Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music

"If nothing else in this show, if this has helped anybody create a deeper connection with someone in their lives, whether a child, a friend, another family member, a coworker, a stranger, by letting themselves be known to each other and accepting each other for who they really are, I'd be psyched."

- Jim Young

The concept of intimacy is often overlooked when people embark on self-discovery and personal/professional development. In this, the 41st (and perhaps final) episode of Expansive Intimacy, we take one more look at the profound impact that embracing intimacy can have on our lives.

In a world where societal expectations often dictate who we should be, Jim advocates for both the relief and the strength that comes with letting go of our constructed identities to be who we truly are. (In other words, stop letting the world “should all over you” and be your full self.)

As a capstone to this season-long exploration of intimacy in all sorts of spaces, Jim invites us one more time to consider how intimacy transcends personal relationships and extends into the professional realm. While intimacy in the workplace can seem off-limits and/or awkward, it can be a powerful catalyst for organizational success.

Let’s challenge the traditional (B.S.) notion that topics like intimacy have no place in professional settings and be the leaders we’re meant to be.

On Discovering That Self-Intimacy Does Exist:

"Intimacy is about connection with others, and that it's actually defined as something that exists between multiple people. And one of the cool things about this quest, one of the things that I have learned in the course of doing this show, because I've heard it from multiple guests, is that they help me see that intimacy is with ourselves, too. In fact, that it may start there for many or most of us."

On Purpose:

“Every little moment, every action we take, every small unit of goodwill that we put out into the world, has the possibility of snowballing into something even bigger. And that's what I truly hope for, is that we connect with intimacy.”

Who is one person that you can think of right now who might find this episode helpful? Go ahead… send them a link. You might just strike up a new and meaningful conversation with them while you’re at it!

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Intro Music: Catch It by Coma- Media

Outro Music: Upbeat Funky Retro by QubeSounds

Editing & Production Services by JRS Young (my son).

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean | Amazon Music

"I had to be the one to stand the ground in being that cycle breaker, not only for myself, but for the foundation of my marriage and my family and for the betterment of our relationships going forward."

- Christine Anastasia

On this week’s episode, I’m excited to share my conversation with Christine Anastasia. Christine is a Master Certified Life Coach with a long background in higher education. She’s also a young working parent.

And a cycle breaker.

A what?? Yeah, a cycle breaker. After years of living within relationship patterns that were taking a toll on her mental health, as well as that of the people she loves, Christine realized that she could break the cycle. Which is exactly what she’s done.

In this episode we explore the intricate dance between work, personal time, and relationships, and the courage it takes to dismantle social and relational norms that have been around for generations.

Other topics we touch on include:

• the emotional labor involved in reshaping family dynamics
• how intimacy can serve as a gateway to acknowledging parts of ourselves we tend to hide
• what it takes to partner up as parents in the fast-paced modern world
• how healing oneself can create a positive ripple effect across generations and within our own lives
• and plenty more

On Personal Growth and Healing:

"Learning about yourself and how to heal yourself, it takes time. And I think it's a unique experience for each person. My roadmap is not going to work for you or for another person. But it's about being open to look at how you want to take care of yourself in a way that supports your well being. And when you find that momentum, things start to heal. I know that when I began to heal myself, I began to heal my family."

The Delayed Effects of Unprocessed Feelings:

"For so many of us, men and women, we don't see and understand the nuances of how our mental health functions within our day to day lives. Some of what happened in our childhood went unprocessed and it shows up now in our adult lives."

On Cycle Breaking in Family Dynamics:

"I learned that it requires boundaries and communication and taking care of myself and being a real huge advocate for mental health and the mental health of others."

links

Christine is a mom of three, Emma (7), Zoe (4), and Alexander (1). Her coaching services and workshops help new and seasoned parents who are juggling work and raising a family. At their core, all parents want to be the best versions of themselves. She helps them prioritize their wellbeing in microsteps, not overhaul their life.

With over 10+ years working in higher education and love for helping others, she has bridged her love to educate and teach by supporting working parents that are experiencing burnout and overwhelm. By starting small and implementing wellbeing practices that fit your life is transformational and practical. After experiencing her own burnout as a working parent and being on the other side, she offers a safe and non judgemental space so you can build confidence and support in this chapter of your life. With this foundational support, you can tackle each step of your journey with a bit more grace, self compassion, and an open heart. When mom is doing well, all that she touches thrives!

Who is one person that you can think of right now who might find this episode helpful? Go ahead… send them a link. You might just strike up a new and meaningful conversation with them while you’re at it!

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Intro Music: Catch It by Coma- Media

Outro Music: Upbeat Funky Retro by QubeSounds

Editing & Production Services by JRS Young (my son).