Optimal Living Daily - ARCHIVE 2 - Episodes 301-600 ONLY

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 3683: Catherine Beard shares how mindfulness helped her move beyond the surface-level calm of minimalism to cultivate true inner peace. By living in the present, she's learned to prioritize what matters, make more intuitive decisions, and feel deeply content with what she already has offering practical insight for anyone seeking simplicity on a deeper level. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.simplyfiercely.com/3-ways-mindfulness-simplifies-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Though my life looked calm and clutter-free on the outside, I was still overwhelmed and anxious on the inside." "Mindfulness helps me to clearly see what's important." "I've become a lot more content with what I already have in my life." Episode references: Un-Fancy by Caroline Rector: https://www.un-fancy.com Marie Kondo (KonMari Method): https://konmari.com The Blissful Mind: https://theblissfulmind.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3682: Ali Cornish unpacks the paralyzing nature of overthinking and how it subtly sabotages progress and peace of mind. By encouraging conscious action, presence, and a release from mental loops, she offers a grounded path toward mental clarity and purposeful living. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://everthrive.org/blog/2016/5/25/stop-overthinking Quotes to ponder: "Overthinking leads to paralysis. We become immobilized by our thoughts, and we don't move forward." "When we are present, we don't worry about what has happened or what will happen. We just are." "Stop thinking. Start doing. Live purposefully. Live deliberately." Episode references: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3681: Rog Law explores how embracing fear, rather than avoiding it, can unlock a richer, more authentic life. By sharing personal stories and insights, he encourages you to step boldly into discomfort, recognizing fear as a compass pointing toward your deepest growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://roglawfitness.com/facing-your-fears-living-life-in-the-key-of-awesome/ Quotes to ponder: "Fear isn't going anywhere, so instead of trying to banish it, why not use it as a compass?" "When you feel fear, it means you're on the edge of something meaningful." "Growth and comfort rarely ride in the same car." Episode references: The Artist's Way: https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252 Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway: https://www.amazon.com/Feel-Fear-Do-Anyway/dp/0345487427 The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3680: Benjamin Hardy explores the profound impact of relationships on our health, happiness, and personal growth, drawing from a 75-year Harvard study and other compelling research. You'll discover how love, gratitude, and living for something beyond yourself can be powerful drivers of resilience, purpose, and emotional well-being. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/thrive-global/this-75-year-harvard-study-reveals-the-secret-to-happiness-and-success-3cf0002510fe Quotes to ponder: “The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.” “The biggest predictor of your happiness and fulfillment overall in life is, basically, love.” “You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving.” Episode references: Meta-Analysis on Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316 Dr. Gabor Maté Official Website: https://drgabormate.com John Wooden Quotes: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/john_wooden_104927 Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273 What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness – Robert Waldinger TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_what_makes_a_good_life_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_happiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3679: Cal Newport explores a minimalist yet effective approach to personal productivity by combining structured systems with intuitive freedom. Drawing on insights from top performers, he outlines how to balance organization without over-planning, helping you maintain momentum and avoid burnout. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2009/10/02/freestyle-productivity-balancing-systems-and-simplicity-when-organizing-your-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Most people exist somewhere in between: they crave the structure of a system, but become frustrated if it grows too complicated." "Freestyle productivity is about finding the right level of organization to enable your work, not get in its way." "You want your systems to be like a fine-tuned guitar: always there to help you produce something beautiful, but never stealing the spotlight." Episode references: Getting Things Done: https://gettingthingsdone.com The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/ Scott Young's Study Hacks: https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/ Zen To Done: https://zenhabits.net/zen-to-done-ztd-the-ultimate-simple-productivity-system/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3678: Krista O'Reilly-Davi-Digui reflects on a quietly profound moment shared with her dying mother, discovering that hope can exist alongside grief. Through birdsong, sunlight, and presence, she finds that beauty and suffering are not opposites but companions, offering solace in the midst of heartbreak. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.alifeinprogress.ca/hope-the-thing-with-feathers/ Quotes to ponder: "Joy and pain can coexist." "It is possible to feel happiness as someone you love is dying." "The Waxwings brought it to me. They pretended they were only there to eat the berries. But I saw it, the stroke of vibrant yellow brushed boldly along the tips of their otherwise somber tails." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3677: Derek Sivers shares two compact yet profound reflections: one on the paradox of chasing goals and the other on handling hatred. In the first, he reminds us that striving too hard can backfire, sometimes what we want only comes when we stop chasing. In the second, he offers a liberating reframe: you don't need to hate something just because it's not for you. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/fish & https://sive.rs/hatenot Quotes to ponder: "If you chase a fish, it will swim away. But if you go about your business calmly, it may come to you out of curiosity." "Not liking something doesn't mean you have to hate it." "It's a relief to realize you don't have to fight everything that's not for you." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3676: Andie Thueson urges readers to wake up from the autopilot routines that dull life's vibrancy, offering practical steps to reclaim joy, creativity, and purpose. Through self-inquiry, energy awareness, and intentional shifts in mindset and habit, she shows how to trade survival mode for a more energized, soul-aligned way of living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://andiethueson.com/how-to-know-if-you-are-awake-or-sleepwalking-through-life/ Quotes to ponder: "We are designed to be powerful creators of our lives!" "Your outer reality is a manifestation of your inner reality." "Choose to shift and wake up to a life filled with passion and fun!" Episode references: You Can Heal Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Heal-Your-Life/dp/0937611018 The Four Agreements: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319 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

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 3675: Rebecca Crespo explores how clinging to expectations can quietly undermine happiness, strain relationships, and fuel internal stress. Her guidance reveals how letting go fosters emotional freedom, deeper acceptance, and a more peaceful way of moving through life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.minimalismmadesimple.com/home/let-go-of-expectations Quotes to ponder: "Expectations can create unnecessary stress and disappointment when reality doesn't match up." "When we release our grip on how we think things should be, we make space for what actually is." "Letting go of expectations allows us to enjoy the moment and be more present in our daily lives." Episode references: The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3674: Cylon George invites readers to embrace the surprising joy of underachievement by challenging society's obsession with constant productivity. By stepping off the treadmill of striving, he discovers a deeper sense of purpose, presence, and peace in simply being himself, offering a liberating path to those feeling overwhelmed or stuck in the pursuit of “more.” Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.spirituallivingforbusypeople.com/underachieving-never-felt-so-good Quotes to ponder: "Underachieving never felt so good." "I no longer feel compelled to prove myself or impress anyone." "I'm learning to be okay with not knowing what's next." Episode references: The Surrender Experiment: https://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Experiment-Journey-Lifes-Perfection/dp/080414110X The Four Agreements: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319 The Untethered Soul: https://www.amazon.com/Untethered-Soul-Journey-Beyond-Yourself/dp/1572245379 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3673: Sara Stanizai unpacks the emotional toll of being the family “black sheep,” exploring how rejection, shame, and unmet expectations can deeply impact mental health. Her insights offer a path toward healing through self-acceptance, boundary-setting, and redefining belonging on your own terms. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.prospecttherapy.com/blog/2018/6/12/how-being-the-black-sheep-of-your-family-affects-your-mental-health Quotes to ponder: "Being the ‘black sheep' can result in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem." "Often, black sheep are punished not for being bad, but for being different." "You can redefine what it means to belong, even if it's not within your family of origin." Episode references: Running on Empty: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Empty-Overcome-Childhood-Emotional/dp/161448242X The Drama of the Gifted Child: https://www.amazon.com/Drama-Gifted-Child-Search-True/dp/0465016901 Toxic Parents: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Parents-Overcoming-Hurtful-Reclaiming/dp/0553381407 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3672: Ingrid Y. Helander explores how avoidance silently undermines key areas of life - from work and health to relationships and finances, and reveals how small, compassionate steps can interrupt this cycle. Her gentle, evidence-backed approach helps listeners face discomfort without self-blame, empowering lasting emotional and behavioral change. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ingridyhelanderlmft.com/6-life-areas-youre-avoiding-and-4-ways-to-stop/ Quotes to ponder: "Avoiding can become a way of life if you're not careful, robbing you of time, relationship, money, fun and other pleasures." "Basically avoidance is a habitual coping skill, aimed at reducing pain that is reinforced each time you do it." "Avoidance is trying to save your system from pain. Granted, avoiding things and people creates more pain over time, but in the moment, it can feel pretty darn good." Episode references: Avoidance Coping by Elizabeth Scott, MS: https://www.verywellmind.com/avoidance-coping-ways-to-cope-with-stress-3144664 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3671: Paula Pant challenges the myth that willpower is the key to success, revealing how environment, systems, and identity play a far greater role in shaping our behavior. By understanding the limits of willpower, listeners gain tools to design a life where success becomes automatic, not forced. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://affordanything.com/willpower-is-not-enough/ Quotes to ponder: "Willpower is like a muscle, it fatigues with overuse." "Don't rely on self-control alone. Design your environment so the default choices are the right ones." "Your identity shapes your habits. And your habits reinforce your identity." Episode references: The Power of Habit: https://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/ Switch: https://heathbrothers.com/books/switch/ Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength: https://www.amazon.com/Willpower-Rediscovering-Greatest-Human-Strength/dp/0143122231 Atomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3670: Steve Pavlina explores practical ways to align your daily choices with your life's true purpose, offering insights that help cut through confusion and hesitation. His approach emphasizes conscious decisions and continuous reflection, empowering you to create a life of meaning and fulfillment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2011/06/living-your-life-purpose/ Quotes to ponder: "Your purpose is not a goal or a list of goals. It's more like a compass that guides you for life." "Every day you have the choice to move towards your purpose or away from it." "If you aren't sure what your purpose is, then your purpose is to figure that out first." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3669: When life feels overwhelming, Kim Giles and Kristena Eden offer six compassionate strategies to restore hope and purpose. Their insights, rooted in resilience, gratitude, and meaningful connection, help listeners shift from survival mode to empowerment, even in the face of lasting challenges. This is an uplifting guide for anyone seeking small, daily victories that rekindle confidence and joy. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://corelivingessentials.com/life-is-about-a-hope-for-better-things-2/ Quotes to ponder: “Can you write down 10 positives this experience has created?” “If you can dream, then you can hang onto hope.” “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be achieved without hope and confidence.” Episode references: Man's Search for Meaning: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3668: Shirley shares practical strategies for reclaiming control over your digital habits, from deleting unnecessary apps to setting mindful time limits. By curating a positive online environment and tracking your usage, you can transform social media from a source of stress into a tool for intentional living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://daringliving.com/mindful-on-social-media/ Quotes to ponder: "Do not let these notifications control you. Instead, turn off ALL the notifications for social media." "Your feed is what you're going to consume on a regular basis. So it's important to be intentional with curating content that would make you feel good." "Reflection is key to building self awareness. And self awareness, is key to create any change in your life." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3667: Stepping away from his smartphone, Colin Wright reflects on how constant connectivity can subtly erode our ability to stay present and engaged with real-life moments. His insights encourage us to reconsider our relationship with technology, highlighting the value of balance between sharing experiences and fully living them. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://exilelifestyle.com/tweeting/ Quotes to ponder: “Sharing is great, but if you give away your life before taking the time to experience it yourself, you're missing out on everything.” “I was making myself ignorant, pushing all of that information out of my mind and into this tiny little device.” “Balance is so key to this. If you go completely off-grid, you miss out on some of the marvelous things that are happening in the interconnected space. If you go into full-phone-absorption mode, you miss out on the world around you.” 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

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 3666: Courtney Carver shares a timeless parable that reveals how true happiness comes from balancing life's responsibilities with the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. Through simplicity and intentional living, she encourages us to clear the clutter, both physical and mental, to make space for joy right now, rather than waiting for the “perfect” moment. This is an inspiring reminder to focus on what matters most while fully embracing the present. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bemorewithless.com/the-secret-to-happiness Quotes to ponder: "The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon." "Imagine dumping everything in your life that is meaningless. Everything that you don't do for love. What would be leftover?" "I can tell you with great conviction that it's time to be happy right now." Episode references: The Alchemist: https://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0061122416 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3665: Jacob Lund Fisker challenges conventional wisdom on travel by questioning its true value beyond consumerism and social status. He argues that living abroad and developing useful skills offer far deeper personal growth and perspective than typical tourism. Discover why meaningful experiences come not from collecting destinations but from immersing yourself in new cultures and responsibilities. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://earlyretirementextreme.com/travel-tourism-and-living-abroad.html Quotes to ponder: “Having been to the other side of the world no longer means braving mountain ranges, running out of food, or being chased by bandits.” “I highly recommend living abroad though out of which traveling is a very very small part, that is, a couple of days of getting there vs a few years or more of being there.” “To see the world, get the skills first, then travel. Not the other way around.” Episode references: Doctors Without Borders: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org Peace Corps: https://www.peacecorps.gov World Tourism Organization: https://www.unwto.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3664: Elana Miller offers a thoughtful guide to understanding dreams, emphasizing how they can illuminate hidden emotions and internal conflicts. Through simple, practical steps, she empowers readers to explore their subconscious, fostering self-awareness and personal growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenpsychiatry.com/how-to-analyze-your-dreams/ Quotes to ponder: "Dreams give us access to information and insight we might not otherwise see in our waking lives." "Your dreams speak the language of symbols, not logic." "Ask yourself: What emotions did I feel in the dream, and when do I feel those emotions in my waking life?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3663: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores the invisible walls we build around our hearts and minds, revealing how these boundaries shape our relationships, protect our sense of self, and sometimes isolate us. He offers powerful insights into how therapy helps us thoughtfully renovate these walls, neither tearing them down nor fortifying them blindly, but crafting doors that allow connection on our terms. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/trojan-horses-and-flying-dice/ Quotes to ponder: "Perhaps the biggest walls, the most important walls, are the ones that cannot be seen at all." "Therapy is not meant to be a wrecking ball for the walls we have built. Therapy is a place where our walls are given the renovation they require." "Not a revolving door, where anyone can come and go as they please, but a door of our choosing, that opens from the inside, a door that makes it possible for you to confidently invite people in to your lonely space, because it is good to have company we can trust." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3662: Erica Layne shares six heartfelt reasons why embracing self-love can profoundly transform your life. From quieting self-criticism to deepening connections with others, her insights remind us that the path to growth, peace, and authentic relationships begins within. Discover how self-compassion not only lifts the weight of outside expectations but also models empowerment for those we care about most. Quotes to ponder: “Shame, the belief that you're unworthy of love and belonging, does not support long-term, transformational change.” “Self-love helps us see our own potential, allows us to forgive ourselves when we take a step backward, and eliminates the shame spiral that so often lands us right back where we started.” “For every part of myself that I've decided to accept over the years, I've felt the pressure of other people's opinions fall away.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3661: Angelina Lee offers a heartfelt reminder that true restoration comes not just from pausing our bodies, but from quieting our minds and granting ourselves permission to rest fully. She also illustrates how small, thoughtful gestures, like a favorite snack delivered in a time of need, can embody extraordinary love and provide deep comfort. Together, these insights inspire us to embrace rest with intention and to recognize the powerful impact of simple acts of care. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://exploringplanbe.com/permission-to-rest/  &  https://exploringplanbe.com/extraordinary-love/ Quotes to ponder: "Just because your body is lying down doesn't mean that you are resting." "Extraordinary love looks like being able to show up just as we are, and being assured that that is enough." "After all, worrying while lying down is just burning energy in a different way." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3660: Author J. Money encourages readers to voice their desires clearly and unapologetically, showing how openness can attract support, opportunities, and positive outcomes. He shares personal stories demonstrating that simply asking or stating what you want often leads to surprising generosity and collaboration. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://budgetsaresexy.com/tell-people-what-you-want/ Quotes to ponder: “I'm here to remind you today that if you want something, tell people about it.” “The more people that know what you want, the more people can help you get it.” “You might not always get what you're looking for, but you'll 100% get nothing if you never ask.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3659: Zoe Kim examines why we sometimes feel stuck even when we know what we want, highlighting how overthinking and perfectionism keep us from moving forward. She shares how simple, small steps can help us overcome inertia and create lasting momentum toward a more intentional life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nosidebar.com/stuck/ Quotes to ponder: "Feeling stuck isn't a reflection of your abilities or worth; it's a normal part of growth." "Overthinking and perfectionism often keep us frozen in place." "Taking small steps creates momentum, and momentum is what carries us forward." Episode references: Essentialism: https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382 The Slight Edge: https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3658: Allison Carmen explores how our thoughts shape our emotional world and offers practical ways to break free from patterns that cause unnecessary suffering. By shifting perspective and embracing uncertainty, she shows how we can regain power over our inner lives and cultivate greater peace and joy. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.allisoncarmen.com/can-we-choose-how-we-feel/ Quotes to ponder: “We can't always choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we respond and how we feel about it.” “Often, we create more pain and suffering by how we think about a situation than the situation itself.” “When we let go of needing to control everything, we create space for peace, acceptance, and even joy.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3657: Small, consistent actions can transform daunting goals into achievable milestones. Kathy Robinson shares how steady daily effort and simple tracking methods helped her build strength and confidence over time, offering a practical blueprint for anyone ready to turn aspirations into lasting progress. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://athenawellness.com/blog/2022/1/1/small-steps-big-strides Quotes to ponder: "Small steps establish habits, give you confidence when you hit your micro-goals, and provide motivation for the enduring success." "Over time you'll prove to yourself that small steps add up to big strides and long-term gains." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3656: Loneliness is rising to dangerous levels, yet Ryan Frederick highlights how thoughtful choices about where and how we live can help foster deep social connections and belonging. Drawing on insights from researchers like Dr. John Cacioppo and examples such as co-housing and walkable communities, Frederick explores practical ways to make the opposite of loneliness part of everyday life. Discover how simple kindness, intentional design, and community spirit can transform isolation into connection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.here.life/blog/the-opposite-of-loneliness Quotes to ponder: "We don't have a word for the opposite of loneliness, but if we did, I could say that's what I want in life. What I'm grateful and thankful to have found at Yale, and what I'm scared of losing when we wake up tomorrow and leave this place." "It's not quite love and it's not quite community; it's just this feeling that there are people, an abundance of people, who are in this together. Who are on your team." "Loneliness and weak social connections are associated with a reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3655: Marc Chernoff shares practical strategies to declutter your mind, reduce daily stress, and cultivate meaningful progress. By embracing small, intentional actions, you'll learn how to simplify your routines, strengthen relationships, and focus on what truly matters for long-term happiness. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.marcandangel.com/2016/04/06/7-little-ways-to-make-life-simpler/ Quotes to ponder: "Don't settle for what's available. Don't accept an option simply because it's the only option you're being given." "Instead of dwelling on what you don't want, consider what you do want, and then chart a course in that direction." "Saying no to unnecessary commitments gives you the time to say yes to the things that matter most." Episode references: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less: https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382 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

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 3654: Leo Babauta explores the transformative power of truly listening with full presence and without the urge to interrupt or solve. By practicing this deep attention, you can foster stronger connections, reduce conflict, and cultivate inner calm. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/listen/ Quotes to ponder: "When we truly listen to someone, we are giving them a powerful gift." "We want to fix, solve, offer advice, share our own stories, or defend ourselves. But that's not what's needed." "Listening with full presence, without needing to do anything but be there, is transformative." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3653: As we navigate midlife, Kerry Ogden invites us to reflect on the transformative shift from external validation to inner truth. Through soulful insights and timeless wisdom, she highlights how releasing outdated roles and ego-driven ambitions opens the door to authenticity, deeper connection, and genuine freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://kerryogden.com/2021/03/spirits-in-a-material-world/ Quotes to ponder: "If it's something we can't buy there must be another way." "The time has come to let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are." "If I had my life to live over again, I'd start barefoot early in the spring and stay that way late into the fall. And I would live each moment more." Episode references: The Gifts of Imperfection: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Let-Go-Supposed/dp/159285849X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3652: Joshua Becker highlights how offering one sincere compliment in each conversation can profoundly uplift others, foster meaningful connections, and reshape the emotional environment around us. His simple challenge encourages mindfulness, empathy, and intentional kindness, all while helping us shift focus from ourselves to the people we engage with. Discover how this small, consistent act can spark a ripple effect of positivity in your daily life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/good-word/ Quotes to ponder: "Include one compliment in every conversation. It's that simple. And it's that difficult." "Our words are important. They have the potential to carry life within them." "When we share happiness, we receive it." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3651: Kerri Richardson invites us to reflect on how clutter and excess can act as shields from vulnerability, and how letting go, even temporarily, can help uncover our true values and emotional blocks. This thought-provoking exploration challenges us to reassess priorities and discover the power hidden in simplicity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://kerririchardson.com/stripped/ Quotes to ponder: "I have no choice but to feel all the emotions I usually distract myself from." "The clutter is actually your resistance, not the emotions." "When you clear out that which no longer serves you, you open yourself to powerful insight while making space to welcome in that which you desire." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3650: Josie Michelle Davis shares five simple habits that have significantly improved her productivity, mindset, and well-being over time. Her reflections offer practical encouragement for anyone looking to build sustainable routines that support a calmer, more intentional life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://josiemichelledavis.com/blog/2019/03/22/2019-3-20-5-habits-im-glad-i-stuck-with/ Quotes to ponder: "Small changes add up to big results." "Even if I didn't feel like I was doing much at the time, I can look back now and see how far I've come." "Doing yoga daily has been the single most important thing I've done for my mental health." Episode references: The Artist's Way: https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252 Duolingo: https://www.duolingo.com The Five Minute Journal: https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3649: Danny Coleman unpacks the emotional impact of criticism and lays out a grounded, four-step process to handle it with clarity and maturity. Learn how to transform feedback, no matter how painful, into powerful self-awareness and personal growth by balancing emotional detachment with honest reflection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jillfit.com/2016/06/22/4-ways-criticism/ Quotes to ponder: "Above all other stresses, the feeling of being personally criticized takes the biggest tolls on our bodies and on our ability to think clearly." "Just because somebody shares what they think, doesn't necessarily make it true, and it doesn't mean we have to do anything with it." "When you're emotionally charged up, there's a good chance somebody is tapping into some truth or insecurities of yours." Episode references: Be Excellent at Anything: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Excellent-Anything-Transforming-Performance/dp/1451610262 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3648: Jay Harrington highlights how reclaiming your weekends with intentional planning and “microadventures” can replicate the restorative benefits of a vacation without ever leaving town. By shifting your mindset and embracing simple, local experiences, you can boost happiness, reduce stress, and start each week more refreshed and energized. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeandwhim.com/first-moments-blog/2019/plan-microadventures Quotes to ponder: "Rather than waiting all year for a two-week vacation to roll around, why not realize these benefits during the two-day vacation that's waiting for you every weekend?" "Those who treated the weekend as if it was a vacation were significantly happier when Monday arrived than those that didn't." "Something different, something exciting, but cheap, simple, short, and on your doorstep." Episode references: Boston Consulting Group productivity research (via Harvard Business Review): https://hbr.org/2009/10/making-time-off-predictable-and-required Alastair Humphreys' Microadventures Blog: https://alastairhumphreys.com/microadventures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3647: Mark Fisher explores how the words we use can shape and reshape our mindset, suggesting three common words to eliminate for a more empowered, open, and constructive inner dialogue. By swapping out “problem,” “mistake,” and “no” for more proactive alternatives, we can build stronger beliefs, reduce stress, and deepen connection with others. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://markfisherfitness.com/3-words-to-delete-from-your-vocabulary-why-words-matter/ Quotes to ponder: "But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought." "Every single word is a reflection of how we perceive the world around us." “Saying ‘Yes - and - ' tells the other party that you are listening and agree with at least part of what they're saying.” Episode references: 1984 by George Orwell: https://www.amazon.com/1984-Signet-Classics-George-Orwell/dp/0451524934 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3646: David Cain invites readers to confront the unsettling realization that much of life is spent mentally elsewhere. By illuminating how often our thoughts drift from the present moment, he offers simple yet powerful strategies to reclaim awareness and fully inhabit our lived experience. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.raptitude.com/?s=where+is+your+mind Quotes to ponder: "You're almost never thinking about what you're actually doing." "Life only happens here, in the place where your body is." "When you are thinking about something else, you are only dimly aware that you are here." Episode references: 10% Happier: https://www.amazon.com/10-Happier-Self-Help-Actually-Works/dp/0062265431 Wherever You Go, There You Are:  https://www.amazon.com/Wherever-You-There-Are-Mindfulness/dp/1401307787 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3645: Adam M. Lowenstein explores the fine line between meaningful self-improvement and self-indulgence, challenging us to examine whether our personal growth truly serves others or just ourselves. Through thoughtful reflection, he reveals how cultivating balance and embracing the discomfort of that tension is essential to living a more intentional, connected life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.adaml.blog/life-and-news/are-you-working-on-self-improvement-or-self-indulgence Quotes to ponder: "To make yourself a better person is to make the world a better place." "At a certain point, the worthy undertaking of self-improvement has become self-indulgence." "Life is, and should be, a constant calibration and recalibration." Episode references: In Love with the World: https://www.amazon.com/Love-World-Journey-Through-Bardos/dp/0525512535 Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Zebras-Dont-Ulcers-Third/dp/0805073698 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3644: Nir Eyal and Stuart Luman explore how the ancient fear of being left out has been supercharged by modern technology, leading to a constant state of distraction and anxiety. By embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), they show how we can shift from reactive behavior to intentional living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/2015/01/fomo.html Quotes to ponder: "FOMO is an ancient fear, lodged deep in our brains, that we might be left out or left behind." "Technology didn't create the problem; it just made it more visible and pervasive." "JOMO comes when you stop looking at what you may be missing and start appreciating what you have." Episode references: Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products: https://www.amazon.com/Hooked-How-Build-Habit-Forming-Products/dp/1591847788 Drive by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3643: Ellen Burgan offers a powerful reminder to stop sweating the small stuff and reclaim your peace of mind by shifting perspective. By learning to let go of irritations and focusing on what truly matters, you'll create space for more joy and less stress in everyday life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ifitbringsyoujoy.com/let-go-of-the-little-things/ Quotes to ponder: "Choose to make peace of mind a top priority, even above being right." "Letting go of the little things is a gift to yourself." "It's your choice to hold on to anger or frustration, or to let it go." Episode references: The Work by Byron Katie: https://thework.com Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender: https://www.amazon.com/Letting-Go-Pathway-David-Hawkins/dp/1401945015 Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Irritating/dp/0786881852 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3642: Shana Olmstead reframes anxiety not as a flaw to fix but as a spiritual signal, a gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudge toward alignment, authenticity, and inner truth. Through practices like mindfulness and meditation, anxiety becomes a guide that reveals ego patterns, highlights necessary life changes, and supports conscious evolution. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://shanaolmstead.com/2019/04/30/anxiety-into-awakening/ Quotes to ponder: "Anxiety is a call to wake up. To connect with your deeper wisdom. To stop doing things that are creating misalignment internally and start doing things that bring you closer to your truth." "This anxiety you feel is your higher self letting you know that some things need to change. You didn't do anything wrong, you were just unconscious of your truth." "Without this gift of anxiety we would go through life numb and asleep, never becoming aware of the discomfort that can lead us to transformation and expansion." Episode references: The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday: https://dailystoic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3641: April Dykman examines the internal conflict between overindulging and over-restricting with money, offering a deeply personal look at how both behaviors can sabotage financial peace. Her reflections encourage listeners to pursue a balanced approach that aligns spending with their core values rather than emotional reactions. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/the-balance-between-splurger-and-miser/ Quotes to ponder: "I don't like how I feel when I spend money, but I don't like how I feel when I don't spend money either." "I'm constantly searching for balance between being a miser and a splurger." "I've begun to see that spending in alignment with my values can lead to greater happiness." Episode references: The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Thomas-Stanley/dp/1589795474 Early Retirement Extreme: https://www.amazon.com/Early-Retirement-Extreme-Philosophical-Advanced/dp/145360121X Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3640: Cal Newport challenges the popular “write every day” mantra by revealing how it can backfire for ambitious, cognitively demanding projects. Instead, he advocates for a more strategic approach, optimizing your schedule to make space for deep work while managing motivational psychology with intentionality and clarity. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2013/01/13/write-every-day-is-bad-advice-hacking-the-psychology-of-big-projects/ Quotes to ponder: "Big projects are psychologically daunting. We fear them." "Working consistently, but not necessarily every day, ensures you preserve the psychological connection to the project." "When you do work, work deeply. Depth generates value faster than shallow repetition." Episode references: The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026 Deep Work: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/1455586692 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3639: Isaac Morehouse urges readers to reject the trap of learning for validation and instead align their learning directly with real-world goals. He explains how shifting focus from tests and credentials to task-based learning accelerates growth, deepens understanding, and builds confidence through authentic achievement. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://isaacmorehouse.com/2016/12/19/rules-of-ascendancy-learn-to-the-task-not-the-test/ Quotes to ponder: "Learn to the task, not the test." "The only learning worth anything is that which gets you closer to your goal." "You'll never be confident in your ability if your ability is always measured by someone else's standards." Episode references: Drive by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805 The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936891026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices