Back to Life with Nicole Green

Imagine Me...Confident

Back to Life Podcast with Nicole Green – Episode 16, Season 2
Title: Imagine Me...Confident

Episode Overview:
In this episode of Back to Life, we continue our Imagine Me series with a deep dive into building healthy self-esteem and recognizing our inherent worth. Join Nicole Green as she shares insights on how low self-esteem and insecurity can keep us playing small, while also exploring the root causes of insecurity and offering practical ways to cultivate authentic confidence. Whether it's learning to silence the inner critic, embracing self-compassion, or using daily affirmations to transform your self-image, this episode is all about stepping into the fullness of who you are with confidence and grace.

Nicole also shares personal stories of her growth journey and invites listeners to reflect on how they can embrace their worth, flaws, and all.

Key Takeaways:

• PAUSE: Understanding the root causes of low self-esteem, such as past experiences and societal expectations, and how they impact our present self-image.
• PONDER: Strategies for silencing the inner critic and overcoming the temptation to compare ourselves to others, especially on social media.
• PREPARE: Practical tools like self-compassion, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and using daily affirmations to transform your self-worth and step into confidence.

Action Step for Listeners:
Write down three affirmations that remind you of your worth and repeat them every morning. Watch how these words begin to reshape how you see yourself!

Moment of Reflection:
Take a moment to reflect on the last time you doubted yourself. Imagine replacing those thoughts of doubt with confidence and self-worth. Picture yourself fully embracing your value and showing up as your most confident self.

Follow Nicole:
Stay connected with Nicole Green and get more inspiration on Instagram @BeWellwithNicoleG and at www.bewellwithnicole.com

Disclaimer:
Please note, that this podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. If you need help, please seek assistance from a licensed professional or therapist.

Thank you for tuning in!
Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who could use a confidence boost. Be sure to join us next time as we dive into Imagine Me...Renewed, where we'll talk about the importance of rest and restoration for your emotional health.

 

Imagine Me...Saying NO

Back to Life Podcast with Nicole Green – Episode 15, Season 2

Title: Imagine Me...Saying No

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Imagine Me series, Nicole Green explores the power of setting and enforcing boundaries to protect your peace and emotional health. We often struggle to say “no” due to fear of rejection, guilt, and people-pleasing tendencies. But learning to say “no” with confidence is essential for creating the life you deserve. Nicole shares personal stories and practical tips for setting boundaries in your work, relationships, and self-care.

In this episode, Nicole breaks it down into three sections:

1. PAUSE: Why boundaries are necessary for emotional and relational health.
2. PONDER: Overcoming the fear of saying "no" and people-pleasing.
3. PREPARE: How to set clear boundaries with confidence and grace in work, relationships, and self-care.

Key Takeaways:

• • Boundaries are a form of self-care: They help protect your peace, time, and energy.
  • It’s okay to say “no”: Overcoming the fear of rejection and guilt is key to protecting your emotional well-being. 
  • Practice makes progress: Start small with setting boundaries and celebrate your wins along the way.

• Remember, “NO” is a complete sentence.

Action Steps:

• Reflection Exercise: Take a few minutes today to identify one area in your life where you can set a boundary. Practice saying “no” in a way that feels true to you.
• Journal Prompt: Write about a time when you said “yes” but wished you had said “no.” What could you do differently in the future to honor your boundaries?
• Self-Care Tip: Prioritize your mental health by setting boundaries that allow you to recharge and focus on what matters most to you.

Resources Mentioned:

• Read, Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
• Journaling and therapy as a tool for navigating emotional boundaries
• Mindfulness practices for staying grounded when setting boundaries

Quotes to Remember:

• “Saying no is a powerful way to say yes to yourself.”
• “Boundaries aren’t about keeping people out—they’re about keeping you whole.”

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help if needed.

Next Episode:
In the next episode of our Imagine Me series, we’ll focus on Imagine Me...Confident, where we’ll explore the foundations of building healthy self-esteem. You don’t want to miss it!

