219 - Cultivating Mental Resilience as an Athlete and Student

When life feels too full, your greatest power is presence. 🌿This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re breaking down how to move through overwhelm with ease and resilience. You’ll learn practical tools to pause, reset, and breathe, while letting go of what you can’t control. Remember—you’re not broken or in need of fixing. You’re worthy, just as you are.✨ Episode Highlights:Fixing vs. Shifting: releasing the idea that we’re brokenThe power of small shifts in creating lasting changeTalking back to worry and taking back your controlReleasing thoughts and tasks that weigh on the mindBuilding resilience by countering apathy with curiosity and funDiscover how to anchor yourself in the present moment, release the mental noise, and reconnect with what truly matters—so you can navigate challenges with clarity, calm, and confidence.💫 Pre-order Dear Friend — Michelle’s new book with 365 daily reflections for emotional well-being, clarity, and confidence.👉 Get your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqgJoin our community⬇️YouTubeInstagramSubstackTikTokListen to our podcast anywhere→ click here🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday🎧Follow 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. Our Sponsors:* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code LIFEHAPPENS for a great deal: https://moonandskin.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Multitasking is quietly killing our productivity. Rushing through everything at once leaves us scattered, stressed, and less effective. What if slowing down, practicing patience, and being present was actually the key to real success?This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re challenging the myth of multitasking and offering a healthier, more sustainable approach—one rooted in presence and ease. Together, we explore:✨ Moving from a “monkey mind” to focused awareness✨ Why multitasking fragments our attention and reduces productivity✨ Letting go of guilt and shame through intentional action✨ The power of patience—and how to cultivate it✨ Finding balance between work and personal life💬 Barb shares timeless wisdom on understanding the mind and staying grounded in the present.💬 Michelle offers fresh insights and powerful visuals on how slowing down can transform the way we live and work.This episode is a gentle reminder that even in the busiest seasons, patience and presence will always serve us better than hustle and overwhelm.✨ Pre-order Dear Friend—Michelle’s new book with 365 daily reflections for emotional well-being, clarity, and confidence. Get your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg💛 Episode Highlights:Understanding the “monkey mind”The power of presence in daily lifeNavigating life’s pressures with easeExploring the mind–body connectionCultivating patience as a virtuePractical strategies for emotional well-beingCreating balance and presence in your lifeWe’d love to hear from you! 💬What resonated most with you in this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments—we read every single one.📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Host by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every TuesdayOur Sponsors:* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code LIFEHAPPENS for a great deal: https://moonandskin.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Discovering Your Purpose in Life: From finding levity during hardships, appreciating the present moment, and discovering your purpose in life– this is an episode that will inspire and shift your perspective on life.This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re joined by our dear friend—actor, writer, comedian, and activist—Tyler Merritt. In this heartfelt and profound conversation, we explore how life’s challenges can become powerful teachers of purpose, gratitude, and joy.Together, we share:✨ The courage and freedom of standing vulnerably in your truth✨ How to heal and find levity in the midst of hardship✨ The gift of presence in cherishing life’s everyday moments✨ Ways to discover hope and purpose, even through life’s difficulties💬 Tyler vulnerably opens up about his cancer diagnosis and how it transformed his appreciation for life.💬 Barb and Michelle reflect on their own journeys of finding meaning, joy, and resilience despite imperfections and challenges.This episode is an invitation to shift your perspective and rediscover the beauty and purpose woven into each moment.✨ Pre-order Dear Friend — Michelle’s new book with 365 daily reflections for emotional well-being, clarity, and confidence.📖 Get your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg💛 Episode Highlights:Express yourself with confidence and vulnerabilityHeal from perfectionism by embracing humorSet clear intentions to spread love and lightCreate a positive impact on the world around youFully appreciate the beauty of the present momentWe’d love to hear from you! 💬What resonated most with you in this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments—we read every single one.📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Host by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Pre-order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqgOur Sponsors:* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code LIFEHAPPENS for a great deal: https://moonandskin.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Feeling overwhelmed by life? Whether it’s healing from trauma, navigating the pressures of aging, or dealing with critical people, this episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle is your guide to finding self-compassion, presence, and resilience in the middle of it all.In this month’s Q&A, we share real-life tips and personal stories to help you:Manage overwhelm and stress in everyday lifeHeal from past trauma and release guiltSet healthy boundaries with difficult peopleStay grounded and confident as you ageStop taking things personallyUse affirmations and mindfulness to build resilience💬 Barb opens up about the pressure she’s felt with aging and how she shifts her mindset to stay grounded.💬 Michelle shares her journey of healing from trauma, navigating unsupportive relationships, and cultivating daily self-love.✨ Pre-order Dear Friend — Michelle’s new book with 365 daily reflections for emotional well-being, clarity, and confidence.📖 Get your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg💛 Episode Highlights:Navigating the mental and emotional impact of agingHealing is a journey, not a destinationPracticing the pause before big decisionsReleasing the need for external validationHow daily affirmations can change your perspectiveThis episode is sponsored by WayfairRefresh your home or workspace just in time for the school year with Wayfair’s affordable, stylish options—plus free, easy delivery. 🛋🛒 Start exploring → Wayfair.comWe’d love to hear from you! 💬What resonated most with you in this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments—we read every single one.📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Host by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Pre-order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqgOur Sponsors:* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code LIFEHAPPENS for a great deal: https://moonandskin.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Your mental health is your competitive advantage. Learn how to integrate mindfulness and emotional wellness into your daily life—especially when you’re navigating high expectations, constant pressure, and a packed schedule. ⬇️In this special episode, we sit down with former NFL athlete and children’s book author Brandin Bryant and sports psychologist Dr. Desaree “Dr. Dez” Festa to de-stigmatize mental health and share how mindfulness can become your greatest tool—whether you’re an athlete, student, or simply living in a high-pressure environment.You’ll discover how to:Build a mindfulness practice that actually works for youAccept mistakes and move forward with confidenceHandle outside opinions from social media and your surroundingsBoost your mental performance under pressureLet go of perfectionism and embrace a growth mindset💬 Brandin opens up about learning mindfulness in college and how prioritizing mental health helped him thrive in the NFL.💬 Dr. Dez shares powerful research and real-world strategies for building resilience and reaching your optimal performance zone.✨ Pre-order Dear Friend — Michelle’s new book with 365 daily reflections for emotional well-being, clarity, and confidence. Get your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqgOur Sponsors:* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code LIFEHAPPENS for a great deal: https://moonandskin.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Life is unpredictable—and learning to navigate change with grace isn’t always easy.In this heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, we dive into the emotional realities of unexpected loss, transition, and the journey toward acceptance.Barb opens up about the grief and growth she experienced during her recent divorce—offering honest reflections and practical wisdom.Michelle shares the profound impact of losing her father, and how she continues to find meaning and healing through life’s uncertainties.Together, this mother-daughter conversation offers powerful reframes, gentle encouragement, and real-life tools to help you face life’s twists and turns with self-compassion, resilience, and hope.✨ Pre-order Dear Friend – Michelle’s brand new book filled with daily inspiration, emotional support, and grounding messages for every season of life.Perfect for yourself or someone navigating change.Grab your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqgLet us know in the comments what resonated most—we’d love to hear your story.Episode Highlights:The five most common life changes that profoundly impact our mental health and sense of identityHow to trust the impermanence of life—and find faith in the unknownUnderstanding emotions during life’s “in-between” chapters through the lens of the five stages of griefWhy it’s essential to feel your difficult emotions rather than avoid themLetting go of self-blame and shame in the face of loss, change, and disappointmentThe power of taking the first small step toward acceptanceEmbracing peace by viewing life as a journey—not a destinationRemember, no feeling is ever final– this, too, shall pass.We’re so grateful you’re here. As a mother-daughter team, we’re committed to having honest, healing conversations about life’s challenges and the inner work that helps us grow through them.This August, we’re focusing on youth and student mental health—but the truth is, emotional well-being matters at every age. We’re all navigating transitions in one form or another. Whether you’re heading back to school, starting a new job, grieving a loss, or simply adjusting to the change in seasons, you’re not alone.Together, we’re stronger—and we’re here to support you through it all.Join us as we explore how to grow through change, find steadiness in the chaos, and embrace acceptance—one small step at a time.Thank You to Our Sponsor: WayfairWith the school year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home or workspace—and we’re so grateful to Wayfair for helping make that possible.We’ve been redecorating ourselves and have truly loved the ease, inspiration, and wide variety that Wayfair offers. From cozy touches to complete room makeovers, it’s our go-to for affordable, stylish pieces for every space and budget. Plus, their free and easy delivery makes the experience seamless.Ready to refresh your space? Start exploring today at Wayfair.com and find everything you need to create a home that feels just right.Join us next Tuesday for another heartfelt and healing episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕Our Sponsors:* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code LIFEHAPPENS for a great deal: https://moonandskin.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This generation is growing up more stressed, isolated, and overwhelmed than ever before— here’s how parents can help bridge the gap and support youth mental health. ⬇️In this eye-opening episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, we dive into the realities of parenting in today’s world—one shaped by technology, anxiety, and unrealistic expectations. We explore how listening without judgment, leading with vulnerability, and embracing imperfection can transform the parent-child relationship.Barb shares practical insights from her own parenting journey and how she built a strong, emotionally safe bond with Michelle. Michelle reflects on being raised by a parent who prioritized emotional well-being, and together, they unpack lessons learned both as a mother-daughter duo and from years of working with students of all ages.Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or someone who works with teens, this conversation will move you, challenge you, and leave you with tools to better show up for the young people in your life.✨Pre-order Dear Friend — Michelle’s new book filled with daily inspiration, clarity, and encouragement. A perfect gift for anyone supporting the emotional well-being of the next generation.Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqgLet us know in the comments what resonated most—we’d love to hear your story.Episode Highlights:How to really listen and be fully present with your childBridging the generational gap through empathy, not authorityThe transformative power of apologizing and showing vulnerability as a parentWhy how you model behavior matters more than what you sayHelping young people navigate pressure, anxiety, and unrealistic expectationsIntroducing emotional well-being early and what that actually looks likeCreating safe spaces for honest, judgment-free conversationsParenting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real, open, and willing to grow.We’re so grateful you’re here. As a mother-daughter team, we’re committed to honest conversations about life’s challenges and the healing that starts from within.🗓️ This August, we're focusing on youth and student mental health—supporting young minds through self-awareness, emotional resilience, and life's pressures.Join us as we explore how to raise this next generation with confidence, compassion, and connection.Join us next Tuesday for another heartfelt and healing episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕🎙️ Host by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast✨ Pre-order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqgOur Sponsors:* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code LIFEHAPPENS for a great deal: https://moonandskin.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Struggling with negative self-talk and body image issues? You’re not alone.With diet culture, self-loathing, and unrealistic beauty standards woven into our feeds and conversations, we’re challenging the narrative and shifting toward self-acceptance and confidence from the inside out.In this episode, we’re talking about how to quiet the inner critic, heal your relationship with your body, and begin reclaiming the confidence that diet culture, beauty standards, and perfectionism tried to take from you.We’ll explore:✨ Where the inner critic comes from💭 How social media and cultural messages fuel self-doubt🛠️ Practical tools to challenge toxic narratives and build self-compassion💡 Why confidence is a practice, not a personality traitBarb opens up about her healing journey from bulimia to self-love, and Michelle shares her experience navigating critical friendships and body insecurities. Together, we’re unpacking what it means to truly feel at home in your body and at peace with yourself.💌 Want to quiet the self-criticism and build true confidence? This one’s for you.✨ Pre-order Dear Friend—Michelle’s new book filled with daily inspiration, clarity, and encouragement. Sign up for exclusive updates at https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg📢 Let us know in the comments what resonated most—we’d love to hear your story.Episode Topics:✨Healing body image by becoming your own best friend✨Valuing your voice over external validation and judgment✨Understanding the power of words—how you speak to yourself and others matters✨Letting go of comparison and unrealistic beauty standards on social media✨Supporting your child’s self-worth and confidence through mindful parenting✨Navigating relationships with critical or unsupportive people✨Practicing gratitude and celebrating your personal growthYou are your greatest companion in life—so choose to love, accept, and trust yourself every day.We’re so grateful you’re here. As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about having real, honest conversations around the challenges we all face—and the healing that begins from within.This July, we’re diving deep into confidence, self-worth, self-advocacy, and purpose. In this episode, we unpack the harmful messages and behaviors that chip away at our self-confidence and body image.We’ll explore how to begin healing the way you see yourself—shifting from self-judgment and comparison to inner validation, self-love, and acceptance that comes from within, not the outside world.Join us next Tuesday for another heartfelt and healing episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕Join our community⬇️YouTubeInstagramSubstackTikTokListen to our podcast anywhere→ click here🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday🎧Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @LifeHappensthePodcast or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. Our Sponsors:* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code LIFEHAPPENS for a great deal: https://moonandskin.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if the messiest parts of your life were actually the key to your confidence and healing?In this light-hearted yet profound episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, we’re joined by best-selling author Jen Pastiloff for a powerful, no-holds-barred conversation on embracing imperfections, healing from within, and living without regret.We share raw, personal stories—of grief, eating disorders, trauma, and the everyday chaos of life—and explore how to stay rooted in self-love and confidence even when everything feels shaky.💌 Struggling to stay consistent with your self-care? Start your day with Dear Friend — Michelle’s new book filled with daily encouragement, inspiration, and clarity. Sign up for exclusive updates at thedearfriendbook.com and explore all the ways to pre-order today.📢 Leave a comment with what resonated most. We’d love to hear your story.Episode Topics:Pushing through fear and self-judgment to live your fullest lifeUsing humor as a healing toolReleasing rigidity on the self-growth journey with daily(ish) practicesFollowing the “school of whatever works”Owning your imperfections and finding freedom in the messHealing past traumas with grace, compassion, and self-forgivenessNo matter what you’ve been through or how broken you feel—you are worthy of a beautiful, joy-filled life. Tune in and begin rewriting your story from the inside out.We’re so grateful you’re here. As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about having real, honest conversations about the challenges we all face—and the healing that’s possible when we begin within.This July, we’re diving deep into confidence, self-worth, self-advocacy, and purpose. In this episode, we explore how to live your most authentic life by embracing imperfection and aligning with your truth.We’ll share how to build confidence from the inside out by quieting your inner bully—with kindness, compassion, and even a little humor. It's time to stop waiting for perfection and start living fully—just as you are.Join us next Tuesday for another heartfelt and healing episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕🎙️ Host by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/⭐ Today’s Special Guest:https://www.instagram.com/jenpastiloff/?hl=enJoin our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Pre-order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://thedearfriendbook.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code LIFEHAPPENS for a great deal: https://moonandskin.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Learn how you can empower yourself to say no with confidence, stop people-pleasing, and set boundaries to cultivate healthy connections.In this episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, we’re talking about the art of saying no with confidence—why it’s so hard, how people-pleasing steals our joy, and how honoring your needs can lead to deeper, more authentic relationships.With personal stories, vulnerable reflection, and practical advice, this episode will give you the courage to pause, speak your truth, and set boundaries that support your well-being.What you’ll learn:Why saying no matters—and how it builds self-worth How people-pleasing leads to resentment and burnout Learning to prioritize your needs without guilt The fear of being excluded and how to move through it Saying yes out of obligation vs. alignment Tools to pause, reflect, and respond from your authentic self💌 Struggling to say no and reclaim your confidence? Start your day with “Dear Friend” – Michelle’s new book filled with daily encouragement and clarity. Preorder now at thedearfriendbook.com.If you’ve ever felt pressure to say yes when your heart is screaming no—this episode is for you.Leave a comment with what resonated most. We’d love to hear your story.Episode topics:We’re so grateful you’re here with us. As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about having honest conversations about the struggles we all face—and the healing that’s possible when we start from within.This July, we’re diving deep into confidence, self-worth, self-advocacy, and purpose—beginning with the relationship we have with our bodies. In past episodes, we’ve unpacked how early experiences and cultural messages shape our self-image, why external validation never fills the void, and how to reclaim your worth one kind thought at a time.We're challenging the beliefs that tell us we have to look a certain way to be enough. Because you are enough—just as you are.And in this episode, we're expanding that conversation by exploring the art of saying no with confidence—honoring your needs, setting boundaries, and showing up fully as your authentic self.Join us next Tuesday for another heartfelt and healing episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕Join our community⬇️YouTubeInstagramSubstackTikTokListen to our podcast anywhere→ click here🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday🎧Follow 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.Our Sponsors:* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code LIFEHAPPENS for a great deal: https://moonandskin.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy