Undecided: A Conversation About Stagnation & Existential Crisis

Season 2-Episode 8: "Growth is Uncomfortable"

In this episode, we explore the emotional and psychological journeys associated with growth. From overcoming feelings of discomfort and uncertainty to understanding the social costs of change, this discussion offers practical insights and encouragement for anyone on a path of personal development. Key Topics Covered: * How the nervous system reacts to growth and change, including fears of safety and uncertainty * Outgrowing old identities such as people-pleasing, hyper-independence, and overworking * The social costs associated with growth—reactions from friends, family, and community * Why healing and growth can sometimes feel boring or isolating, and how to navigate these seasons * Recognizing the difference between discomfort that signifies stretching versus actual misalignment * The importance of repetition in growth, especially through practices like emotional regulation and setting boundaries * Real-life examples of growth in relationships, career, and personal routines * How to honor your boundaries, say no, and handle disappointment respectfully * Strategies for shifting in-between seasons and embracing new versions of yourself * Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/cognitive-behavioral-therapy] * Emotional Regulation Techniques [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-fitness/201906/how-manage-emotions] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wearevonpod/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/WeAreVonPodcast] Timestamps: 00:00 - Overcoming the emotional funk and emphasizing that temporary feelings are part of growth 01:29 - The importance of community and reaching out for support during tough seasons 01:43 - Why growth feels unsafe to the brain's nervous system 02:13 - Outgrowing old identities and the social cost of growth 02:43 - The loneliness that can come with stepping into your true self 03:36 - Immersing in faith, focus, and skill-building during growth seasons 05:25 - Understanding why growth triggers anxiety and how the brain prefers familiarity 05:51 - Combating fear-based responses with cognitive behavioral tools like CBT 06:22 - Outgrowing identities like people-pleasing and hyper-independence 08:43 - The social fallout of growth—friends reacting differently, misunderstandings, and boundary setting 09:43 - Guarding your faith and values in social environments 10:12 - The challenge of maintaining boundaries and shifting relationship dynamics 11:07 - The emotional and social experience of healing and taking social media breaks 12:18 - The discomfort of social disconnection and the peace that follows 13:13 - Discerning between discomfort that signals growth versus actual misalignment 14:10 - Navigating pivot seasons and the importance of patience and repetition 17:18 - The in-between season: when old habits no longer fit but new ones are not yet formed 17:44 - The vital role of repetition and action in building confidence and new habits 18:13 - Practicing emotional regulation and sitting with discomfort 19:10 - Growth in romantic relationships and the activation of old patterns 20:06 - Recognizing healthy love versus familiar, unhealthy dynamics 22:05 - Personal growth leading to the loss of old friendships and the importance of aligned relationships 23:02 - What growth truly looks like: setting boundaries, making intentional choices, and showing up authentically 24:58 - The difference between discomfort and failure, emphasizing growth as an evolving process 25:25 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to embrace your growth journey Resources & Links: Connect with Yvonne - We Are Von Podcast Final Note: Remember, growth involves discomfort and uncertainty but is ultimately a sign of aligning more closely with your authentic self. Be patient with your process, lean on your community, and trust in the journey.

Episode 7: Rep Yo Set-Supporting Friends & Strangers in All Spaces

Heyyyyy! This episode explores how to maintain love and support for yourself and others amidst turmoil, focusing on social circles, self-care, and meaningful communication. Hosted by Von, it offers practical advice on assessing relationships and fostering genuine support. Key topics: * The importance of self-love and putting yourself first, especially during chaotic times. * The value of showing support through actions like sharing and promoting friends' ventures. * How to evaluate your social circle and decide who moves forward with you to the next level. * Strategies for addressing issues with friends or family, including having honest, solution-oriented conversations. * Recognizing the different ways strangers and close friends show love or take you for granted. * The significance of doing regular relationship audits and setting clear expectations. * Practical steps for initiating crucial conversations and clearing misunderstandings. * The impact of social media activity on relationships and how to manage your digital presence. * The importance of discernment and making informed decisions about who deserves your energy. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and encouragement to follow the podcast on YouTube and Instagram 00:19 - The significance of supporting community talents and growth 01:17 - Checking in on mental health and self-care during chaos 01:56 - Sending love and empathy to mothers and those who’ve lost loved ones 02:28 - The importance of never stretching yourself thin and prioritizing self 02:38 - Supporting friends and family without exhaustion 03:24 - Shifting mindset on social support and reciprocity 03:47 - Reflection on supporting other's endeavors and the importance of belief 04:35 - Conversations about social media engagement and support 05:31 - The need for honest communication and setting expectations 06:44 - Building a circle that aligns with your dreams and goals 07:22 - Analyzing your relationships for authenticity and support 07:49 - Conducting social audits and seeking feedback 08:36 - Strangers showing more love than close friends and why that happens 09:23 - Reflecting on social striving and relationship dynamics 09:49 - How to approach delicate conversations about support 10:13 - Practical steps: Asking for feedback and clarifying support needs 10:34 - Considering cutting off disengaged relationships with logic 11:20 - The importance of empathy and understanding in resolving conflicts 11:46 - The role of feelings of being unseen in relationships 12:23 - Managing social media disconnects and intentional unfollowing 13:08 - Communication strategies to prevent resentment and retreat 13:51 - Final thoughts: spreading love and creating impactful content 14:18 - Closing remarks and schedule overview Resources & Links: We Are Von Podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeAreVonPodcast] We Are Von on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wearevonpod/] Thank you for listening! Remember to use discernment in your relationships and keep nurturing connections that elevate and support your journey.

Undecided: A Conversation About Stagnation & Existential Crisis

This episode dives into the deeply personal and philosophical journey of understanding life’s purpose, stagnation, and the common experience of existential crises. Hosted by Von, it offers reflection, practical insights, and encouragement for anyone feeling undecided or stuck in their life. Key Topics: * The concept of existentialism and its relevance to everyday life * Personal stories of stagnation and decision-making struggles * Understanding existential crises as inner conflicts questioning life's meaning * The importance of living in the present and embracing life's uncertainties * Practical ways to handle existential crises, including community and action * The impact of mental health on decisions and stagnation * Challenging societal narratives around success, career, and retirement * Cultivating self-awareness through body scans and reflection * Encouraging experimentation and slowing down to appreciate life’s experiences Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and its personal significance 00:25 - The social media landscape and influences on life's purpose 00:48 - Connecting with audiences via social platforms and episode reminders 01:14 - The cadence and purpose of the podcast episodes 02:06 - Reflection on aging, personal growth, and striving for more 02:34 - Defining existentialism and its core questions about life 03:48 - The ongoing quest for purpose among young adults and reflections on societal norms 04:15 - Living authentically despite the universe offering no inherent meaning 05:02 - The concept of being undecided, stagnation, and personal stories of transition 06:20 - The false promises of societal norms like the American Dream 07:10 - Navigating the "in-between" moments of life and feeling stagnant 08:06 - The role of education, career shifts, and personal growth in overcoming stagnation 09:21 - Recognizing the physical and emotional signs of dissatisfaction 10:15 - Understanding existential crises as inner conflicts triggered by life changes 11:07 - Handling frustration and questioning life’s purpose 12:29 - The illusion of the "perfect" life and focusing on the present 13:57 - The importance of living in the moment and controlling what we can 15:19 - Recognizing mental health barriers to decision-making and stagnation 16:56 - Addressing the possibility of mental health conditions causing indecision 17:20 - How to progress after understanding the root causes of an existential crisis 18:53 - Embracing life’s lack of inherent meaning as an opportunity for creation 19:09 - Focusing on small, controllable actions to combat paralysis 20:44 - External factors influencing existential struggles, including economy and relationships 21:36 - Personal reflections on future retirement goals and feeling fulfilled 22:26 - The importance of self-compassion and experiencing life fully 23:15 - A call to slow down, experiment, and enjoy the present moment 24:11 - Closing thoughts: Gratitude and encouragement to embrace life's journey Resources & Links: * Existentialism [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism] – Overview of existential philosophy * Sartre, Jean-Paul - Being and Nothingness [https://www.amazon.com/Being-Nothingness-Jean-Paul-Sartre/dp/0671867806] – Classic existentialist text Connect with We Are Von: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeAreVonPodcast] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wearevonpod/] Spotify Apple Podcasts

Season 2 Episode 5: Risk/Reward and Profit/Loss- Where Do You Spend Your Time?

In this episode, we explore the importance of embracing uncertainty, making intentional choices about how we spend our time, and the value of cutting ties that no longer serve our growth. Von shares personal insights on social media detox, investing in experiences, and the significance of self-awareness in profit and loss — emotionally, socially, and financially. Key topics covered: * The difference between consuming content and creating value through personal projects * How social media can be a tool for growth versus a time-consuming distraction * The importance of tracking and auditing how you spend your time daily * Shifting focus from superficial experiences like clubs to meaningful activities like fitness and personal development * The role of uncomfortable conversations in maintaining healthy relationships and growth * Recognizing when to pivot and let go of relationships or situations that hinder your progress * Embracing uncertainty and practicing the art of living in the moment to enhance happiness * Practical ways to explore new places and experiences, even on a budget Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wearevonpod/] YouTube - We Are Von Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeAreVonPodcast] Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview00:14 - Promoting YouTube, website, and audience connection01:02 - Personal reflection on social media use and rebranding02:09 - The significance of investing in home life and outdoor activities03:54 - Balancing social life, experience investing, and health routines04:43 - Social media as a tool and the importance of time management05:35 - Past experiences and focusing on growth06:26 - Valuing connections and their impact on personal and professional growth07:19 - Prioritizing family and meaningful activities over superficial entertainment08:40 - Assessing time spent daily and re-evaluating social priorities15:15 - Reflection on relationships, growth, and cutting ties16:27 - The power of uncomfortable conversations and honesty19:02 - Acknowledging the reality of people leaving your life20:23 - The importance of letting go and embracing uncertainty23:08 - The challenge of change and the significance of deep introspection26:04 - Collecting data on yourself and the importance of self-awareness27:33 - Embracing the concept of not controlling everything and adapting28:17 - Encouragement to explore new experiences and live in the moment29:28 - A call to action: experiencing life fully and appreciating the present30:04 - Final thoughts on uncertainty and making daily moments meaningful Connect with the host: Remember, growth and happiness often come from embracing uncertainty and making intentional decisions about where you invest your time and energy. This episode encourages you to audit your life, speak up in uncomfortable conversations, and prioritize experiences over superficial activities.

Episode 4: The Pivot-Navigating Career Transitions, Anxiety, and Self-fulfilling Prophecies

In this episode, Von shares her personal journey of self-reflection, career pivoting, and the importance of trusting your intuition. She discusses overcoming anxiety at professional events, re-evaluating hobbies, and the power of intentional living and affirmations. Key Topics * Von's experience navigating social anxiety during professional events * The significance of self-reflection and identifying what truly brings joy * The concept of "the pivot" in career and life transitions * Insights on burnout, especially among Gen Z and Millennials * Practical steps for building the life you desire, including journaling and visioning * The importance of community support and discouraging playing small * How to embrace imperfections and learn from mistakes * Tips for balancing full-time work, personal growth, and family responsibilities * Encouragement to get clear on your purpose and take actionable steps * The Art of Self-Reflection [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Self-Reflection] (search for specific books on Amazon) * Google Keep [https://keep.google.com/] – Note-taking and goal setting * Vision Board Apps [https://www.pinterest.com/] – Inspiration for visualizing your goals * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wearevynepod/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/WeAreVynePodcast] Timestamps00:00 - Introduction: Von reflects on social media and authenticity 02:25 - Anxiety at professional events and overcoming discomfort 04:25 - The importance of self-reflection and personal growth 08:11 - Re-evaluating hobbies and discovering new passions 10:41 - The question: What have you always wanted to do? 13:22 - Von's career pivot story from criminal justice to therapy 15:12 - Overcoming fears and taking the next step in entrepreneurship 17:04 - Burnout signs among young adults and field insights 20:17 - Defining your niche and purpose in your career 22:32 - How to be remembered: Doing what you love with intention 25:01 - Practicing presence through gardening, sewing, and mindfulness 27:21 - The power of visualization and taking ownership of your dreams 28:17 - Overcoming fear and embracing mistakes in your pivot journey 30:35 - The importance of honoring your unique hustle and setting goals 31:57 - Final encouragement: Trust the process and love yourself Remember: Your purpose is individual, your pace is unique. Embrace the process of becoming and trust that your next move will lead you closer to your authentic life.