S18E4 - That's Upsetting

S18E4 - That's Upsetting

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2051412/fan_mail/new] Being upset is an emotional or mental disturbance usually triggered by disappointment, unfairness, or hurtful events. It is a broad umbrella term encompassing a wide range of negative feelings, such as frustration, sadness, worry, or anger.Recognizing that you are feeling upset—and understanding why—is the first step toward regaining your equilibrium.  Feeling upset about current situations is entirely valid, as global events, news, and personal circumstances can trigger strong emotional responses like anxiety, anger, and hopelessness. To manage this, experts recommend limiting your media intake, focusing on what you can control, and dedicating time to self-care. Focus on What You Can Control: You can't fix every global crisis, but you can control your daily routine, your immediate environment, and how you treat yourself. Healthy Coping Strategies If you are feeling overwhelmed, you can use several actionable techniques to de-escalate the feeling: The 90-Second Reset: Pause and focus on slow breathing. The initial chemical surge of a strong emotion typically lasts about 90 seconds. Lingering feelings usually happen when you keep dwelling on the trigger. Step Back: Take a brief timeout or walk away from the triggering situation to collect your thoughts. Physical Release: If you are feeling particularly agitated, try brisk exercise like a quick walk to burn off the stress. Communicate: Once you are calm, express your concerns or boundaries in a direct, nonconfrontational way. This week we would like to highlight The Nature Conservancy if you would like to learn more or donate click the link below. https://www.nature.org/en-us/ [https://www.nature.org/en-us/] Please leave a comment and review our episode and give some feedback on what we can improve on! Thank You All For Listening and Downloading Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/TheGoldenSpoon] The 988 Lifeline 988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) https://988lifeline.org/ [https://988lifeline.org/] * Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4lnQce2gqnZIjxzlvl5oSv?si=gdOehC20R-SPoUU4lafyRQ&utm_source=copy-link [https://open.spotify.com/show/4lnQce2gqnZIjxzlvl5oSv?si=gdOehC20R-SPoUU4lafyRQ&utm_source=copy-link] * Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086740326701&mibextid=ZbWKw [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086740326701&mibextid=ZbWKw] * Youtube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqEcbkA7c93lGKDaBBymG64tIWczQCLNJ [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqEcbkA7c93lGKDaBBymG64tIWczQCLNJ] * Insta - https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=k6aivqg2vlea&utm_content=pegvqop [https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=k6aivqg2vlea&utm_content=pegvqop] * Twitter - https://twitter.com/1TheGoldenSpoon?t=iEZUUNh2TjeQzjuS6af-Hg&s=09 [https://twitter.com/1TheGoldenSpoon?t=iEZUUNh2TjeQzjuS6af-Hg&s=09] * Dicord - https://discord.gg/Te8Q6XYc [https://discord.gg/Te8Q6XYc]

S18E3 - Lost Creativity

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2051412/fan_mail/new] Losing your creativity isn't a permanent loss; it's usually just blocked by burnout, perfectionism, or overstimulation. To get your creative spark back, clear your mind by unplugging from social media, give yourself permission to make "bad" things, and build a daily habit of simply showing up to the work. Why Creativity Feels Lost Most people don't actually lose their creativity; it gets crowded out or suppressed by common mental hurdles Perfectionism: The tendency to self-edit and judge your ideas before you even start. Over-consumption: Constantly consuming content (scrolling, reading, watching) leaves no mental bandwidth to output your own ideas. Comparison: Constantly comparing your progress or work to others kills your unique voice. Burnout & Stress: When life demands take over, your brain gets stuck in survival mode, prioritizing logic over imagination. Actionable Ways to Get It Back Trash-Can Work: Give yourself permission to make terrible, disposable art or do a "brain dump." Use cheap materials or a blank document and write or draw whatever comes to mind, with zero intention of showing it to anyone. Reduce Input, Increase Output: Limit how much media you consume for a few days. Put the phone away and allow yourself to get bored. Change Your Environment: Take a walk in nature, visit a local museum, or try a completely different creative hobby (e.g., if you write, try baking or painting). Treat It Like a Muscle: Inspiration often follows action. Set aside 15 minutes a day to work on your craft, even if it feels forced or mediocre in the moment. This week we would like to highlight Where Wonder Waits if you would like to learn more or donate click the link below. https://wherewonderwaits.com/ [https://wherewonderwaits.com/] Please leave a comment and review our episode and give some feedback on what we can improve on! Thank You All For Listening and Downloading Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/TheGoldenSpoon] The 988 Lifeline 988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) https://988lifeline.org/ [https://988lifeline.org/] * Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4lnQce2gqnZIjxzlvl5oSv?si=gdOehC20R-SPoUU4lafyRQ&utm_source=copy-link [https://open.spotify.com/show/4lnQce2gqnZIjxzlvl5oSv?si=gdOehC20R-SPoUU4lafyRQ&utm_source=copy-link] * Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086740326701&mibextid=ZbWKw [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086740326701&mibextid=ZbWKw] * Youtube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqEcbkA7c93lGKDaBBymG64tIWczQCLNJ [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqEcbkA7c93lGKDaBBymG64tIWczQCLNJ] * Insta - https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=k6aivqg2vlea&utm_content=pegvqop [https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=k6aivqg2vlea&utm_content=pegvqop] * Twitter - https://twitter.com/1TheGoldenSpoon?t=iEZUUNh2TjeQzjuS6af-Hg&s=09 [https://twitter.com/1TheGoldenSpoon?t=iEZUUNh2TjeQzjuS6af-Hg&s=09] * Dicord - https://discord.gg/Te8Q6XYc [https://discord.gg/Te8Q6XYc]

