Five Year You

How To Add More Whimsy To Your Life

Ready to go deeper? Work with us here: https://fiveyearyou.com/coaching/ [https://fiveyearyou.com/coaching/] If you’ve been feeling like life has become too serious… like every day feels repetitive and heavy… like you’ve forgotten how to genuinely play—this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: You were never meant to live in survival mode 24/7. And more importantly… joy doesn’t have to be earned before you’re allowed to experience it. 💭 What This Episode Covers * What “whimsy” actually means (and why adults desperately need more of it) * How practicality slowly disconnects us from joy * Why small moments of delight matter more than we realize * The emotional power of play, wonder, and silliness * Tiny ways to make ordinary life feel lighter again * How whimsy helps soften stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion 🚨 Why We Lose Whimsy as Adults 1. “Grow Up” Conditioning 2. Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught that being mature meant being practical all the time. 3. So we stop wearing bright colors. 4. We stop playing. 5. We stop choosing things simply because they delight us. 6. 👉 We trade joy for usefulness without even noticing. 7. Fear of Looking Silly 8. Many people worry about being judged for standing out or seeming “immature.” 9. Especially in professional environments, we learn to shrink parts of ourselves to fit in. 10. 👉 But hiding your joy to appear acceptable slowly disconnects you from yourself. 11. Autopilot Living 12. Life gets busy. 13. Work. Dishes. Emails. Responsibilities. Repeat. 14. Over time, survival mode takes over and we stop noticing the little moments that make life feel meaningful. 15. 👉 The days blur together when there’s no room for wonder. 16. Believing Joy Must Be Earned 17. So many people deny themselves tiny pleasures because they don’t seem “necessary.” 18. The fancy candle. 19. The sparkly phone case. 20. The random Tuesday picnic. 21. 👉 But sometimes the unnecessary things are exactly what nourish your spirit. 😞 The Emotional Cost of Losing Whimsy When you believe life must always be productive and practical, it creates: * emotional numbness * chronic stress * disconnection from yourself * burnout * heaviness * joylessness And the worst part? 👉 You can slowly forget that life is supposed to feel alive. ⚠️ The Hidden Danger When life becomes nothing but obligation, people start chasing relief in unhealthy ways. Scrolling endlessly. Living for vacations instead of everyday moments. Waiting for “someday” to finally feel happy. Meanwhile, the tiny joys available right now get ignored. Examples: * refusing to use the “nice” things you already own * rushing through meaningful moments * talking yourself out of harmless fun * believing playfulness is childish instead of healing 👉 A life without delight eventually starts to feel emotionally flat. 🔑 The Truth You Need to Hear You are allowed to enjoy your life now. Not after you accomplish more. Not after everything is perfect. Not once you finally “deserve” it. * You are not too old for joy * You are not too serious for whimsy * You are not irresponsible for wanting lightness * Tiny pleasures are not frivolous * Wonder is still available to you 👉 Sometimes healing looks like letting yourself have fun again. 🔄 What “Whimsy” Actually Means Whimsy isn’t about avoiding responsibility. It’s about softening the hard edges of life. It’s choosing: * the colorful shirt * the glittery phone case * the movie night traditions * the puddle jump * the fancy coffee * the extra 15 minutes on the swings with your child These moments remind you that you are still in there beneath the stress and routines. 👉 It’s the beginning—not the end. 🛠️ How to Shift Out of the “Everything Must Be Practical” Mindset 1. Stop Asking “Is This Useful?” 2. Start asking: 3. Does this make me smile? 4. Does this make life feel lighter? 5. 👉 Joy itself is valuable. 6. Create Tiny Rituals 7. Fancy coffee on weekends. 8. Pancakes on Sundays. 9. M&Ms in the popcorn. 10. Small traditions create emotional warmth and connection. 11. Make Room for Wonder 12. Look at the stars. 13. Wander through a bookstore. 14. Watch birds. 15. Notice flowers. 16. 👉 Wonder reconnects you to the present moment. 17. Let Yourself Be Seen 18. Wear the bright colors. 19. Buy the weird mug. 20. Put rhinestones on the phone case. 21. You don’t need universal approval to enjoy your own life. 22. Follow the Tiny Spark 23. Pay attention to the small thing your soul keeps whispering for. 24. The silly thing. 25. The playful thing. 26. The thing you immediately talk yourself out of. 27. 👉 That tiny spark matters more than you think. 💡 Key Takeaway Life is not made meaningful only through huge milestones. It’s built from tiny moments. The swing set. The funny mug. The fancy candle. The Slurpee flavor mix. The sparkle. The laughter. These little moments of delight are not distractions from life. 👉 They are life. ✨ Glimmers from This Episode * A mother saying yes to swinging at the park with her 12-year-old son * Bright pink shirts and colorful clothes bringing unexpected joy * Fancy homemade coffees and quirky family movie-night traditions * A father pausing to admire flowers, moths, and turtles with childlike wonder * Going fishing with three generations together after years of believing it might never happen 💬 Final Thought You do not need permission to make your life softer, brighter, sillier, or more beautiful. The world may feel heavy sometimes. But there is still room for delight. Still room for wonder. Still room for you to feel fully alive again. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs this reminder 💫

Why You Don't Feel Good Enough

WHY YOU DON’T FEEL GOOD ENOUGH So many people walk through life carrying a quiet feeling that they’re somehow falling short. Even when things look successful from the outside, there can still be an internal pressure saying “do more,” “be better,” or “you should be further ahead by now.” In this episode, Andrew and Catherine unpack why that feeling exists, where it often comes from, and how to begin healing it from the inside out. They explore how childhood conditioning, comparison, perfectionism, achievement culture, and societal expectations shape the way we see ourselves. From parenting and relationships to careers, money, and personal growth, the conversation dives into the many ways “not enough” can show up in everyday life. Andrew and Catherine also share how they’ve challenged traditional ideas of success in their own lives by redefining what fulfillment actually means for them. They explain why external achievement can never permanently fix internal self-worth and why true confidence has to be built from within. If you’ve ever felt like you were constantly trying to prove yourself, earn approval, or chase a version of success that doesn’t actually make you happy, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and reconnect with who you truly are underneath the pressure. IN THIS EPISODE * Why feeling “not good enough” is a universal human experience * How perfectionism and comparison fuel self-worth struggles * The connection between childhood praise, criticism, and adult anxiety * Why achievement only creates temporary relief * How societal expectations shape the goals we chase * The danger of tying your worth to productivity or performance * How to separate self-worth from external success * Why learning to receive compliments matters * The importance of resting without guilt * How to stop auditioning for love and approval * Questions to ask yourself if you constantly feel behind * What it means to build your life from the inside out MEMORABLE QUOTES > “No amount of achievement is going to make you feel good enough.” > “You were good enough from the start.” > “Stop auditioning for love.” > “When you can start to embody that feeling of being worthy, your days are going to change.” RESOURCES MENTIONED * The Layers of Life framework * Five Year You Coaching * Previous Five Year You podcast episodes on personal growth, identity, and emotional healing CONNECT WITH FIVE YEAR YOU If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may need the reminder that their worth is not something they have to earn. For coaching and resources designed to help you create the next version of yourself, visit: Five Year You Coaching [https://fiveyearyou.com/coaching?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

How to Overcome Setbacks - Re-Release

Hosts: Andrew Dewar & Catherine Collins In this episode of Five Year You, we get real about failure, setbacks, and those moments when life just… derails. If you’ve ever asked, “Why is this happening to me?”—this conversation will help you reframe the tough moments and find meaning, strength, and even humor in the mess. 👇 Scroll for tools, timestamps, and links! ✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode: * Why setbacks are a natural part of the growth journey * The importance of mindset: victim vs. curiosity * Practical coping skills for when you’re in the middle of a setback * The power of contrast days * How reframing failure helps you become the person you're meant to be * Parenting wisdom: why we shouldn’t shield kids from failure * How to process big feelings—without getting stuck * Fanny pack of coping tools (yes, we said that) ✅ Helpful Tools & Resources: 📱 Opal App – Reduce Screen Time & Reclaim Life [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/opal-screen-time-for-focus/id1513575171] 🎧 Audible Free Trial – Personal Development on the Go [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NB86OYE?tag=5yy-20] 🍳 Instant Pot – Save Time, Eat Well [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PQ2KWHS?tag=5yy-20] 💬 Favorite Quotes: > “Setbacks are just bricks in the foundation of your strength.” > “If being hard on yourself worked, you'd be happy by now.” > “Sometimes a contrast day is exactly what reminds you how good the good days are.” > “You don’t need a podcast to use your pain to help someone else.” 🌟 Glimmers of the Week: Catherine: Finally making a long-put-off doctor appointment thanks to a little loving push. Andrew: Wearing yellow for the first time and loving the way it feels. 📲 Stay Connected: 🌐 Website: https://fiveyearyou.com [https://fiveyearyou.com/] 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou [https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou] 📧 Email: hello@fiveyearyou.com ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and not intended as a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice. Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. 💬 Your Turn: What’s a setback that taught you something valuable? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear your story. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and tap the bell for weekly inspiration. 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts. #FiveYearYou #OvercomingSetbacks #MentalHealthTools #PersonalGrowth #CopingSkills #LifeLessons #SelfImprovement #Resilience #Podcast #AndrewDewar #CatherineCollins

How To Handle Jealousy

5 Year You Coaching https://fiveyearyou.com/coaching/ If you’ve been feeling like someone else’s success makes you uncomfortable… like you’re comparing more than you want to admit… like certain people just trigger something in you—this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: Jealousy isn’t something to be ashamed of. And more importantly… it’s not a flaw—it’s feedback. 💭 What This Episode Covers * Why jealousy isn’t a “bad” emotion—it’s information * What your jealousy is actually trying to show you * How to stop suppressing or projecting jealous feelings * The hidden beliefs that keep you stuck in comparison * Signs someone else might be jealous of you * How to handle jealousy (yours and others’) in a healthy way 🚨 Why Jealousy Happens 1. It Reveals Your Desires 2. When you feel jealous, you’re reacting to what someone represents. 3. It’s not about them—it’s about what you want. 4. 👉 Result: You get clarity on what matters to you 5. Learned Beliefs Create Resistance 6. If you believe “rich people are greedy” or “happy people are just lucky,” 7. your brain will block you from becoming those things. 8. 👉 Result: You stay stuck wanting what you’ve labeled as “bad” 9. Suppression Turns Into Projection 10. Ignoring jealousy doesn’t make it disappear. 11. It shows up later as criticism, resentment, or passive aggression. 12. 👉 Result: You push away what you secretly admire 13. Comparison Without Awareness 14. You compare your life to others without asking why. 15. You feel frustrated—but don’t explore the root. 16. 👉 Result: You stay in the loop instead of growing from it 😞 The Emotional Cost of Jealousy When you believe “they have something I don’t,” it creates: * insecurity * frustration * quiet resentment And the worst part? 👉 You miss the opportunity to turn that feeling into growth ⚠️ The Hidden Danger Unchecked jealousy can quietly shape how you see others—and yourself. Examples: * Dismissing successful people instead of learning from them * Making backhanded comments to feel better * Judging lifestyles you secretly want * Avoiding growth because it conflicts with your beliefs 👉 You block yourself from becoming the very thing you desire 🔑 The Truth You Need to Hear There are no “bad” emotions There is only information Jealousy doesn’t mean you’re a bad person It means you’re an honest one What you feel is pointing you somewhere Not holding you back 👉 You just have to be willing to look at it 🔄 What Jealousy Actually Means It means something inside you is waking up It means you’re noticing what you want It means you’re ready for more This isn’t something to hide from It’s something to learn from 👉 It’s the beginning—not the end 🛠️ How to Shift Out of the “Jealousy” Mindset 1. Name It Without Shame 2. Instead of avoiding it, say: “I feel jealous.” 3. That honesty is where growth begins. 4. Get Curious 5. Ask yourself: 6. What exactly am I jealous of? 7. What does this person represent to me? 8. Challenge Your Beliefs 9. Notice your automatic thoughts: 10. “Rich people are…” 11. “Happy people are…” 12. Rewrite what no longer serves you. 13. Shift From Comparison → Possibility 14. Instead of “Why them?” ask: 15. “What would it look like for me to have this too?” 16. Watch Your Words 17. Avoid criticizing or minimizing others. 18. What you say about them often reveals how you feel about yourself. 💡 Key Takeaway Jealousy isn’t your enemy It’s your internal compass It shows you what you want And where you’re holding yourself back 👉 Use it as direction—not judgment ✨ Glimmers from This Episode * Realizing emotions are guidance—not something to fear * Catching your thoughts and choosing a new perspective * Letting yourself want more without guilt * Seeing growth as something available to you too 💬 Final Thought The things that trigger you… are often the things meant for you. Pay attention to what stirs something inside you. It might just be pointing you toward your next chapter. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs this reminder 💫

