What's this episode about?

Lee and Michelle take a look at "bouncing back" and ask whether getting back to where we were before is really the goal. Often, it isn't.

Instead, they talk about "bouncing forward": using setbacks to move on rather than slipping back into old habits and old versions of ourselves.

Key topics covered:

• Why "bouncing back" can keep us stuck in unhelpful loops
• How lessons we learned when we were younger can hold us back as adults
• Lee's experience when a house move fell through, and what she gained from it
• Michelle's story of breaking a pre-exam stress habit that was doing more harm than good
• The difference between intentional rest and unproductive downtime
• How self-awareness and evidence of our own capabilities help us move forward
• Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold, as a way of thinking about bouncing forward
• Why bouncing forward takes courage, confidence and honest self-reflection

Mentioned in this episode:

• FutureLearn (futurelearn.com), the online learning platform where Michelle first came across the "bounce forward" idea, on a professional resilience course from Deakin University
• Kintsugi / Kintsukuroi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer
• William Morris: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful"

Quotes from the episode:

• "Bouncing back suggests that where we were before was the right place." Michelle Rogers
• "Bouncing forwards makes me feel excited. The possibilities are endless." Lee Iggulden
• "We're not ignoring our struggles. We're using them. Valuing the lessons learned from them to make something even better." Michelle Rogers
• "It's not broken. It's just been put back together, filled with gold." Lee Iggulden

Reflection question for listeners:

Think of a time you bounced back from something difficult. Does the idea of bouncing forward fill you with dread, or with excitement and optimism?

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and leave us a comment. We'd love to hear from you.

Laura Cave:

Instagram: Just Trade and Nice Flowers London

Website: Just Trade

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Find Lee at:

• Website: https://welshotimaging.co.uk/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leeatwelshot/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lee.iggulden

Find Michelle at:

• Web: https://www.thinkingspacecoaching.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingspacecoaching/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmichellerogers/