Building Resilience

Leah Davidson
  • 5.0 (76)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Building Resilience

Life can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with anxiety, stress, a dysregulated nervous system, or constant overthinking. But here's the good news: you're not alone, and relief is possible. I'm Leah Davidson, a nervous system resilience coach and speech-language pathologist, and I'm here to help you navigate life's ups and downs by teaching you practical tools for nervous system regulation. On this podcast, you'll learn how to manage anxiety, reduce stress, stop overthinking, and support a healthier, more regulated nervous system. Together, we'll share inspiring stories, practical tips, and compassionate support to build resilience and create a life filled with purpose, joy, and connection. Ready to befriend your nervous system and reclaim your peace? Let's get started! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Why Bouncing Back Is A Lie (And What Resilience Really Looks Like)

    3D AGO

    Why Bouncing Back Is A Lie (And What Resilience Really Looks Like)

    What if the most resilient people aren’t the ones who bounce back quickly—but those who allow themselves to break, feel, grieve, and still move forward? In this heartfelt episode, we explore tragic optimism—a powerful reframe introduced by Viktor Frankl—and how it allows us to hold both pain and hope without bypassing either. You’ll learn how real resilience comes not from fixing or rushing, but from the ability to live with the full truth of what is and keep going anyway. We’ll explore: • Why “bouncing back” is a cultural myth • What tragic optimism really means (and what it’s not) • The nervous system’s role in resilience and meaning-making • The 3 Ps of pessimism—and how to unlearn them • Practical tools to regulate your body, reframe your thoughts, and hold space for grief and growth at once This is your invitation to stop striving to return to “how things used to be”—and instead, build capacity to bounce forward with wisdom, gentleness, and courage. Timestamps: 00:00 – Resilient people aren’t the fastest to recover 06:55 – When Breath Becomes Air & the phrase “devastatingly beautiful” 10:14 – What tragic optimism really means (Viktor Frankl) 13:05 – Why it’s not toxic positivity (Brad Stulberg’s take) 15:15 – Introducing learned optimism (Martin Seligman) 17:32 – The 3 Ps of pessimism and how to flip them 20:18 – Why your nervous system must feel safe before optimism is possible 23:12 – You can’t access nuance from a dysregulated state 25:50 – The nervous system’s role in meaning-making 28:36 – Post-traumatic growth: Making meaning, not finding it 31:45 – What it means to hold both pain and hope 33:58 – How to actually practice tragic optimism 36:10 – Step 1: Reframe with “both/and” language 37:15 – Step 2: Befriend your nervous system, not fight it 38:48 – Step 3: Hold space for others with “Tell me more” 40:10 – What resilience really looks like: bouncing forward 41:50 – Why regulating isn’t about avoiding pain—it’s about holding it 43:30 – Final thoughts: You can be devastatingly beautiful too 📝 Get My Resilience Journal A guided journal for emotional well-being and nervous system care 📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aXvnLQ5iNMBUxzQYYcrgjg.AteqhnbvcWMthzgND7lwUxHbtn59LfW9Y7jqFUK9X-M&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mental%2Bhealth%2BJournal&qid=1751362532&sr=8-1&th=1 📌 Amazon CA: Buy Here: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F?th=1 🎓 Join the Nervous System Journaling Club Doodle, journal, and heal in community: https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1 Let’s Stay Connected: Instagram & Facebook: @leahdavidsonlifecoaching Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletter Enjoyed the episode? Please leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. It helps more people discover these tools for healing and resilience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
  2. You’re not lazy. You’re in survival mode.

    JUL 2

    You’re not lazy. You’re in survival mode.

