Episode 12: "Hi! My Name is Disappointment"

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the "Back to Life Podcast," where we explore living well, loving well, and being well. In this final episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, LPCC, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. They examine how chronic disappointment can be a symptom of underlying anxiety and depression, referencing the new emotional complexities introduced in "Inside Out 2." Discover how to manage expectations, cope with disappointment, and build resilience inspired by the emotional depth of the movie.

Episode Highlights:

1. Dream A Little Nightmare: The Nature of Disappointment and Its Causes

• Understanding the sources of disappointment.
• Examples from "Inside Out 2" depicting unmet expectations and emotional responses.

The Subconscious Basement: Link to Anxiety and Depression

• Chronic disappointment as both a cause and result of anxiety and depression.
• Breaking the cycle by addressing emotions and triggers.

Memory Lanes: Coping Mechanisms and Resilience-Building Strategies

• Managing expectations and practicing self-compassion.
• Building a support network and engaging in positive self-talk.
• Reflecting on experiences to grow and develop resilience.

Reflection Moment: Think about a recent disappointment you experienced. What were your expectations, and how did reality differ? How did you cope with the disappointment? What can you learn from this experience to handle future disappointments better?

Guest Host: Angela Barela, LPCC, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie.
• Techniques for managing expectations and practicing self-compassion.
• Benefits of building a support network and engaging in positive self-talk.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Series: Stay tuned for our next series, where we will explore new and exciting topics related to mental health and well-being. Until then, remember to live well, love well, and be well.

Episode 4: "Hi! My Name is Control"

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the "Back to Life Podcast," where we explore living well, loving well, and being well. In this fourth episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. They examine the need for control as a response to anxiety and depression, referencing the new emotional complexities introduced in "Inside Out 2." Discover how the desire to control everything can impact mental health and relationships, and learn strategies to find balance and manage control healthily.

Episode Highlights:

1. A Mind at Freeze: Understanding the Need for Control

• Control as a response to managing uncertainty and reducing anxiety.
• Examples from "Inside Out 2" depicting the urge to control as a safety mechanism.
• How controlling behaviors can lead to feeling overwhelmed and strain relationships.

• The cycle of control and anxiety as shown in "Inside Out 2."
• How the inability to control outcomes can lead to feelings of failure and depression.
• Breaking the cycle by addressing both the need for control and underlying emotions.

• Practicing mindfulness to stay present and reduce the impulse to control future outcomes.
• Gradually letting go of control by starting with small steps and delegating tasks.
• Reframing control as an opportunity to build resilience and adaptability.
• Seeking therapy for personalized strategies and tools to manage anxiety and control.

Reflection Moment: Reflect on a situation where you felt the need to control everything. What emotions were driving that need? How can you start to let go and trust the process, even if it’s just a little bit?

Guest Host: Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie.
• Techniques for practicing mindfulness and reframing control.
• Benefits of seeking therapy for managing anxiety and control.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode: Join us next time as we continue our series with a look at disappointment and its hidden impacts. Learn how to manage disappointment and turn it into a growth opportunity.

Episode 10: "Hi! My Name is Perfectionism"

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the "Back to Life Podcast," where we explore living well, loving well, and being well. In this third episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. They discuss how perfectionism can be both a coping mechanism and a hidden symptom of anxiety and depression. Using references from "Inside Out" and "Inside Out 2," they delve into the psychological impact of striving for perfection and how to embrace imperfection.

Episode Highlights:

1. Anxious To Meet You: Perfectionism and Its Origins

• Perfectionism as a response to family expectations, societal pressures, and personal experiences.
• How "Inside Out" portrays the role of emotions in shaping behavior.
• The connection between perfectionism and a desire for control or to avoid criticism.

• The introduction of complex emotions like anxiety in "Inside Out 2."
• Perfectionism’s unattainable standards leading to heightened anxiety and stress.
• The pursuit of perfection as a drain on energy and source of unfulfillment.

• Setting realistic and attainable goals instead of aiming for perfection.
• Challenging negative self-talk and practicing mindfulness.
• Reflecting on achievements and practicing gratitude.
• The importance of community and surrounding oneself with supportive people.

Reflection Moment: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt pressured to be perfect. What were the underlying emotions driving that need? How can you reframe your perspective to embrace imperfection and practice self-compassion?

Guest Host: Angela of Blue Phoenix Therapy @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out" and "Inside Out 2" movies.
• Techniques for challenging negative self-talk and practicing mindfulness.
• Importance of community and support networks.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode: Join us next time as we continue our series with a look at control and its hidden impacts. Learn how to manage control issues healthily and understand their roots in anxiety and depression.

Episode 9: "Hi! My Name is Anger"

Episode Summary: Welcome to the "Back to Life Podcast," your guide to living well, loving well, and being well. In this second episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. Together, they explore how suppressed or unmanaged anger can be a symptom of deeper emotional struggles like anxiety and depression. Using the movie "Inside Out 2" as a reference, they discuss the roots of anger, its impact on mental health, and ways to express and manage it healthily.

