205 - Unlearning Generational Trauma: Breaking the Cycle and Moving Beyond Survival Mode

Discover how to break generational cycles and heal from trauma by stepping out of survival mode ⬇️✨ Pre-order Dear Friend and unlock daily moments of clarity, encouragement, and heartfelt inspiration. 💌⟶ thedearfriendbook.comIn this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re diving deep into generational trauma, toxic family dynamics, and what it means to be a cycle breaker. Generations of dysfunction and unhealed pain can unknowingly shape how we show up in the world—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.We’re shifting from survival mode into healing, unlearning harmful patterns, and reclaiming the life we deserve.Barb opens up about growing up as the eldest daughter of two alcoholic parents in a low-income household, and how she made the conscious decision to parent differently. Michelle shares her experience of growing up with a mother in the midst of healing and how generational trauma still showed up in her own journey. They unpack how to navigate dysfunctional family dynamics and toxic patterns as a mother-daughter duo.This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt stuck in inherited pain, longed for change, or is bravely doing the work to heal.✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:❤️‍🩹 Choosing a New Path: Your past doesn’t define you—you have the power to end the cycle and start fresh.❤️‍🩹 Unlearning Survival Patterns: Learn how to recognize and release the behaviors that no longer serve you.❤️‍🩹 Letting Go of Shame: Healing from dysfunction means showing yourself grace and compassion.❤️‍🩹 Healing Takes Time: Progress isn’t linear—every moment you choose healing is a victory.Breaking generational cycles takes courage, patience, and love. If you’re doing that work, we see you—and we’re cheering you on. 💛We’re so grateful to have you with us! As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about sharing the lessons we’ve learned on our journeys in the hope of inspiring you to live your best life—no matter the challenges you face.In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this May we’re dedicating each episode to caring for our minds, breaking harmful cycles, and finding strength through life’s challenges.Join us next Tuesday for another heartfelt, healing episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕Join our community⬇️YouTube InstagramSubstackTikTokListen to our podcast anywhere→ click here🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday🎧Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor and use my code barbknowsbest50off for a great deal: https://www.factor75.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com* Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Explore the emotional and mental health impact of loneliness in the digital age ⬇️✨ Never miss an episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle ✨⟶ Subscribe to our channel here: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast​Did you know that loneliness can have the same impact on our mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? According to the U.S. Surgeon General, widespread loneliness poses health risks as deadly as smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily. With 1 in 3 Americans experiencing feelings of loneliness at least once a week, and social media often exacerbating feelings of isolation, this is an epidemic affecting many of us.​In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we delve into the stigma surrounding loneliness and provide practical tips to combat this epidemic. We explore our perspectives on digital well-being from two different generational standpoints—Michelle, who grew up during the rise of social media, and Barb, who was introduced to it as an adult.We share our personal experiences with feeling lonely and discuss the lessons we've learned to overcome these periods of disconnection. Remember, loneliness, like all emotions, is temporary. This episode aims to empower and equip you with steps to foster meaningful connections with others and within yourself.Here’s What You Can Expect From Today’s Episode:💚 The Power of the Mind: Your thoughts shape your reality and influence how you feel about yourself and others. A negative and positive thought cannot coexist—through affirmations and journaling, you can create a kinder headspace for yourself.​💚 Be Mindful of Your Media Consumption: Social media is designed to showcase curated perfection, often validating our insecurities. Limit your screen time and engage less with content that leaves you feeling poorly about yourself.​💚 Follow the Breadcrumbs: Reconnect with yourself and your deepest desires. What brings you joy? What sparks interest in your heart?​💚 Be Intentionally Attentive: Social media offers the illusion of connection, but genuine relationships are nurtured through presence. Set the intention to spend quality time with loved ones in person, offering them your full, undivided attention.​Healing and growth occur moment by moment. It takes time to break the habit of doom-scrolling on social media or to cultivate the intention to be present. However, through small, consistent steps, you can transition into a life reconnected to yourself and others.​🎙️ Hosted by:@peaceful_barb@michellemarosWe're so grateful to have you with us! As a mother-daughter duo, we're passionate about sharing the lessons we've learned through our own journeys, with the hope of inspiring you to live your best life, no matter what challenges come your way.​In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, each episode will focus on caring for our minds, breaking negative cycles, and finding strength in life's challenges. Join us next Tuesday for another mental and emotional health-centered episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕Join our community⬇️YouTubeInstagramSubstackTikTokListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://bit.ly/4iMnVPn 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday🎧Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor and use my code barbknowsbest50off for a great deal: https://www.factor75.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com* Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

