What if the door you’ve been waiting to walk through… isn’t in the future? What if it’s right here — labeled simply: Now.

In this episode of the Strong Within Affirmation Podcast, we unpack a viral post about choosing between six magical doors — time travel, money, youth, and more. But instead of playing the game, I chose a seventh option: presence.

This isn’t about rejecting ambition or pretending life is perfect as-is. It’s about questioning why we chase fantasies that leave us empty… and how the greatest change might come not from what we wish for — but from what we wake up to.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between dreaming of more and wondering if this is enough… this episode is for you.

Help Support The Strong Within Affirmation Podcast By Going To: www.strongwithin.com/support (You can also get the transcripts there, worksheets, or other bonuses I am including with the podcast)

Thanks for listening.  I'm sending great energy your way as we become Strong Within together, Holistic Performance and Personal Development Coach- Chris O'Hearn

My links: https://linktr.ee/strongwithin  Contact info- email: [email protected]  phone: 865-221-7239Let’s connect on social media: www.facebook.com/thechrisohearn  www.instagram.com/thechrisohearn 

Music by: - Zest by basematic (c) copyright 2011 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. - I Have Often Told You Stories (guitar instrumental) by Ivan Chew (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Location: Knoxville, Tennessee USA but available worldwide

Ever feel like you’re supposed to have it all figured out—but deep down, you’re still searching for solid ground? What if the answer isn’t becoming someone new, but rediscovering who you’ve always been?

In this powerful episode of the Strong Within Affirmation Podcast, host Chris invites you on a journey that turns the idea of “starting over” on its head. Forget the shame, the fear of being exposed, or the pressure to keep up appearances. Through engaging storytelling (including a fresh look at Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations) and honest, vulnerable reflections, Chris explores the magic that happens when we let go of who we think we should be—and come home to who we really are.

You’ll discover why “being common” isn’t a flaw, but a foundational strength, and how to unearth the truths waiting beneath the surface of everyday life. Along the way, Chris shares personal stories, timeless wisdom, and bite-sized coaching moments that’ll leave you asking: What if the most courageous act is simply becoming yourself?

Ready to shift your foundation and step into the next version of you—rooted, real, and unapologetically authentic? Press play and find out how to focus on becoming before arriving. The transformation starts from within.

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Help Support The Strong Within Affirmation Podcast By Going To: www.strongwithin.com/support (You can also get the transcripts there, worksheets, or other bonuses I am including with the podcast)

Thanks for listening.  I'm sending great energy your way as we become Strong Within together, Holistic Performance and Personal Development Coach- Chris O'Hearn

My links: https://linktr.ee/strongwithin  Contact info- email: [email protected]  phone:865-219-3247 Let’s connect on social media: www.facebook.com/thechrisohearn  www.instagram.com/thechrisohearn 

Music by: - Zest by basematic (c) copyright 2011 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. - I Have Often Told You Stories (guitar instrumental) by Ivan Chew (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Location: Knoxville, Tennessee USA but available worldwide

Have you ever felt invisible — like no matter how much you give, no one really sees you?

In today’s episode, we explore the deeper truth behind that feeling: It was never about the world finally noticing you. It was always about you remembering yourself.

Through personal stories, deep reflections, and a powerful guided meditation, we'll walk together through the hidden agreements that keep us chasing validation — and into the freedom of becoming our own reflection.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your kindness, your effort, or your heart truly mattered... this conversation is here to remind you: You were never invisible. You were simply being polished.

So...tune in, take a breath, and come home to yourself again. If this episode resonates, share it with someone who needs to remember their own light too.

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Help Support The Strong Within Affirmation Podcast By Going To: www.strongwithin.com/support (You can also get the transcripts there, worksheets, or other bonuses I am including with the podcast)

Thanks for listening.  I'm sending great energy your way as we become Strong Within together, Holistic Performance and Personal Development Coach- Chris O'Hearn

My links: https://linktr.ee/strongwithin  Contact info- email: [email protected]  phone:865-219-3247 Let’s connect on social media: www.facebook.com/thechrisohearn  www.instagram.com/thechrisohearn 

Music by: - Zest by basematic (c) copyright 2011 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. - I Have Often Told You Stories (guitar instrumental) by Ivan Chew (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Location: Knoxville, Tennessee USA but available worldwide

🌊 Have you ever wondered why some things in life feel… unbearable? Why no matter how hard you try, peace stays just out of reach? 🤔 Maybe it’s not bad luck or failure—maybe it’s the universe whispering, “This isn’t where you belong.”

In this episode, we dive into the nature of suffering, the illusion of control, and why bitterness keeps you trapped in a past that no longer exists. 🌀 The secret? You don’t have to force happiness—you just have to stop clinging to what was never meant to be yours.

So the real question is… are you ready to let go? 🎙️✨

Join us as we explore practical steps to break free from the chains of bitterness, shifting our focus to purpose, love, and the life we desire to create. Because, as Chris reminds us, the universe does not punish or reward, it reflects – so let’s choose to reflect love.

