life unpotted

In this episode, we explore the question 'How does the finite nature of life affect its value?' We contemplate the beauty and fleeting nature of life, emphasizing how this transience can lead to a deeper appreciation of every moment and experience. Join us as we aim to free ourselves from our own expectations.  To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we discuss the self-imposed expectations we place on ourselves and how this can hinder our creative expression. We explore examples of how we get in our own way during the creative process, including: Believing that who we are is not enoughJudging what we create as not good enoughNot allowing ourselves to be "bad" at what we want to become good atLetting our insecurity win Join us as we aim to free ourselves from our own expectations.  To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we explore how to manage immediate fear responses and emotional reactions that often feel disproportionate to the actual situation. We discuss the importance of letting emotions move through us before creating stories that spiral into anxiety.   To illustrate these points, we look at real-life examples:   Digital Triggers: How a simple text message can escalate anxiety by prompting us to create stories.   Relationship Conflicts: The defensive responses that arise from emotional triggers and how to see expressions of emotion as human needs.   Job Interview Anxiety: Coping with post-interview anxiety by resisting the urge to mull over every detail.    Starting New Projects: Handling the uncertainty and doubt that comes with building something new, and learning to pivot instead of giving up.   Join us as we discuss these themes and share insights on how to better navigate emotional and mental challenges amidst fear.   To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we discuss into the essential connection between emotional healing and understanding our bodies. We explore various holistic practices such as yoga and acupuncture, highlighting how our bodies can release stored emotions and enhance our overall well-being. By sharing personal stories, we emphasize the importance of nurturing and caring for our bodies, showing how such care can lead to transformative emotional healing and growth. To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we examine our relationship with creativity and discuss the challenges of letting go of creative control, expanding our creative expression, and learning to create without rigidity.  Join us as we discuss the difficulty of pursuing your passion while making money from it, finding out what you really care about, and overcoming the anxiety that hinders innovation and self-growth.   To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we reflect on our experiences creating a podcast and our journey of learning to express ourselves creatively. We discuss how podcasting has become a powerful vehicle for self-discovery, providing a space to explore and articulate our thoughts and feelings. Join us as we share the challenges and triumphs of finding our voices, overcoming fears, and moving beyond anxieties to truly connect with ourselves and our audience. *Please excuse the abnormal audio-quality in this episode, we will be back to regular quality Thursday! To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of empathy within relationships, especially when interacting with those who may not fully grasp their own emotions. We explore how to handle conflict without defensive reactions that escalate tensions, and the importance of considering what others might be experiencing to foster deeper connections. We discuss expressing yourself in relationships, forming meaningful connections by letting go of preconceived stories and judgments, and taking emotional accountability.    For those with long-term relationships (romantic, family, etc.), misunderstandings can lead to emotional explosions if communication is neglected. We discuss how to stop running from tough situations and build genuine connections through difficult conversations. Join us as we unpack these challenges, aiming for relationships based on true connection rather than surface-level interactions.   *Please excuse the abnormal audio-quality in this episode, we had a technical difficulty where one mic was not picked up!   To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we talk about the pressures we impose on ourselves in both our professional and creative lives. Drawing from our personal journeys of leaving the corporate world, we explore how the inner critic and self-imposed pressure emerge in our pursuit of passion and business ventures. We discuss the pervasive nature of this inner critic, how it magnifies challenges and impacts our creativity and overall well-being. Reflecting on our careers in the corporate world, as well as our educational experiences, we examine how these pressures are ingrained in us from an early age. Ultimately, we emphasize the crucial need to relax and release these pressures, allowing us to truly tap into our creative potential and protect our mental and physical health as we grow and create. To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we discuss the experience of letting go of the stories and ideas we have about ourselves. We explore the impact of living in the present moment, free from conditioned thoughts and preconceived notions that often control our lives. We reflect on the question, "Who am I?" and share how our lives change when we release control and embrace the present moment. This episode offers thought-provoking perspectives for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of self and experience life more fully by being present.  To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we discuss our unwavering capacity to grow and evolve in the face of difficulty. We highlight our innate ability as humans to persist and move forward in the face of obstacles. We re-frame hardships as an opportunity to shift our reality and expand our perspective of life itself.  As we continue to heal, we are able to make more sense of our experiences, move forward, and find ourselves learning and growing in ways we never could have imagined. Pain acts as a vehicle to better understand our existence and gain a deeper appreciation for the fleeting nature of life. A main takeaway is that no matter what happens in life, we are never stuck and obstacles serve as a teacher to bring in a new wave of perspective.  To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics around personal growth and a deepened self-awareness. We discuss the importance of moving forward despite self-sabotaging thoughts amidst the insidious nature of anxiety.  Reflecting on changing life paths and the freedom that follows, we emphasize the dangers of hyper-focusing on thoughts and the importance of challenging our cyclical thought patterns that keep us imprisoned. We also examine anxiety's paralyzing effects and the deceptive nature of fear, highlighting the value of facing fears in order to deepen our experience and presence in reality. Join us for a broad yet insightful discussion on overcoming internal obstacles and embracing change with compassion and an ounce of tough love. To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we focus on working through anxiety and stress, especially in the context of hard work and success. We explore how it's easy to carry over unhelpful habits and patterns from our younger years into our adult working life without ever breaking free from them. We discuss the tendency to become consumed by anxiety and reflect on the journey from being perpetually anxious to living with more ease and clarity. We examine the illusion that our anxiety is solely due to external factors, such as work, and emphasize the need to confront the internal sources of our stress. We also explore the impact of burnout and the toll that working hard at the expense of our well-being can take. We stress the importance of being honest with ourselves about the suffering we create and finding healthier ways to manage stress and anxiety. Join us as we navigate these complex emotions and share insights on how to break free from the cycle of anxiety and find a more balanced and fulfilling life.

