Done with Nice

You know what can be downright hard? Feeling your “negative” emotions.It can be tempting to try to push them away or skip feeling them. After all, they can feel uncomfortable, overwhelming, and even scary. But doing so only creates more issues and gives those feelings extra staying power. They need to be felt if you're truly going to move on from them.In this episode, you'll hear:Why you can't skip feeling most emotions, The true physiological length of an emotion and why they often last longer,Why it's so important to feel what you feel,The power of renaming a feeling and how that helped Claire become a professional ballet dancer,What to do when you have the urge to push away your feelings,Techniques to let go of emotions once you're ready,And more!Get your free copy of the I-hate-being-an-empath-antidote here!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Have you ever told yourself a story in your head that made you feel absolutely terrible? It might have gone something like “I'm just terrible at this,” or “I'm so ugly,” or “I can't do this.” Those words probably felt pretty crappy.So then, you might have flipped it to the opposite, with something such as “I'm amazing at this,” or “I'm gorgeous,” or “I can do this.”And again, it might have felt kinda icky… what's up with that?!The truth is when it comes to what you tell yourself, black and white is rarely the answer.That's why in the episode we're talking about how shifting to grey is the way to go!In it, you'll hear:Why “grey” thinking is often the way to go,The reason that black and white thinking rarely feels good,Why positivity can feel fake,The importance of remembering that grey lets in the light too,How to flip the stories in your head so you can feel better, And more!Get your free copy of the I-hate-being-an-empath-antidote here!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

We're living in an empathy crisis. It doesn't take much to see it. Just turn on the news, open Facebook, or even just people-watch the next time you're out and about.Thankfully, more and more of us are realizing that it's time for a change… It's time for an empathy revolution! (And as sensitivities, we're ready). At the front of the revolution is Rob Volpe, CEO and Chief Catalyst at Ignite 360 and author of Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time.What does an empathy revolution look like and how can you help? That's what Rob is here for!In this episode you'll hear about:The empathy crisis we're living in,The airport realization that spurred him to write his book,His experiences with sensitivity,The promising data that shows that we're ready for more connection and empathy than we were pre-pandemic,Why sensitives are needed (and ready) to help solve the empathy crisis,The power of bringing empathy into a conversation,And much, much more!Check out his website: https://www.ignite-360.com/Connect with him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empathy_activist/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmvolpeTwitter: https://twitter.com/rmvolpeBuy his book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tell-More-About-That-Conversation/dp/1774580896Buy his book at Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tell-me-more-about-that-rob-volpe/1139304331Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

We all have expectations that are placed on us, whether it's from loved ones (such as parents, a partner, friend group)  at work, or even just from society.People come to expect certain things from us and the time can come when those patterns and expectations aren't helpful or are even downright hurtful or toxic.And then it's time to stop following the rules and break those patterns.This can be tough for us as sensitives since many of us can become people-pleasers in the attempt of keeping the peace around us. But it's not helpful or kind. So… what happens when you don't follow those rules? What do you do?That's what this episode is all about! In it, you'll hear:Ways to handle the discomfort of breaking patterns,Why it's not your job to fix it so others feel okay,How to remain focused on why you're choosing a different response,The reason expectations aren't always fair,How to safely explain to others why you're doing what you're doing,Why you can be the adult in the room, And more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

You know what can be really hard sometimes? Communicating when you're overwhelmed and feeling too much. But you know what has to happen anyway? Communicating when you're overwhelmed and feeling too much. It's just a reality of life.Perhaps you're having a difficult conversation that is sending you down the road of emotional overload. Or maybe you're overwhelmed with the amount that's on your plate and you need to communicate that to a loved one. No matter the reason, it's important that you've got tools ready and waiting for you in your back pocket for the next time you're feeling way too much but still have to communicate.In this episode, you'll hear:Why you can't assume that others are picking up on your overwhelm,The importance of remembering why you care about the person you're communicating with,How to figure out and then communicate your needs,Red flags to be aware of,How your thoughts can get in the way, A bonus tip for when you really need to get the right words out,And more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Ready to hear something you might not like to hear?You can't know exactly what someone else is thinking or feeling.*gasp*As sensitives, we're pretty good at reading other people. Many of us absorb others' feelings and feel them as our own. And sometimes this can make us feel like we know others' feelings to a tee.The reality? We probably can't. And you know what? It might not actually be very fair on them. Or us.Listen to this episode to hear:Why we can't truly know what someone else is feeling,The reasons that it may not be very not fair,What you can do instead,Why thinking you know someone else's feelings might actually be taking an opportunity for deeper connection away from both of you,Why we're like onions and avocados (don't worry, this will make sense later),And more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Have you ever experienced a time where it felt like you just didn't have the connection you wanted in your life? Maybe it felt like your partner, family member, or loved one just wasn't there for you. Maybe you wanted something more that you just weren't getting. Or maybe you were looking for someone to share your life with.This is totally normal. And most likely, as a human you've experienced it at least a few times. Luckily, there's a simple change you can start making today that will empower you during those times, while also creating more love in your life.What is it? Well, it all starts with changing your focus.In this episode you'll hear:How changing your focus brings the feelings you want into your life,The reason that giving what you wish to receive changes everything,Why this has nothing to do with manipulation,How Cheryl learned this at a time when she felt unappreciated, Why this applies to so much more than just your relationships,And more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Being sensitive (like anything) comes with its liabilities and its strengths.And while there are many ways and techniques that you can use to help you with your sensitivity, one of the simplest (and also hardest for some), is simply daring to make a choice.What kind of choice, you be asking? A choice about how your feel about your sensitivity. Join us in the episode as we talk about:Why daring to make that choice is the sensitivity key we all need,How to figure out if you're telling yourself stories about your sensitivity that don't serve you,How to choose to love and accept your sensitivity, with all the different aspects it brings,And more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Have you ever had one of those times where you're going about your day feeling like you're owning who you are and are there to be met by the world with enthusiasm? I hope you have, because goodness, does it feel good. You feel empowered. You feel good. You feel like your best self. Believe it or not, what you wear can directly influence that experience.Because the truth is, when you're wearing the clothes that represent who you are, make you feel good, and bring you joy, you're going to show up differently in the world. Why? Because you feel DIFFERENT.You feel like YOU. And that's exactly what Jordan Stolch does. Through her virtual styling business and online course, she helps women (including us!) discover their own style while also changing their mindsets so they can become more confident in themselves.And let's be real… who doesn't want that?In this episode you'll hear:How Jordan went from styling celebrities to helping everyday women find confidence through mindset and style,Her experience with being sensitive and growing up in a private ballet boarding school,Why mindset is the first step to great style,How she's learned to accept who she is and what she needs to feel her best, Why it can feel like there's a script in life that we didn't get, The power intuition has when it comes to style,And so much more!Check out Jordan's website HERE at mikadopersonalstyling.comOr check out her Instagram HERESupport the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

The holidays are over. The new year has moved in.And now you might be left feeling the effects of it all. (The after-holiday decompression is real, y'all!)Whether it was in person or over Zoom, it's possible that you had some time with family and/or friends.And while that can be wonderful, a lot of old stories, triggers, and traumas can easily resurface.So if you're feeling the aftermath of those very things… this episode is for you! In it you'll hear:4 steps you can take to deal with the exhaustion, triggers, stress, and old stories that showed up over the holidays, How to release those post-holiday feels,How to reframe past stories into new stories that serve you better,Why it's easier to slip back into old patterns during the holidays,And more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

2021 is drawing to a close. And that can come with a lot of different feelings. This past year may not have, in any way, shape, or form, gone how you expected or hoped (or maybe it did!).Or perhaps, it slipped by and you know it was filled with some amazing moments, as well as some not-so-great times.Regardless of how this past year went, now is the time to look back so you can celebrate all that you're proud of and grateful for, process the challenges, setbacks, and growth that came, all while giving yourself grace for anything that didn't go how you had hoped… we are still living in a global pandemic after all.When you give yourself a chance to look back, you give yourself an opportunity to release and grow from all that's happened in the past 365 days so that you can move into the next year ready to focus on what's most important to you and show up in the way that you truly want to, allowing 2022 to be a year filled with joy, ease, care, love, and growth.And let's be real here, who doesn't want that?In this episode you'll hear:3 questions to help you celebrate and release 2021,The magic of journaling and why we love it so frickin' much,4 questions to head into 2022 with excitement and clarity,Why you deserve to give yourself all the love and compassion as you look back on the past year,And much more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Do you ever feel like you just don't belong? That no matter what, you just don't quite fit in? As if everyone else just… belongs while you're on the outskirts looking in?Whether you're somewhere where you actually don't fit in or it's simply a feeling you can't quite shake, this can come up a lot for empaths and HSPs. We feel this way too, which is why we hit record and started talking about this very thing. And while there is no easy fix, we're sharing a different perspective that might just help you change the story you tell yourself about not fitting in!In this episode you'll hear:Why empaths and HSPs often feel like the odd duck out,What your boundaries can have to do with it,A recent experience Cheryl had that made her feel like she didn't belong, How you can change your story about not fitting in,And more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