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Help Support The Strong Within Affirmation Podcast By Going To: www.strongwithin.com/support (You can also get the transcripts there, worksheets, or other bonuses I am including with the podcast)

Thanks for listening.  I'm sending great energy your way as we become Strong Within together, Holistic Performance and Personal Development Coach- Chris O'Hearn

My links: https://linktr.ee/strongwithin  Contact info- email: [email protected]  phone:865-219-3247 Let’s connect on social media: www.facebook.com/thechrisohearn  www.instagram.com/thechrisohearn 

Music by:  - Zest by basematic (c) copyright 2011 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. - I Have Often Told You Stories (guitar instrumental) by Ivan Chew (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Location: Knoxville, Tennessee USA but available worldwide

The stories we tell ourselves shape the lives we live. Some push us forward. Others hold us back. But here’s the thing—those stories aren’t set in stone. You can change them.

Welcome to the Strong Within Affirmation Podcast with Chris O’Hearn—mindset coach, personal trainer, and someone who knows firsthand that growth isn’t about waiting for the right moment. It’s about choosing it. Featured on MTV, Chris brings no-nonsense coaching, real-life insight, and the kind of practical wisdom that makes change possible.

In this episode, he gets to the root of why we make excuses—how fear, conditioning, and old beliefs keep us stuck—and how to move past them with purpose. Through affirmations, sharp coaching, and reframing techniques that actually work, you’ll learn how to step out of hesitation and into action.

🔹 Why the stories you tell yourself matter—and how to rewrite them. 🔹 How fear and self-doubt keep you playing small. 🔹 Simple, practical ways to turn excuses into momentum. 🔹 How affirmations help rewire your thinking for lasting change.

If you're tired of waiting for things to change and ready to take control, this episode is for you. No more excuses. No perfect timing. Just you, showing up, and doing the work.

Listen now.

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Help Support The Strong Within Affirmation Podcast By Going To: www.strongwithin.com/support (You can also get the transcripts there, worksheets, or other bonuses I am including with the podcast)

Thanks for listening.  I'm sending great energy your way as we become Strong Within together, Holistic Performance and Personal Development Coach- Chris O'Hearn 

My links: https://linktr.ee/strongwithin  Contact info- email: [email protected]  phone:865-219-3247 Let’s connect on social media: www.facebook.com/thechrisohearn  www.instagram.com/thechrisohearn 

Music by: - Zest by basematic (c) copyright 2011 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. - I Have Often Told You Stories (guitar instrumental) by Ivan Chew (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Location: Knoxville, Tennessee USA but available worldwide

In this thought-provoking episode of the Strong Within Affirmation Podcast, Chris O’Hearn explores how we can break free from the patterns of the past and redefine who we are. Drawing from his own struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, Chris unpacks the ways trauma and old coping mechanisms shape our identity—and how we can move beyond them. Through guided visualizations and practical exercises, he offers tools for self-forgiveness, detachment, and rediscovering your authentic self. Anchored by the affirmation, “The only thing that defines me is who I believe I am right now,” this episode provides thoughtful, actionable insights to help you take control of your story and your future. So join us on this episode and let's become Strong Within together.

Help Support The Strong Within Affirmation Podcast By Going To: www.strongwithin.com/support (You can also get the transcripts there)

Thanks for listening.  I'm sending great energy your way as we become Strong Within together, Holistic Performance and Personal Development Coach- Chris O'Hearn

My links: https://linktr.ee/strongwithin  Contact info- email: [email protected]  phone:865-219-3247 Let’s connect on social media: www.facebook.com/thechrisohearn  www.instagram.com/thechrisohearn 

Music by: - Zest by basematic (c) copyright 2011 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. - I Have Often Told You Stories (guitar instrumental) by Ivan Chew (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Location: Knoxville, Tennessee USA but available worldwide

In this captivating episode of the Strong Within Affirmation Podcast, "When I Focus On The Outcome, The Issues Disappear," host Chris takes listeners on a profound exploration of what it means to transform life’s challenges by focusing on a higher vision. With powerful personal stories and actionable strategies, Chris reveals how the real magic happens when we shift our focus from obstacles to outcomes, allowing our deepest values to lead the way. This episode dives into the art of blending authenticity with emotional mastery, helping listeners bridge the gap between appreciation and true love while deepening self-awareness. If you're ready to transcend limitations and experience personal freedom like never before, tune in to discover how aiming for your dreams can dissolve life’s toughest issues and open the door to your most empowered self.

Help Support The Strong Within Affirmation Podcast By Going To: www.strongwithin.com/support (You can also get the transcripts there)

Thanks for listening.  I'm sending great energy your way as we become Strong Within together, Holistic Performance and Personal Development Coach- Chris O'Hearn

My links: https://linktr.ee/strongwithin  Contact info- email: [email protected]  phone:865-219-3247 Let’s connect on social media: www.facebook.com/thechrisohearn  www.instagram.com/thechrisohearn 

Music by: - Zest by basematic (c) copyright 2011 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. - I Have Often Told You Stories (guitar instrumental) by Ivan Chew (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Location: Knoxville, Tennessee USA but available worldwide

What if the pain you are going through was actually a call to transform?

