Why do we sabotage the things we want most?

On this episode of Seen, I sit down with Lauren McQuistin, former Yale opera singer and author of How to Build a Life That You Don't Want to Escape From. Lauren has been sober for over eight years. She opens up about drinking before the auditions that mattered most, why she ruined her own chances on purpose, and what recovery really looks like.In this episode, you'll learn:- Why we sabotage our own success- Why stopping a behaviour is not the same as recovering from it- How to challenge shame, starting very small- Why there is no such thing as healedThank you Lauren for being so open.Chapters:Building A Life You Want To Escape (00:00)Hiding Behind Success (02:12)Drinking At 13 (06:56)Getting Sober At 25 (08:54)Being Ready To Accept Help (10:36)Self-Sabotage At Yale (13:51)Fear Of Failure And Success (16:32)How To Challenge Shame (20:37)Why We All Want To Escape (25:50)Loneliness And Screens (30:36)There Is No Healed (34:22) Stop Judging Your Past Self (40:53)If You Feel Beyond Saving (43:41)When Lauren Felt Seen (45:37)This episode talks openly about addiction, self-harm and eating disorders. If any of this is close to home, please speak to your GP or a support service such as Mind or Beat.Connect with Pandora Morris💌 Substack: Subscribe to Pandora's newsletter for honest reflections and thoughtful conversations about mental health, wellbeing, and life.https://substack.com/@seenwithpandora🌐 Website: Discover more about Pandora, explore past episodes, and find resources to support your wellbeing.https://www.seenwithpandoramorris.com/📸 Instagram: Follow Pandora for meaningful conversations, personal insights, and updates from Seen.https://www.instagram.com/seenwithpandora/🎧 Spotify: Follow Seen on Spotify and never miss a new episode.https://open.spotify.com/show/1Ku2D90pNwBLM17HvLxlB1?si=fbcad6ff3bb24bfa🍎 Apple Podcasts: Listen and subscribe to Seen on Apple Podcasts for more honest, thought-provoking conversations.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/seen-with-pandora-morris/id1649515453💛 Recommended Resources: Explore Pandora's collection of mental health and wellbeing resources for additional guidance and support.https://www.seenwithpandoramorris.com/resourcesABOUT SEENHosted by Pandora Morris, Seen is a podcast featuring bold, brave, and honest conversations about mental health, wellbeing, relationships, and the experiences that shape our lives. Through personal stories and expert insights, Seen creates space for understanding, connection, and healing.