Act to Live

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Jaime begins by sharing a recent conversation with a friend which centered around the idea that some people may be driven by hope while others may be driven by faith. Jaime asks Scott his perspective on the idea and the two then delve into the meaning of both terms and the roles these entities may have in life. The duo arrives at the idea that perhaps these concepts allow us to make sense of, and even find comfort in, the uncertainties and unknowns of life.  ACTion Event of the Week: Take some time to explore the concepts of hope and faith. What roles do they play in your life - particularly in more challenging situations. How might you focus on strengthening either of these skill sets?  Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we delve into the multifaceted topic of change! References: Unknown (2023). The psychology behind faith. PsychoLogs Magazine.  https://www.psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-faith/  Preston, C. (2021). The Psychology of Hope: Rebuilding in the face of ongoing adversity. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-health-in-the-workplace/202110/the-psychology-of-hope   

Quote:  "Never help a child with a task that he feels he can succeed." – Maria Montesorri  "Development is a series of rebirths." –Maria Montesorri  Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime are joined by Kirsten Nichter. Kirsten is a special education teacher and parent coach. Through her experiences working with young children, Kirsten realized her passion for helping parents. Kirsten shares her story of becoming a parent coach, as well as guiding Scott and Jaime in exploring topics like self-compassion (as a parent), building resilience within oneself and their children, and more!  ACTion Event of the Week: Each day, take a few minutes to answer the following two questions - What was your parenting win today? What is something that you are grateful for?  Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we explore HOPE and FAITH!  Kirsten links: https://www.connectionsparentcoaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/connectionsparentcoaching/ https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsParentCoaching References: Chow, K. (2017). Building Resilience Through Play Based Learning. Housman Institute. Li W, Tan F, Zhou Z, Xue Y, Gu C, Xu X. Parents' Response to Children's Performance and Children's Self-Esteem: Parent-Child Relationship and Friendship Quality as Mediators. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 15;19(10):6012.  Neff, K. (2015).  Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself.  Siegel, D. and Bryson, T. P. (2019). The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child. Siegel, D and Bryson, T.P. (2020). The power of showingup: How Parental Presence shapes who our kids become how their brains get wired. Clinton, J. (2013). The Power of Positive Adult Child Relationships: Connection Is the Key. Harvard University. 

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime take some time to share pieces of their unique stories. They then delve into the idea of stories - the ways stories differ depending on who's living or viewing them, the ways stories can change (often unexpectedly) over time, and the impact time and space can have on one's ability to tell a story.  ACTion Event of the Week: Write YOUR story! Take some time to ponder and reflect. Then, sit down and start writing. Perhaps from the beginning…or maybe you choose to focus on a time or event that stands out most in your mind.  Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we explore HOPE and FAITH!  References:  Dibdin, E. (2022, March). The Mental Health Benefits of Journaling. Psychology Central.   https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-health-benefits-of-journaling  Dingfelder, S. (2011, January). Our stories, ourselves. American Psychological Association.   https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/01/stories  McAdams, D.P. (2006). The Redemptive Self: Stories Americans Live by. New York: Oxford University Press. Sutton, J. (2018, May). 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental health. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime introduce the theme of Season Six - exploration! Each episode will feature a single word meant for listeners to explore right along with the duo. Jaime and Scott begin the episode by defining exploration and the role it plays in their lives currently. They then discuss some ways that we can engage in self-exploration and a few of the benefits.  ACTion Event of the Week: Take some time to think about an area of your life in which you'd like to explore. Then, dive in…in any way that feels right to you…write, meditate, talk with family and friends, etc.  Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we explore FAITH and HOPE!   References:  Bench, S. W., Schlegel, R. J., Davis, W. E., & Vess, M. (2015). Thinking about change in the self and others: The role of self-discovery metaphors and the true self. Social Cognition, 33(3), 169–185. Epstein, S. (2010). Demystifying intuition: What it is, what it does, and how it does it. Psychological Inquiry, 21(4), 295–312. Explore. (Retrieved 2024). Dictionary.com  https://www.dictionary.com/browse/explore  Hovde, M., & Wade, D. (2022). What Is The Purpose of Self-Exploration? Psychology Central.com https://psychcentral.com/blog/self-exploration-getting-to-know-thyself  Sutton, J. (2023). 30 Best Self-Exploration Questions, Journal Prompts, & Tools. Positive Psychology.com.  https://positivepsychology.com/self-exploration/ Thomas, V. (2016). Using mental imagery in counseling and psychotherapy: A guide to more inclusive theory and practice. Routledge.  

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime are joined by the amazing Kaludia Burian! Klaudia shares some of her journey to becoming an integrative nutritional health coach. She helps us to understand what a health coach is, what they do, and how they may be able to guide us in becoming the best and healthiest version of ourselves. Klaudia also provides some wonderful resources, so that we can all learn even more. ACTion Event of the Week: If you found yourself thinking, "I want to learn more about health coaching," check out the resources below. To find a Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness coach in your area https://members.nbhwc.org/search/custom.asp?id=6956 Quick read from Forbes Health on 'What is a Health Coach'? Do I need one? (includes links to additional resources) https://www.forbes.com/health/body/what-is-a-health-coach/ To connect with Klaudia personally or request The Weekly Nibble https://mytulsinutrition.com Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we explore our Zones…of regulation!

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime discuss a question they've been pondering for a while. Is it possible to love someone unconditionally? The duo talks about what unconditional love entails and contrasts it with conditional love. Jaime and Scott also talk about ways in which we might be able to cultivate unconditional love, which not so surprisingly, starts with learning to love ourselves unconditionally. In the end, Scott and Jaime decide that perhaps the best way to encompass the true spirit of unconditional love is being able to - not so simply - say "I love you" to another person without feeling the need to add to the statement.  ACTion Event of the Week: Think about those in your life who you love unconditionally. What is it about those people and relationships that allow you to offer and share this love? Then, think about yourself - do you love yourself unconditionally? It can be difficult, and yet so important, to do so. After pondering these questions for a while, think about one way in which you can practice and strengthen your ability to unconditionally love yourself and others.  Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we explore loving kindness!  References:  Cuncic, A. (2022). What is Unconditional Love? Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/does-unconditional-love-make-for-healthy-relationships-4165457 Psychologs Magazine (2023). True Meanings of Unconditional Love. https://www.psychologs.com/true-meanings-of-unconditional-love/ Raab, D. (2020). The Secret of Unconditional Love. Psychology Today.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-empowerment-diary/202002/the-secret-unconditional-love

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime talk about the concept of 'holding space.' The duo shares their thoughts about what it means to hold space for oneself and others. Scott talks about the ways in which mindful and intentional daily practice of holding space for himself helps him to be better able to hold space for others. Jaime talks a bit about how, at the moment in her life, holding space for herself seems much more difficult and more daunting than holding space for others. The two explore ways that we might be able to begin holding more space for ourselves especially in moments when it might feel difficult to do so.  ACTion Event of the Week:  Part 1: How would you define 'holding space' for yourself? How would you define 'holding space' for others? Part 2: Which one is more difficult for you? Why? Can you identify at least one thing that you find difficult?  Part 3: What is the first step that you could take to begin 'holding space' for yourself? Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we explore trust.  References:  Wilson, S. 5 Ways to Create Mental Space. Simplify Magazine. https://nosidebar.com/mental-space/  

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott, Jaime, and Courtney explore the terms authenticity and vulnerability. What do they mean? What role can they play in one's life? How do they interact? And, can you be one without the other? The three then talk about the benefits, challenges, and motivations behind being authentic and/or vulnerable.  ACTion Event of the Week:  Part 1: When you are being authentic and vulnerable, what does that look like? Part 2: Choose any situation/person and think about what might motivate you to be authentic and vulnerable? Part 3: What is the first step in this situation/with this person you can take to be authentic and vulnerable? Where do we walk next?  Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we explore empathy.  

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime explore the power of friendship. They discuss what it means to be a friend, the qualities of friends, the varying roles that friends may play in one's life, and those extra special friends that truly become 'our people.'  ACTion Event of the Week: Think about those people in your life who you call your best friends/your close friends/your people. Reach out to them and let them know just how much they mean to you!  Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we discuss authenticity with a very special guest!   