If there's one time of year that brings up a lot of feelings (both “good” and “bad”) for most people, it's the holidays. And that can make it hard. All those feelings can make it harder for you to do some of the things that you HAVE to do if you want to keep thriving as an empath and highly sensitive person. Those things that make you feel your best can so easily get pushed out of your day-to-day life in favor of holiday festivities.The holidays can be a time of connection, fun, joy, and love…Or you can get burnt out and head into the new year feeling completely overwhelmed, overdone, and wiped out. Which is why we're sharing three things we hope will help you have the happiest of holidays while also leaving you ready for a beautiful new year.In this episode we're talking about:The magic word “NO” and why you need to use it during the holidays,Why you need to commit to your self-care the same way that you would an appointment,Why taking care of yourself is not an option as an empath or HSP,How not taking care of herself ended Cheryl up in a medical hurricane,Why asking for help is a gift for both you and the person you're asking,And more!Ready to get your free copy of the “I-hate-being-an-empath-antidote”? Click here!Missed Part 1? Listen to it here!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

The holidays are here! And while they can be a beautiful time of the year, they can also be… well, not.As empaths and highly sensitive people, the holidays can signal a time of drama, over-stimulation, emotional overwhelm, tension, stress, and so much more. And that's why in this episode we're bringing out the holiday lights and a few mindset shifts and practical tips to help you keep the holidays happy this year!We're talking about:How the holidays can become overwhelm central for us as sensitives,One of our favorite holiday traditions (hint: we love it because it's easy),Why you need to be realistic this holiday season,The power of a bathroom break when you need to get away,Why low-key is often better than “special”,And lots more!Ready to get your free copy of the “I-hate-being-an-empath-antidote”? Click here!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Setting and achieving goals can be downright tricky. And as empaths and highly sensitive people, there can be a whole ‘nother side to it. Because let's be honest, emotional overwhelm, feeling swayed by other people's feelings and opinions, and other liabilities that come with being sensitive can bring some unique challenges.Thankfully, we've got Tameeka Leon, the brains behind the blog Coffee. Yoga. Life. and @thegoalsuccesscoach, here to help. As a sensitive soul herself, she's dropping truth bombs and sharing the wisdom that will help you use your sensitivity to set goals that get you living your best life.In this episode we cover:Why you have a responsibility to take care of yourself firstThe reason that goal setting starts with self-careA game-changing view on what self-care *actually* isWhy defining your version of success is crucialWhen it's time to throw the ol' to-do list away,And so much more!Want to hear more from Tameeka? Of course you do! You can find her here:Coffee. Yoga. Life. https://coffeeyogalife.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoalsuccesscoach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegoalsuccesscoachPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheGoalSuccessCoach/_shop/Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

You know what takes a lot of guts? Trusting your gut. In a world that doesn't value intuition and even sometimes looks down on it, trusting your own gut can be a challenge.  But as an empath + HSP, trusting your gut is key. After all, it's where the wisdom, strength, empathy, and so many other beautiful parts of you all stem from.In fact, trusting your gut takes something called SISU.What is sisu?We're so glad you asked!According to Finlandia University, “Sisu is a unique Finnish concept. It is a Finnish term that can be roughly translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity. Sisu is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain that courage.”Growing up in a family with strong Finnish roots, sisu was just a fact of life.Which is why in this episode we're talking about:What sisu is,Why it takes guts to trust your gut,What sisu has to do with you as an empath + HSP,Why you have it (and how to bring more of it into your life),How 2020 and 2021 have brought out everyone's inner sisu,And more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

“Sorry.”The word that can range everywhere from a genuine apology to a catchword for when you're not sure what else to say.As empaths + HSPs, it can become too much of a staple in our vocabularies. And that's not too surprising.  People-pleasing is a trap that empaths + HSPs can all too easily fall into. After all, you absorb other people's feelings, wants, and needs, so it can be easy to do whatever it takes to keep them happy. And with that comes the chronic apologizing. Chronic apologizing is different from saying sorry when you messed up, did something that hurt someone, etc. This is apologizing for basically everything… the weather, a loved one's bad day that you had nothing to do with, a bad meal at a restaurant, someone else bumping into you, and literally anything else that is out of your control and you had no part in. If you're a people-pleaser, chronic apologizer (or even just a dabbling apologizer), or just want to get more specific on the words you use to apologize, this episode is for you!In this episode we discuss:What chronic apologizing looks like, 4 techniques you can use to stop the broken record of “sorry”,How empaths + HSPs become people-pleasers,Why standing up for your needs and wants is so important,The reason “thank you” is better than “sorry”,How chronic apologizing can minimize the power of your real apology,And more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

What is emotional exhaustion? What does it look like? Do you have it? And what do you do about it?Let's just start off by saying that emotional exhaustion is hard. And it's also the way of it sometimes.Emotional exhaustion happens when all of your emotional and energetic reserves have been used up and you get left running on empty.As empaths and highly sensitive people, that can happen all too easily.  And that's why we're talking about:The 4 steps you need to take when emotional exhaustion hits,Signs to watch out for,Why Claire's been in full-on exhaustion mode and what she's doing about it,The importance of comfort and coziness,How to prevent emotional fatigue,And more, all in this episode!Want to hear more about the spoon theory? Check out episode 31 https://empathup.com/podcast/31 and episode 48 https://empathup.com/podcast/48!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Have you ever felt that you don't quite belong? That you don't quite fit with the world around you? If you answered with a resounding ‘yes' (or even a ‘maybe?'), then this episode is for you!As empaths and HSPs, it's easy to feel like we don't quite fit into the world around us since society simply isn't designed to value sensitivity. And that, my friend, is exactly why this episode is so important.In it we cover:What it means to be “in” this world instead of “of” this world and why it matters,How to embrace who you truly are,The reason so many empaths and HSPs feel different,Why being wired differently doesn't make you weird,And more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

You're going to come across people in your life that are going to throw some ridiculous demands at you. They're going to be completely unreasonable and make your life feel crappier than you care for… just by being part of it at that moment.That guy at work, a friend, your boss, the lady you talk with at your daughter's ballet class, family… it's going to happen. Again. And again.So what do you do?*Cue this episode*Today, we're talking about:Why other people's unreasonableness has nothing to do with you,Claire's miserable experiences with a choreographer and what she did to cope,How you can work around someone blaming you for everything when it has nothing to do with you,Steps you can take to deal with unreasonable people and demands,And much more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Do you ever struggle to speak up? To voice your opinion, do things others don't like, or get out of your shell? If so, you're in good company.This can be a hard one for us as empaths since so many of us have been burned by trying to do so.But it's time for more empaths to start speaking up. In little ways, in big ways, it doesn't matter. We just need to speak up. Speak up for our beliefs. For our needs. Voice our thoughts. Share our stories. We need your voice. Please don't listen to the voices that keep you quiet (yours or others). Let's speak up together.In this episode we're talking about:Why using your voice is imperative,The importance of creating ripples,Why so many empaths have been burned by doing so in the past,5 easy steps to help you speak up,How to take care of your energy when pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, And more!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

You know those times when you finish all the stuff you need to get done but you have a bit of extra time so you figure you might as well add in a few more things?  Fast forward and you did way more than you had planned so now you're totally overdone and because of it, you've got to spend the rest of your time today (and probably tomorrow) recovering because you pushed too hard?Been there?Us too! And that's exactly why you need a MAX amount in your to-do list.In this episode we're talking about:What a max amount actually looks like (hint: it might be less than you think),The importance of a minimum and maximum in your to-do's,How this can prevent you from ending up in an energy deficit.Why pacing yourself is key as an empath,And more!Itching to hear more about the spoon theory and how it can help you as an empath + HSP? Listen to episode 31 HERE!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Sometimes it feels like there are endless misconceptions about empaths and what it means to feel so frickin' much.If you've ever heard that empaths attract narcissists, they're wimpy, they're just making it up to feel special, they're always lonely, or they can't have good relationships, then you've encountered some big ol' empath myths.And it's time to bust them! Which is why we're calling BS on 6 of them and we're going to tell you exactly why.If you're ready to hear:Why you can't choose to be an empathWhether or not empaths attract narcissistsWhat it really means to be introverted or extroverted Why being an empath isn't a burdenAnd so much moreThen it's time to hit play on this episode!Did we miss any empath myths that you're ready to see busted? Let us know by emailing us here (cheryl @ empathup.com) or by sending us a DM here!Want to hear more about the link between empaths and narcissists? Ready to hear why empaths aren't doomed to have crappy relationships? Listen to this episode!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Change. It can be hard. It can be frustrating. A lot of us don't like it. But in the end, change is going to happen to every single one of us… all the time.After all, change is the only constant in life.Whether it's global change or on the personal level, it's inevitable.And needed.If you're here, it's probably because on some level you want to make change. Whether it's to learn how to take care of your sensitivity, break generational patterns, or help change the world, you're in the right place.In this episode, we're talking about why you might not like change,  how you can learn to embrace it, and why it all starts with a ripple. Listen up and get ready to make some change with us!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

