Consider Yourself Hugged

Chatter: Understanding & Managing Your Inner VoiceWelcome back! Today, we'll discuss Chatter by Ethan Kross, a book that dives deep into the nature of self-talk, how it can spiral into negativity, and practical strategies for quieting that inner critic. We'll explore how the book's concepts apply to our own experiences with anxiety, depression, and mental well-being.Key Takeaways from Chatter

Welcome back, friends! This week, Michelle and I are recording from the beautiful (and snowy) Orange Beach, Alabama, during our first annual (hopefully) women’s retreat. It’s been an incredible mix of relaxation, brainstorming, and… well, some adventures we didn’t quite plan for. Who knew sticky notes and snow could be so memorable (you’ll have to watch/listen to hear THAT story!

Welcome Back! We’re so glad you’re here for another episode of our book club series. This week, Michelle and I are diving into another powerful and thought-provoking book, and we can’t wait to share our thoughts with you. As always, we’ll sprinkle in some fun and laughter because, let’s face it, life can be messy and unpredictable—but that’s what makes it beautiful.Take a moment to grab your coffee, tea, or favorite drink (Michelle’s been sipping on soda while I’ve been stretching out my "super skinny" Caramelicious from Scooters over several days). Let’s settle in and talk books, faith, and everything in between.Book Club Overview: This week’s focus is The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. Last week, we discussed From Here to the Great Unknown, and next week, we’ll dive into The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. The transition from a Christian inspirational memoir to a quirky vampire-themed novel feels like emotional whiplash, but that’s part of the fun, right? Expect some laughs and d

Welome!Hi, friends! Today we’re diving into Lisa Marie Presley’s book From Here to the Great Unknown. Michelle is taking the lead on this episode, but I just finished the book on Audible a couple of days ago and absolutely loved it. We’ll explore the heart-wrenching yet beautiful journey of Lisa Marie’s life, her relationships, and the legacy she left behind.Stick around until the end because we’ll be sharing some exciting updates on the upcoming books in our mini book club series. Hint: Our next read is The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. It's a bit longer, so we encourage you to start soon! Find out more in the show notes at: https://www.tamiwest.com/post/bookclub-1-lisamariepresleyThanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstai

Welcome back! Today, Michelle and I are so excited to share something new—a book club! We’re diving into stories that inspire and impact us, blending fun and learning along the way. We’re starting with two very different books: Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough’s From Here to the Great Unknown and Corrie Ten Boom’s The Hiding Place.We’ll be talking about the lessons these books taught us, how they’ve influenced our perspectives, and how they might resonate with you. Whether you’re a bookworm, audiobook lover, or just curious, we’d love for you to join us on this journey! We want you to have time to read or listen to the book if you’d like, but even if you don’t please join us. We’ll explain the basic plot, and the lessons will be powerful.Show notes with links at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/page-turners-and-life-changers-lessons-from-our-favorite-booksShow notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/page-turners-and-life-changers-lessons-from-our-favorite-booksThanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or

Hey friends, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Can you believe it? Last time we recorded, it was right before Christmas, and now it’s just before New Year’s. If you’re listening to this on the day it comes out, it’s officially New Year’s Day. Cheers to fresh starts!Let’s be honest—resolutions can be tricky. Did you know 80% fail by February, and only 8% of people actually achieve them? Here’s why:1. Goals are often too vague or unrealistic.2. People rely solely on willpower—and let’s face it, that’s exhausting.3. No clear plan or system to follow.4. They’re based on societal pressure rather than personal values.Today let's dive into how to do it better! Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/are-you-ready-for-change-in-the-new-year-final-holiday-mental-health-guide. Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America:

Very short and sweet today - we just want to express last minute thoughts about the day and wish those of you who celebrate a Very Merry Christmas!Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars   tamiwest@tamiwest.co

Today is a repeat of a 2021 holiday episode on grief. It was so popular that it made sense to reshare. Enjoy!!

Hug 187 What's Been Your Favorite Thanksgiving?: Holiday Mental Health Guide Part 3 by Tami West

Hi friends!This week, Michelle and I are back with Part II of our Holiday Mental Health Series, and we’re diving into anxiety. If the holidays bring you feelings of overwhelm, financial stress, or family drama, you’re not alone—and we’ve got you covered.What We Talk About Today:Anxiety and Holidays Can Go Hand in HandMichelle and I started by sharing some eye-opening stats on how common holiday anxiety is. Did you know:52% of people feel more anxious during the holidays.66% experience financial stress.24% of folks with mental health challenges say the holidays make it worse.63% even said the holidays are more stressful than tax season!It’s no wonder so many people struggle to feel holly jolly!We also talked about some reasons behind the stress:Increased Social Demands: Parties, gatherings, and the pressure to be “on” can feel overwhelming.Financial Strain: Buying gifts, hosting meals, and traveling can stretch anyone’s budget.Family Dynamics: Old tensions and unresolved conflicts often resurface.Loneliness: T

Hey friends! Today, Michelle and I are diving into a topic that’s often swept under the holiday rug: depression. The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also intensify feelings of sadness, loneliness, and stress. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, this episode is for you. We’ll talk about what holiday depression can look like, how to recognize it, and ways to navigate it. You’re not alone in this, and we’re here to offer you some understanding, support, and maybe even a little laughter along the way.Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/depression-during-the-holidays-holiday-mental-health-guide.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: h

Hey everyone! Welcome to our final Positive Psychology episode/celebration! In this final episode of our Positive Psychology series, we look back at the journey we’ve taken, exploring the key insights and transformative lessons from each module. This episode brings together the core themes and strategies, offering a holistic view of how positive psychology can enhance our well-being, resilience, and joy. We’ll also share some personal reflections, including our top five tools that had the most impact, and the lessons we’ve taken to heart.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West us

So glad you're still with us! In today’s episode, Michelle and I delve into two essential pillars of positive psychology: gratitude and communication. We’ll talk about how they’re not only key to your happiness but essential for building and maintaining strong, fulfilling relationships.Throughout this episode, we’ll share stories, practical tips, and give you a sneak peek into the exercises we’ve included in the accompanying activity sheet. This will help you apply what we discuss in real life. Get ready for an insightful conversation packed with actionable steps you can start implementing today! Get your activity sheet in the show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/communication-gratitude-relationships-positive-psychology-part-9.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health Fi

Welcome back! Today we dive into the topic of mindfulness and what it really means to live in the present moment. We discuss why it’s so hard to stay focused on the here and now and explore how becoming more mindful can transform the way we experience life. Have you ever found yourself caught up in the past or worrying about the future? Today, we’re going to break down how mindfulness can help free you from those distractions.Show notes with activity sheet at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/present-moment-mindfulness-positive-psychology-part-8.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami We

In this special Intermission episode, I take a moment to reflect on the three most significant lessons I've learned during the first seven modules of our Positive Psychology course. These lessons have deeply impacted my personal growth and outlook, and I believe they can resonate with anyone striving for greater well-being.Lessons/Questions so Far1. Do You Want to Get Well?2. Do You Want to Engage?3. Do You Want to Practice Even When You Don't Feel Like It?Now go listen for more! :)Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/intermission-lessons-from-positive-psychology.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stres

We know that life can be tough, and sometimes it feels like things just aren’t going our way. That’s where optimism comes in, giving us the ability to see a brighter future. But it’s not just about having a positive mindset—it’s about staying motivated to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.As always, we’ve put together an activity sheet filled with exercises to help you apply the strategies we’ll discuss today. Don’t worry, we won’t go over all the exercises here—you’ll get those on the sheet—but we’ll give you a sense of what’s to come. Let’s dive in!What is Optimism? Optimism is often misunderstood as being overly positive or naïve, but in reality, it’s much deeper than that. Optimism is the mindset that allows you to view challenges as temporary and surmountable. It’s the belief that, even though things may be difficult right now, they will improve, and you have the power to influence the outcome.Michelle and I often talk about how optimism impacts not only our mental health but also our

Welcome back to another episode in our positive psychology series! Today, we’re diving into the topic of self-esteem and self-confidence, two qualities that affect all of us, whether we realize it or not. Be sure to get the activity sheet in the show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/self-esteem-confidence-positive-psychology-part-6.Understanding Self-Esteem vs. Self-ConfidenceSelf-esteem is how we value ourselves—our sense of worth and whether we believe we deserve love and respect from ourselves and others. Self-confidence, on the other hand, is trusting in our abilities in specific situations. You might be confident in a particular skill at work but still struggle with overall self-esteem. They are related but distinct!Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Reso

Positive psychology, as we’ve been discussing throughout this series, is all about focusing on the strengths and attributes that allow us to thrive, rather than just avoiding or treating problems. In this session, we’re focusing on something truly magical—our positive emotions.According to research from positive psychology, cultivating emotions like joy, gratitude, serenity, and love doesn’t just make you feel good in the moment—they actually help you build a healthier and more resilient mind and body over time. As we put it the other day, "Positive emotions are like sunshine for your brain." I love that visual!Head over to the show notes to see more AND get the activity sheet at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/positive-emotions-positive-psychology-part-5.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanati