Your Life Your Way

Kathleen McDermott

Life is not one size fits all! In order to break the cycle of being and doing how others think you should, you must understand where it all started and blossomed, so to speak. If you're ready to free yourself from stress, overwhelm, exhaustion and create a life you love waking up to everyday, then listen in to Women who've been where you are and made it through stronger than ever. You'll hear experts that will share their experiences, solutions, tools that might serve you, as well. Connection, community, inspiration. Feel free to share with friends! Linktr.ee/kathleenmcdermott

  1. Oct 23

    #70 I Had To Step Back From Everything

    I am sharing a deeply personal update about stepping back from the show while caring for my mother, and what the lastyear has taught me about caregiving, grief, and acceptance. This episode speaks to anyone living through the emotional, physical, and spiritual weight of long-term caregiving—especially when health changes happen slowly, then all atonce. I am focused on one central message: if you are caring for a loved one, you are not alone, and what you are feeling is normal. I am also reflecting on the beginning of a new season for myself, with more conversations ahead about aging well, living on your values, and making room for your own life again.   Timestamps (00:00) Why Kathleenstepped away and what this conversation is about(01:09) The phone call that changed everything: her mother moving in(02:05) Learning to live together again while adjusting to less privacy andindependence(03:34) Becoming a caregiver and why support from friends matters(04:56) A move to Aiken and the first signs that something was changing(06:28) Her mother’s health decline and the first fall-risk concerns(08:25) The emergency room visit that revealed pneumonia and heart failure(10:16) Hospital stays, fluid buildup, and physical therapy(11:15) The 911 call, disorientation, and the decision to move to rehab(12:37) Myasthenia gravis, medication complications, and sudden loss ofmobility(14:01) The emotional toll of caregiving and why it can be hard to talk about Thank You for being a part of the Your Life Your Way Community! Reach out with comments, questions.  Please share thisepisode with a Caregiver you know.  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Kathleen @ kmyourlifeyourway@gmail.com    Substack   https://substack.com/@kmylyw If your loved one has any form of memory loss, dementia and would like to reach out to Debbie Compton of the Purple Vine and author of the Caregiver’s Advocate (along with an for professional support and more information:  https://thepurplevine.com/  Live Good PremiumProducts without the premium price tag!  https://livegood.com/katmcd

  2. 11/07/2025

    #69 Imagine It. Feel It. Live It.

    In this enlightening conversation, Kim Griffith and I delve into the transformative power of the Law of Attraction and personal manifestation. Kim shares her journey from a life of complaint and cynicism to one of empowerment and joy, emphasizing the importance of choice, gratitude, and positive thinking. The discussion explores how our thoughts and feelings create our reality, the significance of maintaining a high vibration, and the role of gratitude in attracting abundance. We encourage you to embrace your own power to manifest your desires and navigate life's challenges with an open mind and heart. It is Kim's most heartfelt desire that every woman on the planet knows how magnificent, special and perfect she is exactly as God created her. "I teach women how to work with the Law of Attraction in a way that’s both practical and deeply spiritual. I show them how to shift their energy, own their desires, and live from the place where their dreams already exist. My work is about helping women stop settling, start believing, and attract the love, purpose, and abundance that were always meant for them." "Taking time for me is taken in the barn hugging a horse, square dancing, (it's cooler than it sounds), or hanging out with friends...including my husband. I have an amazing life, and I want you to have your most amazing life too!" Kim has some wonderful articles on Substack . Kim Griffith You Are The Power https://kjsy.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email Email at: kimjsykes@gmail.com Your Host Kathleen McDermott www.kmyourlifeyourway.com kmyourlifeyourway@gmail.com Thank you for listiening and for being a member of the YLYW Community.

  3. 10/28/2025

    #68 Highly Sensitive People Part 2: The Outer Work

    In this episode, I welcome back Todd Smith to discuss the journey of highly sensitive people (HSPs) through inner and outer work. We explore the importance of understanding one's sensitivity, the foundational role of inner work in managing stress, and practical strategies for outer work that can help HSPs thrive. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-compassion, effective communication with loved ones, and the balance between personal needs and external demands. Todd shares insights on embracing imperfection and flexibility in routines, encouraging listeners to explore their unique paths to well-being. Todd has helped hundreds of HSPs break free from chronic stress and emotional overload using a powerful inquiry-based process that brings lasting peace—without needing the world around you to change. He shares with us how being a HSP affects relationships, self trust, emotions and how you can find inner peace, outer balance and true inner freedom.Takeaways Inner work is essential for managing stress. Understanding HSP traits fosters self-acceptance. Outer work involves practical strategies for daily life. Communication with loved ones is crucial for HSPs. Flexibility in routines allows for personal growth. Embracing imperfection can lead to greater peace. Self-compassion is foundational for HSPs. Experimentation is key to finding what works. Balance between inner and outer work is necessary. Learning should be fun and exploratory. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Highly Sensitive People 01:32 Understanding Inner Work 07:27 Exploring Outer Work 17:02 Balancing Inner and Outer Work 24:09 Communicating Needs as an HSP 33:14 Embracing Imperfection and Flexibility You can find Todd and his podcast Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People on Spotify. See links below. https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ https://trueinnerfreedom.com/about/ Your Host: Kathleen McDermott at https://kmyourlifeyourway.com/

  4. 10/08/2025

    #67 Surprising News! Snoring, Apnea & Mouth Breathing

    In this enlightening conversation, Kathleen McDermott and Tiffany discuss the profound impact of snoring, sleep apnea and mouth breathing on health and well-being. They explore the connection between breathing, energy levels, and overall health, emphasizing the importance of myofunctional therapy in addressing these issues. Tiffany shares insights on tongue tie and its consequences, practical solutions for improving breathing habits, and the significance of personal advocacy in health. The discussion highlights the need for awareness and action in creating a healthier future.Tiffany believes in holistic oral health. It is her mission to help her clients improve their oral health for overall health and wellness. After graduating from Dalhousie University in 2008, Tiffany learned important skills while working in a gum disease (periodontal) office for many years before starting her own independent dental hygiene practice, Newfound Smile. Tiffany has served as president of both the Newfoundland and Canadian Dental Hygienists Association where she advocated for her profession to play a more vital role in patient care. She is still actively involved in educating the public about the link between oral health and overall well-being. She formed Mind Body Mouth, a therapeutic and coaching company focused on supporting people with facial-related issues including snoring, apnea, ortho relapse, as well as stress management and nutrition. Find Tiffany on IG @newfound_smile linktr.ee/tiffanyludwicki Your Host: kmyourlifeyourway.com

5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Life is not one size fits all! In order to break the cycle of being and doing how others think you should, you must understand where it all started and blossomed, so to speak. If you're ready to free yourself from stress, overwhelm, exhaustion and create a life you love waking up to everyday, then listen in to Women who've been where you are and made it through stronger than ever. You'll hear experts that will share their experiences, solutions, tools that might serve you, as well. Connection, community, inspiration. Feel free to share with friends! Linktr.ee/kathleenmcdermott