The Sensitive Fire Inside Humans With OCD (PART ONE) 🦋 with Michael Alcee

You Don't Just Have to "Slay The Dragon" of OCD, You Can Also Befriend The Princess It's Protecting 💗 (PART 2) with Michael Alcee

Hi, if you’re new, welcome to 20 Year Old Butterfly! This is a place (hi, i’m Bailey!) for sensitive souls to use our inner wisdom to express creatively, humanly, passionately, magically✨The butterfly’s wings open like a book & the pages are filled with stories that say…🦋 “It’s almost like we focus so much in OCD treatment on slaying the dragon, when we should also think about freeing the princess.” 👑 "And we’re also aware that the dragon is dangerous, but it had a good reason to be dangerous because it was protecting the princess.” Michael Alcee, during our conversation in this episode of 20 Year Old Butterfly, the podcast If you haven’t seen last week’s piece/listened to part one of my chat with Michael [https://open.substack.com/pub/baileycreativity/p/the-sensitive-fire-inside-humans?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web] all about OCD, here’s some things I shared: It wasn’t until discovering, by complete chance, Michael’s (psychologist & author of The Upside of OCD [https://www.michael-alcee.com/]) work that I felt a huge weight lift off me that had been weighing me down for over a decade. OCD is hard enough on its own, but to feel that you aren’t a human being, that your brain is essentially broken & irrational, is an extra layer of shame & heaviness. Listening and reading Michael’s point of view on the human behind OCD (a phrase I had never once come across in all my years of googling OCD), I felt seen and whole. I finally felt like someone was seeing me as a person, a human, a being - not just another robotic, clinical, unnamed patient who has OCD. And not only that, but that my deeply sensitive nature (which with I have been connected to for a very long time & am very proud of/grounded in), is actually interwoven with my OCD. This week’s episode (part TWO), is an even deeper dive and listening back left me nodding along and clapping to myself. I can’t wait for you to dive in. Listen to this week’s episode here on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/20-year-old-butterfly/id1870719559] & here on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0w27LfNt0Bxw7asAA2SIvU?si=af7c89d7575e4c5e] !!! 🎙️🎧 Yay!! See you next Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or right here on Substack! 🦋 Let’s connect with each other! 🩷 Connect with Michael: Explore The Upside Of OCD - Michael’s (life changing) Book! [https://www.amazon.com/Upside-OCD-Flip-Script-Reclaim/dp/1538191105] The Heart Of OCD - Michael’s Substack [https://malcee.substack.com/] Michael’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mike_drop_/] Connect with me (Bailey!) : Explore my book here! [https://baileycreativity.myshopify.com/] Read where the name 20 Year Old Butterfly comes from! [https://baileycreativity.substack.com/about] Explore my website 🌼 [https://baileycreativity.com/] (Music) Stock Media provided by marcozannone / Pond5 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit baileycreativity.substack.com [https://baileycreativity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Sensitive Fire Inside Humans With OCD (PART ONE) 🦋 with Michael Alcee

Hi, if you’re new here, I’m Bailey! You are warmly welcomed into this haven for you (sensitive soul!) to feel celebrated in who you are, connected with your vibrant inner world, and to create your own philosophies for how you can live authentically, magically, & creatively ✨ with weekly digital letters from my enchanted creative world, to you :) 🕯️ “What’s beautiful is to recognize the beautiful home that people have who have OCD - not to wait until it’s totally on fire to say “how beautiful it was, let me watch it burn.” I like to think that we have a connection to this very beautiful and special fire. And that when we can connect it, it’s like having fire in a fireplace that warms the whole home. But then when somebody doesn’t know how to help us contain that and know that we have a lot of it, it starts to burn the house. And then we need not only help with taking that out, but not totally taking out all the fire because that fire is what keeps that house so beautifully warm.” -Michael Alcee during our conversation on 20 Year Old Butterfly, the podcast 🌼 I have struggled with OCD since I was a very young child, with the shape it takes morphing and changing over time. It’s been debilitating at times, extremely emotionally painful, and an all around isolating experience. But it’s never felt random. It wasn’t until discovering, by complete chance, Michael’s (psychologist & author of The Upside of OCD [https://www.michael-alcee.com/]) work that I felt a huge weight lift off me that had been weighing me down for over a decade. OCD is hard enough on its own, but to feel that you aren’t a human being, that your brain is essentially broken & irrational, is an extra layer of shame & heaviness. Listening and reading Michael’s point of view on the human behind OCD (a phrase I had never once come across in all my years of googling OCD), I felt seen and whole. I finally felt like someone was seeing me as a person, a human, a being - not just another robotic, clinical, unnamed patient who has OCD. And not only that, but that my deeply sensitive nature (which with I have been connected to for a very long time & am very proud of/grounded in), is actually interwoven with my OCD. I’m so passionate about de-shaming mental health in general because our society tends to dehumanize and intellectualize mental health experiences which can make it feel so much worse. It’s ironic too - because so much of mental health is about how our body feels, not only our minds. We are abstract beings 🎨 In part one of our conversation (this episode), we explored the nuance and depth that people with OCD commonly experience, how many people with OCD are deeply sensitive & highly existentially aware from a young age- and how it’s all intertwined. We chat and theorize on why there might be so much resistance in the community around more nuanced ways of thinking, that take in the emotions that are underlying what the mind says. And how impactful creativity, expression, nature and connection can be in releasing all the things we hold inside. It was a privilege, such an honor, and a massive delight to get to have not only one, but TWO conversations with the incredible, Michael Alcee. Part two will be released next Tuesday! And for now, I truly hope you resonate with our conversation. 💛 Listen to this week’s episode here on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/20-year-old-butterfly/id1870719559] & here on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0w27LfNt0Bxw7asAA2SIvU?si=af7c89d7575e4c5e] !!! 🎙️🎧 Yay!! See you next Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or right here on Substack! 🦋 Let’s connect with each other! 🩷 Connect with Michael: Explore The Upside Of OCD - Michael’s (life changing) Book! [https://www.amazon.com/Upside-OCD-Flip-Script-Reclaim/dp/1538191105] The Heart Of OCD - Michael’s Substack [https://malcee.substack.com/] Michael’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mike_drop_/] Connect with me (Bailey!) : Explore my book here! [https://baileycreativity.myshopify.com/] Read where the name 20 Year Old Butterfly comes from! [https://baileycreativity.substack.com/about] Explore my website 🌼 [https://baileycreativity.com/] (Music) Stock Media provided by marcozannone / Pond5 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit baileycreativity.substack.com [https://baileycreativity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Secret Poets - Our Grandparents 💛 with Elise Powers

“My heart SINGS when I’m writing, I love writing poetry” - Elise Powers [https://substack.com/profile/41522565-elise-powers] said this towards the end of our podcast chat and I loved the way she phrased it. Especially because poetry made our grandparents heart’s sing too ✨ When I found out that my grandfather, who I had an incredibly special, deep bond with, wrote poetry on every special occasion to my grandmother, for decades, I was in shock. The creative place I had stumbled upon that changed my whole life, was also something my beloved grandfather cherished too? So when I discovered that Elise, an incredibly warm, creative, unique, sensitive poet also found out that her grandmother, who she had an incredibly close connection with, was a poet and she had no idea - I was shocked once again 😅 This conversation felt really special because we dove deep into how our relationships with our magical grandparents has informed who we are, our “legacy”, the messiness of grief & how that intertwines with our writing, finding out our grandparents secret, and so much more. I feel incredibly honored to have gotten to chat with Elise, she even read a poem from her recently released poetry book, The Size Of Your Joy. 💛 And I read a poem too! From my book, 20 Year Old Butterfly 🦋 ✨ I hope this episode brings you a few dashes of magic, delight, joy, and connection! Let us know if you liked it in the comments or by hitting ‘reply’ if you’re reading in email, after you listen 🎧 Listen to this week’s episode here on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/20-year-old-butterfly/id1870719559] & here on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0w27LfNt0Bxw7asAA2SIvU?si=af7c89d7575e4c5e] !!! 🎙️🎧 Yay!! See you on occasion, Tuesday’s on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or right here on Substack! 🦋 Let’s connect with each other! 🩷 Connect with Elise: Explore The Size Of Your Joy - Elise’s Poetry Book! [https://elisepowers.com/] Two Raw Sugars - Elise’s Substack [https://elisepowers.substack.com/] Elise’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Felisepowerspoet&is_from_rle] Connect with me (Bailey!) : Explore my book here! [https://baileycreativity.myshopify.com/] Read where the name 20 Year Old Butterfly comes from! [https://baileycreativity.substack.com/about] Explore my website 🌼 [https://baileycreativity.com/] (Music) Stock Media provided by marcozannone / Pond5 Sending love to you! 🦋 Bailey If you resonated with this podcast episode & want to receive weekly digital letters for sensitive souls, subscribe for free below! 💖 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit baileycreativity.substack.com [https://baileycreativity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

There is so much vulnerability in being seen 🦋💫 with Andy from Highly Sensitive Woman

“I’m curious. How do you deal with the Fear of Being seen?” There’s a lot of questions, comments, ideas, & opinions shared online that we see at an endless pace. Usually, we scroll on by. But when I read Andy ( ✨️ Highly Sensitive Woman ✨️ [https://substack.com/profile/270156-highly-sensitive-woman]) ‘s note here on Substack, pondering that question, I paused. And I was eager to join in the conversation. This was my reply: I love this question. I relate so deeply with this especially having lifelong experience feeling so different from others. I’ve noticed that it helps when the people I’m being seen by are people I feel are kindred spirits, warm, or seemingly non judgmental. It’s really hard to feel comfortable being seen by people who you know won’t really get you. I’ve also had to learn (through experience) over the years that not everybody needs access to my vulnerability. I’ve shared stories with people that I now wish I hadn’t because I didn’t allow myself to pause and pay attention to how my body felt. I think we’re allowed to choose who sees the deeper parts of ourselves. I also notice that really seeing & accepting myself helps lighten a bit of the heaviness of insecurity. One example that comes to mind- when I first started my podcast last year it was nearly unbearable for me to listen back to my own voice. I was so judgmental of myself & noticed so many things that I felt I did wrong. But I had to listen so I could edit the episodes. (Most were with guests but I also do solo!) After a while, I naturally began to accept how I sound, the fact that I lose my train of thought during conversations because of the pressure of the moment, that I am imperfect. And now I actually kind of love listening back. After our exchange over on Andy’s Substack note, I knew I wanted to dive deeper. We had a lovely conversation on my podcast, 20 Year Old Butterfly, and I know it’s going to be a treat for you to listen to, as it was for us to chat. ✨ There’s more layers than a 12 layer cake 🍰 but the core of it is sweet Vulnerability and being seen, especially for those of us that have spent a large portion of our lives feeling different from everyone around us, is a layered, multifaceted experience. There are so many elements to it. As we chat about in the episode, there can be dissociation from ourselves within ourselves, anxiety that exists deep within the body, an environment of people who aren’t the right people to be open with - even the act of someone LOOKING at us with their eyes can bring up a multitude of emotions. It’s something I have an intimate, yet messy and confusing, relationship with and I wonder if you relate? At the same time, I have experienced the sweet gifts that vulnerability (in the right circumstances) brings into our lives as humans who dream of deep connection. Also, for those of us that are really good at keeping everything tightly shut inside, or dealing with emotional pain all by ourselves, being vulnerable is sometimes the thing that relieves us of years of pain. And sometimes vulnerability means the light parts too. Sharing even though it might come out awkward or imperfect. Embracing our weirdness and letting it be known. Dressing how we want to dress even if we’re judged. Rejecting the norm in little acts of courage. We dove deep - with stories I’ve never shared - and a conversation on the multi facets of being seen 🌼 Whether you’re an entrepreneur putting your creativity and ideas out into the uncertain online or real world - or a sensitive human whose watered yourself down to fit into a societal mold, this episode is for you, and it’s out for you to listen to now ✨ Listen to this week’s episode here on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/20-year-old-butterfly/id1870719559] & here on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0w27LfNt0Bxw7asAA2SIvU?si=af7c89d7575e4c5e] !!! 🎧 Yay!! See you every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or right here on Substack! 🦋 Let’s connect with each other! 🩷 Connect with Andy: Highly Sensitive Woman - Substack [https://highlysensitivewoman.substack.com/] Connect with me (Bailey!) : Read where the name 20 Year Old Butterfly comes from! [https://baileycreativity.substack.com/about] Buy my book here! [https://baileycreativity.myshopify.com/] My Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/baileycreativity] Explore my new website in-progress 🌼 [https://baileycreativity.com/] (Music) Stock Media provided by marcozannone / Pond5 Sending love to you! 🦋 Bailey This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit baileycreativity.substack.com [https://baileycreativity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

You don't have to have it all figured out to find what delights you 💖 with Imogen Hall (Love From, Imi)

When I first discovered Imi’s Substack, I was immediately struck by the light, playful, cozy illustrations that accompanied her unique, honest, human, introspective writings. Sooo, when we finally made our plan to chat on my podcast (20 Year Old Butterfly), I was thrilled. Imi writes about topics that most people shy away from. She shares her honest, HUMAN, vulnerable emotions across so many relatable situations - often highlighting the multi facets that we all often feel, but are shamed away from being open about. Every time I read something she wrote, or listen to her article voiceovers, I feel lighter and more understood. Her willingness to talk about the awkwardness and discomfort that shows up in a lot of situations, makes me feel more light and warm hearted about my own life experiences. And, her insights and reflections on how us - as sensitive, introspective, curious souls - can live with more joy, delight, and be aligned with what we want out of life, has left me inspired and excited to go do things! I was so lit up from our conversation, and I know you will be too. It’s such a special treat to have her on the podcast! ✨ Listen to this week’s episode here on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/20-year-old-butterfly/id1870719559] & here on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0w27LfNt0Bxw7asAA2SIvU?si=af7c89d7575e4c5e] !!! 🎧 Yay!! See you every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or right here on Substack! 🦋 Let’s inspire each other! Connect with us 🩷 & don’t miss out on Imi’s incredible writing! Connect with Imi: Imi’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/imogenmarycreative] Love From, Imi - Substack [https://lovefromimi.substack.com/] Shop Imi’s playful illustrations! [https://www.etsy.com/shop/lovefromimi/?etsrc=sdt&dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F] Connect with me (Bailey!) : Read where the name 20 Year Old Butterfly comes from! [https://baileycreativity.substack.com/about] Buy my book here! [https://baileycreativity.myshopify.com/] My Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/baileycreativity] Explore my new website in-progress 🌼 [https://baileycreativity.com/] (Music) Stock Media provided by marcozannone / Pond5 Sending love to you! 🦋 Bailey This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit baileycreativity.substack.com [https://baileycreativity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]