Day 15 – Listen to an Inspiring Podcast

(…also known as “I meant to try knitting, but the universe had other plans.”)

Originally, today was supposed to be “Try a New Hobby.” I had it all figured out—dust off my knitting needles, maybe make a lopsided dishcloth or the world’s most disappointing scarf. Except... surprise! My knitting needles were nowhere to be found. I tore through drawers, bins, and the general chaos of my life, only to have them magically reappear this morning—a full day late, of course. Thanks, universe.

So, with my planned hobby temporarily derailed and a pounding headache courtesy of Alberta’s ever-dramatic barometric pressure swings, I couldn’t do the 30 minutes of exercise either. (Honestly, between the sinus pressure and my excuse-making reflex, it just wasn’t going to happen.)

Instead, I skipped ahead to Day 17: Listen to an Inspiring Podcast, because flexibility is a key part of healing, right?

Here’s where it gets interesting. I don’t know if I’ve ever admitted this publicly, but I’ve always found the concept of “life coaches” a bit… cringey. The overly enthusiastic vibes, the shouting about hustle culture, the smiling-so-hard-their-face-might-crack energy. Nope. Not for me.

So when someone recommended The Mel Robbins Podcast a couple of years ago, I thought, Absolutely not. I’d rather stub my toe repeatedly. I expected another over-caffeinated pep talk machine yelling affirmations at me through my earbuds. But… I was wrong. Mel is actually brilliant. Smart, grounded, practical, and even funny. Who knew a life coach could be relatable?

She became a big part of the beginning of my healing journey—back when I was grasping for any kind of anchor. Her honesty and the way she breaks things down has helped me so many times. I haven't listened in a while (unemployed life = fewer truck rides), but today I made the time.

I chose the episode from April 20: “A Process for Finding Purpose: Do THIS to Build the Life You Want”, featuring a conversation with Mel and the also-fantastic Jay Shetty.

It hit me hard. In the best way.

Here are the 5 steps to change they shared:

1. Learn

2. Experiment

3. Perform (create habits)

4. Struggle

5. Thrive (with reflection being key)

   
   

Jay said something that smacked me right between the eyes:“Reality has already moved on, but you're still holding on to the piece of clothing, the memory—whatever it may be—and that’s what’s keeping you stuck.”

Oof. Right? The idea that we stay stuck because we’re gripping what’s behind us… it’s so painfully true.

They also talked about how we’ve been conditioned to believe we need a perfectly mapped-out plan before starting anything. We don’t. In fact, we can’t. Life doesn’t work like that. Everything we’ve done is a thread in the future version of ourselves, whether we realize it or not.

Then came this gem:

“Purpose is when you use your passion in the service of others.”

That one really made me pause and reflect. I thought about how I used to write—how I even started a book in my early 20s and then, one day, just gave up. Quit writing. Tossed it all out like it didn’t matter.

But something shifted when I started digging into myself—when I stopped running from the grief and actually sat in it. I found writing again. And it turns out, writing was never just for me. It’s become something that helps others, too. Through this blog, through my mental health challenge, I’ve connected with people who are healing right alongside me.

I’m living step one: Learn.I’ve learned so much about myself. About grief. About resilience. About how many ways I can spell “definitely” wrong in a single post.

Now I’m moving through step two: Experiment.Some things are working (this mental health series). Others, like my book club feature, feel a bit flat—so I’m okay letting it go after this year. That’s part of the experiment. Letting go is still growth.

And maybe… maybe I’m even in the Perform phase.This blog has become a place where people are showing up to heal with me. I’m starting to believe that this journey I’m on—however chaotic and imperfect—is creating something good. For me. For others. For all of us figuring it out as we go.

I’m not at “Thrive” yet. But I believe it’s coming.

This podcast gave me space to reflect on what’s working, what isn’t, and why it all matters. And sometimes, that’s all you need—a voice in your ear that helps you connect the dots.

If you’re looking for some inspiration (and a life coach that won’t make you gag), I highly recommend checking out Mel Robbins.You can find the episode I listened to here on Apple Podcasts, or search “Mel Robbins” on YouTube or SiriusXM.

Pick a title that speaks to you. And who knows—you might walk away from it with something that sticks.