✨ Watch our episodes on YouTube! ✨⟶ Subscribe to our channel here: @LifeHappensThePodcastWith 1 in 4 people estranged from a family member, it’s clear there’s a crisis in connection—one we don’t talk about enough.What happens when communication breaks down, when misunderstandings pile up, and when silence becomes the only way we know how to cope? It’s time to talk about the elephant in the room: how do we have the hard conversations that help us heal, reconnect, and grow stronger together?The answer isn’t always cutting someone off. In fact, many relationships can be repaired—not by avoiding conflict—but by learning how to navigate it with compassion, honesty, and patience. In this episode, we’re diving into the tools and strategies that helped us through a real and recent conflict, offering you a front-row seat to the messiness and beauty of working things out.As a mother-daughter duo, we each bring a different lens to these conversations. Barb shares hard-won wisdom for parents who want to bridge the gap with their adult children, and Michelle opens up about what it takes to stay connected with a parent—even when it’s uncomfortable or emotional.Here’s what you can expect from today’s episode:Every relationship hits rough patches—but how you handle them can make all the difference. In this episode, you’ll learn how to show up with courage, clarity, and compassion—no matter how hard the conversation.💗 Stop Avoiding the Tough ConversationsAvoiding conflict only feeds resentment. Vulnerability may feel uncomfortable, but when you open up honestly—even if it’s messy—you create space for healing, boundaries, and real connection.💗 Identify Your Core Relationship ValuesWhen things get rocky, return to the foundation. Even in disagreement, love, respect, and care can still be the ground you stand on.💗 Take AccountabilityWhen hurt happens, don’t deflect or avoid responsibility. Acknowledge your part, offer a sincere apology, and commit to doing better. Taking responsibility, apologizing sincerely, and choosing to grow builds trust that lasts.💗 Lead with GraceWe’re all human—and we all mess up. What matters most is giving ourselves and others room to grow. Relationships take work, but with patience, kindness, and a little grace, we can keep showing up better every day.We’re so grateful to have you with us! As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about sharing the lessons we’ve learned through our own journeys, with the hope of inspiring you to live your best life, no matter what challenges come your way.Join us next Tuesday for another episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕Join our community⬇️YouTubeInstagramSubstackTikTokListen to our podcast anywhere→ Click Here 🎙️ New episodes are released every Tuesday🎧Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor and use my code barbknowsbest50off for a great deal: https://www.factor75.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com* Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

✨ WATCH ON VIDEO✨⟶ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: @LifeHappensThePodcastThis week on Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, we’re opening up about our personal journeys with grief and how we’ve supported each other through loss as mother and daughter. We’re sharing the lessons we’ve learned, the ways we’ve found resilience, and the love that continues to guide us.This episode is especially close to our hearts. Barb speaks vulnerably about her current experience with grief, as a dear friend of hers has recently entered hospice care. She reflects on what it’s like to grieve in the present while also recalling the pain of supporting Michelle through the loss of her dad, while carrying her own.Michelle shares more about how she navigated her dad’s passing over the years and how she redefined what it means to live with grief. She also offers one of her favorite practices that helps her move through the waves of emotions that still arise.Here’s what you can expect from this week’s episode:Lean on Others: Grief is not meant to be carried alone. Let your loved ones show up for you. Community can be one of your greatest sources of strength.Healing Isn’t a Destination: Grief is not linear—it’s a lifelong process. Some days will still feel heavy. Give yourself compassion and space to just be where you are.Feel Your Feelings: There’s no right or wrong way to grieve. Allow yourself to fully feel whatever comes up, without judgment or a timeline.Celebrate the Love: Grief is proof of how deeply we’ve loved. That love doesn’t disappear. Reframing grief as a reflection of love can bring peace, even joy.Grief is a tender, complicated journey—but you don’t have to walk it alone. We created this episode with deep love and care, hoping it will bring you comfort and connection as you move through your own experience of loss.Join our community⬇️YouTube: @LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: @LifeHappensThePodcastSubstack: @LifeHappensThePodcastTikTok: @LifeHappensThePodcastWe’re so grateful to have you with us! As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about sharing the lessons we’ve learned through our own journeys, with the hope of inspiring you to live your best life, no matter what challenges come your way.Join us next Tuesday for another episode of Life Happens the Podcast! 💕Listen to our podcast anywhere 🎙️ New episodes are released every Tuesday🎧Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor and use my code barbknowsbest50off for a great deal: https://www.factor75.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com* Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

