Why Bouncing Back Is A Lie (And What Resilience Really Looks Like)
What if the most resilient people arenāt the ones who bounce back quicklyābut those who allow themselves to break, feel, grieve, and still move forward?In this heartfelt episode, we explore tragic optimismāa powerful reframe introduced by Viktor Franklāand how it allows us to hold both pain and hope without bypassing either. Youāll 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.Weāll explore:⢠Why ābouncing backā is a cultural myth⢠What tragic optimism really means (and what itās not)⢠The nervous systemās role in resilience and meaning-making⢠The 3 Ps of pessimismāand how to unlearn them⢠Practical tools to regulate your body, reframe your thoughts, and hold space for grief and growth at onceThis is your invitation to stop striving to return to āhow things used to beāāand instead, build capacity to bounce forward with wisdom, gentleness, and courage.Timestamps:00:00 ā Resilient people arenāt the fastest to recover06:55 ā When Breath Becomes Air & the phrase ādevastatingly beautifulā10:14 ā What tragic optimism really means (Viktor Frankl)13:05 ā Why itās not toxic positivity (Brad Stulbergās take)15:15 ā Introducing learned optimism (Martin Seligman)17:32 ā The 3 Ps of pessimism and how to flip them20:18 ā Why your nervous system must feel safe before optimism is possible23:12 ā You canāt access nuance from a dysregulated state25:50 ā The nervous systemās role in meaning-making28:36 ā Post-traumatic growth: Making meaning, not finding it31:45 ā What it means to hold both pain and hope33:58 ā How to actually practice tragic optimism36:10 ā Step 1: Reframe with āboth/andā language37:15 ā Step 2: Befriend your nervous system, not fight it38:48 ā Step 3: Hold space for others with āTell me moreā40:10 ā What resilience really looks like: bouncing forward41:50 ā Why regulating isnāt about avoiding paināitās about holding it43:30 ā Final thoughts: You can be devastatingly beautiful tooš Get My Resilience JournalA guided journal for emotional well-being and nervous system careš 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=1š Amazon CA: Buy Here:https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F?th=1š Join the Nervous System Journaling ClubDoodle, journal, and heal in community:https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1Letās Stay Connected:Instagram & Facebook: @leahdavidsonlifecoachingSubscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletterEnjoyed 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.
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Youāre not lazy. Youāre in survival mode.
If youāve been calling yourself lazy, unmotivated, or inconsistent, this episode is your wake-up call.What if the reason youāre stuck isnāt a mindset problem⦠but a nervous system one? In this deeply validating solo episode, Leah Davidson explores how procrastination, avoidance, and āinvisible resistanceā are often signs of a protective nervous system, not personal failure.From ghosting your own business to endlessly āpreparingā 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 youāre an overwhelmed parent, frozen entrepreneur, or helper who canāt seem to help yourselfāthis episode will help you reframe your āstucknessā and offer a gentler, more effective path forward.⸻ⱠTimestamps:00:00 ā Intro: When ācleaning the junk drawerā means something deeper02:00 ā Whatās really behind feeling stuck03:25 ā Fear masked as logic: the subtle signs04:40 ā Shameās quiet whispers and protective disguise05:52 ā The āroommateā analogy for your nervous system08:10 ā The myth of perfection in healing work10:25 ā Real-life examples: coach, parent, student, executive12:57 ā Stuckness ā laziness: itās protection13:45 ā Step 1: Curiosity over criticism14:45 ā Step 2: Get specific about the emotional fear16:09 ā Step 3: Regulate before action17:10 ā The Safety Sequence in practice17:58 ā Step 4: Start with the smallest possible step19:00 ā Step 5: Find your people, especially in messy moments20:00 ā Is it resistanceāor redirection?21:20 ā Sustainable change happens at the speed of safety22:10 ā Regulate. Act. Repeat.āø»š§ Want More Support?š Get my Resilience Journal ā A guided journal for nervous system care:š Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1š Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1š Join the Nervous System Journaling Clubhttps://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1š¬ Weekly Newsletter + Free Workshops:https://www.leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletterhttps://www.leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/doodleworkshopš± Follow me:Instagram & Facebook ā @leahdavidsonlifecoachingāø»š£ļø 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.
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From Chaos to Calm: Nervous System Friendly Organizing with Tracy Hoth
What if being āmessyā doesnāt mean youāre disorganizedāand clutter isnāt the real issue?In this episode of the Building Resilience Podcast, Iām joined by organizing coach Tracy Hoth for a powerful reframe on what it really means to be organized. Spoiler: Itās not about color-coded bins or minimalist living. Itās about safety, clarity, and knowing where your stuff isā80% of the time.We talk about the nervous system side of clutter, why perfection is a trap, and how āmessinessā might be a protective response rather than a personal flaw. Youāll walk away with mindset shifts, practical tips (hello, SPASM method!), and a whole new lens on what organized can actually feel like.If youāve ever looked at your home, your business, or your life and thought, āI should have it more together by nowāāthis conversation is for you.āø»Timestamps:00:00 ā Welcome + Leah admits she might not be that organized02:34 ā Meet Tracy: An organizing coach with a nervous system twist05:55 ā Why āorganizedā doesnāt mean minimalist or picture-perfect09:18 ā The 80% Rule: A realistic definition of being organized12:43 ā Leahās tiny Toronto home vs. American closets17:05 ā You can be organized and have stuff21:17 ā Nervous system links: Why some people need more things to feel safe24:30 ā SPASM: The 5-step framework for organizing29:49 ā The hardest part of getting organized (itās not what you think)33:12 ā The emotional side of purging (guilt, scarcity, memories)38:05 ā How to set limits without feeling deprived41:50 ā Why baskets and bins arenāt the answer44:37 ā Benefits of organizing: Calm, clarity, confidence48:30 ā Organizing as a nervous system regulation tool52:11 ā What organization reveals about your identity56:05 ā How to break projects into doable steps59:40 ā Is your āmessā actually protecting you?01:02:55 ā Where to start: Mindset before method01:05:23 ā Final takeaways + how to work with Tracyāø»š§ Want More Tools?š Get my Resilience Journal to support your nervous system:š Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1š Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1š Join the Nervous System Journaling Club:https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1š Explore Coaching, Courses, and Community:https://www.leahdavidsonlifecoaching.comš± Follow me on Instagram & Facebook: @leahdavidsonlifecoachingš Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: www.leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletterāø»š£ļø 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.
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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? Itās not a flaw, itās 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 itās 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.āš Get my Resilience Journal to support your healing journey:š Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1š Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1š Nervous System Journaling Club:https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1āš 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.
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Why Imposter Syndrome Is Not A Bad Thing (Part 1)
Do you ever feel like any minute now, someoneās going to figure out you donāt actually belong, even though you do?In this episode, Leah reframes imposter syndrome not as a flaw to fix, but as a signal that youāre growing. Through neuroscience, personal reflection, and powerful analogies (yes, including ābicycle faceā), she explores the real reason you feel like a fraudāand why itās actually a good sign.Youāll 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 syndromeāand which ones resonate with youThis is part one of a two-part series that will help you stop spiraling and start honoring the discomfort of doing something meaningful.āø»ā±ļø Timestamps00:00 ā The fear of being āfound outā01:04 ā What weāre covering in part one02:05 ā Where imposter syndrome originated03:18 ā The ābicycle faceā analogy (and what it means today)05:09 ā What if imposter syndrome is a sign of growth?05:44 ā Your nervous systemās job is survival, not success06:54 ā Neuroplasticity: why growth feels awkward07:34 ā Leahās personal story: launching her Resilience journal09:02 ā Your body reacts to newness like a threat10:08 ā Your brain is scanning for patternsāand gets anxious without them11:44 ā The 5 patterns of imposter syndrome (by Dr. Valerie Young)12:00 ā #1: The Perfectionist13:11 ā #2: The Expert14:08 ā #3: The Natural Genius15:20 ā #4: The Soloist16:24 ā #5: The Superhero17:38 ā These are survival strategies, not flaws18:22 ā You might show different types in different areas of life18:33 ā A final reframe: imposter syndrome as a growth signal18:42 ā Preview of part two: regulating & taking action19:01 ā Closingāø»š§ Explore More Toolsš Get my Resilience Journal to support your healing journey:š Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1š Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1š§āāļø Join the Nervous System Journaling Clubā https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1š Learn more:ā 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=1š¬ Stay Connectedš Newsletter: leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletterš± Instagram & Facebook: @leahdavidsonlifecoaching Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.