Having a big ol’ snotty cry isn’t a sign that there’s something wrong with us or that we’re somehow broken. It’s actually a radical act of self-love. Meltdowns are just the less fun, less shiny, vastly more unpleasant side of self-love, the side that most of us would prefer to avoid. Turns out, though, that genuinely loving ourselves means fully embracing all of who we are – even the messy bits.

In this delightful conversation with personal coach (and dear friend) Dawn Church, we talk about how to really step things up and show up for ourselves by practicing self-awareness, self-care, and self-love. Not just the bubble baths and flowers parts of self-love, but the overwhelmed, crying in a corner parts, too.

Dawn offers us all the reminder that we are always already whole, and living our best life means embracing our wholeness (boogers, insecurities, and all).

Note: I’m not going to post a transcript this time – mostly because in the learning process of editing, I had a bit of a fiasco this time. And the AI transcription options aren’t being especially cooperative today.

Resources, References, and Links:

Dawn’s website: Tempered

Follow Dawn on Instagram: @Tempered.life

Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers.” Cyrus performed this smash hit at the 2024 Grammy awards, and I definitely have had the song on repeat lately.

Taking yourself on a date. My post about taking self-love seriously: “Take Yourself on a F*cking Date”

Edwardian Farm. This BBC miniseries follows two archeologists and a domestic historian as they spend a year on a farm in Britain, recreating the working and living conditions of Edwardian farmers. It’s charming!

Lisa Frank. Iconic school supply designer of the 1980s whose work features cute animals and vivid colors. Definitely responsible for aspects of my current identity and aesthetic.

Parts Work. We talk a lot in this episode about the “parts of us” that have different needs. There are a number of therapeutic approaches that use parts work as a tool for healing. “What Is Parts Work”

Pie metaphors. This isn’t the first time I’ve gone down this road, lol. And I can’t resist sharing my favorite extended pie metaphor from the blog. “WTF Does It Mean to ‘Get Over’ Someone?”

Trauma. The most accessible book I’ve read about trauma (and one I would recommend to anyone) is What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry.

Red Pandas. Seriously the best. “Adorable Red Panda Facts You Didn’t Know”