Achievement – Why success feels hollow and unfulfilling
10:59 Success as a Survival Strategy – How trauma and childhood experiences wire us for overachievement
14:50 The Shame-Achievement Loop – Why we keep chasing the next goal and still feel empty
20:31 How to Stop the Cycle – Practical steps to shift from external validation to intrinsic motivation
24:53 Redefining Success – What a meaningful and sustainable life actually looks like
32:30 Building Self-Compassion – How to quiet the inner critic and create emotional safety
37:40 Creating New Rhythms – Why rest and recovery are essential for high performance
43:49 Letting Go of the Old Story - Why success will never heal you—and what will

I am grateful you are here,
Jerry

Setup Your FREE Strategy Call:
Schedule Call

Watch On Youtube

Website:
www.jerryhenderson.org

How is your relationship with yourself going?
Get your free-self assessment guide

Pick up your copy of my book:
Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing

Get Your Free Weekly Tips!

Instagram: @jerryahenderson

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson

Disclaimer

Your relationship with yourself is the foundation of EVERYTHING.

No amount of success, validation, or external achievement can replace a healthy self-relationship. And yet, so many high achievers and trauma survivors neglect this relationship the most.

In today’s episode, we cover:

• Why your relationship with yourself shapes every part of your life
• The 5 key areas that determine self-worth & self-trust
• How self-talk, thoughts, and daily habits rewire your brain
• The neuroscience of breaking toxic patterns & limiting beliefs
• The small shifts that lead to lasting transformation

Plus, I’m giving you a FREE PDF for a Healthier Relationship With Yourself to track where you stand and start making real changes.

🔗 Download the free PDF → jerryhenderson.org

🔗 Access the course "Learning How to Love Yourself" here: Access Course

DM me on Instagram @JerryAHenderson or LinkedIn @JerryAHenderson to tell me what you're working on this week—I’d love to support you!

Let’s dive in.

Chapters

00:00 - Your Relationship with Yourself Changes Everything
00:45 - Welcome to the Permission to Love Podcast
02:54 - The Moment I Realized Everything Needed to Change
05:17 - Research: The Link Between Self-Compassion & Long-Term Success
06:31 - The 5 Key Areas That Define Your Relationship With Yourself
07:15 - #1: What Are Your Daily Thoughts About Yourself?
09:02 - #2: The Words You Speak About Yourself Matter
10:23 - The Science of Self-Talk & How to Rewire It
11:45 - #3: How Do You Feel About Yourself?
14:42 - Brené Brown’s Research on Self-Acceptance & Shame
17:19 - #4: How Do You Treat Yourself?
19:28 - The Science of Self-Care & Its Impact on Your Nervous System
20:48 - #5: What Do You Tolerate in Relationships?
22:41 - How Trauma Impacts the Way We Let Others Treat Us
25:31 - The Science of Lasting Change: Why Small Wins Matter
27:10 - Dr. BJ Fogg’s Research on Micro-Shifts & Behavior Change
28:58 - The First Step to Changing Your Life Starts This Week

I am grateful you are here,
Jerry

Setup Your FREE Strategy Call:
Schedule Call

Watch On Youtube

Website:
www.jerryhenderson.org

How is your relationship with yourself going?
Get your free-self assessment guide

Pick up your copy of my book:
Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing

Get Your Free Weekly Tips!

Instagram: @jerryahenderson

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson

Disclaimer

Have you ever wondered why you keep repeating painful patterns—whether in relationships, self-sabotaging behaviors, burnout, or feelings of never quite arriving? 

In this episode we explore the neuroscience and psychology behind trauma reenactment—why we unconsciously repeat painful cycles and how we can break free from them.

You'll learn:

• What trauma reenactment is and why it keeps us stuck in toxic patterns.
• The neuroscience behind trauma loops, including the role of the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
• How childhood experiences create unconscious beliefs that shape our reality.
• The role of the nervous system (Polyvagal Theory) in keeping us in survival mode.
• Practical tools for breaking free, including breathwork, grounding exercises, and belief rewiring.
• How to reprogram your subconscious mind and stop self-sabotaging your success, relationships, and happiness.

If you’re ready to rewire your brain, reclaim your power, and build a life aligned with self-love and healing, this episode is for you.

👉 Take my free course, Learning How to Love Yourself:  TAKE THIS COURSE

👉 Book a free strategy call: SCHEDULE HERE

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Why You Keep Repeating Painful Cycles
02:17 - Understanding Trauma Reenactment: Why We Repeat What Hurts Us
04:22 - The Science Behind Trauma Loops: How the Brain Keeps Us Stuck
06:09 - How the Nervous System (Polyvagal Theory) Plays a Role in Trauma Patterns
09:17 - The Role of Core Beliefs in Trauma Reenactment
10:36 - Real-Life Examples: How Trauma Shows Up in Relationships, Work, & Self-Sabotage
12:34 - The Truth: You Are Not Broken—It’s Time to Rewrite Your Story
13:19 - FREE Course: Learning How to Love Yourself
15:46 - How Unhealed Trauma Affects Every Area of Life (Relationships, Success, Health)
17:24 - Step 1: Recognizing Trauma Reenactment Patterns
17:51 - Step 2: Journaling & Identifying Your Subconscious Stories
19:23 - Step 3: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma in Relationships & Self-Worth
21:43 - Step 4: Nervous System Regulation & Grounding Techniques for Healing
23:38 - Step 5: Rewiring Core Beliefs & Changing Your Subconscious Programming
25:55 - Step 6: Changing Your Environment to Support Your Healing
27:14 - Step 7: Seeking Trauma-Informed Therapy & Coaching

I am grateful you are here,
Jerry

Setup Your FREE Strategy Call:
Schedule Call

Watch On Youtube

Website:
www.jerryhenderson.org

How is your relationship with yourself going?
Get your free-self assessment guide

Pick up your copy of my book:
Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing

Get Your Free Weekly Tips!

Instagram: @jerryahenderson

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson

Disclaimer

In this transformative episode of the Permission to Love podcast, we explore how to rewire your mind for a new reality. 

If you’ve ever felt stuck in old patterns, trapped by limiting beliefs, or unable to make real change despite your self-awareness, this episode is for you.

Through guided exercises, powerful insights, and neuroscience-backed strategies, you’ll discover:

• Why your identity is a repeated pattern of thoughts and emotions—and how to break free.
• The impact of neuroplasticity on our transformation.
• How to shift your beliefs and subconscious programming to create the life you truly want.
• The role of your Reticular Activating System (RAS) in shaping your reality.
• A guided visualization exercise to step into your highest self.

This episode isn’t just about learning—it’s about experiencing transformation. 

By the end, you’ll feel a shift in your mindset, knowing that you have the power to choose who you become.

FREE Coaching Call: If you're ready for deeper transformation, book a call at jerryhenderson.org.

Download Your Free Resources: Take the Resilience Quiz and access tools to help you rewire your mindset at jerryhenderson.org.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Setting the intention for transformation
02:10 - Who Are You? A Powerful Reflection on Identity
04:12 - The Power of Thought: Dr. Joe Dispenza’s Insights
06:18 - Your Beliefs Shape Your Reality and Daily Life
10:11 - Are Your Beliefs Actually True? Challenging Your Identity
17:38 - The Neuroscience of Change: Neuroplasticity & Meditation
20:00 - How to Get Unstuck and Rewire Your Mind for a New Reality
26:33 - Reprogramming Exercise: Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs
32:21 - Understanding the Reticular Activating System (RAS)
38:54 - Guided Visualization: Meeting Your Highest Self
44:26 - 7-Day Challenge: Acting as Your Future Self

I am grateful you are here,
Jerry

Setup Your FREE Strategy Call:
Schedule Call

Watch On Youtube

Website:
www.jerryhenderson.org

How is your relationship with yourself going?
Get your free-self assessment guide

Pick up your copy of my book:
Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing

Get Your Free Weekly Tips!

Instagram: @jerryahenderson

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson

Disclaimer

Have you ever felt like your nervous system is stuck in overdrive, constantly caught in fight-or-flight mode? 

In this episode, we explore how self-criticism keeps us in a cycle of stress and anxiety, and how self-compassion can help regulate our nervous system, allowing us to feel safe and at peace.

We look at the science behind self-judgment, its impact on the brain, and why self-compassion is one of the most effective ways to rewire our stress response. 

You’ll also learn practical strategies for cultivating self-compassion and shifting from self-criticism to self-support.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or trapped in patterns of self-doubt, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why self-criticism keeps your nervous system in a state of stress
• The neuroscience behind self-compassion and how it rewires your brain
• How self-judgment triggers the fight-or-flight response
• Why your brain perceives self-criticism as an actual threat
• Practical self-compassion exercises to help you calm your nervous system
• How self-compassion increases resilience and emotional stability

Links & Resources:

• 💡 Coaching with Jerry – Book a free 60-minute coaching session: www.jerryhenderson.org
• 🎧 Subscribe & Follow – Never miss an episode!

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

00:00 Introduction – Why self-compassion is crucial for nervous system regulation
01:35 Practicing self-compassion in real time – A personal story
03:23 The connection between inner dialogue and your nervous system
05:17 Understanding the nervous system: Fight-or-flight vs. rest-and-regulate
06:57 How self-criticism activates stress responses in the brain
07:45 The HPA axis: Why stress stays “stuck on”
08:44 Research: How self-judgment increases anxiety and burnout
10:30 The cycle of self-criticism, stress, and unhealthy coping mechanisms
13:17 The “stress waterline” – How inner dialogue raises your stress threshold
15:07 Coaching invitation: How mindset work can help
18:09 Understanding why self-criticism feels “safe” – Trauma and hypervigilance
20:03 Why your brain perceives criticism as a survival strategy
25:30 The neuroscience of self-compassion: How it calms the nervous system
28:45 The link between self-compassion, emotional regulation, and resilience
32:17 Why self-compassion improves decision-making and self-trust
35:40 Practical self-compassion exercises to rewire your brain

I am grateful you are here,
Jerry

Setup Your FREE Strategy Call:
Schedule Call

Watch On Youtube

Website:
www.jerryhenderson.org

How is your relationship with yourself going?
Get your free-self assessment guide

Pick up your copy of my book:
Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing

Get Your Free Weekly Tips!

Instagram: @jerryahenderson

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson

Disclaimer