Dose of Wonder

In this week’s podcast I talk about my experience as an introvert, emphasizing a preference for solitude and minimal socialization, how the pandemic impacted me and my worry about studies linking lack of friends to a shorter life.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. References:https://medium.com/penny-press/living-the-introvert-life-1310aa5c11ad Living the Introvert Life by Caitlin McColl Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast I talk about my uncle who died back in June 2021 of a heart attack. I reflect on the fragility and finality of life and death, detailing my emotional reaction after receiving the news from my dad. I share memories of her uncle Don and notes that his death means I’ve now lost the last of her mother’s immediate blood relatives, which is a significant emotional realization. I then get into a broader philosophical discussion about coping with the suddenness and bizarre nature of death, contrasting being alive with being instantly gone. And end with suggestions on how to process grief and loss, emphasizing the need for patience and gentleness in slowly piecing one’s life back together after experiencing tragedy.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. References:https://medium.com/dose-of-wonder/lessons-on-life-death-d8258daa8c6 Lessons on Life & Death by Caitlin McColl Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s podcast I give a comprehensive overview of the future landscape of mental health, heavily influenced by the aftermath of the Covid-pandemic. Key themes explored include the accelerated integration of technology in care, such as mobile apps and virtual reality platforms, which offer convenience and accessibility despite concerns about regulation and effectiveness. The text also discusses innovative treatments, including the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and MDMA, and non-invasive methods like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). I also talk about the potential move away from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) toward more personalized and spectrum-based diagnostic models, recognizing the urgent need to address the global shortage of mental health professionals.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛References:The Future of Mental Health Lies in Technology by Caitlin McColl https://medium.com/inkslinger-magazine/the-future-of-mental-health-a5c2532fce1d Technology and the Future of Mental Health Treatment https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/technology-and-the-future-of-mental-health-treatmentWhat Will the Future of Mental Health Care Bring? https://www.verywellmind.com/future-of-mental-health-care-5199120The Future of Mental health report 2021 https://campusmentalhealth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/The-Future-of-Mental-Health-Report-2021.pdfThe Mental Health Frontier https://www.forbes.com/sites/otsuka/2021/09/15/the-mental-health-frontier-3-areas-where-the-future-of-care-is-being-transformed/?sh=15d81f9f41efThe Future of Mental Health Diagnosis Goes Beyond the Manual https://www.wired.com/story/mental-health-psychiatry-diagnosis-dsm/New Mental Health Trends and the Future of Psychiatry https://online.maryville.edu/blog/future-psychiatry/What Does the Future of the Mental Health Pandemic Hold?https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/topics/mood-disorders/depressive-disorder/the-covid-and-mental-health-pandemic-will-lead-to-increased-cases-of-depression-throughout-the-year/Technology and the future of mental health https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/at-first-glance-the-future-of-mental-health-can-seem-disheartening-depression-is-currently-the-most-common-mental-disorder-with-300-million-people-affected-globally-the-world-health-organisation-e/ Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast I discuss the “3 Gates of Speech,” traditionally attributed to the poet Rumi, which suggests one should ask if their words are true, necessary, and kind before speaking. I question the strict applicability of these three gates in modern communication, particularly in the context of misinformation and social media. Ultimately, I argue that sometimes speaking words that may not pass all three gates is essential for one’s mental health or to provide support, even if it might be perceived as unkind.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. References:Should You Live Your Life By The 3 Gates? By Caitlin McColl Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast is an appreciation for the forced slowdown that occurred during the beginning of the pandemic. I talk about how I was grateful for the opportunity to pare back my busy life and reconnect with what truly mattered, despite the negative aspects of the global health crisis. However, I note that the world has since returned to a hectic, fast-paced state, causing me to feel overwhelmed once more. So I’m searching for ways to reincorporate peace and stillness into my life.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. References:* Stop the busy world I want to get off by Caitlin McColl Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s podcast, I give an overview of six different ways an individual might experience grief after a significant loss, clarifying that feeling like one is grieving incorrectly is common and that many types of grief are considered normal. The 6 kinds are ‘normal’, anticipatory grief, complicated, delayed, disenfranchised and absent.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛REFERENCES:Small, J. 10 Different Types of Grief and Loss. Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique https://www.qhhtofficial.com/healing/different-types-of-grief-and-loss Accessed July 31, 2021.Mayo Clinic. (2021, June 19) Complicated Grief. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/complicated-grief/symptoms-causes/syc-20360374Wikipedia.org. Delayed Grief. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed_grief. Accessed July 31, 2021.Raypole, C. (2020, March 30). Disenfranchised Grief: When No One Seems to Understand Your Loss. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/disenfranchised-griefHaley, H. (2021, January 21). What’s Your Grief.com Absent Grief: Why Am I not Grieving Like I Expected To? https://whatsyourgrief.com/absent-grief-why-am-i-not-grieving-like-i-expected-to/Eldridge, L. (2019, Nov 19). How Anticipatory Grief Differs From Grief After Death. VeryWellHealth https://www.verywellhealth.com/understanding-anticipatory-grief-and-symptoms-2248855 . Accessed July 31, 2021. Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

P.S. Before you dive into the episode...you might want to read Whimsy as Defiance: Why Softness is Our Strongest Survival Strategy. I quietly posted it on New Year’s Day, just directly to my Substack publication as a sort of manifesto for how I’m approaching 2026.This week’s podcast outlines a series of practical suggestions aimed at enhancing one’s emotional well-being, emphasizing that mental health is now recognized as equally, if not more, important than physical health**. I talk about eight specific, simple actions people can take to improve their mental state, drawing from a video by Psych2Go, a resource known for making psychological topics accessible.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛References:8 ways to improve your mental health by Caitlin McColl https://medium.com/mindful-mental-health/8-ways-to-improve-your-mental-health-7cf1df1204b6 Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast offers practical advice for overcoming a lack of drive and avoiding procrastination. The first tip: making tasks as easy as possible by preparing ahead of time. Other strategies include breaking down large tasks into smaller steps to make them less daunting and giving oneself credit or small rewards for accomplishments. Finally, I advocate for incorporating self-care and short breaks, such as naps or brief walks, to re-energize and prevent burnout, ultimately providing several simple ways to regain lost motivationLoved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛References:https://medium.com/dose-of-wonder/6-hacks-to-increase-motivation-ca8112e6ec0d 6 Hacks To Increase Motivation by Caitlin McColl Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast talks about the existential dilemma of feeling that all meaningful thoughts and expressions have already been articulated throughout history.. I talk about the common human experience of searching for life’s purpose, often feeling pressured by societal expectations to achieve specific milestones. But I say that life inherently lacks one fixed, overarching purpose. Instead, I encourage people to discover and redefine their personal purpose repeatedly throughout their lives, and that these purposes can be as simple as making coffee or as ambitious as starting a business, and are subject to change. It’s important to live boldly and embrace mistakes and contribute their unique perspectives even if the core ideas aren’t entirely new.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛Reference: There Is Nothing Left To Say - but you should say it anyway by Caitlin McColl https://medium.com/dose-of-wonder/there-is-nothing-left-to-say-51f5c58f385f Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast explores the deeply personal and often unconventional ways individuals cope with grief and loss particularly through speaking aloud to deceased loved ones and pets, acknowledging that such actions might seem unusual but offer comfort and a continued sense of connection. I reflects on the lasting impact of loved ones within one's consciousness and the varying forms grief can take. I illustrate the unique and essential journey of processing loss and keeping the memory of loved ones alive through personal rituals.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛Reference: Talking to the dead https://caitlinmccoll.medium.com/talking-to-the-dead-6fe11ed1c7fa?source=list-aaf985591f8f--------8-------277769a16dea--------------------- Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s podcast I give five practical suggestions for improving mental well-being, particularly relevant during Mental Health Awareness Month in May, but applicable year-round. I emphasize the importance of spending time outdoors, drawing on concepts like "forest bathing" to highlight nature's calming effects. And also advocate for connecting with others to combat isolation and gain different perspectives, and engaging in physical exercise to boost mood-enhancing chemicals. I also recommend fostering creativity or learning new skills to enhance brain health, and encourage listeners to practice self-compassion and listen to their own needs for rest and self-care.Wait! I recently created a free gift for subscribers of my publication! I’ve added a link to my Welcome Email for all new Subscribers. But if you already subscribe to me? Fret not! You can grab it right here:A Little Guide to Everyday WonderI made a short, 11-page PDF just for you dear subscribers—full of gentle prompts, tiny invitations, and simple ways to notice the little wonders hiding in everyday life. It’s my gift to all subscribers, free to download, and easy to dip into whenever you need a sprinkle of curiosity or joy.Grab your copy here and let a little wonder in today.References:5 simple things you can do for your mental health right now by Caitlin McColl https://caitlinmccoll.medium.com/heres-5-simple-things-you-can-do-for-your-mental-health-right-now-e42c87960929 Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast presents introversion not as a weakness, but as a superpower, highlighting how introverts' quiet observational nature allows them to perceive details others might miss and fosters trustworthiness. I share personal experiences illustrating the typical introverted lifestyle, emphasizing preferences for solitude and one-on-one interactions. I also talk about mental health concerns for introverts, providing five key areas—connecting with others, physical activity, learning new things, acts of kindness, and setting boundaries—and offers introvert-friendly strategies for engaging in each without compromising their energy or nature.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛Want a bit more? Here’s an article not sent out via newsletter you can check out:Wonder In Hard Places: A Trauma Sensitive PauseReferences:How Being An Introvert in an Extroverted World is a Superpower by Caitlin McColl https://medium.com/dose-of-wonder/how-to-be-an-introvert-in-an-extroverted-world-eb444375aa40?sk=2cb5011507cbcb5246bb05fc31a1e4f0 Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast explores the concept of personal freedom through the lens of Stoic philosophy. It challenges the initial assumption of being free by prompting reflection on the various external and internal factors that might hold individuals captive, such as work, finances, societal expectations, and even personal anxieties. I suggest that true self-possession might only be achievable through extreme isolation, similar to Henry David Thoreau's experience, as living within a society inherently involves obligations and compromises of personal autonomy. Ultimately, I invite listeners to consider the ways in which they are both free and bound, prompting contemplation on the nature of personal power and the sacrifices made in pursuit of a fulfilling life.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛References:Are you free or are you captive? By Caitlin McColl https://medium.com/inkslinger-magazine/are-you-free-or-are-you-captive-6b0d860b0208 Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

Hi Wonderers,This week’s podcast explores the unexpected and often illogical triggers of grief, highlighting how seemingly minor events can ignite profound sadness over a loved one's absence. I illustrate this through a personal anecdote, where a Facebook post about a lost recipe sparks a realization of missed opportunities to ask important questions of my dead mother and aunt, particularly concerning menopause. This experience, though initially feeling "ridiculous," underscores the deep emotional impact of losing the chance for shared experiences and advice. Ultimately, I’m advocating for compassionately allowing oneself to feel grief when it arises, rather than suppressing it, because processing these emotions leads to greater well-being.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛References:https://medium.com/mindful-mental-health/when-grief-rears-its-head-48dcc6658eff When Grief Rears Its Head by Caitlin McColl Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

This is a repeat episode! Kind of… I accidentally published/sent out this podcast episode back on August 3rd, when I meant to schedule it for today! Oops… That’s me human-ing.Today’s podcast offers a guide to authentic self-care, distinguishing it from mere indulgence. It emphasizes that self-care involves actions that benefit both physical and mental well-being, highlighting the importance of self-appreciation. I outline ten practical methods, ranging from physical activities like exercise and healthy eating to mental and emotional practices such as setting boundaries and taking digital breaks. A bonus tip encourages occasional treats, provided they’re just once in a while.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛References:https://medium.com/mindful-mental-health/10-ways-to-care-for-yourself-7c47c5785e8b?sk=95f8bc5746fdc742dc98e5446bec08d3 10 ways to care for yourself by Caitlin McColl Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s podcast explores the profound concept that every single moment is entirely unique and has never been experienced before and emphasizes that even seemingly familiar activities are never exactly the same twice, due to constant changes in our environment, our bodies, and our perceptions. I encourage listeners to pause and observe their surroundings with this fresh perspective, highlighting the miraculous and special nature of each fleeting moment. This shift in mindset, inspired by a meditation, aims to cultivate awe and wonder by recognizing the significance of otherwise "insignificant" details and appreciating the unrepeatable quality of existence.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛References:https://medium.com/mindful-mental-health/you-have-never-been-here-before-d5317f2ba76a You Have Never Been Here Before by Caitlin McColl Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast talks about challenging things that we were experiencing back in 2022, when my original article was written, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and economic hardships, and acknowledging that things "suck" right now. Despite these difficulties, I emphasize that individuals do not have to succumb to negativity and can choose to foster positive attitudes, highlighting the power of individual action, and that even small acts of kindness and contribution can create significant ripple effects and make a difference. Engaging in benevolent acts benefits not only others but also one's own well-being, leading to improved mood and health. Ultimately, I encourage personal well-being as a prerequisite for helping others, advocating for self-care alongside community involvement to improve the world.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛References:https://medium.com/dose-of-wonder/the-world-sucks-right-now-424f24a4598b The World Sucks Right Now (but we don’t have to) by Caitlin McCollHow One Person Can Make a Lasting Impact in the World — https://www.waterford.org/education/how-to-change-the-world/The Butterfly Effect: Everything You Need to Know About This Powerful Mental Model — https://fs.blog/the-butterfly-effect/ Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s episode is a reflection on grief and pet loss where I share my personal experience of saying goodbye to our rescue dog, Penny, during the pandemic, who we adopted after the loss of our previous dog. This episode talks about the acceptance of the enduring nature of grief.References:How To Survive Grief by Caitlin McColl https://medium.com/growing-grief/how-to-survive-grief-e8df59712259Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛 Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast talks about the potential impact of consuming mental health content on an individual's own psychological well-being. I reflect on, as a former editor for a mental health YouTube channel, frequently reading about challenging topics like depression and anxiety can be emotionally taxing which leads me to prefer positive psychology, a field that emphasizes strengths, virtues, and what contributes to a fulfilling life, in contrast to traditional psychology's focus on identifying and addressing problems. I also talk about how practicing gratitude and seeking out positive reminders can serve as a counterbalance to the emotional weight of heavier mental health discussions.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛References: https://medium.com/mindful-mental-health/can-reading-about-mental-health-have-an-effect-on-your-mental-health-16ff2c2f4aad Can reading about mental health have an effect on your mental health? By Caitlin McColl Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s podcast I cast a critical eye on mainstream self-improvement advice, specifically challenging the efficacy of "influencer" culture and its generalized recommendations. Instead I propose three core principles for personal growth: regularly stepping outside of one's comfort zone, actively challenging negative self-talk, and recognizing one's inherent resilience to overcome difficulties and say that individual agency is paramount in defining one's best life, encouraging listeners to pursue their own goals despite initial setbacks. Ultimately, I champion personal strength and determination over external directives, advocating for a proactive approach to self-development.Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛References:How To Live Your Best Life By Doing These 3 Things by Caitlin McCollhttps://medium.com/dose-of-wonder/how-to-live-your-best-life-by-doing-these-three-things-0b47e29b8901 Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe