Love Yourself Thin Podcast

Latest Episodes:

191. Real Emotions vs. Pretend Emotions How to Win with Emotions After All Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Do you struggle with understanding or even identifying your emotions? Many of us grew up without truly learning about emotions—we were handed a cookie when we felt sad or told to stop crying instead of being taught how to process feelings. In this episode, Dara Tomasson breaks down true emotions vs. indulgent (or pretend) emotions and why this distinction is key to creating permanent change in your life.

You'll learn: ✅ What emotions actually are (hint: they're just vibrations in your body!) ✅ The difference between real emotions and indulgent emotions like overwhelm, worry, and procrastination ✅ How indulging in emotions keeps you stuck in patterns of self-sabotage ✅ Why emotional intelligence is the key to weight loss, overcoming perfectionism, and stopping people-pleasing

Dara also shares a powerful client story of a woman who went from self-sabotage to stepping into her dream of starting a long-arm quilting business—all by learning how to process her emotions.

If you've ever found yourself stress-eating, scrolling mindlessly, or avoiding difficult decisions, this episode will give you the tools to start truly feeling instead of reacting.

👉 Ready to break free from emotional overwhelm and create lasting change? Book a call with Dara and take the next step toward transformation.

Listen now and start winning with your emotions today! 🎧✨

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190. Managing What Other People Think Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Are you constantly filtering yourself, worried about what others might think? In this powerful episode, Dara Tomasson addresses the common struggle of dimming your light to make others comfortable.

Key Points:

Why we learned to prioritize others' opinions
The myth of "hurting others' feelings"
How self-sabotage protects us from shining
Understanding emotional adulthood

Featured Tool: The Balance Scale Exercise Learn how to:

Identify your positive achievements
Recognize self-sabotaging behaviors
Understand your "happiness set point"
Break free from people-pleasing patterns

Client Example:

Successful quilter holding back from sharing: • Finished projects • Travel adventures • Weight loss journey All due to fear of making others feel bad

Important Truth: You cannot control how others feel. Their reactions are based on their thoughts, not your actions.

March 2025 Theme: Overcoming Overwhelm April 2025 Theme: Building Resilience & Conflict Resolution

Ready to stop dimming your light? Book a free 25-minute coaching session with Dara.

Remember: What you think about yourself matters more than what others think about you.

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189. How to Make Goals Without Punching yourself in the Face Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

Do you feel like you've given up on making goals? Maybe you're afraid to set them because checking in on them feels even worse than not making them at all. If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of setting goals, losing motivation, and then beating yourself up over it—this episode is for you!

Dara dives into the real reason we struggle with goal-setting and follow-through, why self-sabotage happens, and how to break the cycle. Plus, she's sharing a powerful mindset tool that has helped countless women inside her membership finally take control of their goals without fear, shame, or overwhelm.

🔹 What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why we avoid setting goals (and how to shift that mindset) ✔️ The "Board Meeting" strategy to manage your inner dialogue and fears ✔️ How to set realistic goals that actually stick ✔️ A simple 4-day challenge to help you rebuild trust in yourself

💡 Game-Changing Takeaway: Your brain needs direction, just like a GPS. When you set a goal, you're telling your brain where to go. But roadblocks will always pop up—it's how you respond to them that makes the difference. Learn how to work with your brain instead of against it!

🎯 Ready to Take Action? Decide on one small goal for the next four days. Maybe it's doodling for five minutes, cutting fabric for a quilt, or drinking more water. Track it, check in, and notice which "board members" (self-doubt, fear, motivation, commitment) try to take over. Awareness is the first step to real change!

📣 Let's Connect! ✨ Tag Dara on social media and share your biggest takeaway from this episode! ✨ Got a question? Send it in—she might answer it in a future episode!

🎧 Hit play and let's start setting goals without the self-sabotage! 🚀

Bonus: Want to go deeper? Sign up for Dara's FREE class to learn how to rewire your brain and change your inner dialogue for good. Join the Facebook group to get a code and join the Masterclass for free.

🎧 Listen now and start leading yourself with kindness!

Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Checkout other Episodes HERE.

188. Being the Boss Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Episode 188. Being the Boss

Do you find yourself being overly self-critical, always focusing on what you did wrong? In this episode, Dara Thomason helps you reframe your inner dialogue by exploring the kind of boss you are to yourself—and the kind of boss you want to be.