✨We’re on YouTube✨⟶ Watch our episodes here: @lifehappensthepodcastAfter three incredible years of Barb Knows Best, we’re excited to evolve and relaunch as Life Happens Podcast—where we dive deeper into navigating life's ups and downs through the lens of our unique mother-daughter dynamic.In our debut episode, we’re reflecting on the evolution of our relationship as parent and adult child. We’ll explore the growth, changes, and lessons we’ve learned along the way, and how we’ve tackled life’s challenges together.Barb shares the wisdom she’s gained as a mother, embracing each new chapter of her daughter’s journey, while Michelle opens up about the lessons learned from her mom and how they face obstacles side by side. Here’s what you can expect from today’s episode:○ Embrace Change: Relationships are constantly evolving, and life is full of surprises. Stay present, stay curious, and embrace the lessons and growth that come with the twists and turns.○ Prioritize the Pause: Clarity starts with awareness. The best way to understand your emotions and gain perspective is to take a moment to pause—breathe, reflect, and then respond. This is especially powerful in heated moments.○ Accept Life’s Challenges: Life isn’t always easy, but how we view and navigate challenges makes all the difference. Focus on what you can control and take proactive steps toward solutions.○ Find Freedom in Letting go of Control: We can’t change or control others, but we hold the power to shape our own actions. By having honest conversations, setting healthy boundaries, and approaching situations with compassion, we create the space for growth and understanding.From releasing control and embracing change to acknowledging your emotions and overcoming challenges, this episode is packed with heartfelt insights and valuable wisdom for all.!We’re so grateful to have you with us! As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about sharing the lessons we’ve learned through our own journeys, with the hope of inspiring others to live their best lives, no matter what life throws their way.See you next Tuesday for another episode of Life Happens the Podcast💕Join our community⬇️YouTube: @LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: @LifeHappensThePodcastSubstack: @LifeHappensThePodcastTikTok: @LifeHappensThePodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Factor and use my code barbknowsbest50off for a great deal: https://www.factor75.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com* Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're back — with a new name, a fresh look, and a brand-new video podcast 💚 but the heart of our show stays the same: real, personal, and empowering conversations between a mother and daughter.Why Life Happens?Because life isn't linear. It's full of twists, turns, unexpected lessons, and beautifully messy moments. We're here to talk through all of it — with honesty, vulnerability, and love. 🌱Starting Tuesday, April 15, 2025, join Michelle and Barb for heartfelt conversations, actionable insights, and inspiring stories that remind you you're never alone in what you're going through.We're growing, evolving, and living life as it comes. Let's do it together. ✨🎥 Subscribe to the Life Happens podcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensthePodcastXo,Michelle & BarbOur Sponsors:* Check out Factor and use my code barbknowsbest50off for a great deal: https://www.factor75.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com* Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Exciting news! Barb Knows Best is evolving! To celebrate this new chapter, Barb and Michelle share one of their all-time favorite episodes from Barb Knows Best. In this episode, Barb and Michelle talk about the one trait they're both working on cultivating this year (and honestly… every year): resilience. This conversation meant so much to them—it was recorded during a time when life felt especially heavy, and the lessons still hit home today.Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:The Road Less Traveled by Scott PeckRoadmap to Resilience by Donald MeichenbaumFollow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @LifeHappensthePodcast or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. This episode is sponsored by Factor, TruDiagnostic, & Happy Mammoth.Factor’s fresh, chef-prepared meals take the guesswork out of eating healthy. Every meal uses thoughtfully sourced ingredients with no hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, or additives. Head over to factormeals.com/factorpodcast to get 50% off your first box, plus 20% off your next month.Discover Happy Mammoth's nature-inspired custom formulas for women's hormone and gut health. Try Hormone Harmony a natural formula intended to reduce hormonal symptoms in women of all ages. Visit happymammoth.com and use code BARBKNOWSBEST for 15% off your entire first order today!Think about it, what would it be like to know exactly how your lifestyle is impacting your body? TruDiagnostic makes it easy to get started, offering simple, actionable insights that you can use right away. Right now, our listeners can get 20% off their entire order at trudiagnostic.com by using the code BARBKNOWSBEST at checkout. Plus, if you subscribe, you’ll get an additional 20% off the 50% discount.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor and use my code barbknowsbest50off for a great deal: https://www.factor75.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com* Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you heard of emotional monitoring? It’s when you anticipate and accommodate other people’s emotions at the expense of your own. This might look like constantly wondering if someone is mad at you or checking in excessively to make sure they’re okay. Over time, this hypervigilance can be exhausting.This week, Barb shares her experience of divorce after spending 33 years as the peacekeeper and emotional monitor in her marriage. Through our personal stories, Barb and Michelle explore how to recognize emotional monitoring and, more importantly, how to break free from it.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Cultivate Awareness – Ask yourself: Are you walking on eggshells in certain relationships? Are you telling small lies or half-truths to avoid conflict?Give Yourself Time to Heal – Realizing you’ve been emotionally monitoring is a breakthrough, but change doesn’t happen overnight. Healing requires mindfulness, intentional shifts, and small but meaningful actions.Tune Into Your Own Feelings – Other people’s emotions aren’t your responsibility to manage. Pay attention to how you feel in these interactions. When stress or anxiety arise, shift your focus from fixing them to bringing yourself peace.Stay in Alignment With Your Truth – Before acting, pause and reflect: Am I doing this to fix things or to keep the peace? It’s not your job to clean up someone else’s mess—your role is to show up as your most authentic self.Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. This episode is sponsored by Factor, TruDiagnostic, & Happy Mammoth.Factor’s fresh, chef-prepared meals take the guesswork out of eating healthy. Every meal uses thoughtfully sourced ingredients with no hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, or additives. Head over to factormeals.com/factorpodcast to get 50% off your first box, plus 20% off your next month.Discover Happy Mammoth's nature-inspired custom formulas for women's hormone and gut health. Try Hormone Harmony a natural formula intended to reduce hormonal symptoms in women of all ages. Visit happymammoth.com and use code BARBKNOWSBEST for 15% off your entire first order today!Think about it, what would it be like to know exactly how your lifestyle is impacting your body? TruDiagnostic makes it easy to get started, offering simple, actionable insights that you can use right away. Right now, our listeners can get 20% off their entire order at trudiagnostic.com by using the code BARBKNOWSBEST at checkout. Plus, if you subscribe, you’ll get an additional 20% off the 50% discount.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor and use my code barbknowsbest50off for a great deal: https://www.factor75.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com* Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's brand-new episode, Barb and Michelle are encouraging you to stop apologizing. In this vulnerable conversation, they discuss their personal practices of noticing the instinct to over-apologize or even apologize when not warranted, and how that affects confidence, clarity, and self-esteem. They also share how they've been overcoming this pesky habit, and the benefits they've discovered.Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. This episode is sponsored by Factor, TruDiagnostic, & Happy Mammoth.Factor’s fresh, chef-prepared meals take the guesswork out of eating healthy. Every meal uses thoughtfully sourced ingredients with no hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, or additives. Head over to factormeals.com/factorpodcast to get 50% off your first box, plus 20% off your next month.Discover Happy Mammoth's nature-inspired custom formulas for women's hormone and gut health. Try Hormone Harmony a natural formula intended to reduce hormonal symptoms in women of all ages. Visit happymammoth.com and use code BARBKNOWSBEST for 15% off your entire first order today!Think about it, what would it be like to know exactly how your lifestyle is impacting your body? TruDiagnostic makes it easy to get started, offering simple, actionable insights that you can use right away. Right now, our listeners can get 20% off their entire order at trudiagnostic.com by using the code BARBKNOWSBEST at checkout. Plus, if you subscribe, you’ll get an additional 20% off the 50% discount.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor and use my code barbknowsbest50off for a great deal: https://www.factor75.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com* Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this week's all new episode, in celebration of Women's History Month, Barb and Michelle dedicate this episode to YOU—to all women.They unpack the struggles women face daily—from the impossibly high expectations to the ongoing battle for equality. If you’ve ever felt like you were too much, too little, or simply not enough, this episode is for you.Here are some key takeaways from today’s episode:Be aware of societal expectations. The beauty standards, lifestyle pressures, and timelines imposed on us are often unrealistic. Release the need to conform to them.Give yourself grace. Who you are and what you do is already more than enough. Trust your own timing and path, even if it looks different from others.Support other women. Show up for the women in your life—listen, check in, and uplift them whenever you can.Speak Up. Push back or speak up when you can against injustice, even in small ways. Sometimes, simply validating someone’s experience by saying, “That wasn’t okay, and you were treated unfairly,” can make a difference.Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. This episode is sponsored by Factor, TruDiagnostic, & Happy Mammoth.Factor’s fresh, chef-prepared meals take the guesswork out of eating healthy. Every meal uses thoughtfully sourced ingredients with no hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, or additives. Head over to factormeals.com/factorpodcast to get 50% off your first box, plus 20% off your next month.Discover Happy Mammoth's nature-inspired custom formulas for women's hormone and gut health. Try Hormone Harmony a natural formula intended to reduce hormonal symptoms in women of all ages. Visit happymammoth.com and use code BARBKNOWSBEST for 15% off your entire first order today!Think about it, what would it be like to know exactly how your lifestyle is impacting your body? TruDiagnostic makes it easy to get started, offering simple, actionable insights that you can use right away. Right now, our listeners can get 20% off their entire order at trudiagnostic.com by using the code BARBKNOWSBEST at checkout. Plus, if you subscribe, you’ll get an additional 20% off the 50% discount.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor and use my code barbknowsbest50off for a great deal: https://www.factor75.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com* Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy