Do you leap into fix-it mode the moment someone mentions a struggle? In this episode, Betina wrestles with feedback from her daughter and others who just want to vent, not get a five-point action plan. As a business consultant who gets paid to solve problems and is regularly sought out for wisdom, the line between helpful and overbearing gets blurry fast. Jen introduces the concept of radical acceptance and shares practical ways to support friends without becoming their unpaid therapist or worse, their hostage audience for endless complaining. We explore the uncomfortable question: are you genuinely serving others, or are you feeding your own need to feel necessary? If you've ever been accused of "always trying to fix everything" or found yourself exhausted by people who complain but never change, this conversation will help you find the balance between compassion and boundaries.

Time stamps:

00:00 Intros

02:17 Temp Check: What’s your “I can fix this” temperature when someone shares a problem with you?

14:45 Backstory: Times when helping became controlling

33:11 Life Focus: Distinguishing between serving others and your own need to be needed

55:52 Recipes: Listen first Soup

Recipes:

Squash Soup

2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed

4 stalks celery chopped

1 medium sweet onion, chopped

3 leeks, chopped

2-3 cups of veg or chicken broth

1/4 cup whole milk (or a few teaspoons of cream)

In a large pot, saute onion, celery, and leeks in a little bit of oil for about 5-6 minutes. Add about 2 teaspoons salt to mixture, cook for 1 more minute

Add broth and butternut squash cubes, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the squash is soft.

Use immersion blender to blend, salt and pepper to taste, then add milk or cream (optional).

Serve hot with garnish of your choice (I like scallions!).

Betina’s Chicken Vegetable Soup

Chop all the veggies you like (dealer’s choice on your veggies)

The must-haves are: onion, bell pepper, celery

Chop the Chicken breast into chunks

Add to a large pot with water and your must have veggies.

Season with the go-to four (seasoning salt, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and pepper)

Also, add Adobo seasoning and chicken bouillon powder

Begin to boil

In their order of cooking, add your other veggies.

Depending on how you want your final broth to be, you can serve it as is with garlic bread, or you can add heavy cream for a thicker broth.

Enjoy!

*****Note*****

Betina’s Zuppa Toscano (Olive Garden’s recipe that I perfected) can be found in Season 1 Episode 7 Love and Transitions

Music Credits:

0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR

14:17 “All I Got Was Nothing” - Nyck Caution

32:52“Fourth Quarter” - Dylan Sitts

44:49 “Inner Groove Hangout” - Dusty Decks

59:28“All I Got Was Nothing” - Nyck Caution