I'm Ok

This episode is different than my typical mental health topics. It's a final project for one of my classes. I share about three core concepts in Buddhism: kindness, mindfulness, and wisdom. If you're in the mood to learn something new, I hope this episode speaks to you! 

Let's catch up about how I've been coping during this wonderful time our world is going through.  Topics I touch on are being present amidst shit storms, sexual assault, racism, and suicidal ideation. Starting off a new season with a bang!

This is the second part of the mini-series on "rebuilding" your life. Today's episode is about grieving over lost dreams, learning to validate yourself, and how to get back on your feet.

Season 2 has resumed! And with it, a series called "Rebuilding," inspired by a quote from Hannah Gadsby's comedy special "Nannette."Music credits:"Outro" and "Another Wave From You" by M83You can find me virtually (please don't try to find me in real life)...on Instagram @melody.is.okTwitter @melody_is_okand my Youtube Channel "Melody is Ok"

Get ready to be offended by my offense.

I've been practicing tarot for 5 months, so I'm just a baby reader. I've noticed the relatability of my readings depends on the amount of investment, concentration, or presence I'm bringing. This spread really impacted me in light of current events and I wanted to share it with you!Credit to Lana Zellner, the creator of this beautiful deck and guide I read from. You can find out more about her work on her website: https://www.eightco.in

The world needs a little more gratitude today.

A Valentine's Day Special. I talk about trauma, triggers, things you might be (unintentionally) doing that contribute to people's retraumatization, and how we can create a more trauma-informed space online.This is the last episode of my first season of podcasts! I'll be taking a break to recharge and come back with some fancy new things.Resources:http://bccewh.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2013_TIP-Guide.pdfhttp://socialwork.buffalo.edu/social-research/institutes-centers/institute-on-trauma-and-trauma-informed-care/what-is-trauma-informed-care.htmlhttps://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/traumahttps://khironclinics.com/blog/knowing-the-difference-between-a-trigger-and-re-traumatization/

This was a difficult one to record.

Hey! This episode is a sort of extended riff and sociological dissection of "being cool" and what that means, why people pursue it, and a healthier way of looking at yourself.

I'll catch you up on some life changes and then discuss an alternative to New Year's Resolutions. Feel free to skip ahead to 17:32 where the new year mantas begin.

I tell some stories and share some poetry about 7 people's relationships with their bodies. Thanks to everyone who was brave and shared deeply personal things with me. I think this conversation was worth it

This is an honest conversation I had with 5 friends in my life about their experience of singleness, annoying clichés they hear, and what they do with loneliness. I also share my story through playing a few songs that have shaped my year of heartbreak.Here are the song lyrics for reference:1. "I Will Love You Still" by: Titus HaugI am overwhelmedAnd I can't understandWith our shoes all worn downI'm westward boundWhat about all this love we've learned to have?Seasons will pass, but our love is gonna lastI will love you still yes I always willI will love you still yes I always willI will love you still yes I always willI will love you still yes I always will2. "Two" by: Sleeping at LastI don't even know where to startAlready tired of trying to recall when it all fell apartI just want to love you, to love you, to love you wellI just want to learn how, somehow, to be loved myselfLike a force to be reckoned withA mighty ocean or a gentle kissI will love you without any strings attachedAnd what a privilege it is to loveA great honor to hold you up3. "First Week" by: Vera BlueI am on the very first week away from youNot a lot to say or doI see you in the placesWhere I once held your skinThere's nowhere I can goWhere we haven't beenIn the middle of a heartbreak song that I'm writing for youI find words to escape with all the courage I grewBut I feel you pulling and my spirit breaks againI'll be wholeBut I don't know when4. "Motion Sickness" by: Phoebe BridgersI hate you for what you didAnd I miss you like a little kidI faked it every time but that's alrightI can hardly feel anythingI hardly feel anything at allI have emotional motion sicknessSomebody roll the windows downThere are no words in the English languageI could scream to drown you out5. "Miscarriage" by: Said The WhaleWhen you bled out blood like it was both of usAnd I held your beautiful bodyWhen you put on a brave face for my familyAnd we had ThanksgivingAnd I'm thinking how happy it seemed my mother wasWhen she thought that I'd be a fatherHow we gathered our friends aroundAnd broke the news like a couple of foolsTell me how to actAll I wanna do is make it alrightI want to tell you that you're beautifulAnd everything is fine6. "Half As Good As You" by: Tom Odell feat. Alice MertonI'm sick to death of eating breakfast on my ownStarting out my daily blues I'm sick to death of spilling coffee on my phone Scrolling through pictures of youI'd like to say that maybe we could work it outBut I know that it's no useIf I ever find anyone half as good as youI think maybe that will do I kissed a stranger in the hallway late last nightHe was wearing purple shoesI asked him when he kissed me, could he close his eyes?But he just looked at me confusedAnd people say my expectations are too highBut I'm not asking for the moonIf I ever find anyone half as good as youI think maybe that would doThanks for all your support. Here are all the ways you can do that!Follow me on Instagram @melody.is.okTwitter @melody_is_okSubscribe on YouTube "Melody is Ok"Leave a comment and rating on Apple PodcastsAnd I am doing a Christmas giveaway where I'm gifting an oil painting I made in a recent video. Comment on my Instagram post and I will pick a winner by Friday, December 13.

I get pretty fiery in this podcast! I'm chatting about how I have changed over the years, what to do with people who refuse to change harmful behaviors, and an encouragement for those who are navigating new territories. Let me know what you think!Follow me on instagram @melody.is.okTwitter @melody_is_okAnd YouTube "Melody Is Ok"

This week we're talking about an insecurity I have and how beauty ads hurt self-esteem.

Hey let's have a chat about the thought behind my new youtube channel and the future of this podcast! YIPPEE!You can subscribe here (or not):https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa-QLIeUGVB3vrZbb90-Vvw?view_as=subscriber