Reflect and Reset: Using the Past to Build a Better Future

🍂 What Did You Have in 2015, But Not in 2025?
A Personal Journey of Growth, Healing, and Self-Discovery

Reflecting on this question—what did you have in 2015 but not in 2025?—can be an incredibly eye-opening way to take stock of your personal growth, whether you're overcoming a divorce, battling an eating disorder, or simply navigating life's inevitable ups and downs. I came across this question on a subreddit. For me, this question led me to revisit a period of my life where everything looked stable on the surface, but underneath, I was struggling in ways that I didn’t even realize fully at the time.

In 2015, I had what many would consider a charmed and successful life: I was married, living in San Francisco, I was in my 20's and running my own business, traveling around the world, and seemed to have all the pieces of the puzzle. But the reality? I was in a loveless marriage, and my partner and I were moving in completely different directions in life, wanting different things from life.

Worse, I was grappling with a lifelong eating disorder, stuck in a constant cycle of self-doubt and control that never let me truly be at peace. The food noise and guilt that consumed my every waking moment made it difficult to show up for myself and my partner fully. My body, mind, and heart were in turmoil, even though, on the outside, I had all the "right" things.

Now, as we will soon enter 2025 in a few months, my life looks entirely different. Since 2018, I’ve been happily single and living in Spain, having left the U.S. to rebuild my life completely.

I’ve not only overcome my eating disorder but have also developed a deep appreciation and respect for myself that I never thought was possible back in 2015. The food noise that once consumed me is no longer. For once in my life, I can fully and truly enjoy a meal without the need to bing or purge, count the calories, and actually have my brain single full.

This is the strangest feeling ever, but one that I am beyond grateful for. This is what it means to eat and feel normal.

How I Got Here: The Steps That Helped Me Heal

The journey from 2015 to approaching 2025 wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. Here are some of the things that helped me along the way:

1. Embracing Therapy and Professional Help

After years of attempted recovery and relapses, in 2019 I began working with a therapist who specialized in eating disorders and trauma recovery. Therapy gave me the tools to dig into the deeper issues fueling my disorder, and it also helped me navigate the painful emotions of divorce.

If you’re struggling with either of these challenges, I can’t recommend seeking professional help enough. It was a turning point for me, allowing me to confront my fears, break unhealthy patterns, and ultimately heal.

Resources:

• The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offers a range of resources, from support groups to professional help: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

• Psychology Today is a great resource for finding a therapist near you: www.psychologytoday.com

• ZocDoc is another great resource that offers to find a therapist within your area: www.zocdoc.com

• Beating Eating Disorders offers plenty of resources and guidance, especially if you are in the UK: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

2. Rediscovering My Body Through Movement

Exercise became a way for me to reconnect with my body in a healthy, non-punishing way. Strength Training and Pilates, in particular, were instrumental.

These practices helped me appreciate my body for what it could do, rather than how it looked. It shifted my mindset from one of control and shame to one of gratitude and strength. Instead of seeing exercise as a way to offset calories, I now see it as a beneficial aspect of life for longevity. Pair with proper nutrition, it’s incredible to see what the human body is capable of.

Most recently, joining a running club has also helped me to connect with like-minded individuals, and seeing that runners come in all different shapes and sizes has helped me in a way to appreciate my body for what it is and what it is capable of.

Resources:

• ALO Moves offers a wide range of Pilates classes online, from beginner to advanced, making it easy to fit into any routine: www.alomoves.com

• Pvolve focuses on low-impact, functional strength training, which helps you build muscle while being gentle on your body: www.pvolve.com

• Strava is a popular running app that allows you to track your runs, join running clubs, and connect with a community of runners worldwide: www.strava.com

• Yoga with Adriene offers free YouTube yoga classes that range from beginner to advanced. It’s a gentle way to get started: www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

• Body Positive Yoga focuses on making yoga accessible and body-positive: www.bodypositiveyoga.com

3. Establishing Healthy Boundaries

Part of my journey was realizing that I needed to set boundaries—not just with others, but also with myself. I had to learn to say no to things that no longer served me, including toxic relationships, situations that triggered my disordered eating, and self-sabotaging thoughts. This took time and effort, but it’s been a critical part of reclaiming my life.

A resource that was incredibly helpful in this process was Choose You by Helen Marie, a renowned psychologist in the UK. This workbook-style book provides practical exercises to help you identify and set healthy boundaries, offering tools to manage your emotional well-being and reclaim your personal power.

Resource:

• Choose You by Helen Marie: A hands-on workbook to help you develop healthier boundaries and prioritize yourself in everyday life. You can find Choose You by Helen Marie on Amazon.com.

4. Building a Support System

Navigating divorce and overcoming an eating disorder are not things you can do alone. Surrounding myself with a supportive network of friends, family, and like-minded individuals made a world of difference. Whether through therapy groups or online communities, connecting with others who understood what I was going through gave me the courage to keep going.

Resources:

• Divorce Care offers local and virtual support groups for people going through separation or divorce: www.divorcecare.org

• Eating Disorder Hope provides an online community and resources: www.eatingdisorderhope.com

5. Embracing Change and Moving to Spain

In 2021, I made the bold decision to move to Spain—a complete shift that allowed me to reinvent myself and leave behind the environment that was keeping me stuck. It’s not that you have to move halfway across the world to heal, but sometimes a big change is exactly what you need to start fresh. This move forced me to step outside my comfort zone and truly own my independence. It's allowed me to build my social circle with like-minded individuals who live healthier lifestyles and are supportive and non-judgemental.

Looking Forward: What I Hope for Myself in the Future

Looking back at who I was in 2015, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come. I no longer carry the weight of a broken marriage or an eating disorder. These two life-impacting events no longer define me but add to my narrative that is part of me and how I got here. In 2025, I want to approach the year that I have a sense of freedom, self-love, and fulfillment that I could have never imagined. But I’m not stopping here.

