In this episode of Growing Through It, host Sharon Johnson explores the deep-seated shame and isolation that often accompany crying in public restrooms. This is a vital conversation for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by emotion in a mundane setting, locked themselves in a stall, and felt intense judgment or weakness rather than relief. The episode dissects the societal pressure to maintain composure, particularly for women, and how the fear of being seen as 'dramatic' or 'unstable' forces us to suppress our natural emotional responses. By examining the physiological impact of suppressed tears, we learn how holding back grief creates physical tension, exhausts the nervous system, and prevents the body’s natural healing mechanisms from activating.

Sharon draws on her experience as a former school counselor to share stories of teenagers hiding their pain, highlighting that the need for emotional release is universal, not just a sign of fragility. The discussion moves into the gendered expectations placed on women to be both nurturing caregivers and stoic professionals, creating an impossible double bind where any emotional display is critiqued. We explore the concept of vulnerability not as weakness, but as the ultimate act of courage and strength. The episode provides concrete takeaways on somatic stress, explaining how crying releases oxytocin and endorphins to soothe distress, and why interrupting this process leaves us feeling drained and disconnected from ourselves.

The core message is one of radical self-acceptance and permission. Listeners are guided through a practice of staying with their emotions rather than rushing to sanitize them. By removing the shame associated with crying, we transform tears from a source of embarrassment into a valid expression of inner reality. This shift helps rebuild trust in our own bodies and reduces the hyper-vigilance that leads to loneliness. The episode invites you to view your emotions as proof of your capacity to feel deeply, encouraging you to stop performing perfection and start embracing your messy, human truth. Join Sharon for this calming, ambient reflection on reclaiming your tears and finding connection through honesty.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider supporting the show via the link below to help keep these conversations accessible. Remember, this content is for reflection and support, not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling, please reach out to a qualified therapist or counselor. Thank you for listening, for showing up, and for allowing yourself to be vulnerable in this space. You are loved, exactly as you are.

More from Growing Through It: https://humanitymedia.org/growing-through-it

Topics: shame of crying, public restroom anxiety, emotional suppression, women's mental health, somatic stress release, vulnerability and strength, nervous system regulation, grief processing, self compassion practices, gendered emotional expectations, resilience building, mental health awareness, personal growth journey

#mentalhealth #emotionalwellbeing #vulnerability #selfcare #resilience #healing #growth #mindfulness #tears #shamefree #community #support

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/growing-through-it/2026-09-12.txt

This episode of Growing Through It explores the profound emotional landscape of career loss, offering a compassionate guide for anyone navigating the silence and identity crisis that follows being laid off or quitting. Host Sharon Johnson addresses the deep grief associated with losing not just a job, but a core part of your identity, validating the feeling of emptiness as a necessary space for healing rather than a void to be feared. This conversation is essential for professionals experiencing burnout, sudden unemployment, or major life transitions who feel lost without their corporate structure or title.

We delve into the psychological impact of career change, discussing how society ties self-worth to utility and productivity, leading to an identity crisis when that structure collapses. The episode provides practical advice on somatic stress relief, encouraging listeners to listen to their body’s signals—such as tension, headaches, or restlessness—as signs of recalibration rather than problems to fix. Key themes include overcoming the urge to compare your behind-the-scenes chaos to others’ curated highlights, managing the nervous system’s hyper-vigilance, and finding peace in intentional boredom. By stripping away external validation, you can rediscover your internal compass and determine what you truly value versus what you were conditioned to pursue.

Sharon offers gentle, radical truths about allowing yourself to be a question mark for a while, rejecting the pressure to update LinkedIn immediately or snap back into shape on a corporate timeline. Instead, she invites you to redefine success on your own terms, measuring worth by presence, connection, and small acts of self-care like drinking water or sitting quietly. The episode emphasizes the importance of community and vulnerability, urging listeners to seek witness rather than pity from friends and family. By sharing your story, you build resilience and help others feel less alone in their journey. This is a safe, calm space to process anger, fear, and sadness, reminding you that you are being remade, not broken.

If you are struggling with career loss, professional burnout, or the anxiety of an uncertain future, this episode provides the grounding support you need. Join us for this reflective journey toward resilience and self-discovery. Support the show and access additional resources via the link in our description. Remember, you are more than your productivity, and it is okay to take time to heal at your own human pace.

