Calm it Down

There's an age-old cliché that says we learn something new everyday. But if life is a teacher, are we really paying attention and listening to the lessons? From childhood to adulthood, it seems like each stage of our lives can provide us with meaningful moments of growth - but how often do these transformations turn into real life applications? In this episode, I hope to explore the ways in which life continuously gives us opportunities for learning - and more importantly, how we can use those teachings as fuel for further growth and development. With creativity, focus and a pinch of humility, anything is possible - so let’s jump right in as we Calm it Down in 3…2…1

With the skies opening and my touring returning, some concert halls have asked me to lead a guided breath-work meditation before the shows. This is seriously one of my most favorite things ever! But one of the questions I get asked the most is "well, what's it like? what kind of experience?" In today's episode, I take listeners through a peaceful journey that is perfect for anyone looking to de-stress. We'll be focusing on our breath as we clear our minds and let go of any worries or concerns we may have. If you're new to meditation or just want someone to talk you through it, this episode is perfect for you! So grab your device, find a comfortable spot, and join me for some peace and tranquility. Let’s Calm it Down in 3..2..1.

Searching for our true selves can be both intimidating and exciting. Despite the pressures of everyday life, remembering to pause and recognize moments when we feel in tune with our most honest selves can be incredibly rewarding. It may sound simple, but sometimes it’s hard to recognize when these moments are occurring. A good place to start is by paying attention to what brings you joy, whether that's spending time alone, engaging in a physical activity or simply having a conversation with someone. These experiences have the potential to reveal different parts of your personality and foster an even deeper understanding of who you are beneath all of the expectations and responsibilities that life throws at us. So let’s embark on this journey together as we look for ways to authentically express ourselves and ultimately reach a place of lasting fulfillment.

We've heard a lot about how being tough and strong is important, but what about those of us who always seem to wear our hearts on our sleeves and express our emotions openly? Contrary to popular belief, emotional sensitivity is not a hindrance - often it can be what we need to help us get through the tough times in life. Emotional sensitivity allows us to better connect with others and understand the world around us. In this episode, we explore the power of emotional sensitivity and examine why it should be celebrated rather than shamed. With a funny and creative lens, I will offer you some thought-provoking perspectives that may just help you appreciate the importance of being emotionally sensitive! Join me as we Calm it Down in 3...2...1.

Do you ever feel like something is missing in your life? That there's a longing for something more but you're not sure what it is? In this episode of the Calm It Down Podcast, we explore the power of longing and how it can be an important signal that we're meant for something more. We'll discuss the difference between passing fancy and sincere desire, and how to begin to listen to the clues our longing provides. If you've ever felt lost or uncertain about your next steps, this episode is for you! Check it out, share it with a friend and drop me a note how you think longing is or isn't an integral part of your journey.

We all make choices in life, and one of the biggest is who we allow into our inner circle. It's easy to think that anyone we call a friend is a positive influence on us, but sometimes that isn't always the case. If you feel like things aren't quite right in your relationships, it might be time for you to take a step back and re-evaluate those bonds. In this episode, we'll talk about ways to detect bad influences in your relationships and ways to cut ties with toxic people so you can cultivate strong friendships with those who are supportive and encouraging. Listen in as we Calm it Down.

We’ve all been there, struggling and feeling like we have to fight our own battles alone. We put on a brave face and tell ourselves everything is fine, but often times the truth is that we could really use some help. Asking for help has long been viewed as a sign of weakness or failure, leaving us feeling stigmatized or embarrassed when it comes time to reach out for assistance. But why? Why can't seeking help from others be seen as an admirable act of courage — something expected rather than shamed? Let's find out by uncovering the secrets behind this four letter word: Help. Together, let's explore how understanding the stigma surrounding asking for assistance can empower us to take control of our lives!

We often strive to be perfect in all that we do; but perfectionism can lead us down a path of constant dissatisfaction, feelings of guilt and worry. This year, instead of focusing on being perfect, let's focus on being better—better than where we were last year and better at taking care of ourselves. It's time to start aiming for progress rather than perfection and focusing our energy on developing better habits that will help us reach the goals we truly desire. This week, we start the new year with the mantra Better, Not Perfect. Join me and let’s take a step forward.

