Life Happens with Barb & Michelle

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Ep. 133 - Untangling Our Thoughts in the Midst of Chaos Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

This week, Barb and Michelle share how an unfortunate accident led to Barb being forced to slow down physically and mentally. This incident reminded Barb of the importance of being intentional and mindful in thought and action. It can feel impossible to consider moving at a slower pace, the thoughts in the mind are always racing, and the responsibilities are endless. In this episode, they discuss the key to being present in a fast-paced world and how to mindfully interrupt our constant stream of thoughts.

In this episode, Barb and Michelle discuss:

Cultivating acceptance rather than seeking to escape reality
Getting out of the rabbit-hole of worrying and fearful thoughts and storytelling
Viewing the mind as our greatest companion in life, helping us to become our own best friend

Quotes mentioned in this episode:

“Our mind, with its incessant stream of thoughts, memories, opinions, hopes, and fears is our constant companion from which we cannot escape even in our dreams, so it makes sense to cultivate a worthy travel companion for our journey.” - Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo

“May I meet this moment fully, may I meet it as a friend.” - Sylvia Boorstein

The moments of our daily life may appear commonplace, but they carry enormous significance. When we look upon every moment as sacred, a new energy flows into our lives.” - Vinoba Bhave

“I can tell my hand what to do and it obeys, why can’t I do the same with my mind?” - Saint Augustine

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.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by Armoire, BetterHelp, ByHeart, Factor, Lumen, Mint Mobile, and Sunbasket.

Armoire makes getting dressed easy. With a clothing rental membership from Armoire, build the perfect wardrobe with brands that are high quality, unique, and recommended just for you. Go to armoire.style/barbknowsbest to get up to 50% off your first month.

BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy service—providing professional, afforable, and personalized therapy in a convenient online format. Go to betterhelp.com/barbknowsbest to get 10% off your first month.

ByHeart is an infant nutrition company built from the ground up to deliver real innovation on behalf of babies and parents. Their mission is simple: make the best formula in the world. Redeem your welcome offer at ByHeart.com/Podcast with code BARBKNOWSBEST for a limited time. Additional terms and conditions apply.

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/barbknowsbest50 to get 50% off your first box, plus 20% off your next month.

Lumen is the world’s first handheld metabolic coach. It’s a device that measures your metabolism through your breath. And on the app, it lets you know if you’re burning fat or carbs, and gives you tailored guidance to improve your nutrition, workouts, sleep, and even stress management. Go to lumen.me/barbknowsbest to get 15% off your purchase.

Mint Mobile is premium wireless for $15 a month. All plans come with high-speed data and unlimited talk and text delivered on the nation’s largest 5G network. To get this new customer offer and your new 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/barbknowsbest.

Sunbasket offers wholesome, nutritious, and delicious meal kits, delivered to your door. Each week, you can choose from a brand new selection of quick and easy meal kit recipes, with a wide variety of dietary options, plus dozens of snacks, salads, breakfast items, and more. Go to sunbasket.com/barbknowsbest to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries.

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Ep. 132 - Anger as Your Ally Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

This week, Barb and Michelle are talking about an emotion many of us avoid and express poorly—anger. Barb shares her personal experience with avoiding anger throughout her life and her journey with moving through this difficult emotion. They share insights they learned from a somatic healer along with ways to express, acknowledge, and feel your anger.

In this episode, they talk about:

Acknowledging and feeling your anger is key to moving through it
Transforming your anger into compassion, but still not bypassing those difficult emotions
Having the courage to set a boundary and communicate in the difficult moment instead of holding onto anger, stress, or negative emotions

Quotes mentioned in this episode:

“Where there is anger there is always pain underneath.” - Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now

“Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.” - St. Augustine

“Vulnerability is about sharing our feelings and our experiences with people who have earned the right to hear them. Being vulnerable and open is mutual and an integral part of the trust-building process. Because sharing appropriately, with boundaries, means sharing with people whom we’ve developed relationships that can bear the weight of our story. The result of this mutually respectful vulnerability is increased connection, trust, and engagement." - Brene Brown, Daring Greatly

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” - George Elliot

Also mentioned in this episode:

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

Catalina Ureta, Somatic Healer

Somatic Healing in the Age of Trauma: The Points Holding ProcessTM (PHP) and 30 Self-Help Exercises for the Nervous System and Vagus Nerve by Catalina Ureta

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.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by Armoire, BetterHelp, ByHeart, Lumen, Mint Mobile, and Sunbasket.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 131 - Manipulation Tactic #2: Love Bombing Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

This week, Barb and Michelle are continuing the manipulation series with this manipulation tactic that is disguised as charm and affection—love bombing. Love bombing is when someone is too loving in the beginning of a relationship before they’ve earned your trust. They share their personal stories and insight on this tricky tactic.

In this episode, they talk about:

Recognizing and dealing with love bombers and manipulative, charming people
How love bombing can show up in romantic relationships, friendships, and in the workplace
Taking caution when someone is overly affectionate or charming
Getting in touch with your feelings and non-negotiables to protect yourself against manipulators

Quotes mentioned in this episode:

“Vulnerability is about sharing our feelings and our experiences with people who have earned the right to hear them. Being vulnerable and open is mutual and an integral part of the trust-building process. Because sharing appropriately, with boundaries, means sharing with people whom we’ve developed relationships that can bear the weight of our story. The result of this mutually respectful vulnerability is increased connection, trust, and engagement." - Brene Brown, Daring Greatly

"We’ve got to really share our stories and our hard stuff with people who have, over time, really done those small things that have helped us believe that they’re worth our story." - Brene Brown, Anatomy of Trust

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by Armoire, BetterHelp, ByHeart, Lumen, Mint Mobile, and Sunbasket.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 130 - Manipulation Tactic #1: Gaslighting Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

This week, Barb and Michelle are continuing the manipulation series by tackling this tough and common manipulation tactic: Gaslighting. They’re sharing examples from their personal lives on how gaslighting can present itself along with tips to take your power back.

In this episode, they talk about:

Awareness is the key to recognizing gaslighting
Gaslighting is a sneaky, disorienting, and gradual form of abuse
Gaslighters sow doubt and erode your own trust in yourself
How to take back your power and instill a new sense of confidence in yourself

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by Armoire, BetterHelp, ByHeart, Lumen, Mint Mobile, and Sunbasket.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 129 - The Roots of Manipulation Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

This week, Barb and Michelle are introducing a new series on manipulation, and in this episode they identify some common behaviors and techniques manipulators use. They share their personal stories from past romantic relationships and offer some insights on the roots of manipulation.

In this episode, they talk about:

Identifying what manipulation can look like
Manipulators victimizing themselves and flipping the script on you
Manipulation is a spectrum; sometimes people mean well
Manipulators are very emotionally intelligent and can pin-point your weakness to use against you

Also mentioned in this episode:

Nedra Tawwab

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by Armoire, BetterHelp, ByHeart, Lumen, and Mint Mobile.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 128 - Coming Back to Yourself When You’re Lost Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

This week, Barb and Michelle are getting personal in this relatable discussion of losing yourself. Barb shares her story of feeling disconnected with herself after her divorce from a 33-year marriage. Through their personal experiences of feeling lost and distant from themselves, Michelle and Barb give new insights on what coming back to yourself can look like.

In this episode, they talk about:

Recognizing what losing yourself looks like and remembering who you are
Instead of focusing on the negatives, show yourself compassion and grace
Giving yourself permission to prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing
Not attaching your worthiness and joy to an external aspect of your life

Also mentioned in this episode:

James Finley

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by AG1, BetterHelp, ByHeart, Factor, Lumen, and Mint Mobile.

AG1 is a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement made up of 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sourced ingredients. Head over to drinkag1.com/barbknowsbest to get a free one-year supply of vitamin D3+K2 and five AG1 travel packs with your first purchase.

Our Sponsors:
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Ep. 127 - Quotes that Changed Barb’s Life Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

This week, Barb and Michelle are sharing the highly requested list of Barb’s favorite quotes that have deeply resonated and changed her life. From famous philanthropists you’ve heard of to some amazing teachers that Barb met personally, this is an episode filled with wisdom and inspiration to bless you on your life journey.

