In this episode, Karen O'Connor reflects on her podcast journey and shares updates on her life over the past year. She discusses the vulnerability and challenges of sharing personal thoughts and experiences. Karen explores the concept of finding purpose in life and the pressure society places on individuals to have a singular purpose. She also delves into her decision to take a break from her long-term marriage to rediscover herself and her desires. Karen highlights the importance of addressing discomfort and making changes to live a more fulfilling life.

 

Key Takeaways:

Quote:

"I don't have a single purpose in life, a single goal that I want to achieve, a single thing that I'm going to do and make it my life's meaning."

Timestamp

03:37 - The limitations of setting goals and finding meaning

08:17 - Exploring the idea of spending time apart in a long-term relationship

13:26 - The difficulty of making the decision to separate

18:07 - Taking action and embracing uncertainty is perceived as unusual

24:11 - Gender differences are mostly a result of societal training

27:49 - Children's response to bullying is ostracising the bully.

33:05 - Tolerating inappropriate behavior as a woman.

35:52 - Realisation of tolerating discomfort and danger in life.

39:14 - Feeling the cognitive dissonance of being a woman in patriarchy.