Handling Intrusive Thoughts

Accepting Criticism Well

Nobody likes criticism… but most of us get a surprising amount of it—sometimes even on purpose. In this episode of The Steady Steps Podcast, we talk about what it actually looks like to accept criticism well Why does feedback hit so close to the bone? Why do we either want to defend ourselves immediately or crawl under the nearest table? And what would change if we treated criticism as information instead of a verdict on our worth? This isn’t about becoming immune to feedback or pretending it doesn’t sting. It’s about learning how to listen without spiraling, how to sift what’s useful from what isn’t, and how criticism—handled well—can quietly become one of our most practical tools for growth. If feedback makes you tense up, shut down, or overthink everything you’ve ever done… this one’s for you. 🦊

Caring Without Carrying: The Masquerade of Worry

Why does worry feel like caring… even when it’s draining the life out of us? In this episode of The Steady Steps Podcast, we explore the subtle but powerful difference between worry and healthy concern. Using everyday examples—from tense moments watching a big game to those 3 a.m. mental spirals—we unpack why worry so often masquerades as responsibility, love, or preparation. This is a practical, grounded conversation about: * Why worry feels productive even when it isn’t * How caring can quietly turn into carrying outcomes we don’t control * The shift from mental loops to small, steady action * And how to ask a simpler, lighter question: What’s mine to do today? If you’ve ever felt exhausted by your own concern—for your family, your future, or things you can’t quite fix—this episode offers a calmer, more sustainable way forward. Sometimes the most grounded thing we can do is care deeply… and then loosen our grip.

Do The Next Thing

When everything feels urgent at once, it’s easy to freeze. The inbox fills up, the to-do list grows, and even simple tasks feel hard to start. In this episode, we talk about a simple rule for moments like that: do the next thing. Not the perfect thing. Not the whole plan. Just one small, concrete action that actually finishes something. If you’ve been stuck lately, this episode offers a practical way to get moving again — one real step at a time.

Don't Overreact - A Better Choice

“Don’t overreact” sounds like good advice—until you realize it doesn’t tell you what to do instead. In this episode, we unpack why overreactions happen and how responding too fast or measuring a situation too big can throw us off. The goal isn’t to suppress emotion, but to slow the moment down and respond in proportion.

Handling Intrusive Thoughts

We all experience Intrusive thoughts – strange, unwantedideas that pop into our minds and can be hard to shake. They can be frustrating or even unsettling. This episode is a calm, practical conversation about how torespond to those thoughts without fear or self-judgment. Instead of trying to fight your mind, we explore gentler, more effective ways to stay grounded, refocus your attention, and keep moving in the direction that matters to you. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, worried, or stuck in your own head, this episode is for you. With thanks to Emma McAdam and Therapy in a Nutshellfor the ACT-based illustration shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/c/TherapyinaNutshell [https://www.youtube.com/c/TherapyinaNutshell]