Inspiring Heights

Inspiring Heights
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Bimonthly

This podcast is for the woman who has ever felt stretched too thin, worn out, or like she just isn't enough. Hi, I'm Vanessa—a social worker, certified life coach, entrepreneur, and homesteader. I'm here to walk alongside you, not as an expert with all the answers, but as a friend and coach who understands what it's like to navigate the messy, beautiful realities of everyday life. Here, we talk about seasonal living, navigating the prickly parts of life, building meaningful connection, and learning how to live awake and present—right where our feet are.

  1. Aug 12

    All-or-Nothing Thinking: Why We Desperately Want an Answer (Ep. 139)

    We all want answers. But sometimes our desperate need to know—Is this working? Am I lazy? Should I stay or should I go? Am I doing enough?—has less to do with clarity and more to do with our discomfort with uncertainty. In this episode, we’re talking about all-or-nothing thinking and black-and-white thinking—and the ways it can show up in our lives disguised as discipline, grit, goodness, or simply “knowing what’s right.” I share some of my own struggle with this as an unapologetically “answers girl,” including the irony of being a social worker trained to see the gray while finding very little room for gray in my own life. We’ll explore why the “both/and” can feel so uncomfortable, why we often extend more compassion and nuance to other people than we do to ourselves, and how our pursuit of certainty can sometimes keep us from the clarity we’re actually looking for. Most importantly, we’ll talk about how to approach those all-or-nothing moments with curiosity instead of judgment—and ask better questions when we find ourselves caught between this or that, yes or no, success or failure, keep going or give up. Because maybe clarity isn't about finally finding the one right answer. Maybe sometimes, clarity begins when we're willing to sit in the question long enough to discover what is actually true. Links You Need ⁠Crunchi⁠ - If you are a new customer, use code ADVOCATE15 at checkout for 15% off your first order! Earthley Wellness ⁠⁠⁠Beyond Dinner & A Movie Freebie⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Music in today’s episode: "Autumn Day" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  "Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

  2. Jul 29

    Small Shortcuts for Real Life | Summer Edition (Ep. 138)

    Small Shortcuts for Real Life: Summer Edition What if the little things that make everyday life easier don't have to be life-changing to be worthwhile? In this Summer Edition of Small Shortcuts for Real Life, I'm sharing a handful of practical life hacks and simple ideas I've been loving lately—from making kitchen cleanup easier and simplifying household organization to baking better bread and breaking the habit of mindless phone scrolling. These aren't "change your entire life overnight" hacks. They're small, realistic shortcuts designed to make real life a little easier. Inside this episode, you'll hear simple tips for: Breaking the cycle of mindless scrolling when screen time limits aren't enoughMaking quick kitchen cleanup easier with a mini handheld vacuumUsing space limits to keep collections from taking over your homeTaking the guesswork out of baking bread with a simple kitchen thermometerStoring cleaning supplies where you actually need themThink of this episode as a little collection of practical ideas you can steal, try, and see if they work for you. Because sometimes the best solution isn't a complete life overhaul. Sometimes it's just finding a small shortcut that makes today run a little more smoothly. Grab your coffee and come hang out with me for this free-range, practical episode of Small Shortcuts for Real Life. Links You Need Crunchi - If you are a new customer, use code ADVOCATE15 at checkout for 15% off your first order! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LumeBox ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Use this link for a $260 discount!  ⁠⁠Beyond Dinner & A Movie Freebie⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Music in today’s episode: "Autumn Day" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  "Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

  3. Jul 15

    Beyond Dinner & a Movie: The Truth About Creating Meaningful Date Nights (Ep. 137)

    We’ve all been there… “We should go on a date this week.” “Yeah, we should!” “Okay, where do you want to go?” “I don’t know…where do you want to go?” And somehow another week goes by. But here’s the thing: date night was never meant to be about finding the perfect restaurant, spending a bunch of money, or planning an evening that looks like something out of a movie. The heart of date night has always been connection. In this episode, we’re breaking down 7 common date night myths that can actually make reconnecting with your partner feel harder than it needs to be. We’re talking about the pressure to make date night “special,” the idea that romance has to be complicated, and why the best moments together are often the simplest ones. Because at the end of the day, date night isn’t about the activity — it’s about creating space to slow down, be present, and remember why you chose each other in the first place. Whether you’ve been married for decades or you’re still figuring out how to prioritize time together, this conversation will help you rethink what connection can look like in this season of life. And spoiler alert: you do not need to plan a faux second wedding for date night to matter. 😉 Links You Need Beyond Dinner & A Movie Freebie ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LumeBox ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Use this link for a $260 discount!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Music in today’s episode: "Autumn Day" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  "Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

  4. Jul 1

    Feeling Behind Because You Don't Have a 10-Year Plan? (Ep. 136)

    Do you ever feel like you're behind because you don't have a clear 10-year plan? Some people swear by long-term goal setting. Others feel overwhelmed by the pressure to map out the next decade of their lives. If you've ever wondered whether not having a 10-year plan means you're falling behind, this episode is for you. In today's conversation, we're unpacking the common belief that having long-term goals is the key to success—and why that might not be true for everyone. I'll share how adopting a 12-week planning approach completely changed the way I think about productivity, purpose, and planning for the future. We'll talk about: Why planning too far ahead can keep us from living fully todayThe difference between planning and actually taking actionWhy your current season matters more than guessing what life will look like years from nowHow to stop measuring your success by someone else's planning styleFriend, having a 10-year plan isn't a badge of honor. It's simply one way to approach the future. The real goal isn't to have your entire life figured out—it's to faithfully live the season you're in right now. If you've been carrying the pressure to "have it all together," I hope this conversation helps you breathe a little easier. Links You Need The Strategic Reset Course ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LumeBox ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Use this link for a $260 discount!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Music in today’s episode: "Autumn Day" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  "Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

  5. Jun 17

    Why You Feel Disconnected From Your Spouse (Even Though You're Together Every Day) (Ep. 135)

    Do you ever feel disconnected from your spouse, even though you're living under the same roof and doing life together every day? In this episode, we're talking about the tension between productivity and connection in marriage. We live in a culture that celebrates being busy, getting things done, and checking off the next item on the to-do list. But what happens when productivity starts crowding out the very relationships we care about most? If you've ever told yourself, "We'll connect when things slow down," this conversation is for you. Join me as we explore why connection doesn't automatically happen after the busy season ends, how to recognize when productivity is taking priority over your relationships, and practical ways to stay connected to your spouse during full and demanding seasons of life. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why busyness can create distance in marriageThe hidden cost of always choosing productivity firstHow to stay connected to your spouse during stressful seasonsThe importance of presence over perfectionPractical ideas for building connection when time feels limitedWhy knowing your season matters in marriage and relationshipsWhether you're navigating a busy work schedule, raising kids, managing a home, building a business, or simply trying to balance all of life's responsibilities, this episode will encourage you to stop waiting for a future season to prioritize connection and start investing in your relationships today. Because healthy marriages, strong friendships, and meaningful relationships aren't built when life finally slows down—they're built in the middle of real life.   If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use the reminder that connection is worth the investment. Links You Need ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LumeBox ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Use this link for a $260 discount!  ⁠⁠⁠Harvest Right Freeze Dryer⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Music in today’s episode: "Autumn Day" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  "Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

  6. Jun 3

    The Productivity Myth: Why the Perfect System Won't Fix Your Life (Ep. 134)

    If you've ever found yourself convinced that the answer is a better planner, a stronger routine, a new productivity system, or a more organized approach to life, Friend, this episode is for you. As someone who genuinely loves planners, time management, organization, and a good system, I've spent a lot of years believing that if I could just find the right system, life would finally feel manageable. I would stop forgetting things. Stop dropping balls. Stop making mistakes. Stop feeling behind. The problem? Systems make wonderful tools, but terrible saviors. In this episode, we're unpacking the productivity myth that keeps so many of us chasing the next planner, morning routine, organizational strategy, or time management hack in hopes that it will finally fix what's not working. We'll talk about the ways perfectionism disguises itself as productivity, why so many of us spend more time planning than actually doing, and how our pursuit of optimization can sometimes pull us away from the very life we're trying to build. We'll also explore why our current season matters, why we can't out-systemize our humanness, and how fighting against the reality of our lives often leaves us exhausted, frustrated, and searching for yet another solution. Along the way, I'll share four questions that have helped me discern whether a new system is actually supporting growth—or simply helping me avoid the deeper work. If you've ever color-coded the plan, bought the planner, mapped out the routine, or convinced yourself that this time things will finally click into place, you're in good company. Because sometimes the freedom we're looking for isn't found in a better system. Sometimes it's found in accepting that we're human, paying attention to what's really going on beneath the surface, and learning to build systems that support our lives instead of trying to rescue them. Links You Need ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LumeBox ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Use this link for a $260 discount!  ⁠⁠Harvest Right Freeze Dryer⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Music in today’s episode: "Autumn Day" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  "Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

  7. May 20

    Adult Friendship Is Hard: The Truth About Making and Keeping Friends After 30 (Ep. 133)

    Adult friendship can feel confusing, lonely, and sometimes even discouraging. One minute it feels like everyone around us has a tight circle of friends going on girls’ trips and doing life together… and the next minute we look at our own calendars and realize it’s been months since we’ve actually spent time with a friend. So what gives? In this episode, we’re talking honestly about why adult friendships feel so hard and why the comparison game can leave us believing the lie that friendship shouldn’t require effort. The truth is, the way friendships looked in high school or college simply isn’t the same as friendship in adulthood. Our lives are fuller, our responsibilities are heavier, and our time and energy are stretched in ways they never were before. But that doesn’t mean meaningful connection is out of reach. We’ll talk about: Why making and maintaining friendships as an adult takes more intention than we expectHow our expectations from earlier seasons of life can quietly sabotage current friendshipsWhy scheduling time with friends doesn’t make relationships less meaningful—it makes them possibleAnd how choosing the effort of friendship may be the very thing that leads to deeper connectionIf you’ve ever wondered why adult friendships feel difficult, or felt like everyone else seems to have friendship figured out except you, this conversation is for you. Because the truth is: friendship isn’t effortless for anyone. But when we choose to invest the time, energy, and care it requires, it can still become one of the most meaningful parts of our lives. Links You Need ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LumeBox ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Use this link for a $260 discount!  ⁠Harvest Right Freeze Dryer⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Music in today’s episode: "Autumn Day" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  "Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

  8. May 6

    Hyper-Independence in Women: The Hidden Cost of ‘I’m Fine’ (Ep. 132)

    “I’m fine.” Two words most women know how to say… even when they’re anything but. In this episode, we unpack the quiet lie hiding behind one of the most common phrases in everyday conversation. While independence is often celebrated as strength—especially for women—there’s a subtle but powerful cost when independence turns into hyper-independence. What if “I’m fine” is sometimes a shield? What if it’s protecting a deeper need for help, support, or understanding? Through a simple game of three truths and a lie, we explore the cultural narrative that tells us we should be able to handle everything on our own—and why that belief often leads to resentment, disconnection, and emotional isolation. In this episode, we talk about: Why the help we need isn’t always physical—it’s often emotional validation and connectionHow saying “I’m fine” when we’re not creates confusion and distance in relationshipsThe resentment cycle that can quietly build in marriages and friendshipsWhy hyper-independence isn’t strength—it’s often self-protectionThe difference between living defensively and choosing wisely in relationshipsHow learning to ask for help can actually deepen connection and strengthen relationshipsYou’ll also hear a few real-life stories—from kitchen conversations to fencing the goat pasture—that illustrate how easily we slip into the “I’ll just do it myself” mindset, and what we miss when we do. Friend, needing other people isn’t weakness. It’s part of living a life that is awake, honest, and deeply connected. If you’ve ever said “I’m fine” while secretly wishing someone would see through it, this conversation is for you. Links You Need ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LumeBox ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Use this link for a $260 discount!  Harvest Right Freeze Dryer ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Music in today’s episode: "Autumn Day" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  "Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

This podcast is for the woman who has ever felt stretched too thin, worn out, or like she just isn't enough. Hi, I'm Vanessa—a social worker, certified life coach, entrepreneur, and homesteader. I'm here to walk alongside you, not as an expert with all the answers, but as a friend and coach who understands what it's like to navigate the messy, beautiful realities of everyday life. Here, we talk about seasonal living, navigating the prickly parts of life, building meaningful connection, and learning how to live awake and present—right where our feet are.

Information

  • Creator
    Inspiring Heights
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    139
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Inspiring Heights
  • Show Website
    Inspiring Heights