Episode 18: Imagine Me...Finally Free: Walking in Freedom and Authenticity Season 2 Finale

Episode Overview: In this final episode of Season 2 and our series Imagine Me..., Nicole Green takes us on a journey to what it looks like to walk in real freedom—freedom from insecurity, fear, and the weight of the past. True freedom is about living in your authenticity and embracing the hope that the future holds. It’s not about having everything figured out or living perfectly, but stepping into who you are meant to be and letting go of the things that once held you back. Nicole encourages us to break free from those chains and to imagine living fully, freely, and authentically.

The conversation focuses on:

1. PAUSE: What it means to live in freedom and be your authentic self.
2. PONDER: Embracing imperfection and the lifelong journey of self-acceptance.
3. PREPARE: How to cultivate hope for the future and sustain your newfound freedom.

Nicole shares relatable stories about the real struggles we face when pursuing freedom, acknowledging how difficult it can be, but also affirming that we all have the strength and grace to rise. It's a journey of hope, healing, and joy, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Reflection Moment: Take a few moments to imagine yourself fully free—free from fear, insecurity, and the past. What does that look like for you? How would living in freedom change your relationships, your mindset, and your everyday life? Hold on to that vision and believe that it’s possible.

Next Season: Season 2 is wrapping up, but stay tuned for Season 3 in the new year. We’ll dive even deeper into topics that nurture your mental health and get you back to living well, loving well, and being well.

Connect with Nicole:

• Instagram: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Website: www.bewellwithnicole.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Music: Intro and Outro Music by Brendan Cloutier of Audible Cosmos

Thank You for Listening! We hope this episode helped inspire you to embrace your authenticity and step into the freedom you deserve. Be sure to tune in for Season 3 in the new year, where Nicole will continue her journey of helping you live well, love well, and be well!

Subscribe & Review: If you’ve enjoyed this series, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Share this episode with friends and family who might need encouragement on their journey to freedom!

Episode Title: Imagine Me...Rested & Renewed: Finding Rest in a Hectic World

Episode Overview: In this episode, Nicole Green talks about how to find rest and renewal when life feels like it’s constantly in overdrive. So many of us say, “I don’t have time to rest,” but Nicole challenges this mindset by emphasizing that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Not everyone has the privilege to take a trip or quit a job, but self-care is still something we can all claim in our daily lives. She explores how lack of rest is connected to mental health struggles like anxiety and depression and how rest is a critical part of healing and growth, no matter your circumstances.

The conversation focuses on:

1. PAUSE: Why rest is crucial for mental, emotional, and physical health.
2. PONDER: The signs of burnout and ways to recover from it.
3. PREPARE: Simple practices for finding renewal—physically, emotionally, and spiritually (from sleep to mindfulness and prayer).

Nicole also shares personal experiences of overworking, ignoring her health, and the moment she realized she needed to prioritize rest to show up as her best self.

Key Takeaways:

• Rest isn’t a reward; it’s necessary for us to thrive.

• Burnout has many faces—emotional, physical, and spiritual. Recognize the signs and take action.

• Renewal happens when we make space for it. Sleep, journaling, mindfulness, and spiritual practices can help us reset and restore.

• Self-care saves lives!

Reflection Moment: Take a minute to reflect on this: How are you currently prioritizing rest in your life? Is there something you can let go of or delegate to create space for renewal? Start small if you need to—sometimes rest begins with saying, "No, I need this moment."

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Stay Connected: Follow Nicole Green on Instagram for more insights and encouragement: @BeWellwithNicoleG Website: www.bewellwithnicole.com Have any questions or reflections from today’s episode? I’d love to hear from you!

Thank You for Listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share it with a friend who might need encouragement. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Music: Intro and Outro Music by Brendan Cloutier of Audible Cosmos

Stay tuned for the final episode of our Imagine Me series, where we’ll talk about what it means to live fully and authentically in Imagine Me...Finally Free.

Back to Life Podcast with Nicole Green – Episode 16, Season 2 Title: Imagine Me...Confident

Episode Overview: In this episode of Back to Life, we continue our Imagine Me series with a deep dive into building healthy self-esteem and recognizing our inherent worth. Join Nicole Green as she shares insights on how low self-esteem and insecurity can keep us playing small, while also exploring the root causes of insecurity and offering practical ways to cultivate authentic confidence. Whether it's learning to silence the inner critic, embracing self-compassion, or using daily affirmations to transform your self-image, this episode is all about stepping into the fullness of who you are with confidence and grace.

Nicole also shares personal stories of her growth journey and invites listeners to reflect on how they can embrace their worth, flaws, and all.

Key Takeaways:

• PAUSE: Understanding the root causes of low self-esteem, such as past experiences and societal expectations, and how they impact our present self-image.
• PONDER: Strategies for silencing the inner critic and overcoming the temptation to compare ourselves to others, especially on social media.
• PREPARE: Practical tools like self-compassion, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and using daily affirmations to transform your self-worth and step into confidence.

Action Step for Listeners: Write down three affirmations that remind you of your worth and repeat them every morning. Watch how these words begin to reshape how you see yourself!

