An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly talk about some of their favorite books from various genres. Benefits of readingEscapismAbility to empathize can increaseSelf Growth BooksPeople Focused BooksHistorical FictionFun/MysterySpiritualityMiscellaneous NovelsWebsite: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren, Jake, Kyle, and Nicole, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth Sydney and Kelly talk with Julie Carpenter on the topic feeling and believing that you are enough.Feeling it is what we do that makes us enough rather than who are areWhen do we notice the feelings of being inadequateDanger of comparing ourselves to othersResources:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifting-the-veil-trauma/202103/when-we-dont-feel-good-enoughhttps://www.minimalismmadesimple.com/home/you-are-enough/https://truerest.com/Website: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren, Jake, Kyle, and Nicole, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly get real about social situations...some people make it look easy.The unknown of eventsWhat stops us from or makes us hesitate to accept invitationsThere are health benefitsPreparing, gaining confidenceConversation startersBody languageEveryone has a story...ask and listenSample questionsResources:https://questionsabouteverything.com/topics-to-talk-about/https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/relations/how-to-feel-confident-in-awkward-social-situations/https://psychology.tips/how-to-be-more-socially-confident/Website: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren, Jake, Kyle, and Nicole, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth Sydney and Kelly discuss their experience with Flotation Therapy.True Rest Float Spa in San AntonioHistory of flotation therapy The connection of sensory deprivationPhysical benefits...recovery from workouts, increased blood circulation, relaxation, jointsMental...stress relief, creativity boost, lack of sensory stimulation Tailoring your experienceAthletes and flotation therapy and visualizationMagnesium in the Epsom Salt is keyWhy is it difficult to be by yourself in that space?Resources: https://truerest.com/Website: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren, Jake, Kyle, and Nicole, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly conclude Mental Health month focusing on Self Compassion. How do we have compassion for ourselves when going through difficult timesCompassion...life giving gift you give yourselfWhat is self compassionSelf compassion enhances compassion for othersSelf compassion does not equal selfishnessEnhancing suffering versus compassionCommon humanityIf you an be with something, you can learn from itFinding stability Self compassion isn't all warm and fuzzyResources:Kristen Neff: https://self-compassion.org/No Mud, No Lotus, by Thich Nhat Hanh https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/40321244-no-mud-no-lotus-the-art-of-transforming-sufferinghttps://tricycle.org/article/real-life-sharon-salzberg/To Come Home to Yourself, by John O Donahue https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/words-of-wonder/to-come-home-to-yourself-john-odonohue/Website: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren, Jake, Kyle, and Nicole, our Patreon supporters!