Why You Sabotage Good Things

If you’ve been feeling like things finally start going well… and then somehow fall apart… like you can’t stay consistent even when you want to… like you get anxious the moment life feels calm—this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: You’re not randomly messing things up. And more importantly… you’re not broken. 💭 What This Episode Covers * Why you sabotage good things (even when you don’t mean to) * The concept of a “happiness ceiling” * How your past shapes your comfort zone * Why calm and peace can feel uncomfortable * Signs you’re subconsciously self-sabotaging * How to start shifting your internal “thermostat” 🚨 Why Self-Sabotage Happens 1. Your “Familiarity Thermostat” 2. Your mind and body are wired to return to what feels normal—even if it’s stressful or chaotic. 3. 👉 Result: When life gets better than your baseline, you unconsciously pull yourself back. 4. Worthiness Wounds 5. Sometimes, deep down, you don’t believe you deserve good things. 6. 👉 Result: You disrupt what’s going well to match how you feel about yourself. 7. Addiction to Stress 8. If you grew up around chaos or instability, calm can feel unsafe or unfamiliar. 9. 👉 Result: You recreate tension because it feels more “normal.” 10. Fear of the Unknown 11. Success, peace, or happiness at a new level can feel unpredictable. 12. 👉 Result: You retreat back to what you know—even if it’s not what you want. 😞 The Emotional Cost of Self-Sabotage When you believe “this won’t last” or “something bad is coming,” it creates: * anxiety * overthinking * self-doubt And the worst part? 👉 You end up proving your own fears right. ⚠️ The Hidden Danger Self-sabotage doesn’t always look obvious—it often feels justified. Examples: * Picking a fight during a great moment * “Losing motivation” right when things take off * Creating problems that weren’t there before 👉 You don’t realize you’re choosing discomfort—you think you’re reacting to reality. 🔑 The Truth You Need to Hear * You are not behind * You are not broken * You are not incapable What you’re experiencing is conditioning. And that can change. 👉 You are allowed to feel safe in good things. 🔄 What Self-Sabotage Actually Means It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means: * You’re growing * You’re stretching beyond your old identity * You’re entering unfamiliar territory 👉 It’s the beginning—not the end 🛠️ How to Shift Out of the “Self-Sabotage” Mindset 1. Notice the Pattern 2. Start catching the moment things feel “too good.” 3. Ask yourself: 4. Is something actually wrong—or just unfamiliar? 5. Name It in Real Time 6. Say it: “This is my thermostat kicking in.” 7. Labeling it helps you create space instead of reacting. 8. Sit With the Discomfort 9. Let things be good without interfering. 10. Practice staying in the calm—even when it feels strange. 11. Normalize Good 12. If something positive happens—don’t rush past it. 13. Let it sit. Feel it. Get used to it. 14. Raise Your Baseline Gradually 15. You don’t need to jump from survival mode to perfect peace overnight. 16. Small shifts create lasting change. 💡 Key Takeaway You’re not sabotaging your life on purpose. You’re regulating back to what feels safe. But safe doesn’t have to mean stressful. 👉 You can teach your system that good things are safe to keep. ✨ Glimmers from This Episode * Learning that calm is something you can grow into * Realizing awareness is the first step to change * Finding peace in small, steady progress * Letting yourself enjoy when things are going right 💬 Final Thought Maybe things aren’t falling apart. Maybe they’re finally coming together in a way you’re not used to yet. And maybe… this time… you don’t have to ruin it. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs this reminder 💫