In This Episode:

✅ Why our brains naturally focus on the negative—and how to shift that pattern ✅ Different boss styles (from workaholic to empathetic) and how they shape your self-talk ✅ How to stop being a micromanager, perfectionist, or critic to yourself ✅ Actionable steps to become a supportive, encouraging boss in your own life

💡 Key Takeaway: The way you speak to yourself impacts your confidence, motivation, and success. Changing your internal leadership style can transform your quilting, your creativity, and your life.

🎧 Listen now and start leading yourself with kindness!

Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Checkout other Episodes HERE.

187. Not Letting Yourself Have It All Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Podcast Episode 187: Not Letting Yourself Have It All Host: Dara Tomasson, The Quilters' Coach

In this episode, Dara dives into the subconscious ways we hold ourselves back from living our fullest lives and achieving our goals. Whether it's weight loss, quilting, or personal growth, many of us unknowingly sabotage ourselves due to fear, self-doubt, and deeply ingrained beliefs.

Dara shares insights from her coaching experience, including a powerful story of a client who resisted losing weight because she feared being judged for having "too much." This episode explores the root causes of self-sabotage, touching on topics like negative self-talk, societal expectations, and our need for emotional safety.

Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs as a framework, Dara explains how meeting our basic needs—like sleep, nutrition, and emotional security—is essential for personal growth. She also shares personal stories about her journey to self-acceptance and how she overcame barriers to success, including struggles with work-life balance and external validation.

Dara provides actionable tips, including conducting a daily "time audit" to evaluate how well you're meeting your needs and prioritizing your goals. She challenges listeners to rethink their self-imposed limitations and start giving themselves permission to have it all.

Key Takeaways:

📌The impact of negative self-talk and hidden fears on your ability to thrive.

📌How Maslow's hierarchy of needs applies to weight loss, emotional well-being, and personal growth.

📌Practical strategies to identify and overcome self-sabotaging behaviors.

This episode will inspire you to examine your beliefs, prioritize your well-being, and start living with more intention and joy.

Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Checkout other Episodes HERE.

186. Pendulum Swing On Love and Weight Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Pendulum Swing on Love and Weight Loss

In this episode, Dara Thomason uncovers the emotional side of weight loss and how the pendulum swing between extremes—strict dieting vs. total food freedom—can keep you stuck. She shares insights on why traditional weight loss methods fail, the role of self-love and belonging, and how to achieve a balanced, sustainable approach to both health and happiness.

If you've ever felt frustrated by yo-yo dieting, emotional eating, or weight loss trends like Ozempic, this episode is for you!

🔥 In This Episode, Dara Covers:

✅ Why calorie counting and step tracking don't work long-term ✅ How diet culture and trauma impact weight and self-worth ✅ The pendulum swing of weight loss—why extremes fail ✅ A client success story on rediscovering self-care & quilting joy ✅ The truth about weight loss drugs and why they don't solve the root issue ✅ How to create lasting change by prioritizing yourself ✅ The real key to weight loss—finding belonging within yourself

🎯 Key Takeaways:

⭐ Weight loss isn't just about food—it's about emotional healing ⭐ Extreme dieting and ignoring health both cause harm—balance is key ⭐ Belonging to yourself is more powerful than any number on the scale ⭐ Mindset matters more than macros—lasting change starts inside

🚀 Listener Action Steps:

✨ Reflect on your weight loss journey—are you stuck in extremes? ✨ Reframe self-love as a daily practice, not a reward for weight loss ✨ Share this episode with a friend who struggles with food & body image ✨ Subscribe & review to help more quilters transform their health

🔗 Resources & Links:

Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.

🌟 Visit my website 🎥 Watch on Youtube 💡 Join Dara's Coaching Program

🎧 Love the podcast? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

185. Strategies to Break the Sugar Cycle Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

Do you feel stuck in the sugar cycle, no matter how hard you try to break free? In this episode, Dara Thomason, the Accidental Weight Loss Coach, shares strategies to help you break unhealthy patterns and transform your relationship with food—without relying on calorie counting or step tracking. Building on the insights from Episode 184, Dara explores how connection plays a crucial role in overcoming addiction and how reprogramming your brain can lead to lasting weight loss success. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why traditional weight loss methods often fail

✅ The connection between addiction, environment, and weight struggles

✅ How to rewire your brain using neuroplasticity and the vagus nerve

✅ A real-life client success story that proves small changes make a big impact

✅ Practical strategies to create a sustainable calorie deficit without tracking every bite

Key Takeaways:

🧠 Your body isn't the problem—your approach to weight loss needs an update

🤯 Weight loss starts in your brain, not with restrictive dieting

💡 Making your life more interesting helps shift focus away from food

🔥 Simple mindset shifts can help you break free from emotional eating patterns If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with someone who could benefit. Don't forget to leave a review—it helps others discover the podcast!

