Clarity Chat: Forgive Yourself First (S3E8)

Clarity Chat: Forgive Yourself First (S3E8)

Nov 17, 2025 | Podcast: Simple Shifts Forward

Simple Shifts Forward Podcast

Episode 08: The Closet and the Critic (S3E2)

Clarity Chat: Forgive Yourself First. We forgive others all the time, but forgiving ourselves is often hardest. Dana shares a five-minute journaling practice — plus a modern metaphor about clearing your browser history — to help you release guilt and feel lighter.

You’ll learn:
• Why self-forgiveness matters more than perfection.
• How a simple writing practice can quiet the critic.
• What it means to refresh your mindset instead of carrying old mistakes.

“We forgive others all the time, but when it comes to forgiving ourselves? That’s the hardest part.”

Full Transcript

Hi, I’m Dana. Let’s spend a few minutes together today, looking at a simple practice that makes moving forward feel lighter.

When things don’t go right, our inner voice is quick to pile on:

  • “You should’ve done better.”
  • “Why can’t you figure this out?”
  • “Really? Again?”

That self-talk can weigh more than the mistake itself.

Here’s a practice I use: set a timer for five minutes.

Write this sentence again and again:
“I forgive myself for judging myself for…” and then fill in the answer.Examples:

  • “I forgive myself for judging myself for being tired.”
  • “…for snapping at my partner.”
  • “…for leaving the laundry unfolded.”

At first, it feels awkward. But then the critic quiets. The shoulders drop. You breathe easier.
It’s like clearing your browser history. All the old tabs and mistakes running in the background — slowing you down. Forgiveness is refresh. Not erasing, but releasing.

Reflection Prompt: If you were to try this, what’s the very first sentence you’d write?

Forgiveness isn’t excusing. It’s releasing. It’s choosing to stop carrying so much weight.

In closing:

So today, let yourself off the hook. Try the five-minute forgiveness refresh. It won’t make you perfect — but it will make you lighter.
Thanks for sharing this practice with me. I’ll see you in the next talk.

Thanks for spending this moment with me — I’ll see you in the next talk.

💭 Reflection Prompt:

“I forgive myself for judging myself for…”

What’s the very first sentence you’d write?

Sometimes we need to bypass our “thinking brain” with a quick gut instinct. Remember this! Forgiveness isn’t excusing. It’s releasing. It’s choosing to stop carrying so much weight

Your Next Steps

Let’s navigate “what’s next”:

• A new business or career path
• A reinvention after retirement
• A shift in identity, energy, or priorities
Work With Me

Listen to more episodes

• Season 3: Simple Shifts Forward
• Season 2: Master Essential Oils
• Season 1: Organize DIY
More Episodes

Clarity Chat: Forgive Yourself First (S3E8)

Clarity Chat: Stop Letting Should Weigh You Down (S3E7)

Oct 17, 2025 | Podcast: Simple Shifts Forward

Simple Shifts Forward Podcast

Episode 07: Stop Letting Should Weigh You Down (S3E7)

Clarity Chat: Stop Letting Should Weigh You Down. “Should” sounds small, but over time it can weigh us down like a backpack of bricks. Dana shares how many of our “shoulds” come from family folklore, cultural expectations, or old hand-me-down rules. Learn how to drop the “shoulds” that aren’t yours and replace them with the lighter power of “could.”

You’ll learn:
• Why “should” feels heavy and restrictive.
• Three questions to ask when a “should” shows up
• How swapping “should” for “could” creates freedom and choice

    “Someone, somewhere decided these beliefs were truth — and they became part of our stories.”

    Full Transcript

    Hi, I’m Dana. Let’s talk about the weight of “shoulds” — how they sneak into our lives, and how to replace them with something lighter.

    Family Folklore: Many “shoulds” aren’t even ours. They’re hand-me-down rules and family folklore.

    In my family and from the words of friends, I’ve heard things like:

    “Your aunt always used cloth napkins, so that’s what we do.”
    “Our family’s never been good with money, so don’t expect to be.”
    “We don’t do things that way.”

    Someone, somewhere decided these were truths — and they became part of our stories.

    Why Should is Heavy: Each “should” becomes a brick in your backpack. You end up carrying family rules, cultural norms, and even social media expectations. The problem? You never chose to pack those bricks — but you’re still lugging them around.

    Next time you hear a “should,” ask yourself:

    • Whose voice is this, really?
    • Do I believe it, or did I inherit it?
    • Is this helping me, or just weighing me down?
    • If it’s not your “should,” you don’t have to carry it. You can say, “That may have been their truth, but it doesn’t have to be mine.”

    The Swap: “Should” feels like obligation. “Could” feels like choice. So let’s talk about a way to swap should for could.

    Here’s some examples:

    • “I should make a home-cooked meal” → “I could order pizza and enjoy time together.”
    • “I should be more ambitious” → “I could define ambition in a way that fits me.

    Could” gives you power back.

    Here’s my question for today… What’s one “should” you’ve been carrying? What would happen if you swapped it for “could”?

    In closing:

    So today, drop one “should.” Replace it with “could.” Notice the lightness in that one simple shift.

    Thanks for sharing this space with me — we’ll meet again soon.

    💭 Reflection Prompt:

    Try this today, drop one “should.” Replace it with “could.” Notice the lightness in that one simple shift.

    Your Next Steps

    Let’s navigate “what’s next”:

    • A new business or career path
    • A reinvention after retirement
    • A shift in identity, energy, or priorities
    Work With Me

    Listen to more episodes

    • Season 3: Simple Shifts Forward
    • Season 2: Master Essential Oils
    • Season 1: Organize DIY
    More Episodes

    Clarity Chat: Forgive Yourself First (S3E8)

    Clarity Chat: The Power of Pause (S3E6)

    Oct 16, 2025 | Podcast: Simple Shifts Forward

    Simple Shifts Forward Podcast

    Episode 06: The Power of Pause (S3E6)

    Clarity Chat: The Power of Pausing. Pausing isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. Dana shares a story about car shopping with her family (and why a sandwich break made all the difference!) to show how slowing down creates clarity, better decisions, and stronger relationships.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why pausing can lead to more aligned decisions
    • Simple ways to create tiny pauses in your day
    • How Human Design reframed Dana’s approach to decision making

    For more encouragement, grab Dana’s free Stuck to Started Reset Kit at www.dana-mitchell.com.

    “Pausing isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.”

    Full Transcript

    I once believed — and was told by a boss I respected — that quick decisions showed strength.

    “Be decisive. Don’t hesitate.” But living that way left me out of sorts. I wasn’t making better decisions — just faster, more stressed ones.

    Hi, I’m Dana. Let’s talk about why pausing might be the strongest move you can make.
    What I Know Now: is Pausing doesn’t make you weak. It gives your emotions space to settle and your clarity of a decision or situation a chance to focus.

    What a Pause Looks Like: Pauses can be tiny. You can use a pause in a way that works for you and no one else has to know about it.

    • Three deep breaths.
    • Silencing notifications.
    • A 10-minute break for a nap, prayer, or meditation.
    • Not giving an answer right away — even if it’s a question from someone I love.

    Human Design + Car Shopping Story: I have a story for you. I love personality tests! My background has been working in Human Resources for over 30 years so I’ve had many opportunities for self-exploration in the form of learning about what makes people tick and most of all, how I tick. 


    Over the last couple of years, I learned a lot about myself through something called Human Design. If you’ve never heard of it, there are lots of practitioners online.


    One major ah for me has been that I’m an “emotional authority.” It means clarity comes after waiting — not in the heat of the moment. That totally makes sense now, why the pressure to make quick decisions made me feel out of sorts, like I wasn’t listening to my own gut instinct.

    Recently, this really hit home while car shopping with my husband and daughter. The dealer pressured us with the whole “buy now or lose the deal.” I really detest this sales tactic because my family felt urgency, and I felt a whole lot of stress. I had even had a chat with my family about what we would do if this pressure tactic were to be applied.

    Well it started raining.

    It got a little chilly (I live in the South and usually we love a good breeze – but not today).

    So when the dealer started telling us that this vehicle would move fast and he was sure other people would be coming to test drive it any minute…I pushed right back.

    I said, “This momma needs a sandwich.”

    And looking at my daughter went on to say…”Right now.”

    You can image what my teenager said….” Uuuggghhh No aaahhh. What are you doing? Can’t you wait?”

    Well, in fact, No, I could not. I started laughing to myself because I knew…I needed a pause – in a really big way.

    So we left, ate a sandwich, talked calmly about the deal, and when we came back — guess what??

    Miracles of miracles…the car was still there. After our pause..our decision felt solid, and we did make a purchase with no regrets.

    Our question for today…Where could you insert a pause in your own day? Maybe its before hitting “send on an email or text,” during a tough conversation, or even when online shopping?

    Benefits of the Pause:

    • It’s a Reset for stress.
    • Helps us make better decisions.
    • Strengthen relationships by having calmer responses.
    • And protects your energy from overreaction.

    In closing:

    I encourage you to look for opportunities to pause. Try one pause sometime today… even a small one. You’ll see it’s not wasted time. It’s that reset that makes you stronger and more self-confident in your decision-making.

    Thanks for sharing this space with me — we’ll meet again soon.

    💭 Reflection Prompt:

    Where could you insert a pause in your own day? Maybe its before hitting “send on an email or text,” during a tough conversation, or even when online shopping?

    Your Next Steps

    Let’s navigate “what’s next”:

    • A new business or career path
    • A reinvention after retirement
    • A shift in identity, energy, or priorities
    Work With Me

    Listen to more episodes

    • Season 3: Simple Shifts Forward
    • Season 2: Master Essential Oils
    • Season 1: Organize DIY
    More Episodes

    Clarity Chat: Forgive Yourself First (S3E8)

    Clarity Chat: Easy Steps to Beat Procrastination (S3E4)

    Oct 16, 2025 | Podcast: Simple Shifts Forward

    Simple Shifts Forward Podcast

    Episode 04: Easy Steps to Beat Procrastination (S3E4)

    Easy Steps to Beat Procrastination. Motivation is like the weather — unpredictable. If you wait for it, you might wait forever. In this Clarity Chat, Dana shares a funny family story and explains why taking one tiny step is more powerful than waiting for the perfect moment.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why motivation isn’t the spark you think it is.
    • The “tiny step” principle that builds real momentum.
    • Every day, examples you can try right away.

    “You don’t need a giant burst of motivation — you just need one tiny step.”

    Full Transcript

    Hi, I’m Dana. Let’s talk about why progress comes from small steps, not waiting around for motivation.

     Let me tell you a story About My Dad: My dad was a master procrastinator. His favorite line was: “I’m getting ready to start thinking about doing it.”

    It always made me laugh — but it also bugged me. As a Type A kid, I couldn’t stand inaction. Ironically, he wasn’t bothered at all. I was the one bothered.

    So that leads me to the The Motivation Myth: We tell ourselves: “When I feel ready, I’ll start.”

    But motivation is like the weather — unpredictable. If you wait for it, you may never begin.

    So then what do we do? In comes the Power of Tiny Steps: Tiny steps bypass the motivation trap.

    Examples:

    o Putting on sneakers instead of running three miles.

    o Opening your laptop instead of finishing a report.

    o Washing one plate instead of scrubbing the whole kitchen.

    Once you begin, energy shows up. Momentum builds. Like pushing a swing — the hardest part is the first push.

    Bonus Takeaway: Most people wait to feel motivated before they act. But it works the other way around: action sparks motivation.

    Reflection Prompt: What’s one tiny step you could take today? Something so small it feels almost laughable — but once you do it, you’re in motion.

    Everyday Examples:
    o Write one sentence — not a chapter.
    o Send one text — not overhaul your social life.
    o Drink one glass of water — not change your whole diet.

    As we wrap up, I will circle back to my dad story from earlier… Looking back, I realize my dad’s procrastination taught me something valuable — I don’t want to wait for “someday.” I’d rather start small today than laugh later about what I never began

    In closing:

    So I hope you feel a bit inspired to take action today. don’t wait for motivation to strike. Just take one tiny step.  You’ll be surprised how far it carries you.

    Thanks for spending this moment with me — I’ll see you in the next talk.

    💭 Reflection Prompt:

    What’s one tiny step you could take today? Something so small it feels almost laughable — but once you do it, you’re in motion.

    Your Next Steps

    Let’s navigate “what’s next”:

    • A new business or career path
    • A reinvention after retirement
    • A shift in identity, energy, or priorities
    Work With Me

    Listen to more episodes

    • Season 3: Simple Shifts Forward
    • Season 2: Master Essential Oils
    • Season 1: Organize DIY
    More Episodes

    Clarity Chat: Forgive Yourself First (S3E8)

    Clarity Chat: Simple Steps to Happiness (S3E1)

    Oct 14, 2025 | Podcast: Simple Shifts Forward

    Simple Shifts Forward Podcast

    Episode 01: Simple Steps to Happiness (S3E1)

    Simple Steps to Happiness. One small step up your emotional ladder is enough. Happiness isn’t about fake smiles or chasing a perfect life. It’s about small, real shifts that feel possible today. In this short pep talk, Dana shares her “ladder” metaphor to explain how to move just one step at a time up the emotional scale — from heavy feelings toward lighter ones.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why happiness isn’t a destination but a series of gentle shifts.
    • How to notice the small things that bring a little lift.
    • A few everyday examples you can try to move one rung higher on your emotional ladder.

    “Happiness isn’t about fake smiles — it’s about the small, quiet shifts that actually feel possible.”

    Full Transcript

    Thanks for joining me for a few minutes today. Here, we keep things simple — no jargon, no pressure. Just little shifts to make life feel a bit lighter and calmer.

    We’ve been told happiness is a place we “arrive at.” The good job. The perfect home. The dream relationship. But if you’ve ever checked off those boxes and still felt flat… you know it’s not that simple.

