In this deeply introspective and heartfelt episode, I dive into the journey of authenticity, sharing vulnerable life stories that reveal the transformative power of self-acceptance. I explore what it means to live authentically, peeling back the layers of societal expectations, fear, and self-doubt that often keep us trapped in a cycle of self-rejection.

Join me as I share personal experiences, struggles, and breakthroughs, offering a raw and unfiltered look into the moments that inspired me to start this podcast. This episode is about liberation and freedom—freedom from the constraints that come from not accepting who we truly are. I discuss the purpose behind this podcast journey: to create a space where authenticity is celebrated, where vulnerability is strength, and where listeners are encouraged to embark on their own paths to self-discovery and liberation.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, a sense of community, or the courage to embrace your true self, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to explore the power of living authentically.

Recommended Books (see references below):

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls Book 1 - https://amzn.to/47JiegV

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls Book 2 - https://amzn.to/47JiegV

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls Book 3 - https://amzn.to/4d6pm7N

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls Book 4 - https://amzn.to/4gs5oHK

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls Book 5 - https://amzn.to/47tP3y7

Hero on a Mission: A Path to a Meaningful Life by Donald Miller -

https://amzn.to/4grAPSn

References:

Cathy Heller. (n.d.). Cathy Heller. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://www.cathyheller.com/

Heller, C. (n.d.). It's Time to Podcast. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcasttime

Heller, C. (Host). (n.d.). Abundant Ever After with Cathy Heller. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/abundant-ever-after-with-cathy-heller/id1191831035

Miller, D. (2021). Hero on a Mission: A Path to a Meaningful Life. HarperCollins Leadership.

Favilli, E., & Cavallo, F. (2016). Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women. Timbuktu Labs.

Favilli, E., & Cavallo, F. (2017). Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2: 100 More Tales of Extraordinary Women. Timbuktu Labs.

Favilli, E. (2020). Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 3: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World. Rebel Girls.

Rebel Girls. (2021). Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic. Rebel Girls.

Rebel Girls. (2022). Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers. Rebel Girls.

In this eye-opening episode of Growing Up Quiet, we dive deep into the complex world of stress—unpacking its various types, exploring the cutting-edge ideas on its benefits, and revolutionizing our perspective on how it impacts us. We’ll discuss how stress isn't just a force to be battled but can be harnessed as a powerful tool for growth and resilience. By shifting our perspective, we reveal how embracing and understanding stress can lead to transformative personal development and enhanced well-being. Join us as we challenge conventional wisdom and explore how altering our viewpoint can change our relationship with stress for the better.

Referenced Content:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/city-streets

License code: MHRGNX5FZNF0C3C3

Veraksa, N., Shiyan, O., and Sviridova, E. “Designing a Scale to Assess Dialectical Thinking: Link to ECERS-R Items.” Behavioral Sciences, vol. 9, no. 12, Dec. 2019, p. 157. National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6960852/.

“Eustress vs. Distress: What Is the Difference?” Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eustress-vs-distress#definitions. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

McGonigal, Kelly. “How to Make Stress Your Friend.” TED, June 2013, https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend. Accessed 1 Sept. 2024.

McGonigal, Kelly. The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It. Avery, 2015.

“Stress.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11874-stress. Accessed 25 August. 2024.

“How to help your Gen Z kid cope with their back-to-school emotions

.” NPR, 1 Sept. 2024, https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1196980150. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.

Mindful Leader. (2024, September 7). Dialectic thinking: The secret to effective leadership. Mindful Leader. https://www.mindfulleader.org/blog/85937-dialectic-thinking-the-secret-to#:~:text=Dialectic%20thinking%20is%20a%20method,by%20various%20philosophers%20throughout%20history

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Growing Up Quiet Podcast, where we dive into the timeless quest for happiness and explore how embracing change can lead to a more fulfilling life. In this episode, we unravel the complexities of what it means to pursue happiness and why it's often intertwined with our ability to adapt and evolve.

Referenced Content:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/city-streets

License code: MHRGNX5FZNF0C3C3

Clear, James. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good

Habits & Break Bad Ones. AqualiefAcedining, 2019.

Haig, Matt. The Midnight Library. Viking, 2019.

Happy. Directed by Roko Belic, Wadi Rum Films, Inc., 2012.

Rose, Safire. She Let Go. Unknown.

Van der Kolk, Bessel. The Body Keeps Score. Viking, 2014.

Dweck CS, & Leggett EL (1988). A social-cognitive approach to

motivation and personality. Psychological Review, 95(2), 256–273. 10.1037/0033-295X.95.2.256

Suttie, J. (2023), What the longest happiness study reveals about

finding fulfillment. Greater Good Magazine. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_the_longest_happiness_study_reveals_about_finding_fulfillment

Prichett, P. Firing Up Commitment During Organizational

Change. Prichett, LP, 2014.