Listen Up, Younger Self! | Relationships, love, marriage, romance, intimacy

Why Your Brain Obsessively Hates Your Wins (and How to Stop It)| EP 66

Host Heather Solomon explores why our brains fixate on mistakes—rooted in negativity bias, the amygdala, and neuroplasticity—and how social media and comparison culture deepen that pattern. She shares personal stories (like helping a man in a wheelchair) to show how the habit of dismissing good deeds steals joy and identity. Heather offers practical steps to change the soundtrack: catch the inner critic, savor positive moments (about 20 seconds), reframe gratitude to notice small wins, celebrate progress, and practice believing compliments. The episode encourages seeing the good without an asterisk so you can make space for joy, connection, and peace.   Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes. Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com [listenupyoungerself@gmail.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14 [https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/ [https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/]

Permission to Pause: Saving Your Marriage & Sanity | EP 65

Heather Solomon returns to Listen Up, Younger Self after a month-long break to share an honest, heartfelt episode about taking permission to pause. She opens up about family caregiving, the guilt of stepping back, the science behind needing recovery, and how true presence protects relationships and creativity. This episode blends personal stories, practical strategies for setting boundaries and doing "do-nothing" time, and a gentle reminder that pausing is an act of strength—not failure.   Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes. Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com [listenupyoungerself@gmail.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14 [https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/ [https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/]

When the U‑Haul Drives Away: Surviving College Drop‑Off| EP 64

Saying goodbye at college drop-off feels like nothing else- you’re proud, you’re gutted, and you’re questioning who you are now. I’ve been there (twice), and in this episode I’m sharing the real, messy truth about this season. You’ll hear the science of why it hurts so much, how to handle the naysayers, and practical ways to cope. Most importantly, you’ll be reminded: this pain is proof of love, and while your role shifts, your purpose doesn’t disappear. It’s time to grieve, reframe, and then step boldly into your next chapter. Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes. Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com [listenupyoungerself@gmail.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14 [https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/ [https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/]

When Your Mood Runs the Show in Marriage and Parenting| EP 63

Welcome to another  episode of "Listen Up Younger Self" with your host, Heather Solomon.  Ever wake up in a funk and think, “It’s just me today”? Spoiler: it’s not just you. Your mood is like campfire smoke - it drifts, and everyone around you breathes it in. In this episode, I’m sharing how unchecked moods quietly become your brand in your marriage, your parenting, and even at work. We’ll talk science, self-awareness, and my 3-Shift Method to turn your day around before it writes the wrong story in your family’s highlight reel. This one’s a gut-check you’ll want to hear.   Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes. Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com [listenupyoungerself@gmail.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14 [https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/ [https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/]

The 69% You’ll Never Fix: What Gottman Wants You to Know About Marriage| EP 62

Hey friends - today we’re diving into something that might rattle you a little: Dr. John Gottman’s research shows that 69% of the issues in a marriage are never fully resolved. Ever. So what do you do when the same fights keep showing up on repeat? Is it normal? Is it toxic? Is it you? In this podcast mini, I’m breaking down what the 69% actually means, how to spot the difference between annoying quirks and soul-crushing patterns, and what to do when your partner says they'll change… but never does. You’ll walk away with gut-check questions, clarity, and maybe a permission slip or two. It’s real. It’s deep. And it’s time to talk to my younger self.   Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes. Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com [listenupyoungerself@gmail.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14 [https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/ [https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/]