In this episode, we're joined by Emily Chertow, creator of Journaling Classes:  guided journaling workshops focused on mindfulness and self-care. We discuss the power of learning to feel our feelings, crucial for both personal fulfillment and business success. We explore the complexities of creating nurturing spaces for others while discussing the challenges of self-care amidst self-esteem struggles and self-assessment, especially when your work and identity are closely linked. We shed light on the growing pains of personal development and expanding a business, emphasizing the importance of understanding what truly serves us. Throughout our conversation, we learn about the significance of holding our emotions proudly, rather than concealing them, and the resilience that emerges from fully experiencing and moving through difficult times. We touch on how sharing our true feelings with those around us not only fosters deeper relationships but also enhances our ability to meaningfully create. Join us to discover how truly living—and feeling—can profoundly impact every aspect of our lives, leading to a more balanced and authentically driven existence. To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we discuss the elusive nature of our thoughts, inspired by insights from a recent psychedelic retreat. We discuss the challenging realization that the thoughts we believe are often constructs of our mind, not reflections of reality.  Exploring themes of resistance, awareness, and the temporary nature of our emotions, we learn how to recognize when we're caught in our thoughts and how to face them to find clarity.  Join us as we navigate these insights, understanding that thoughts are just thoughts, and how this awareness can set us free from life's suffering. To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we discuss our common urge to find clear-cut solutions to our challenges. We'll talk about how, despite our efforts to transcend our everyday struggles or reach enlightenment, the real answers are often found within ourselves—though this may be hard to accept. We'll also look at the risks of idolizing teachers and mentors, and how this can mislead our journey as we grow and evolve in life. We also discuss the widespread feeling of falling behind or the need to measure up to others, exploring how this can damage our self-esteem and weaken our relationships. Later in the episode, we challenge the societal 'rules' that tell us how to act to be appreciated, stressing that our true value is internal and that we are enough just as we are. We discuss how we sometimes alter our behavior to please others, sacrificing our authenticity in the process. This episode reminds us that there is no final destination where everything in life becomes perfect. It's about accepting where you are right now, finding peace in the present, and trusting your ability to manage life's ups and downs. Tune in as we learn to trust ourselves more and appreciate our unique paths. To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we discuss our recent experiences with psychedelic mushrooms and the profound personal insights gained. We emphasize the importance of active engagement in life rather than coasting on autopilot. We discuss the challenges of anxiety and hypochondria, the revelations about our fears being mental constructs, and how emotional turmoil can manifest physically and mentally. The conversation also covers the significance of processing tough experiences, the stigmas surrounding mental health, and the refreshing sense of a new beginning that psychedelics can provide. To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Register for the weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Community Zoom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we chat with Rachel Saslaw, founder of StoryTell, a community for connection through personal storytelling.  We chat about the power of connection, the importance of breaking narratives with ourselves and those in our lives, the beauty of forming deeper and more meaningful connections, the fear of being perceived and the power of being seen, and the experience of creating community. This episode serves as a reminder of how powerful community is in reminding us that we are not alone in our human experience Follow StoryTell on Instagram here.  To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Register for the weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Community Zoom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we reflect on transformative experiences from a recent psychedelic retreat, focusing on how detaching from our usual self-images fosters personal growth and strengthens relationships.  Throughout the discussion, we emphasize the importance of being aware of our thoughts to achieve true freedom, acknowledging that thoughts are a constant presence. We reflect on the significant changes in our self-understanding as we release old definitions of ourselves. We explore how what makes us happy can also cause pain and how shedding our old selves allows us to tap into our authenticity and self-worth. Post-retreat, we share how to better handle emotional triggers, respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, and break down walls that prevent deep connections. We talk about cultivating universal love and how staying open to pain allows us to eventually find profound love.  To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Register for the weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Community Zoom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In this episode, we discuss the relationship between our internal reactions and the external world. We discuss the importance of not rushing and the illusion that busyness leads to productivity. Why do we feel stressed about things we can't control? We explore techniques to help us slow down, align our minds and bodies, and manage our time without panic. Join us as we examine how external pressures impact our peace and learn to maintain composure, finding strength within rather than seeking it in future outcomes. Discover how to write your life's story with intention and calm, even in the face of life's inevitable challenges. To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Register for the weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Community Zoom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack

In our 100th episode, we dive deep into the heart of the healing journey, exploring the essential truth that there can be no rainbow without the rain. As we navigate the intricate twists and turns of the mind, we learn the art of sitting with our most profound emotions and creating a sanctuary within ourselves where healing can flourish. Our discussion sheds light on the delicate balance between staying open to change and grappling with the heightened judgments that surface during our most vulnerable moments. We examine what it truly means to 'do the work' of healing, confronting the narratives we construct as shields against pain—like diminishing ourselves to avoid confronting deeper feelings of unworthiness. We explore the transformative potential of releasing these stories, even from the depths of despair, and the critical understanding that healing is not solely an act of the mind. Our bodies, too, harbor pain, necessitating a gentle slowing down to foster a sense of safety and  to allow for deep, holistic healing. As we unravel the complexities of doing inner work, we underscore a vital message: true expansion requires transformation, and liberation lies in the truth of our experiences. Join us as we journey through the storm, learning to embrace the rain for the promise of the rainbow it brings— a testament to the freedom found in the depths of the healing process. To support the growth of Life Unpotted, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠livelifeunpotted.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Register for the weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Community Zoom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Writing and reflections on Substack