S18E2 - Birthday Thoughts

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2051412/fan_mail/new] Birthdays are major psychological milestones that can trigger complex emotions, ranging from joy and connection to anxiety, loneliness, or "birthday blues". The pressure to celebrate or perform happiness often leads to disappointment if expectations aren't met. Navigating your mental health around a birthday requires self-compassion and flexibility. Consider these strategies to help manage the milestones: Adjust Expectations: It is completely okay to skip a big party. Opting for a low-key dinner or treating yourself to a quiet day of self-care is a perfectly valid way to spend the day. Manage "Life Checkpoint" Anxiety: Birthdays often prompt reflection on past goals. Instead of focusing on what you haven't accomplished, try to celebrate your current progress and the gift of another year of life. Communicate Your Needs: If you are feeling down, share your feelings with a few trusted loved ones. Let them know if you want a quiet day, a small gathering, or specific boundaries regarding gifts and attention. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a good friend. It is normal to feel grief, sadness, or fatigue on an anniversary of your birth, and allowing yourself to feel these emotions is a vital step in processing them. This week we would like to highlight Cahaba River Coalition if you would like to learn more or donate click the link below. https://cahabarivercoalition.org/ [https://cahabarivercoalition.org/] Please leave a comment and review our episode and give some feedback on what we can improve on! Thank You All For Listening and Downloading Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/TheGoldenSpoon] The 988 Lifeline 988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) https://988lifeline.org/ [https://988lifeline.org/] * Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4lnQce2gqnZIjxzlvl5oSv?si=gdOehC20R-SPoUU4lafyRQ&utm_source=copy-link [https://open.spotify.com/show/4lnQce2gqnZIjxzlvl5oSv?si=gdOehC20R-SPoUU4lafyRQ&utm_source=copy-link] * Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086740326701&mibextid=ZbWKw [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086740326701&mibextid=ZbWKw] * Youtube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqEcbkA7c93lGKDaBBymG64tIWczQCLNJ [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqEcbkA7c93lGKDaBBymG64tIWczQCLNJ] * Insta - https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=k6aivqg2vlea&utm_content=pegvqop [https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=k6aivqg2vlea&utm_content=pegvqop] * Twitter - https://twitter.com/1TheGoldenSpoon?t=iEZUUNh2TjeQzjuS6af-Hg&s=09 [https://twitter.com/1TheGoldenSpoon?t=iEZUUNh2TjeQzjuS6af-Hg&s=09] * Dicord - https://discord.gg/Te8Q6XYc [https://discord.gg/Te8Q6XYc]

