The High-Functioning Disaster

Hey, fellow high functioners! Today started with Miracle Morning (not an all-in-one — still finishing the “reading” pod) and turned into a legit healthcare day:

• Bariatric check-in: Officially moving from 7.5 mg to 10 mg Mounjaro next cycle. Scale alignment was tight (within 0.6 lb of the home Withings). Dietitian marching orders: cap protein shakes at two/day — a third only on shot day — and prioritize actual food even when hunger cues are MIA.
• Cholesterol real talk: LDL came back 112 (goal <100). Red meat has been the “go-down-easy” protein since surgery, while chicken often feels like a brick. The plan: work back toward leaner proteins and fewer shakes without tanking intake.
• Hospital cafeteria saga: “Tandoori” chicken that was neither tandoori nor moist. Cauliflower? Fine, but under-seasoned. (Ranch as emergency lube. We’ve all been there.)
• Mom update: Her appointment went well — new CPAP on the way. Fingers crossed she uses it and gets the deeper rest she needs.
• Movement: Sore from yesterday’s Pilates (glutes, obliques, shoulders), so tonight is a yin, calming yoga reset.
• Mindset & making stuff: Talked through perfectionism and comparison with Brandon (podcasting nerves are normal). Progress over perfect, always. Also tried press-on nails (Kiss brand) for a small, budget-friendly win.

If you’re navigating the high-functioning-outside/chaos-inside life and want to share your story, I’d love to talk. Email’s best — details below.

Mentioned today: Miracle Morning, Mounjaro dose change, protein strategy post-op, LDL/foods, CPAP, yin yoga on FitOn, Pilates soreness, press-on nails as self-care, perfectionism in podcasting.

• 🕯️ Scentsy: sachasmells.com
• 💸 Tip jar: venmo.com/sachasmells

• Dose is increasing to 10 mg Mounjaro; monitoring intake matters more than ever.
• Food > shakes most days; shakes capped at two/day (third only on shot day).
• Protein quality impacts LDL; leaning back into leaner options.
• Better sleep with a new CPAP could change daytime energy and mood.
• Progress beats perfection — in health, podcasting, and life.

Discussion of bariatric care, medication dosing (Mounjaro), disordered eating sensations post-op, cholesterol results, CPAP use, and mild health frustrations. Light profanity.

• 🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
• 🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
• 📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
• 📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
• 💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, bariatric surgery, Mounjaro, GLP-1, protein goals, LDL cholesterol, CPAP, sleep apnea, Miracle Morning, FitOn, yin yoga, Pilates, mindset, perfectionism, podcasting, caregiver life, press-on nails, self-care

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

This podcast reflects personal experiences and opinions and is for informational and peer-support purposes only. It is not medical, mental health, legal, or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to you.

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

Today was a rough one. Sacha started with a repeat of her favorite Miracle Morning track before getting knocked flat by a migraine with aura — the kind that steals your vision and your plans. Pre-interviews got rescheduled, progress slowed, but she still managed to chip away at her office cleanup and clock a 2–3 on the productivity scale (and that’s okay).

By night, she was back at it with Pilates — and the soreness proves it. Between workouts, she found the perfect mesh pouches to wrangle all her bands and equipment, started planning a Linktree for shared resources, and reflected on staying consistent through setbacks.

She also talks about tomorrow’s follow-up at her bariatric office, supporting her mom’s appointment, and keeping her daily protein (80g+) and fluid goals (80oz+) on track.

A surprise twist? Forbes’ “Best Wall Pilates Apps” list, a few new insights about muscle loss in menopause, and a heartfelt update on her upcoming Life in the Bari Lane episode featuring Dr. Evan Nadler — a pediatric bariatric surgeon changing lives and breaking stigmas.

It’s a mix of honesty, humor, and human progress — even when the day starts with a migraine.

• Miracle Morning (replay)
• Migraine with aura
• Pilates & BetterMe app review
• Protein & hydration goals post-bariatric surgery
• Mesh storage pouches for workout gear
• Linktree setup for links to books and products mentioned
• Forbes’ best Wall Pilates apps list
• Muscle loss after menopause
• Life in the Bari Lane episode with Dr. Evan Nadler

• 🕯️ sachasmells.com
• 💸 venmo.com/sachasmells

• Some days, showing up at 20% is still 100% effort.
• Movement counts, even on migraine days.
• Protein and sleep are underrated health tools.
• Menopause and muscle loss deserve more open talk.
• Gratitude + progress > perfection, every time.

Mentions of migraines with aura, bariatric care, menopause-related health, and bodyweight discussion. Tone is grounded, conversational, and self-compassionate.

• 🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
• 🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
• 📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
• 📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
• 💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, Miracle Morning, migraine with aura, BetterMe app, YouTube Pilates, Forbes, wall Pilates apps, protein goals, hydration goals, bariatric life, menopause muscle loss, Linktree setup, productivity, mindfulness, Dr. Evan Nadler, Life in the Bari Lane, pediatric bariatric surgery, motivation, resilience, chronic illness, health journey

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

It’s Sacha’s birthday, and the day lands heavy. She starts with a double-dose Miracle Morning focused on mental health, shares her own history with anxiety and panic disorder, and reflects on the hard reality of caregiving when a loved one insists they “don’t deserve care.” There’s honest talk about boundaries, compassion, and what “helpful” really means.

On the lighter—but still weird—side: mischievous house “spirits” keep poking at her tech (and the cat), because of course they do. Between editing sessions, a canceled meeting, and thoughtful birthday check-ins from friends and family, Sacha steadies herself, recommits to posting Life in the Bari Lane tomorrow, and invites bariatric patients—and fellow high functioners—to share their stories.

• Miracle Morning (mental-health themed)
• Anxiety & panic tools, medication that helps the anxiety (and therefore the panic)
• Caregiver realities with Mom; upcoming medical appointments
• Tech oddities and house “spirits” doing the most
• Call for guests: bariatric journeys, or high-functioning lives that feel like a disaster behind the scenes

🕯️ Shop Sacha’s Scentsy: sachasmells.com

💸 Tip jar: venmo.com/sachasmells

📧 Pitch your story (best way): see “Contact” in the show notes

• Managing anxiety can prevent full-blown panic; tools + meds can work together.
• “I don’t deserve care” is data—painful, but clarifying—for caregivers.
• Boundaries protect everyone, including the helper.
• Small wins (editing, outreach, birthday texts) still count on heavy days.
• Your story matters; sharing it helps others feel less alone.

Candid discussion of mental health (anxiety, panic disorder), caregiver stress, depressive symptoms in a loved one, and light references to spiritual/energetic experiences at home. Supportive, non-graphic, reflective tone.

• 🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
• 🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
• 📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
• 📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
• 💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, Miracle Morning, anxiety, panic disorder, caregiver stress, depression, mental health tools, boundaries, self-regulation, nervous system, editing day, spiritual experiences, haunted house, tech glitches, bariatric surgery stories, Life in the Bari Lane, guest call, storytelling, authenticity, resilience, birthday reflection

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Emma Lyons — trauma-informed healer and founder of The Trauma Matrix — we move from awareness to action.

Emma explains why mindset work alone can’t undo shame, and how the real healing happens when we retrain the nervous system to feel safe again. We talk about breathwork, yoga, and her B.R.E.A.K. method for interrupting shame attacks in real time.

She also unpacks why visibility, success, and even receiving love can feel dangerous — and how dismantling the “inner narcissist” helps you show up as your authentic self without fear or self-criticism.

If you’ve ever wondered why you shrink when it’s time to shine, or why doing “all the right healing work” still isn’t landing — this episode is your missing link.

• Shame isn’t an emotion — it’s a control mechanism.
• Mindset shifts don’t stick if the body still feels unsafe.
• Breathwork and movement create real safety in the nervous system
• The B.R.E.A.K. method helps interrupt shame spirals: Break, Refuse, Expose, Anchor, Kick it out.
• Visibility triggers shame because authenticity threatens control — but when you release shame, you become “un-shamable.”
• Free gift from Emma: tinyurl.com/nottodaynarc

Includes discussion of shame, narcissistic family dynamics, and brief mention of suicidal ideation (non-graphic). Please take care while listening.

Where to find Emma:

• 📱Facebook: [https://www.facbook.com/emma.s.lyons]
• 📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/trauma.matrix]
• 📺TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@trauma.matrix]
• 📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@trauma.matrix]
• 📰Substack: [https://traumamatrix.substack.com/]
• 🧠LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lyons-b482021b3/]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

• 🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
• 🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
• 📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
• 📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
• 💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Emma Lyons, The Trauma Matrix, inner narcissist, inner critic, shame, guilt vs shame, trauma, nervous system, somatic healing, breathwork, yoga, survival response, people-pleasing, perfectionism, visibility, self-trust, boundaries, Dr Ramani, shameless, self-erasure

🎧In Part 2, Emma shares her B.R.E.A.K. Method for interrupting shame attacks, how to apply it to real-life narcissists, and why visibility and receiving often feel unsafe for women. Spoiler: she dismantles the myth that we should “learn to live with shame.”

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next chapter.

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

Today starts with Sacha’s signature Miracle Morning and a full day of editing, planning, and reflecting on what really matters — movement, meaning, and compassion. She talks about connecting with Shannon Curtis, a medium and intuitive coach, and meeting a therapist for men of color, both reminding her how powerful podcasting can be for community and healing.

She dives into her No-Spend November challenge and a search for accessible fitness, discovering the YouTube Pilates channel (dog co-host included 🐾) and rediscovering how much can be learned for free. From there, the conversation expands — into food insecurity, fairness, religion, and the way our country treats its most vulnerable.

It’s not a rant — it’s a reality check wrapped in heart, honesty, and humanity. Sacha reminds us that dignity, empathy, and equity aren’t luxuries. They’re the basics.

She wraps with gratitude and excitement: a call from her best friend of 30+ years and plans for a long-overdue birthday dinner together. Because after all, connection is what keeps us going.

• Miracle Morning routine
• Podcasting community wins (Shannon Curtis & new guest connections)
• YouTube Pilates discovery [https://www.youtube.com/@YouTubePilates]
• FitOn vs BetterMe apps
• No-Spend November + budget mindfulness
• Rant on food insecurity, living wages, and religious hypocrisy
• The importance of compassion over judgment
• Upcoming birthday dinner with her best friend 🎉

• 🕯️ sachasmells.com
• 💸 venmo.com/sachasmells

• Growth and grace can coexist — especially when we’re messy.
• Accessibility matters: movement, wellness, and food shouldn’t cost a fortune.
• True faith shows up in compassion, not conditions.
• No-Spend November = mindful living, not restriction.
• Friendship and community are the best medicine for burnout.

Includes discussion of U.S. politics, economic inequality, food insecurity, and organized religion — all handled respectfully and thoughtfully. Tone moves from calm reflection to passionate advocacy, ending with warmth and personal connection.

• 🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
• 🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
• 📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
• 📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
• 💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily podcast, Miracle Morning, YouTube Pilates, FitOn, BetterMe, No-Spend November, intuitive coach, Shannon Curtis, therapist for men of color, food insecurity, living wage, empathy, compassion, religion, politics, faith, advocacy, self-awareness, humanity, mindfulness, bariatric lifestyle, community, birthday dinner, friendship

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Trauma-informed healer Emma Lyons, founder of The Trauma Matrix, joins Sacha to unpack her concept of the “inner narcissist” — the shaming, controlling voice that masquerades as protection while keeping us small.

Emma shares how shame hijacks the nervous system, why mindset work alone can’t heal, and why shame isn’t a moral compass but a mechanism of control. Together they explore family dynamics, self-erasure, and the cultural conditioning that teaches us to pre-emptively shame ourselves before anyone else can.

If you’ve ever done all the healing work but still feel stuck, this conversation will help you spot the imposter voice that’s been running the show.

• What the “inner narcissist” is and how it impersonates your voice
• Why shame is a tool of control — not a motivator
• Shame vs. guilt and how shame blocks empathy
• Why survival responses get mislabeled as mindset problems
• Early signs your nervous system —not your willpower— is running things

• The inner narcissist is a parasitic shame voice that punishes, controls, and claims to “protect” you.
• Shame ≠ guilt: shame says “I am bad”, while guilt says “I did something bad.”
• Shame inhibits empathy and true change; guilt allows repair.
• Many self-sabotage patterns are actually nervous-system survival scripts.
• Freedom starts when you recognize the voice isn’t you — and stop feeding it by arguing or appeasing it.

Includes discussion of shame, narcissistic family dynamics, and brief mention of suicidal ideation (non-graphic). Please take care while listening.

Where to find Emma:

• 📱Facebook: [https://www.facbook.com/emma.s.lyons]
• 📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/trauma.matrix]
• 📺TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@trauma.matrix]
• 📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@trauma.matrix]
• 📰Substack: [https://traumamatrix.substack.com/]
• 🧠LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lyons-b482021b3/]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

• 🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
• 🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
• 📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
• 📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
• 💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Emma Lyons, The Trauma Matrix, inner narcissist, inner critic, shame, guilt vs shame, trauma, nervous system, somatic healing, breathwork, yoga, survival response, people-pleasing, perfectionism, visibility, self-trust, boundaries, Dr Ramani, shameless, self-erasure

🎧In Part 2, Emma shares her B.R.E.A.K. Method for interrupting shame attacks, how to apply it to real-life narcissists, and why visibility and receiving often feel unsafe for women. Spoiler: she dismantles the myth that we should “learn to live with shame.”

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next chapter.

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

Today’s episode is proof that pajamas and productivity can totally coexist. Sacha embraces a PJ day, gets her weekly planning done, and navigates some tough caregiving moments with honesty and grace.

After convincing her mom to finally pick up her prescriptions, a communication mix-up at the pharmacy leads to an unexpected accident — but also a win: a shower, clean laundry, and progress. Sacha also preps two weeks’ worth of pill boxes (because doing that weekly would be an Olympic sport), updates everyone’s appointments, and celebrates the arrival of her brand-new 2026 Happy Planner and expansion packs (budgeting, meal planning, and productivity layouts for the win).

Outside, it’s snowing in November, the pool still isn’t closed, and patience is wearing as thin as the temperature. But the plan is in motion: new skimmer baskets are ordered, the pool cover is ready, and a warm 69° day is on the way.

She rounds out the night with gentle Sunday yoga, a little self-forgiveness, and Dateline with Brandon — because balance is key.

• Weekly planning + Happy Planner updates
• Caregiving challenges & small wins
• Medication refills + pillbox prep
• Snow before the birthday (unacceptable ❄️)
• Pool still open, new cover + skimmer baskets ordered
• Mounjaro + bariatric maintenance reflections
• Gentle yoga + Sunday reset
• Dateline & downtime with Brandon

🕯️ sachasmells.com

💸 venmo.com/sachasmells

• Pajama days can still be productive.
• Caregiving progress counts, even when it’s messy.
• Planning ahead = fewer fires to put out later.
• Winter can wait (seriously, snow, chill).
• Gentle movement and true rest are not negotiable.

Mentions of caregiving, toileting accident (handled factually, not graphically), medication management, bariatric surgery, and cold weather stress. Tone is calm, reflective, and realistic.

• 🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
• 🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
• 📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
• 📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
• 💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily audio journal, caregiving, pharmacy mix-up, medication management, Happy Planner, weekly planning, Monjaro, bariatric journey, PJ day, pool closing, skimmer baskets, first snow, gentle yoga, Sunday reset, self-care, Dateline, cozy productivity, authenticity, resilience

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

It’s Saturday — and the vibe is pure weekend chaos meets comfort. After staying up late with Brandon, Sacha sleeps in (until 11!), dives into her Miracle Morning, and heads out for a day of errands, bulk hauls, and sweet indulgence.

Today’s adventures include Sam’s Club and Costco runs, stocking up on Oikos protein shakes, Sprite Zero, and Nature’s Twist Lemonade for Mom, plus scoring Brandon a heated work vest before the first snow hits. The garage and kitchen fridges get a long-overdue cleanout (gross bowls and all), and a new Eureka vacuum mop arrives from TikTok Shop to save future cleaning days.

But the highlight? A Crumbl cookie “cheers” in the parking lot — Martha Stewart Chocolate Chip Thins, buttery perfection that Sacha officially declares the best cookie she’s ever had.

Evening plans wrap with a late dinner, a wild IU vs. Penn State game replay, and a slow wind-down yoga stretch before bed. Simple pleasures, weekend energy, and a little self-care in motion.

• Costco & Sam’s Club runs (Oikos Pro Shakes, Sprite Zero, Nature’s Twist)
• Heated vest for Brandon
• First snow of the season (too soon!)
• Crumbl Cookie “Martha Stewart” collab 🍪
• No-Spend November exception: Eureka TikTok vacuum mop
• Fridge cleanout wins (and losses 😬)
• Indiana University vs. Penn State game
• Nighttime yoga + weekend reset

🕯️ sachasmells.com

💸 venmo.com/sachasmells

• Rest matters — sleeping in can be the healthiest choice of the day.
• Cleaning chaos is easier when you tag-team it (and laugh through it).
• “No-Spend November” sometimes needs exceptions for sanity.
• Celebrate small joys — like the perfect cookie or a warm vest.
• The calm of a slow yoga stretch beats perfection every time.

Casual mention of chronic illness (Type 2 diabetes), GLP-1 medication side effects, and caregiver responsibilities. Otherwise lighthearted, cozy weekend tone.