Moment of Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on the last time you doubted yourself. Imagine replacing those thoughts of doubt with confidence and self-worth. Picture yourself fully embracing your value and showing up as your most confident self.

Follow Nicole: Stay connected with Nicole Green and get more inspiration on Instagram @BeWellwithNicoleG and at www.bewellwithnicole.com

Disclaimer: Please note, that this podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. If you need help, please seek assistance from a licensed professional or therapist.

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who could use a confidence boost. Be sure to join us next time as we dive into Imagine Me...Renewed, where we'll talk about the importance of rest and restoration for your emotional health.

Title: Imagine Me...Saying No

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Imagine Me series, Nicole Green explores the power of setting and enforcing boundaries to protect your peace and emotional health. We often struggle to say “no” due to fear of rejection, guilt, and people-pleasing tendencies. But learning to say “no” with confidence is essential for creating the life you deserve. Nicole shares personal stories and practical tips for setting boundaries in your work, relationships, and self-care.

In this episode, Nicole breaks it down into three sections:

1. PAUSE: Why boundaries are necessary for emotional and relational health.
2. PONDER: Overcoming the fear of saying "no" and people-pleasing.
3. PREPARE: How to set clear boundaries with confidence and grace in work, relationships, and self-care.

Key Takeaways:

• • Boundaries are a form of self-care: They help protect your peace, time, and energy.
  • It’s okay to say “no”: Overcoming the fear of rejection and guilt is key to protecting your emotional well-being.
  • Practice makes progress: Start small with setting boundaries and celebrate your wins along the way.

• Remember, “NO” is a complete sentence.

Action Steps:

• Reflection Exercise: Take a few minutes today to identify one area in your life where you can set a boundary. Practice saying “no” in a way that feels true to you.
• Journal Prompt: Write about a time when you said “yes” but wished you had said “no.” What could you do differently in the future to honor your boundaries?
• Self-Care Tip: Prioritize your mental health by setting boundaries that allow you to recharge and focus on what matters most to you.

Resources Mentioned:

• Read, Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
• Journaling and therapy as a tool for navigating emotional boundaries
• Mindfulness practices for staying grounded when setting boundaries

Quotes to Remember:

• “Saying no is a powerful way to say yes to yourself.”
• “Boundaries aren’t about keeping people out—they’re about keeping you whole.”

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help if needed.

Next Episode: In the next episode of our Imagine Me series, we’ll focus on Imagine Me...Confident, where we’ll explore the foundations of building healthy self-esteem. You don’t want to miss it!

Connect with Nicole Green:

• Instagram: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Email: nicole@bewellwithnicole.com

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss future episodes of the Imagine Me series. Share this with a friend who needs encouragement and leave a review to help others discover the show!

Music: Intro and Outro Music by Brendan Cloutier of Audible Cosmos

Title: Imagine Me...Letting Go

Episode Summary:

In this first episode of the Imagine Me series, Nicole Green dives into the transformative power of letting go. We all carry emotional baggage from past mistakes, old wounds, and unhealed trauma that can keep us stuck and prevent us from moving forward. But what if you could set that baggage down and walk lighter, with a renewed sense of freedom? Nicole shares personal stories, insights on the power of forgiveness, and practical tools to help you release what no longer serves you. This episode is broken into three sections: PAUSE (identifying emotional baggage), PONDER (the power of forgiveness), and PREPARE (tools for letting go). Get ready to imagine a lighter, freer version of yourself.

Key Takeaways:

1. PAUSE: Take a moment to reflect on the emotional baggage you're carrying. Past mistakes, relationships, and unhealed wounds can weigh you down and stop you from moving forward. Recognizing what you’re holding onto is the first step toward letting go.
2. PONDER: Forgiveness is not about excusing someone else’s actions—it’s about setting yourself free. This episode highlights the power of forgiveness for both yourself and others, showing how it can release the emotional chains holding you back.
3. PREPARE: Letting go is a process that requires intentional tools. Nicole shares three powerful ways to begin the process: journaling your thoughts, seeking therapy for deeper wounds, and practicing reflection through meditation or quiet moments.

Action Steps:

• Reflection Exercise: Take time today to think about something you’ve been holding on to from your past. Visualize setting it down and allowing yourself to move forward.
• Journaling Prompt: Write a letter—either to yourself or to someone else—about what you’re ready to let go of. You don’t need to send it; simply writing it down can be a powerful way to release those emotions.
• Therapy: If you’re struggling with deeper trauma or emotional baggage, consider seeking professional therapy. Sometimes we need support to fully unpack the weight we’ve been carrying.

Resources Mentioned:

• Journaling for self-reflection and emotional release
• Therapy as a tool for processing unhealed trauma
• Mindfulness, prayer, and/or meditation for letting go in everyday life

Quotes to Remember:

• "Forgiveness is setting yourself free."
• "Letting go isn’t about forgetting. It’s about creating space for something new—new hope, new peace, and new opportunities."

Disclaimer:

This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode:

Join us next time as we continue the Imagine Me series with Episode 2: Imagine Me...Saying No. We’ll explore the importance of boundaries and how confidently saying “no” can protect your peace and emotional health. You won’t want to miss it!

Connect with Nicole Green:

• Instagram: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Email: nicole@bewellwithnicole.com

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on the rest of the Imagine Me series. Share this episode with a friend who needs some encouragement, and leave a review to help others find the show!

Music:

Intro and Outro Music created by Brendan Cloutier of Audible Cosmos

Episode 13: Wrapping Up the "Hi! My Name is..." Series

Episode Summary: Welcome to the final episode of the "Hi! My Name is..." series on the "Back to Life Podcast" with Nicole Green. In this episode, Nicole, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and her co-host Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy, wrap up everything they’ve talked about regarding emotions. They revisit key points from previous episodes on procrastination, anger, perfectionism, control, and disappointment, reiterating that your feelings are valid. The conversation encourages listeners to take care of themselves as they navigate their lives, inside and out, inspired by "Inside Out 2."

Episode Highlights:

1. Revisiting "Hi! My Name is Procrastination"

• Procrastination as a flight or fight response linked to anxiety.
• Managing procrastination and finding healthier coping mechanisms.

• Exploring the roots of anger and its impact on mental health.
• Techniques for healthy anger management.

• Understanding perfectionism as a coping mechanism.
• Embracing imperfection and practicing self-compassion.

• The need for control as a response to anxiety and depression.
• Finding balance and letting go of unhealthy control.

• Chronic disappointment as a symptom of anxiety and depression.
• Managing expectations, coping with disappointment, and building resilience.

Reflection Moment: Think about the emotions we’ve discussed in this series. Which ones resonate with you the most? How can you practice self-care and compassion as you navigate these emotions in your life? Remember, your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to seek support and take time for yourself. Your mental health matters.

Guest Host: Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie.
• Techniques for managing procrastination, anger, perfectionism, control, and disappointment.
• Benefits of self-compassion and seeking support.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Series: Stay tuned for our next series, where we will explore new and exciting topics related to mental health and well-being. Until then, remember to live well, love well, and be well.

Episode 12: "Hi! My Name is Disappointment"

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the "Back to Life Podcast," where we explore living well, loving well, and being well. In this final episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, LPCC, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. They examine how chronic disappointment can be a symptom of underlying anxiety and depression, referencing the new emotional complexities introduced in "Inside Out 2." Discover how to manage expectations, cope with disappointment, and build resilience inspired by the emotional depth of the movie.

Episode Highlights:

1. Dream A Little Nightmare: The Nature of Disappointment and Its Causes

• Understanding the sources of disappointment.
• Examples from "Inside Out 2" depicting unmet expectations and emotional responses.

The Subconscious Basement: Link to Anxiety and Depression

• Chronic disappointment as both a cause and result of anxiety and depression.
• Breaking the cycle by addressing emotions and triggers.

Memory Lanes: Coping Mechanisms and Resilience-Building Strategies

• Managing expectations and practicing self-compassion.
• Building a support network and engaging in positive self-talk.
• Reflecting on experiences to grow and develop resilience.

Reflection Moment: Think about a recent disappointment you experienced. What were your expectations, and how did reality differ? How did you cope with the disappointment? What can you learn from this experience to handle future disappointments better?

Guest Host: Angela Barela, LPCC, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie.
• Techniques for managing expectations and practicing self-compassion.
• Benefits of building a support network and engaging in positive self-talk.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Series: Stay tuned for our next series, where we will explore new and exciting topics related to mental health and well-being. Until then, remember to live well, love well, and be well.

Episode 11: "Hi! My Name is Control"

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the "Back to Life Podcast," where we explore living well, loving well, and being well. In this fourth episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. They examine the need for control as a response to anxiety and depression, referencing the new emotional complexities introduced in "Inside Out 2." Discover how the desire to control everything can impact mental health and relationships, and learn strategies to find balance and manage control healthily.

Episode Highlights:

1. A Mind at Freeze: Understanding the Need for Control

• Control as a response to managing uncertainty and reducing anxiety.
• Examples from "Inside Out 2" depicting the urge to control as a safety mechanism.
• How controlling behaviors can lead to feeling overwhelmed and strain relationships.

Sending Out an S.O.S: Link to Anxiety and Depression

• The cycle of control and anxiety as shown in "Inside Out 2."
• How the inability to control outcomes can lead to feelings of failure and depression.
• Breaking the cycle by addressing both the need for control and underlying emotions.

The Puck Drops Here: Techniques to Relinquish Unhealthy Control

• Practicing mindfulness to stay present and reduce the impulse to control future outcomes.
• Gradually letting go of control by starting with small steps and delegating tasks.
• Reframing control as an opportunity to build resilience and adaptability.
• Seeking therapy for personalized strategies and tools to manage anxiety and control.

Reflection Moment: Reflect on a situation where you felt the need to control everything. What emotions were driving that need? How can you start to let go and trust the process, even if it’s just a little bit?

Guest Host: Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie.
• Techniques for practicing mindfulness and reframing control.
• Benefits of seeking therapy for managing anxiety and control.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode: Join us next time as we continue our series with a look at disappointment and its hidden impacts. Learn how to manage disappointment and turn it into a growth opportunity.