Today, we delve into the concept of toxic positivity. Recognizing and appreciating the optimistic intentions behind encouraging words from our loved ones is crucial. However, it's just as critical to remember that expressing our emotions authentically, including the painful, fearful ones, should come without the burden of guilt or shame.

Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how difficult or dire a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset. We’ve all been there…the friend who reminds us to “Cheer up, it could be worse,” or a family member who encourages us with “Everything happens for a reason.” That’s toxic positivity.

When bad things happen to good people, it's often difficult for their loved ones to stand by and watch their struggle. While comments filled with toxic positivity are intended as encouragement, they don't always offer the solace we seek. The reality is that there are certain life events that positivity alone cannot overcome. Indeed, at times, toxic positivity may intensify the emotional distress someone is feeling.

Please join us as we deconstruct toxic positivity. Why it's harmful, what it sounds like, and how to avoid and cope with toxic positivity in our relationships with others.

Show Notes:
Toxic Positivity – Why It’s Harmful and What to Say Instead: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-positivity-5093958

Inspired by the legacy of a mentor and friend, this episode is dedicated to remembering Melody Parry. A year after her untimely death, we honor Melody in this episode by highlighting the upcoming Columbia Women's Faith Conference. Created by Melody, this conference was her way of creating time and space for women to find deeper connections with God and other believers.

This episode will unpack the theme for the conference; Breathe: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Presence of God, as well as highlight the importance of being obedient to God's callings. Whether you're able to join us for the conference in Columbia or not, this episode is meant to inspire you to seek, invest, and grow spiritual communities wherever you are!

Show Notes: 
To learn more about the Bible In a Year program that Denise is doing with her friends, go to:
https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

To learn more about the conference, go to https://brushfire.com/comochristian/2023-ccwc/571088/details

To listen to the episode where Robin interviews Fred Parry, Melody's husband, go to https://www.buzzsprout.com/632383/episodes/12336210

Do you often find yourself struggling to maintain focus or feeling mentally drained?

If your answer is yes, then buckle your seatbelt. This episode will take you on a ride your brain and body have been waiting for! Join us as Dr. Janine Stichter, an expert on human behavior, joins us to navigate the mental mazes that lead us toward or away from our peak cognitive potential.

Learn how to harness the benefits of sleep, hydration, and nutrition, and incorporate them into even the most hectic schedules. Hope, humor, and humanity intersect as we reveal our personal struggles with mindfulness and the adaptations we've made to keep our bodies moving in harmony with our mental needs.

This episode isn't just about the internal journey; it's about the external connections that shape us. Discover how the 'why' behind our actions can be the compass towards meaningful lifestyle changes and how habits can build or break our most valuable relationships. 

Whether you're seeking solidarity in shared experiences or just a good read with our Problem with Perfect Book Club, we invite you to find solace, support, and maybe a little laughter in our community. Remember, the journey towards a balanced life doesn't have to be perfect.

Special Guest
Dr. Janine Stichter has been in the field of behavior change for over 20 years as a researcher, author, educator, and executive coach.  She specializes in understanding behavior and developing practical, sustainable change strategies for organizational health. Connect with her on Facebook (janine.stichter.1) and Instagram (drjaninestichter) or her website JSAdvantages.com

Show Notes:

To view the video teaching this episode is based on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GsCYEPNLh0

The app that Dr. Stichter refers to as an aid to help her relax: New Calm

If you've ever felt like your words were lost in translation, you're not alone.

Join us as we unpack the complexities of communication in our latest episode of The Problem with Perfect. From the silent messages we send with our eyes to the unintended signals we give with a sigh, we're diving into the nonverbal cues that make or break our daily interactions. Discover how your communication style holds the key to stronger relationships and how even the smallest gestures can speak volumes. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it, and we're here to guide you through mastering this delicate dance.

We're sharing our own experiences, the highs and lows, and even our scores from a communication quiz that might just inspire a moment of self-reflection for you too. So grab a notepad, tune in, and join our virtual community as we embark on a collective quest to fine-tune the instrument that is our ability to communicate. It's an episode that promises to resonate with anyone who's ever searched for the right words at the right time.

Show Notes:

Are you a good communicator? Take this quiz and find out!
https://www.mindtools.com/a3y5cte/how-good-are-your-communication-skills

Lack of Communication is one of the Leading Causes of Divorce:
https://marciamediation.co.uk/lack-of-communication-is-one-of-the-lead-causes-of-divorce

Think You're a Good Communicator? Better Think Again:
https://www.inc.com/ilya-pozin/think-youre-a-good-communicator-better-think-again.html

Statistics on Workplace Communication:
https://www.apollotechnical.com/workplace-communication-statistics

To watch Brene Brown's video on empathy vs. sympathy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZBTYViDPlQ

Navigating the financial landscape at any stage of life can be daunting. While situations may change, the pressures remain the same, as well as the cultural messages that tell us we need to have more to be more. 

