The Meredith Patterson Podcast

Radical Acceptance: My Career, My Life, My Dreams

Today I'm going to speak from my heart about something that's changed my life.

Radical acceptance.

Not just of my career — although that's a big one. But of everything I've ever dreamed of. The life I thought I'd have. The love I imagined. The body. The home. The timeline. The moments that never came… and the ones that did, but didn't look like I thought they would.

This episode is for anyone who's ever asked: "Why didn't this go the way I hoped?" Or… "Am I still enough if my life doesn't look the way I planned?"

Let's talk about it — all of it. Let's talk about radical acceptance. And the freedom waiting on the other side.

LIFE RARELY FOLLOWS THE SCRIPT

When I was younger, I had a clear vision. Maybe you did too.

I thought if I worked hard enough, loved deeply enough, followed the rules, took care of my body, stayed kind and focused — everything would fall into place.

And some things did.

But some things didn't. Not in the way I expected. Not on the timeline I imagined. And some dreams — if I'm honest — didn't come true at all.

And that used to crush me.

Until I realized: the pain wasn't just from what didn't happen… the pain was from my resistance to what was.

RADICAL ACCEPTANCE IS NOT GIVING UP

Let's clear this up: radical acceptance is not saying "Oh well, I guess this is all I get."

No. It's choosing to stop fighting reality. It's grieving the story you once held… And turning fully toward the life you actually have.

It's saying:

This is how it went. This is who I am. This is where I am. And I will love myself here.

CAREER, RELATIONSHIPS, BODY, AGE… IT'S ALL INCLUDED

Radical acceptance means:

• Accepting the career that zigzagged.

• The relationships that didn't last.

• The body that aged and stretched and shifted.

• The family you have — or don't.

• The children who arrived — or didn't.

• The version of success you dreamed of at 20… that no longer fits who you are at 50.

This doesn't mean we stop dreaming. It means we stop punishing ourselves for what didn't happen.

THE GRIEF COMES FIRST

Let me be real: you have to grieve first.

Before the peace… comes the heartbreak. Before the freedom… comes the release.

So let yourself mourn. Cry for the love that didn't arrive. The baby you didn't hold. The show you didn't book. The dream that slipped through your fingers.

That grief is sacred. It's part of being alive. And once you move through it — you make space for what's next.

SEE WHAT'S STILL BEAUTIFUL

When I finally let go of what wasn't — I could see what was.

And it's beautiful.

My husband. My boys. The mountain air. The music I still get to sing. The resilience I've built. The woman I've become.

I stopped waiting for the perfect life, and started living the real one — with all its cracks and color and unexpected blessings.

And you can too.

HOW TO BEGIN RADICAL ACCEPTANCE — IN ANY AREA OF LIFE

If you're ready to stop suffering over what didn't happen, here are some powerful ways to begin radical acceptance — right now:

1. Tell the truth. Write it down. Speak it aloud. No filters. No shame. "This didn't go the way I hoped. I'm grieving it."

2. Let go of the story. Release the fantasy. Mourn it, honor it — but stop living inside it.

3. Focus on what is. What's here right now? What's still beautiful? Who are you because of what you've lived?

4. Redefine your dream. Your dream is allowed to evolve. Maybe it's not about "making it" anymore — maybe it's about being whole.

5. Practice presence. You are not behind. You are not broken. You are becoming.

If this episode touched something in you — don't ignore it. Here's what I want you to do:

Tonight, light a candle. Write down the dream you need to release — the one that's still hurting your heart. Read it aloud. Then say this:

"I release you with love. I accept where I am. And I trust that something beautiful is still unfolding."

Because it is.

You are not too late. You are not off course. You are exactly where you're meant to be — becoming who you're meant to become.

Thank you for being here with me.

And as always…

Bliss is your birthright. Have vision for what you want… and be grateful for where you are. Every single day.

I'll see you next time.

