The Overwhelmed Brain | Stress | Anxiety | Relationship | Critical Thinking | Emotional Intelligence | Emotional Abuse

A satisfying, loving relationship doesn't have to be hard, but there are components that need to be included in this type of relationship in order for things to work out well. This is part 2 of a 2-part episode where we talk about the last 5 components. If you're still not satisfied with your relationships after listening to part 1, then this episode should wrap things up quite nicely. 

There are probably hundreds of components that make up a great relationship, but I'm going to address some of the ones that make the biggest difference.  Whether a friendship, family, or intimate partner, when you adopt and include these components in your relationships, they will improve. But, just like I mention in the show, things go a lot better when the other people in your relationships also include them too.  When it's one sided, it doesn't go too far. But when it works, it can be completely satisfying and enjoyable.  http://levelsforguitar.com/brain

How many times in your life has something happened that was so hard to believe, that it actually hurt to believe it? You know what I mean... it's that truth you don't want to hear. It's like the people who can't believe the holocaust happened because it was just so atrocious. Or, like the email I got from a woman who found out her husband is cheating on her. It's very hard to accept a truth that hurts us, but if we don't, we systematically destroy ourselves.  Denial is the topic for the day. 

When you suffer from perfectionism based in fear, you become more and more miserable as time goes on. In fact, the more perfect and controlling you are, the more disappointed with life you get. Does it make sense to be perfect? Is it actually more destructive than helpful? Many times yes. There is a healthy perfectionism and an unhealthy one. The question is: Are you suffering or evolving? How you answer says it all. If you're a perfectionist and are suffering because of it, today's episode is for you.

There's no escaping the sometimes hard to deal with arguments, tension and turmoil that can go on in a relationship. I received an email on this topic, and I cover everything from personal boundaries to irrational people. Whether you're in a relationship or not, you're sure to get something from today's show.

How you show up for life is how your life turns out. So many people think they are a victim of circumstances, but when they connect the dots in reverse, they can the decisions and actions that led to their place in life now. How do you show up for anything? Do you wear a mask to show people someone you’re not? Let’s dive into this topic and figure out if authenticity is the key and showing up on day one as “yourself” is your best option.

Bullies come in all shapes and sizes, and have all kinds of mannerisms that different people give different names for. In my opinion, anytime someone wants you to feel bad or forces you to do something against your will, it is bullying. I recently realized that I was a bully in my marriage. This led to some interesting insights I share in this episode. That, along with learning about how the typical bully ticks (and some things you can do to avoid being a victim of bullying) is what I talk about today.

Are you more important than your "stuff"? I hope you think so, because I know you are. However, when you value stuff a little too much, you tend to stress and get concerned about what will happen to you if your stuff gets damaged or disappears.  Today's episode isn't necessarily about stuff, but I do talk about breakthroughs and one way they can happen to you. Stuff comes into play, I promise. I also change the subject and go into a talk on assumptions, and how they can shape our reality if we're not careful. (And how someone's assumption about my intentions on the show did shape their reality when they left a critical review for me in iTunes.) Fun "stuff", huh?

Expressing the deep, negative emotions that you've been holding onto from your past should lead to a release of the emotional energy behind them, and free you from the burden of holding onto the pain. However, sometimes what you express, vent or release isn't all of it, and you need to dig a little deeper to get to the real pain that's keeping you from moving on.  Today we talk about how to get to that deeper pain. 

I hate setting goals, so I had to figure out how I could get what I want in life without following the standard goal-setting steps we're always taught. Just writing down a goal makes me cringe, but why? Well, I'm not very highly organized and full of energy, so I think that's half of it. Today I share how to set goals when you hate setting goals. It's a slap in the face to typical goal-setting advice, but that's what typically happens on this show anyway.

Unfortunately, the more we grow and evolve, the more others who aren't ready to do the same will want us to stay the same. If you're around friends and family who just can't seem to get on board with you getting healthier, what do you do? Do you just pretend to be the same old person you always were around them just to keep them happy? Or do you embrace this new you and leave it up to them to get used to the new you? Important questions, especially since we all know at least one person that probably doesn't support our evolution. Is there an easy path where everyone can get along magically? Nope. But there is a path, and that's what I'll be talking about today. Today's special mention: If you shop on Amazon, it supports the show! Simply drag the Amazon button to the right to your computer's desktop, then use it every time you shop. Doing so, Amazon sends a small percentage of every purchase to help support the show. 

With so many paths to a destination that seems impossible to reach, it's hard to believe we can ever get there at all! I'm referring to peace, of course. Attaining a peaceful mind during a chaotic moment can be an exercise in futility, but is there any reason you can't attain peace between the chaotic moments in life? I think we think too much between those moments, and it's time to access a less stressful space so that we can at least connect with ourselves before the next big crisis hits. Time to learn some simple realizations of a peaceful mind so that we can let go of stress once in a while

I tackle the question on finding purpose and meaning in life when you aren't experiencing joy and happiness. Inspired by a message from a listener who is in a pretty dark place. He asked, "What's the point?" There is purpose in life, and it's found in every moment.

When so many spiritual teachers and personal growth gurus are telling us to let go of our egos, I come along and tell you to build it up! I don't disagree that letting go of ego is a fantastic place to be, but after having experienced it for a few months, I was ready to regain my ego and rebuild it in a way that served me and others around me best.  It's time to visit the ego and figure out how to build and evolve it so that it releases our fears, insecurities and anxieties. Who knows, maybe you just need to inflate your ego a bit to create the peace and ease you want in your life! Today's special mention: . It's a book that's been called a “proven path to discovering what you were meant to do.” It's free - ! 

Relationships end, unfortunately. But sometimes what you think is the hardest part (the breakup) turns out to be tame compared to what follows. Your ex may not want it to end so they do things that make you uncomfortable. Or, the one you "dumped" is still friends with your friends and family, so the ties are harder to break and the distance harder to attain. What do you do when this kind of stuff happens? I address a couple of emails asking these very questions on today's episode.  Today's episode is brought to you by getoutofthemess.com. Quality attorneys for about $20 a month!

Do you trust your instincts? If not, why not? Let's get practical and talk about where they come from and why we have them. Instincts are here to protect us, but sometimes we don't listen. It's time to start trusting a part of us that knows more than we "think".  Sponsor: www.fulldisclosurefitness.com

Amy Morin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, wrote the book . After a few devastating events in her life, she made the list in hopes to help herself heal. After publishing it as a blog article, it went viral. And soon, millions learned the 13 things that they might be doing to prevent them from becoming mentally stronger.

Your job can be a career you love, or one that you can't wait to change. Either way, Scott Barlow, Career Coach and Job Transition Expert talks to us about some of the steps you can take to start moving in another direction with your career.  Visit Scott at happentoyourcareer.com/brain and sign up for the 8 day free course that helps you discover what you want in a career. 

If the voices in your head are saying anything but positive messages to you, then this is the show for you. Negative inner dialogue can prevent you from almost everything you want to do in life. So many opportunities will be missed, all because you listened to a voice that is likely misleading you to believing you are something less than you are. It's time to switch around those inner voices so that they support you, and maybe even make you laugh. Sponsor: 

When you have negative thoughts and emotions floating around in your head more times than not, the choices you make going forward in life are going to be influenced. After all, whatever is swimming around in your head at the time of a decision is what typically affects your decision. If you are carrying around old baggage, it's time to drop those emotional bags off so that you can create your future without fears or worry.