In this episode, I talk about how every accomplishment has a story behind it. We often see the final result, but we don’t always see the growth, the challenges, the lessons, and the dedication that brought someone to that moment.

I share my own journey of stepping away from racing for years and finding my way back after focusing on my health, rebuilding my strength, and learning to trust myself again. This past weekend, I ran the best race of my life. It wasn’t my fastest race, but it was my strongest, healthiest, and happiest.

A reminder that every journey looks different, every finish line means something unique, and the greatest victories are often the ones that show us how far we’ve come.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps us creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life. Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

Does the job get easier, or do you simply get better and more efficient? It's a question worth asking because we often mistake growth for an easier path.

Think about a new job. In the beginning, everything feels overwhelming. Every task takes longer, every decision feels bigger, and every day is exhausting. Months later, the job seems easier. But is it? Or have you become more skilled, more confident, and more efficient?

The same is true with diet and exercise.

When Cassandra first started her health journey, the daily habits felt challenging. Over time, those daily choices became much easier because she built routines and confidence. But she also points out that the monthly challenges that come with PMS can still be difficult. Diet and exercise haven't made PMS disappear, but they have helped her feel better and bounce back more quickly. She still comes full circle each month, but she's stronger and better equipped to handle it.

That's true for so many areas of life. The workout doesn't necessarily get easier. Your body gets stronger. The diet doesn't magically become effortless. Your habits become healthier. The job doesn't become less demanding. You become more capable.

Give yourself credit for your growth. Sometimes what feels "easier" is actually proof that you've become better than you were yesterday.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps us creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life. Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

We explore why protecting your online community isn't censorship; it's stewardship, and why healthy boundaries are essential for creating safe spaces. If you've ever let one negative comment steal your peace, this conversation might be for you!

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps us creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life. Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

*On camera - what!?*

Social media fitness content can quietly turn inspiration into comparison, making people feel like they’re being measured against someone else’s discipline without ever agreeing to the race. The real shift is learning to notice when motivation is lifting you up—and when it’s just making you feel like you’re falling behind.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps us creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life. Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

Welcome back to Anxiety Makes Me Poop. Today's forecast? Emotional humidity. If your heart feels heavy or your mind feels foggy, let's talk about it. Relaxing meditation music follows this quick chat.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps us creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life. Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

Cassandra recently learned that she has a high level of protein in her urine. After leaving her doctor's appointment with more questions than answers, she found herself dealing with growing medical anxiety. In this conversation, she shares what her doctor told her, the research she did to better understand her test results, and what she's learned about protein in the urine, kidney health, and advocating for yourself when navigating uncertain medical news.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps us creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life. Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

Warning! This one is real... maybe don't eat while listening! Meredith waited months to go to a concert with one of her best friends, and it didn't go well for her. Let's talk about food poisoning. Yuck.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps us creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life. Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

Today's episode, we're talking about the person who always offers to help set up the Giant Inflatable Unicorn Displays but somehow never shows up when it's time to actually show up.

Psychology is fascinating because many people genuinely see themselves as helpful; the offer gives them a sense of contributing, even when the follow-through rarely happens.

Eventually, the anxiety disappears when YOU stop expecting promises to be kept and start judging people by patterns rather than words. Keep to your plan, and anyone else showing up is a bonus!

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps us creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life. Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.