As this current year draws towards its close, many of us may find ourselves facing a seemingly insurmountable bridge that stands between us and the new year. Whether it's loneliness or worry about the future, sadness for what has been lost, or simply feeling overwhelmed - there are bound to be strong feelings that can keep us from taking the next steps. But before we ring in the countdown, let's look at the bridge we've crossed this year, all that we've come through, all that we stepped forward one step at a time.

Aaahhh, the joys of catching a cold. Not the "oh it's chilly outside.", but the "my nose is stuff and I'm miserable." That all too familiar chill that takes over your body; it's something we've all experienced. Although a seemingly trivial thing, this cold can represent much more than what meets the eye - it can be symbolic of inner turmoil and emotional struggles. Listen in as we connect these two things together. Examining how emotions play an integral part of our lived experiences and use them as insight into how to better manage difficult times. Join me on a journey exploring the parallels of how mental health is more common to the common cold than you think.

We are never given more than we can handle. So when you feel like life is giving you too much to handle, know that it chose you for a reason. It saw the strength in you to be able to deal with whatever situation it throws your way. Be grateful for the chance to help others through their time of need and ask yourself what strength you can bring to them. Life will always find a way to keep going, no matter how hard things seem at first. You just have to be willing to see the good in every situation and find the strength within yourself to get through it and to realize for THIS particular moment you're in, Life Chose You.

The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and friends. But what happens when grief interrupts that? What do you do when the holidays don't feel like they used to? Today's episode explores some new traditions that can help make the holiday season a little more bearable for those who are grieving.

Emotions are a normal and essential part of our lives but that doesn't mean we should always act on every one of them. It's important to be aware of the different types of emotions and how they can impact our decisions. Knowing how to deal with emotional reactions can help us make sounder judgments in everyday life - whether we're choosing what to wear or picking who to date. Our emotions can be swayed just as strongly as our response TO our emotions. So, how do we tame this lion within us to be less.....emotional? Dive in as we find out.

What would you do if movie magic became reality? If, in the movies, we could always get what we wanted by just wishing hard enough or following our hearts, life would be a dream. However, as we all know, this is not the case. In real life, things don't always go according to plan. We make mistakes and sometimes life doesn't turn out the way we hoped it would. Just like in the movies, though, there is still much to be learned from these less-than-perfect moments. But listen in as you'll see there's a reason for this. And guess what, it's a great one. You won't be disappointed

Forgiveness. It's something we've all heard of, and even experienced to some degree in our lives. But what is it really? What does it mean to forgive someone? Is it simply saying that you're no longer mad or upset at someone? Is it more than that? In this episode, I'm going to explore what forgiveness is not, as well as give my own definition of forgiveness can be.

We all have that one t-shirt. You know the one I'm talking about—it's the one you've had for years and years, and it's seen better days. It's comfortable, sure, but it's also stained, full of holes, and maybe a little bit smelly. Just like an old t-shirt, our emotional baggage can be stained with the negative experiences of our past. It can be full of holes from all the times we've been hurt. And it can be so threadbare that it doesn't provide any warmth or protection anymore. Sound familiar? That's because that old t-shirt in your closet is a lot like your emotional baggage. Listen in and let me explain.

In life, we all experience disappointing moments. Times when things don't go our way and we don't get the outcome we were hoping for. These moments can be really tough to deal with and can sometimes make us feel like a disappointment to others and ourselves. But today, we're going to learn the difference between disappointing and being a disappointment. There's a much wider gap than you would ever imagine. Listen in, share with a friend and most importantly, give yourself some grace.

There's something about sitting down to a plate of food that can make us feel immediately guilty. We think about all the things we could have done differently - we shouldn't have had that extra slice of cake, we should have gone for a run before breakfast, we should be eating more greens. But what if, instead of beating ourselves up every time we eat, we took a moment to appreciate how miraculous and nourishing the food is? Just think about all the incredible things that had to happen for that meal to end up on our plates. The seed had to be sown, the sun had to shine, the rain had to fall, the crop had to be harvested. And that's just the journey of the food itself! Then somebody had to cook it, and somebody else had to serve it. So many people and so many processes came together to create this one meal, and it is truly a gift. If we can remember that every time we eat, maybe it will help us break the cycle of shame that food so often brings. Today, we talk about one of my very favorite things; food!

Every morning is a chance for a fresh start. A chance to heal, grow, laugh, and embrace all of life's unpredictability. Today may be tough, but it's also a chance to learn and become stronger. The past is over and done with; it can't be changed. All we have is the present moment, which we can choose to make the best of it or not. Today is a new day, full of possibilities. Let's make the most of it!

Do you ever feel like you're constantly in a hurry? Like you never have enough time for everything? Overwhelmed and stressed out? If so, then you may be experiencing what's called "hurry sickness." Unfortunately, hurry sickness is becoming increasingly common as our society becomes more and more fast-paced. But what is hurry sickness and why is it such a big deal? And most importantly, what can we do to address it and prevent burnout? Listen in to find out.

Loneliness. That nagging feeling that something is missing, and no matter how much we try to fill the hole, it always seems to come back. Loneliness has been called the "common cold of emotions" because it's so widespread. But why is loneliness so common? And what can we do about it? Listen in as we explore the solitude soliloquy and offer some solutions for overcoming it.

The other day someone wrote to ask my advice on adapting to new seasons. They are entering their first year of college away from home and wanted to know what advice I could offer. Whether you're transitioning into a new job, a new relationship, or a new home, change can be tough. If you're finding it difficult to adjust to your new circumstances, don't worry—you're not alone. In this episode we'll take a look as to how change can be easier than we allow ourselves to be accustomed to.

Dealing with depersonalization can be a challenge. Sometimes, it feels like you are living in a dream and everything is not real. It's hard to focus on anything when you feel this way. You may find it difficult to connect with other people and experience the world around you. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing depersonalization, recognizing and accepting that life is lived in the present moment can be a helpful start. Today, we find ways to become Real. Present. Alive.

Unicorns and suicide have something in common: they're both based on fiction. We like to think of suicide as something that doesn't happen to real people, that it's a myth. But the truth is, suicide is all too real. Every day, people of all ages and backgrounds take their own lives. And while we may not know them personally, their deaths have a ripple effect, touching the lives of those who knew and loved them. September is Suicide Awareness Month. If we're going to prevent suicide, we need to stop treating it like a myth and start acknowledging the very real pain and suffering that leads someone to take their own life. Only then can we hope to provide the support and resources that those in need so desperately deserve.

Failure is something that we often try to avoid. We are taught from a young age that it's not okay to make mistakes, and that we should always do our best in order to be successful. But what if failure was actually the key to success? What if we stopped being afraid of failure, and started embracing it as part of the process? You are about to hear one of the most fascinating stories that seems to be absent from a lot of the history books. And once you hear of this iconic person and his path, you will be inspired to hear how sometimes we just need a little nudge of failure.

Imagine if we had a switch that could instantly ease our nerves. We could flip it whenever we felt anxious or stressed, and breathe a sigh of relief as calmness washed over us. Of course, such a thing is only a fantasy. But that doesn't mean we can't find ways to calm ourselves in the moment. Sometimes, all it takes is a deep breath. Listen in as we learn you have everything you need with you RIGHT NOW to calm the mind and aid in easing your anxiety.

In order to get the most out of anything, you must first bring an understanding of what it is you want from it. And that means even with this podcast and its 73 episodes. Without this fundamental understanding, you'll only ever be skimming the surface of possibilities. And let's be honest, we're tired of skimming. We want rich, deep, authentic.....life. We want to live and feel as if we're living fully. So, before we dive in further I have to ask...how come you're listening? And if you are, are you making the difference it takes?

Aw, nostalgia. Traversing merrily down memory lane is such a delight, until it isn't. Sure it's fun to see old pictures of what you wore 30 years ago is now making a come back but the short "just a glance" can quickly turn to a "how great things used to be." But today, I ask a most poignant question "was it?" Was it really all that great? Was it everything that right now isn't? I challenge you do listen to my thoughts on yesteryear. You may be surprised on the take I have. Listen in as we swim around the iceberg of nostalgia.

This episode takes inspiration from the touchingly beautiful book, "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse", by Charlie Mackesy. While it's somewhat directed as a children's book, I'm often asking myself "is it REALLY for children or for adults?", as the life lessons are simple yet wonderfully profound. Listen in as we learn the importance of kindness, love, friendship and even cake. You'll be surprised what we find on this journey with a most unique group of friends.

How often have you ever thought "I'm probably the only one that thinks, acts, lives this way." As much as I want to talk about it with someone, anyone, I should just keep it to myself, smile, nod my head and wait to breakdown behind closed doors. It feels like we're carrying a heavy burden, but we don't want to tell anyone about it. We’re afraid that if we speak up, people will think we’re ‘not of sound mind’. So we keep quiet and carry on as best as we can. But the truth is, this shame is crippling us. It’s holding us back from living the life we want to live. And it’s time to break free from it. So how do we do that?

This is the first episode in a month-long series on mental health awareness. In May, which is mental health awareness month, we are talking about self harm and suicide. This episode has a tip on how to get through moments when all you can think about is leaving. There is something better than just finding an exit. I will show you how to find peace in the chaos and stay for the big show; ie life. Listen as we learn how to take things one moment at a time.

You know those times when you're worrying about something and then it turns out not to be a big deal after all? It's almost like the universe is trying to tell you something. Well, believe it or not, those moments can actually be blessings in disguise. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that it might be for the best. Thought it may not feel like it in the moment, looking back in hindsight it may have been the catalyst to where you are today.

Some nights you just lay there asking yourself "did I do the right thing today? Did I turn right when perhaps I should have turned left? The mind spinning the spiral of questions of should haves. But today, I'm going to share with you something that has guided from day one and will do so for the rest of life; your gut. That intuition, that inner voice giving you the road map one step at a time. Sometimes we doubt the turns and that's okay. Detours eventually get us where we need to be; when we're supposed to. Listen in as we pull out the compass of our intuition and follow our gut to where it takes us. And yes, sometimes that means following it to some chocolate chip cookies ;)

Wuv, Twue, Wuv. No, today’s episode isn’t about one of the greatest films ever made (The Princess Bride) but something I’m certain we’ve all experienced at least once in our life. Unrequited love. That ‘I like them but they haven’t even noticed I’m in the same room’ kinda thing. Chasing or loving someone that doesn’t share the same warm & fuzzies is hard. Brutally hard, emotionally. And while we’ve all been there before, it still feels like ‘you’re the only one’. Today, we talk about fishing (yup), our emotions and what to do when you toss the ball but it’s never caught, much less thrown back.

in 1932, theologian Reinhold Niebuhr inked one of the most recognizable aspirations of serenity ever written. So much so, it became ingrained in many 12 step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous. What do these 27 words have to offer in helping us find our calm? Listen in as you may find yourself saying it when you need it most.

Dishes. The pile up, we ignore them. Or, we rush through them to just ....well....rush through them. Who would have ever thought a Vietnamese Monk would offer such introspective insight with a sink full of dirty dishes. And to be honest, after learning, I can honestly say my life hasn't been the same since. I have a feeling yours won't be either. Listen in as we find a quieting mind amongst the pots and pans.

What’s the first animal that comes to mind when I say “break through”? What animal literally kicks its way free in order to move into the next cycle of life which we gaze at bewilderedly in its beauty? No, this isn’t an episode about science or about rare species, but how a most beautiful animal has a story that will resonate with all of us.

Scars. Scars are hard. They’re a reminder of something we went through that we would rather forget. They can be a source of shame, or a source of strength. And no matter what they look like, or where they are, scars always have a story to tell. But the most interesting thing is 'how' our scars can not only empower us personally but be the hope in the lives of others.

Sticks and stones may break my bones but.....can you do it in-love? Today, we talk about a different kind of love. No, not tiger-mom, helicopter-parent love but Confrontational Love. Love when it doesn't necessarily 'feel' like love but it is. Would you rather someone cushion the words and not be honest or would you rather know the person you give yourself emotionally to is a bit 'too honest' but at least honest nonetheless. Listen in as we break down the two conversations of how love is spoken.

