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I have always struggled with indecision. In this episode, I explore the connection between indecision and what may be one of my greatest strengths, possibly even a superpower.

Trigger warning: mention of controversial topics such as abortion and death penalty.

In case it’s helpful to anyone, below is the AI description (unedited) for this episode:

Choosing a restaurant should not feel like defusing a bomb, and yet for some of us, it does. When someone says “you decide” or “surprise me,” my brain instantly spins up a whole universe of possible preferences, diets, disappointments, and unintended harm. That loop is what I’m unpacking here, starting with the everyday stuff and widening out to the bigger pattern underneath it: empathy that runs so deep it can stall me out.

I reflect on the kind of indecisiveness that comes from seeing multiple sides clearly, especially when a choice affects a group. I talk about my tendency toward hyperextended or dysfunctional empathy, where I can feel the impact of a decision even more intensely than the person I’m trying to care for. There’s also a line a friend once gave me that still hits hard: not making a decision is also causing harm. That idea does not magically fix decision paralysis, but it changes the stakes and helps me move.

Then I land on the reframe I did not expect: this may be my superpower. Being “wishy-washy” can look like weakness, but it can also be the reason I’m often the one who bridges gaps, translates between opposing sides, and helps people find a workable middle. I share why pairing with decisive people matters, why I’m drawn to counseling and conflict resolution, and how faith and prayer can add clarity when my mind won’t settle.

If you wrestle with overthinking, people pleasing, decision fatigue, or empathy overload, listen along and see what resonates. Subscribe, share with a friend who always says “you pick,” and leave a review with the question you want me to explore next.

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In this episode, I explore the journey to self-love and acceptance starting with feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness fueled by self-criticism.

Trigger warning: mention of suicidal ideation and death penalty

In case it’s helpful to anyone, below is the AI description (unedited) for this episode:

That self-critical voice can feel like it is telling the truth, especially when it drags up old mistakes and plays them on a loop. I open up about what it is like to live with that “saboteur” in my head, the part of me that keeps insisting I am not good enough, not worthy of love, and one wrong move away from being rejected.

I connect the dots between shame, perfectionism, and the way expectations quietly turn into resentment, including resentment toward ourselves. When I expect flawless behavior, perfect memory, perfect responses, and then fail at being perfect, my mind tries to use that gap as evidence that I am “inadequate.” I share a moment that still haunts me, plus a real-time shame spiral in the kitchen that my wife helps me see clearly. The shift starts when I recognize the cycle and stop giving the inner critic the microphone.

From there, the conversation turns practical and hopeful: building a self-love voice, setting boundaries with toxic self-talk, and learning to say, “I don’t trust your judgment of me.” We also explore the “weed in the garden” metaphor and the reframe that helps me reclaim self-respect. If you care about mental health, self-compassion, healing from shame, and building self-worth without pretending you never struggle, this one is for you.

If any part of this hits home, share the episode with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review so more people can find it. What’s one phrase your inner critic repeats that you are ready to stop feeding?

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If you and I meet in the store, I’m likely to warn you with a semi-joking comment Iike “I’m an odd duck” or “I’m an acquired taste.” I’ve spent my entire life trying desperately to “fit in” while almost always feeling “left out.” As much as this has haunted me most of my life, today I can embrace the uniqueness that is me with a warm hug and a bright smile.

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This episode is Part 2 of Episode 57 (Procrastination: how many kicks does it take?). In this share, I explore the challenges of inertia, being stuck unable to get something done, and some ways that I find the motivation to break free of a “resting state” to move into momentum.

Shoutouts to my friends Natalie and Dr. Gauri at:

• MOTIVATION N'AT — Hot Mess to High Potential®
• Get a Grip with Dr. Gauri Behari

May you find something here that is through me, not from me.

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This episode 2 1/ 2 years since my last recording. This long delay got me reflecting on procrastination and how it has been such a major theme in my life, despite all my denial about it!

In this episode, I reflect on the crushing walls of self-doubt and perfectionism that keep me frozen in fear. I am very fortunate to be experiencing the joy of breaking free from procrastination’s tight grip.