    If you’ve been calling yourself lazy, unmotivated, or inconsistent, this episode is your wake-up call. What if the reason you’re stuck isn’t a mindset problem… but a nervous system one? In this deeply validating solo episode, Leah Davidson explores how procrastination, avoidance, and “invisible resistance” are often signs of a protective nervous system, not personal failure. From ghosting your own business to endlessly “preparing” but never acting, Leah shares powerful insights on how shame, fear, and dysregulation keep you small, and how to reclaim momentum safely, one small step at a time. Whether you’re an overwhelmed parent, frozen entrepreneur, or helper who can’t seem to help yourself—this episode will help you reframe your “stuckness” and offer a gentler, more effective path forward. ⸻ ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: When “cleaning the junk drawer” means something deeper 02:00 – What’s really behind feeling stuck 03:25 – Fear masked as logic: the subtle signs 04:40 – Shame’s quiet whispers and protective disguise 05:52 – The “roommate” analogy for your nervous system 08:10 – The myth of perfection in healing work 10:25 – Real-life examples: coach, parent, student, executive 12:57 – Stuckness ≠ laziness: it’s protection 13:45 – Step 1: Curiosity over criticism 14:45 – Step 2: Get specific about the emotional fear 16:09 – Step 3: Regulate before action 17:10 – The Safety Sequence in practice 17:58 – Step 4: Start with the smallest possible step 19:00 – Step 5: Find your people, especially in messy moments 20:00 – Is it resistance—or redirection? 21:20 – Sustainable change happens at the speed of safety 22:10 – Regulate. Act. Repeat. ⸻ 🧠 Want More Support? 📝 Get my Resilience Journal – A guided journal for nervous system care: 📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1 🎓 Join the Nervous System Journaling Club https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1 📬 Weekly Newsletter + Free Workshops: https://www.leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletter https://www.leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/doodleworkshop 📱 Follow me: Instagram & Facebook – @leahdavidsonlifecoaching ⸻ 🗣️ Found this helpful? Like, comment, and subscribe to support more conversations on nervous system resilience and compassionate growth. #NervousSystemHealing #SurvivalMode #YouAreNotLazy #TraumaInformedGrowth #LeahDavidson #BuildingResiliencePodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min
  3. From Chaos to Calm: Nervous System Friendly Organizing with Tracy Hoth

    JUN 25

    From Chaos to Calm: Nervous System Friendly Organizing with Tracy Hoth

    What if being “messy” doesn’t mean you’re disorganized—and clutter isn’t the real issue? In this episode of the Building Resilience Podcast, I’m joined by organizing coach Tracy Hoth for a powerful reframe on what it really means to be organized. Spoiler: It’s not about color-coded bins or minimalist living. It’s about safety, clarity, and knowing where your stuff is—80% of the time. We talk about the nervous system side of clutter, why perfection is a trap, and how “messiness” might be a protective response rather than a personal flaw. You’ll walk away with mindset shifts, practical tips (hello, SPASM method!), and a whole new lens on what organized can actually feel like. If you’ve ever looked at your home, your business, or your life and thought, “I should have it more together by now”—this conversation is for you. ⸻ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome + Leah admits she might not be that organized 02:34 – Meet Tracy: An organizing coach with a nervous system twist 05:55 – Why “organized” doesn’t mean minimalist or picture-perfect 09:18 – The 80% Rule: A realistic definition of being organized 12:43 – Leah’s tiny Toronto home vs. American closets 17:05 – You can be organized and have stuff 21:17 – Nervous system links: Why some people need more things to feel safe 24:30 – SPASM: The 5-step framework for organizing 29:49 – The hardest part of getting organized (it’s not what you think) 33:12 – The emotional side of purging (guilt, scarcity, memories) 38:05 – How to set limits without feeling deprived 41:50 – Why baskets and bins aren’t the answer 44:37 – Benefits of organizing: Calm, clarity, confidence 48:30 – Organizing as a nervous system regulation tool 52:11 – What organization reveals about your identity 56:05 – How to break projects into doable steps 59:40 – Is your “mess” actually protecting you? 01:02:55 – Where to start: Mindset before method 01:05:23 – Final takeaways + how to work with Tracy ⸻ 🧠 Want More Tools? 📝 Get my Resilience Journal to support your nervous system: 📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1 🎓 Join the Nervous System Journaling Club: https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1 📚 Explore Coaching, Courses, and Community: https://www.leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram & Facebook: @leahdavidsonlifecoaching 💌 Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: www.leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletter ⸻ 🗣️ Enjoyed the episode? Like, comment, and share! It helps more people find healing through nervous system tools and resilience-building strategies. #Organization #NervousSystem #DeclutterYourMind #TraumaInformedLiving #EmotionalClutter #LeahDavidson #TracyHoth #BuildingResiliencePodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  4. Why Imposter Syndrome Is Not Such A Bad Thing (Part 2)

    JUN 18

    Why Imposter Syndrome Is Not Such A Bad Thing (Part 2)

    That voice in your head that says, "Who do you think you are?" The one that shows up right before you do something brave or bold? It’s not a flaw, it’s a signal , and the way you respond to it might be the difference between staying stuck or stepping forward. In Part 1, Leah Davidson explored where imposter syndrome comes from, how it shows up, and why it’s actually not the enemy. Now, in Part 2, she dives deeper into the how: what those imposter feelings are trying to tell you, how to regulate your nervous system in the moment, and strategies to help you take action even when self-doubt is present. This isn't about "fixing" imposter syndrome, but understanding its roots in your nervous system's protective responses. Leah guides you through practical, embodied strategies to transform the fear of being "found out" into a powerful catalyst for authentic self-expression and sustainable progress. Remember, confidence isn't a requirement to doing things; it's the result of doing them. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why imposter syndrome often signals you're heading in the right direction and doing something that matters to you. - How to reframe imposter feelings as "data, not drama" by getting curious instead of fighting or believing them completely. - Practical nervous system regulation techniques like the Safety Sequence, Box Breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 grounding, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation to calm your body and allow clear thinking. - The crucial difference between eliminating imposter feelings and regulating your nervous system to act effectively while they are present. - How to build "general competence confidence" by taking small, consistent actions despite uncertainty, proving to yourself that you can handle challenging situations. The importance of community and seeking examples of others to counteract the isolation imposter syndrome thrives in. This episode is for anyone ready to move beyond just understanding imposter syndrome and actively build the nervous system resilience needed to thrive in their authentic power. — 📝 Get my Resilience Journal to support your healing journey: 📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1 🎓 Nervous System Journaling Club: https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1 — 📌 Tags: #ImposterSyndrome #NervousSystemHealing #EmotionalRegulation #GrowthMindset #Resilience #TraumaRecovery #SelfBelonging #ConfidenceBuilding #LeahDavidson #BuildingResiliencePodcast #Neuroplasticity #Authenticity #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #SelfDoubt #TakeAction Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min
  5. Why Imposter Syndrome Is Not A Bad Thing (Part 1)

    JUN 11

    Why Imposter Syndrome Is Not A Bad Thing (Part 1)

    Do you ever feel like any minute now, someone’s going to figure out you don’t actually belong, even though you do? In this episode, Leah reframes imposter syndrome not as a flaw to fix, but as a signal that you’re growing. Through neuroscience, personal reflection, and powerful analogies (yes, including “bicycle face”), she explores the real reason you feel like a fraud—and why it’s actually a good sign. You’ll learn: • Where imposter syndrome really comes from • What your nervous system is doing behind the scenes • Why new experiences trigger old survival responses • How neuroplasticity explains the discomfort of growth • The 5 types of imposter syndrome—and which ones resonate with you This is part one of a two-part series that will help you stop spiraling and start honoring the discomfort of doing something meaningful. ⸻ ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – The fear of being “found out” 01:04 – What we’re covering in part one 02:05 – Where imposter syndrome originated 03:18 – The “bicycle face” analogy (and what it means today) 05:09 – What if imposter syndrome is a sign of growth? 05:44 – Your nervous system’s job is survival, not success 06:54 – Neuroplasticity: why growth feels awkward 07:34 – Leah’s personal story: launching her Resilience journal 09:02 – Your body reacts to newness like a threat 10:08 – Your brain is scanning for patterns—and gets anxious without them 11:44 – The 5 patterns of imposter syndrome (by Dr. Valerie Young) 12:00 – #1: The Perfectionist 13:11 – #2: The Expert 14:08 – #3: The Natural Genius 15:20 – #4: The Soloist 16:24 – #5: The Superhero 17:38 – These are survival strategies, not flaws 18:22 – You might show different types in different areas of life 18:33 – A final reframe: imposter syndrome as a growth signal 18:42 – Preview of part two: regulating & taking action 19:01 – Closing ⸻ 🧠 Explore More Tools 📝 Get my Resilience Journal to support your healing journey: 📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1 🧘‍♀️ Join the Nervous System Journaling Club → https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1 🎓 Learn more: → The Advanced Nervous System Resilience Training: https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aXvnLQ5iNMBUxzQYYcrgjg.Ygo_CcAbKDLG3ax4WgUAUannnVgrozTHO0DU3k-rSfw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mental%2Bhealth%2BJournal&qid=1748849188&sr=8-1&th=1 📬 Stay Connected 💌 Newsletter: leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletter 📱 Instagram & Facebook: @leahdavidsonlifecoaching Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  6. Why You Take Things Personally (and What to Do Instead)

    JUN 4

    Why You Take Things Personally (and What to Do Instead)

    Do you replay conversations in your head, second-guess your words, or feel a wave of shame from just one comment or look? You’re not too sensitive and you’re not alone. You’re simply human with a nervous system doing its job to protect you. In this episode, we unpack why you take things personally and what you can do to shift that response. This isn’t about “toughening up” or just thinking positive. It’s about understanding the neurobiology behind emotional reactions and learning how to regulate your state so you can respond with clarity, not collapse. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: • How your nervous system interprets disapproval as a threat • Why “story follows state”—and how to shift both • The “slime” analogy for handling criticism • A powerful mindset tool called the “second score” • How to create emotional space between stimulus and response ⸻ 🕰️ Timestamps: 03:27 – Why thinking differently isn’t enough 03:55 – Survival wiring and neuroception 05:20 – Strategy #1: Critique behavior, not identity 06:25 – Separate who you are from what you did 06:56 – Strategy #2: Reframe criticism as feedback 07:44 – The “Slime” analogy for handling feedback 10:02 – Brené Brown’s arena metaphor: who deserves your energy? 10:52 – Not all feedback deserves full volume 11:16 – Strategy #3: Mind reading and nervous system state 12:20 – Story follows state: Team Hyper, Hypo, and Resilient 13:37 – The Safety Sequence: Regulate before you reframe 14:27 – Strategy #4: Track and anticipate your personal triggers 15:12 – Strategy #5: Validate your emotions first 16:07 – Strategy #6: The Second Score – how you respond matters 18:19 – Criticism as a growth opportunity 18:40 – Final thoughts: It’s not a mindset flaw—it’s your nervous system ⸻ 🧠 Explore More Tools 📝 Get my Resilience Journal to support your healing journey: 📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1 🧘‍♀️ Join the Nervous System Journaling Club → https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1 🎓 Learn more: → The Advanced Nervous System Resilience Training: https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aXvnLQ5iNMBUxzQYYcrgjg.Ygo_CcAbKDLG3ax4WgUAUannnVgrozTHO0DU3k-rSfw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mental%2Bhealth%2BJournal&qid=1748849188&sr=8-1&th=1 📬 Stay Connected 💌 Newsletter: leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletter 📱 Instagram & Facebook: @leahdavidsonlifecoaching Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min

  7. MAY 28

    Is It Me or Is It Them? Understanding Triggers

    You know that moment when someone says something small, but your reaction feels huge? Like, your heart’s racing, your mind is spiralling, and you’re suddenly questioning everything? Or maybe you lose it, and then after think "Oof, where did that come from?" (Or I've often seen others lose it and also wonder, "Oof, where did that come from!") One of my clients recently asked a question that I know so many of us have wrestled with: "If something triggers me today, how do I know if I'm just reacting from an old wound - or it something's actually not ok right now?" Yes. Yes. YES. That’s exactly what this week’s episode of the Building Resilience podcast is all about. We’re diving into: * Why your nervous system doesn’t do timelines * How “story follows state” (and what that really means) * 6 powerful tools to help you sort out what’s now and what’s then * And how to bring compassion no matter what you find Nervous System Journaling Club: https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1 #nervoussystemhealing #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemreset Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min
  8. Why You Sabotage The Good (And How To Stop)

    MAY 21

    Why You Sabotage The Good (And How To Stop)

    Have you ever felt yourself pulling away right as things started going well? You finally feel joy, connection, or success—and suddenly you sabotage it, shut down, or spiral. You’re not broken. You’ve just hit your nervous system’s upper limit. In this episode of the Building Resilience Podcast, Leah Davidson explores why so many of us unconsciously resist the very things we want—and how to shift that. Self-sabotage isn’t a failure of discipline—it’s a brilliant act of protection when our body doesn’t feel safe holding more. Through nervous system science and real-life examples, Leah walks you through 10 powerful strategies to expand your capacity, calm the fear of goodness, and stop pulling back when it matters most. This episode will help you: ✔ Understand the root of your self-sabotage (and stop blaming yourself) ✔ Rewire your nervous system to feel safe with ease, success, love, and rest ✔ Recognize the subtle ways your body says “too much” ✔ Use micro-moments and bottom-up tools to build real resilience ✔ Expand your emotional capacity without triggering collapse This episode is for anyone who’s ready to grow—but wants to do it in a way that’s gentle, embodied, and truly sustainable. — ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Do You Sabotage the Good Stuff? 00:43 – Welcome to Episode 231: What’s Really Behind Resistance 01:12 – Sabotage Is Protection in Disguise 02:01 – The Body’s Response: “Too Fast, Too Far, Too Unfamiliar” 02:49 – The Hidden Beliefs That Keep Us From Expanding 03:48 – Why You Can’t Think Your Way Into Safety 04:30 – Resistance Isn’t a Motivation Problem—It’s a Mismatch 05:37 – Strategy 1: Get Curious With the Part That’s Afraid 06:48 – Strategy 2: Anchor Safety in Small Doses 07:55 – Strategy 3: Let Yourself Hold the Good Just a Beat Longer 08:49 – Strategy 4: Practice Safe Exposure to Joy 10:03 – Strategy 5: Expand Through Creative Expression 10:49 – Strategy 6: Use Identity Work to Reinforce Safety 11:46 – Strategy 7: Regulate Before You Strategize 13:01 – Strategy 8: Slow Down Your Intake 14:25 – Strategy 9: Stay Connected While Growing 15:14 – Strategy 10: Be Gentle With Your Nervous System — 📝 Get my Resilience Journal to support your healing journey: 📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1 🎓 Nervous System Journaling Club: https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1 — 📌 Tags: #Resilience #NervousSystemHealing #TraumaRecovery #PolyvagalTheory #EmotionalRegulation #GriefAndHealing #HealingTools #NervousSystemSupport #BottomUpRegulation #SafetySequence #TraumaInformedHealing #AnxietyTools #HowToHeal #HealingAfterLoss #CoRegulation #NervousSystemCoach #LeahDavidson #BuildingResiliencePodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Life can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with anxiety, stress, a dysregulated nervous system, or constant overthinking. But here's the good news: you're not alone, and relief is possible. I'm Leah Davidson, a nervous system resilience coach and speech-language pathologist, and I'm here to help you navigate life's ups and downs by teaching you practical tools for nervous system regulation. On this podcast, you'll learn how to manage anxiety, reduce stress, stop overthinking, and support a healthier, more regulated nervous system. Together, we'll share inspiring stories, practical tips, and compassionate support to build resilience and create a life filled with purpose, joy, and connection. Ready to befriend your nervous system and reclaim your peace? Let's get started! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Leah Davidson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    238
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Leah Davidson
  • Show Website
    Building Resilience

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