In this episode I ask us to reframe the question" 'of why is this happening to me,' into a better one: What if the Universe wants me to win?

Pain has been the biggest catalyst in my life. It told me that I could stay here, but if I did it would be more of the same. What if the pain you are going through was something more than just a position of being uncomfortable?

So why don't you join me, and let's delve into asking a deeper question of, "what if the Universe wasn't punishing me, but actually protecting me?"

Help Support The Strong Within Affirmation Podcast By Going To: www.strongwithin.com/support (You can also get the transcripts there)

Thanks for listening.  I'm sending great energy your way as we become Strong Within together, Holistic Performance and Personal Development Coach- Chris O'Hearn

My links: https://linktr.ee/strongwithin  Contact info- email: [email protected]  phone:865-219-3247 Let’s connect on social media: www.facebook.com/thechrisohearn  www.instagram.com/thechrisohearn 

Music by: - Zest by basematic (c) copyright 2011 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. - I Have Often Told You Stories (guitar instrumental) by Ivan Chew (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Location: Knoxville, Tennessee USA but available worldwide

What if feeling more balanced (happiness, healing, prosperity, or whatever emotion you are struggling with right now) began with one simple sentence?

In this episode, I talk about:

• How to get through any political discussion with your mentality, emotions, and soul intact
• How to have hope or joy for a family member who seems to be going the wrong direction in life
• How to have peace in your heart to let things go and allow people to be who they are.

So join me, and let’s together find the 3 ways to create more peace and prosperity in your mental, spiritual and emotional growth as we become Strong Within together

Help Support The Strong Within Affirmation Podcast By Going To: www.strongwithin.com/support (You can also get the transcripts there)

Thanks for listening.  I'm sending great energy your way as we become Strong Within together, Holistic Performance and Personal Development Coach- Chris O'Hearn

My links: https://linktr.ee/strongwithin  Contact info- email: [email protected]  phone:865-219-3247 Let’s connect on social media: www.facebook.com/thechrisohearn  www.instagram.com/thechrisohearn 

Music by: - Zest by basematic (c) copyright 2011 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. - I Have Often Told You Stories (guitar instrumental) by Ivan Chew (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Location: Knoxville, Tennessee USA but available worldwide

Welcome back to the Strong Within Affirmation Podcast, I'm your host, Chris, and this is episode 718 for February 2024, titled "I Stopped Living In The Fantasy, So I Could Create A Future". This week, we're delving deep into the power of presence, the art of envisioning our desired reality, and how we can move from being trapped in a cycle of fear and procrastination to forging a future that aligns with our deepest aspirations.

Sometimes life can feel like a constant battle with distractions and fear—often leading us to retreat into the comfort of the future, or what I like to call the 'fantasy'. But what if I told you that the only path to authenticity and genuine success is through embracing the now and taking those day-to-day small wins? Together, we will explore how to create that vision for ourselves, learn from my personal journey and struggles, and hear an inspiring story of a client's extraordinary transformation.

As a personal trainer and mindset and success coach, I understand the courage it takes to break free from imposter syndrome and the stories that hold us back. Fear can often manifest as a decision-making blocker, something I've faced during my break from the podcast, which was rooted in perfectionism and fear. In today's episode, we will address these challenges head-on, discuss the importance of bravery in both big and small acts, and how we can reclaim our worthiness to achieve the extraordinary.

Get ready to shift your mindset, as we emphasize the mantra "I stopped living in the fantasy so I could begin creating a future". This isn't just about envisioning your success—it's about laying the foundations for habitual courage, building unwavering self-belief, and converting your deepest fears into fuel for your journey.

So are you ready to redefine courage and reshape your reality? Let's dive into this transformative session and come out stronger on the other side. Stay tuned, and don't forget that through affirmations, steadfast visioning, and persistence, you are always just one small win away from the future you've always dreamed of. Let's get into it.

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If you are interested in coaching, email and text me your contact info along with your biggest struggle right now.

You can text me at: 865-219-3247You can email me at [email protected]

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Help Support The Strong Within Affirmation Podcast By Going To: www.strongwithin.com/support (You can also get the transcripts there)

Thanks for listening.  I'm sending great energy your way as we become Strong Within together, Holistic Performance and Personal Development Coach- Chris O'Hearn

My links: https://linktr.ee/strongwithin  Contact info- email: [email protected]  phone:865-219-3247 Let’s connect on social media: www.facebook.com/thechrisohearn  www.instagram.com/thechrisohearn 

Music by: - Zest by basematic (c) copyright 2011 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. - I Have Often Told You Stories (guitar instrumental) by Ivan Chew (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Location: Knoxville, Tennessee USA but available worldwide