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  • Simplifying

    Simplifying
    2024/11/06
    Episode Overview: In this episode of 5 Year You, Andrew and Catherine tackle the challenge of simplifying life, a topic Andrew admits he struggles with. The conversation covers everything from simplifying routines, finances, and household tasks to cutting down on mental clutter. The hosts discuss how overcomplicating things adds stress while simplifying can lead to mental clarity and overall well-being. With plenty of personal examples and practical tips, this episode will resonate with anyone looking to declutter their life and find peace in simplicity. Key Topics Covered:
    • Overcomplicating vs. Simplifying: Andrew shares his tendency to overcomplicate tasks and Catherine highlights how simplifying makes things more manageable, using examples from her own life, like cooking with fewer ingredients.
    • Simplifying Finances: Both hosts talk about how simplifying finances—through consolidating debt and reducing budget categories—can bring mental relief and make life easier to manage.
    • Creating a Simple Home Environment: Catherine shares her experience downsizing to an apartment and how reducing household responsibilities, like yard work and bill payments, gave her more peace of mind.
    • Simplifying Health Goals: Andrew and Catherine discuss how simplifying their diets and workout routines helped them lose weight and improve their health without overcomplicating the process.
    • The Mental Benefits of Simplifying: They explain how simplifying various aspects of life can lead to more time, energy, and mental clarity for the things that truly matter.

    Actionable Steps for Listeners:
    1. Pick One Area to Simplify: Whether it's your finances, your diet, or your home environment, choose one area to focus on first, and simplify it step by step.
    2. Identify What’s Essential: Take a look at your daily routine or your budget and identify the few things that matter most. Let go of what’s not essential.
    3. Practice Letting Go: Simplifying often means removing things, whether it's physical clutter or mental clutter. Start practicing letting go of things that don’t serve you anymore.
    4. Embrace Empty Space: Once you simplify, resist the urge to fill the new space with more stuff. Instead, enjoy the calm that comes with less.

    Quotes:
    • "Simplifying is the act of removing the unnecessary so you can enjoy the essential more." – Andrew Dewar
    • "It’s about the feeling you get at the end, that sense of exhale when you have more space in your life." – Catherine Collins

    Glimmers of the Week:
    • Catherine: Enjoying the simplicity of a few thoughtful purchases for her shower, courtesy of a birthday gift card from her parents, which has brought her unexpected joy.
    • Andrew: Excited about his new CIRCUL ring, which tracks his energy and stress levels throughout the day, helping him understand his body better.

    Resources Mentioned:
    • CIRCUL Ring – A wearable that tracks energy and stress levels, among other health metrics.
    • Opal App – A phone app that helps block distractions and reduce screen time.

    Connect with Us:
    • Visit Five Year You to sign up for emails from your
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    27 分
  • Finding Calm

    Finding Calm
    2024/10/30
    Episode Overview: In this episode of 5 Year You, Andrew and Catherine explore the challenges of finding calm amidst the chaos of daily life. From the stresses of parenting and work to personal struggles with overachievement, they discuss how difficult it can be to slow down and prioritize peace. Both hosts share personal stories of burnout, anxiety, and the need for self-soothing techniques. Whether it's through mindfulness, breathing exercises, or simply removing yourself from a stressful situation, this episode is packed with actionable steps for anyone looking to cultivate calm in their life. Key Topics Covered:
    • Identifying Escalating Stress: Catherine shares how she uses a number system to communicate her stress levels and how she actively removes herself from escalating situations to prevent emotional overload.
    • Andrew’s Inner Dialogue: Andrew discusses how his inner voice often drives feelings of stress and how he’s learning to separate that voice from his true self through mindfulness practices.
    • Creating a Calm Home Environment: Catherine talks about intentionally building a calm atmosphere in her household as a single parent and how that affects her well-being and her children’s.
    • Dealing with High Expectations: Both hosts reflect on the pressures of being high achievers and how that drive can lead to burnout and illness if not managed properly.
    • The Importance of Daily Calm Practices: The episode highlights how small, consistent habits like walking, meditating, or breathing exercises can make a significant difference in reducing stress over time.

    Actionable Steps for Listeners:
    1. Practice Breathing Exercises: Take three deep breaths and visualize moving from your head (where the stress lives) to your heart (where calm resides).
    2. Create Calm Rituals: Whether it's a daily walk, a quiet moment with tea, or yoga, find a small activity that brings you peace and integrate it into your routine.
    3. Set Boundaries for Stress: Use tools like Catherine's stress number system to communicate when you need space and to prevent overwhelming situations from escalating.
    4. Reflect on Your Environment: Notice if your home or workplace is conducive to calm, and make intentional changes that foster peace, such as decluttering or lowering noise levels.

    Quotes: "Your calm is in your heart. It’s always there, waiting for you to return to it." – Andrew Dewar "You can choose to step away from stress, but it’s a practice. It’s not going to happen overnight." – Catherine Collins Glimmers of the Week:
    • Catherine: She’s excited about using a new app called Opal, which helps block distractions on her phone, reducing screen time and giving her back precious time in her day.
    • Andrew: Enjoyed a peaceful solo movie experience where he had the entire theater to himself, turning what could have felt awkward into a calming and enjoyable moment.

    Resources Mentioned:
    • Opal App – A phone app that blocks distractions to help you focus and reclaim time.
    • Feeling Wheel – A tool to identify and label your emotions, which can help with emotional regulation.

    ...
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    27 分
  • Running Late

    Running Late
    2024/10/23
    Episode Overview: In this episode of 5 Year You, Andrew and Catherine dive into the anxiety of always feeling behind in life—whether it's being late to a meeting or feeling like you're falling behind on major life milestones. They share their own stressful morning experiences and discuss the deeper issue of comparing ourselves to others and societal expectations. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of self-compassion, patience, and embracing the fact that we are all on our own unique timelines. Key Topics Covered:
    • The Anxiety of Being Late: Andrew and Catherine talk about their personal frustrations with being late and how societal pressure adds to this anxiety.
    • Feeling Behind in Life: They explore the broader concept of feeling late in life, comparing your progress to others, and the stress of not meeting societal expectations.
    • Embracing Your Own Timeline: Catherine and Andrew share how to let go of the invisible "life checklist" and recognize that everyone’s path is unique.
    • Self-Compassion and Humility: They talk about the importance of showing yourself kindness and practicing humility when things don't go as planned.
    • Turning Stress into Compassion: Andrew discusses how moments of stress, like running late, can serve as opportunities to practice compassion for ourselves and others.

    Actionable Steps for Listeners:
    1. Practice Self-Compassion: When you find yourself running late or feeling behind, be kind to yourself instead of self-critical. You’re doing your best.
    2. Flip the Script on Being Late: Shift your mindset to recognize that sometimes things happen outside of your control. Compassion toward yourself and others is key.
    3. Embrace Your Unique Timeline: Stop comparing yourself to others and trust that you are exactly where you're meant to be in life, at the right time.
    4. Create Your Own Traditions: Let go of societal pressures to follow established traditions. Make your own path, whether it’s how you celebrate holidays or how you choose to live your life.

    Quotes:
    • "You're not late. You're exactly where you're supposed to be." – Catherine Collins
    • "A tradition is just something somebody else started a long time ago. You can start your own traditions whenever you want." – Andrew Dewar

    Glimmers of the Week:
    • Catherine: Excited about her new thrift store find—a hot pink V-neck sweater that fits perfectly and still had the tags on.
    • Andrew: Enjoyed Canadian Thanksgiving by breaking away from traditional expectations and taking his kids to a funny movie, shopping, and having a meaningful dinner conversation.

    Resources Mentioned:
    • Feeling Wheel – A helpful tool for identifying and processing emotions.

    Connect with Us:
    • Visit Five Year You to sign up for emails from your future self and take control of your timeline today.
    • Follow us on Instagram @fiveyearyou.

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical or emotional concerns.
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    27 分
  • Needing Permission

    Needing Permission
    2024/10/16
    Episode Overview: In this episode, Andrew and Catherine tackle a common challenge—needing permission. Whether it’s waiting for approval to rest, to buy something for yourself, or to pursue a new goal, many of us feel like we need someone else’s okay to live the life we want. The hosts dig deep into why we feel this way, how it’s tied to worthiness, and how we can begin to give ourselves permission to live on our own terms. Filled with relatable stories, practical advice, and a healthy dose of humor, this episode is about empowering you to step into your own life. Key Topics Covered:
    • The Roots of Needing Permission: How childhood conditioning and societal expectations play into our adult lives, creating the habit of seeking external approval.
    • The Role of Worthiness: The hosts explore how needing permission is often a reflection of feeling unworthy or undeserving of the things we want.
    • Permission to Rest and Care for Yourself: Catherine shares her struggle with feeling like she needs approval to take a break or do something for herself, even in her own home.
    • The Life Checklist: Andrew and Catherine discuss the societal "checklist" of life that tells us what we should be doing, and how breaking away from that can make us feel like we need validation.
    • Practical Steps for Self-Permission: Tips on how to start small by giving yourself permission for little things, building up to bigger goals, and how this ties into living a life of purpose.

    Actionable Steps for Listeners:
    1. Start Small: Give yourself permission for simple things like taking a break, buying a small treat, or doing something you enjoy.
    2. Awareness: Begin noticing the moments when you feel like you need permission from others and ask yourself why.
    3. Affirm Your Worthiness: Remind yourself that you are worthy of good things, whether it's a snack or a big life change, without needing external validation.
    4. Journal Your Desires: Write down the things you want to do but haven’t given yourself permission for yet. Start with one and give yourself the green light.

    Quotes: "The only person you need permission from is yourself. Start small, and build that muscle of self-approval." – Andrew Dewar "If something keeps bubbling up inside of you, that’s your heart talking. Give yourself permission to follow it." – Catherine Collins Glimmers of the Week:
    • Andrew: Excited about his new discovery—Siesta chips, a healthier snack made with cassava flour that’s both satisfying and good for him, especially the churro-flavored ones.
    • Catherine: Cherishing a surprise manicure and pedicure session she shared with her daughter, making for a special bonding moment.

    Resources Mentioned:
    • Feeling Wheel – For identifying and processing emotions.

    Connect with Us:
    • Visit Five Year You to sign up for emails from your future self, and start making decisions that align with your purpose.
    • Follow us on Instagram @fiveyearyou.

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical or emotional concerns. Thank...
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    28 分
  • Storing Emotions

    Storing Emotions
    2024/10/09
    Episode Overview: In this episode, Andrew and Catherine dive into a profound yet relatable concept they call the "Emotional Garage." Our bodies tend to store emotions just like we store boxes in a garage, but over time, this accumulation can have detrimental effects on both our mental and physical health. The hosts share personal stories and insights about how unprocessed emotions can manifest physically, how to acknowledge and release these emotions safely, and how to maintain emotional well-being in everyday life. Key Topics Covered:
    • The Emotional Garage: What it is and how we tend to store emotions rather than process them.
    • Impact on Health: How storing emotions can lead to physical ailments and emotional overwhelm.
    • Cultural Influence on Emotions: Discussing the societal conditioning, especially among men, to suppress emotions.
    • The Importance of Emotional Release: Different ways to safely express emotions, including crying, journaling, physical activity, and talk therapy.
    • Personal Stories: Andrew's personal journey of learning to face his emotions after years of avoidance, and Catherine’s insights on the emotional-physical connection, especially with her autoimmune conditions.
    • Visualizing Emotions: How personifying your emotions as "gremlins" or small creatures can help in understanding and releasing them.

    Actionable Steps for Listeners:
    1. Identify Your Feelings: Use tools like the Feeling Wheel to name and recognize your emotions. Understanding what you are feeling is the first step to processing it.
    2. Acknowledge Your Emotions: It’s okay to feel anger, sadness, or frustration. Find a safe outlet to express these emotions, whether it's taking a walk, venting to a friend, or journaling.
    3. Talk to Someone: If you’re struggling to face your emotions, seek a safe space, whether it’s a trusted friend or professional therapist, to begin unpacking those “boxes.”
    4. Give Yourself Permission to Cry: Crying is a natural emotional release. Allow yourself to feel and let go, just like you would laugh or express joy.

    Glimmers of the Week:
    • Catherine: A new, colorful backdrop in her home office, featuring artwork from her twins, has brightened up her space and brought her joy.
    • Andrew: The incredible experience of seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which left them in awe of the spectacular stage effects.

    Quotes:
    • "You can clean out your emotional garage one box at a time. It doesn’t have to be a spring clean." – Andrew Dewar
    • "Your emotions don’t want to be stuck inside of you. Let them out and watch how much lighter you feel." – Catherine Collins

    Resources Mentioned:
    • Feeling Wheel – A tool to help identify and name your emotions.
    • The Body Keeps the Score – A book that explores the connection between emotions and physical health.

    Connect with Us:
    • Visit Five Year You to sign up for emails from your future self. Start making life changes today!
    • ...
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    28 分
  • Embracing Enough

    Embracing Enough
    2024/10/02
    Do you find yourself constantly wanting more, chasing the next big thing, and never feeling truly satisfied? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode, we explore how discovering contentment with what you have can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. From personal anecdotes about overconsumption and the mental weight of material possessions, to practical coaching advice on finding your authentic self, this episode is packed with insights that encourage you to pause, reflect, and appreciate your current state. Plus, stay tuned for our glimmers segment where we share some personal highlights, including Cat’s return to therapy and Andrew’s latest tech find. Tune in and start your journey toward a more content, authentic you!
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    27 分
  • Conquering Perfectionism

    Conquering Perfectionism
    2024/09/25
    Perfection. It's something that I think a lot of us struggle with. In this episode, we will explore our deep-seeded roots of perfectionism that often dates back to our childhood, and discuss how societal pressures shape our relentless pursuit of unattainable standards. Cat shares her personal journey of being a "recovering perfectionist" and offers a glimpse into the mindset that often drives these behaviors. Andrew brings valuable insights into embracing our imperfections and finding self-love. Together, we highlight the importance of creating supportive communities and discovering our true selves. If you struggle with perfectionism or know someone who does, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in for raw, real, and relatable advice to help you conquer perfectionism and live life on purpose. Let's get started!
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    28 分
  • Releasing Rigidity

    Releasing Rigidity
    2024/09/18
    Welcome back to the Five Year You Podcast, where we guide you on the journey to becoming your best self one day at a time. In today's episode, titled "Releasing Rigidity," we dive deep into the mental constructs and self-imposed rules that often hinder our personal growth and happiness. Join us as we explore relatable examples, from the habitual ways we think about mealtime to the deep-rooted behaviors stemming from childhood. We discuss the balance between structure and flexibility, and how challenging our own rigid rules can open up pathways for new, fulfilling experiences. Get ready to gain insights, laugh, and perhaps even rethink the way you approach daily life. Are you ready to grow? Let's get started!
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    28 分