3549: I Hope You Feel Small: The Surprising Upside of Unselfing by Rachel Macy Stafford of Hands Free Mama

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3824: Melissa highlights practical, compassionate strategies to quiet your mind and reduce overwhelm. From scheduling downtime and adding margin to your day, to using tools like timers, journaling, and meditation, each tip offers a realistic way to reclaim focus, reduce stress, and create a more peaceful mental space. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://simplelionheartlife.com/mental-clutter/ Quotes to ponder: "Stop feeling like you need to earn rest first. There will always be more you could be doing." "Giving yourself a bit of extra time should things take longer or something unexpected comes up." "Your clutter-free space can be whatever works for you." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 Nov 10min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3823: Melissa from Simple Lionheart Life breaks down the hidden burden of mental clutter, the swirling thoughts, to-dos, and emotions that drain our focus and peace of mind. Learn how simple tools like brain dumps, routines, and clutter-free workspaces can help you feel calmer, more productive, and in control of your day. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://simplelionheartlife.com/mental-clutter/ Quotes to ponder: "Clutter is found in so many shapes and sizes. We can find it on our kitchen tables, under our beds, in our cars and in our heads." "The thoughts, ideas, to-do lists, things to remember, emotions, etc. adding to your mental load and making you feel like it’s just too much!" "Create routines, rhythms, habits and systems for anything you do that needs to get done regularly." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 Nov 11min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3822: Anthony Ongaro shares a practical method for achieving meaningful progress by creating "checkpoints," small, intentional markers that help break down larger goals into manageable milestones. This approach encourages consistency, reduces overwhelm, and builds confidence by celebrating progress along the way. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.breakthetwitch.com/creating-check-points/ Quotes to ponder: "Creating checkpoints is a way to slow down and acknowledge the progress we’ve made, rather than constantly focusing on what’s next." "Without clear markers, it’s easy to feel like we’re spinning our wheels even when we’re moving forward." "A checkpoint doesn’t have to be a completed goal, it’s simply a moment where we intentionally take stock of where we are." Episode references: Atomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 Nov 9min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3821: Karl Staib highlights the power of asking better questions to get more constructive and meaningful feedback, both from others and from ourselves. By shifting from self-criticism to curiosity, he shows how thoughtful reflection and simple conversations can deepen relationships, increase happiness, and fuel personal growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://digtofly.com/how-to-get-better-feedback-at-work/ Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes the feedback can be painful, but it's better to get it out in the open instead of hiding from it." "My inner critic is always giving me feedback, but I realized that I was asking the wrong type of questions." "Good questions are the key to better feedback." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 Nov 10min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3820: Lisa Avellan reimagines the holiday season by encouraging simplicity, presence, and emotional clarity over pressure-filled traditions. Her heartfelt reflections offer a path to reclaim peace and meaning by releasing unrealistic expectations and embracing what truly matters. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nosidebar.com/stressful-holiday-season/ Quotes to ponder: "Permission is powerful, and sometimes we have to give it to ourselves." "Simplifying the holidays didn’t mean canceling them,  it meant redefining them." "We can’t do it all. But we can do what matters most." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25 Nov 9min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3819: Farnoosh Brock recounts the unexpected journey that led her from overwhelm to clarity as she stumbled into minimalism during a chaotic garage clean-up. Her story reveals how letting go of excess physical clutter can uncover deeper emotional truths, and open the door to a more intentional, fulfilling life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/falling-into-minimalism/ Quotes to ponder: "Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from them." "The more stuff I accumulated, the more my stuff seemed to own me." "Minimalism isn’t about removing things you love. It’s about removing the things that distract you from the things you love." Episode references: The Power of Less: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Less-Leo-Babauta/dp/1401309704 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 Nov 9min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3818: Tynan explores how deliberate brain training can reshape your thinking, sharpen your focus, and help you operate with more discipline and clarity. By building awareness of mental patterns and consciously replacing unhelpful defaults, he shares a practical framework for transforming your mind into a tool for greater productivity and personal growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://tynan.com/brain-training Quotes to ponder: "You can train your brain to think differently, just like you can train your muscles to move differently." "I’ve slowly replaced emotional reactions with logical thoughts." "Most people are living in an untrained brain, just coasting with whatever tendencies they’ve picked up." Episode references: The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Nov 9min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3817: Rachel Jones redefines minimalism as a practical, adaptable mindset rather than a rigid lifestyle of deprivation. By focusing on what adds value and letting go of what doesn’t, she shows how families can embrace minimalism without sacrificing comfort, joy, or function. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nourishingminimalism.com/practical-minimalism-minimalist-family/ Quotes to ponder: "Minimalism is a mindset that you embody, not a set number of items remaining and suddenly you have arrived." "Minimalism is about making your life better." "The things you value and choose to keep are going to be different than the things I value and choose to keep." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Nov 8min