A question we rarely stop to think about. We wake up, brush our teeth, maybe have breakfast and before we know it we're on the treadmill of the day until we turn out the light at night. Do we ever stop to think about "where" does our happiness, our joy, those little perks in the day come from? Take a moment to listen in and pause. It's well worth taking the interest in as we find out where the well of happiness is hidden in our emotional valley.

If you can't explain it to a child, then how can you explain it even to yourself? Today, we embrace the reality of 'struggle' through the eyes and wisdom of The Velveteen Rabbit. Along with a sincere nod to Thich Nhat Hanh, let's understand how when you are truly present in every moment of life, you're truly in the midst of that; life.

Singer/songwriter Taylor Swift had a hit a few years ago called Shake it Off. In full transparency all I can remember of the song is the tag-line "shake it off" so I honestly have no idea WHAT the song is about BUT I reckon it to this episode about how, regardless we feel about it, life goes on. The show doesn't stop mid act and wait for us to recover/lick our wounds or even reflect. As you'll see in one of my most embarrassing moments in my professional career, The Show literally Goes On. Tune in to learn how sometimes we just have to laugh at ourselves and take the words of wisdom from Ms. Swift to simply shake it off.

I can't help but to hear McCartney's voice with the opening lyrics of Let it Be but hearing anything from the Beatles is never a bad thing. But life, obviously, has its storms and while McCartney's voice is top-shelf, sometimes we need a little more to carry us through life's ups and downs. Today, we find out w-h-a-t that thing or things may be to help us In Times of Struggle. Listen in.

It’s a world of noise, of ups and downs, of shiny things in one direction and something flashy in another. How in the world are you supposed to ‘calm the mind’ with everything around you set to 11!? You’ve heard the word meditation, you’ve heard there’s this secret way of de-stressing and finding a state of peace but you haven’t a clue where to begin. Well, here is your chance. Today, we crack open the Meditation 101 book and dive in. It’s easier than you think to exist in a state of less stress and more happy. Listen in. You won’t be disappointed.

Who would've thought we would learn so much from Pink Floyd's 1979 album, The Wall. As life happens, we get the various bumps, setbacks and punches below the belt. All of these and more lead to us "protecting ourselves" but what if it's that 'protection' that's hindering us from being our full potential? This wall, this shield we build around ourselves may not be what we think it is. Listen in as we break down the ideas behind 'The Wall' in our hopes to no longer be Comfortably Numb.

I had SUCH an overwhelming response to the first episode of 2022 "Resolve to Love Yourself". Thank you. So, we pick up from our 'ditching New Years Resolutions' as I check in to see how you're doing AND I offer a few thoughts in continuing the conversation of Loving Ourselves; which even that can be a bit stressful in the process. Listen in as we continue this journey of looking deeper into ourselves.

This episode comes from a listeners request and I LOVE the honesty in their asking. "What do you do when you HAVE to be around someone you just don't want to be around?" Great question. Let's face it, sometimes it's just difficult to get along with everyone! BUT, there are some things we can consider and possibly help in this "everyone be friends" landscape. Listen in as we learn a perspective we often let slide.

We’re tired. We’re all exhausted. With everything we’ve been handed the last 2 years and the ‘who knows what’s around the corner’, personally, I’m spent. As you probably are as well. Emotionally, physically, spiritually, just tired. So the idea of adding another thing to our plate this year is one that I'm going to pass on this year. Instead, I'm slowing the role and doing this one thing and this one thing only. Listen in as to why.

We pick up from last week's episode Understanding You - Currency, Part 1 as we turn our focus now to someone else; Understanding Someone Else - Currency Part 2. After hearing this episode, I hope you are inspired with a new perspective in being able to connect with someone besides yourself. Be it your spouse, your sibling, even a stranger. Listen in as I share a few key secrets in building relationships that will forever stay with you.

I'm reminded, oddly, of the scene in The Notebook where Noah keeps asking "what do you want!?" to Allie as she keeps replying "it's not that simple!" But how many times have you stopped and asked YOURSELF the same question. What do you want? What do you need just for yourself? How can you expect others to understand you if you have yet to learn it out yourself? Listen in as we explore some incredibly simple ideas in how to know what you need just a little bit more of.