In this episode, they talk about:

Nuggets of wisdom that have encouraged and changed Barb’s life
Being curious and remaining open to new lessons and perspectives from others
Giving yourself the grace, compassion, and forgiveness as you navigate through life’s difficulties

Also mentioned in this episode:

The Road Less Traveledby M. Scott Peck

The Complete Poetry by Maya Angelou

Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware

Devotions by Mary Oliver

“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens” - Carl Jung

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been” - George Eliot

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by AG1, BetterHelp, ByHeart, Factor, Lumen, and Mint Mobile.

AG1 is a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement made up of 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sourced ingredients. Head over to drinkag1.com/barbknowsbest to get a free one-year supply of vitamin D3+K2 and five AG1 travel packs with your first purchase.

BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy service—providing professional, afforable, and personalized therapy in a convenient online format. Go to betterhelp.com/barbknowsbest to get 10% off your first month.

ByHeart is an infant nutrition company built from the ground up to deliver real innovation on behalf of babies and parents. Their mission is simple: make the best formula in the world. Redeem your welcome offer at ByHeart.com/Podcast with code BARBKNOWSBEST for a limited time. Additional terms and conditions apply.

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/barbknowsbest50 to get 50% off your first box, plus 20% off your next month.

Lumen is the world’s first handheld metabolic coach. It’s a device that measures your metabolism through your breath. And on the app, it lets you know if you’re burning fat or carbs, and gives you tailored guidance to improve your nutrition, workouts, sleep, and even stress management. Go to lumen.me/barbknowsbest to get 15% off your purchase.

Mint Mobile is premium wireless for $15 a month. All plans come with high-speed data and unlimited talk and text delivered on the nation’s largest 5G network. To get this new customer offer and your new 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/barbknowsbest.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 126 - Letting Go: The Pain of Holding On Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

This week, Barb and Michelle are getting candid about the difficult act of letting go. They’re sharing personal experiences and the hard truths about acceptance, moving on, and ruminating on the past along with their personal practices to help with the letting go process.

In this episode, they talk about:

Identifying what letting go is and what it can look like
The consequence of resisting letting go, and ways to release the fear of letting go
How to take action and develop a practice when feeling stuck or like you can’t move on
Understanding that it takes what it takes, and feeling our feelings is key to moving on and moving forward

Also mentioned in this episode:

Swimming, One Day in August, a poem by Mary Oliver

“It is time now, I said,

for the deepening and quieting of the spirit

among the flux of happenings.

Something had pestered me so much

I thought my heart would break.

I mean, the mechanical part.

I went down in the afternoon

to the sea

which held me, until I grew easy.

About tomorrow, who knows anything.

Except that it will be time, again,

for the deepening and quieting of the spirit.”

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Factor, Lumen, and Mint Mobile.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 125 - How to Conquer Self-Doubt Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

This week, Barb and Michelle continue last week’s conversation on overcoming feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty. Michelle shares personal experiences of losing trust, and they both share mindset shifts and action steps to take if you’re doubting yourself and your intuition.

In this episode, they talk about:

Moving through difficult feelings
How to strengthen your discernment muscle and cultivate real trust in yourself
Remembering to give yourself space to breathe, reflect, and respond; especially when you’re doubting yourself

Also mentioned in this episode:

Bronnie Ware and The Top Five Regrets of the Dying - A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile, Factor, and Lumen.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 124 - A Tough Lesson 2024 Has Taught Me Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

This week, Barb and Michelle discuss an unexpected lesson Michelle has learned in 2024. Michelle opens up about her tendencies to be gullible and “too trusting”, while Barb shares helpful reframes and insights.

In this episode, they talk about:

Just because you have been harmed in the past, doesn’t mean you can’t seek the good in people
Reframing how we view the intentions and actions of others
Showing grace and love towards ourselves and how we perceive life

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile, AG1, Factor, and Lumen.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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