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime discuss impermanence. The duo starts small as they discuss the impermanence that exists in daily life and then dig deeper as they explore the impermanence that often accompanies things like change, loss, grief, and trauma. Jaime and Scott both share some of their own experiences and struggles with impermanence and discuss the lessons they learned along the way.  ACTion Event of the Week: Think about an area of your life in which you are struggling with impermanence. Bring that impermanence to mind and then allow yourself to sit with it for a few minutes. What did you notice? What is a first-step you might take in your journey toward a greater respect and acknowledgment of impermanence? Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we celebrate friendship!  References: Nash Ph.D, J. (2016). How to Accept the Impermanence of Life: A Buddhist Take. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/impermanence/  

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime dive into the topic of neurodiversity - a term that is being talked about everywhere right now. Jaime shares some of her experiences as a parent of a child, who has been newly diagnosed as neurodiverse. And, Scott shares his thoughts, experiences, and reflections as someone who is also part of a neurodivergent population. The duo talk about the importance of getting to know an individual and truly understanding their wants, needs, and desires as they work to become the best version of themselves - a goal we all share.  ACTion Event of the Week: Whenever you meet a new person - take the opportunity to really get to know them. Listen, learn, and figure out the ways that you can support them in their journey!  Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we discuss empathy!  References: Morin, A. (ND). What is Neurodiversity? Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/neurodiversity-what-you-need-to-know  

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime talk about the human tendency to avoid pain and suffering. Scott introduces a book by Stutz and Micheals (The Tools, 2013) in which they term this tendency - staying in one's comfort zone. Scott discusses the book's recommendation to "Bring It On" and allow ourselves to begin to move toward, sit with, and eventually walk through pain and suffering. Jaime and Scott talk about their own experiences and struggles with this very behavior.  ACTion Event of the Week: Take a few minutes to think about something that causes you pain or suffering. As you sit, recite the affirmation "Bring It On" aloud. Notice what you think and feel as you do so. Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we discuss empathy!  References: Stutz, P. & Micheals, B.  (2013). The Tools: 5 Tools to Help You Find Courage, Creativity, and Willpower--and Inspire You to Live Life in Forward Motion. Random House Publishing: New York, New York.  

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime explore the ways in which we might use thoughts to avoid sitting with and working through something challenging in our lives. They talk about things we often tell ourselves in these moments and the stories we create. Things like "I don't have enough time;" "I'll deal with it later;" "I shouldn't be upset about this;" "It's not a big deal." These thoughts often lead to further avoidance, and while not having to face something difficult might feel good in the moment, it often leads to more pain, suffering, and struggle as we continue on. Jaime and Scott wrap up the episode by talking a bit about the first steps we can take to get out of the maze.  ACTion Event of the Week: Take a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath. When doing so, allow yourself to bring to mind something that you are currently avoiding/is causing you pain and suffering. Hold this thing in your mind and sit with it for a few minutes (if you can). Observe your thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Are you able to sit with it or do you find yourself trying to escape? Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we explore comfort zones!   

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime explore the commonly used phrase - 'stuck in a rut.' As they work through a checklist, they talk about some of the signs that an individual might be stuck and struggling to move forward. Jaime and Scott then discuss the chronic nature of being stuck - something that often leads to one's difficulty in taking steps to climb out. The duo wraps up the episode by discussing pointers for getting unstuck. ACTion Event of the Week: Look over the following checklist: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/surprise/201605/10-signs-youre-in-rut. If you find yourself in a rut, in one aspect of your life, take some time to think about and understand that rut. What does it look like? What are some of your thoughts? What are some of your emotions? What are some of your actions or inactions? Now, think about one little step you might be able to take as you work to climb out of that rut?  Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we explore thought mazes!  References: Cherry, K. (2022). How to Get Out of a Rut. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-get-out-of-a-rut-4172608 Luna, T. (2016). 10 Signs that You're in a Rut. Psychology Today.   

Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime begin by talking about some of their pet peeves. The duo then explores what it is about pet peeves that seem to get some of us so worked up. This often involves thought fusion, in which we get wrapped up in our thoughts about something and allow those thoughts (and resulting emotions) to influence our actions. Jaime and Scott then discuss thought defusion and how this process can help us to create space between ourselves and our thoughts…about pet peeves and other things too.  ACTion Event of the Week: Think about one of your biggest pet peeves. What is it? Allow yourself to sit with that pet peeve a bit - what is it about this pet peeve that really bothers you? Now, practice creating some space between you and this pet peeve (AND your thoughts about it too). What do you notice?  Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we talk about the dangers of comparison. References: Harris, R. (2009). ACT made simple: A quick-start guide to ACT basics and beyond. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger. Hayes, S.C., Strosahl, & Wilson, K.G. (1999). Acceptance and commitment therapy: An experiential approach to behavior change. New York, New York: Guildford Press. Hayes, S.C.,  Strosahl, & Wilson, K.G. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd Ed). New York, New York: Guildford Press.  Luoma, J.B., Hayes, S.C., Walser, R.D. (2007). Learning ACT: An acceptance and commitment therapy skills-training manual for therapists. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.   

Summary:  On this episode of Act To Live, Jaime and Scott take some time to reflect on 2022. They discussed what they learned from the year, what they will take from 2022, and what they might want to leave behind. They also dove into some words they want to live by for 2023 and what that might look like.  ACTion Event of the Week:  Breathe in what you want to accept and love from 2022 and breathe out what you want to let go of from 2022 and say "WEEEEEEEE" (visualize what you are riding on as you breathe out).  Where do we walk to next?: Join us for more Act To Live with live mindfulness sessions and guest hosts.

Summary: On this episode of the Act To Live Podcast, Scott and Jaime explore the phenomenon commonly known in the sports world as 'being in the zone.' After defining the phenomenon and sharing their own personal experiences trying to get into the zone, the duo talks about the nine dimensions of the zone - balance between challenge and skill, concentration, action, clear goals, clear feedback, control, no self-criticism, time perception, and feeling high.   Action Event of the Week: Consider the nine dimensions of the zone. Spend some time focusing on one of these areas (or more, if you choose). What do you notice?  Join us on the next episode of the Act To Live Podcast as we explore more of our mind.  References: Edger, M. (2012). Understand THE ZONE in Sports. Sports Psychology Today. https://www.sportpsychologytoday.com/youth-sports-psychology/understanding-the-zone-in-sports/ Nicholls, A. Higher states: how to get into the zone and maximize performance. Sports Performance Bulletin.  https://www.sportsperformancebulletin.com/endurance-psychology/higher-states-get-zone-maximise-performance/  

Summary: On this episode of the Act To Live Podcast, Scott and Jaime are once again joined by marketing expert, Heather Jensen. The trio turns their conversation to what we can do when we are experiencing Imposter Syndrome.  Action Event of the Week: Think of something that you've always wanted to do - no matter how much it scares you/you've been putting it off. Now, take one little step toward it, then take another step, then maybe even another step. What is the journey like?   Join us on the next episode of the Act To Live Podcast as we explore neurodiversity. 

Summary: On this episode of the Act To Live Podcast, Scott and Jaime are joined by marketing expert, Heather Jensen. The three talk about Imposter Syndrome - what it is, types of imposters, and the impacts that struggling with Imposter Syndrome can have on an individual. Heather, Scott, and Jaime then talk about some of their own experiences with Imposter Syndrome. Join us on the next episode of the Act To Live Podcast for Part 2 with Heather Jensen. 

Summary: On this episode of the Act To Live Podcast, Scott and Jaime talk about ownership - why might it be easier to 'own' something that went well or we're proud of than to 'own' something that didn't go well or that upset another person? Why do many of us have the tendency to 'own' things that we have no role in or control over? The duo discusses the complex nature of ownership and ways that we can take one step forward in owning our 'stuff.'  Action Event of the Week: Try any or all of the following - 1) take ownership for something that went well; 2) take ownership of thing that did not go well; 3) let go of your tendency to own things that you have no control over. What did you notice?  Join us on the next episode of the Act To Live Podcast as we explore neurodiversity!  References  Willink, J. & Babin, L. (2017). Extreme Ownership: How US Navy Seals Lead and Win. https://www.leaneast.com/extreme-ownership