Have you ever felt anxious? Or do you know someone who often feels anxious? This week’s podcast is for you. (Press the “play” button up above…..) It’s a step-by-step process to “declutter” our emotions and get out of anxiety.
We talk a lot about the physical and mental side of clutter, and most of us know what a HUGE difference it makes when we have an organized home or an organized desk. But what about our emotions? What about the worries that keep us up at night, or the internal struggles we’re afraid to even TALK about?
I recently started working with a coach to help me develop more mental strength, and today’s podcast will take you behind the scenes so you can see exactly how I prepared for the coaching session, what happened during the session, and what I did for “homework” once it was finished.
I first started talking about this in an Instagram post a few weeks ago (and got a ton of great comments from people who are also working on this!):
Then I recorded the podcast in three parts:
PART ONE: 0:00-18:15
Twenty-five minutes prior to my coaching call…. How I prepared, what I hoped to get out of it, and why I think this information is essential for our whole LearnDoBecome community.
PART TWO: 18:15-40:35
Immediately after the call, while still in the car (photo above!). What I learned that made me feel absolutely elated, and how you can implement those steps into your life right away.
PART THREE: 40:35-end
A couple of weeks later, after doing some of my homework. What did I learn? What helped? What did I learn that can give YOU hope?
I haven’t totally figured this out yet. I’m a work in process, and I am in my head way too often. But my hope is that by sharing my struggles, taking you alongside me as I learn, do, and become, and then giving you bite-sized steps that you can implement, we can all grow together.
Your LearnDoBecome Challenge:
I want you to prioritize your mental health. I believe that when you are strong mentally, it will have a positive impact on every other area of your life. How you prioritize your mental health is totally up to you, but great links are below! Thrilled to have you here with us!
Related Resources
Favorite Books by Dr. David Burns:
My Cognitive Behavioral Therapy coach, Mike Christensen
Our Free Class! If you want to learn how to organize your mind, our free class, How to Stop Drowning in Piles, teaches four simple steps you can implement today to help you manage the details of life so that you can do more of what matters most. We look forward to having you join us!
***This page includes affiliate links (to books, in this case). Please read our disclosure for more info.
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Hi! Can you get your podcast listed on Google Podcasts? I moved over but don’t want to miss an episode!
Thank you!
Thanks for letting us know! I thought it was on there, but we will go make sure. Thanks Naomi!!
thank you for sharing and being so open. you have hit a nerve with me…meaning i can truly relate. i have been go thru alot (like everyone else)lately. The anxiety is thru the roof. i just didnt know what to do with it.
Jose, these books are seriously the BEST. I struggle often, and it’s not because we are weak—it is because we CARE. ? So glad you are with us!!
Hi April,
I just listened to the pre coach work you did in preparation for your session. You touched on too many points for me to comment on now but wanted to commend you on your honesty and bravery. Many of the emotions you spoke of touched me since our amazing hearts and minds can have layers upon layers of things going on at the same time. That in itself can easily cause anxiety and overwhelm, as it has in me. And yet, God created us with such capacity to enJOY all of His creation. Bless you on your journey and thank you. I’ll be listening,
♥️Karen
Karen, thank you for sharing your thoughts and support here! To be honest, I have been worried about publishing this podcast (it has been in the queue for weeks) because I imagine all these people out there who totally have it “together” and never struggle with anxiety thinking, “Wow, what a loser…” But then I realized it doesn’t matter if some people think that. I know how it feels to struggle, and these resources and processes are SO helpful that I needed to share them. It takes work, but the process is sooooo healing. Grateful you are here!!!!
Thanks for your honesty in sharing. I wanted to say that we all have things to work through for sure, but I’ve also discovered that some of those anxious feelings can be related to our physical health and our nutrient levels or deficiency. I never had anxiety, but a couple years ago I started drinking a lot of coffee. I discovered through a few panic attacks that I was having difficulty processing some of what I was putting in my body. I’ve recently started learning more about my physical body and its needs. I can’t tell you how much better I feel emotionally, now that I’m taking care of my body nutritionally.
Love this podcast and your openness.
Such an important point, Beth! There are a lot of factors here–environment, hormones, hydration, nutrition, vitamins, social support, family environment…. The list goes on. Looking at all sides of this is absolutely essential. So happy for you that you are in a great spot and taking care of yourself!!
Wow! Just listened to the first 18 minutes. You just nailed it April. We can hear the emotions in your voice. Real and Raw and right on. You are handling them, good for you. I am a lot older than you and have been “the organized one” forever yet how I feel emotionally just does not go with what others see. Looking forward to getting back to this to see what tips you have for us to grow as you have. What a stellar example you present for us.
Cheryl, I am so grateful for this wonderful community that gives us ALL the space to learn, do, and become together. 🙂 Thank you, thank you!!!
Congrats, you made the first step towards emotional maturity ???
Thanks so much Vava! Part of me wishes I’d known these things years ago, but I’m learning that it’s better late than never. 🙂
young at heart! When i started listening, thought you are at most in your early 20s. Very young and fresh voice! When you said you’re in your 40s and have grown kids, my jaw dropped! ?
Thanks, Vava!! When I worked customer service in my early 20s, people thought I was 12! So I guess my voice is aging slowly. 🙂 So happy you’re here with us!
Loved this! Listened twice but only up to the 52.51 minute time spot because my computer for some reason won’t let me listen past it 🙁 But I will keep trying! You touched on so many AMAZING things!!!! I care so much it gets me in so many emotional situations…. and I have so much personal growth to do.
Amber, thank you! This episode ends at 52.51 so it sounds like you did get to hear it all. Will you let us know if you continue to have troubles? Send a message to [email protected] and we can take a closer look into what might be happening. Thank you for being with us!
Saying “Thank you for doing this podcast!” seems inadequate.
I’m so ready to learn more and apply it!
You have a beautiful heart ❤️
April – thank you for being so open and real. I’ve been struggling with my ADHD lately and when I sought help decided to give my PCP a try since getting into a psychiatrist is next to impossible. Well- that was a disaster as he things ADHD kids grow up to be Bipolar adults. What?!?!?!!! No- that is NOT true. So I did some more research. And I also found a doctor within an hour of where I live that does ADHD evaluations. Well- since I was diagnosed in the 1970’s (really unusual for a girl- I was disruptive & hyper), they didn’t have these evaluations back then. So I figure the only way to get people who matter to believe me is to get an official evaluation. I’m also thinking I need a coach who is experienced working with people who have ADHD. Thankfully there is Zoom as can’t find a single one near me in TN. It’s encouraging that you are finding help & hope out of your situation. I am right behind you in that process…
Thanks for your vulnerability. And your voice has always soothed me.
What happened to your former theme song? Can you tell me the name of it please?
Thank you,
Sherrie
Thanks for being here with us Sherrie!! And I don’t know the name of the music from before, but we had several requests for something softer, so we are giving this a try! ? Hope you have an amazing day!!
Wow, God is good. I recently got back into doing a sort of journaling my thoughts and prayers to the Lord. If only I could copy and paste my prayer journal today. The gist of it was asking for the Holy Spirit to help me with anxiety and to cultivate peace and joy in the present moment. And then I get in my car to head to work and turn on your podcast. Amazing! God is faithful and quick to answer! I’ve already ordered the When Panic Attacks book and can’t wait to start reading it. Thank you once again for being so raw and real. And again, I’m amazed at how God knows us all and uses us in each others’ lives. Thank you for all you do in Learn, Do, Become!
Michelle, I am so happy to hear this!! I have had SO many similar prayers throughout my life, and these ideas have been such a blessing for me and my family. It takes work, but when you combine these methods with what you already feel from God, it is powerful. Much love!!!
Thank you, April! Your willingness to be vulnerable and share this was a wonderful experience for me. I have always been one who “keeps it all together” and just doesn’t do emotions. Lately I’ve been overwhelmed by them and not knowing what to do. You inspired me to get the book from the library and begin the process you modeled. If I need a coach, I know that’s available. You are going to blow the lid off your resistance and blossom more into yourself. Blessings from my heart to yours!
Ann, there is SO much value in being a person who keeps it all together. The world needs that. But I have no doubt you’ll be even more successful and helpful to others as you take care of all the emotions and personal needs behind the scenes. So, so glad you are with us!!
Thank you so much for this podcast episode, April! I could relate to so many of the things you shared. You are helping so many people (myself included) by telling us about Dr. Burns and his TEAM approach to therapy. Thanks for your transparency. And I love your laugh!
It is so great to know we aren’t alone and to have help where we need it! Grateful you are here with us!
April, I identify with you in so many ways. I have always been “in my head,” and so emotional. This podcast has shown me a better way, and it came at the right time to convince me that a book I am currently reading (on stress) is a waste of my valuable time; a lot of good information, but I can see that this program really gets to the heart of the matter for me. I told my husband this morning that I just feel like I am spinning my wheels and going in circles. And it is wearing me out! I will definitely check out these books and this method of getting to the bottom of what is preventing me from getting on track in so many areas of my life. Wow! I am very hopeful!! Thank you so much for surmounting your feelings of vulnerability and posting what is helpful to so many of us. You are a jewel.
