Confronting Procrastination & Embracing The Struggle In Purpose In episode 96 of the Beyond the High Road podcast, Shelby Milford explores the intertwined topics of procrastination and finding purpose. She candidly shares her personal struggles with procrastination, especially when faced with emotionally charged tasks, highlighting how fear, particularly of discomfort and the unknown, often underpins procrastination. Shelby delves into her experiences of managing interactions with her ex, dealing with financial constraints in legal battles, and the importance of choosing struggles consciously. Emphasizing that one's quality of life is shaped by the quality of their challenges, she encourages listeners to identify what they are willing to struggle for, thus reframing their approach to purpose and commitment. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:28 The Struggle with Procrastination 02:46 Facing Emotional Challenges 06:16 Dealing with Legal and Financial Stress 10:24 Shifting Mindsets and Overcoming Fear 19:49 Finding Purpose and Motivation 29:59 Choosing Your Struggles Wisely 40:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mark Manson Article: The Most Important Question of Your Life

Story Alchemy: Transforming Our Inner Narratives In episode 95 of the Beyond The High Road podcast, Shelby Milford discusses the impact of the stories we tell ourselves and how they influence our happiness. She emphasizes the importance of re-evaluating and reframing these narratives to improve our interactions and mental well-being. Shelby shares examples from her clients to illustrate how holding onto negative beliefs can create unnecessary stress and dissatisfaction. She also introduces a new feature on Spotify that allows listeners to leave comments and interact with her directly. Tune in to learn practical strategies for transforming your mindset and finding joy in your current reality. 00:00 Introduction and Announcements 01:37 The Stories We Tell Ourselves 03:04 Client Examples and Insights 07:12 The Power of Neutralizing Stories 13:27 The Farmer and His Horse: A Parable 16:35 Taking Control of Your Narrative 29:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In episode 94 of the Beyond the High Road podcast, host Shelby Milford discusses her insights and lessons learned from a tumultuous weekend and delves into the common traits among alienated parents and their potential links to childhood trauma stemming from the roles played by their own parent(s). She explores the possibility that many alienated parents might have experienced trauma as a result of growing up with a parent displaying traits of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Shelby emphasizes the importance of understanding these roots to aid in healing and offers words of encouragement and advice for setting boundaries. She highlights the significance of consistent support among alienated parents and provides practical advice on joining her private Facebook group for further community and support. She concludes by encouraging listeners to balance reflecting on past experiences with focusing on their present and future healing journeys.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:22 Current Events and Personal Reflections

01:42 Podcast Announcements and Community Guidelines

03:42 Listener Reviews and Feedback

05:24 Addressing Negative Feedback

10:42 Personal Insights and Reflections

16:53 Introduction to Today's Topic

18:17 Exploring Common Traits Among Alienated Parents

20:13 Reflecting on Childhood Perceptions

21:08 Realizing Differences in Family Dynamics

21:54 Understanding Attachment Styles

23:30 The Impact of Parental Behavior

24:45 Healing and Moving Forward

26:25 Exploring Parental Personality Disorders

30:14 Personal Reflections and Client Insights

32:35 Empowerment Through Self-Awareness

35:44 Balancing Past and Future

43:46 Final Thoughts and Future Discussions

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From Freeze to Freedom: From The Journal of an Alienated Parent In Episode 92 of the Beyond the High Road Podcast, Shelby Milford takes a deep dive into her personal struggles and triumphs during a bleak period of parental alienation. Sharing raw excerpts from her journal, Shelby revisits moments of heartache, confusion, and eventual self-realization. She relives a poignant school event with her daughter overshadowed by her stepmom's invasive presence, and reflects on her emotional journey from victimhood to empowerment. With insights on managing trauma responses, reclaiming personal power, and the cathartic process of journaling, this episode offers a beacon of hope for alienated parents navigating their own dark times. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:45 Reflecting on Scarcity and Fear 02:17 Sharing Personal Writings 03:31 A Heartbreaking School Event 08:05 Lessons from Alienation 14:07 Group Coaching Experience 18:49 Health Struggles and PTSD 21:18 The Pain of Alienation 27:55 Finding Strength and Moving Forward 32:20 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Break Free from Stagnancy: Activate Purpose and Overcome Fear In episode 91 of 'Beyond the High Road' with Shelby Milford, Shelby discusses the importance of overcoming the feeling of being stuck and finding purpose. She emphasizes the necessity of breaking out of survival mode by taking proactive steps, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. By sharing personal experiences and practical advice, Shelby encourages listeners to commit to small, purposeful actions that build momentum and lead to meaningful change. She also highlights the role of shifting perspectives, setting new patterns, and facing fears to create a more fulfilling life. Throughout the episode, Shelby underscores the importance of creating a strong foundation for oneself in order to be better positioned to support others, including one's children. 00:00 Introduction and Announcements 02:36 Understanding Functional Freeze 05:34 Breaking Free from Survival Mode 08:34 Facing the Fear of the Unknown 13:05 Taking Action and Creating Change 20:49 Commitment to Personal Growth 26:40 Practical Tips for Getting Unstuck 28:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Coping with Functional Freeze as an Alienated Parent In episode 90 of Beyond the High Road Podcast, Shelby Milford shares her personal experiences and insights about functional freeze, especially in the context of being an alienated parent. She discusses the symptoms of functional freeze, how the condition can often be mistaken for depression, and the physiological responses involved. Shelby also offers practical solutions such as breathing exercises, dance parties, and somatic healing techniques to help move out of this state. The episode aims to provide understanding, compassion, and effective strategies for parents dealing with the emotional and physical impacts of alienation. 00:00 Introduction and Announcements 05:33 Understanding Functional Freeze 09:31 Personal Experiences with Functional Freeze 16:26 Symptoms and Signs of Functional Freeze 22:15 Impact on Daily Life and Coping Strategies 32:55 Living with Heightened Anxiety 33:58 Startling Easily and Seeing Shadows 34:52 Understanding Functional Freeze 36:13 Solutions for Functional Freeze 41:28 Breathing Exercises and Dance Parties 48:25 Connecting with Emotions and Overcoming Trauma 54:29 Compassion for Yourself and Others 58:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In episode 89 of Beyond the High Road Podcast, Shelby Milford addresses the emotional turmoil faced by parents experiencing alienation from their children. Shelby discusses common feelings of exhaustion, rejection, and the desire to 'cut ties,' urging listeners to reframe these emotions and view their situation with a more objective and compassionate lens. She stresses the importance of recognizing that any rejection is a result of the pathology and not a direct personal attack. Shelby shares insights from family systems therapy, advocating for healing and recovery involving all family members. She encourages parents to build a strong sense of self, manage their thoughts, and avoid demonizing the alienating parent. Throughout the episode, Shelby provides practical advice for navigating holidays and special occasions while maintaining emotional resilience. Lastly, she champions the idea that challenges such as these are opportunities for personal growth and strength development.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:16 Dealing with Exhaustion and Emotional Strain

01:35 Simplifying the Situation and Re-centering

02:28 Managing Expectations Around Holidays

04:44 Understanding the Root Causes of Alienation

07:00 The Role of Parental Responsibility

09:48 The Power of Self-Regulation

18:28 Reevaluating the Term 'Parental Alienation'

31:19 The Path Forward: Holistic Healing & Family Systems Therapy

36:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts