Waves of Joy Podcast

Empaths are often incredibly good at understanding everyone else. But how much of that empathy are you giving yourself? In this episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda sits down with psychiatrist, bestselling author, and empath expert Dr. Judith Orloff for a conversation about empathy, boundaries, intuition, self-trust, and the importance of self-empathy. Because caring deeply about other people doesn't require abandoning yourself. Brenda and Dr. Judith Orloff - known as the Godmother of the Empath Movement, explore what it means to experience the world as an empath, why boundaries matter, how sensitive people can work with their nervous systems, and what changes when you begin extending some of the compassion you so readily offer other people toward yourself. If you're someone who can understand everybody else's needs, feelings, reactions, and reasons—but still struggles to honor your own—this conversation is for you. Resources: Dr. Orloff's Quiz for Empaths: https://drjudithorloff.com/quizzes/are-you-an-empath-20-question-self-assessment-test/ The Genius of Empathy by Dr. Judith Orloff: https://drjudithorloff.com/books-journals-and-card-decks/ Connect with Dr. Judith Orloff and learn about her: https://drjudithorloff.com/about-dr-orloff/ YES TO ME: September 15, 6–8 PM Pacific https://www.brendawinkle.com/yestome POWER: Sef Trust for Empaths - https://www.brendawinkle.com/yestome Keywords: Empath, Empathy, Highly Sensitive Person, Self Trust, Boundaries, Nervous System Regulation, Self Compassion, Intuition, Discernment, Burnout Prevention, Emotional Wellbeing, Personal Growth, Healing Journey, Judith Orloff, The Genius of Empathy, Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda Winkle

What if you're not actually indecisive? What if you're taking in so much information that you can't hear yourself anymore? For empaths, making a decision can mean processing far more than the decision itself. There's what you want - and then there's someone else's disappointment, your partner's opinion, your family's expectations, another reading, another podcast, another Reddit thread, another certification, and one more attempt to get absolutely certain before you move. In this episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda shares how she knew as early as 2000 that teaching was no longer sustainable for her... and then spent 22 more years finding her way out. She explores what happened when she allowed other people's opinions about her career to become more valuable information than her own lived experience. You'll learn three ways to begin separating what you actually know from all the additional information you're processing: Capture what you know before you poll the room. Stop automatically treating someone else's reaction as information about your decision. Notice when “I need more information” may actually mean “I want certainty.” Brenda also shares a client story about what changed when one woman developed enough nervous-system capacity to stop organizing her choices around other people's reactions, and what Brenda is noticing among people who repeatedly seek another reading or answer even after they've already received one. Because self-trust doesn't mean knowing the right answer every time. It means trusting yourself to respond to what happens after you choose. ✨ YES TO ME happens live September 15 from 6–8 PM Pacific. Bring the decision, relationship, boundary, opportunity, change, or desire you've been circling. You don't need to arrive knowing your answer. You can come fully in the wobble. Details coming soon. ✨ Enrollment for POWER: Self-Trust for Empaths opens in September. The next cohort begins September 29. https://www.brendawinkle.com/power Join us in the Empowered Empath Collective - https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership Reflection questions from this episode: What did I think before I asked everyone else? Whose reaction am I trying to prevent or manage? What information do I genuinely still need—and what am I collecting because I want certainty? What do I know today? What is one honest next step? Download your free energy audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Keywords: Empath, Empaths, Empath Life, Empowered Empath, Highly Sensitive Person, Self Trust, Trust Yourself, Overthinking, Indecision, Decision Making, Intuition, Intuitive Living, Nervous System Regulation, Somatic Healing, Emotional Healing, Personal Growth, People Pleasing, Boundaries, Empath Boundaries, Spiritual Growth, Self Awareness, Healing Journey, Mindset Shift, Yes To Me, Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda Winkle

You know when your energy changes. So why is it sometimes so damn hard to do something about it? For empaths, the problem often isn't recognizing that a person, conversation, or situation is depleting us. We notice. And then we override what we noticed. In this episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda explores why protecting your energy can feel much harder than simply “setting better boundaries.” She shares what happened when a client became so depleted she experienced what Brenda calls energy sickness, how to begin recognizing your own physical signals of depletion, and why hydration, protein, and energetic hygiene matter. Brenda also shares a recent conversation with her mom that uncovered an old belief hiding underneath her own difficulty with boundaries: setting a boundary could mean burning a bridge. Then there's the phone call. Brenda knew her energy was changing. The call dropped three separate times. She kept reconnecting. Shortly afterward, she went into a TikTok Live that performed at roughly 25% of what she'd become accustomed to seeing. Was the conversation responsible? There's no way to know for certain. But Brenda knew she had ignored what her body was telling her—and it raised a much bigger question: What is it costing you when you do the same? This episode will help you notice where your energy is changing, understand why protecting it can feel threatening, and take responsibility for something you actually CAN control: Who gets continued access to you. ✨ Download Brenda's free Energy Audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit ✨ The Empowered Empath Collective is currently exploring intuition and learning to recognize your own internal signals: https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership ✨ Enrollment for POWER: Self-Trust for Empaths opens in September. The next cohort begins Tuesday, September 29, with calls Tuesdays from 6:30–8:00 PM Pacific: https://www.brendawinkle.com/power Keywords: empath, energy protection, energetic boundaries, boundaries for empaths, intuition, self-trust, nervous system regulation, energy depletion, emotional boundaries, somatic healing

You know you need more people to see your work. So maybe you've wondered: Is it time to run ads? I had that exact question when I first talked with Meta ads strategist Jenn Possick in January 2025. In fact, I was ready to hire her. Jenn essentially told me: not yet. I had recently closed my flagship program. I wasn't sure which of my lead magnets were working, and I was still figuring out what came next in my business. Jenn told me something I haven't forgotten: You can't put ads behind something when you don't know if it's working. And instead of losing my business, that honesty built my trust. More than a year later, my business is clearer; I know what is working, and the conversation about paid visibility looks very different. In this episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Jenn and I talk about how to know when your business is actually ready for Meta ads - and why ads aren't designed to rescue a business that isn't converting. Jenn explains why you need to know who your clients are and be able to sell before you start pouring money into visibility. We talk about testing offers and lead magnets organically, building an email list you actually know how to nurture, and why getting more people into a funnel doesn't help much if they aren't the right people. We also get into retargeting, which may completely change what you think an ads budget has to look like. Jenn explains that retargeting allows you to advertise to people who have already interacted with your business, and that some businesses can begin getting traction with retargeting at around $5 a day. And because this is Jenn and me, we also talk about entrepreneurship, doing your own inner work, Grand Cayman, Stingray City, swimming in bioluminescence, and why the version of somebody's life you see from the outside is never the whole story. In this episode, you'll hear: How to tell whether your business is actually ready for paid ads Why being able to sell comes before trying to scale What needs to be working before you put money behind it Why boosting a post and having an actual Meta ads strategy are not the same thing How to test whether people actually want your lead magnet or offer Why your email list matters—and why Jenn recommends selling earlier in your welcome sequence The difference between list-building and retargeting ads How retargeting works with people who already know something about you Why some businesses may be able to start retargeting for around $5/day What changes if you aren't consistently posting on social media Why getting more people into your world is useless if they aren't the people who will eventually buy How Jenn's AdMakers Society supports businesses that aren't ready for full-service ads management Jenn specifically created AdMakers Society with businesses making under $100K in mind, with training around retargeting and list-building ads plus support with ads, landing pages, thank-you pages, and funnels. The question to take with you Before asking: “How do I get more people to see this?” Ask: “Do I have evidence that this is already working?” Because more visibility isn't always the next move. Sometimes the next move is getting clear enough about what works that you know exactly what you want to amplify. Connect with Jenn Here is a gift from her: jennpossick.com/onead Jenn's website: jennpossick.com Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennpossick/ WORK WITH BRENDA: https://www.brendawinkle.com/power https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership https://www.brendawinkle.com/coaching Keywords Meta ads, Facebook ads, Instagram ads, Meta advertising, Jenn Possick, retargeting ads, Facebook retargeting, Instagram retargeting, ads for small business, ads for coaches, ads for healers, wellness entrepreneur, empath entrepreneur, heart-centered entrepreneur, online business growth, scaling an online business, lead generation, lead magnets, email list building, email marketing, sales funnels, paid traffic, organic marketing, AdMakers Society, Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life

