In this Sifting Session, Karen shares the story behind last week’s conversation with gardener and author Charles Dowding and a lesson that came from a rather humbling mistake.

When a technical error erased an entire interview (except for the final five minutes), what began as panic and embarrassment turned into an unexpected teacher ... one that spoke of humility, grace, and the quiet power of second chances.

In this reflective solo episode, Karen explores ...

🌱 How mistakes strip us back to what really matters.

🌿 Why grace and generosity often grow in the space where things go wrong.

🍂 What psychology and nature can teach us about failure, learning, and growth.

🌾 How to move from self-criticism to self-compassion and start again, wiser.

Rooted in real experience and gentle reflection, this episode is a reminder that every creative life, every meaningful project, and every season of growth is built on things that didn’t go to plan.

🎧 Listen now, and be reminded that mistakes don’t mean failure ... they mean you’re trying.

💬 Reflection Prompts

• What’s a recent mistake that still lingers in your mind and what might it be teaching you?
• Who has shown you kindness when you’ve stumbled, and how did it change how you saw yourself?
• Where in your life could you offer yourself (or someone else) permission to begin again?

🌾 Join the Conversation

Follow @thesievepod on Instagram ... a growing community where we can pause, exhale, and sift through the good stuff together.