In honor of World Meditation Day, here's a free meditation for all of our listeners! This one goes with our theme for Mental Health Awareness Month, speaking to self-compassion. We will also be discussing this topic on our episode that comes out May 28th!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly talk with Bernie Byars, LPC on the topic of Depression.Disclaimer: We are not licensed professionals in the field of Mental Health.  If you are needing to talk with someone or in a crisis situation dial 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained counselors are available to assist people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.Definition of depression, it affects all areas of the brainTypes of depressionImpact of depression on the bodyDepression and anxiety...ugly step sistersCare collaborationIdentifying depressionCaregiving Techniques to use for depressionSupport systemResources:https://jonathanhaidt.com/anxious-generation/https://self-compassion.org/https://www.pathlightbh.com/ppc-ma?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&msclkid=f0d9d932a1df1bb44f7fbf195f63d921&utm_campaign=PL_Brand&utm_term=pathlight%20behavioral%20health&utm_content=Brandhttps://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/ppc-ed?Campaign=ERC%20Texas&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&msclkid=c54b6044536e1278612a066fadd22bf0Website: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren, Jake, Kyle, and Nicole, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly talk with Bernie Byars, LPC on the topic of Anxiety. Disclaimer: The National Center For Emotional Wellness defines emotional wellness as "an awareness, understanding and acceptance of our feelings, and our ability to manage effectively through challenges and change."Deference between being nervousness and anxietyTypes of anxietyPhysical side effects of anxietyAnxiety versus fearTechniques to calm when anxiety arisesBeing with someone when they have anxietyHow to find a therapistResources:https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/behavioral-health-partners/bhp-blog/april-2018/5-4-3-2-1-coping-technique-for-anxiety.aspxhttps://www.anxiousgeneration.com/bookhttps://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/13-ways-to-reset-your-nervous-systemhttps://efft.org/Website: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren, Jake, Kyle, and Nicole, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly kick off Mental Health Awareness month discussing Emotional Wellness.Disclaimer: We are not licensed professionals in the field of Mental Health.  If you are needing to talk with someone or in a crisis situation dial 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained counselors are available to assist people in emotional distress or suicidal crisisEmotional Wellness WheelThe National Center For Emotional Wellness defines emotional wellness as "an awareness, understanding and acceptance of our feelings, and our ability to manage effectively through challenges and change."Balancing wellness areasSelf awareness and checking-inIts not selfish to take time for yourselfAction: Take one area of the wellness wheel this coming week to reflect onResources:https://nationalwellness.org/resources/six-dimensions-of-wellness/https://declutterthemind.com/blog/wellness-wheel/Statistics: https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/mental-health-statistics/Website: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren, Jake, Kyle, and Nicole, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly explore the how music influences our lives. Sydney is really is quite irritated today, but Kelly is in a good mood. We will let music lift her up! You are never to old to learn a new instrument or experience new tunesIf you want to learn, don't just wish it, do itLearning an instrument teaches great life lessons...mistakes are a part of life, getting past mistakes, self-discipline.Play for fun, not performanceSinging provides a mental liftMusic can inspire, motivate, and boost confidenceVideo games and classical musicKelly thinks she is learning "Ode to Joy" only to learn it is "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" Resources: Song suggestions from Kelly:This is Me, from The Greatest ShowmanTry, by Pink…change and Brave by Sarah Barlelis…speaking your truth, being yourselfUnwritten, Natasha Bedingfield…reaching for what you wantSame Love, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis…equalityScars to Your Beautiful, Alyce Cara…self-acceptanceSong suggestions from Sydney:Amy Beach, Symphony in E MinorFlorence Price, Piano Sonata in E MinorMozart, Symphony No 41Vaughan Williams, The Lark AscendingPieces by Phillip GlassWebsite: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren, Jake, Kyle, and Nicole, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly consider the important role that joy plays in our lives. Joy is a choice.Which one of us is a fan of Donny Osmond?What is the difference between happiness and joyHow do we experience in joy? Joy is in the momentJoy and SorrowDoes joy spread?Five ways to find more joyLiving fully!Resources:"The Hidden Power of Joy" by Christine Louise Hohlbaum "What is Joy? And What Does it Say About Us?" by Jamie D. Aten Ph.D."Joy: a review of the literature and suggestions for future directions." by Matthew Kuhn Johnson "Joy and Sorrow" by Kahlil Gibran"Don't Hesitate" by Mary OliverWebsite: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren, Jake, Kyle, and Nicole, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly talk with Lisa Little, the owner and artistic director of The Little Improv Theater in San Antonio, Texas. We discuss the role improvisation can play a part in personal growth.ComedySportz a world wide interactive improv experienceImprov in truest form is building trustImprov...calculated risk, trust fallLearning everyone is uniquely valuableListening and waiting to respond, not "preloading"What happens when plans unravelCorporate workshops...communicationLocal Classes...lower level classes are not necessarily about performance, but creating a safe environmentImprov in everyday lifeGo to a show and just laugh!Resources:https://cszsa.com/https://www.cszworldwide.com/[email protected]: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren, Jake, Kyle, and Nicole, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly consider the importance of humor in personal growth and life in general.Kelly learns how each generation uses emojis differently...Sydney is a great teacherLaughing is good for your healthNot degrading or demeaning laughterBeing able to laugh at yourselfChildren laugh sooo much and adults can't remember the last time they didLaughing unclamps the brainLaughing memoriesLaughing yoga...it's a thingResource: "Laughing Matters" by Bette MidlerWebsite: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren, Jake, Kyle, and Nicole, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly expand upon the tools mentioned in episodes 4 through 6. Kelly tells of her encounter with "fringe friends.""Lucky Life" by Gerald SternNot about our circumstances, but our capacity to respondWe have choices in our responsesHonesty with ourselves can feel cold, but cleansing, a place to startEach person's story is theirs to exploreResetting judgementsGratitudeExamen prayerResources"Lucky Life" by Gerald SternLiving From the Center by Jay McDanielExamen PrayerWebsite: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren Arrendell and Jake Pilch, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly expand upon the tools mentioned in the first three episodes. These include practical ways to grow in self-reflection. How reflection serves usMantrasWays to reflectEmotion Wheel, what is behind the emotionWhat have I done for me?Adding to our own sufferingResources:No Mud, No Lotus by Thich Nhat HanhEmotion Wheel"What Makes a Tree and Tree by Rachel EhrenbergLiving Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat HanhWebsite: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren Arrendell and Jake Pilch, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly interview Sydney's friend from college, Dr. Stephanie Allred regarding the importance of community.Not just a doctor., Stephanie won the gingerbread cookie decorating contest her family held this year.Found family and mentorshipMaintaining friendships Finding people Social support network or CommunityWhat gives you energyWork and play balanceNot keeping scoreWebsite: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren Arrendell and Jake Pilch, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly explore types of friendship and how important "fringe" friendships are to our mental health. Finding a hair stylist...an important relationshipAcquaintances, social friends, intimate friendships, and epitome friendshipsAre millennials and Gen Zers lonelier than other generations?If so, why?Fringe friendships...those we encounter briefly, yet consistentlyDoes lack of trust affect making new friends?Kelly learns she is using punctuation wrong in her texts!Challenge for the Week: Start a conversation with someone you don't know...while in a line, at lunch, wherever else you may be wondering this week. Also, be aware when someone starts a conversation with you.Resources: "What Are the Types of Friends and How Can They Support You?" by Sonya Matejko "The Science of Friendships Keep Us Healthy" by Zara Abrams A Time to Talk, by Robert FrostWebsite: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren Arrendell and Jake Pilch, our Patreon supporters!

This meditation is believed to have originated in India before the time of Buddha. It is a mediation that that cultivates compassion. It is about sending love into the world, even to those difficult places and people that we would rather resist.A meditation of loving kindness. For me this is a powerful meditation that begins very close with my breath and slowly expands.

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly discuss "quiet time" or time set aside to spend with yourself.What counts as quiet time and starting small.Creating space within yourself.Quiet time is the biggest small thing you can do.Stillness.Breath.Befriending yourself, not judging yourself.We learn that Kelly's brain is water...flows everywhere!Build now for later.Reflection: What do I want to hold space for today...peace, hope, someone I, laughter?Resources: I mentioned koans. Learn more about koans here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/zen-buddhism-koan_n_563251dce4b0631799115f3cWebsite: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren Arrendell and Jake Pilch, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly use a microscope to take a look at small things. You know that's not it, we just take a look at the role small things play in personal growth.Kelly fesses up to an ethical dilemma that she didn't handle well.What do we mean by small things.Small things can reset us and give us a lift.Small actions build upon other small actions.A pebble in the shoe can bring great discomfort.The messages you give yourself point the direction you are headed.Reflection/Action: Do something small for someone...let a car merge, send a quick text to a friend or family member, play the piano for 5 minute, stand outside in the sun's warmth for 5 minutes...something smallNotice when someone does something small for you and how it makes you feel.Resources: bird by bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne LamontWebsite: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren Arrendell and Jake Pilch, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly place judgement on judgement...well, not really, but we do explore how we judge ourselves and situations.Controversial candy...what?Difference between objective Judgement and being judgmental Opinions become judgement and then we associate it with factCatching ourselves in the actFear and judgingEmpathySelf judgingReflection: Be aware when the judgements, versus opinions that come up. Give yourself a positive message.Resources:Peace is This Moment Without Judgement by Dorothy HuntThe Four Agreements: A Personal Guide to Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz Website: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren Arrendell and Jake Pilch, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly discuss the usefulness of mistakes and what we can gain from them.Kelly burned Sydney's blouse while ironing and tries to tell Sydney she could learn from it also!Putting mistakes into perspectiveSpiraling after a mistakeComparing ourselves Beginning again--a new momentNo experience is wasted--always something to learnLearn about yourself from mistakesSome are simply more costlyI am not the mistakeOwning itReflection for the week: Be aware of your perspective when a mistake is madeResources:My Life in Five Chapters by Portia NelsonWebsite: anincompleteguide.comInstagram: @anincompleteguideYouTube: @AnIncompleteGuidePatreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthShout out to Lauren Arrendell and Jake Pilch, our Patreon supporters!

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly have a conversation regarding self-knowledge...don't we already know ourselves?New Year reading challenge? Is it for you?Last weeks reflection: How we limited ourselves this weekGetting to know yourself...sing along from The King and I...notIgnoring ourselves Self awarenessReflection on events and feelingsCrutchesChange starts from withinBeing with yourselfSelf-CompassionReflection for the week: Create a mantra or shift a message others have given you that is not true to you. example: I am enough.Resources:Kristen Neff website: https://self-compassion.orgSelf Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristen Neff

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly talk about why personal growth matters and how we can be gentle with ourselves in the process.Kelly learns personal growth from an over-reaction this weekAsking the question of why you want to grow"Broaden the Boundaries of my heart"...of meObstacles of personal growthFear of change...even if it is goodNegative messages that stop usPersonal growth is not selfishElements of Personal growth...listeningRipple EffectsReflection for this week: Where you are limiting yourself?Resource used: Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrimage: A Personal Manual to Prayer and Ritual by Edward Hays

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth Sydney and Kelly tell a little bit about themselves. Even though Kelly has know Sydney since she was born, she is still getting to know her! How can this be? Because of constant personal growth of course!What's with the name?What is personal growth?"To Live is to Slowly be Born"Future topicsLet us hear from youwww.anincompleteguide.compatreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowthhttps://youtube.com/@AnIncompleteGuide?si=GAYWVDu68UsZh8VT

Everyone wants to live a fulfilled life with less stress and more laughter. Join Kelly Arrendell and Sydney West as they explore the wonder, humor, challenges, and sometimes self-inflicted wounds on the journey of personal growth. Our weekly podcast conversations provide tools you can incorporate into your own path of growth. The journey to becoming more fully yourself is lifelong but is something you can start now, wherever you are. Kelly is our resident expert on self-growth and shares her own mistakes and resources, with Sydney asking questions relevant to millennials and Gen-Zers. Take a breath, and take a listen.YouTubeInstagramWebsite