More from Growing Through It: https://humanitymedia.org/growing-through-it

Topics: career loss grief, identity crisis after layoff, mental health during unemployment, somatic stress relief, professional burnout recovery, finding purpose after job loss, nervous system regulation, healing from career change, self-worth beyond work, mindfulness for anxiety, resilience building, emotional processing tools

#careerloss #mentalhealthmatters #resilience #burnoutrecovery #identitycrisis #mindfulnesspractice #selfcompassion #griefjourney #personalgrowth #somatictherapy #layoffsupport #innerpeace

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/growing-through-it/2026-09-11.txt

In this episode of Growing Through It, host Sharon Johnson explores the complex and often hidden shame that arises when you realize you genuinely enjoyed parts of a toxic relationship. This conversation is designed for anyone who has experienced emotional whiplash, trauma bonding, or confusing attachments in past relationships. If you have ever felt betrayed by your own feelings—loving someone who hurt you, or missing the 'highs' amidst the lows—this episode offers a compassionate framework to understand why those feelings occurred without judgment.

Sharon breaks down the neuroscience behind why we stay in volatile dynamics, explaining how intermittent reinforcement creates powerful physiological anchors. She discusses the role of dopamine and oxytocin in trauma bonds, helping listeners distinguish between intensity and intimacy. By reframing enjoyment not as a character flaw but as a response to unmet needs and a search for validation, the episode guides listeners through memory re-framing techniques. You will learn how to hold two truths simultaneously: acknowledging the beauty of good moments while recognizing the pain of harmful ones, thereby dissolving self-betrayal and guilt.

The discussion moves into practical healing strategies, emphasizing radical self-compassion and the rebuilding of internal compasses. Listeners are encouraged to identify red flags, differentiate between peace and passion, and build new narratives that honor their capacity for love while protecting their boundaries. The episode provides actionable steps for managing nostalgia, which Sharon describes as a liar that edits out fear, and offers rituals for self-trust to help navigate the urge to reconnect with toxic ex-partners. This resource is vital for those seeking to heal from emotional abuse, codependency, and the lingering effects of chaotic love.

Join Sharon for this calm, ambient exploration of mental health and resilience. If this episode resonated with you, please consider supporting the show via the link in the description to help keep these conversations accessible. Thank you for trusting us with your journey toward healing and growth.

More from Growing Through It: https://humanitymedia.org/growing-through-it

Topics: toxic relationship recovery, trauma bond healing, shame after breakup, intermittent reinforcement psychology, dopamine detox love, emotional abuse recovery, self compassion practices, memory re framing technique, healing from codependency, recognizing red flags, mental health support, resilience building, psychology of attachment

#mentalhealth #traumabonding #toxicrelationships #healingjourney #selfcompassion #personalgrowth #psychologyfacts #breakuphelp #emotionalwellness #resilience #mindfulness #shamefree

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/growing-through-it/2026-09-10.txt

In this episode of Growing Through It, host Sharon Johnson explores the profound connection between emotional stress and physical symptoms, offering a compassionate guide to understanding somatic stress. If you have ever wondered why anxiety manifests as chest tightness, chronic lower back pain, or unexplained migraines, this episode provides the context you need. We move beyond the idea that stress is purely mental, revealing how the body keeps score of unresolved grief, suppressed emotions, and chronic worry. This content is designed for individuals experiencing psychosomatic symptoms, those interested in trauma-informed care, and anyone seeking to understand how their nervous system responds to long-term pressure. By recognizing these signals not as betrayals but as protective messages, listeners can begin to shift from fighting their bodies to listening to them.

Sharon shares clinical insights and personal stories, including the case of Elena, whose migraines were linked to an inability to set boundaries. The episode delves into the concept of hyperarousal, explaining how living in a state of low-grade survival mode causes muscles to tighten and the heart rate to elevate even when no immediate danger exists. We discuss practical, accessible techniques such as body scanning, self-touch to release oxytocin, and shaking out tension to reset the nervous system. These methods help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting rest and digest modes without requiring a retreat center or specialized equipment. The narrative emphasizes validation over judgment, encouraging listeners to view physical symptoms as data points rather than defects.

The conversation also addresses the cultural tendency to prioritize logical analysis over emotional processing, highlighting how suppressed energy pools in the fascia and disrupts hormonal balance. By integrating simple practices like hydration, nourishing meals, and mindful pauses during daily stressors, individuals can build a trusting relationship with their own physiology. This approach transforms the listener’s perspective from enemy to ally, fostering self-compassion and curiosity. Whether you are dealing with insomnia, joint pain, or digestive issues triggered by social events, this episode offers a framework for decoding what your body is trying to say. It serves as a gentle reminder that healing is about coming home to yourself during storms, not avoiding them.

Tune in to discover how to listen to your body’s wisdom and respond with kindness instead of panic. This episode is part of the Growing Through It series, dedicated to mental health, resilience, and personal growth. If you find value in this discussion, please support the show via the link below to help us continue providing free resources for healing. Remember, while this content offers reflection and support, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek qualified help if symptoms persist or feel overwhelming. Thank you for joining us on this journey toward wholeness and self-understanding.