What if the thing you can't stop wanting is trying to tell you something? You feel pulled toward something. A place. A person. An idea. An experience. And almost immediately, your brain wants an explanation. Why do I want this? Does this make sense? Is it practical? What will everyone else think? For empaths, there can be another layer: You don't just know that someone else doesn't understand your choice. You can often feel their discomfort with it. In this episode of Your Yes Filled Life, I'm taking you to London with me for a story that unfolded exactly one year after my dad died. I had one seemingly random thing I really wanted to do while my family was there: visit Watkins Books, a centuries-old mystical bookstore near Trafalgar Square. My family was lukewarm about it. Then we walked inside. Their bodies said no. Mine said more. What happened next - including a Moldavite crystal, a man who introduced himself as a Guardian of Watkins Books, an unplanned walk through London, and a synchronicity I still think about - became one of the clearest experiences I've ever had of what it can look like to follow an intuitive pull before you understand where it's taking you. In this episode, you'll learn three practices for trusting those intuitive nudges: How to let yourself want what you want before explaining or justifying it. How to notice your own body's response before scanning the room for everyone else's. How to let someone else have a completely different response without making their discomfort mean your choice is wrong. I also share why this story feels especially poignant on the second anniversary of my dad's death, what he taught me about following your heart, and why being able to communicate with someone in spirit doesn't mean you stop missing their physical presence. You don't have to know exactly where you're going to know your next step. Sometimes the next step is simply the thing you can't stop wanting. Resources + Ways to Work With Brenda The Empowered Empath Collective We're spending August and early September exploring intuition: how you recognize your own signals, discern what's yours, and stop overriding what you know. Join for $111/month or choose the annual option and receive two months free. → https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership POWER: Self-Trust for Empaths POWER opens for enrollment in September, and the fall cohort begins September 29. → https://www.brendawinkle.com/power Private Advisory Coaching For high-level individualized support, learn more and apply here. → https://www.brendawinkle.com/coaching Keywords: Empath, Intuition, Self Trust, Highly Sensitive Person, Intuitive Woman, Empath Life, Trust Your Intuition, Follow Your Intuition, Spiritual Growth, Somatic Awareness, Nervous System Regulation, Emotional Wellness, Personal Growth, Psychic Medium, Empowered Empath, Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda Winkle

How many signs do you need before you finally trust what you already know? Maybe you've pulled another card. Asked another friend. Booked another reading. Googled the angel number again. Listened to another podcast. Or asked the same question three slightly different ways, hoping this time the answer will finally make you feel certain. There's nothing wrong with seeking guidance. But sometimes, what looks like discernment is actually doubt dressed up as intuitive guidance. In this episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda explores the difference between receiving spiritual guidance and using signs to search for certainty. She also shares a very recent experience from her own life: after spending much of July questioning whether she was on the right path, an opportunity arrived that reminded her just how much had already been unfolding behind the scenes. You'll hear Brenda explore: Why we keep looking for “one more sign” when we already have an answer How fear and nervous-system activation can make subtle intuitive information harder to notice Why intuitive guidance may be quieter than doubt Signs Brenda notices through numbers, animals, music, claircognizance, clairvoyance, and other intuitive experiences How empaths can lose track of their own knowing underneath other people's emotions, expressions, and opinions Why creating space is essential for Brenda's own discernment How Brenda approaches psychic mediumship without taking away a client's agency Why a reading, coach, or intuitive should support your self-trust rather than make you dependent on them The question to ask yourself when you're tempted to seek yet another answer Brenda also shares an exciting behind-the-scenes podcast story involving The Spiritual Investor host Elizabeth Ralph, plus an update on her upcoming conversation with Dr. Judith Orloff. The question to take with you: Am I looking for information I genuinely don't have, or am I looking for permission to trust what I already know? Subscribe to Your Yes Filled Life wherever you listen, and leave a rating or review to help more listeners discover the show. Download your free energy audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Keywords: Self Trust, Signs, Intuition, Spiritual Growth, Podcast Host, YourYesFilledLife, Brenda Winkle, Psychic Medium, Signs from departed love ones

What does being an empath actually feel like in real life - before you regulate, process it, and turn it into a lesson? Welcome to the first podcast edition of Unfiltered Empath, a new series within Your Yes Filled Life where Brenda takes you behind the scenes of what it actually feels like to BE an empath. This first episode wasn't planned. After Brenda's Uncle Curt died, she noticed something happening in her body every time she connected with her cousins. She was grieving, too - but these tears felt different. In this deeply personal episode, Brenda shares the experience in real time: the FaceTime call that allowed her to say goodbye to her uncle, the physical differences she notices between her own grief and what she experiences empathically in connection with others, and why knowing herself well enough to recognize the difference allowed her to stay connected instead of isolating. Brenda explores: What grief can feel like in an empathic body Why feeling with someone is different from becoming responsible for their feelings The difference Brenda notices between her own tears and empathic tears Why empaths may isolate when they're afraid of making other people carry their emotions What Brenda means by being emotionally “clean” The importance of examining the motive underneath connection Why being “the strong one” or emotional regulator of the room isn't always helpful Tears, laughter, movement, dance, and other physical outlets Brenda uses Why emotional hygiene creates more freedom—not less—to feel deeply What you can expect from the new Unfiltered Empath series This isn't a how-to episode. There's no five-step process. And there's no tidy ending. It's an invitation to notice: What does being an empath actually feel like in YOUR body?

What becomes possible when you finally trust yourself? In this inspiring episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda sits down with her client, Jill, to reflect on the transformation that's unfolded through years of coaching and Jill's experience inside POWER. When they first began working together, Jill felt stuck, heavy, and uncertain about her next chapter. Today, she's living a life that's deeply aligned with who she is, creating meaningful work through sound healing and making decisions with confidence. Together they explore: What it feels like to move from self-doubt to self-trust Why healthy boundaries strengthened Jill's relationships How becoming "a better friend" to herself changed everything The difference between performing and serving How sound healing supports healing and nervous-system regulation What Jill wishes she'd known before beginning this journey Whether you're longing to trust yourself more deeply, navigate a career transition, or stop abandoning your own needs, this conversation offers hope that lasting change is possible. ✨ Resources • Join the POWER Waitlist https://www.brendawinkle.com/power • Apply for Private Coaching https://www.brendawinkle.com/coaching • Connect with Jill and learn more about Purple Frog Vibrations & Healing Keywords: Self Trust, Personal Growth, Healing Journey, Authentic Living, Boundaries, Healthy Boundaries, Nervous System Regulation, Emotional Healing, Sound Healing, Self Compassion, Confidence, Life Coaching, Women Empowerment, Empath, Authenticity, Burnout Recovery, Music Teacher, Career Transition, Self Love, Personal Transformation, Intuition, Discernment, Your Yes Filled Life, Jill Perrin, Sound Healing

Have you ever known what you needed to do—even when everyone around you disagreed? In this deeply personal episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda shares the story of one of the most important intuitive decisions she's ever made: driving across the country to see her father despite nearly everyone telling her not to go. That decision gave her sixteen priceless days with her dad before his passing. This conversation isn't just about grief. It's about learning to trust yourself when there are no guarantees, no certainty, and no unanimous approval. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why intuition rarely arrives with external validation • How to distinguish inner knowing from fear • Why emotional doesn't automatically mean dysregulated • What self-trust actually looks like in real life • How to move forward when other people's opinions conflict with your own knowing If you've ever questioned your intuition because someone else couldn't understand it, this episode is for you. Resources ✨ Join the POWER Waitlist: https://www.brendawinkle.com/power ✨ Apply for Private Coaching: https://www.brendawinkle.com/coaching

In this episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda Winkle shares a new way to think about boundaries by introducing the deeper foundation beneath them: your standards. You'll learn: Why boundary scripts often don't solve the real problem The difference between values, standards, and boundaries How raising your standards changes your relationships, work, and self-trust Why nervous-system regulation is essential for lasting change How to stop negotiating with yourself and start living in alignment If you've ever found yourself saying, "I know I should have said no," this episode offers a completely different lens. Resources: • Join the POWER Waitlist https://www.brendawinkle.com/power • Apply for Private Coaching - https://www.brendawinkle.com/coaching • Connect with Brenda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendawinkle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brenda.winkle111 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendawinkle/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brendawinkle111 Keywords: Boundaries, Healthy Boundaries, Personal Boundaries, Standards, Personal Standards, Values, Core Values, Self Trust, Discernment, Inner Wisdom, Emotional Intelligence, Nervous System Regulation, Embodiment, Mindset Shift, Identity Work, Personal Growth, Self Leadership, People Pleasing, Overcoming People Pleasing, Empath, Empath Life, Highly Sensitive Person, HSP, Women Empowerment, High Achieving Women, Leadership Development, Confidence, Intuition, Emotional Wellbeing, Self Worth, Authentic Living, Conscious Living, Healing Journey, Inner Peace, Resilience, Relationship Advice, Life Coaching, Transform Your Life, Personal Development, Your Yes Filled Life

You can read every book, go to therapy, hire a coach, journal, meditate, practice breathwork, and become incredibly self-aware. But if you continue repeating the habits, choices, relationships, and environments that are producing the same result, insight will only take you so far. In this episode, Brenda shares the loving truth many accomplished, empathic women need to hear: at some point, growth stops being about what you understand and becomes about what you are willing to do differently. She explores the four stages of change - awareness, preparation, implementation, and integration - and explains why it is so easy to stay stuck in the first two. Awareness can feel productive. Research can feel like progress. But neither creates a new result until something changes in real life. You'll hear why nervous-system support is not only about helping you tolerate discomfort. It can also help you build the capacity to change the life you have. Brenda also shares personal stories about leaving an abusive marriage, building a business with support, becoming a beginner on the dance floor, and learning that meaningful change rarely happens through insight alone. In this episode: Why self-awareness and self-leadership are not the same How personal development can become a sophisticated form of avoidance Why your life responds to what you repeatedly do and allow How nervous-system regulation supports real-world action The difference between compassion for your pattern and continuing to protect it Why the next step does not need to be dramatic, but it does need to be real When POWER is the right next step When private coaching may be a better fit A pattern can be understandable and still be unsustainable. POWER is a year-long experience for women who are ready to move beyond insight and practice self-trust, discernment, nervous-system regulation, and aligned action in real life. Join the POWER waitlist: https://www.brendawinkle.com/power For a personalized plan around a specific decision, business challenge, relationship, or life transition, apply for private coaching: https://www.brendawinkle.com/coaching Keywords Self Trust, Personal Growth, Nervous System Regulation, Somatic Healing, Empath, Highly Sensitive Person, Discernment, Boundaries, Career Change, Toxic Workplace, Relationship Patterns, Self Leadership, Intuition, Emotional Healing, Embodiment, Personal Development, Life Coaching, POWER, Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life

What if the most transformative thing you could do isn't become someone new - but finally learn to love and trust the person you already are? For many people, especially those raised in religious traditions that emphasized self-sacrifice over self-compassion, self-love can feel uncomfortable... even wrong. In this heartfelt conversation, Brenda sits down with Brian Beall to explore his journey from fear and self-doubt to self-acceptance. Together, they discuss how healing, emotional awareness, and learning to trust yourself can deepen—not diminish—your relationship with the Divine. Whether you've questioned your faith, wrestled with religious conditioning, or simply wondered if caring for yourself is somehow selfish, this episode offers permission to approach your healing with curiosity, compassion, and courage. In this episode, we explore: Why self-love isn't selfish Healing from religious conditioning and spiritual shame Learning to trust yourself and your intuition The role of somatic healing and emotional awareness Why feeling your emotions creates freedom instead of weakness Moving from fear and self-doubt to self-acceptance What true transformation looks like ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, the POWER waitlist is now open for women who are ready to deepen their self-trust, discernment, and inner authority. You can also learn more about private coaching through the links below. Learn more about POWER and join the waitlist to be the first notified when the fall cohort becomes available: https://www.brendawinkle.com/power Learn about private coaching and apply: https://www.brendawinkle.com/coaching Keywords: Self Trust, Self Love, Intuition, Discernment, Religious Trauma, Faith and Spirituality, Emotional Healing, Somatic Healing, Personal Growth, Empath, Highly Sensitive Person, Embodiment, Nervous System Regulation, Spiritual Growth, Conscious Living, Self Compassion, Your Yes Filled Life Podcast, Brenda Winkle, Brian Beall, Your Yes Filled Life

What if the reason you can't hear your intuition isn't because it isn't speaking? What if you've simply lost your frame? In this episode, Brenda shares an unexpected lesson from the dance floor that transformed the way she thinks about intuition, energetic sovereignty, and self-trust. Using partner dancing as a powerful metaphor, she explores why staying grounded in your own energy allows you to better recognize intuitive guidance—and why energy work alone isn't enough if you never take action. You'll learn: What "holding your frame" really means Why "spaghetti arms" might be running your life The difference between healthy tension and unhealthy rigidity Why intuition whispers while fear gets loud The missing piece in so much of today's spiritual and coaching advice How taking imperfect action strengthens self-trust Mentioned in this episode ✨ Lion's Gate Portal: Activate Your Abundance https://www.brendawinkle.com/offers/kngHZc4m/checkout ✨ Private Coaching with Brenda Connect at: https://www.brendawinkle.com/coaching Keywords: LionsGatePortal, Your Yes Filled Life, Abundance Mindset, Intuition, Self Trust, Empath, Breathwork, Reiki Healing, Energy Healing, Nervous System Regulation, Conscious Living, Personal Growth, Aligned Action, Trust Yourself, Embodiment, Brenda Winkle, Hold Your Frame

Most conversations about personal growth focus on becoming. Becoming more confident. More healed. More successful. More intuitive. But what happens when you suddenly realize… you've already become her? In this deeply personal episode, Brenda shares the unexpected moment that stopped her in her tracks - a cherished olive oil bottle shattering on a Saturday morning before a trip to the Oregon coast. What looked like an inconvenience became something much more profound. A recognition. A moment of honoring the woman who worked so hard to create the life she now lives. Together you'll explore: • Why identity shifts often bring gratitude and grief at the same time • The surprising emotional side of realizing you've changed • Why growth happens through thousands of small decisions - not one dramatic breakthrough • The difference between manifestation and embodied action • How self-compassion creates lasting transformation • Why your current self deserves the same grace you're willing to give your past self If you've been doing deep personal work for years and wonder whether you're making progress... This episode is your reminder to pause long enough to recognize just how far you've already come. Resources Mentioned ✨ Lion's Gate Portal | Activate Your Abundance Saturday, August 8 Breathwork • Reiki • Intuitive Guidance register here Learn more about private coaching and apply here: https://www.brendawinkle.com/coaching Download your free energy audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Keywords: Identity shift, identity work, identity transformation, personal growth, self-trust, intuition, intuitive living, trust your intuition, discernment, self-leadership, embodiment, empath, empathic women, highly sensitive person, emotional intelligence, emotional healing, post-traumatic growth, life transitions, reinvention, self-awareness, resilience, courage, honoring your past self, grieving your old identity, recognizing your own transformation, the emotional side of personal growth, signs you've outgrown your old identity, learning to trust your intuition, identity work for empathic women, becoming the person you're meant to be, leadership, women's personal development, Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda Winkle

What if the biggest communication problems in your life aren't caused by one big conversation... ...but by hundreds of tiny moments of unclear communication? In this episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda sits down with healthcare communication strategist Devon Bruce to explore her powerful concept of communication debt - the invisible misunderstandings that quietly accumulate over time until they become costly personally and professionally. While Devon specializes in helping healthcare organizations improve communication and reduce operational risk, this conversation quickly expands into something much bigger: self-trust nervous system regulation rebuilding after difficult life transitions following intuition in business finding alignment instead of forcing success Whether you work in healthcare or not, you'll leave this episode looking at communication - and yourself - in a completely different way. In this episode: • What communication debt actually is • Why "ASAP" creates more problems than you think • How tone changes the meaning of everything • Why communication problems are often nervous system problems • How both Brenda and Devon rebuilt their lives after leaving difficult marriages • The surprising signs you're building your business in the wrong direction • Why clarity - not the language you speak - is often the real issue • How intuition can show up through data, systems, and structure Favorite Quote "If it feels like you're pushing a giant rock uphill every day...you may not be out of work ethic. You may be out of alignment." Connect with Devon LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonbruce-eca/ Website https://devonbruce.com/ https://englishcommunicationacademy.com/ Resources: Trust Yourself - Free Masterclass - Register at https://www.brendawinkle.com/nextlevel (note date changed to September) Free energy audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Keywords: communication, communication debt, misunderstandings, conflict, operational risks, healthcare communication, clear communication, specific communication, tone, nervous system regulation, self-trust, empathic women, emotional energy, boundaries, intuition, client stories, communication breakdowns, healthcare organizations, communication infrastructure, clarity, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, anxiety, intuition, leadership, patient satisfaction, retention, LinkedIn, personal journey, self-discovery, trust yourself, masterclass, podcast, Brenda Winkle, Devon Bruce, Your Yes Filled Life.

What if one of the biggest things standing between you and self-trust isn't a lack of confidence... ...but a lifetime of being rewarded for being "good"? In the Season 8 premiere of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda explores the hidden cost of "good girl" conditioning—how many empathic women learn to prioritize compliance over congruence, and why that pattern makes it so difficult to trust themselves, even when they already know what they want. This isn't an episode about becoming rebellious. It's about becoming more fully yourself. In this episode you'll discover: Why "good" often becomes synonymous with compliant How empathic women become experts at sensing other people's discomfort The surprising connection between self-trust and intuition Why boundaries aren't the beginning of the work—they're the result of it The difference between being kind and being compliant What you'll be "unlearning" throughout Season 8 This episode is for you if... • You know exactly what you want until someone else's opinion enters the conversation. • You've been praised for being "easy," "low maintenance," or "the one everyone can count on." • You're ready to stop abandoning yourself in order to keep the peace. Favorite Quote "Good has often been used to mean compliant. I'm just not going to be compliant anymore." Resources

Have you ever found yourself procrastinating on the very thing that matters most? This week, Brenda takes you behind the scenes of a very real moment. On the final day before enrollment closes for POWER, she found herself avoiding the one thing she most wanted to do—recording this podcast. What she discovered wasn't a lack of discipline. It was a nervous system trying to protect her. In this deeply personal episode, Brenda shares what it looks like to meet yourself with compassion without letting yourself off the hook, why your nervous system doesn't distinguish between launching a program and disappointing someone you love, and how self-trust is built in the messy middle—not after you've figured everything out. You'll learn: Why procrastination isn't always about motivation The difference between "I don't know" and "I'm protecting myself" How to recognize when your nervous system is asking for safety What it means to "meet the arising" The fine line between self-compassion and self-abandonment Why your activation doesn't say anything about your worth Resources ✨ Download the free Emotional Energy Audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit ✨ Learn more about POWER: https://www.brendawinkle.com/power Keywords: Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, leadership guide, psychic, medium, somatic coach, Power Self Trust for Empath, emotional overwhelm, authenticity, nervous system activation, compassion, self-worth, community support, empath journey, emotional healing, personal growth, vulnerability, intuition, embodied confidence, Power program, emotional baggage, self-love, accountability, Six Pillars of Intuition, personal development, transformation, healing process, authentic self, empowerment, coaching, emotional awareness, growth journey, mindfulness, resilience, community, support system

What if your exhaustion isn't coming from caring too much... What if it's coming from disappearing from your own life? In this episode, Brenda shares two deeply personal stories—from leaving a rock painting party when she noticed she was tired to a photograph she hid during an abusive marriage—to illustrate a truth that many empaths already know in their bodies: You often know what needs to change long before you're ready to make the change. Together, you'll explore why caring becomes expensive when you leave yourself out of the equation, how resentment and hypervigilance develop, and why learning to trust yourself doesn't make you less compassionate—it actually makes you more generous. In This Episode You'll Learn Why so many empaths already know what needs to change How self-abandonment quietly erodes your energy The hidden relationship between resentment and emotional labor Why honoring yourself doesn't make you selfish How self-trust creates more authentic generosity What actually changes inside POWER Mentioned in this episode ✨ Download the free Emotional Energy Audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit ✨ Learn more about POWER: https://www.brendawinkle.com/power Keywords: Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, leadership guide, psychic, medium, somatic coach, caring without boundaries, emotional costs, personal stories, domestic violence, reclaiming power, setting boundaries, self-trust, priority list, empathy, compassion, POWER framework, Presence, Optimize, Wisdom, Embodiment, Renew, emotional well-being, empaths in leadership, toxic relationships, awareness phase, change, resentment, entitlement, hypervigilance, emotional labor, mental exhaustion, anxiety, self-care, intuition, generosity, community roles, personal growth, self-empowerment, emotional safety, personal well-being, listening to oneself, honoring feelings, capacity to give.

Have you ever started honoring your own needs… and immediately wondered if you were becoming selfish? If you're an empath, that feeling is more common than you think. In this episode, Brenda explores why honoring yourself can feel uncomfortable, what your nervous system has to do with it, and why the discomfort you're experiencing might actually be a sign of growth—not failure. You'll learn why self-trust isn't about becoming less caring. It's about finally making your experience part of the equation. In this episode you'll learn Why self-honoring often feels uncomfortable at first The nervous system's role in self-trust How resentment develops (and what it's trying to tell you) Why identity—not information—is often the missing piece Small, everyday examples of what self-trust actually looks like Resources ✨ Download the free Emotional Energy Audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit ✨ Learn more about POWER: https://www.brendawinkle.com/power If you've ever found yourself wondering: Am I becoming difficult? Why does honoring myself feel so uncomfortable? Why do I know what I need but still struggle to follow through? This conversation is for you. You'll learn how your nervous system influences self-trust, why resentment can be valuable information, and how to begin making your experience matter too. ✨ Free Emotional Energy Audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit ✨ Learn more about POWER: https://www.brendawinkle.com/power #selftrust #empaths #nervoussystem #boundaries #personalgrowth Keywords: Brenda Winkle, leadership guide, psychic, medium, somatic coach, Your Yes Filled Life, ambitious leaders, empaths, self-honor, selfishness, boundaries, energy audit, nervous system, stress responses, window of tolerance, resentment, entitlement, identity shifts, self-trust, self-care, emotional bandwidth, difficult conversations, people-pleasing, conflict resolution, self-awareness, energy management, healthy relationships, personal growth, trauma recovery, honoring needs, personal experience, community support, Power program, rupture-repair cycle, self-advocacy, enrollment, podcast, Judith Orloff, empath movement, leadership experts, personal transformation.

Have you ever known exactly what you wanted to do… until someone else had an opinion? Maybe you knew you needed a boundary. Maybe you knew you needed rest. Maybe you knew it was time for a change. And then someone else's emotions, expectations, concerns, or disappointment entered the conversation—and suddenly what felt clear started feeling cloudy. In this episode, Brenda explores one of the most common self-trust challenges empaths face: Not knowing what to do. Trusting themselves when other people are involved. You'll learn: ✨ Why empaths often mistake impact-processing for confusion ✨ The nervous system reason self-trust feels harder under stress ✨ Why people-pleasing isn't a personality flaw ✨ How other people's emotions can cloud your clarity ✨ The hidden cost of overriding yourself ✨ Practical questions to help you reconnect with what you already know If you've ever thought: "I know what I want... so why can't I just do it?" This episode is for you. Resources Mentioned ✨ Free Masterclass: Trust Yourself Again: Why You Already Know More Than You Trust https://www.brendawinkle.com/nextlevel ✨ Emotional Energy Audit https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Connect with Brenda Website: https://www.brendawinkle.com Instagram: @brendawinkle Keywords: Brenda Winkle, leadership guide, psychic, medium, somatic coach, empaths, self-trust, decision-making, setting boundaries, emotional influence, clarity, nervous system, empathic abilities, masterclass, Trust Yourself Again, Power Self Trust, reclaim clarity, emotional impact, intuition, embodied confidence, energetic system, self-approval, identity shift, breathwork, tapping, compassion, decision-making process, personal stories, emotional safety, community, empowered self, sovereignty, practical framework, support for empaths, podcast, mentorship, transformation, gifts, energetic leadership.

What if you're not waiting for more information? What if you're waiting for permission? In this episode, Brenda explores why so many empaths and emotionally intelligent people already know what they want—but struggle to trust themselves enough to act on it. You'll learn: ✨ Why waiting often has less to do with clarity and more to do with self-trust ✨ The hidden cost of overriding your own knowing ✨ Why fear of disappointment, conflict, and being misunderstood keeps people stuck ✨ The surprising reason you're probably not afraid of making the wrong decision ✨ Five powerful reflection questions to help you reconnect with yourself If you've ever felt clear until someone else entered the conversation, this episode is for you. Reflection Questions What do you already know? What decision have you already made that you're still asking other people to approve? What are you waiting for? What if permission never comes externally? What if your experience mattered too? Mentioned In This Episode ✨ TRUST YOURSELF AGAIN Why You Already Know More Than You Trust Register: https://www.brendawinkle.com/nextlevel Download your free emotional energy audit: http://brendawinkle.com/audit POWER is now enrolling. Learn more here: https://www.brendawinkle.com/power Keywords: Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, podcast, empaths, self-trust, waiting, personal anecdotes, music teacher, professional development, fear of selfishness, conflict avoidance, disappointment, emotional patterns, boundaries, self-concept, validation, childhood experiences, empowerment, inner knowing, reflection questions, self-appreciation, Trust Yourself Again masterclass, courage, reclaiming authority, personal growth, decision-making, emotional well-being, authenticity, self-discovery, life milestones, prioritizing self, trusting oneself, waiting for change, taking action, misaligned relationships, inner guidance, self-empowerment, stepping into identity.

Have you ever found yourself asking everyone else what they think before making a decision? Seeking reassurance or Looking for approval. Or maybe you try to make sure everyone is comfortable before allowing yourself to move forward. If so, this episode is for you. Many empaths spend years learning how to read a room, anticipate reactions, and make decisions based on how others might feel. But eventually, growth asks something different of us. It asks us to make our own experience matter too. In this episode, Brenda explores: ✨ Why self-trust is often a regulation issue rather than a confidence issue ✨ How empaths unintentionally make decisions by committee ✨ The hidden cost of organizing your life around other people's approval ✨ Why growth can feel threatening to belonging ✨ The identity shift that happens when you stop living for everyone else's comfort ✨ How "the pause" helps rebuild self-trust You'll also hear stories from POWER participants who have learned how to stop carrying what isn't theirs and trust themselves more deeply. Mentioned in this episode

Have you ever found yourself waiting for someone to tell you it's okay? Okay to rest. Okay to say no. Okay to leave. Okay to change your mind. Okay to trust yourself. In this episode of Your Yes-Filled Life, Brenda explores why so many empaths and high-achievers spend years seeking permission from external sources—and why the permission they're looking for never quite sticks. Because the real issue isn't permission. It's self-trust. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✨ Why high-achievers often become addicted to approval ✨ How childhood conditioning and workplace culture reinforce permission-seeking ✨ Why self-trust becomes harder during major life transitions ✨ The surprising reason you're allowed to revisit decisions you've already made ✨ How nervous system regulation supports self-trust ✨ Why other people's opinions aren't always evidence you're on the wrong path ✨ A powerful reframe from participants inside POWER: Self-Trust for Empaths Reflection Question If you were going to give yourself permission to do what you really want... What would you do? Resources Mentioned

Have you ever said yes when you meant no... Stayed quiet to avoid disappointing someone... Or put someone else's comfort ahead of your own truth? Many empaths call this kindness. But what if it's actually self-abandonment? In this episode of Your Yes-Filled Life, Brenda explores why so many empaths override their own needs, desires, and inner knowing in the name of being "nice" and how that pattern quietly erodes self-trust. You'll discover: ✨ Why self-abandonment often gets mistaken for kindness ✨ The hidden belief that keeps empaths prioritizing everyone else ✨ Why people stop trusting your yes when you don't tell the truth ✨ How self-abandonment impacts relationships ✨ The surprising cost of becoming a chameleon ✨ Why discomfort is not the same thing as danger ✨ A powerful reframe from participants inside POWER: Self-Trust for Empaths ✨ Reflection questions to help you identify where this pattern may be showing up in your own life Reflection Questions When do you call something kindness that actually feels like obligation? Where are you saying yes because you're afraid of disappointing someone? Where are you hoping someone will notice a sacrifice you've never discussed? Can someone be disappointed and you still be kind? Can someone disagree and you still be kind? What would change if honesty became part of your definition of kindness? Resources Mentioned

When Did You Learn That Everyone Else's Needs Matter More Than Yours? Have you ever noticed that you can easily identify how everyone else feels, but struggle to identify—or honor—your own feelings, needs, and desires? Many empaths, highly sensitive people, helpers, and leaders learned early in life that other people's experiences mattered more than their own. Over time, this can lead to people-pleasing, overcommitment, second-guessing, overexplaining, and difficulty trusting yourself. In this episode, Brenda explores: ✨ Why empaths often prioritize everyone else's needs before their own ✨ How childhood conditioning and relational dynamics reinforce self-abandonment ✨ The hidden cost of making decisions based on other people's comfort ✨ Why self-trust is not about becoming someone new ✨ How to begin giving your own experience equal weight ✨ The powerful shift from "Everyone else matters" to "My experience matters too" If you've ever struggled to trust yourself, make decisions without seeking reassurance, or stop overexplaining your choices, this episode is for you. Key Quote "The goal isn't becoming someone new. The goal is to stop treating yourself like the least important person in your own decision-making process." Free Masterclass TRUST YOURSELF AGAIN: Why You Already Know More Than You Trust A Simple Framework for Returning to Yourself When Stress, Self-Doubt, and Other People's Expectations Pull You Off Course Register at:

Have you ever known exactly what you wanted to do... until someone else's opinion, disappointment, or expectations entered the picture? If you're an empath, this episode is for you. Many highly intuitive, emotionally intelligent people assume they struggle with self-trust because they lack clarity. But what if the real issue isn't knowing? What if you've simply been taught to prioritize everyone else's signals over your own? In this episode, Brenda explores: ✨ Why empaths often override themselves even when they're clear ✨ The difference between empathy and intuition ✨ How self-abandonment can disguise itself as kindness ✨ Why over-accommodating others creates exhaustion and resentment ✨ What it actually means to practice self-empathy ✨ How to trust yourself without becoming rigid or disconnected If you've ever left a conversation wondering why you didn't say what you really meant - or found yourself seeking reassurance for decisions you already made - this episode will help you understand why. Mentioned In This Episode

Have you ever noticed that when life gets overwhelming, you start second-guessing yourself more? Maybe your boundaries get softer. Maybe you start people-pleasing again. Maybe old habits and patterns you thought you'd healed suddenly resurface. What if nothing has gone wrong? In this episode, Brenda explores why self-trust becomes harder during periods of stress, emotional overload, burnout, grief, and depletion—and why returning to yourself is a practice, not a destination. You'll learn: Why exhausted nervous systems return to familiar patterns How stress impacts discernment and decision-making The connection between self-trust and nervous system capacity Why awareness alone isn't enough The difference between regulation and emotional suppression How to stop judging yourself when old patterns resurface Practical ways to support yourself when life feels overwhelming Why identity shifts often feel messy before they feel aligned Key Takeaway The goal isn't perfection. The goal is learning how to return to yourself faster—with more compassion, more awareness, and more support. Resources Mentioned Free Energy Audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Trust Yourself Again Free Masterclass – June 25 - https://www.brendawinkle.com/nextlevel The Empowered Empath Collective https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership POWER: Self-Trust for Empaths https://www.brendawinkle.com/power Keywords: Brenda Winkle, leadership guide, psychic, medium, somatic coach, Your Yes Filled Life, ambitious leaders, empaths, stress, self-trust, emotional overload, nervous system regulation, self-compassion, Empowered Empath Collective, Trust Yourself Again, emotional clarity, setbacks, personal examples, quiet time, practical tips, nourishment, hydration, rest, boundaries, people-pleasing, habits, emotional eating, self-care, healing, growth, breathwork, spiritual bypassing, perfectionism, support, identity shift, community, masterclass, self-trust for empaths, compassionate connection, emotional intelligence, resilience, mindfulness, self-awareness, personal development, podcast, mental health, empowerment.

What happens when you become the most emotionally aware person in your family… but everyone else stays the same? In this episode, I'm joined by physician, stress researcher, and founder of the Family Reset program, Dr. Ali Novitsky for a deeply honest conversation about nervous system regulation, emotional labor, family stress dynamics, and what happens when one person starts healing inside a dysregulated system. We talk about: ✨ why the most regulated person often carries the biggest emotional burden ✨ stress patterns inside family systems ✨ emotional contagion and nervous system overload ✨ boundaries, people pleasing, and self-trust ✨ why awareness alone isn't enough ✨ how healing impacts relationships and identity This conversation is for the woman who feels like she's carrying everyone emotionally and is exhausted from being the one holding everything together.

You can know exactly what you need… and still not do it. In this episode, Brenda explores why awareness alone doesn't automatically create change — especially for emotionally intelligent people who tend to overthink, overfunction, and override themselves in real time. You'll learn: ✨ why insight doesn't always interrupt patterns ✨ how nervous system familiarity impacts behavior ✨ what self-override actually looks like ✨ why perfectionism keeps people stuck ✨ and how practice builds self-trust over time This episode also explores: • emotional over-responsibility • people pleasing • shrinking yourself to preserve connection • relational guilt • nervous system repetition • overconsuming content instead of practicing Key reminder:

What if your exhaustion isn't only coming from how much you're physically doing… but from how much you're emotionally managing? In this episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda explores the hidden emotional labor many empathic and emotionally intelligent women carry every single day: ✨ anticipating reactions ✨ monitoring tension ✨ cushioning truth ✨ replaying conversations ✨ emotionally pre-managing other people's experiences …and how exhausting that becomes. You'll learn: why emotional management creates nervous system exhaustion how hypervigilance disconnects you from yourself what changes when you stop emotionally carrying everyone how self-trust, intuition, and clarity begin returning why emotionally quieter relationships feel so freeing the difference between caring deeply and emotionally carrying people This episode is a powerful invitation to stop disappearing inside everyone else's emotional experience and reconnect with your own steadiness, joy, discernment, and authenticity. Because caring deeply should not require you to abandon yourself. ✨ Resources Mentioned: • Join the Empowered Empath Collective https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership • POWER: Self-Trust for Empathic Women https://www.brendawinkle.com/power • Free Emotional Energy Audit → https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Keywords: Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, leadership guide, psychic, medium, somatic coach, emotional management, emotional labor, emotionally intelligent people, chronic tiredness, emotional caretaking, energy, boundaries, self-trust, emotional steadiness, authentic communication, nervous system regulation, hypervigilance, emotional experiences, personal story, self-care, replenishment, saying no, discomfort, celebrate achievements, high achievers, empaths, resting guilt-free, emotional responsibility, creativity, joy, emotional regulation, authenticity, Empowered Empath Collective, Power Self Trust, empowerment, reclaim energy, clarity, living fully in your gifts.

Have you ever noticed how quickly you explain away what you know? Maybe you tell yourself: “I'm overreacting.” “It's probably not a big deal.” “Maybe they know better than I do.” “I don't want to be unfair.” And before you even realize it, you've disconnected from yourself. In this episode, Brenda explores the subtle moment emotionally intelligent people begin overriding their own knowing, and why this pattern slowly erodes self-trust over time. You'll learn: why emotionally intelligent people override themselves so quickly how empathy can become self-abandonment the nervous system patterns underneath over-explaining and over-accommodation why emotionally intelligent people often adjust their standards in relationships how nervous system regulation creates emotional resilience and what starts changing when you stop leaving yourself This episode is a powerful reminder that: self-trust is not built through more information. It's built through embodied practice. Reflection Questions: Where do you most quickly override yourself? What phrases do you say when you start disconnecting from yourself? What would change if you trusted yourself 10% faster?

Do you constantly monitor how other people are feeling? Do you: • over-explain yourself • soften your boundaries • hesitate to share good news • feel responsible for other people's disappointment • carry emotional tension that isn't yours? In this episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda Winkle explores why highly empathic people often confuse empathy with emotional responsibility — and how that slowly erodes self-trust, nervous system safety, and emotional freedom. Brenda shares: ✨ the subtle ways emotionally intelligent people self-abandon ✨ how nervous system conditioning creates emotional hypervigilance ✨ the difference between compassion and emotional caretaking ✨ the hidden link between resentment and entitlement ✨ why emotional monitoring disconnects you from your intuition ✨ practical ways to stop carrying emotions that aren't yours This episode also explores: • emotional contagion research • nervous system safety • self-silencing patterns • overfunctioning in relationships • somatic awareness • rebuilding self-trust If you've ever felt exhausted from carrying everyone else emotionally, this episode will help you understand why — and how to begin returning to yourself.

Have you ever looked back on a situation and thought:

You're aware of it. You can feel it. You know you're overriding your intuition sometimes… So why doesn't anything actually change? In this episode, we're going deeper than awareness into the real reason you're stuck in the same patterns, even when you “get it.” Brenda breaks down: Why awareness alone can actually create frustration The missing piece between knowing and changing How your nervous system quietly overrides your intuition Why affirmations sometimes make things worse (and what to do instead) What self-trust actually feels like in your body The identity shift required to stop second-guessing yourself Plus, she shares powerful reflection questions to help you reconnect with your inner knowing - without pressure or perfection. This isn't about fixing yourself. It's about learning to stay with yourself. Links + Resources: Free Energy Audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Apply for the IGNITE Retreat (limited spots): https://www.brendawinkle.com/igniteretreat Join the Empowered Empath Collective -https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership Keywords: Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, self-trust, intuition, leadership guide, psychic, medium, somatic coach, self-empowerment, nervous system regulation, self-compassion, embodied change, intellectual awareness, personal experiences, affirmations, subconscious resistance, internalized patriarchy, cultural factors, women's empowerment, identity shift, external validation, self-acceptance, transformation, energetic conditions, nurturing kindness, reclaiming personal power, approval seeking, confidence, clarity, decision-making, presence, integration, reflection questions, Ignite Retreat, supportive environment, empathy, sensitivity, compassionate leadership, personal growth, journey of self-trust, empowerment, authenticity.

Have you ever walked away from a situation thinking:

There's a version of you that feels real, familiar… and true. It's how you describe yourself. How others know you. How you make decisions. But what if that version of you is also the reason you can't see what you actually want? In this episode, we explore the intersection of identity and nervous system safety — and how your current identity might be quietly limiting what feels possible for you. Because this isn't about whether you can have what you want.

If you've ever told yourself, “I just need more time…” this episode is going to shift something for you. Because the truth is, more time isn't what creates change. In this episode, we explore: why your nervous system can block you from doing what you know you want how “should” thinking creates pressure and shuts down momentum what's actually happening when things are going well… and you still can't follow through why enjoying your life can feel uncomfortable (and how to change that) the difference between understanding something and actually living it You'll also learn: a simple way to rethink your time and energy how to recognize when your nervous system is reading growth as a threat why self-trust isn't built through more effort but through different action This is the work of becoming someone who can hold what she wants. Mentioned in this episode: Empowered Empath Collective (ongoing support + practice) https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership IGNITE Retreat waitlist - https://www.brendawinkle.com/igniteretreat Energy Audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Next Step: If this resonates, come practice this work with us inside the membership. This episode is also personal. This week has been incredibly hard. My dog has been struggling with anxiety, chronic pain, and reactivity, and we had to take him in for bloodwork because his pain isn't being managed. And in that appointment, our vet saw me. Really saw how hard things have been. And I cried… through the rest of the appointment and all the way home. At the same time, my daughter's dog—our former family dog—took an unexpected turn and passed away. So this isn't a conversation about being perfectly regulated or “handling life well.” This is about something much more real:

Many empathic women don't struggle to know what they want — they struggle to trust what they know. When you naturally sense emotional dynamics, anticipate reactions, and consider everyone else's needs, your own internal signal can start to feel quieter. Decisions that should feel simple begin to feel layered. In this episode, we explore a practical, body-based tool for rebuilding self-trust: muscle testing. Muscle testing helps you reconnect with your body's natural yes and no responses so decisions feel clearer, steadier, and more aligned. This is not about outsourcing your intuition or becoming someone different. It's about learning how to listen to signals your body has been giving you all along. You'll learn: • why empathic women often second-guess themselves • how your nervous system processes information before conscious thought • why self-trust requires internal safety • what muscle testing is and how it works • step-by-step instructions for reliable muscle testing • common mistakes that create false results • how to use muscle testing in everyday decisions • why practicing on small decisions builds confidence for bigger ones • how body awareness strengthens intuition Self-trust is built through repetition, not pressure. Your body already knows how to communicate with you. This episode helps you begin hearing those signals again. Resources Mentioned Blink – Malcolm Gladwell The Gift of Fear – Gavin de Becker Continue the Work Inside the Empowered Empath Collective, we practice applying tools like this in real life situations with support and structure. https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership Apply for the IGNITE Retreat:https://www.brendawinkle.com/igniteretreat Keywords self trust, intuition development, muscle testing, empathic women, nervous system awareness, embodied intuition, somatic decision making, emotional intelligence, highly sensitive person, inner knowing, intuitive development

Many empathic women are taught to prioritize others' needs automatically, often without realizing the personal cost. In this episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda Winkle explores why highly empathic women often feel responsible for emotional harmony, how this pattern develops, and why learning to build internal boundaries is essential for sustainable self-trust. With cultural conversations intensifying around power, autonomy, and safety, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how empathy can remain a strength without leading to self-abandonment. Brenda shares personal insight from her experience as a single mother healing from CPTSD, revealing how over-functioning for others can quietly disconnect women from themselves. You'll learn why discomfort does not equal harm, why empathy without internal boundaries creates emotional exhaustion, and how nervous system regulation allows you to care deeply without losing yourself. If you have ever felt responsible for everyone's emotions, struggled to prioritize yourself, or sensed the weight of unspoken expectations, this conversation will help you understand why and what actually helps. Enrollment for POWER closes April 20 and the summer cohort will open in late June/early July. https://www.brendawinkle.com/power In this episode, we explore: why empathic women often feel responsible for emotional harmony the hidden cost of constantly putting others first how self-abandonment can look like kindness why discomfort does not equal harm the role of nervous system regulation in self-trust how internal boundaries support emotional clarity why empathy is a strength when supported properly how caring deeply does not require disappearing Download your energy audit here: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Mentioned: Melissa Hogenboom, BBC Journalist and author https://melissahogenboom.substack.com/ Keywords empathic women, highly sensitive people, self trust, emotional boundaries, nervous system regulation, somatic coaching, emotional intelligence, people pleasing, self abandonment, trauma informed coaching, intuition development, internal boundaries, overgiving, emotional overwhelm, personal growth podcast, self trust podcast, healing from trauma, identity transition, confidence for sensitive women, empath burnout

When You Know What You Want… But Someone Else Might Be Hurt Many empathic women don't struggle to know what they want. They struggle to feel okay wanting it when they sense it might affect someone else. You may already feel clear about a decision, direction, or change... but the moment you imagine how someone might respond, everything can suddenly feel heavier. Not because you're unsure. Because you care. Highly perceptive women often process relational impact quickly. You may find yourself anticipating reactions, imagining disappointment, or managing emotional outcomes before anything has even happened. Over time, this can make even simple decisions feel complex. In this episode, we explore why empathy can make clarity harder to act on — and why discomfort in others does not automatically mean something is wrong. You'll learn why self-trust often requires allowing space for others to have their own emotional process without immediately taking responsibility for it. We also explore a simple but powerful analogy: the way we offer healthy choices to children without making their preferences mean something about our worth — and how this same dynamic often shows up in adult relationships. This episode will help you understand: why knowing what you want can still feel emotionally complicated why empathic women often anticipate disappointment before making decisions the difference between discomfort and harm why traditional boundary advice often feels difficult to apply how internal boundaries support steadiness in meaningful conversations why caring deeply does not require carrying emotional outcomes Empathy is not the problem. Over-carrying is. When internal boundaries strengthen, decisions begin to feel clearer, cleaner, and more sustainable. POWER is a 6-week program for empathic women navigating growth and transition who want to trust themselves without overriding what they know is true. Enrollment open through April 20. Learn more: https://www.brendawinkle.com/power Join the Embodied Empath Collective - https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership Keywords: emotional intelligence, Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, Intuition, Empathy, Empath, internal boundaries.

Many empathic women are known as the helpers, the steady ones, the people others rely on. But what happens when helping becomes automatic… and self-trust quietly weakens? In this episode of Your Yes Filled Life, Brenda Winkle explores the subtle difference between compassion and responsibility — and why over-helping can actually disconnect you from your own clarity. If you often: feel responsible for how others feel jump in quickly to fix, solve, or ease tension replay conversations wondering if you said too much or not enough feel emotionally drained after interactions struggle to trust yourself in high-stakes moments this episode will help you understand why. You'll learn: why empathic women often override their own knowing the hidden nervous system response behind over-giving the difference between caring and carrying how advice-giving can weaken self-trust (even when well intentioned) why internal boundaries create more ease than external boundaries alone how to stay connected to yourself without disconnecting from others You don't need to stop caring. But you may need to stop carrying everything for everyone. Enrollment is now open for POWER: Self-Trust for Empathic Women through April 20. (April 21 – June 2). This 6-week program helps highly empathic women: trust their inner knowing make clean decisions stop absorbing emotional pressure feel steady during growth and transition Learn more: https://www.brendawinkle.com/power Join the Empowered Empath Collective: https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership Download the free Energy Audit: www.brendawinkle.com/audit Share this episode with someone who feels deeply. Because empathy is not the problem. Lack of energetic boundaries is. Keywords: Brenda Winkle, leadership guide, psychic, medium, somatic coach, empathic leaders, compassionate leaders, helping isn't always helpful, high empathy, unsolicited advice, self-trust, setting boundaries, nervous system work, breathwork, somatic movement, emotional processing, rest, small actions, advice-giving, empathy, space-holders, automatic helping, listening, relationship dynamics, interrupting, emotional comfort, clear boundaries, safety, self-trust for empathic women, Power program, supporting without solving, intentional helping, personal stories, professional insights, gaslighting, emotional awareness, nurturing relationships, trust-building, self-care, healing practices, personal growth, leadership skills, community dynamics.

Many empathic women were taught that caring means being accommodating, flexible, understanding, and supportive. But over time, caring can quietly become carrying. And carrying becomes exhausting. In this episode, Brenda Winkle explores the subtle but important difference between compassion and self-abandonment — especially during periods of growth and transition. If you feel responsible for how others feel… if decisions feel heavier than they “should”… if you often put yourself last even when you know what you need… this conversation will help you understand why. You'll learn: how empathy can unintentionally lead to emotional over-responsibility why highly empathic women often override their own needs the difference between compassion and self-abandonment how stress responses like people-pleasing, over-functioning, freezing, or over-learning can appear why growth and life transitions can intensify these patterns how to care deeply without losing connection to yourself Many empathic women don't struggle with clarity. They struggle with the emotional complexity of change. When relationships shift… roles evolve… identity expands… the desire to avoid disappointing others can make decisions feel overwhelming. This episode will help you recognize when empathy becomes over-carrying — and how to return to self-trust. Links mentioned Learn more about POWER: Self-trust for empathic women navigating growth and transition https://www.brendawinkle.com/power Join the Empowered Empath Collective https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership Download the free Energy Audit: https://brendawinkle.com/audit Keywords: Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, leadership guide, psychic, medium, somatic coach, empathic women, self-abandonment, emotional overwhelm, self-honor, self-trust, personal development, energy work, compassion, caring vs carrying, boundaries, emotional intelligence, growth and transition, empty nesting, aging parents, career changes, Power framework, self-care, over-giving, over-committing, over-accommodating, stress responses, presence, optimize, wisdom, body, renew, self-awareness, personal experiences, emotional complexity, navigating challenges, support, kindness, self-neglect, ambitious leaders, intuition, vision, freedom, relationships, identity shifts, burnout, resentment, people-pleasing, podcast, coaching programs, empower, unique presence, clarity, freedom. empathic women, self-trust, emotional boundaries, people pleasing, highly sensitive person, intuitive women, personal growth, life transitions, identity shifts , emotional overwhelm, nervous system regulation, self abandonment, empathy burnout

What if the exhaustion you're feeling isn't from doing too much… but from carrying what was never yours to hold? Many empathic, high-achieving leaders unknowingly make themselves responsible for other people's emotions - believing it makes them kind, generous, or supportive. But over time, this pattern quietly erodes joy, clarity, and the ability to trust your own internal guidance. In this episode, Brenda explores the hidden costs of emotional over-responsibility, including: Why empathy without boundaries leads to burnou How taking responsibility for others' emotions disconnects you from your own internal GPS The identity shifts required to move from people-pleasing to embodied leadership Real-life client examples of reclaiming energetic sovereignty Why your nervous system may resist the very changes you deeply want How to stop abandoning your own desires in order to maintain harmony This conversation is especially relevant for helpers, healers, coaches, leaders, parents, and professionals who care deeply and are ready to care for themselves with the same devotion. Because living a “yes-filled life” isn't about saying yes to everything. It's about saying yes to what actually aligns with your truth. In this episode: Emotional sovereignty and why it changes everything The surprising cost of people pleasing How over-giving blocks fulfillment Recognizing when your nervous system is protecting an outdated identity Why protecting your time is part of stepping into leadership The link between resentment and misalignment Mentioned in the episode: Free Energy Audit https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Upcoming Masterclass: When you know what to do but something stops you: https://www.brendawinkle.com/nextlevel Join the Empowered Empath Collective: https://www.brendawinkle.com/membership Keywords:

For highly perceptive leaders, change is rarely just a personal decision. It feels like it impacts all your relationships. You may know exactly what you want…but still feel the emotional ripple effects of how that decision could impact the people around you. Their expectations, comfort, sense of stability, or idea of who you are. And because you feel those impacts in real time, growth can feel heavier than expected. In this episode, we explore why empathic and intuitive leaders often experience change differently - and why feeling the weight of impact does not mean you are unclear. You'll learn: Why highly empathic people process multiple layers of emotional information at once The difference between empathy and codependence Why clarity can feel less accessible when you're in conversation How anticipating others' reactions can influence decision-making Why identity shifts can feel both exciting and tender How to stay connected to yourself while caring deeply about others If you've ever felt very clear about what you want - until you start thinking about how it might affect others - this episode will help that experience make sense. Mentioned in the Episode Free Energy Audit A simple tool to help you track what fuels you and what drains you so you can make clearer decisions. Download here:https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Live Masterclass Invitation When You Know What To Do… But Something Still Stops You Learn what happens in the moment when clarity meets connection and how to stay connected to yourself while navigating growth. April 7 Register here: https://www.brendawinkle.com/nextlevel Keywords: Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, leadership guide, psychic medium, somatic coach, empathic leaders, emotional complexity, relational impact, change, empathy, codependency, career transitions, empty nester, retirement, personal growth, emotional processing, decision-making, mixed emotions, identity shifts, self-trust, compassion, relational dynamics, invisible pressures, harmony, emotional well-being, discomfort, transformation, masterclass, self-connection, clarity, community connections, personal anecdotes, podcast growth, listener engagement, emotional responsibility, navigating change, new opportunities, deep empathy, personal development, leadership challenges, emotional energy, interpersonal relationships.

Many highly empathic, high-achieving leaders reach a point where success alone no longer feels fulfilling. If you're a highly sensitive leader who has checked all the boxes - career success, recognition, achievement - yet still feel called to something deeper, this episode will help you understand why. Empathic leadership requires more than accomplishment. It requires alignment. In this episode, we explore why empathic, intuitive leaders often mistake achievement for true fulfillment and how reconnecting with your inner knowing can help you step into your next level of impact. You'll learn: The key difference between empathy and intuition and why confusing the two can lead to burnout Why high achievers often chase success that doesn't actually nourish them How empathic leaders can stop over-giving and reconnect with their deeper purpose Signs you're being called into a more meaningful version of leadership Why transitions (career changes, empty nesting, midlife shifts) often activate deeper alignment If you've ever felt like you're meant for something more...but can't quite explain why...this conversation will help you trust what you're sensing. Because empathic leadership isn't about doing more. It's about becoming more aligned with who you already are. Resources mentioned in this episode: Energy Audit: https://BrendaWinkle.com/audit April 7 Masterclass: When You Know What To Do But Something Stops You Share this episode with someone who is ready to lead with more clarity, compassion, and confidence. Keywords: Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, podcast, leadership guide, psychic medium, somatic coach, empathic leaders, high-achieving leaders, intuition, empathy, emotional sensitivity, personal achievements, self-celebration, misguided decisions, inner knowing, choral music education, success, fulfillment, burnout, caregiving, life transitions, midlife, perimenopause, menopause, community connections, heart-centered leadership, energy audit, masterclass, personal growth, authentic leadership, compassionate guidance, emotional awareness, relational dynamics, transformational leadership, deep empathy, clarity, freedom, personal development, leadership challenges.

Have you ever noticed how clear your decision feels…until you imagine how someone else might react? Suddenly, the clarity fades. The explanation gets longer. Your certainty softens. Not because you don't know what's right for you, but because your nervous system senses potential distance in the relationship. Many deeply empathetic, high-responsibility people don't struggle with knowing what they need. They struggle with staying anchored in it when someone else might feel disappointed. So they: adjust the boundary add context that wasn't necessary manage the emotional tone take responsibility for the reaction And over time, this creates a subtle pattern of self-abandonment that feels almost invisible — until the exhaustion shows up in your body. Because relational tension doesn't just live in the mind. It lives in the nervous system. And when belonging has felt conditional in the past, even healthy change can feel threatening. Inside this episode, we explore: why disappointing someone can feel unsafe even when it's necessary the hidden cost of managing other people's emotional experience how identity growth naturally reorganizes relationships the difference between empathy and emotional responsibility why discomfort in a relationship does not mean harm has occurred If you've ever felt the pull to explain yourself into being understood…this episode will help you understand why that urge exists and how to stay connected to yourself while relationships evolve. Join the Free Masterclass When You Know Exactly What To Do… But Something Still Stops You Learn the somatic framework that helps empaths stop overriding their own needs in relationships. Register: www.brendawinkle.com/nextlevel Resources Mentioned Download the Free Energy Auditwww.brendawinkle.com/audit Keywords: Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, podcast, leadership guide, psychic medium, somatic coach, empathy, compassionate person, health impacts, emotional challenges, physical challenges, over-accommodate, over-give, chronic stress, inflammation, C-reactive protein, cortisol levels, health consequences, self-care, boundaries, relational rupture, emotional labor, harmony, scientific research, autoimmune flare-ups, heart disease, asthma, immune function, sleep, digestion, well-being, personal growth, healthy boundaries, relational patterns, communication styles, power framework, reclaim personal power, masterclass, mutual give-and-take, over-functioning, caretaking, peacekeeping, support, authentic connection, yes-filled life, nutrition, movement, mindfulness, emotional experiences, transformative practice, community, ratings and reviews.

Have you ever noticed yourself acting a little smaller than you really are? Maybe you soften your opinion in a conversation. Maybe you say yes when you know you want to say no. Maybe you spend the evening scrolling or watching TV even though part of you knows you want something more. In this episode, Brenda Winkle explores the moment you stop shrinking and why it's often not a confidence issue at all. It's a nervous system issue. When growth, visibility, or change feels like a threat to connection, your body can quietly pull you back into familiar patterns. That's why you can know exactly what to do… and still not do it. In this conversation, Brenda shares: how shrinking can show up in relationships, business, and everyday life why people-pleasing and over-explaining are often stress responses how fear of success and fear of relationship change can quietly hold you back why nervous system support matters more than mindset in these moments what it looks like to stop shrinking and come back into alignment If you've ever felt frustrated that you “know better” but still can't seem to follow through, this episode will help you understand why. Mentioned in this episode: Free workshop: When You Know What To Do… But Don't Register at: https://www.brendawinkle.com/nextlevel Free resource: Energy Audithttps://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Keywords: Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, energetic leadership guide, psychic medium, somatic coach, ambitious leaders, stop shrinking, confidence, misalignments, relationships, internal fears, nervous system regulation, somatic practices, intuition, soul purpose, higher self, subconscious fears, fear of success, unworthiness, self-care, boundaries, people-pleasing, complex PTSD, healing journey, stress response, energy protection, Power Method, sovereignty, collective stress, systemic issues, transformation, introspection, embodied confidence, personal growth, emotional regulation, empowerment, self-acceptance, leadership, authenticity, community engagement, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, self-awareness, personal development, holistic practices, inner work, meditation, self-compassion, resilience, change-making, social justice, personal mission, conscious living.

Personal growth sounds exciting… until your relationships start to feel different. In this episode, Brenda explores the moment many ambitious, empathic leaders experience but rarely talk about: the tension between evolving into the next version of yourself and maintaining connection with the people you love. You'll learn why growth can sometimes trigger subtle relational pressure, why it can feel easier to shrink back into old patterns, and why this isn't a mindset issue. It's a nervous system response. Brenda shares personal experiences and real client insights that reveal why many intelligent, self-aware people still find themselves hesitating—even when they know exactly what they want to do. If you've ever returned from a retreat, training, or breakthrough moment feeling clear about your next step… only to slowly slip back into old patterns, this episode will help you understand why. Inside this conversation you'll discover: Why personal growth can shift relationship dynamics How empathy can make you feel responsible for others' emotions Why you can know exactly what to do… but still not do it How your nervous system influences expansion and change Brenda also shares details about her upcoming live masterclass: When You Know Exactly What To Do… But Something Still Stops You In this free session, you'll learn how to recognize when your nervous system is blocking expansion and how to begin shifting it. Register here:https://www.brendawinkle.com/nextlevel Download your free energy audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Keywords: Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, personal growth, relationships, identity evolution, recalibrating relationships, leadership guide, psychic medium, somatic coach, ambitious leaders, relationship shifts, teaching career, emotional responsibility, short-term friends, seasonal friends, lifetime friends, empathy, nervous system regulation, somatic processing, masterclass, self-care, caregiving, transformation, connection, personal development, holistic approach, emotional intelligence, growth mindset, self-compassion, authentic growth, relationship dynamics, support systems, mentoring, deep focus, learning experience, stress response, well-being, life transitions, community, personal evolution, emotional health.

Many thoughtful, capable people already know what they need to do. You've done therapy.You've worked on boundaries.You've built successful careers and businesses. And yet there are still moments when something subtle stops you. You hesitate.You delay the conversation OR you take the conversation even when you know you need to be working on something else.You soften the decision. It's not because you don't know what to do... you do. It's because your nervous system is trying to protect relationships. In this episode, I share two real client case studies that illustrate why this happens and how releasing the emotional weight underneath it can create immediate relief. In both cases, the clients already knew what they needed to do. What changed everything was understanding the subconscious belief their body was protecting. By the end of their sessions, both clients said the same thing: “I feel so much lighter.” We explore: Why knowing what to do doesn't always translate into action How subconscious fears about relationships can quietly override clarity The hidden belief many empathic, intuitive people carry about success Why nervous system processing often creates the shift that mindset alone cannot How to evolve into your next level without losing the relationships that matter most If you've ever thought: "I know exactly what I need to do… so why am I not doing it?" This conversation will resonate deeply. Mentioned in this episode Masterclass: When You Know Exactly What To Do… But Something Still Stops You Register:http://brendawinkle.com/nextlevel Free Resource: Energy Audithttps://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Keywords: Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, leadership guide, psychic medium, somatic coach, ambitious leaders, trust intuition, embody vision, lead with clarity, take action, subconscious signals, nervous system, somatic processing, client case studies, content marketing, social media, attracting clients, cold outreach, affiliate marketing, paid advertising, content creation, marketing plan, emotional processing, limiting beliefs, fear of success, relationships, flexibility, healthcare provider, anxiety, physical symptoms, hypervigilance, emotional management, empathy, compassion, ADHD, empaths, codependence, therapy, personal growth, masterclass, potential, meaningful relationships, community support, practical guidance, clarity, joy.

Have you ever been in a conversation where someone becomes uncomfortable… and suddenly you feel like it's your job to fix it? You soften your tone. You explain more than you intended. You change the subject. Not because you're unsure of yourself - but because you can feel the emotional shift in the room. Empathy is a powerful leadership strength. But when empathy turns into emotional responsibility, it can lead to exhaustion, self-censorship, and constantly managing other people's reactions. In this episode, Brenda explores: why empathic women often feel responsible for others' emotions how biology, environment, and culture reinforce this pattern the difference between emotional awareness and emotional responsibility how leadership shifts when you stop managing the room Brenda also introduces the POWER Method, the framework she uses with clients to stay anchored when relational pressure appears. If this resonates, join the live masterclass: How to Stop Apologizing for Your Next Level Register here:brendawinkle.com/nextlevel Grab your free energy audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Keywords: Brenda Winkle, leadership guide, psychic medium, somatic coach, empathic women, emotional experiences, emotional responsibility, emotional awareness, Power Method, five-pillar framework, Present, Optimize, Wisdom, Evaluate, Renew, leadership roles, emotional intelligence, neuroreceptors, neurotransmitters, chaotic households, emotional caretaking, peacekeeper, conflict management, self-care, identity shifts, relational pressures, emotional dynamics, mindset shift, autonomy, personal growth, masterclass, How to Stop Apologizing for Your Next Level, leadership evolution, intuitive development, empathy management, emotional burden, authentic leadership, community support, transformative content, clarity, freedom, confidence.

There comes a moment in growth when something inside you has clearly shifted… but your life hasn't caught up yet. You think differently. Your standards have changed. Some things that used to feel normal suddenly don't feel aligned anymore. And it can leave you wondering what's happening. In this episode, I talk about the moment when your identity begins evolving before your habits, relationships, and daily life fully reflect that change. If you're someone who feels things deeply and leads with empathy, this phase can feel especially intense. You may find yourself questioning decisions, feeling the weight of other people's emotions, or wondering how to honor your growth without blowing up your entire life. We'll explore: Why identity shifts can feel disorienting The “identity gap” between who you were and who you're becoming Why empathic leaders often experience this transition more deeply The three ways people usually react during identity change How nervous system regulation supports leadership growth Why clear standards and expectations strengthen your leadership This phase doesn't mean something has gone wrong. It means something is evolving. And over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing deeper support specifically for empathic leaders navigating this kind of growth. Questions from the episode to reflect on: • What would the future version of you stop tolerating? • What would that version of you stop carrying? • What would that version of you stop explaining? If this conversation resonates, I'd love to hear from you. Send me a DM on Instagram @BrendaWinkle and tell me what part of this episode stood out. And if you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating or review wherever you listen - it helps the podcast reach more people who need this conversation. Download your free energy audit: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit Get on the waitlist for the 2027 Intuitive Leader Retreat - https://www.brendawinkle.com/retreat2026 Keywords: Brenda Winkle, leadership guide, psychic medium, somatic coach, identity evolution, intuition, personal identity, business identity, empath, emotional complexity, identity shift, boundaries, over-responsibility, sustainable experience, nervous system regulation, energetic boundaries, identity congruence, embodied confidence, leadership transformation, self-awareness, emotional sensitivity, identity gap, personal growth, deep feelers, retreat experience, transformational experience, self-consciousness, classroom management, clear expectations, leadership identity, reticular activating system, emotional irritation, honest communication, reflective questions, supportive relationships, empathetic leaders, operating system, collective growth, podcast evolution, community engagement.