Happiness and depression might seem like polar opposites, but emotions are more complex than just being on opposite ends of a spectrum. 

Someone struggling with depression doesn’t necessarily feel sad all the time; they might feel numb, empty, or disconnected from things they once enjoyed. And happiness isn’t just the absence of sadness. The discussion centers around ways to understand and nurture a sense of contentment that can exist even when life experiences are not ideal.  

Setting boundaries can be tough, especially when others resist or when it stirs up discomfort. But it’s also a vital part of self-care. 

The challenge often comes from guilt or fear of conflict, but remember: boundaries are not about controlling others, they're about taking care of yourself. Whether it's saying "no" without over-explaining, limiting energy-draining interactions, or protecting your time, it's all about ensuring that you’re not sacrificing your well-being.

In a follow up to Episode 10, Tamara and Nancy talk about applying grit to larger life issues which requires a different type of courage; being scared, but doing it anyway.  

Would it surprise you to know doing hard things involves the paradox of having both strength and the willingness to not look strong? Join Tamara and Nancy as they discuss how persistence, grit and vulnerability can work together.

Rolling with changes can mean adjustments to our usual way of doing things, but habits die hard. Maybe the way we've done things for years isn't the best way to do it now. How do we decide what, when, why and how to change anything in our lives?

Living at a time when uncertain events are occurring daily can make things feel unstable and maybe even scary. How do we get through this when everything feels like it's falling apart and things are so unpredictable?

All of us, as human beings, understandably need to have some type of expectations to guide our lives. What happens though when that yardstick of measurement is too narrow? 

For Dr. Who fans (aka proud nerds) there is a famous quote that states "in the end we are all stories, just make it a good one."  The stories told about us, to us and that we tell ourselves shape us and our identity.  We may be living out of stories or "narratives" that are not our own and that don't serve us.  Our job is to discover the unconscious stories playing out in our lives and reauthor or rewrite them in a way that gives us spiritual freedom and mental autonomy.  

The metaphor of art and creation is valuable in psychology.  Why is it some artwork is really appealing to some and not as much for others.  When we change the light, add colors, change the materials used and the textures, an art piece suddenly is transformed in some way and is perceived differently.  Our minds are no different.  How we decide to let in light, color and creativity has the power to "reframe" a life experience into something that provides transcendence of a previously painful experience into something that becomes useful and makes us who we are.