In this episode, we discover the hidden connection between money and self-worth as we're joined by financial therapist Khara Croswaite Brindle. 

We tackle the emotional weight of managing money through evolving life chapters, from the youthful skepticism about the value of traditional milestones to the introspective middle age when retirement isn't just a distant concept but a looming reality. Khara introduces us to the empowering practice of conscious spending and challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to success, encouraging a life measured in quality, not just quantifiable assets.

Khara also introduces us to the concept of "loud budgeting", which may be the key to unlocking a harmonious financial relationship that allows us to find stability in the ebb and flow of personal finance. 

Special Guest
Khara Croswaite Brindle, MA, LPC, ACS, CFT-I is passionate about turning pain points into possibilities for mental health and financial therapist professionals. She is a TEDx Speaker, Licensed Mental Health Therapist, and Financial Therapist in Colorado. Khara enjoys various roles as a serial entrepreneur, author, professional speaker, professor, and consultant. She is originally from the Pacific Northwest and gets her best ideas walking outside and being around water. When Khara’s not writing her next book or supporting fellow professional helpers on their own self-discovery journeys, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, reading, and indulging in gluttonous, gluten-free desserts with her family.

To contact Khara or learn more about her services, go to:
https://croswaitecounselingpllc.com/

Every victory, on the field or in life, carries its own story—ours is no exception. As the confetti settles from the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl win, Robin, Denise, and Rachel gather to share the intersection of triumph and trial that marks such monumental moments.

But this episode isn't just a toast to sports and celebrities; it's a holistic look at wellness, from the empowering clang of weightlifting plates to the quiet introspection of journaling. We're assessing our fitness journeys and the evolving narrative of self-care, as we wade through the waters of body positivity and personal acceptance, shaped by our past experiences.

Join us as we navigate the many avenues of self-care and are reminded that the mind and spirit need as much nurturing as the body. This is an invitation to a community that celebrates life's wins, supports through its losses, and finds strength in every challenge.

Guest Contributor:
Rachel Keller: Rachel is an original co-founder of this podcast and is currently the marketing director for a company based in Kansas City. She's also a thought leader in AI and is passionate about empowering women.

Check out the free online course on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction that Denise recommends here:
https://palousemindfulness.com/

We spend more time at work than we do anywhere else so it's no surprise that our work greatly influences our self-worth. 

In this episode, we bring three generations together to discuss how to embrace self-love and align our work with our personal goals. With a rich tapestry of experiences in journalism, pharmaceutical sales, clinical therapy, and marketing, we've seen firsthand the importance of pursuing a job that encourages growth and resonates with one's values.

Whether you're eyeing a career change or simply seeking to enhance your current role, this episode is packed with wisdom for walking your professional path with intention and integrity as we search for more authentic self-love. 

Special Guest: Rachel Keller

This month we are focusing on self-love and acceptance at every age, sharing the perspectives of three generations as we explore societal issues that affect each of us in similar and dissimilar ways. For this series, we welcome back Rachel Keller, who offers a millennial viewpoint, while Robin represents the Gen X perspective, and Denise with Boomer’s insight.

Our first episode focuses on issues every woman experiences throughout her lifetime -beauty and body image. It turns out that embracing the skin you're in and the person staring back from the mirror is no small feat - no matter what your age. 

Strap in for an honest examination of how we respond to a world that calls for cosmetic enhancements, and the burden it places on our shoulders. It's a raw look at the choices we make for our bodies, drawing the line between indulging in self-care and maintaining essential health, and how we uplift our confidence when faced with ageism and the push to conform.

Join us for a conversation that promises to leave you reflecting on your own perceptions of beauty, self-care, and the journey to loving the person you become at every age.

Special Guest: Rachel Keller

Have you ever found yourself smiling at the simplest of pleasures, like the sun breaking through the clouds or the smell of rain on the pavement? 

This episode celebrates those moments, called "glimmers" by scientists, that brighten our days and bolster our spirits. In our discussion, we learn about tuning into the subtle yet impactful ways our nervous system responds to glimmers and uncover how they can help lead to a more peaceful and satisfying life.




Show Notes:

Know Your Glimmers:
https://www.neurodiversityeducationacademy.org/post/know-your-glimmers

Ever felt like the quest for perfection is more of a curse than a blessing, especially when it comes to your career and emotional well-being? Join us as we navigate these treacherous waters, with Nancy Yeager, the entrepreneurial spirit behind two Fleet Feet stores, guiding us through her inspiring transition from a stable job to a fulfilling career aligned with her passions. 

Also in this episode, we tackle the cold realities of staying active in winter and discuss the vital importance of finding purpose in our work, all while celebrating Nancy's success and dedication to helping others reach their goals. 

So, lace up your favorite running shoes, grab a pair of earbuds, and let’s explore this episode together.