Once We Get There
Do you ever have the thought, “ Once I _____ then I’ll feel ____?”
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Once I finish this project, then I can relax
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Once I get this raise, then I’ll feel successful
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Once I find my partner, then I’ll be happy
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What this line of thinking represents are the subtle ways the ego sabotages our joy by tethering it to future outcomes. Join us as we explore how to shift your mindset and free yourself from the endless chase for "enough" so you can reconnect you to the joy, presence, and fulfillment that are already available to you. Learn how to spot the ego’s sneaky narratives, how to reframe your thinking, and how to create a life that feels good now—not just someday. This is your reminder that life isn’t about the destination; it’s about feeling alive and aligned every step of the way.
Living By your Standards
In this episode, Laura and I talk about understanding yourself first, then understanding and developing you own standards. So many of us think in "shoulds."
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I should eat better
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I should make more money
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I should spend more time with the kids
But where does that "should" come from? By learning to live by your own standards you align your values with your "shoulds" and can better lead your life. We also differentiate that knowing your standards does not mean living/acting on them all the time.
Foreboding Joy With Coach Jess
In this episode, Laura and Change By Challenge Coach, Jessica dive deep into the concept of *foreboding joy*, a psychological pattern that prevents many of us from fully embracing happiness. Drawing on personal insights and real-life examples from Jessica's work with clients, they reveal how this mindset—a habit of anticipating the worst-case scenario under the guise of "staying realistic"—can actually be a form of self-protection that backfires. Instead of shielding us from disappointment, foreboding joy can rob us of true, fulfilling moments of happiness and connection.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism can feel like a constant pressure to get things just right – but it often leads to stress, burnout, and self-doubt. We’re diving deep into what fuels perfectionism, how it affects our mental health, and actionable ways to let go of the need for “perfect.”
Join us as we explore ways to embrace progress over perfection and find more joy in the journey. 🌱
Unmasking Ourselves: The True Cost of Hiding
In this episode of The Challenges of Change, host Laura explores the metaphorical masks we wear to hide our true selves and the impact this has on our lives. Laura shares her personal journey, from living in Chicago and unknowingly wearing a mask, to a life-changing realization after the pandemic. She opens up about her past struggles with suicidal thoughts, the hidden costs of masking, and the disconnect it creates in our relationships.
Hormones
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of female hormones and how they impact everything from mood and energy levels to sleep and overall health. We discussed the role of different hormones at different stages of our lives, common symptoms of hormonal imbalances and how to recognize them AND the profound connection between hormones and mental health. Whether you’re experiencing hormonal shifts or simply curious about how they affect your body, we’re here to help you feel informed and empowered on your wellness journey.
Building Healthy Relationships with fellow Change by Challenge Coach Sophia
In this empowering episode of Challenges of Change, Laura welcomes special guest Sophia, a relationship coach who helps individuals transform the way they approach relationships, both with themselves and with others. Together, they dive deep into the keys to building healthy, lasting connections, emphasizing the importance of self-love, receptivity, and vulnerability.
Mad At The World
In this episode, Alicia has been very frustrated with the goings on in the country and internationally. As a mental health counselor, people are also often frustrated, scared, depressed, and discouraged about things that are happening. Most of the time there are ways to elevate past these frustrations, and sometimes it's important to allow those emotions to be there. Listen in as we get into it all!
Confronting the Ego: Overcoming Perfectionism in a Live Coaching Session with Jess
Join Laura as she dives deep with Jess, a fellow coach at Change by Challenge, in this insightful live coaching session. Jess shares her journey of breaking free from the need to do everything "the right way," a mindset shaped by her past and perpetuated by her inner critic.
Making you Proud of You with Mary Hawk
In this episode, I sat down with Mary Hawk, a dedicated health coach who has completely transformed her life through the Faster Way program. Mary opens up about her personal struggles with health and identity as her children grew up, and how she found a path to wellness that not only changed her life but also fueled her passion for helping other women achieve holistic health. Tune in to hear Mary’s inspiring journey and gain valuable insights into living a healthier, more balanced life.
What Is Love?
In this episode, we dive deep into the timeless and universal question: "What is love?" We explore love from multiple angles—unpacking its many layers and meanings. Moving beyond romantic love, we explore the different types of love, including familial bonds, platonic friendships, and the crucial role of self-love. We also discuss how love is expressed through actions, the challenges that come with maintaining love, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of love!
Unlocking the Power of Vulnerability: Embracing Connection and Asking for Help with Jess Gruss
​In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Jessica Gruss to delve into the transformative power of vulnerability and its crucial role in fostering deeper, more equitable relationships. Jessica candidly shares her personal struggles with asking for help, highlighting the discomfort and shame often associated with it. By addressing these fears, she explores how expanding one's ability to seek support can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Living with Purpose & Overcoming Burnout with Dr. Brenna Squires (Part 1)
In this episode, Laura talks to clinical psychologist, Dr. Brenna Squires, who specializes in helping high-achieving professionals reduce stress and anxiety.
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Dr. Brenna shares her experience recognizing burnout symptoms and overcoming it through self-care and boundaries.
Feeling Responsible For Others
I have a SURPRISE!!! My bestie (who also happens to have a kickass podcast) asked me to co-host with her for a bit while her partner is on leave. In this episode of "Therapy Is Dope" we discuss taking responsibility for others feelings and how that can sometimes feel like you can't take care of yourself. We dive into the need to seperate your needs from others and how you can communicate boundaries in a loving way without sacrificing yourself. It's a powerful episode that shifts the conversation from restriction to empowerment!
Define Your Life: Achieving True Fulfillment in Health, Success, and Relationships
In this episode of "The Challenges of Change," we explore how our egos and societal pressures affect our life goals, urging listeners to define their aspirations in health, success, and relationships for true fulfillment. Key takeaways include understanding ego-driven desires, redefining health beyond weight loss, and exploring success beyond societal norms. Action steps encourage reflection and goal-setting, with quotes emphasizing personal responsibility. The listener challenge invites engagement, concluding with gratitude and an invitation to share the episode.
Embracing Vulnerability: The Power of Asking for Help
In this podcast episode, we embark on a journey exploring a topic that resonates deeply with many – the challenge of seeking assistance when needed.
Our discussion revolves around several key points, emphasizing the misconception that just because we can tackle tasks independently, it doesn't imply we should. We delve into the discomfort associated with reaching out for help, often rooted in feelings of vulnerability and inadequacy.
The episode highlights the significance of self-awareness regarding one's capacity and the courage to seek support when necessary.
We dissect the Either-Or Trap, contemplating the discomfort we choose – balancing the vulnerability of seeking help against the potential stress and burnout of trying to manage everything alone. Ultimately, we explore the healing power of connection, underscoring that it takes bravery to ask for help and acknowledging that only the courageous take that step.
​Self-improvement isn't one-size-fits-all with Daicy
Today is extra special because we've got Daicy, one of my amazing clients, here to share her journey and discuss why coaching might be a better fit for some folks than traditional therapy.
Daicy started coaching in August during a transitional phase in her life. She'd previously tried therapy, but this time, she was looking for something action-oriented and results-driven.
She mentioned how coaching delves into aspects like the inner child, which she never explored in therapy. It's all about everyday life and personal narratives. Finding the right fit, be it a therapist or a coach, is vital.
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