Connect with Nicole Green:

• Instagram: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Email: nicole@bewellwithnicole.com

Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss future episodes of the Imagine Me series. Share this with a friend who needs encouragement and leave a review to help others discover the show!

Music:
Intro and Outro Music by Brendan Cloutier of Audible Cosmos

 

Imagine Me...Letting Go

Back to Life Podcast with Nicole Green – Episode 14, Season 2

Title: Imagine Me...Letting Go

Episode Summary:

In this first episode of the Imagine Me series, Nicole Green dives into the transformative power of letting go. We all carry emotional baggage from past mistakes, old wounds, and unhealed trauma that can keep us stuck and prevent us from moving forward. But what if you could set that baggage down and walk lighter, with a renewed sense of freedom? Nicole shares personal stories, insights on the power of forgiveness, and practical tools to help you release what no longer serves you. This episode is broken into three sections: PAUSE (identifying emotional baggage), PONDER (the power of forgiveness), and PREPARE (tools for letting go). Get ready to imagine a lighter, freer version of yourself.

Key Takeaways:

1. PAUSE: Take a moment to reflect on the emotional baggage you're carrying. Past mistakes, relationships, and unhealed wounds can weigh you down and stop you from moving forward. Recognizing what you’re holding onto is the first step toward letting go.
2. PONDER: Forgiveness is not about excusing someone else’s actions—it’s about setting yourself free. This episode highlights the power of forgiveness for both yourself and others, showing how it can release the emotional chains holding you back.
3. PREPARE: Letting go is a process that requires intentional tools. Nicole shares three powerful ways to begin the process: journaling your thoughts, seeking therapy for deeper wounds, and practicing reflection through meditation or quiet moments.

Action Steps:

• Reflection Exercise: Take time today to think about something you’ve been holding on to from your past. Visualize setting it down and allowing yourself to move forward.
• Journaling Prompt: Write a letter—either to yourself or to someone else—about what you’re ready to let go of. You don’t need to send it; simply writing it down can be a powerful way to release those emotions.
• Therapy: If you’re struggling with deeper trauma or emotional baggage, consider seeking professional therapy. Sometimes we need support to fully unpack the weight we’ve been carrying.

Resources Mentioned:

• Journaling for self-reflection and emotional release
• Therapy as a tool for processing unhealed trauma
• Mindfulness, prayer, and/or meditation for letting go in everyday life

Quotes to Remember:

• "Forgiveness is setting yourself free."
• "Letting go isn’t about forgetting. It’s about creating space for something new—new hope, new peace, and new opportunities."

Disclaimer:

This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode:

Join us next time as we continue the Imagine Me series with Episode 2: Imagine Me...Saying No. We’ll explore the importance of boundaries and how confidently saying “no” can protect your peace and emotional health. You won’t want to miss it!

Connect with Nicole Green:

• Instagram: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Email: nicole@bewellwithnicole.com

Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on the rest of the Imagine Me series. Share this episode with a friend who needs some encouragement, and leave a review to help others find the show!

Music:

Intro and Outro Music created by Brendan Cloutier of Audible Cosmos

Wrapping Up the "Hi, My Name is..." Series

Episode 13: Wrapping Up the "Hi! My Name is..." Series

Episode Summary: Welcome to the final episode of the "Hi! My Name is..." series on the "Back to Life Podcast" with Nicole Green. In this episode, Nicole, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and her co-host Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy, wrap up everything they’ve talked about regarding emotions. They revisit key points from previous episodes on procrastination, anger, perfectionism, control, and disappointment, reiterating that your feelings are valid. The conversation encourages listeners to take care of themselves as they navigate their lives, inside and out, inspired by "Inside Out 2."

Episode Highlights:

1. Revisiting "Hi! My Name is Procrastination"

• Procrastination as a flight or fight response linked to anxiety.
• Managing procrastination and finding healthier coping mechanisms.

Revisiting "Hi! My Name is Anger"

• Exploring the roots of anger and its impact on mental health.
• Techniques for healthy anger management.

Revisiting "Hi! My Name is Perfectionism"

• Understanding perfectionism as a coping mechanism.
• Embracing imperfection and practicing self-compassion.

Revisiting "Hi! My Name is Control"

• The need for control as a response to anxiety and depression.
• Finding balance and letting go of unhealthy control.

Revisiting "Hi! My Name is Disappointment"

• Chronic disappointment as a symptom of anxiety and depression.
• Managing expectations, coping with disappointment, and building resilience.

Reflection Moment: Think about the emotions we’ve discussed in this series. Which ones resonate with you the most? How can you practice self-care and compassion as you navigate these emotions in your life? Remember, your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to seek support and take time for yourself. Your mental health matters.

Guest Host: Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie.
• Techniques for managing procrastination, anger, perfectionism, control, and disappointment.
• Benefits of self-compassion and seeking support.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Series: Stay tuned for our next series, where we will explore new and exciting topics related to mental health and well-being. Until then, remember to live well, love well, and be well.

Hi, My Name is...Disappointment

Episode 12: "Hi! My Name is Disappointment"

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the "Back to Life Podcast," where we explore living well, loving well, and being well. In this final episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, LPCC, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. They examine how chronic disappointment can be a symptom of underlying anxiety and depression, referencing the new emotional complexities introduced in "Inside Out 2." Discover how to manage expectations, cope with disappointment, and build resilience inspired by the emotional depth of the movie.

Episode Highlights:

1. Dream A Little Nightmare: The Nature of Disappointment and Its Causes

• Understanding the sources of disappointment.
• Examples from "Inside Out 2" depicting unmet expectations and emotional responses.

The Subconscious Basement: Link to Anxiety and Depression

• Chronic disappointment as both a cause and result of anxiety and depression.
• Breaking the cycle by addressing emotions and triggers.

Memory Lanes: Coping Mechanisms and Resilience-Building Strategies

• Managing expectations and practicing self-compassion.
• Building a support network and engaging in positive self-talk.
• Reflecting on experiences to grow and develop resilience.

Reflection Moment: Think about a recent disappointment you experienced. What were your expectations, and how did reality differ? How did you cope with the disappointment? What can you learn from this experience to handle future disappointments better?

Guest Host: Angela Barela, LPCC, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie.
• Techniques for managing expectations and practicing self-compassion.
• Benefits of building a support network and engaging in positive self-talk.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Series: Stay tuned for our next series, where we will explore new and exciting topics related to mental health and well-being. Until then, remember to live well, love well, and be well.

Hi, My Name is...Control

Episode 11: "Hi! My Name is Control"

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the "Back to Life Podcast," where we explore living well, loving well, and being well. In this fourth episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. They examine the need for control as a response to anxiety and depression, referencing the new emotional complexities introduced in "Inside Out 2." Discover how the desire to control everything can impact mental health and relationships, and learn strategies to find balance and manage control healthily.

Episode Highlights:

1. A Mind at Freeze: Understanding the Need for Control

• Control as a response to managing uncertainty and reducing anxiety.
• Examples from "Inside Out 2" depicting the urge to control as a safety mechanism.
• How controlling behaviors can lead to feeling overwhelmed and strain relationships.

Sending Out an S.O.S: Link to Anxiety and Depression

• The cycle of control and anxiety as shown in "Inside Out 2."
• How the inability to control outcomes can lead to feelings of failure and depression.
• Breaking the cycle by addressing both the need for control and underlying emotions.

The Puck Drops Here: Techniques to Relinquish Unhealthy Control

• Practicing mindfulness to stay present and reduce the impulse to control future outcomes.
• Gradually letting go of control by starting with small steps and delegating tasks.
• Reframing control as an opportunity to build resilience and adaptability.
• Seeking therapy for personalized strategies and tools to manage anxiety and control.

