In this episode, we open up about navigating life's seasons, from unexpected disappointments to moments of grace, wisdom, and joy. The conversation begins with a celebration – Thomas is officially in molecular remission from leukemia! This powerful health update sets the stage for an honest exploration of how to embrace life's changing seasons. We share our personal approach to infusing joy into everyday moments, from decorating for fall and creating themed movie nights during difficult health challenges.

Drawing from Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart, we unpack what disappointment really means—those moments when the movie in our head doesn't match reality. You'll discover practical strategies for managing disappointment, including the power of validation and how cultivating appreciation can strengthen your relationships and well-being. We also share how our faith provides a foundation of strength, offering the reassurance that difficult seasons are temporary while love remains constant.

This episode reminds us that two things can be true simultaneously: we can acknowledge disappointment while still finding moments of joy. We can also miss certain seasons while appreciating our current chapter. Whether you're facing health challenges, relationship transitions, or simply navigating everyday ups and downs, we hope you'll find comfort and companionship in this conversation. 

Key Learnings

• Acknowledge Unmet Expectations: The first step to overcoming disappointment is to honor and process it. Learn to put words to your difficult emotions, understanding that it's a brave and healthy step toward healing and meaningful connection.
• Cultivate Joy and Appreciation: Discover how actively seeking out the good in your current season—even in small ways like decorating your home or savoring a cup of coffee—can help shift your perspective and boost your brain's feel-good chemicals.
• Give Yourself Grace: Learn to be a "human being" instead of a "human doing." Give yourself permission to rest and sit with your emotions without judgment, knowing that it's a vital part of navigating life's ups and downs.

Resources & Mentions

• Watch the video version of the episode on YouTube! 
• Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown 
• Some Things Never Change (Song from Frozen 2)
• Michael and Mom Talk Cancer
• Philippians 4:11-13

Connect with us  on Instagram 📱and subscribe to our YouTube channel for visuals from our journey and behind-the-scenes content! 🎥 

If this episode helped you find a way to lean into the good in your own life, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode with someone who is navigating a hard season. 

#embracechange #gratitude #disappointment #mentalhealth #cancerjourney #hope #brenebrown #bothandthinking #brainitonpodcast #atlasoftheheart

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What happens when our minds fixate on life's black dots while missing the expansive white space around them? Join us for a deeply personal exploration of finding joy amid serious health challenges.

When my husband Thomas received wonderful news that his cerebral spinal fluid showed no evidence of leukemia, I noticed how quickly my mind pivoted to anxiety about pending bone marrow results. This stark example of negativity bias—our brain's tendency to spotlight potential threats—became the catalyst for this episode's powerful message.

Drawing from psychology research, personal experiences in hospital rooms, and wisdom from unexpected places, we unpack why our brains gravitate toward problems and how we can intentionally shift our focus without falling into toxic positivity. The science behind this tendency is fascinating: our amygdala functions as the brain's alarm system, keeping us safe but sometimes causing us to miss the beauty surrounding our difficulties.

Perhaps most valuable is the concept that "two things can be true at the same time"—we can acknowledge pain while celebrating joy, feel anxiety alongside gratitude, and recognize hardship without letting it consume our entire perspective. As Catherine Price wisely notes, "Our lives are what we pay attention to."

Key Learnings:

• Acknowledge and Process the Black Dots: Learn to honor and feel difficult emotions like sadness and fear, understanding that doing so is a brave and healthy step toward healing.
• Define Your "Why": Take a moment for honest self-reflection to clarify your purpose. When you know your "why," it becomes easier to say "yes" to what truly matters and "no" to distractions.
• Find a Way to Help Others: Discover how shifting your focus to the needs of others—even in your darkest moments—can bring a renewed sense of purpose and agency, allowing you to see the "white space" where good can work through you.