Welcome back to The Meredith Patterson Podcast, where we explore the power of stories, resilience, and purpose. Today, we're diving into something truly powerful—how storytelling isn't just art, but a tool for change, connection, and sustainability. Our guest is someone who lives and breathes this mission. Steven Schauer is a public servant, an environmental communicator, and the creator of the incredible podcast Stories Sustain Us, which highlights change-makers who are improving our planet and our humanity. He's also a documentary filmmaker, a seasoned public affairs strategist, and—let's be real—one of the best communicators I've ever met. Steven, welcome to the show!

Connect with Steven Schauer

Steven Schauer:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-schauer-mpa/
• https://www.instagram.com/studioschauer/

Stories Sustain Us:

• https://storiessustainus.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/stories_sustain_us/
• https://www.facebook.com/storiessustainus
• https://bsky.app/profile/storiessustainus.bsky.social
• https://x.com/stories_sustain

Thank you for listening

Today's episode is a little different. I'm pulling back the curtain—not on a show or a project—but on me. On the inner world I often keep running past in the name of getting things done, lifting others up, staying strong, being inspiring.

And maybe… just maybe… you're doing that too.

Because what I realized recently is this:

There are blind spots in my life.

And they've been quietly steering the wheel.

So today, I'm naming them. Not because I have it all figured out, but because healing starts when we tell the truth—out loud.

THE BLIND SPOTS

1. I tie my worth to what I produce

I'm a doer. An achiever. But somewhere along the way, I forgot that I'm worthy even when I'm resting. Even when I'm not being productive.

2. I overgive

And I know I'm not alone here. I'll give and give until I'm empty—without even realizing it. And receiving? That's the hard part. But I'm learning that asking for help is brave. And receiving is holy.

3. I chase perfection

I'll rework a sentence ten times before I say it. I'll rehearse love, support, even joy. But perfection is a moving target—and the magic lives in the messy middle.

4. I bury my pain to stay "positive."

People see the light in me. And that's real. But what they don't always see are the shadows I've ignored just to keep shining.

5. I live in the future

What's next? What needs planning? What's the next dream to build? Sometimes I forget to land in this moment—and feel the miracle that I'm already in.

6. I put myself last

Family. Work. Community. Everyone gets fed before I do—sometimes literally and spiritually. But I can't pour from an empty soul. And neither can you.

7. I forget who I am without the roles

Broadway star. Publisher. Coach. Wife. Mom. But who am I in silence? In stillness? I'm rediscovering that—and it's beautiful.

8. I fear slowing down

Because if I slow down, the feelings might catch up. But maybe… they're just trying to tell me something I need to hear.

9. I've parked grief instead of processing it

There are goodbyes I've never said, parts of me I've quietly let go of. And today, I honor them.

10. I haven't always given myself balance

And that ends now.

THE SHIFT

So what am I doing with all of this?

I created a 7-day healing challenge—just for me. And maybe just for you, too.

It's simple. Each day, I pause. I journal. I do one act of radical truth or softness. I remember that I'm not a machine—I'm a miracle.

If any of this hit home for you…

If you're nodding through tears or sitting in quiet reflection right now…

I invite you to do this challenge with me.

Start with one blind spot.

Give it light.

Speak it out loud.

Journal on it.

Feel it fully.

Then give yourself the grace to grow.

Balance doesn't come from hustling harder—it comes from coming home to yourself.

So today, let's all come home.

Let's be honest.

Let's be whole.

Let's be free.

Because we deserve that.

We've always deserved that.

If this episode resonated, please share it with another woman who might need to hear this truth.

And if you'd like the full 7-day challenge I created, DM me or visit my website—I'll send it your way.

I love you.

I see you.

And I'm walking this path beside you.

Until next time, remember:

Bliss is your birthright.

Have vision for what you want.

And be grateful for where you are—every single day.

Hi everyone. Welcome to The Meredith Patterson Podcast.

This episode is raw. It's vulnerable. And it's deeply personal. I've hesitated to share this, but I've learned that silence around abuse—especially spiritual abuse—only allows it to thrive. And I know I'm not alone.

Today, I'm talking about the difference between religion and spirituality—and how deeply religion has hurt me. From growing up in a guilt- and shame-based Catholic system steeped in silence and abuse… to being aggressively recruited into a cult here in New York City—the International Church of Christ… I eventually found myself with no label. No religion. No community. No trust.

This episode is for anyone who's ever had their faith betrayed by something that was supposed to be sacred.

Catholicism – Shame and Silence

I was raised Catholic. And while some find comfort in the structure and rituals, my experience was filled with guilt, shame, and fear.

I was taught to confess, to obey, to repent. But no one asked me if I felt safe. Or seen. Or loved.

Behind the symbols of peace and purity was something devastating—widespread sexual abuse. Covered up. Denied. Allowed to continue.

It broke something inside me.

How could I trust in a loving God when the people claiming to represent Him were harming children—and being protected while doing it?

I left the Church carrying a weight that was never mine. But I still longed for connection. For meaning. And that made me vulnerable.

The Cult – International Church of Christ

When I moved to New York City, that hunger for connection led me straight into the arms of something far more dangerous than it appeared.

The International Church of Christ.

They were charismatic. Friendly. Supportive. I remember walking into one of their first services and seeing Geoffrey Owens from The Cosby Show in the room. The vibe was cool, casual. The music was upbeat. Everyone looked young, vibrant, connected.

I thought, "This is different. Maybe this is what I've been missing."

But it wasn't love. It was control.

They used tactics now recognized as cult-like:

• Love-bombing.

• Scripture as manipulation.

• Mandatory confessions.

• Pressure to recruit.

• Social isolation from anyone who didn't conform.

• Shame disguised as accountability.

I was expected to never miss church—even when I was performing in shows. I was told to confess deeply personal things to people I barely knew. I was judged for missing a Bible study. My sense of worth was tied to my obedience.

Six months in, the red flags became impossible to ignore.

But I had wanted so badly to belong… that I ignored my intuition. Until it screamed: Get out.

Leaving wasn't easy. They don't just let you walk away. You're told you're "falling away from God." That you're lost. That your soul is in danger.

But here's what I know now: My soul wasn't in danger. My soul was waking up.

Left With Nothing – And Still Craving Connection

After Catholicism—and then that cult—I was done.

Done with religion. Done with labels. Done with anyone telling me they had the truth if I would just give them enough of myself.

But when you strip away all those layers—what's left?

Nothing. At first. And that nothingness is painful.

It's exhausting to not know who to trust. To ask: Who's real? And worse: Can I even trust myself?

Because spiritual abuse doesn't just break your relationship with community. It breaks your relationship with your own inner guidance.

Reclaiming Spirituality – On My Own Terms

Eventually, I started to explore. To question. To unlearn.

I began studying different religions. I started asking: What is real spirituality?

Since I was a child, I've always felt closest to something divine in nature. In the trees. The ocean. The mountains. In the quiet. That's where I've always felt God—or Source, or the Universe—whatever you want to call it.

So I began meditating. I stopped saying prayers that felt robotic and started listening instead. I explored the teachings of spiritual leaders and realized how much of their wisdom overlaps.

And then… I took a closer look at Jesus.

Not the Jesus twisted by institutions. But Jesus, the person.

And I saw how much he criticized the religious leaders of his time—the Pharisees—for exactly what I had experienced.

He called them hypocrites. He condemned their self-righteousness. Their obsession with appearances. Their expensive robes, ornate temples, and empty rituals.

He said they were like "whitewashed tombs"—beautiful on the outside but full of decay inside. He flipped tables in the temple—not because people were worshiping—but because they had turned a place of spiritual connection into a marketplace for profit and power.

That wasn't rebellion. That was truth.

Jesus's message was never about fear, guilt, or hierarchy. It was about love. Humility. Service. Compassion. And I realized—most of what organized religion has done in his name? He would've never stood for it.

So here's what I believe now:

Spirituality isn't handed to you by an institution. It already lives inside of you.

It lives in your breath. In the sunrise. In your laughter. In music. In grief. In stillness. In presence.

I don't need a label anymore. I'm not religious. I don't belong to a church. But I believe in something greater. I believe in energy. In truth. In love. In Source.

I've found the divine in dance. In solitude. In meditation. In my son's smile. I don't need a building to pray. I don't need a preacher in silk robes to tell me I'm enough. I don't need a group to save me.

I saved myself.

For Anyone Who's Been Hurt

If you've been hurt by religion, please hear this:

You are not broken. You were never the problem. Your longing for connection is not foolish. It's sacred.

You don't have to give up on spirituality just because religion betrayed you. You get to reclaim it. You get to rebuild it. You get to define it.

And if you don't trust yet… that's okay. But don't close your heart forever. Let it heal.

And when you're ready—start small.

Light a candle. Go for a walk. Cry. Breathe. Listen. Laugh.

That is church. That is prayer. That is sacred.

Take one moment today and ask yourself: What does real connection feel like to me?

Then follow that.

Not what you were told to believe. But what your soul already knows.

Thank you for listening.

Welcome to The Meredith Patterson Podcast, where we explore how to live with more intention, more creativity, and more joy—especially in a world that often feels designed to distract us.

And I want to start by asking you something that might stop you in your tracks…

When was the last time you truly paid attention?

I mean, deep, undistracted, fully present attention—to someone speaking, to something you're watching, or even to your own thoughts?

The truth is, we are living in a world that is starving for our attention. And at the same time, we are hemorrhaging it.

The Shrinking Attention Span

Let's start with the facts.

Studies have shown that our attention spans have been shrinking for years. Some researchers say it's now shorter than a goldfish's—hovering at around 8 seconds. Whether that stat is 100% accurate or not, the trend is real. We are losing the ability to focus deeply.

Why?

Because we're overstimulated. Notifications, emails, breaking news, TikToks, reels, scroll-scroll-scroll… Our brains are now wired to crave the next thing. The quicker the dopamine hit, the better.

But here's the dangerous twist: Attention is now currency. Platforms profit from how long they can keep our eyes glued to the screen. They compete for our focus like bidders at an auction. The more attention they get from you, the more money they make.

And we're the product. Not the consumer.

The Overload of Choice

Let's talk about decision fatigue.

We used to have four TV channels. Now we have 400 streaming platforms, thousands of shows, and an endless scroll of user-generated content. Ironically, the more choices we have, the harder it is to choose—and the less satisfied we are when we do.

Have you ever spent 45 minutes looking for something to watch, only to end up rewatching an old sitcom or falling asleep? That's not laziness. That's cognitive overload.

Our brains weren't built to make hundreds of micro-decisions about what to watch, who to follow, or what filter to use. And all of this choice chips away at our ability to focus, commit, and stay present.

ADD, ADHD & the New Attention Economy

There's been a significant uptick in ADD and ADHD diagnoses, especially in adults—and particularly among women over 35.

Why now?

Because the world has become noisier. Faster. Less forgiving. And for those of us whose brains already crave novelty or struggle with focus, this world is like gasoline on a fire.

Now, I want to say this clearly: ADD and ADHD are real neurodivergent conditions. But our modern environment is creating symptoms in nearly everyone. It's no longer just about attention disorders. It's about an attention crisis.

Social Media & Screen Addiction

We are addicted to the scroll.

It's not just a bad habit—it's a chemical dependency. Every like, every notification, every viral video gives us a hit of dopamine. That "feel good" hormone. And over time, we build up a tolerance.

So we keep scrolling for the next hit. And it's designed that way. The infinite scroll wasn't an accident—it was an invention meant to keep you on the platform just a little longer. And a little longer. And a little longer...

Here's the catch: When we trade our attention for digital dopamine, we rob ourselves of deeper joy. We stop being present with our kids. We stop hearing our own inner voice. We numb out.

So What Can We Do?

This isn't about deleting your social media or throwing your phone into a lake—although some days that does sound tempting. It's about intentional attention.

Here are five small shifts that can create big change:

1. Start your day without your phone. Even 10–15 minutes can change your mindset for the whole day.

2. Use "Do Not Disturb" mode. Your attention is precious. Protect it like your bank account.

3. Watch one thing at a time. No more multitasking shows, texts, and Instagram.

4. Reclaim boredom. Let your brain get bored. That's where creativity is born.

5. Practice presence. Whether it's your child, your partner, your craft—give it your full attention. That's how we build connection.

We are living in a world where our attention is being pulled, poked, and auctioned off every minute. But you have more power than you think. When you decide where to place your attention, you take your power back. And when you do it with intention, you become richer—in clarity, in peace, and in purpose.

Because attention is the new currency… And how you spend it will shape the life you live.

(Pause)

If this episode resonated with you, I invite you to take one action today: Put your phone down and look someone you love in the eye. Be fully there. No distractions. Just presence. That's the real flex in today's world.

Thank you for listening to The Meredith Patterson Podcast. Subscribe, share, and if you loved this episode—leave a review. Let's build a more intentional life together, one moment at a time.

Until next time— Stay present, stay powerful, and keep dreaming big.

Today on The Meredith Patterson Podcast, I have the absolute joy of sitting down with a true cinematic storyteller—award-winning filmmaker April Wright. April's passion for film began in the glow of drive-ins and majestic movie palaces, and she has since carved a powerful path in both narrative and documentary filmmaking. From celebrating the unsung heroines of Hollywood stunt work to honoring the nostalgic charm of roller rinks, April is a creative force dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and preserving cinematic history. Her work is deeply personal, empowering, and always inspired. Let's dive into the world of storytelling, tenacity, and transformation with April Wright. Follow April IMDB Instagram

April Wright reminds us that stories matter—not just the big, blockbuster ones—but the ones that reflect where we come from, who we are, and what we might lose if we don't stop to remember. Thank you, April, for your voice, your vision, and for preserving the magic of storytelling. If you haven't yet watched her films, run—don't walk—to Amazon Prime or your nearest historic movie palace. Until next time, Have vision for what you want but be grateful for where you are every single day. Thank you for listening

Today's #MentalHealthMonday episode? Might shock you a little.

Because we're talking about something that's in your water, your food, your clothes, your makeup—heck, it's probably in your bloodstream right now.

Microplastics. "Your Gut Called—It's Tired of Eating Tupperware" "Breaking Up with Plastic (It's Not Me, It's You)"

Tiny pieces of plastic that are everywhere—and I mean everywhere. Including inside you.

But don't panic—this episode isn't about fear. It's about awareness. And power. Because once you know where plastic came from, what it's doing to us, and how to reduce it—you'll realize how deeply beautiful it is to take control of your environment.

A Quick History of Plastic

Let's rewind the tape.

Plastic was invented in 1907 by a Belgian chemist named Leo Baekeland. It was hailed as a miracle material. Durable, moldable, lightweight, and cheap. In the post-WWII era, it became synonymous with progress—convenience, prosperity, modern life.

Tupperware parties, polyester pantsuits, Barbie dolls, grocery bags—it was all plastic, and it was everywhere. Still is.

But no one stopped to ask: Where does it go when we're done with it?

Here's the sobering truth: Every piece of plastic ever made still exists.

And as it breaks down? It becomes microplastics—particles smaller than 5mm. Too tiny to see. Too sneaky to filter out. Too dangerous to ignore.

The Science of Microplastics

Let's get into your inner nerd for a second (you know she's in there).

Microplastics come from:

• Plastic packaging breaking down in the sun

• Synthetic clothing shedding fibers in the wash

• Plastic containers releasing particles when heated

• Even car tires and city dust

We inhale them. We drink them. We eat them.

Recent studies have found microplastics in:

• Human blood

• Breast milk

• Placenta

• And yes… even the lungs

They carry endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates. These mimic hormones and can interfere with:

• Fertility

• Thyroid function

• Gut health

• Brain development

The gut microbiome—our second brain—is especially vulnerable. Ingested plastics can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction. That affects everything, from mood to metabolism.

Where They're Hiding

Here's the unsettling part: You're likely eating a credit card's worth of plastic every week. Not a metaphor. That's per research by the WWF in 2019.

Let's name names. Microplastics are hiding in:

• 🥤 Bottled water (much worse than tap!)

• 🐟 Shellfish and fish (especially those eaten whole)

• 🧂 Table salt (refined sea salts often contain plastic particles)

• 🍱 Plastic-wrapped takeout

• 🍵 Plastic teabags

• 🍼 Baby bottles made with polypropylene

• 🌬️ Even the air you breathe—especially indoors

PART 4: How to Eat (and Live) With Less Plastic I want you to feel empowered, not overwhelmed. So here are five practical shifts you can start today:

1. Ditch the plastic water bottle Use a glass or stainless steel reusable one. Filter your water with a carbon filter or reverse osmosis system.

2. Eat more whole, unpackaged foods Shop farmers markets. Choose produce without plastic wrap. Bonus: it's usually fresher and tastes better!

3. Swap your food storage Store leftovers in glass containers, not plastic. Don't microwave in plastic—ever.

4. Wear natural fibers Cotton, wool, bamboo > polyester. Synthetic clothes shed microfibers in the wash and into our water systems.

5. Choose loose-leaf tea Many tea bags are sealed with plastic. Opt for metal infusers and loose blends.

Start small. Start somewhere. Then build. You don't need to be perfect. Just intentional.

The Beauty of Conscious Living Here's my challenge to you:

👉 This week, swap one plastic item in your daily routine for a reusable or natural version. Just one. A water bottle. A food container. A bag of produce. And then tell someone about it. Share this episode. Spark a conversation.

Because the real solution? Isn't just personal. It's collective. Cultural. Global.

Plastic pollution isn't just about trash. It's about values. And I believe that when we truly love ourselves—when we believe our bodies and our children's bodies are worth protecting—we change the way we shop, eat, think, and vote.

You, my friend, are part of this shift. You are the ripple effect. And yes, you are allowed to be radiant, healthy, and fully informed.

Thanks for listening to The Meredith Patterson Podcast. If this episode moved you, please leave a review, share it with a friend, and remember: Bliss is your birthright.

Let's go out there, breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live plastic-free—one empowered step at a time.

My guest is someone who embodies resilience and authenticity. Laverne Friesen is a former law enforcement officer whose life has been shaped by incredible challenges—childhood abuse, a painful divorce, a mental health crisis—but rather than being broken by them, he chose to transform.

Through his work as a peer supporter, public speaker, and the host of the True Emotion Dad podcast, Laverne is on a mission to shatter the stigma around mental health and masculinity. He's showing others—especially men—that healing is possible, and that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a superpower.

This conversation is raw, real, and deeply important. Let's get into it.

Where can our listeners find your podcast and follow your work? https://www.trueemotion.ca https://www.instagram.com/trueemotiondad/ https://www.facebook.com/LaverneFriesen97

Laverne Friesen—thank you for being here, for your honesty, and for the light you bring into this world through your courage to be vulnerable.

This episode was a reminder that we are not alone in our pain—and that on the other side of that pain is transformation, connection, and purpose. If today's conversation spoke to your heart, please share it with someone who needs it. And remember, healing is possible. Vulnerability is brave. And love—always—wins.

I'm Meredith Patterson, and I'll see you next time on The Meredith Patterson Podcast.

Today, I want to talk about something that every single one of us deals with. Every. Single. Day.

How to let go of what you can't control, and how to refocus your energy on what actually matters.

Because here's the thing:

We spend so much of our precious energy trying to manage the uncontrollable—people's opinions, outcomes, the past, the future, the weather, the Wi-Fi connection (let's be real). And all of that? It drains us. It leaves us frustrated, anxious, overwhelmed, and disconnected from our power.

So let's shift that. Right now.

The Illusion of Control

Let's start here: Control is an illusion. I know… ouch.

But it's true.

We like to think we're in control because it gives us a sense of safety. And when life feels chaotic, unpredictable, or painful, control becomes a coping mechanism. But the more we try to grip, force, or fix things that aren't ours to carry, the more we suffer.

It's like holding on to a rope that's burning your hand… when what your soul really needs is to let go.

What You Can't Control:

• Other people's thoughts or actions

• The past

• The outcome of a situation

• Timing

• External circumstances

• World events

We can influence, yes. But we can't control. And when we accept that truth instead of fighting it, something amazing happens:

We reclaim our power.

What You Can Control:

• Your response

• Your focus

• Your choices

• Your energy

• Your mindset

• Your intention

This is where the magic lives. This is where peace is found.

So if you're listening to this right now feeling anxious or heavy or overwhelmed by something out of your hands—take a breath. Place your hand on your heart. And ask yourself:

"What can I actually control right now?"

Maybe it's how you speak to yourself today. Maybe it's choosing rest instead of running. Maybe it's doing one small thing that moves your dream forward. Maybe it's letting go of a story that no longer serves you.

You don't need to fix the world. You just need to show up for your world. Right now. One breath at a time.

Redirecting Your Energy

Letting go isn't giving up—it's growing up. It's choosing to stop watering what won't bloom and start pouring your energy into what matters.

And what matters?

—Your peace. —Your purpose. —Your people. —Your presence.

When you stop obsessing over what you can't control, you create space to nurture what is within your reach. That's how you bloom. That's how you rise.

A Grounding Mantra

Here's something you can come back to anytime you feel yourself spiraling into that control trap:

"I release what I cannot control. I choose to focus on what I can. My energy is sacred. I direct it with intention."

Say it. Write it. Breathe it. Live it.

Your Call to Action

This week, I want you to try something: Make a list of everything that's been weighing you down. Then go through each item and draw a little star next to the ones you can control. Circle them. That's your action list. That's your power zone. That's where your energy belongs.

And for the rest? Bless it. Release it. Let it float down the river of surrender.

Because darling, your energy is far too precious to waste on things that are not yours to carry.

Thank you for spending this time with me today. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who might need a little reminder to let go and refocus. And if you haven't yet, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode of this soul-fueled journey we're on together.

This is The Meredith Patterson Podcast—where we rise with grace, live with purpose, and always remember:

✨ You are worthy. You are radiant. And you were born to shine. ✨

Until next time, stay grounded. Stay gorgeous. And let go of what's not yours.

Welcome back to The Meredith Patterson Podcast, where we explore the power resilience, and healing.

Today's guest is someone whose vulnerability and strength have created a ripple effect of compassion and connection. Jason Tuttle is the founder of Letters To Zachary, a heartfelt blog that began after the tragic and sudden loss of his 15-year-old son, Zachary, in 2022.

What started as a personal outlet for grief has grown into a deeply moving platform where Jason shares open letters, poetry, and reflections on fatherhood, loss, and emotional healing. Through his words, Jason invites others—especially men—to express their emotions and find connection in their pain.

Jason, thank you for being here. To explore Jason's work or connect with his community, visit www.letterstozachary.com. Remember, no matter what you're going through, you are not alone.

Thanks for listening to The Meredith Patterson Podcast. Like, Subscribe, Share, and write us a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts to help us get to a bigger audience. Remember Have vision for what you want, and be grateful for where you are every single day. Until next time, thank you for listening.