Pause Purpose Play

From Burnout to Brilliance: The Burn Bright Experience

Today's episode was a live conversation between host Michaela and her guest, Kylie, discussing the impactful journey and benefits of investing in one’s well-being through the BurnBright program. Kylie shares her initial hesitations, the significance of building trust through engaging with Michaela’s content, and how making a substantial investment in the program led to personal and professional growth. They delve into the advantages of group coaching over individual sessions, highlighting the community support and the value of shared group experiences. Kylie's transformation from a corporate role to becoming a business owner underscores the program’s pivotal role in helping her find purpose, create space for personal growth, and achieve a sustainable balance between ambition and well-being. Michaela emphasizes the importance of commitment and how the program’s structure, including recorded calls and a supportive online community, facilitates profound personal transformation. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to consider enrolling in BurnBright to explore their paths toward well-being.

 

To be one of Michaela's inner circle women in her transformational group coaching, Burn Bright, apply now: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

Spaces are limited to six and doors close for this round on the 19th of April!

Accepting compliments, receiving praise and being proud of yourself

In this Pause Purpose Play podcast episode, I discuss the challenge of accepting compliments and feeling proud without feeling icky', especially for perfectionistic, high-achieving women. I touch upon the cultural and personal barriers to embracing one's achievements and discuss my personal journey with pride and vulnerability, including my reflections on receiving the award and feeling out of place yet proud at the ceremony. I also share my intention behind the podcast to help women see their own light and strengths. Finally, I announce the upcoming round of her Burn Bright program, emphasising my ethical approach to participant selection and my passion for genuinely helping others.

 

To be one of Michaela's inner circle women in her transformational group coaching, Burn Bright, apply now: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

Spaces are limited to six and doors close for this round on the 19th of April!

Reducing rushing to feel better and be more productive

In this episode, I address the common habit of rushing through life, particularly among individuals with ADHD and busy parents. I discuss the negative impacts of constantly being in a rush, such as increased stress, reduced productivity, and potential dangers. I emphasise the importance of slowing down to improve effectiveness, focus, and mental health. I also talk about Neurodiversity Awareness Week, the concept of neurodivergence, and how rushing is often glorified in modern society. The episode delves into strategies for reducing the need to rush, including pausing to assess what's helpful or harmful, and the benefits of rest and recovery. I also highlight my Burn Bright program, which gives women permission to pause and manage the urge to rush, ultimately leading to a more productive and less stressful lifestyle.

Email Michaela to get the on-demand recording of the Spacious Year challenge videos:

info@thethomasconnection.co.uk

 

To be one of Michaela's inner circle women in her transformational group coaching, Burn Bright, apply now: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

Spaces are limited to six and doors close for this round on the 19th of April!

Workplace wellbeing with Ross McIntosh

In this podcast episode, Ross, a specialist in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in the workplace, discusses the principles of ACT and its application in both professional and personal settings. ACT, a practical and experiential form of therapy, is explored through its foundational skills of noticing, being active, and open, aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility. Ross shares insights into how these skills help individuals navigate the relentless modern workplace, reduce burnout, and lead more fulfilling lives by aligning actions with personal values. Through metaphors like 'passengers on the bus,' Ross illustrates how to manage internal dialogue and foster a healthier relationship with one's thoughts and feelings. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, kindness, and taking meaningful actions towards what truly matters, offering listeners practical strategies for improving well-being and effectiveness in their daily lives.

 

To be one of Michaela's inner circle women in her transformational group coaching, Burn Bright, apply now: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

Guest email: ross.peoplesoup@gmail.com

Daring to be "too big for your boots"

In this episode, I introduce the concept of three flows of compassion – towards others, from others, and self-compassion – and how fears and societal norms can block these flows. I share personal anecdotes about her experiences with vulnerability, such as asking for votes for an Inspirational Modern Woman Award and the implications of unmasking my ADHD in a professional forum. Tying my story to the broader theme of International Women's Day and inspiring inclusion, I emphasize the importance of courage over confidence and becoming a beacon of change. Through sharing the positive feedback and support I received, I aim to inspire listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities, challenge societal norms, and prioritise self-worth and self-compassion in their pursuit of personal and professional success.

My Spacious Adventure 4 - The Courage Piece

This podcast is the concluding part of my Spacious Adventure series. I discuss the concept of courage, reflecting on my experiences of solo travels, and the idea of courage as more important than confidence when stepping out of your comfort zone. I share my approach to planning, balancing structure with the freedom of spontaneity, and the importance of understanding one's limits and comfort levels in creating new experiences. I also underscore the significance of having a support system and planning one's journey in a nuanced manner and invite you the listeners to join a free four-day challenge titled 'Your Spacious Year' starting on 19th March 2024, and also the option of joining a retreat in Vietnam planned for March 2025.


Join the free challenge here: https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/spaciousyear/

My Spacious Adventure 3 - The Insights Piece

In this third part of the Spacious Adventure series on the Pause Purpose Play podcast,I discuss my return from Vietnam, and the need to retain insights and habits cultivated during travel. I highlight understanding one's emotions upon return, resisting guilt or negativity, and practising compassion for oneself. I share the importance of avoiding immediate immersion back into the grind but gradually easing back and giving time to process the adventure, thereby adding more richness to one's daily life. I also provide tips for soothing systems and practices to retain emotions and experiences from travel. I reveal my nomination for the Inspirational Modern Woman of the Year award, highlighting the representation of neurodiversity and mental health it brings, regardless of my winning the award. I also announce a four-day free online challenge to help listeners create their spacious year with more mindful moments, beginning on 19th March.

 

Vote for Michaela in The Modern Woman of the year award:

https://modernwoman.co/award-vote/

Join the FREE 4-day challenge to create your spacious year:

www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/spaciousyear

My Spacious Adventure 2 - The Energy Piece

In this episode, I dive deeper into my 'spacious adventure' concept with a focus on energy management. I revisit my experience in Vietnam and describe the balance of achieving upregulation (fun, excitement, and exploration) with downregulation (comforting familiarity, relaxation) to avoid burnout. In this context, I touch upon the impact of Novelty on the ADHD brain and the need for conscious downregulation practices like meditation and yoga. I also emphasise the need for spaciousness, a balance between novelty and comfort, for true restoration. I end the episode with an exciting announcement for a future 'spacious adventure' in Vietnam and invite you the listeners to sign up.

My Spacious Adventure 1 - The Permission Piece

In this episode, I discuss my liberating solo trip to Vietnam and the associated lessons learned about self-compassion, balance, worthiness, partnership, and the importance of letting oneself experience fulfilling adventures.

I emphasise that my husband's support and understanding played a critical role in enabling this journey. I also suggest that listeners consider what their own 'spacious adventure' might look like and encourage them to give themselves permission to pursue these adventures.

I also tease you about an upcoming retreat in Vietnam and invite you to join the next session of my group coaching program, Burn Bright.

How 'resilience' is involved in burnout

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, I examine the concept of resilience, drawing attention to its misuse and negative implications in toxic work environments. I explore how resilience may sometimes lead to burnout, arguing that the idea of 'bouncing back' isn't always helpful. Instead, I also suggest interpreting resilience as self-compassion, which allows individuals to learn from their difficulties. They should be aware of their environments and assertively seek conditions that enable their wellness, rather than accepting detrimental situations due to misinterpreted resilience.