• 🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
• 🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
• 📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
• 📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
• 💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily audio journal, Costco, Sam’s Club, bulk shopping, Oikos protein shakes, Sprite Zero, Nature’s Twist, heated vest, snow forecast, Crumbl Cookie, Martha Stewart collab, weekend errands, fridge cleanout, No-Spend November, Eureka vacuum mop, IU football, yoga wind-down, cozy weekend vibes, self-care

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

Today starts messy and ends honest: Sacha oversleeps a 7:40 a.m. doctor visit, speed-runs out the door, and lands in a weird lab limbo until results get faxed over. The headline: A1C = 4.8 — low end of normal and a hard-won win. 🙌

From there, it’s real-life roulette: running Mom’s schedule (and emotions) while she heads to brain testing for possible dementia, improvising a Miracle Morning in the car (all-in-one, minus the exercise), and asking Brandon to tag in so they can still make the appointment. The day drains fast, but a session with Sacha’s coach helps unlock stuck emotions (ugly cry included), followed by a restorative nap, dog drama courtesy of time-keeper Rhea the Airedale, and plans to close the night with a grounding yin yoga flow.

It’s not glamorous. It’s not linear. But it’s a good reminder that wins can coexist with wipeouts — and that showing up still counts.

• Primary-care check, A1C 4.8 (labs via outside lab)
• Miracle Morning (all-in-one) on the go
• Caregiving + dementia screening logistics
• Coaching session + emotional release
• Yin yoga plan for the evening
• Weekend reset: groceries, football (Colts)

• Scentsy: https://sachasmells.com
• Venmo: https://venmo.com/sachasmells

• A messy morning can still deliver a meaningful win.
• Caregiving requires tag-teaming and flexible expectations.
• Your body keeps score — move, nap, or breathe as needed.
• Integrity = doing what you promised yourself, even gently.
• Wins (like a great A1C) are worth celebrating, especially on hard days.

Caregiver stress, medical talk (A1C, labs), fatigue, and brief profanity. Gentle, reflective tone with mentions of dementia testing for a parent.

• 🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
• 🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
• 📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
• 📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
• 💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily audio journal, A1C, diabetes check, primary care visit, outside lab, Miracle Morning, caregiver stress, dementia testing, emotional release, coaching session, yin yoga, fatigue, weekend reset, Colts football, resilience, honest storytelling

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

Today’s entry is raw and real — equal parts exhaustion, reflection, and hard-earned self-accountability. After starting with an all-in-one Miracle Morning on procrastination, Sacha faced a tough day with her mother — appointments missed, emotions high, and tears shed on the office floor. Caregiving isn’t easy, and today it took everything she had to keep her cool and stay grounded.

Still, the day rolled on: rescheduling a podcast interview with Carolyn Sangle (Your Next Success), editing for Life in the Bari Lane, replacing prescriptions, returning a phone she didn’t need (turns out it was the screen protector, not the screen 😅), and witnessing a moment at the post office that stirred deep thoughts on human dignity and belonging.

She also talks travel dreams (hello, Oregon 🌲), quiet car-wash therapy with “Boyd” the 20-year-old Nissan, and pushing herself to keep her November yoga/Pilates challenge going — even when motivation was nowhere to be found.

It’s honest, heavy, and a reminder that honoring your integrity sometimes means showing up through the mess.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Miracle Morning – “Procrastination” module
• Your Next Success podcast with Carolyn Sangal
• Caregiving and emotional fatigue
• Life in the Bari Lane update & guest call
• The Total Money Makeover reflections
• Screen protector mishap (Asurion, we’re good 😂)
• Post office perspective: dignity & respect
• Oregon travel dreams and diversity reflections
• FitOn app Pilates/Yoga challenge progress
• “Boyd,” her 20-year-old Nissan
• Core values: integrity, authenticity, relationships

Support the show:

• 💜 Shop Scentsy: sachasmells.com
• 💸 Venmo: venmo.com/sachasmells

• Caregiver stress is real — and it’s okay to not be okay.
• “Integrity” includes the promises you make to yourself.
• Mistakes happen — sometimes it’s just a busted screen protector.
• Observation without judgment deepens empathy.
• Even on heavy days, movement matters — do it because it’s hard.
• Grief, fatigue, and gratitude can coexist.

Mentions caregiver stress, emotional exhaustion, and frustration in family dynamics. Includes mild profanity and personal reflection on political and cultural topics.

• 🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
• 🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
• 📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
• 📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
• 💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily audio journal, caregiving stress, Miracle Morning, procrastination, Your Next Success, Carolyn Sangle, Life in the Bari Lane, bariatric podcast guests, emotional exhaustion, integrity, authenticity, relationships, empathy, Oregon travel, diversity, Pilates yoga challenge, FitOn, screen protector mishap, Asurion, mindfulness, resilience, raw storytelling

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.