Everything is OK, until it isn’t.
My podcasts are rarely polished and never scripted. They are in-the-moment explorations of what it means to build a better life. Completing my Master's degree in psychological science, I found myself constantly translating complex academic theories into practical, real-world experiences so I could relate to this new information. Much like my experience of being immersed in a rural French village, I had no choice but to find the most effective ways to learn.
My goal was always to make the powerful principles of positive psychology and neuroscience accessible for my own life. This podcast is an extension of that journey, a place where we bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and everyday experience where the applied strategies may be the most effective.
13 differences between Busy and Effective People from www.brightside.me
This episode, in particular, is a must-listen for anyone ready to move beyond simply coping and start building a life of deep, sustainable wellbeing. It’s for the person who knows they are doing ‘just fine’ - ‘I know’ being two of the most limiting words in our personal growth and development.
We explore a fundamental shift in perspective that is crucial for anyone interested in emotional resilience, and long-term mental fitness. Our ‘executive functions.’
What if our responses to life on life’s terms were ‘right sized’ every time?
The Problem with Waiting: Why Proactive Wellbeing is the Key to Flourishing
We treat mental health reactively. We seek stress management techniques from the verge of burnout. We find tools to improve our mood when we're feeling low. We wait for a crisis to hit before we prioritize our inner world.
This episode challenges that paradigm head-on with a simple but powerful idea: we don't have to be suffering to reach for improved well-being; in fact, the best time to do it is when we're not.
Graphic from www.dojo4.com
This is the core principle of proactive mental fitness. It's about building your psychological strength, emotional resilience, and inner resources from a place of stability, not desperation. Think of it like this: you don't wait for a hurricane to start building a foundation for your house. You build it to be strong and secure so that when the storms of life—stress, disappointment, and unforeseen challenges—inevitably arrive, you are prepared. You have a solid baseline of flourishing to return to. This is the difference between a life of frantic survival and one of sustainable thriving.
A Practical Framework for Daily Action: The Miracle Morning & Integrated PERMAH Principles
When Hal says “We ride at dawn!” I say, “I’ll see you tonight once I’m over the finish line!”
Do we have a ‘miracle day’ because we had a ‘miracle morning’? Or because we have noticed the miracles within our day?
How do we build this foundation? How do we translate this big idea into concrete, daily actions? One of the most effective, evidence-based frameworks. This concept was pioneered by the inspirational Hal Elrod. His work provides a powerful blueprint for creating a morning routine that nurtures your mental, physical, and emotional health.
More than moments - a design for living well in our lives, work and business endeavors. NOTE: The note on SLEEP! (See Podcast #1)
The power of Elrod’s method lies in its six core practices, the "Life S.A.V.E.R.S." These are not just habits; they are high-impact keywords for a better life, each targeting a key area of personal development.
Silence (Mindfulness & Mental Clarity): Instead of starting your day with the digital noise of emails and social media, you begin with intentional silence. This could be a 5-minute guided meditation or simply a moment of quiet, deep breathing. This practice is scientifically shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and improve focus, setting a tone of calm and presence for the entire day. For anyone searching for "mindfulness for beginners" or "how to reduce anxiety," this is your starting point.
Affirmations (Neuroplasticity & Positive Self-Talk): This practice involves consciously choosing the thoughts and beliefs that empower you. It’s about leveraging the brain's neuroplasticity to literally rewire negative thought patterns and overcome limiting beliefs. By consistently stating your goals and affirming your capabilities, you build the kind of robust self-belief necessary to tackle imposter syndrome and pursue your ambitions.
Visualization (Goal Setting & Performance Psychology): Top athletes and performers have used this technique for decades. By vividly imagining yourself achieving your goals and navigating your day with success, you prime your brain for that reality. This isn't just wishful thinking; it's a powerful mental rehearsal that enhances motivation and helps your mind identify the opportunities and resources needed to succeed.
Exercise (Mood-Boosting & Energy Management): The link between physical activity and mental health is undeniable. A short morning workout—even just 10 minutes of yoga, a brisk walk, or some jumping jacks—releases endorphins, boosts your mood, and dramatically increases your energy levels. It’s one of the most effective, all-natural antidepressants available.
Reading (Personal Growth & Lifelong Learning): Consuming even just a few pages of a personal development book or an inspiring text each morning invests in your most valuable asset: your mind. It fosters a growth mindset and equips you with new ideas and strategies, ensuring you are constantly learning and evolving.
Scribing (Journaling for Clarity & Gratitude): The simple act of writing—whether it's a "brain dump" to clear your mind, a gratitude list to foster positivity, or clarifying your goals on paper—is a powerful tool for self-reflection. For those struggling with mental clutter or seeking clarity, journaling is an indispensable practice.
Your Invitation to a Flourishing Life
If you are ready to take actionable steps towards a life of greater joy, resilience, and fulfillment, this podcast episode is your invitation. It’s a deep dive into the fundamentals of building a proactive well-being practice that lasts. You will learn not just the "why" behind this transformative shift in mindset, but also the "how"—the practical, sustainable habits you can implement tomorrow morning. Let’s not wait for a crisis to prioritize our mental health. The journey from surviving to flourishing starts now, and it starts with a single, intentional day of mini miracles.
If you would like to hear more about this Workshop, please subscribe and engage and we can share our experiences and tips for integration along the way.
Share this post