Episode Highlights:

1. Riled Up: The Roots of Anger

• Anger as a protective mechanism for deeper emotions like fear, sadness, or frustration.
• How "Inside Out 2" portrays Anger taking charge when other emotions are overwhelmed.
• The importance of recognizing the true source of anger to address it effectively.

• The feedback loop between anger and anxiety, as illustrated in "Inside Out 2."
• How projecting deeper fears and frustrations onto others can disserve us and worsen mental health.
• The importance of addressing underlying anxiety and depression to break the cycle of anger.

• Practicing mindfulness to observe emotions without judgment and respond calmly.
• Expressing feelings constructively through talking, journaling, or physical activities.
• Setting boundaries to prevent anger from building up.
• Seeking professional help when needed to explore deeper emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Reflection Moment: Take a moment to reflect on a recent time when you felt angry. What underlying emotions might have been driving that anger? How can you address those emotions in a healthier way?

Guest Host: Angela of Blue Phoenix Therapy @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie, which introduces more complex emotions like anxiety.
• Mindfulness practices and the importance of setting boundaries.
• Professional therapy as a tool for managing deeper emotional struggles.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode: Join us next time as we continue our series with a look at perfectionism and its hidden impacts. Learn how to manage perfectionism healthily and understand its roots in anxiety and depression.

Episode 8: "Hi! My Name is Procrastination"

Episode Summary: Welcome to the "Back to Life Podcast," your guide to living well, loving well, and being well. In this first episode of our new series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. Together, they explore procrastination as a hidden symptom of anxiety and depression. Using the movie "Inside Out 2" as a reference, they discuss the roots of procrastination, and its link to anxiety, and offer practical strategies to manage and overcome it.

Episode Highlights:

1. Flight or Fighting: Recognizing and Understanding Procrastination

• Procrastination as a form of flight response.
• Avoidance due to fear of failure, perfectionism, or anxiety.

• How procrastination and anxiety are connected.
• The impact of avoidance on anxiety levels.

• The Pomodoro Technique for breaking tasks into manageable intervals.
• Setting realistic goals and celebrating small wins.
• Creating a distraction-free workspace.
• Practicing self-compassion.

Reflection Moment: Take a moment to reflect on a task you’ve been putting off. What emotions arise when you think about it? Is it anxiety, fear, or something else? How can you break it down into smaller steps and approach it with a fresh mindset?

Guest Host: Angela of Blue Phoenix Therapy @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie, which introduces more complex emotions like anxiety.
• The Pomodoro Technique for time management.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifepodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode: Join us next time as we continue our series with a look at anger and its hidden emotional impacts. Learn how to manage anger healthily and understand its roots in anxiety and depression.

Welcome back to the Back to Life Podcast with Nicole!

In our final episode of the Art of Friendship series, hosts Nicole Green and Kelly reflect on the journey of exploring friendships. Throughout this series, they've discussed the essence of healthy friendships, navigating challenges, and recognizing red and green flags in relationships.

Episode Highlights:

1. Reflections on Friendships:

• Nicole and Kelly discuss the insights gained from exploring various aspects of friendships, including gratitude, consistency, and setting boundaries.
• They share personal reflections on how these discussions have impacted their perspectives on nurturing meaningful connections.

• The importance of mutual respect, support, and communication in maintaining healthy friendships.
• Insights into recognizing red flags that may indicate toxic or unhealthy relationships.
• Empowerment to prioritize self-care and well-being in all aspects of friendship dynamics.

• Nicole and Kelly invite listeners to reflect on their own friendships. What have they learned about themselves and their relationships during this series?
• Encouragement to take positive steps towards strengthening existing friendships or making necessary changes for personal growth.

Reflective Moment: Nicole and Kelly encourage listeners to consider their friendships. Are there relationships that bring joy and support? Are there changes they want to make to enhance their friendship experiences moving forward?

Join Us: Thank you for joining us on this journey through the Art of Friendship series. Stay tuned for our next series and more episodes exploring how to live well, love well, and be well on "Back to Life Podcast with Nicole."

Action Items:

• Reflect on the qualities of your friendships. Are they supportive and uplifting?
• Consider any changes you want to make to nurture healthier friendships.
• Express gratitude to friends who positively impact your life.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• Follow us on social media @BeWellwithNicoleG for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
• Follow on our websites:
  • Nicole www.bewellwithnicole.com
  • Kelly www.pedersenabq.com
• Share your thoughts and stories about friendship with us!

Thank You for Listening! Thank you for tuning in to our Friendshipping series. We appreciate your support and engagement. Remember, nurturing healthy friendships is essential for your well-being and happiness.

Welcome back to the Back to Life Podcast with Nicole!

In our sixth episode, host Nicole Green and her insightful friend Kelly tackle the delicate topic of "Frienemies: Friendship Threats." This episode delves into identifying healthy versus unhealthy friendships, navigating the complexities of friendship breakups, and recognizing red flags that may indicate toxic relationships.

Episode Highlights:

1. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Friendships

• Nicole and Kelly discuss the characteristics of a healthy friendship, such as mutual respect, support, and emotional safety.
• They explore how to distinguish between a healthy friendship that uplifts and a potentially toxic one that drains energy.

• The hosts share insights on the emotional challenges of ending a friendship that no longer serves one's well-being.
• Advice on navigating friendship breakups with empathy, honesty, and self-care.

• Nicole and Kelly outline seven red flags to watch out for in friendships, including walking on eggshells, frequent criticisms, and unreliable behavior.
• Discussion on the importance of recognizing these signs and setting boundaries to protect one's emotional health.

Reflective Moment: Nicole and Kelly encourage listeners to reflect on their friendships. Are there any red flags they’ve noticed? How do these friendships make them feel? It’s a reminder to prioritize well-being and cultivate positive, supportive relationships.

Join Us: Join us on this journey to understand the dynamics of friendships and navigate their complexities with wisdom and self-awareness.

Action Items:

• Reflect on the qualities of your friendships. Are they healthy and supportive?
• Consider how you handle friendship breakups and prioritize your emotional well-being.
• Identify any red flags in your friendships and take steps to address them with compassion and clarity.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• Follow us on social media @BeWellwithNicoleG for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
• Follow on our websites:
  • Nicole www.bewellwithnicole.com
  • Kelly www.pedersenabq.com
• Share your thoughts and stories about friendship with us!

Thank You for Listening! Thank you for tuning in to our sixth episode. Join us next week as we continue exploring ways to live well, love well, and be well.

Instructions: Test your understanding of the red and green flags discussed in Episode 6 of "Back to Life Podcast with Nicole" about friendships. Decide whether each statement is true or false based on the podcast content.

1. Walking on eggshells constantly around a friend is a green flag of a healthy friendship.

• False: Constantly feeling like you have to walk on eggshells around a friend is a red flag of an unhealthy friendship.

• True: Frequent criticisms can be a red flag of a toxic friendship, where you may not feel supported or accepted.

• True: These qualities are essential for maintaining healthy and positive friendships.

• True: It’s important to approach friendship breakups respectfully, considering both parties’ feelings and well-being.

• False: Feeling small or inadequate around a friend is a red flag that the friendship may not be uplifting or supportive.

• False: Frequent last-minute cancellations without honest communication can be a red flag of unreliability in a friendship.

• True: Dismissing others who are kind, honest, and successful can indicate judgmental behavior, which is a red flag in friendships.

Reflection: Reflect on these statements to better understand the dynamics of healthy and unhealthy friendships. Take steps to cultivate positive and supportive relationships in your life.

Welcome back to the Back to Life Podcast with Nicole!

In our fifth episode, host Nicole Green and her wonderful friend Kelly explore the essence of friendship. This episode focuses on friendship gratitude, the importance of consistency and momentum in friendships, and recognizing friendship green flags. Join us for an insightful and heartwarming conversation that celebrates the beauty of friendships.

Episode Highlights:

1. Friendship Gratitude:

• Nicole and Kelly share what they love and value most about their friendships.
• Discussion on the importance of expressing gratitude to friends and recognizing their positive impact on our lives.
• Reflective moment: Think about what you love and value most about your friends. Have you expressed your gratitude to them recently?

• The significance of making time for friends and staying connected, even when life gets busy.
• Tips on how to maintain consistency in friendships through regular check-ins and proactive efforts.
• Reflective moment: Consider how you can be more consistent in your friendships. What actions can you take to keep the momentum going?

• Identifying positive signs of a healthy and fulfilling friendship, such as mutual respect, open communication, and shared joy.
• The importance of trust and reliability in friendships.
• Reflective moment: Reflect on the green flags in your friendships. What positive signs do you see in your relationships that show they’re healthy and fulfilling?

Join Us: We invite you to join us on this journey to nurture your mental health and get back to living a fulfilling life. Cherish and invest in your friendships to strengthen these vital connections.

Action Items:

• Express gratitude to your friends and recognize their positive impact on your life.
• Make a conscious effort to maintain consistency and momentum in your friendships.
• Identify and celebrate the green flags in your friendships that indicate they are healthy and fulfilling.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• Follow us on social media @BeWellwithNicoleG for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
• Follow on our websites:
  • Nicole: www.bewellwithnicole.com
  • Kelly: www.pedersenabq.com
• Share your thoughts and stories about friendship with us!

Thank You for Listening! We appreciate you tuning in to our fifth episode. Join us next week as we continue exploring ways to live well, love well, and be well.