Esther, thank you for your kind words and for the great work you are doing in your life! I totally understand the “spinning my wheels” part of life, and I think there is something innate in each of us that wants change and growth and that feeling of progress. Thrilled to be with you, and I am so glad this podcast could help to bring you hope!
Wow, April – This was really kind of you to share with your fans. I really think you are the most “together” person I can think of! Not that you are saying that in any of your podcasts. But everyone else I know is a long way from where you are, both in being organized and in being in touch with emotions. I have learned that while a person may have one area of life in stellar condition (like your personal command central), they are having struggles in some other area of life that I may not know about. Thank you for sharing your struggles and some of your path in dealing with them.
Janet, thank you for your kind words! We all have strengths and weaknesses, and I have plenty–just like everyone else. I’m glad that some of the things I shared here could be helpful. I’ve learned that we’re all doing our best, trying to navigate the many parts of life that don’t always feel easy. 🙂 I love this community at LearnDoBecome and feel so grateful you are a part of it!!
I can relate on so many levels. Thank you for putting it to words.
Hugs
April – you are AMAZING!! I have listened to you for years now … I can relate so closely to so much of what you’re saying (and have said). You’ve been a real guide for me as a mum and as someone who wants to run my own business from home so I can balance making an income with being with my family. I just feel so much … LIKE you!! This podcast was super helpful. I’ve listened to it multiple times now and I’ve now purchased Dr Burns’ book in both formats as you suggested. I love his podcast too (which you go the onto). Anyway, all the best to you on your journey and thank you SO much for all that you’ve done already to help me on mine. <3
I am so proud of you for getting the books and moving forward. And it is SO nice to know we’re not alone in all this! That balance of family vs income-generation is definitely something I think about every day, but I’ve learned it is totally possible and we can make it simple. ? Thank you for your kind words and encouragement!!
Hi April, I like to get my thoughts/emotions out on paper but I don’t want to have a notebook/journal lying around. Do you take pics of your written notes and store in Evernote or do you have some other method? I know there are some great journaling apps out there but I don’t want another expense and I find writing pen to paper better anyway. Thanks so much for your advice!!
Hi SJ! YES–100% I take notes on paper (love pen and paper….) and then take photos of them and put them into Evernote. I have “April’s Journal” or “Spiritual Creation” or other notebooks categorized in Evernote for easy access of those notes, but it works so well. And if you write neatly, you can search your notes for keywords. 🙂 Good luck!!
Thanks April – I’ll set mine up like that too and see how it goes. I do like that Evernote has Dark Mode on the phone now …. so when my hormonal Monkey Mind goes berserk at 2:30AM, I can get my thoughts out on my phone without a blaring white screen. Thanks again. 😊
Thank you so much for sharing this. I related to SO many things you said! You resonate with my heart and I appreciate all of the help you are putting out to make the world a better place.
Jill, thanks for your kind words. We’re so glad you’re here!
Just starts STEP and came across this podcast searching for help with emotional decluttering. I felt like your twin….similar thoughts, feelings, hidden emotions, and guilt from feeling these “1st world problems.” I am curious how your journey to revelation/transformation has unfolded and if you had any other sessions or AHA moments. Please continue to share because it is so helpful and purposeful. (PS. How can I stay tagged to receive notification with anymore updates on this particular topic? I am already subscribed to your podcasts….)
Thanks for reaching out to us! You’re definitely not alone. We have a couple of other podcasts with a similar theme. I’ll link them for you below. In addition to subscribing to the podcast, make sure that you’re signed up for our newsletter and if you’re part of our Mastery program, pop into our Facebook group. The members there are so supportive and helpful! There are always great conversations there about how to apply the program to all areas of your life. Sending you lots of love and support!
https://learndobecome.com/episode13/
https://learndobecome.com/episode79/
https://learndobecome.com/episode67/
Going to check out When Panic Attacks from the library. Sounds like something that I could have used years ago!
This podcast makes me want to find out more about CBT! I like knowing what the plan is, what steps I should take, and I love filling out forms or journal prompts so I can see in writing what I’m processing. So, when you describe listing feelings and what percent they are for you in certain moments, that is very appealing to me! Is this list of emotions/ feelings in one of these books? one or both of them? I’m really interested in trying to process feelings/ emotions, but also believe that one of my struggles is naming them in the first place. I’m now on a side quest to find these lists and templates, if you can point me in the right direction, I’d be grateful! (Hope this makes sense)
Yes! the list of the emotions is in Dr. Burns’ Daily Mood Log. I believe it’s in several of his books, but for sure in “When Panic Attacks.” I think there are several examples online, as well. This tool has been a game changer. 🙂