When you're caught in the grips of an eating disorder, it feels like you're drowning while everyone else is breathing, doesn't it? Today we're shining a spotlight on this secretive struggle with the help of our courageous guest, Autumn Berrier. Autumn, a gifted photographer, unveils the raw realities of her journey, starting with a high-school desire to fit in that spiraled into a debilitating fixation with restrictive eating and obsessive exercise.

Unleashing hushed conversations about the expectations of societal and familial pressures on body image, this episode ventures into the struggles faced by individuals living with conditions like anorexia and exercise bulimia. As Autumn peels back the layers of her own transformation towards self-acceptance, we’re reminded of the importance of gratitude, self-love, and the potent power of affirmations. We've all heard that words have power, but do we truly realize their potential in manifesting our beliefs and desires?

In the final leg of our journey, we reflect on the importance of fostering communities that resonate with our struggles, reminding us that we aren't alone. Autumn’s steady ascent from the depths of her eating disorder to a place of self-love and acceptance serves as potent inspiration for those walking a similar path. So buckle up, open your hearts, and prepare to be moved by this episode as we embrace the power of shared stories, spreading love and positivity one conversation at a time.

Have you ever felt trapped by your family's dysfunctional patterns, unsure of how to break free and discover your true self? Alyson, has been around the mental health professional setting and has a wealth of experience, joins us to discuss this very topic. Our conversation dives into the profound impact that family dynamics have on personal growth and mental well-being, revealing how childhood conditioning can lead to a warped sense of normalcy and how setting functional boundaries is key to unlocking self-awareness and liberation.

This episode is not just about understanding the challenges; it's a journey into the heart of empowerment. We examine the power of self-reflection and therapeutic communication, particularly for the youth who face negativity and disrespect. By sharing actionable insights on small changes in habits and communication, we shed light on how we can guide our children towards etiquette, body awareness, and self-advocacy. It's a reflective look at how we can transform pain into strength and help future generations recognize the silver linings in their toughest experiences.

Navigating our way through the complexities of family, community, and self, Alyson and I explore the importance of questioning inherited beliefs and fostering self-understanding to prevent societal issues. We contemplate the role of respectful communication, decision-making skills in children, and supportive environments in cultivating functional conflict resolution. Alyson's passion is evident as she details her vision for a new education paradigm, where life skills and emotional intelligence are not just taught but are the foundation of the school system. Join us as we unravel these insights, and stay tuned for Alyson's future endeavors in spreading these critical messages.

How to find her :
instagram: sue_bah_louuu

Imagine having a chat with your best friend, where every giggle reveals a deeper truth about life's big questions. That's exactly what unfolded when Hanna joined me for a heart-to-heart on Pockets of Time. We kick off with a game of Icebreaker Starter Cards that has us revealing what we'd ask our personal heroes and musing on hypothetical warning labels that could accompany our own exuberant personalities. It's not just laughs; we wade into the nuances of public perception and the ebb and flow of our inner energies. Join us as we peel back the layers of identity and find humor in the quirks that make us uniquely ourselves.

Shifting gears, we tackle a subject close to both our hearts: the environmental crisis. Hanna and I get real about the ways individual authenticity can build bridges and lead us to our tribe. Sharing our personal efforts to tread lightly on the Earth, we spotlight the power each of us holds to foster a healthier planet for the generations to come. Our discussion is a tapestry woven with personal anecdotes, a shared passion for green living, and an inspiring nudge for you to join the movement and live your truth.

But we don’t stop there; we delve into the sometimes gritty journey of personal growth, from the exasperation of city life's toll on our well-being to the transformative power of overcoming toxic influences. I open up about learning to embrace empathy and intuition in the wake of life's knocks and the ongoing pursuit of self-discovery. Plus, discover how a candid chat with my sister led to an epiphany on the art of active listening and just how much it can revolutionize our connections. This episode promises not just a window into our world, but a mirror reflecting your own path to peace, self-awareness, and the profound impact of truly listening.

Have you ever felt held back by beliefs you can't seem to shake off? This episode features the insightful Stephanie Fu, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, who takes us on a journey through the labyrinth of trauma and self-limiting beliefs. Stephanie, with a wealth of experience working with both children and adults, offers her unique perspective on trauma-focused therapy. We delve into the depths of the subconscious mind of a child and explore the power of EMDR in healing from trauma.

The conversation takes an introspective turn as we unpack the formation of limiting beliefs and their profound influence on our lives. Drawing parallels with a block of ice, we bring to light the ingrained nature of these beliefs and the critical role of self-awareness and compassion in processing them. We open up about our personal struggles, revealing the resilience that comes from understanding and overcoming our limitations.

As we navigate the waters of mental health, we underscore the significance of self-validation and empathy in our daily interactions. We reflect on the importance of tuning into our emotions and learning to validate our feelings. We also highlight the commendable work of the nonprofit organization, Sola Amari, and their commitment to supporting children and families wrestling with mental health issues. Stephanie's personal experiences, her coping strategies, and her perspective on the healing process offer valuable insights and advice to anyone grappling with trauma or mental health concerns. Listen in for a conversation that could ignite your journey towards self-understanding and healing.

Stephanie Fu Ballance
www.healingoaktheraphy.com

Sola Amari Endowment
Instagram: @sola.amari
website: www.empowereast.org/sola-amari

Pippamintly
instagram: Pippamintly
website: pippamintly.etsy.com

Ever found yourself laughing in the face of chaos, only to pause and think, "What the f just happened?" That's exactly the sentiment Autumn and I chew over as we recount the rollercoaster ride of the previous year, peeling back the curtain on transformations, hard-earned realizations, and the bizarre moments of clarity that only hindsight can bring. From personal empowerment to the quirks of numerology with Gary33, we're not just reminiscing—we're setting intentions and inviting you to join in shaping a year that's more 'you' than ever before.

If you've ever given yourself a proverbial pat on the back, you'll know the sweet satisfaction that comes with self-acknowledgement. This episode isn't just about us; it's a shared journey of shrugging off self-blame and learning the delicate art of self-validation. As we relish in recounting our steps towards growth—like ditching the victim mentality, embracing forgiveness, and even our peculiar fascinations with solitaire and fungi—you'll find yourself nodding along, inspired to give yourself those much-deserved 'flowers'.

Wrapping things up with a heart-to-heart on relationship dynamics, we confront the bittersweet symphony of change—how we grow, how we part, and how we set goals that actually stick. I get real about accepting different life paths and Autumn weighs in on the beauty of small, achievable resolutions. Trust us, there's a method to the madness of New Year's aspirations, and we're dishing out the inside scoop on making them work. So, turn up the volume, grab a notebook (or a heart-shaped cookie), and let's toast to a year of attainable ambitions and personal revolutions.

Hop on board as we journey through the exciting world of fashion styling with our guest, DQ. A seasoned stylist, he paints a vivid picture of his life's journey, from backstage at local fashion shows to the glamorous New York Fashion Week. The road was far from smooth, and you'll be captivated by his stories of trials, family support, and the pivotal role of a mentor in his career. DQ's path to self-belief is a testament to the importance of taking bold steps towards your ambitions.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, DQ also opens up about the weighty topic of mental health and the necessity for self-care. He shares his personal battles, and a poignant moment when a friend's call and words of encouragement provided a lifeline. You'll gain insight into how absorbing other people's energy can impact your mental state, and how creative endeavors, such as styling, can provide balance. In closing, DQ leaves us with an inspiring pep talk focused on the power of collaboration and keeps the door open for anyone in need of a stylist. His journey is truly an inspiration for all of us, whether we're fashion enthusiasts or simply looking for motivation to chase our dreams.
DQ's instagram: StylebyDQ

Discover how the voice inside your head can be your biggest cheerleader or your worst critic. This episode of Pockets of Time is a deeply personal journey into my experiences with self-talk, revealing how the words we tell ourselves can shape our paths and determine our success. Listen to my own story of how I almost allowed negative self-talk to sabotage the start of this podcast, and how the influences of our environment and the people around us can fuel this inner dialogue. This exploration invites you to become aware of your own internal narratives, recognizing when you are too harsh on yourself, and providing tools to replace negativity with kindness and compassion.

Have you ever considered the power of journaling and positive affirmations? We delve into this in the second part of our episode, emphasizing that the energy and tone we use with ourselves can be as powerful as the words themselves. We tackle the commonplace difficulty of accepting compliments, and reinforce the importance of allowing ourselves to be acknowledged and appreciated. More crucially, we illuminate the practice of gratitude and its transformative capacity in shifting focus away from negative events and thoughts. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking insights and tools for personal growth, and a gentler, kinder relationship with themselves. Join us on this enlightening journey and let's unravel the power of self-talk together.

Ever feel like you're always putting everyone else's needs before your own? Or maybe say 'yes' to things you'd rather not do, just to keep the peace or to be liked? We've been there too. Join us as we get personal and share how we grappled with this incredibly common yet hardly discussed issue of people-pleasing. We shed light on how our upbringings in strict households, where affection was conditional and scarce, compelled us to constantly prove worthiness for love. But here's the thing, we learnt the hard way that the love and attention we were doling out to everyone else, we deserved the very same.

But changing lifelong habits isn't easy, is it? That's where setting boundaries comes in. Learning to say 'no' was one of the toughest yet most liberating lessons we learnt. We unpack how saying 'no' can actually aid in better time management and keep burnout at bay. And yes, we talk about self-care too. Because asking for help doesn't equate to weakness. Quite the contrary, it's an indication of strength. So, if you're tired of constantly pleasing others at the cost of your own well-being, tune in for a candid conversation around people-pleasing, self-worth, and the power of saying 'no'.