S18E1 - Is The Customer Always Right?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2051412/fan_mail/new] The Customer's Perspective Goal-Oriented: Shoppers usually have a specific item or objective in mind. When they can't find what they need or encounter delays, they view obstacles as a waste of time. Transactional Power: Customers hold the buying power and want their needs met swiftly. When frustrated, they sometimes unfairly hold front-line workers responsible for broader corporate policies or staffing shortages. The Retail Worker's Perspective The "Customer Service Persona": Workers develop a highly polished, polite demeanor that they switch on to handle inquiries, stock shelves, and operate registers. Systemic Constraints: Staff are often working solo, managing immense workloads, and have no control over corporate pricing, inventory, or store rules. The Free Agent Dilemma: Workers frequently endure rude behavior from members of the public who have no workplace consequences for acting out. Building Better Interactions For Customers: Simple courtesies like putting down your phone at the register and using your voice instead of snapping fingers go a long way. Being understanding if an item is out of stock can actually motivate workers to go above and beyond with managers on your behalf. For Workers: Using a warm, steady greeting can often de-escalate a rushed or frustrated shopper, keeping interactions focused on resolution rather than confrontation. Core Stressors Constant Customer Confrontation: Dealing with frustrated, demanding, or abusive customers without the ability to step away. Unpredictable Schedules: Variable hours and last-minute shift changes disrupt sleep, personal routines, and work-life balance. High Accountability, Low Authority: Frontline staff are expected to enforce store policies and resolve conflicts, yet rarely possess the decision-making power to do so easily. Isolation Amidst Interaction: Despite constant exposure to crowds, many retail workers report loneliness and a lack of meaningful connection. Presenteeism: The cultural pressure to show up while struggling emotionally or physically, fearing repercussions or guilt over leaving teammates short-handed. This week we would like to highlight Mental Health First Aid if you would like to learn more or donate click the link below. https://mentalhealthfirstaid.org/news/9-mental-health-challenges-retail-employees-face/ [https://mentalhealthfirstaid.org/news/9-mental-health-challenges-retail-employees-face/] Please leave a comment and review our episode and give some feedback on what we can improve on! Thank You All For Listening and Downloading Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/TheGoldenSpoon] The 988 Lifeline 988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) https://988lifeline.org/ [https://988lifeline.org/] * Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4lnQce2gqnZIjxzlvl5oSv?si=gdOehC20R-SPoUU4lafyRQ&utm_source=copy-link [https://open.spotify.com/show/4lnQce2gqnZIjxzlvl5oSv?si=gdOehC20R-SPoUU4lafyRQ&utm_source=copy-link] * Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086740326701&mibextid=ZbWKw [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086740326701&mibextid=ZbWKw] * Youtube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqEcbkA7c93lGKDaBBymG64tIWczQCLNJ [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqEcbkA7c93lGKDaBBymG64tIWczQCLNJ] * Insta - https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=k6aivqg2vlea&utm_content=pegvqop [https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=k6aivqg2vlea&utm_content=pegvqop] * Twitter - https://twitter.com/1TheGoldenSpoon?t=iEZUUNh2TjeQzjuS6af-Hg&s=09 [https://twitter.com/1TheGoldenSpoon?t=iEZUUNh2TjeQzjuS6af-Hg&s=09] * Dicord - https://discord.gg/Te8Q6XYc [https://discord.gg/Te8Q6XYc]

S17E12 - So Far So Father

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2051412/fan_mail/new] The concept of fatherhood is highly multifaceted, extending well beyond biological ties to include adoptive fathers, stepfathers, and other positive male role models. It is generally defined by a few core dimensions: Nurturing & Emotional Support: Building a secure, loving, and vulnerable bond with children. Guidance & Mentorship: Acting as a principled guide to teach values, life skills, and responsibility. Protection & Provision: Ensuring the safety and physical well-being of the family unit. Historically and culturally, the role has been associated with specific responsibilities, often summarized by the "Five Ps": participator/problem-solver, playmate, principled guide, provider, and preparer. Ultimately, the meaning of fatherhood is highly personal and evolves with the unique relationship a father builds with each child. This week we would like to highlight Change Mental Health if you would like to learn more or donate click the link below. https://changemh.org/resources/fathers-and-mental-health/ [https://changemh.org/resources/fathers-and-mental-health/] Please leave a comment and review our episode and give some feedback on what we can improve on! Thank You All For Listening and Downloading Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/TheGoldenSpoon] The 988 Lifeline 988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) https://988lifeline.org/ [https://988lifeline.org/] * Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4lnQce2gqnZIjxzlvl5oSv?si=gdOehC20R-SPoUU4lafyRQ&utm_source=copy-link [https://open.spotify.com/show/4lnQce2gqnZIjxzlvl5oSv?si=gdOehC20R-SPoUU4lafyRQ&utm_source=copy-link] * Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086740326701&mibextid=ZbWKw [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086740326701&mibextid=ZbWKw] * Youtube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqEcbkA7c93lGKDaBBymG64tIWczQCLNJ [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqEcbkA7c93lGKDaBBymG64tIWczQCLNJ] * Insta - https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=k6aivqg2vlea&utm_content=pegvqop [https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=k6aivqg2vlea&utm_content=pegvqop] * Twitter - https://twitter.com/1TheGoldenSpoon?t=iEZUUNh2TjeQzjuS6af-Hg&s=09 [https://twitter.com/1TheGoldenSpoon?t=iEZUUNh2TjeQzjuS6af-Hg&s=09] * Dicord - https://discord.gg/Te8Q6XYc [https://discord.gg/Te8Q6XYc]