"The Addicted Mind Podcast" offers hope, understanding, and guidance for those dealing with addiction, with real stories and research to inspire and show the journey to recovery is worth it.
The One Thing Shame Does Not Want You to Do
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Hi Reader, Let me ask you something. If being hard on yourself really worked, would you still be struggling? Most of us think that criticizing ourselves will somehow motivate us to do better. But research tells us the opposite. When shame takes over, the brain shifts into a threat response. It becomes harder to think clearly, solve problems, and make healthy choices. That is not because you are weak. It is because your nervous system is trying to protect you. This is where self-compassion comes in. Self-compassion is not making excuses or letting yourself off the hook. It is treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a good friend who is having a hard time. That simple shift helps calm the nervous system, improves emotional regulation, and creates the conditions for real change. The next time you make a mistake, try asking yourself, "What do I need right now?" instead of, "What is wrong with me?" Healing grows much faster in an environment of compassion than one of criticism. Your brain is listening to how you talk to yourself. Make it a conversation worth hearing. Keep growing, Duane |
The Addicted Mind Podcast
"The Addicted Mind Podcast" offers hope, understanding, and guidance for those dealing with addiction, with real stories and research to inspire and show the journey to recovery is worth it.
Hi Reader, Have you ever picked up your phone to check one thing, only to look up twenty minutes later wondering where the time went? You are not alone. There is a name for that drained feeling many of us experience after spending too much time on our devices. It is called digital fatigue. Our brains were not designed to process a nonstop stream of news, videos, messages, emails, and notifications. The constant switching of attention can leave us feeling mentally tired, distracted, and even...
Hi Reader, Do you find yourself saying yes to everyone else while putting your own recovery last? In this week's episode of The Addicted Mind+, Eric and I talk about four types of boundaries that can make a real difference in your recovery. We cover physical, emotional, intellectual, and time boundaries, and why each one matters. A lot of us worry that setting boundaries is selfish. The truth is, healthy boundaries are one of the best ways to protect your recovery and build stronger...
Hi Reader, Have you ever felt like you were carrying something that was just too hard to tell anyone? In this week's episode of The Addicted Mind+, Eric and I talk about why sharing your story with the right people can be one of the most powerful parts of recovery. Addiction grows in isolation. Healing grows in connection. That does not mean telling everyone everything. It means finding safe people who can listen without judgment and creating space to be seen for who you really are. In this...