You know those ingredients that add SO much to the recipe even though some people add wayyy too little or forget them all together? That's what we're talking about in this episode. Well, not the cooking part… but kinda. You'll see. We're talking about two “life ingredients." Just like the salt in your baking, these two life "musts" are necessary because they add flavor and pizazz to your life. You absolutely need these in your schedule but most of us downplay their importance or just forget to add them in.Ready to hear what they are? How to schedule them into your life? And also hear us gush over our Trader Joe's love affair? Then listen up!Want to hear more about the importance of rest? Listen to episode 22!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Do you ever just think, “am I just wimpy?” Or been in a situation where it felt like other people were coping just fine but you were completely done in from all the feelings? If you have, you're far from alone. In a world that categorizes sensitivity as weak, it can be hard to be an empath.In fact, that's exactly why this episode came about! Claire was dealing with a situation that left her thinking and feeling these exact things, so we knew it was time to talk about it with you too.In this episode we're discussing:why it's normal to feel like you're just too frickin' sensitive sometimes,what Claire was going through,the steps she took to get back to feeling good,the keys for when you feel this way too,why taking care of yourself is key, and more! Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Has anyone in your life ever set a boundary and you had this nagging feeling that they were being rude and self-absorbed for doing so? It's a feeling that happens to the best of us!In fact, that's what Haley, one of our beautiful listeners, asked us. So in this episode, we're diving into her question and discussing: why it can feel rude when others set boundaries,how to reframe your feelings around how other people set boundaries,clues you can take from your feelings, why you won't come off as rude if you set boundaries of your own, and more!Have you ever felt like Haley? Are you someone who goes above and beyond for others but wonders why they don't do the same? Or do you just want to up your boundary game? Well, this episode is for you!email us your Q at cheryl @ empathup. com or dm us on Instagram @emapthupSupport the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

It's hard to speak up. To voice your opinion, do things others may not like, and get out of your shell. It can be scary.This has been a major struggle for Cheryl. So she sat down for a solo episode about why it's hard to speak up as an empath and why we need to do it anyway (hint: the world needs your voice). Whether you've been burned for speaking up in the past, are worried about what others will think of you, or simply want a pep talk to set you on your way towards sharing your gifts with the world, this episode is for you. Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Times of crisis. Thankfully these are times that don't happen frequently for most of us. But they still happen.And when they do it's important to be able to handle it. Luckily as an empath, you're set up to be good when a crisis does rise up. Whether you realize it or not, you have three key traits and abilities that can help you navigate those times with strength, power, clarity, care, and effectiveness. This episode will give you the knowledge of why you can be good in a crisis and a reminder of just how powerful you are so that if a crisis should arise, you're ready and confident in your ability to figure it out.How do you feel in times of crisis? Do you trust your ability to handle them or do you feel out of your depth? Let us know by… reaching out to us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/empathup/ or emailing us at cheryl @ empathup . comSupport the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

As an empath or HSP there's one BIG thing you need to hear (and possibly tattoo on your forehead so you don't forget it). Ready to hear this? Just because you're different doesn't mean you're wrong. It's easy to get advice from others and think that you're not doing it right. Or feel things in a different way from others and think that there's something wrong with you.There are so many reasons that you might feel different or weird (it's okay, we all do!) and we all have different experiences, but if you've ever felt even remotely similar to this, then this episode is for you. Listen up for a sort of love letter from us to you and a reminder of why there's absolutely nothing “wrong” with you.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Did you know that as an empath you're primed to have some of the most amazing and beautiful relationships out there? We know… you've probably heard (and maybe believe) all those stories about empaths attracting narcissists or becoming suffocated by their partner's feelings or their partner not being able to understand them. Eeeeck! Nope, not true. It truly is the complete opposite and we've got proof. In this episode, we're sharing 5 of the reasons you can have amazing relationships and while it's ONLY 5 of the many reasons, this episode will help you claim that beautiful sensitivity of yours and use it to enrich your relationships.So whether you think you're doomed to attract narcissists, already have great relationships, or just want to take yours to the next level of awesomeness, this relationship pep talk wrapped up inside a podcast is for YOU!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Words create thoughts. Thoughts create feelings. Feelings carry on into beliefs. And before you know it, you've got some big ol' stories! We all have stories. It's part of being human. They can be conscious or unconscious, but no matter what, they either help you to live the life you dream of or they keep you away from it. Those stories make a difference and MATTER!That's why we're talking about how to identify your stories, how to start changing them, why stories can be oh-so sneaky, as well as talking about one of Claire's long-term stories and how she's dealing with it.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