Resources & Mentions:

• Undistracted by Bob Goff
• Unshakeable by Christine Caine: 
• The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
• The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
• The Power of Fun by Catherine Price
• Part of Life by Ben Rector
• The "Invisible Gorilla" experiment
• Connect with us on Instagram 📱
• Subscribe to our new YouTube channel for visuals from our journey, behind-the-scenes photos, and extra content! 🎥 

Call to Action:

If this episode helped you see the expansive white space in your own life, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode with someone who is navigating a hard season and needs a reminder that they have the power to choose their focus.

#lifeiswhatyoupayattentionto #negativitybias #mindfulness #gratitude #purpose #psychology #mentalhealth #cancerjourney #hope

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In this episode, Thomas and Lindsey take a deep dive into the lessons learned from J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga, "The Two Towers," and how it resonates with their current journey. While Thomas is in remission from cancer, they've been navigating a new and challenging front: Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD). Join them as they discuss the powerful "two towers" analogy, describing the experience of facing two major battles at once—the lingering threat of cancer and the active fight against GVHD.

Through personal stories of making time for therapy, creating an absurd ritual for Thomas's steroid cream application, and finding joy in the small things, Lindsey and Thomas offer powerful takeaways for anyone facing setbacks. This episode is a testament to the power of hope, the importance of finding humor in the absurd, and the resilience that comes from focusing on what you can control.

Key Learnings:

• Seek the Good in the World: Learn to find and cherish moments of joy, connection, and kindness, even in the midst of challenging times.
• Seek Absurdity: Embrace the illogical and ridiculous as an escape from a goal-driven life, and discover how laughter can bring true fun.
• Focus on What You Can Control: Find peace and a sense of progress by identifying and acting on the small areas where you have agency, even in overwhelming circumstances.

Resources & Mentions:

• How We Set Up Our Hospital Room for Long-Term Comfort & Healing | Hospital Hacks
• The Power of Fun by Katherine Price
• Connect with us on Instagram 📱
• Subscribe to our new YouTube channel for visuals from our journey, behind-the-scenes photos, and extra content! 🎥 

Call to Action:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder of courage, faith, and enduring love today.

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In a deeply personal and heartfelt surprise episode for her husband, Thomas, Lindsey takes the microphone to celebrate their 11th dating anniversary and mark the one-year "cancerversary" since Thomas' leukemia diagnosis. This episode reveals profound lessons Lindsey has learned from watching Thomas courageously navigate a year filled with intensive treatment, a bone marrow transplant, and Graft Versus Host Disease.

Join Lindsey as she shares how their journey began with answered prayers, and how Thomas’ unwavering faith transformed their perspective on life, faith, and the future. From his awe-inspiring acceptance of his diagnosis on a memorable jet ski day, to his quiet acts of support for his mother, and his incredible determination in starting this podcast even amidst painful mucositis mouth sores, this episode showcases the extraordinary man Lindsey prayed for. Amidst the ongoing challenges, they are committed to carrying forward lessons of trust, resilience, and finding joy in every moment.

Key Learnings:

• Patience & God's Timing: Discover the power of waiting on God for your deepest desires and seeing prayers unfold.
• Trust in the Storm: Learn to find profound faith and accept challenges, believing God can use them for good.
• Embrace Your New Story: Pivot from old plans and courageously step into an unexpected future with hope.
• Unyielding Determination & Vulnerability: Witness the strength in pursuing purpose and sharing your journey, even through immense discomfort.
• Passion for Life & Others: Cultivate enthusiastic joy and selfless support, making every moment meaningful.

Resources & Mentions:

• Cultus Lake: Thomas' favorite place where we found joy amidst uncertainty.
• Connect with us on Instagram 📱
• Subscribe to our new YouTube channel for visuals from our journey, behind-the-scenes photos, and extra content! 🎥 

Call to Action:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder of courage, faith, and enduring love today.

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Thomas is officially in remission! After months of intense treatment, unexpected complications, and significant uncertainty, this milestone feels nothing short of miraculous. From bone marrow once 94% leukemia cells to being cancer-free, this episode reveals how this journey has transformed our perspective on life and time.

Join us as we share the full story behind our recent absence, including dealing with Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), unexpected ER visits, and the discovery of a brain aneurysm and aortic regurgitation. Amidst these challenges, we found profound joy in the smallest moments—a sunny morning, a good cup of coffee, or simply holding hands during a walk. We'll also dive into Brené Brown's "foreboding joy" and how our faith allows us to hold both deep happiness and lingering uncertainty simultaneously.

This isn't a return to our old normal, but a powerful step into a new one. We're committed to carrying forward the lessons learned: practicing mindfulness, finding joy in everyday miracles, and leaning on faith through all of life's ups and downs.

Key Takeaways:

• Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate presence to strengthen your prefrontal cortex.
• Find Joy in Small Moments: Actively counter "hedonic adaptation" by appreciating everyday pleasures.
• Acknowledge Vulnerability in Happiness: Embrace "foreboding joy" by focusing on gratitude. 
• Lean on Faith Through Uncertainty: Discover how faith can provide a foundation in challenging times.

Resources & Mentions:

• Brené Brown: Learn more about "foreboding joy" in Daring Greatly 
• Bob Goff: Author of Undistracted 
• Connect with us on Instagram 📱
• Subscribe to our new YouTube channel for visuals from our journey, behind-the-scenes photos, and extra content! 🎥 

Call to Action:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode with someone who needs a renewed sense of hope today. 

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In this episode, we draw parallels between our personal journey and the epic tale of "The Lord of the Rings," exploring how stories can inspire resilience. We discuss building supportive fellowships, embracing life's challenges, and choosing how to respond to uncertainty.

Discover how J.R.R. Tolkien's classic series offers insights into navigating personal trials, mirroring Thomas's own journey. Learn practical strategies for cultivating strong relationships, reframing hardships, and finding meaning in difficult times. We explore the power of inspiration in literature and art, focusing on understanding your narrative and finding strength in shared experiences. 

Key Takeaways:

• Building your "fellowship": Cultivating supportive relationships and understanding your personal narrative.
• Embracing the "perilous path": Reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.
• Choosing your response: Finding agency and meaning in difficult circumstances.

Additional Resources:

• Connect with us on Instagram 📱
• Listen to our episode about emotional agility 

Watch this episode on YouTube and subscribe to our new YouTube channel for visuals from our journey, behind-the-scenes photos, and extra content! 🎥 

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Watch this episode on YouTube and subscribe to our new YouTube channel for visuals from our journey, behind-the-scenes photos, and extra content! 🎥 

Episode Summary

In Episode 8 of The Brain It On! Podcast, Lindsey and Thomas explore the power of celebrating small wins and taking things one step at a time, especially when navigating life's biggest challenges.  This episode offers a deeply personal look at Thomas's journey, sharing how these principles have helped him and Lindsey navigate the complexities of his experience.

We feature a moving conversation with Thomas's oncology nurse, Daniel, who provides invaluable insights into the importance of acknowledging every step forward, no matter how small.  Daniel's wisdom highlights how celebrating these seemingly minor milestones can significantly impact morale and overall well-being.

Learn how acknowledging progress, even in small increments, can trigger the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, effectively reinforcing positive behavior and fueling resilience. We discuss how breaking down overwhelming goals into smaller, more manageable steps can reduce anxiety and increase motivation, making even the most daunting tasks feel achievable.

Key Takeaways:

• Celebrating small wins: Why acknowledging progress, no matter how small, is crucial for maintaining motivation and fostering resilience.
• Taking things one step at a time: Practical strategies for breaking down overwhelming goals into manageable steps.
• Strengthening your support system: The importance of social connection and how to build a strong network of support.
• Looking back and celebrating progress:  How to reflect on your journey and acknowledge how far you've come.
• Navigating the rollercoaster of challenges: How to embrace the ups and downs and find stability amidst change. 

Additional Resources:

• Connect with us on Instagram 📱
• Motivational Posters on Amazon 

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In this episode we explore how to navigate life's challenges while keeping love and connection strong. We open up about Thomas's recent cancer relapse and the difficult journey we've been on, sharing the ups and downs, the fears, and the moments of hope.

We also dive into the power of the 5:1 ratio, a concept from relationship expert John Gottman, which highlights the importance of balancing positive and negative interactions, especially during tough times. This ratio—five positive interactions for every negative one—is crucial for maintaining connection and resilience in any relationship.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Laughter: Finding humor in difficult situations and making time for fun can be incredibly healing.
• The Importance of Touch: Physical touch releases oxytocin and strengthens connection. We share the power of the 20-second hug and the "Three Breath Hug."
• Open Communication: Honest and vulnerable communication is essential for navigating challenges together.

Join us for an honest and hopeful conversation about love, resilience, and finding light in even the darkest of times. We hope our story and the practical tips we share will offer support and inspiration for your own relationships.

Additional Resources:

• Explore John Gottman's resources at The Gottman Institute 
• Check out The Brain it On Instagram page for more tips and pictures of our medical journey 
• Listen to our previous podcast episodes

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Ever experienced the unexpected joy of a thoughtful gesture? That’s exactly what happened when my brother took it upon himself to service and detail Thomas' car, reminding us of how small acts of kindness can profoundly touch our lives. We also delve into the story of Thomas' coworker Mistie, who surprised us with a generous bag of gifts from his fellow nurses, illustrating the strength and support of a community that stands together, even from afar. These heartfelt stories set a warm stage for our reflection on kindness and its power to inspire a wave of positivity.

As we uncover the ripple effect of kindness, we take you on a journey through inspiring anecdotes—like the comforting words of a nurse or a ukulele player's spontaneous hallway performance—that underscore the significance of making others feel valued and appreciated. We’re challenging you to reach out to someone with a message of gratitude, and see how this simple act can invigorate not only them but also you. These stories highlight how kindness can multiply, enhancing our lives in ways we might not have anticipated.

In a world increasingly dominated by technology, we reflect on the balance between digital convenience and genuine human connection. Despite the efficiency of mobile banking or self-checkout, we discuss the unique joy found in engaging with others, even if just through a smile or a simple interaction. Yet, when used thoughtfully, technology can also strengthen connections, as seen in our family FaceTime tradition that brings us closer despite distances. Supported by brain science, we explore how kindness is contagious and can boost happiness, urging us all to embrace the simple yet powerful acts of compassion in everyday life.

Additional Resources:
•Check out The Brain it On instagram page for more tips and pictures of our medical journey 

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Join me, Lindsey, on this solo episode as I navigate the intense world of emotions and brain health, sharing a personal update on my husband Thomas’s ongoing health journey. Drawing strength from emotions researcher Susan David, I reveal how understanding emotions can transform those tough days into opportunities for resilience. Learn research-backed techniques to differentiate your identity from your emotional states, bringing a new perspective to life's challenges.

As a support person to a loved one battling cancer, I've faced a whirlwind of emotions—sadness, anxiety, and everything in between. By recounting my experiences and drawing inspiration from Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, I’ll guide you through the process of naming emotions to help the brain's emotional and rational parts work together. Discover practical strategies like "Name it to Tame it" to manage emotional turbulence and explore how emotions can shine a light on personal values and boundaries, offering a path to growth and healing.

Lastly, we shift focus to positive practices that enhance mental well-being. From the joy of animal therapy and reminiscing on happy memories to the vital role of sunlight and physical activity, embrace the transformative power of simple habits. I share how walking with family and listening to uplifting music have become cornerstones in my journey to better mental health, highlighting how social connections and optimistic anticipation can combat loneliness and foster a hopeful outlook. Join me in crafting a life filled with motivation and joy, amidst the inevitable ups and downs.

Additional Resources:
•Check out The Brain it On instagram page for more tips and pictures of our medical journey 

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