Trigger warning: my story contains mental health struggles

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Stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, I was faced with a choice that could either escalate my stress or redefine the moment into an unexpected life lesson. It’s experiences like these that I unpack in our latest episode, where we navigate the emotional terrain of our personal narratives and discover the transformative power of reframing our internal dialogues. From the tension of work deadlines to the complexities of teamwork, join me as I share intimate stories that illustrate how the tales we tell ourselves can either imprison us in anxiety or liberate us with a sense of calm and purpose.

Embarking on a quest for clarity, we dissect the nuances between objective truth and personal perception, pondering how empathy and humility enrich our worldview. I recount a workplace blunder that could have spelled disaster but instead became a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the synergy of collaboration. Later, we shift focus to the mirrors of self-reflection and gratitude, where spiritual connections and the candor of a trusted friend offer unvarnished truths that guide us toward personal growth. Prepare to be inspired and perhaps even find solace as we explore these heartfelt themes together.

NOTE: as an experiment, I am using the AI-produced description (paragraphs above). Definitely NOT something I would write: just curious what would happen if I use it…

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Have you ever stood on the brink of a new endeavor feeling both invigorated and terrified? That's where I find myself as I return from my hiatus, inviting you to join me on a journey of authenticity and new beginnings. Today, we strip away the glossy facades to embrace the raw and real challenges of life's transitions. As we share this space, I'll talk about my aspirations of transforming our heartfelt conversations into a livelihood, and together, we'll contemplate how to keep the essence of our exchange intact.

Sometimes, the idea of monetizing a passion can seem like a betrayal of authenticity, but what if it could fuel dreams like starting an orphanage or a school? In this episode, I ponder the delicate balance between nurturing our community and exploring avenues to support my family's dreams. We'll also consider how to sprinkle structure into our discussions without compromising their core, and I muse over the prospect of expanding our connection through a video podcast. Additionally, I'll reveal the strategic, timeline-driven approach that may just rescue us from the graveyard of forgotten New Year's resolutions.

Confronting fear is a part of every journey, including my own through 54 episodes and the management of attention deficits. This episode reflects on the importance of routines and how they've supported my consistency, punctuated by thoughtful pauses to reassess our direction. Lastly, we wrap things up with a reminder of the power of empathy and compassion in our shared human experiences. It's not just about understanding ourselves but also recognizing that everyone is fighting their own battles with bravery. Join me as we navigate these waters, and if my musings resonate, I hope you'll feel inspired to share this episode with someone who might find a kindred spirit in our conversations.

NOTE: as an experiment, I am using the AI-produced description (paragraphs above). Definitely NOT something I would write: just curious what would happen if I use it…

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Have you ever found yourself enveloped in the seemingly mundane, like a traffic jam, only to discover a hidden gem of beauty and calm within the chaos? I've had such an epiphany, and it's a tale I'm eager to share with you, one that dives into the surprisingly transformative power of gratitude. This episode of "My Humanity is Showing" is a heartfelt recounting of personal stories where gratitude became my North Star, guiding me through life's tumultuous seas to a place of serenity and connection.

As a podcaster, I walk the tightrope of sharing my narrative without turning the microphone into a pulpit. I'm not here to preach; rather, I'm opening the curtain to the struggles I face behind the scenes, from the vacuum of feedback to the fear of my words becoming mere echoes in a void. My aim? To resonate with you through raw, unfiltered reflections on human connection, mental health, and the potent combo of both during times when darkness seems to stretch its fingers a bit too far, like the holiday season.

This conversation is not just about the beauty of gratitude but the critical role it plays in our approach to life's runways—the angle of gratitude, if you will. By sharing my transition from the brink of despair to a place teeming with thankfulness, I invite you to consider opening your own windows, letting the light and air of connection disperse the shadows that might lurk within. No matter where your journey may take you, there's a seat for you here, where we find courage in our shared humanity and turn our collective gaze towards the horizon of hope.

NOTE: as an experiment, I am using the AI-produced description (paragraphs above). Definitely NOT something I would write: just curious what would happen if I use it…