As an empath, it can be easy to become overdone and overwhelmed by emotions and the energy we pick up throughout the day, and once you add the hecticness of our day-to-day lives… overload potential!That's why you need to pace yourself. And while we often think of pacing as something you do when running a marathon, it's also what you need to protect your energy as an empath. In this episode, we're talking about why pacing is crucial for you, 5 keys to help you start to pace yourself, and how it helped save the day when chronic illness changed Cheryl's life as she knew it. Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

As an empath in a relationship, it can be easy to become totally over-emotioned when both you and your partner have a lot of emotions. This can make it hard to process and express your needs, emotions, wants, concerns, thoughts...That's why we're sharing a technique we both use when we need to express ourselves and our needs when the going feels tougher. It'll help you express your needs in a way that is loving and supports both you and your partner while giving you space to work together and communicate.It's simple, but we're guessing that once you listen to this episode and try our easy technique a few times you won't go back!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Being an empath can be tricky to explain…How do you explain what it's like to feel so very deeply? Or what it's like to feel other people's emotions as your own and struggle to differentiate them as feelings you picked up from others? What about when emotions are so intense that it feels like your body can't take any more? Or how about when you get a glimpse of the news and you suddenly are overwhelmed by the intense pain in your body and the screams ringing in your ears? And how do you explain all of this when emotions can be vast, overwhelming, and difficult to pin down into words that do the feeling justice? Whew! It's a hard one.But it's important that you help your loved ones understand your sensitivity. So in this episode, we're talking about what you can do to get the conversation started, why planting seeds are the key, and some points to help you explain what it's like to be oh-so-sensitive. Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Have you ever had a time where you felt emotionally drained from being around someone you love?It's easy to think that when you love someone that they'll never wear you out emotionally and you'll never need space away from them to recharge. But it happens. And you know what follows easily? Guilt. You know, the “I love them so I shouldn't be feeling this way."Uh-oh. There's that shitty should. As empaths, It's totally normal to become emotionally fatigued (after all, we are absorbing and feeling emotions deeply and at all times!), so it's not fair on ourselves or others to think it will never happen from the people we love. That's why in this episode we're talking about why it's a completely normal thing to happen, how it can happen in the first place, and what to do about it when it inevitably does.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Personality quizzes. Love ‘em or not? Well, we've got a secret for you… we don't know our Myers-Briggs types, our Enneagrams, or any other personality types out there. The truth is that we don't love them. So we sat down to discuss the great and maybe not so great sides of personality quizzes. Everything from the (often lack of) research and whether they can help us understand ourselves better or to getting different results on different days, we covered it!Even if you love a good quiz (let's be honest, who doesn't?) and you're all over your Enneagram and Myers-Briggs types, this is still one you're going to want to listen to!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Self-care. What comes to mind? Maybe it's taking a nice hot shower. Or lighting candles.Said yes? Well, you'd be right. Those are fab self-care ideas.But what about decluttering your home? Or managing your finances? Are those self-care?Believe it or not, the answer is also yes! There are 8 big areas of self-care (and yes, they really do range from cozy candles to managing a budget!).Does 8 seem a wee bit overwhelming? No worries! This isn't a cause for overwhelm. We're breaking each one down into easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy bite-size pieces you can add into your life and will help you feel ahh-frickin-mazing! Plus, you might just realize that you're doing more self-care than you realize. Sounds like a win-win to us! Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

What on earth could spoons possibly have to do with being an empath? A lot actually!In this episode, we're talking about the Spoon Theory. This personal story by Christine Miserandino explains what it's like to live with a chronic illness and while being an empath is nothing like having a chronic illness, the spoon theory is still just as important for you. Why? Because spoons are your energy. They are your emotions and the emotions you pick up from others. And being aware of them is KEY to thriving as an empath. Find out more about the spoon theory here! butyoudontlooksick.comSupport the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

As empaths, we absorb ALL the feels and all the emotions. Whether it's yours or someone else's, you pick it up. That's hard enough when it's the cashier at the grocery store, but what about when it's someone you're really close to, say, your partner? It can be hard to feel all of your emotions AND theirs. Maybe you try to meet them at their level by deeply feeling what they're feeling. Or you go into “fix-it” mode. Or perhaps ball-of-bright-encouraging-positive-energy is more your style. It's easy for us to fall into all of these traps when the people we care about are in a not-so-good mood. But you've got a choice! You can absorb or you can observe. Not quite sure what we mean by that (or just want more of the juicy details)? Well, good news! You're in the right place. Go click play to hear more about why observing is always the way to go and how you can go about it in your life.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

You know those times where there's a lot going on and your plate is full but your cup is nearly (or completely) empty?Doesn't matter whether your life is full of commitments, emotions, deadlines, appointments, lack of boundaries, or literally anything else, the result is probably the same. You. Need. A. Break. And we can guarantee your body is trying to tell you that. But are you listening?Maybe you've got that ol' telltale stomach ache. Again. Or perhaps your urge to turn the volume on the TV wayyyyy down is where it's at for you. Or could be you're feeling fatigued, easily angry and irritated, or physically and emotionally numb. Whether it gets expressed in big or tiny ways, your body is always talking to you. And it tells you when and what it needs you to do when it comes to taking breaks. But we bet you don't always listen. We don't.Sometimes we ignore the signs because we're not willing to give ourselves the rest we need. Other times it's simply that we don't know what our body is saying.That's why in this episode we're breaking down 6 common signs you might be getting and 5 steps to help you give your body the break it's begging for (and DESERVES)!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Tough conversations are just that… tough. Perhaps it’s an emotionally charged conversation. Or maybe you’re having to set a boundary that you’re nervous about. Or you know that you’re going to have to disappoint someone.Chances are in the lead up to the conversation you spend a lot of time thinking about it and planning out what you want to say so that it has the best chance of going well.Maybe you even Google tips for getting your needs and points across!A difficult conversation can take it all out of you. It can throw your whole nervous system for a loop. You might need to come out of flight-or-fight mode afterwards. It might throw your overthinking brain into overdrive with “what if I had done x, y, or z instead?”And that’s why we think there needs to be another element to all this. Awareness about the toll these sorts of conversations can have on YOU and how it will affect you for the hours and days AFTER. That’s why in this episode we’re discussing a recent time Claire had to have a really difficult conversation and how she dealt with it before, during, and after. This is one you’re going to want to listen to (even if you don’t have any such conversation on the horizon!) so you’re ready and prepared to give yourself some grace and love the next time a tough conversation rolls around. Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Being an empath is a beautiful thing. But like anything, it comes with its own challenges. People often come to you with their problems and dump them all on you. You feel all the feels on a deep emotional and physical level. You can feel completely overdone from ALL the emotions you absorbed. We could keep going, but you know what it feels like to be an empath, so that's not necessary.But you know what is necessary? Having simple steps in your back pocket you can take to feel your best and not be bogged down by all those feelings.That’s why in this episode we’re diving into 6 shortcuts that you can use in literally ANY moment to protect that amazing empath soul of yours.None of them take more than a few minutes so there’s no excuse to not pop them into your imaginary back pocket and get going!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Have you ever tried Googling “why empaths have great relationships”?I have. And when I did my heart sank. It took scrolling almost all the way down the first page of Google to find a single article that wasn’t “why empaths struggle in relationships” or “what you need to know before dating an empath”.I wanted to scream at my computer, “REALLY?!?”There’s a common belief that empaths attract narcissists and are prone to toxic romantic relationships. And that our sensitivity and empathy makes it harder for us to have close, connected relationships. Where did this belief come from? And which one is true -- as an empath can you have great relationships or are you doomed to have a crappy love life? What about all the “good ones”... are they all already taken?You're gonna be surprised by some of our answers... So get comfy and let’s get chatting!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

You know you need self-care in your life. You’ve been told time and time again that it’s how you keep your cup full so you can show up the way you want to in your life. You’ve probably even experienced how good it feels when you really take good care of yourself.But you might also have experienced times where your self-care feels stale or even adds stress to your life. Or maybe your self-care practices just aren’t working for you anymore. Any bells ringing? Then it’s time to dig you out of your self-care pothole...It’s SO easy to fall into those crappy little ruts, but once you know exactly what’s going on, it’s wayyyy easier to steer around them. Get comfy and grab your fav go-to bevy (cashew milk latte for us!), we’re diving into 4 of the biggest self-care no-no’s! Let’s get your self-care game strong so it can keep that beautiful, sensitive soul of yours feeling fab!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

You know what? We love your gut! We think it’s the coolest thing ever and we firmly believe that your gut always knows best.Your gut is the only one processing all the information around you so ONLY you know what’s truly best for you. But do you ever have a niggly thought that maybe YOU don’t? Maybe your gut doesn’t know what’s best. Do other people’s gut know best for them? Sure. But maybe not yours. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. And that’s exactly why this episode is all about those crappy doubts. Get ready to discuss the 3 common reasons you’re not trusting your gut and what to do about them so you can give that beautiful gut the love it deserves!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Have you ever hit a point where you were SO overwhelmed and overdone that you could feel your nervous system shutting your whole body down? As a sensitive, you probably know the exact feeling!It’s an easy thing to happen to you as an empath + a highly sensitive person... you absorb all the energy and emotion from the people and situations around you after all! But that overwhelm can create a pretty toxic concoction inside your body that can lead to big problems for you down the road. Plus, it feels crappy and is NOT how you want to be living your life!In this episode, we’re sharing 5 techniques to help yourself back on track after you’ve hit the hard wall of overwhelm. And the bonus? These fab 5 will also help you KEEP yourself from getting to that crappy place later on. So whether you’re overdone right now, feel yourself getting there, or just want to prevent it in the future, this one’s for you!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

Let me let you in on a secret… you’re probably forgetting one of THE most important things that you need as an empath + HSP. Rest. In a world that applauds to-do’s, productivity, and overall being busy, rest is an easy one for us to forget about. But everyone on this planet needs rest and as a sensitive soul, you need it even more.You’ve got a nervous system that spends a lot more time in overdrive than your average bear. So rest isn’t just a nice thing, you NEED it so that your nervous system can calm down and get back to normal. Without it, you could even be heading straight for a pretty rocky road of potential health problems.In this episode, we discuss the truth about rest, ways you can add rest, and how we learned this one the hard way. Think of this as your permission to rest and your reminder of why it’s so frickin’ important for you! Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

As highly sensitive people, we’re like energy kleptomaniacs! We pick up other people’s energy without even realizing it and then walk off with all those feelings in our pockets.You might say that this is the curse of being sensitive, but we don’t think that’s true. (We actually think being sensitive is a truly ahhh-mazing gift!)However, it’s absolutely true that we pick up every little emotion we come across and take it as our own. “Good” or “bad” emotions… it can all become ours.Buttttt… Are you ready for the flippin’ fantastic news? You’ve got the power to realize that you’ve absorbed those feelings and then let them GO!

Remember a time where you walked into a room and BAM! Suddenly you’re feeling stressed, negative, and sad. But here’s the thing… you weren’t feeling that way a minute ago!So what happened? You absorbed the energy and emotions that were in that room. See, emotions are contagious. And as empaths and highly sensitive people, we’re emotional sponges that take in ALL the emotional germs that are floating around.You might think that you’d need intense emotions or long interactions to absorb someone else’s feelings, but nope, that’s just not the case. Heck, simply walking past someone on the street can be enough!It’s the way our brains work. We pick up emotions from others. And even though these emotions aren’t ours, they weigh us down. Here’s the kicker… sometimes you don’t even know you’ve absorbed them!It’s super-duper important that you DO release them (after all, they don’t belong to you!), but first, you have to realize that you picked them up in the first place. Luckily, we’ve got 4 simple steps to help you identify when you’ve picked up those crappy emotions so you can send them on their merry way!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)

How are your boundaries? Are they like a secure wall that protects you and your needs or are they a crumbling, run-down fence that can be walked right over?As a sensitive soul, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ve got some boundaries that look a little more like that second fence…And they might not only be run-down (or non-existent), they might also feel a little out of reach. But you know what? That’s okay. Boundaries can be a challenge. Society teaches us that we need to do it all and take care of everyone else first, all while being “perfect.” And that’s a lot of pressure on those of us that feel EVERYTHING. But good boundaries are absolutely possible -- as long as you’re aware of the 5 mistakes that you may be making. Join us as we discuss how to avoid these common traps so you can get the boundaries you only dreamed were possible!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/empathup)