The Overwhelm Cure

In this episode, I dive into the feelings of guilt and shame that many women experience.

This common sentiment, 'I feel so guilty,' often surfaces when trying to balance competing priorities between work, family, and friends.

Maybe you're trying to choose between social events, work commitments, and family obligations, which leads to a cycle of guilt and overextension.

You'll hear me explain the difference between guilt ('I did something bad') and shame ('I am bad'), and how shame is detrimental to self-worth and motivation.

We explore societal expectations that contribute to these feelings and the importance of self-compassion as an antidote.

You'll also hear some key strategies for combating guilt and shame, such as recognizing and talking about our feelings, setting realistic priorities, and making values-based decisions.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Guilt

00:44 Common Scenarios of Guilt

03:21 Understanding Guilt vs. Shame

04:30 The Guilt Complex and Its Real Identity

05:14 Personal Anecdotes on Guilt and Shame

07:54 Societal Expectations and Shame

10:13 Combating Shame with Self-Compassion

13:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Do you need support with guilt or shame? Explore the benefits of therapy at https://kimberlyknull.com/

Friendship is a happiness booster—and research shows that strong social connections not only improve our mental well-being but also help us live longer. But let's be real: as adults, building friendships can feel overwhelming. Between careers, family responsibilities, and the fear of rejection, it's easy to feel isolated—even when we don't mean it to be.

That's why, as a psychologist, I give my clients tools to make the process of making new friends as an adult feel a little less painful.

And in this Episode, I'm sharing some of those tips with you.

Listen in as I break down:

• Easy ways to create connections even when you're busy
• Why entering new social circles feels so vulnerable
• How to manage your mindset when you feel rejected

If you feel like you're just going through the motions when writing down what you're grateful for and not TRULY feeling the joy in your body, this episode is for you.

Today, I'm breaking down:

• Why you can't have joy without gratitude
• How your brain might be sabotaging your excitement and celebrations
• How gratitude fuels resilience
• Practical tips for making gratitude a regular part of your day

Connect with Kim:

Register for Dare to Lead™ Workshop, where you'll learn the 4 skill sets of courage to level up at home, work and in your community | https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dare-to-leadtm-training-workshop-tickets-817799860397?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you know "clear is kind" but you struggle to put it into action, especially when it comes to giving honest feedback and holding people accountable, this episode is for you.

Listen in to learn:

• How to give feedback without hurting feelings
• Why our brains hate being called out (and how to work with that)
• The importance of generous assumptions when others make mistakes
• Practical tips for handling work conflict with grace

Connect with Kim:

Register for Dare to Lead™ Workshop, where you'll learn the 4 skill sets of courage to level up at home, work and in your community | https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dare-to-leadtm-training-workshop-tickets-817799860397?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you're overwhelmed by all of the parenting advice on social media, and you feel like you're doing it all wrong, you're going to want to listen to this episode.

Today, I'm cutting through the noise and social media trends and bringing you my parenting perspectives as a registered psychologist.

Listen in as I break down:

• The pros and cons of the most popular parenting styles
• How lighthouse parenting has helped me give my teens enough freedom to grow and gain resilience
• Why it's okay to mess up as a parent

Connect with Kim:

Register for Dare to Lead™ Workshop, where you'll learn the 4 skill sets of courage to level up at home, work and in your community | https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dare-to-leadtm-training-workshop-tickets-817799860397?aff=oddtdtcreator

It's normal to feel anxious now and then. But if you are constantly on edge and your mind is racing, your heart's pounding, and you feel like you're stuck in a stress loop you can't escape, it's time for a nervous system reset.

And I know squashing anxiety is not as easy as "just taking a deep breath." That's why today, I'm breaking down:

• The 5-step process I use to help my clients hit the reset button when they feel anxious

• The science behind anxiety (and how exhaustion fuels it)

• Why you should never brush physical symptoms off as "just anxiety"

Connect with Kim:

Register for Dare to Lead™ Workshop, where you'll learn the 4 skill sets of courage to level up at home, work and in your community | https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dare-to-leadtm-training-workshop-tickets-817799860397?aff=oddtdtcreator

I've reached the chapter of parenthood every mom dreads — the one where I'm watching the tiny baby I felt like I was rocking to sleep just yesterday leave the nest.

And I know so many of you moms are right here on this emotional rollercoaster with me. That's why today, I'm unpacking "empty nest syndrome."

Listen in as I discuss:

• Common fears and coping mechanisms that surface as our children gain independence

• Mindset shifts that help me to support my daughter's independence (instead of pushing her away)

• How reconnecting with yourself and the hobbies you enjoy serves you and your adult children

Connect with Kim:

Register for Dare to Lead™ Workshop, where you'll learn the 4 skill sets of courage to level up at home, work and in your community | https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dare-to-leadtm-training-workshop-tickets-817799860397?aff=oddtdtcreator

Could saying yes when you really want to say no be sabotaging your relationships?

As a psychologist and recovering people-pleaser, I can tell you with complete confidence, the answer is yes.

That's why today, I'm sharing:

• How overcommitting and saying yes, when you want to say no, sabotages relationships
• My best tips for getting comfortable speaking your mind
• The healing power of being a beginner
• Mantras that help me find the courage to take up space and make mistakes

Tune in wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Connect with Kim:

Register for Dare to Lead™ Workshop, where you'll learn the 4 skill sets of courage to level up at home, work and in your community | https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dare-to-leadtm-training-workshop-tickets-817799860397?aff=oddtdtcreator

How much time and mental energy are you wasting trying to impress or please others?

If you struggle to just relax and be yourself at work or with friends, this episode is for you.

Today, I'm sharing:

• Why fitting in feels like life or death (spoiler alert: it's the way you're wired)

• Baby steps that'll help you stop wasting precious time and energy people-pleasing

• Simple hacks to squash overthinking so you can show the real YOU with confidence

Tune in to this episode for tips on how to reframe your brain to stop people-pleasing others!

Connect with Kim:

Register for Dare to Lead™ Workshop, where you'll learn the 4 skill sets of courage to level up at home, work and in your community | https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dare-to-leadtm-training-workshop-tickets-817799860397?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tired of feeling like a mean mom? I've been there, snapping at my kids for no good reason, wondering why I couldn't just be nice.

Turns out, I didn't set out to be a mean gremlin. I just fell into a trap. A trap society places in front of every mom – the trap of self-sacrifice that leaves us feeling drained and resentful.

If you can relate, don't miss this episode. I'm sharing:

• My burnout story: how people-pleasing turned me into a mom and partner I didn't recognize

• My biggest tip for easing into self-care if it feels overwhelming or selfish to you right now

• How I learned to say no so I could bring more energy home to my family (and myself)

Connect with Kim:

Register for Dare to Lead™ Workshop, where you'll learn the 4 skill sets of courage to level up at home, work and in your community | https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dare-to-leadtm-training-workshop-tickets-817799860397?aff=oddtdtcreator