Messages From the Middle

• Productive Procrastination

  Ever feel like you're doing "all the things"—but somehow nothing important is getting done? In this episode, we explore the sneaky habit of productive procrastination—when you're busy with tasks that feel useful, like organizing, researching, or learning, but they’re actually keeping you from the real work that moves you forward. Using a personal story about transforming her home office, your host shines a compassionate light on how this pattern shows up and why it’s especially common among those with ADHD (but not exclusive to them!). You'll learn how the brain rewards us with dopamine for the idea of progress, even when we’re avoiding the stuff that truly matters. This episode is all about building awareness without shame, and learning how to gently course-correct when our to-do lists become a comfortable hiding place. If you've ever found yourself alphabetizing your spice rack instead of hitting “publish,” this one’s for you. contact me: website: www.wendyparrish.com instagram: @childsongbird @wendyparrishcoaching email: [email protected]

  --------  

  10:24
• Healing: What that word really means to me for mental health

  What if healing isn’t about going back — but about moving forward with more strength, compassion, and resilience than you ever thought possible? In this episode, I dive into the concept of healing in mental health, unpacking what it really means beyond the buzzwords. From my not-so-secret love of time travel stories to imagining what it would be like to "fix" the past, I explore why true healing isn’t about rewinding life, but about learning to live it more fully right now. We’ll get practical, too — breaking down what healing would look like if we treated emotional pain like physical illness. Spoiler: it's not that different. Whether you’re on your own healing journey or still trying to figure out what that even means, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a gentle nudge to start defining healing for *yourself*. You don’t need a time machine. Just a little honesty, some self-compassion, and the courage to keep showing up. www.wendyparrish.com [email protected] Instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching @childsongbird  

  --------  

  13:52
• Secondary Emotions

  This week on Messages from the Middle I talk about secondary emotions. Secondary emotions are more complex emotions that develop as a result of social and cultural influences, personal experiences, and cognitive processes. Unlike primary emotions (which are universal and biologically hardwired, such as happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust), secondary emotions are learned and shaped by our interactions with others. Secondary emotions play a significant role in mental health, as they shape how we process experiences, interact with others, and regulate our thoughts and behaviors. When managed well, they contribute to emotional intelligence and resilience. However, difficulties in processing secondary emotions can lead to mental health challenges Take a listen this week to learn about secondary emotions and how they can help you with your mental health. contact me: @childsongbird @wendyparrishcoaching email: [email protected]

  --------  

  17:21
• To Diagnose or not to Diagnose

  In this episode of Messages from the Middle, I dive into a question I hear all the time: "To diagnose or not to diagnose?" Many people suspect they have ADHD or another neurodivergence but hesitate to seek an official diagnosis. Maybe they don’t see the point, worry about labels, or fear it might hold them back. I get it—I really do. But today, I’m sharing why I chose to seek diagnoses for myself and my kids, and why knowledge can be a powerful tool for understanding, growth, and success.   A diagnosis isn’t about limitations—it’s about empowerment. It provides clarity, access to support, and a roadmap for navigating a world that often isn’t built for neurodivergent minds. Whether you’ve already self-diagnosed, had a well-meaning friend diagnose you, or are just starting to ask the question, this episode will help you weigh the benefits of knowing for sure. Because as my daughter once said, “It’s better to know that I’m a regular zebra and not a weird horse.” contact me: [email protected] instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching @childsongbird

  --------  

  15:07
• Reclaimed

  At some point in life, we all lose pieces of ourselves—whether through major transitions, shifting identities, or unexpected challenges. In this episode of Messages From the Middle, I explore what it means to reclaim our purpose, using the story of my beloved reclaimed-wood kitchen table as a metaphor for transformation. Just like that table, we can take what’s been worn down, broken, or forgotten and reshape it into something new.   I share my own journey of reclaiming purpose after years of pouring everything into motherhood, only to find myself wondering, "Now what?" Through reflection, growth, and embracing change, I’ve learned that purpose isn’t about returning to what was—it’s about creating something even more meaningful. If you’ve ever felt lost in the shuffle of life, this episode will help you rediscover who you are and what truly matters in this season. contact me: [email protected] Instagram: @childsongbird OR @wendyparrishcoaching

  --------  

  18:48

More Health & Wellness podcasts

Trending Health & Wellness podcasts

About Messages From the Middle