For the future, I hope to continue growing, traveling, and building a life that feels authentic to me. I want to deepen my relationship with myself, continue helping others through my wellness work, and stay open to whatever life brings. Most of all, I hope to inspire others who feel stuck in their current situation—whether it’s a marriage that isn’t working, a battle with food, or simply feeling lost in life—that change is always possible.

What About You? Reflecting on Your Journey

So, what did you have in 2015 but not in 2025? Take a moment to reflect on this question for yourself. Whether you’re in the middle of a major life change or feeling stuck in old habits, remember that growth is always within reach. The life you want is waiting for you—you just have to be willing to take the first step.

If you’re struggling with something similar, know that you’re not alone, and there are resources and support systems to help you along the way. Your future self will thank you for the work you do today.

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🎧 October Podcast Picks Illuminate Your October: 5 Must-Listen Podcasts for Inspiration and Laughter

If you're anything like me, you're always on the hunt for fresh content to fill your ears, inspire your mind, and maybe even shake up your daily routine. I'm Sarah Thompson, a digital content curator with over 15 years of experience exploring the vast world of audio storytelling. Having sifted through countless hours of podcasts—some delightful, others less so—I’ve curated a list of gems that promise to captivate you this October. My aim is to save you time, enrich your listening experience, and help you discover some of the best voices out there. Let's dive in!

Synced with Monica Padman & Liz Plank

If you've ever longed for a podcast that feels like a chat with your best friends, Synced is your go-to. Monica and Liz bring their infectious chemistry, honed in Race to 35, to each weekly episode, making it feel both relatable and insightful.

• Relatable Conversations: Their banter covers everything on their minds, offering a slice of life that's both humorous and heartfelt.

• Engaging Listener Interaction: They address listener questions with sincerity and humor, making the audience part of the conversation.

Listen to Synced

Giggly Squad with Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo

Looking to lighten up your day with some genuine laughs? Giggly Squad is where comedy meets candidness. Hannah and Paige have a knack for turning the mundane into comedic gold, while also tackling deeper conversations about mental health and personal growth.

• Pop Culture Dive: From fashion to horoscopes, they cover trends with a humorous twist.

• Vulnerability and Humor: They share personal stories that are both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny, reminding us not to take life too seriously.

Listen to Giggly Squad

What Now? with Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah is a master of blending humor with critical thought, and What Now? is no exception. Each episode is a rich discussion with celebrities and thought leaders that keeps you hooked.

• Timely Discussions: Conversations revolve around contemporary topics, ensuring that you're always in the loop.

• Diverse Guests: From athletes to thought leaders, the variety of guests keeps the content fresh and engaging.

Listen to What Now? with Trevor Noah

My First Million with Sam Parr and Shaan Puri

If you're on the lookout for inspiration to kickstart your next big idea, My First Million is a treasure trove. Sam and Shaan brainstorm new business ideas, providing a fresh perspective on market trends and opportunities.

• Innovative Ideas: Each episode is a brainstorming session that could spark your next project.

• Market Insights: Understanding current trends helps you stay ahead of the curve.

Listen to My First Millions

Science Vs with Wendy Zukerman

In a world filled with misinformation, Science Vs stands as a beacon of truth. Wendy Zukerman breaks down what’s fact and what’s not, encouraging listeners to think critically.

• Evidence-Based Discussions: Each episode is backed by scientific research, providing clarity in a world of opinions.

• Debunking Myths: It tackles popular fads and misinformation, arming you with knowledge.

Listen to Science Vs

I hope these podcasts bring lighthearted joy to your October and beyond. Each offers something unique, whether it's humor, inspiration, or a fresh perspective. Dive in, explore, and enjoy the ride. Here's to discovering new voices that resonate with you. Happy listening!

🧠 What Do Neuroscientists and Professional Athletes Have in Common?

Neuroscientists study the brain.

Professional athletes need their brain to stay sharp in order to perform at their best.

Both of them realize the importance of meditation to keep their brain healthy and focused so they can achieve their goals.

Whether you’re competing for the championship title…

Or focusing on an important work project…

Or even studying for the big exam…

Tapping into the full capacity of your brain through the practice of meditation can be your ‘secret weapon’ to reaching your goals.

This is where Muse comes in.

Muse is a research-grade brain fitness tool (backed by institutions like Yale, Harvard, MIT and NASA) that passively measures brain signals much like a heart rate monitor senses your heartbeat.

Giving you real-time biofeedback on your meditations so you can bring your attention back to the present moment when your mind starts to wander.

Louisa Nicola from Neuro Athletics, a neuroscientist & neurophysiologist says…

“Since using the Muse I have been able to decrease my sleep latency and increase my REM sleep scores. The Muse S serves as a great device to use with my clients in the NBA and NFL as a travel protocol to decrease the amount of Jet Lag they incur and help with overall sleep optimization.”

And Monique Billings, a professional basketball player for the Atlanta Dream of WNBA said this about meditations with Muse…

“I’ve come to realize that meditation is one of the greatest investments that I have been able to pour into myself, and using the Muse products is helping me to level up in my journey of discovering inner peace and my “whoosah”. The real-time feedback lets me know when I’m in the zone and has helped me level up my meditation practice.”

The immediate feedback loop that Muse provides allows you to accelerate your learning and deepen your meditation practice. Allowing you to reap the benefits of a calm and focused mind in your daily activities.

So if you’re looking to step up your game on the field and off the field, then I highly recommend checking out Muse

Click here to get your very own Muse S headband and take advantage of a 20% off savings that I was able to secure for you.