In this episode, Christi and Tara discuss the importance of having meaningful connections with others. From finding your "tribe" to establishing long-lasting relationships that energize you instead of exhaust you, this episode delves into the biological and evolutionary reasons that humans seek out others. Learn how to identify the connections that allow you to be consistently authentic and how forced connection can lead to a unfulfilled life. While social media makes us feel that we have to stay connected to everyone from our first grade crush to our high school sweet heart and even coworkers we barely know, Christi explains how connection is not meant to last forever and that the seasons of life inherently come with letting go of people you once considered essential to your happiness. 

In this episode, Christi and Tara explore the concept of toxic positivity. Christi discusses the difference between positivity that is scientifically proven to improve life outcomes versus toxic positivity that is built on a foundation of guilt, shame, and inauthenticity. Tara details her struggle with negativity and how toxic positivity has personally impacted her mental health journey. Are you guilty of toxic positivity? Listen and find out! 

In this episode of Chatting with Rise to Being, the new Monday guest series, Christi and Tara chat with Shaquetta, a newly licensed LMSW raised in rural Alexander City, Alabama and currently practicing in Camden County, Georgia, about what it took for her to become the first member of her family to graduate from high school, college, and obtain a Masters degree. Despite her mother being only 14 years old at the time she was born, Shaquetta broke the stereotypes that others had about who she was and the goals that were within her reach. Crediting her mother with being her rock, Shaquetta has a passion for life and an unshakeable belief that she is able to accomplish it all, and she shares what kept her moving forward despite generational poverty and what she plans to conquer next. This is an inspiring must-listen episode no matter what circumstances you are trying to rise above!

Show Notes:

1:37  Meet Shaquetta Young, LMSW

3:50  Being Raised by A 14-Year-Old Mother

5:15  Being the First to Graduate from High School, College, and Masters-Level Programs

6:00  Mom as a Foundation

8:10  How Did You See Past Your Circumstances?

10:05  Doing What Others Said You Couldn't

12:30  The Power of Diversity

14:45  Why a Mental Health Career?

16:08  Rising Above Doesn't Always Mean Being Successful

17:40  What's Next for Shaquetta

21:36  Not Just a Mommy

22:42  Being True to Yourself is the Key

In this episode, Christi and Tara compare staircase versus winding road living. Christi explains why viewing life like a staircase is not a sustainable model for living and growth, while Tara talks about how staircase living has kept her frozen in toxic cycles. Whether you are happy with where you currently are in life, or are looking for a new perspective to provide you with motivation and courage to take the next step, this episode will offer you a unique take on the ways that setbacks, stalls, and situations actually enrich your life. 

In the premiere episode of Chatting with Rise to Being, the new Monday guest series, Christi and Tara chat with Vince, owner of wildly successful Indigo Floral Studio of Augusta, Georgia, about what it means to live authentically. From kissing Christi in high school to coming out and from military service to florist, Vince shares his insights on how letting go of the weight of others' opinions is the key to a fulfilling life.  

Show Notes:  Indigo Floral Studio http://indigofloralstudio.com

With January 2023 well underway, Christi and Tara talk about living your best life. What do you need to do to know yourself and reach towards your dreams? From identifying your core values to trying different lives on for size, Rise to Being helps guide you into designing your personal path to happiness. 

Show Notes: 

Values Assessment by Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/resources/living-into-our-values/ 

Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans: https://amzn.to/3CFZMr4 

Time will pass anyway: https://pin.it/QCzLd4J

Christi goes in on traditional New Year’s resolutions that cause us more harm than good. Tara discusses how her resolutions have followed her for countless years, and Christi helps her identify how her lack of follow-through is a trauma response. Finally, learn how to make resolutions that are good for you, attainable, and get you closer to your authentic life. Don’t miss this episode if you have goals you want to achieve in 2023!!!

Timestamps

:40       Disclaimer

1:39      Holiday Catch-Up

6:06     Loving a Fresh Start & the New Year's Fairy

7:01      New Year's Resolutions Are Bad for Your Health

9:07     Why New Year's Resolutions Don't Work

13:50    Why Your Resolutions Are Basically the Same Every Year

16:50    Why Weight Loss is Everyone's Resolution

20:21    Deconstructing Tara's Draft 2023 New Year's Resolutions

25:57    Christi Talks Listeners Out of Shitty Resolutions (like Weight Loss!)

30:45    New Year's Resolutions and Shame

33:15     Willpower, Delayed Gratification, and the Fucking Marshmallow Study

39:10     What Do We Do Now That You Have Messed Up Resolutions For Us?!

41:43     I Can Still Have Resolutions, AND Make a Vision Board?! YAY!

44:00   Exciting Podcast News for 2023!! Chatting with Rise to Being is coming Monday, January 9th! 

Links:

Rise to Being FREE Facebook LIVE Event "Release 2022, Welcome 2023": https://fb.me/e/2uR2KrUMF

Monkey Bread Recipe (NOT Christi's secret one! LOL!): https://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/grannys-monkey-bread

Cultivate What Matters Powersheets Goal Setting Planner: https://cultivatewhatmatters.com/collections/powersheets

The Marshmallow Study Debunked: https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/new-study-disavows-marshmallow-tests-predictive-powers