More from Growing Through It: https://humanitymedia.org/growing-through-it

Topics: somatic stress, body keeps score, psychosomatic symptoms, nervous system regulation, trauma and the body, chronic pain relief, anxiety physical symptoms, parasympathetic nervous system, self-regulation techniques, mind-body connection, healing from stress, emotional suppression effects, gentle mindfulness practices, hostile culture of stoicism

#mentalhealthawareness #somatictherapy #nervoussystemregulation #holistichealing #stressmanagement #traumarecovery #mindfulnesspractice #selfcarejourney #emotionalwellbeing #bodywisdom #resiliencebuilding #innerpeace

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/growing-through-it/2026-09-09.txt

In this episode of Growing Through It, host Sharon Johnson explores the profound mental and physical exhaustion caused by masking disabilities in the workplace. This conversation is essential for anyone navigating invisible or visible disabilities, neurodivergence, chronic illness, or sensory processing differences while maintaining professional responsibilities. We delve into the concept of 'masking'—the act of hiding one’s true needs to appear 'normal' or 'capable'—and examine why this performance is so draining. The episode provides a compassionate framework for understanding that the fatigue you feel after work is often not from the tasks themselves, but from the constant energy expenditure of concealing your reality. By breaking down the psychological toll of hiding symptoms like pain, fatigue, or stimming behaviors, we aim to validate the experiences of those who feel depleted, isolated, and misunderstood in corporate environments.

We investigate the root causes of masking, primarily driven by fear of being perceived as less reliable, less worthy, or a burden to colleagues. Through relatable analogies and listener stories, we discuss how the pressure to perform seamless efficiency disadvantages those with executive dysfunction, ADHD, autism, or chronic conditions. The narrative highlights the difference between vulnerability and perfectionism, explaining how hiding our struggles builds walls rather than bridges in professional relationships. We also address the physiological impacts of chronic tension, such as headaches, jaw clenching, and sleep disturbances, framing these not as personal failures but as natural responses to an environment that demands concealment. This segment offers concrete insights into how societal metrics of worth often ignore the unique strengths brought by disabled individuals, such as hyper-focus, pattern recognition, and deep empathy.

Moving beyond diagnosis, this episode offers actionable steps for gradual acceptance and self-advocacy without requiring immediate, high-risk disclosures. We encourage small acts of rebellion, such as wearing compression socks under desks, using noise-canceling headphones, or taking brief stretches, to reclaim bodily autonomy and comfort. These micro-adjustments are presented as powerful declarations of self-worth that can also create ripple effects, giving permission for others to be imperfect. We emphasize that healing is non-linear and that progress involves circling back to lessons with greater self-trust. The discussion concludes with guidance on identifying allies in the workplace and, crucially, becoming an ally to oneself by honoring limits without guilt. This resource is designed to help listeners shift from internalizing exhaustion to recognizing it as an environmental issue, fostering a sense of belonging and peace.

If this episode resonates with your journey toward resilience and authentic living, please consider supporting the show through the link below. Your support helps us continue creating safe spaces for reflection and growth. Remember, you do not owe anyone your discomfort or your explanation; your disability is a fact of existence, not a negotiation tactic. Take a deep breath, acknowledge your efforts, and know that you are enough exactly as you are. Join us next time as we continue to grow through it, one breath at a time.

More from Growing Through It: https://humanitymedia.org/growing-through-it

Topics: disability masking at work, invisible disability exhaustion, neurodivergent workplace struggles, chronic illness burnout, mental health resilience, autism and adhd at work, workplace accommodations, imposter syndrome disability, sensory overload management, self advocacy tips, emotional labor hidden disability, professional worth vs authenticity, healing from burnout, inclusive workplace culture

#disabilityawareness #neurodiversity #mentalhealthmatters #worklifebalance #chronicillnesswarrior #adhdcommunity #autisticadults #selfcompassion #burnoutrecovery #authenticliving #resiliencebuilding #inclusiveleadership

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/growing-through-it/2026-09-08.txt

This episode of Growing Through It explores the often-overlooked grief of mourning your childhood imaginary friend, a profound emotional transition that marks the end of early innocence and the beginning of self-reliance. Host Sharon Johnson invites listeners to validate this specific type of loss, arguing that these invisible companions were not merely products of loneliness or creativity, but vital witnesses to our inner worlds who provided unconditional acceptance when real human connection felt scarce or unavailable. For anyone who has felt a lingering sense of emptiness or shame regarding their past imaginative play, this conversation offers a compassionate framework for understanding why letting go feels so painful and how that pain is actually a sign of deep psychological growth.