Reflection Moment: Reflect on a situation where you felt the need to control everything. What emotions were driving that need? How can you start to let go and trust the process, even if it’s just a little bit?

Guest Host: Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie.
• Techniques for practicing mindfulness and reframing control.
• Benefits of seeking therapy for managing anxiety and control.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode: Join us next time as we continue our series with a look at disappointment and its hidden impacts. Learn how to manage disappointment and turn it into a growth opportunity.

Hi, My Name Is...Perfectionism

Episode 10: "Hi! My Name is Perfectionism"

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the "Back to Life Podcast," where we explore living well, loving well, and being well. In this third episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. They discuss how perfectionism can be both a coping mechanism and a hidden symptom of anxiety and depression. Using references from "Inside Out" and "Inside Out 2," they delve into the psychological impact of striving for perfection and how to embrace imperfection.

Episode Highlights:

1. Anxious To Meet You: Perfectionism and Its Origins

• Perfectionism as a response to family expectations, societal pressures, and personal experiences.
• How "Inside Out" portrays the role of emotions in shaping behavior.
• The connection between perfectionism and a desire for control or to avoid criticism.

Chasing the Pink Elephant: Link to Anxiety and Depression

• The introduction of complex emotions like anxiety in "Inside Out 2."
• Perfectionism’s unattainable standards leading to heightened anxiety and stress.
• The pursuit of perfection as a drain on energy and source of unfulfillment.

Creating a Sense of Self: Coping Strategies to Combat Perfectionism

• Setting realistic and attainable goals instead of aiming for perfection.
• Challenging negative self-talk and practicing mindfulness.
• Reflecting on achievements and practicing gratitude.
• The importance of community and surrounding oneself with supportive people.

Reflection Moment: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt pressured to be perfect. What were the underlying emotions driving that need? How can you reframe your perspective to embrace imperfection and practice self-compassion?

Guest Host: Angela of Blue Phoenix Therapy  @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out" and "Inside Out 2" movies.
• Techniques for challenging negative self-talk and practicing mindfulness.
• Importance of community and support networks.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode: Join us next time as we continue our series with a look at control and its hidden impacts. Learn how to manage control issues healthily and understand their roots in anxiety and depression.

Hi, My Name is ...ANGER

Episode 9: "Hi! My Name is Anger"

Episode Summary: Welcome to the "Back to Life Podcast," your guide to living well, loving well, and being well. In this second episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. Together, they explore how suppressed or unmanaged anger can be a symptom of deeper emotional struggles like anxiety and depression. Using the movie "Inside Out 2" as a reference, they discuss the roots of anger, its impact on mental health, and ways to express and manage it healthily.

Episode Highlights:

1. Riled Up: The Roots of Anger

• Anger as a protective mechanism for deeper emotions like fear, sadness, or frustration.
• How "Inside Out 2" portrays Anger taking charge when other emotions are overwhelmed.
• The importance of recognizing the true source of anger to address it effectively.

To Project and Dis-serve: Anger, Anxiety, and Depression

• The feedback loop between anger and anxiety, as illustrated in "Inside Out 2."
• How projecting deeper fears and frustrations onto others can disserve us and worsen mental health.
• The importance of addressing underlying anxiety and depression to break the cycle of anger.

Thread the Needle: Healthy Anger Management Techniques

• Practicing mindfulness to observe emotions without judgment and respond calmly.
• Expressing feelings constructively through talking, journaling, or physical activities.
• Setting boundaries to prevent anger from building up.
• Seeking professional help when needed to explore deeper emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Reflection Moment: Take a moment to reflect on a recent time when you felt angry. What underlying emotions might have been driving that anger? How can you address those emotions in a healthier way?

Guest Host: Angela of Blue Phoenix Therapy  @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie, which introduces more complex emotions like anxiety.
• Mindfulness practices and the importance of setting boundaries.
• Professional therapy as a tool for managing deeper emotional struggles.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode: Join us next time as we continue our series with a look at perfectionism and its hidden impacts. Learn how to manage perfectionism healthily and understand its roots in anxiety and depression.

Hi, My Name is...Procrastination

Episode 8: "Hi! My Name is Procrastination"

Episode Summary: Welcome to the "Back to Life Podcast," your guide to living well, loving well, and being well. In this first episode of our new series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. Together, they explore procrastination as a hidden symptom of anxiety and depression. Using the movie "Inside Out 2" as a reference, they discuss the roots of procrastination, and its link to anxiety, and offer practical strategies to manage and overcome it.

Episode Highlights:

1. Flight or Fighting: Recognizing and Understanding Procrastination

• Procrastination as a form of flight response.
• Avoidance due to fear of failure, perfectionism, or anxiety.

Return to Imagination Land: Procrastination's Link to Anxiety

• How procrastination and anxiety are connected.
• The impact of avoidance on anxiety levels.

A Done Track Mind: Strategies and Tips to Manage and Overcome Procrastination

• The Pomodoro Technique for breaking tasks into manageable intervals.
• Setting realistic goals and celebrating small wins.
• Creating a distraction-free workspace.
• Practicing self-compassion.

Reflection Moment: Take a moment to reflect on a task you’ve been putting off. What emotions arise when you think about it? Is it anxiety, fear, or something else? How can you break it down into smaller steps and approach it with a fresh mindset?

Guest Host: Angela of Blue Phoenix Therapy  @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie, which introduces more complex emotions like anxiety.
• The Pomodoro Technique for time management.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifepodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode: Join us next time as we continue our series with a look at anger and its hidden emotional impacts. Learn how to manage anger healthily and understand its roots in anxiety and depression.

Wrapping Up The Art of Friendship Series

Episode 7: Final Episode of The Art of Friendship Series

Welcome back to the Back to Life Podcast with Nicole!

In our final episode of the Art of Friendship series, hosts Nicole Green and Kelly reflect on the journey of exploring friendships. Throughout this series, they've discussed the essence of healthy friendships, navigating challenges, and recognizing red and green flags in relationships.

Episode Highlights:

1. Reflections on Friendships:

• Nicole and Kelly discuss the insights gained from exploring various aspects of friendships, including gratitude, consistency, and setting boundaries.
• They share personal reflections on how these discussions have impacted their perspectives on nurturing meaningful connections.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of mutual respect, support, and communication in maintaining healthy friendships.
• Insights into recognizing red flags that may indicate toxic or unhealthy relationships.
• Empowerment to prioritize self-care and well-being in all aspects of friendship dynamics.

Closing Thoughts:

• Nicole and Kelly invite listeners to reflect on their own friendships. What have they learned about themselves and their relationships during this series?
• Encouragement to take positive steps towards strengthening existing friendships or making necessary changes for personal growth.

Reflective Moment: Nicole and Kelly encourage listeners to consider their friendships. Are there relationships that bring joy and support? Are there changes they want to make to enhance their friendship experiences moving forward?

Join Us: Thank you for joining us on this journey through the Art of Friendship series. Stay tuned for our next series and more episodes exploring how to live well, love well, and be well on "Back to Life Podcast with Nicole."

Action Items:

• Reflect on the qualities of your friendships. Are they supportive and uplifting?
• Consider any changes you want to make to nurture healthier friendships.
• Express gratitude to friends who positively impact your life.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• Follow us on social media @BeWellwithNicoleG for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
• Follow on our websites: 
  • Nicole   www.bewellwithnicole.com
  • Kelly     www.pedersenabq.com
• Share your thoughts and stories about friendship with us!

Thank You for Listening! Thank you for tuning in to our Friendshipping series. We appreciate your support and engagement. Remember, nurturing healthy friendships is essential for your well-being and happiness.