    Real happiness is often smaller. Quieter.

    • It’s breathing a little easier after a long day.
    • It’s laughing at something silly.
    • It’s the calm of knowing you’re moving in a good direction, even if it’s only one step.

    Think of happiness like a dimmer switch — you don’t flip it on and off. You nudge it brighter, one notch at a time.

    Here’s a picture that helps: imagine a ladder. At the bottom are the heavy feelings — overwhelm, numbness, hopelessness. At the top: joy, peace, freedom.

    Most of us want to jump from the bottom straight to the top. But that’s like trying to pole-vault up a ladder. Impossible.

    What if you just climbed one rung today? From “meh” to “maybe.” From “I can’t” to “maybe I could.”

    I remember one day where I was firmly on the bottom rung. Exhausted, drained. Then I turned on a song I loved from high school. Within minutes, I felt lighter. Not joyful, but less heavy. And that was enough.

    Reflection Prompt: Where are you standing on your ladder today? And what would just one rung higher feel like?

    To move up:

    • Play a song you love.
    • Step outside and notice the sky.
    • Say something kind to yourself.
    • Move for one minute.

    Tiny things count. They’re how the dial gets brighter. 

    In closing:

    So today, let yourself off the hook. Don’t try to leap into joy. Just shift one step closer. That’s happiness too.

    Thanks for sharing this moment with me — I’ll meet you again soon with another small but powerful shift.

    💭 Reflection Prompt:

    Where are you standing on your ladder today? And what would just one rung higher feel like?

    Your Next Steps

    Let’s navigate “what’s next”:

    • A new business or career path
    • A reinvention after retirement
    • A shift in identity, energy, or priorities
    Work With Me

    Listen to more episodes

    • Season 3: Simple Shifts Forward
    • Season 2: Master Essential Oils
    • Season 1: Organize DIY
    More Episodes

    Clarity Chat: Forgive Yourself First (S3E8)

    Clarity Chat: The Closet and the Critic (S3E2)

    Oct 13, 2025 | Podcast: Simple Shifts Forward

    Simple Shifts Forward Podcast

    Episode 02: The Closet and the Critic (S3E2)

    Sometimes the loudest voice isn’t in your closet — it’s in your head. Dana shares how her own closet turned into a mirror of old expectations and self-criticism. Whether your “closet” is clothes, emails, or a messy inbox, you’ll learn how to quiet the critic and take one small step forward.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why clutter often stirs up self-judgement
    • Three small option for shifting your space (and your mood)
    • How to reframe your “shoulds” into kinder choices

     Want more clarity tools? Download the free Stuck to Started Reset Kit at www.dana-mitchell.com. For more short, story-based talks, follow Dana on Insight Timer. https://insighttimer.com/danamitchell 

    “Sometimes the loudest voice in the room is the one in your head — even when all you did was open a closet.”

    Full Transcript

    Hi, I’m Dana. Thanks for spend a few minutes with me. I have put together some short chats where I share small, real-life shifts that help us feel a little clearer and calmer and maybe even make life easier.

    The other day, I opened my closet. And before I even touched a hanger, the critic in my head chimed in.
    “Why are you keeping this stuff?”
    “Why haven’t you let go of those jeans they don’t fit anyway?”
    “What happened to being organized.”

    It wasn’t just clothes staring back at me — it was old versions of me. Outfits I loved once, things I thought I’d wear someday, expectations of who I “should” be by now.

    That’s when I gave myself three options:

    • • Donate a few things — nothing dramatic.
    • • Move one or two good pieces front and center so I’d actually wear them.
    • • Or just notice what was there and walk away.

    And you know what? Even the smallest step quieted the critic. Those were actions that I could take to change the state of mind I was in.

    Maybe your “closet” isn’t clothes. Maybe it’s a junk drawer. An inbox with 5,000 unread emails. A calendar that feels overstuffed. We all have spaces that whisper shame at us.

    In closing:

    So next time the critic pipes up, remind yourself: you don’t have to do everything. Just one gentle choice. That’s progress too.

    Thanks for spending this moment with me — I’ll see you in the next talk.

    💭 Reflection Prompt:

    Where is your “closet”? Where do you hear that critic loudest?

    Remember: moving forward doesn’t always mean a full overhaul. Sometimes it’s one shelf, one drawer, one moment of noticing.

    Your Next Steps

    Let’s navigate “what’s next”:

    • A new business or career path
    • A reinvention after retirement
    • A shift in identity, energy, or priorities
    Work With Me

    Listen to more episodes

    • Season 3: Simple Shifts Forward
    • Season 2: Master Essential Oils
    • Season 1: Organize DIY
    More Episodes

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