Healing Journey and Personal Growth From Life's Little Sparks with Lorana Johnson

62. The Beauty of Doing Nothing

This Independence Day I gave myself the gift of doing absolutely nothing — just me, my porch, and a good book. In this episode I share that after a busy few weeks spending time alone was just what I needed.

61. Twisted Thoughts That Keep Us Stuck

In this episode I review Dr. David D. Burns' ten cognitive distortions or the twisted thought patterns that keep us stuck in negativity, self-doubt, and emotional pain. I share examples of each one so you can start recognizing them in your own thinking. Awareness is the first step to freedom, and I think this episode is going to open your eyes to just how sneaky these thought patterns can be.

60. When Thoughts Run Wild

This week while pruning my espalier apple trees I had an unexpected insight, untended thoughts grow just like unruly branches, spreading in directions we never intended. I share what Queen's University in Canada researchers discovered about "thought worms" and how we experience thousands of thoughts a day — many of them repetitive and negative. I also talk about the brain's default mode network, why we get stuck in mental loops, and how mindfulness, focused attention, and deep breathing can help us take back control. I share examples from my own life and give you practical ways to start pruning your own mental garden.

59. What Other People Think is None of My Business

This week I got hit by something I thought I'd already healed. Someone's opinion of me knocked me for a loop. In this episode I share what happened, why it hurt my feelings and made me question why I still cared so much what they thought of me. I share a couple of stories about caring what others think and end reminding myself that what other people think of me is none of my business.

58. Overwhelm and Resentment of My Own Making

Today I'm sharing a personal realization about overwhelm, resentment, and the exhausting habit of trying to be everything for everyone. For years I blamed my stress and fatigue on work, but after retirement I discovered something surprising: much of my overwhelm was coming from my own expectations and all the things I believed I "should" do. If you've been feeling burdened by obligations, struggling with people-pleasing, or carrying responsibilities that are stealing your peace, this episode is for you.