We delve into the societal stigma surrounding imaginary friends, challenging the narrative that they are just 'pretend' or signs of brokenness. Instead, we examine how these figures served as mirrors for our own potential, holding qualities like bravery and kindness that we had yet to embody. The disappearance of an imaginary friend represents the first major lesson in facing ourselves alone, forcing us to internalize those comforting traits. This segment provides concrete insights into how unacknowledged childhood grief can manifest in adulthood, such as fear of solitude, struggles with intuition, or chasing perfection in relationships to recreate that feeling of being perfectly understood. By naming this shadow, listeners can begin to untangle modern anxieties from ancient developmental milestones.

The episode concludes with actionable steps for healing and integration, encouraging listeners to honor their past selves rather than summoning the ghost back. Sharon shares her personal practice of writing letters to thank these former companions, a ritual that helps reclaim the patience and loyalty they represented. This process transforms the void left behind into a space for authentic self-compassion, allowing individuals to connect with others from a place of wholeness rather than lack. Whether you are navigating personal change, dealing with mental health challenges related to attachment, or simply seeking closure on a hidden chapter of your life, this episode offers a gentle guide to becoming the friend you once needed.

If this resonated with you, please consider supporting the show through the link below to help keep these conversations free and accessible. Your support allows us to continue creating content that prioritizes mental health awareness and resilience. Thank you for sitting with me today, for honoring these invisible losses, and for remembering that healing includes saying goodbye to the things we never got to properly mourn. Keep breathing, and be gentle with yourself.

More from Growing Through It: https://humanitymedia.org/growing-through-it

Topics: mourning imaginary friend, childhood grief, inner child work, mental health podcast, self-reliance, emotional healing, resilience building, personal growth journey, shame around imagination, adulting trauma, self compassion practices, psychological development

#imaginaryfriend #childhoodgrief #innerchild #mentalhealthmatters #healingjourney #selflove #growthmindset #resilience #podcastcommunity #emotionalwellbeing #lettinggo #selfcompassion

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/growing-through-it/2026-09-07.txt

In this episode of Growing Through It, host Sharon Johnson explores the profound and often unspoken emotional landscape of living alone in a new country. This is not just about physical loneliness or missing home; it is about the existential weight of becoming a 'ghost' in your own life, where you lack the social mirrors that define identity back home. If you are an expat, immigrant, digital nomad, or anyone navigating cultural displacement, this episode validates the deep exhaustion of constant translation—both linguistic and emotional—and offers a compassionate space to sit with the grief of losing your former self. We discuss how the isolation of foreign lands can feel like being held underwater, stripping away the context that once anchored your joy and sorrow, leaving you feeling fragmented and unseen.

Sharon delves into the difference between the curated adventure of moving abroad and the messy reality of building belonging from scratch. She challenges the myth of instant integration, explaining that true connection is a slow, tender process of showing up repeatedly until the world recognizes your rhythm. The episode highlights the importance of small, consistent rituals—like buying flowers every Tuesday or cooking a familiar dish—as vital anchors for sanity in unpredictable environments. These tiny acts create predictability for the nervous system, helping to combat the shame and fear of being judged by strangers who are often too preoccupied with their own struggles to notice you. By reframing these lonely nights as data collection rather than failure, we learn that resilience is built through honesty about difficulty, not forced positivity.

Furthermore, we address the unique vulnerability of having no privacy in a new place, where every mistake feels magnified. However, Sharon reminds listeners that most people are focused on their own survival, making space for genuine connection when we dare to be vulnerable. The episode encourages listeners to claim their worth independent of visibility, planting seeds of kindness and curiosity even in rocky soil. Whether you are struggling with language barriers, imposter syndrome, or the quiet ache of solitude, this conversation provides gentle guidance on how to cultivate self-love and patience. It is a reminder that while the winter of exile is cold, it is necessary for the spring of integration.

Join us for this reflective journey through the quiet weight of living alone abroad. If this episode resonates with you, please consider supporting the show via the link in the description to help us continue providing free mental health resources and community support. Your subscription helps keep these conversations alive and accessible for those who need them most.

More from Growing Through It: https://humanitymedia.org/growing-through-it

Topics: living alone abroad, expat mental health, immigrant loneliness, cultural adjustment, growing pains of moving, existential isolation, building belonging, self care for expats, navigating new countries, emotional resilience, finding home in a new place, loneliness in foreign cities, mental health for travelers

#expatlife #mentalhealthmatters #movingabroad #solitude #resilience #personalgrowth #immigrantexperience #selfcompassion #healingjourney #newbeginnings #communitysupport #mindfulness

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/growing-through-it/2026-09-05.txt