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184. Addiction and How to Break Free Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

Addiction and How to Break Free In today's episode, we dive into a powerful concept that challenges the traditional narrative around addiction. What if addiction isn't about the substance or behavior itself but about a lack of connection? As the Quilter's Coach, I'm here to help you uncover the deeper issues behind the habits that hold you back—whether it's sugar, scrolling, shopping, or people-pleasing. We'll explore why connection, both with others and yourself, is the true antidote to addiction. Through personal coaching stories, compelling research, and actionable strategies, I'll show you how understanding your habits and reconnecting with your inner wisdom can transform your life. I also share a touching story of a client who overcame her struggles with perfectionism and people-pleasing to host a stress-free event, showing how connection to self can reduce anxiety and increase joy. Plus, we'll take a closer look at groundbreaking studies, like the Rat Park experiment, that illustrate how community and connection play a vital role in overcoming addiction. In this episode, you'll learn:

Why addiction isn't just about chemical hooks—it's about the need for connection.
How perfectionism and self-judgment keep you stuck in unhealthy patterns.
The importance of vulnerability in building stronger relationships with yourself and others.
Practical tools for reconnecting with your purpose and breaking free from habits that no longer serve you.

Resources and Links:

Book a discovery call with me for personalized coaching: https://daratomasson.com/contact/
Learn more about the Rat Park experiment and its insights on addiction: https://www.yesmagazine.org/social-justice/2015/02/12/portugal-cut-drug-addiction-rates-in-half-by-connecting-users-with-communities

This episode is a reminder that you're not broken—you just haven't learned how to connect deeply with yourself. Let's break the cycle of addiction and create a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Subscribe and Share: If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with someone who could benefit. Don't forget to leave a review—it helps others discover the podcast!

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Let's start connecting and creating a life you love, one stitch at a time.

183. Achieving Mastery to Create the Life You Want Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

How to Achieve Mastery and Break Free from Old Habits In today's episode, I'm talking about the concept of mastery—what it truly means and how to achieve it in ways that stick. As the "accidental weight loss coach," I've learned that creating lasting habits isn't about perfection but about intention. Did you know that Day 19 of building a habit is often a make-or-break day? I recorded this episode on January 19th because I'm here to help you avoid falling into the statistics of setting a goal and giving up. Together, we'll explore how to reframe your mindset and create habits that support a joyful, sustainable life. I also share a powerful story about a client who discovered how her fears shaped her identity and decisions—and how she broke free to create a life aligned with her true self. It's a reminder that our old patterns don't have to define us, and by applying intentional tools, we can create new habits that align with the life we really want. Mastery, as we'll discuss, doesn't mean perfection; it means creating autopilot habits that serve us. I'll also reflect on J.K. Rowling's insights on failure and imagination, two tools that are key to redefining success on your own terms. In this episode, you'll learn:

How to define mastery for yourself and recognize areas where you've already achieved it.
Why failure and imagination are essential for growth and transformation.
Practical tools to rewire your brain and create habits that align with your goals.

Ready to dig deeper? Sign up for my free masterclass at darathomason.com/freeclass, and let's get started!

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Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.

Checkout other Episodes HERE.

182. Unexpected Ingredients for Delicious Results Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

Are you craving more joy and excitement in your life? Maybe you feel like you're going through the motions, stuck in a cycle of routines and expectations. What if you could rewrite the recipe of your life, adding just the right ingredients to make it uniquely yours? This episode is all about discovering three unexpected ingredients to create the most delicious and fulfilling life, tailored to your dreams and goals.

In this episode, Dara shares her journey of transforming her life by embracing curiosity, fun, and intentional questioning. From achieving her dream of becoming an international quilting instructor to helping clients design lives they love, she explains how these key ingredients lead to clarity, freedom, and lasting happiness. You'll also hear inspiring stories of clients who broke free from societal pressures and created their own paths, whether in business, weight loss, or personal growth.

What you will learn in this episode:

The importance of curiosity in breaking free from judgment and experimenting with new approaches.
How infusing fun into your daily life and decisions can make even challenges feel lighter.
Why questioning long-standing habits and expectations helps you take ownership of your life.

Dara's insights will inspire you to rethink the way you approach your goals and create a life that truly reflects who you are. Tune in for actionable tips and real-life examples that will help you find freedom and joy in your unique journey!

Watch this episode on Youtube

Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.

Checkout other Episodes HERE.

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