In this episode of the Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast, hosts Kris and Rachel delve into the emotional complexities of dog ownership. They share personal stories about their experiences with pets, discussing the joys and challenges that come with having dogs in their lives. The conversation highlights the responsibilities of pet ownership, the impact on family dynamics, and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies caring for furry friends. Through their anecdotes, they explore themes of gratitude, commitment, and the realities of integrating pets into family life. In this conversation, the speakers explore the complexities and responsibilities of dog ownership, discussing the emotional challenges, the commitment required, and the unexpected burdens that come with adding pets to one's life. They reflect on the importance of evaluating life changes, understanding the lifelong commitment of pets and aging parents, and finding balance in the season of life. The discussion emphasizes gratitude for the experiences while acknowledging the challenges that come with them.

Takeaways

• Owning a dog can be an emotional rollercoaster.
• The experience of having a dog has changed over the years.
• Having a dog requires a significant commitment and responsibility.
• Children often see pets as companions, while adults see the responsibilities.
• It's important to consider the needs of the pet when making decisions.
• Adopting a dog can bring unexpected challenges and joys.
• The dynamics of family life can change with the addition of a pet.
• Pets can provide companionship but also require care and attention.
• It's essential to be realistic about the time and energy pets require.
• Gratitude for the joy pets bring can coexist with the challenges they present. Dog ownership brings both joy and significant responsibilities.
• It's essential to evaluate what you're willing to change in your life.
• The myth that children will take care of pets is often untrue.
• Emotional complexity can coexist with gratitude in pet ownership.
• Adding a pet can exponentially increase your responsibilities as well as your joy
• Life changes require realistic assessments of time and energy.
• The commitment to pets is lifelong and can become heavier over time.
• Understanding the season of life helps in managing expectations.
• You can choose how to balance responsibilities and enjoy life.
• Gratitude for the present moment is crucial, even amidst challenges.

Keywords

dog ownership, emotional challenges, pet care, family dynamics, responsibilities, pet stories, dog training, pet adoption, life lessons, gratitude, dog ownership, responsibilities, emotional complexity, commitment, life changes, family, aging parents, balance, gratitude, pet car

"I call them my dopamine dogs."

"One plus one is not 2 with 2 dogs, it's more like 85."

"It's a whole labor of love..."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Dog Dilemma

02:58 Reflecting on Past Dog Experiences

05:56 The Decision to Get a Dog

08:50 Unexpected Christmas Surprise: A New Dog

11:56 Adjusting to Life with a New Dog

14:53 The Challenges of Dog Ownership

17:56 The Reality of Adding a Dog to Family Life

20:47 The Broader Implications of Pet Ownership

26:36 The Dog Experiment: A Personal Reflection

29:35 Navigating Responsibilities of Pet Ownership

31:23 Making Tough Decisions for Pet Well-being

33:54 The Emotional Complexity of Pet Ownership

37:39 Finding Balance in Pet Care

40:28 The Reality of Pet Ownership Responsibilities

43:45 Embracing Change and Responsibility

48:52 Embracing Life's Challenges

52:52 The Complexity of Adding Responsibilities

56:46 Understanding the Seasons of Life

01:00:34 Making Conscious Choices in Life

Join us for the Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast: Dog edition

Join us for the whole discussion this week on the Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast! New episodes every Tueday covering everything from relationships to stress to your furry friends!

Stress is a constant part of modern life—but it doesn’t have to control you. In this episode of Grateful Not Greedy™, Kris and Rachel explore how stress shows up in everyday life, from work and personal responsibilities to environmental and societal pressures.

They break down why recognizing stress is the first step toward effective stress management and share practical ways to create space for rest, recovery, and self-care. The conversation challenges hustle culture, highlights the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and reminds listeners that burnout isn’t a badge of honor.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in survival mode, this episode offers a compassionate perspective on managing stress, protecting your mental health, and finding better work-life balance—without guilt.

💛 Enjoying the conversation? Follow Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast on Spotify or Apple podcasts and tap Save to come back to this episode whenever you need a reset. Sharing the episode helps more people find support and balance, too.

Topics covered:
• Stress management and coping strategies
• Mental health and emotional well-being
• Self-care, rest, and recovery
• Burnout and work-life balance
• Setting boundaries and reframing stress

Sound Bites

"I'm just gonna call it my stress list."

"I can't save India."

"Stress creates stress."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Stress in Everyday Life

05:33 Understanding the Weight of Responsibilities

10:18 The Impact of Environment on Stress

20:25 Finding Balance: Stress Management Strategies

30:04 The Importance of Recovery and Rest

40:17 Reframing Stress: A New Perspective

50:50 Creating Boundaries with Stress

01:00:52 Embracing Self-Care and Fun

Keywords

stress management, self-care, mental health, recovery, work-life balance, emotional well-being, mindfulness, personal growth, stress relief, coping strategies

Grateful Not Greedy™ Podcast is the go-to podcast for anyone ready to deepen their relationship with themselves and others through gratitude, self-love, and emotional growth. Hosted by Kris and Rachel, this podcast explores how the little perspective shifts we can take can have massive impact in being grateful and not greedy in any of our life situations.

In this powerful episode, Kris and Rachel unpack the many layers of love: how it's shaped by our upbringing, reflected in our relationships, and strengthened through intentional self-respect. From setting healthy boundaries to learning your love language and dating yourself, this conversation reminds listeners that self-love isn’t selfish—it’s foundational.

Through honest dialogue, affirmations, and real-life insights, the hosts emphasize that what we give to ourselves is what we give to the world. They explore emotional health, personal growth, and the courage it takes to prioritize yourself while staying connected to your community. This episode is an invitation to invest in your own love story, embrace change, and grow with gratitude instead of greed.

Whether you’re navigating relationships, rediscovering who you are, or learning how to show up for yourself with more compassion, Grateful Not Greedy™ offers the tools, perspective, and community support to help you thrive.

Because the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself. 💛

Keywords

self-love, relationships, personal growth, boundaries, self-discovery, love language, emotional health, self-respect, dating yourself, community support

Takeaways

Love is defined by our experiences and upbringing.

Self-love is crucial for healthy relationships.

What we put out into the world is what we receive back.

Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect.

Investing time in oneself is a form of self-love.

Celebrating oneself can take many forms.

Self-reflection helps in understanding personal growth.

The journey of self-love is ongoing and evolving.

Community support enhances our self-love journey.

Embracing change is part of the growth process.

"You can be your own best friend."

"You can create a lot of love for yourself."

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Concept of Love

02:59 Defining Love Through Personal Experiences

06:01 Self-Love and Its Reflection in Relationships

08:53 The Balance of Giving and Receiving Love

11:51 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Love

14:56 The Impact of Upbringing on Love Perception

17:49 Affirmations and the Challenge of Self-Love

19:54 Embracing Self-Love

22:18 The Importance of Prioritizing Yourself

25:35 The Journey of Self-Discovery

28:53 Creating a Love Story with Yourself

32:49 Celebrating Yourself

37:33 The Growth Through Uncomfortability

42:07 Setting Boundaries for Self-Care

43:34 The Journey of Self-Love

46:35 Aligning Words and Actions

49:20 Embracing Personal Growth

52:48 Investing in Yourself

56:46 The Evolution of Self-Love

In this episode of the Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast, hosts Kris and Rachel explore the often-overlooked role of play in adulthood. They reflect on how societal expectations gradually discourage play, framing it as unproductive or childish, and how this loss impacts creativity, joy, and connection.

Rachel shares her personal journey of rediscovering play through guilt-free, unstructured fun, while Kris reflects on childhood curiosity and the pressures that teach us to outgrow it. Together, they discuss how play—whether spontaneous adventures, creative expression, or simple silliness—can serve as a powerful form of self-love and a gateway to deeper relationships.

The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their inner child, find “play buddies,” and intentionally create rituals that bring lightness back into everyday life. Ultimately, the episode invites a mindset shift: play isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.

Chapters

The Importance of Play for Adults

Many of us associate play with childhood, often dismissing it as something meant only for kids. Rachel highlights a critical observation: "Kids in school right now, recess is like minimal. It keeps getting taken away." This lack of emphasis on play begins at a young age and, unfortunately, continues into adulthood, leading many of us to forget to prioritize joy and creativity in our lives.

Rediscovering Our Inner Child

Rachel shares a personal experience that resonates with many adults. She recalls a recent interaction with a six-year-old, saying, "I really like my six-year-old self. I love the curiosity of it." This sentiment reflects the natural inquisitiveness and joy that children possess, which often fades as we grow older. Rachel emphasizes the need to tap into that playful spirit daily, stating, "I want to play every day. How do I make that happen?"

The Guilt of Not Being Productive

One of the barriers to embracing play as adults is the guilt associated with it. Rachel admits, "There's a part of me that's like guilty because it's not productive." This feeling is common; many adults struggle with the idea that leisure time must always be productive. Kris counters this notion by acknowledging the freedom and joy that comes from unstructured play, encouraging listeners to let go of guilt and embrace fun.

Creating Playful Moments

The podcast also discusses how play can manifest in everyday life, using a humorous story about a Fourth of July celebration. Kris recalls a spontaneous adventure with friends: "We pile into whoever's car and go off to some random spot that you can barely see to get to the golf course." Such unplanned moments are where play thrives, showcasing the joy that can come from spontaneity and connection.

Bringing Play into Daily Life

Both hosts encourage listeners to seek out playfulness in their lives. Rachel notes, "I have people that I have brought into my world that are more playful," suggesting that surrounding ourselves with playful individuals can inspire us to embrace that same spirit. They highlight the simple joy of being silly, laughing, and engaging in activities that might seem trivial but bring genuine happiness.

Conclusion:

Key takeaways include the importance of rediscovering our playful selves, embracing spontaneity, and surrounding ourselves with playful individuals. Let’s commit to making space for play in our daily lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Play

01:27 The Importance of Play for Adults

03:13 Rediscovering Childhood Curiosity

08:07 Creating Space for Play

12:42 Defining Personal Play

15:39 Play as a Reset for Mental Well-Being

19:18 The Complex Nature of Play

23:15 The Societal View on Play

23:53 The Importance of Play in Adult Life

25:20 Finding Your Unique Form of Play

28:47 Creating Rituals Around Play

30:58 Inviting Others to Play

39:18 The Role of Play in Family Dynamics

45:46 Play as a Form of Self-Love

In this episode of the Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast, hosts Rachel and Kris explore the concept of dreaming big as they navigate newfound freedom in their lives. With children growing up and gaining their independence, they reflect on the challenges and opportunities that come with this transition. The conversation delves into the importance of conceptualizing dreams. the struggle to break free from limiting beliefs, and the necessity of creating a sacred space for dreaming. They discuss how to retrain the mind to envision possibilities without the constraints of reality, emphasizing the need to suspend logic to enhance creativity in the dreaming process.

Introduction: In the latest episode of the Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast, hosts Kris and Rachel explore a transformative phase of life that many encounter as their children grow up and gain independence. This pivotal moment comes with newfound freedom and the exciting yet daunting task of redefining personal dreams.

Main Content:

Section 1: The Shift in Perspective

Kris kicks off the discussion by sharing his recent realization that with her youngest child now driving, she has more personal freedom than ever before. This shift prompts a profound question: What does she want to do with this newfound time? Rachel resonates with this experience, highlighting that many parents find themselves at this crossroads, where responsibilities diminish and possibilities expand.

Section 2: The Challenge of Dreaming Big

However, with the freedom to dream big comes an unexpected challenge: the ability to actually envision those dreams. Rachel admits feeling frozen by the pressure of possibility, recalling how children effortlessly dream about fantastical vacations, while adults often succumb to practical limitations. Rachel empathizes this with, "I feel like I have trained my brain out of dreaming big."

Section 3: The Importance of Manifestation

The conversation shifts to the idea of manifestation. Rachel shares her experiences with a friend who embodies the spirit of unwavering belief in her dreams. Unlike Rachel, who begins to craft contingency plans as a safety net, this friend fully commits to her vision without a plan B. Together, they explore how the lack of a backup plan can actually empower one to pursue their dreams more boldly.

Section 4: Defining Personal Dreams

As the hosts delve deeper, they recognize the need to redefine what dreaming big means. Kris suggests that to find clarity, one must suspend reality for a moment and let go of pragmatic constraints. They discuss how, in the past, they would engage in creative exercises to unleash their imaginations. Rachel reflects on her own life, acknowledging that while she has created an enviable life, she knows that her potential extends even further.

Section 5: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Growth

The podcast emphasizes the need to push beyond comfort zones. Kris and Rachel agree that while gratitude for current circumstances is essential, it shouldn't hinder the pursuit of greater aspirations. They challenge listeners to embrace the discomfort of dreaming big and to recognize that dreams can evolve over time, becoming bigger and richer with practice.

Conclusion: Kris and Rachel conclude by encouraging listeners to start dreaming big today, no matter how daunting it may seem. They remind us that the ability to dream is like a muscle that can be strengthened with practice. Key takeaways include the importance of recognizing the freedom we have, the power of manifestation without limits, and the necessity of pushing beyond our comfort zones to realize our true potential.

Tags: Dream Big, Manifestation, Personal Growth, Life Changes, Freedom, Grateful Not Greedy, Parenting, Self-Discovery

In this episode of Grateful Not Greedy™, Kris and Rachel get real about clutter, home organization, and the mental load that comes with it. From crowded countertops to the emotional ties we have to our belongings, they explore how clutter can impact stress, mental health, and overall peace at home—especially for women juggling family life. The discussion dives into cultural views on cleanliness, why letting go of things can feel so personal, and how shifting your mindset can make all the difference. Through relatable stories and practical advice, this episode invites listeners to rethink what a calm, balanced, and truly livable home looks like.

Keywords

clutter, organization, stress, cleanliness, family dynamics, cultural perspectives, emotional attachment, mindset, gender roles, home environment

Takeaways

• Clutter can significantly increase stress levels, especially for women.
• Personal organization styles can clash with family dynamics.
• Cultural perspectives on home organization can vary widely.
• Emotional attachments to items can complicate decluttering efforts.
• Finding balance in a cluttered life is essential for mental clarity.
• Mindset shifts can help in managing clutter effectively.
• Gender roles often influence perceptions of home cleanliness.
• Practical tips can aid in maintaining a more organized space.
• Creating a peaceful home environment is a personal journey.
• It's important to prioritize what makes you feel relaxed in your home.

• 
  

Sound Bites

"The struggle is real."

"I am a really organized person."

"It’s a mindset."

Chapters

00:00 Struggles with Clutter and Organization

02:56 The Impact of Clutter on Stress Levels

06:00 The Clean vs. Cluttered Debate

08:57 Personal Stories and Perspectives on Cleanliness

11:57 Navigating Clutter with Family Dynamics

15:00 The Emotional Attachment to Items

18:01 The Process of Letting Go

21:28 Embracing French Culture in Home Living

24:01 The Balance of Home and Life

25:58 Judgment and Expectations in Home Spaces

27:52 The Freedom of Mismatched Living

30:51 Mindset Shifts in Home Organization

33:23 Finding Comfort in Clutter

36:40 Creating a Clean and Relaxed Environment

In this episode of Grateful Not Greedy™, Kris and Rachel explore the pressures of urgency culture and how it shapes the decisions we make. From hasty choices to indecision as a decision option, they discuss how slowing down and reflecting on your values can lead to clearer, more intentional decisions.

Listeners will learn why personal agency matters in relationships, how empowering youth in their decision-making fosters growth, and why being true to yourself simplifies even the toughest choices. This conversation dives into self-discovery, the art of compromise, and navigating life without letting external pressures rush your path.

Whether you’re facing a major life decision or everyday choices, this episode offers insights on how to embrace clarity, honor your values, and make decisions that reflect who you truly are.

Keywords: urgency culture, decision-making, personal growth, relationships, self-discovery, agency, youth empowerment, values, compromise, clarity

Keywords

urgency culture, decision-making, personal growth, relationships, self-discovery, agency, youth empowerment, values, compromise, clarity

Takeaways

• Urgency culture often leads to hasty decisions.
• Decisions reflect personal values and uniqueness.
• It's essential to slow down and assess urgency.
• Indecision can be a choice in itself.
• Empowering youth in decision-making is crucial.
• Not all decisions are permanent; they can be changed.
• Self-imposed urgency can create unnecessary stress.
• Understanding agency is vital in relationship decisions.
• Communication is key in navigating decisions with others.
• Being true to oneself simplifies decision-making.
• Defining your preferences leads to more powerful decisions

Quotables

"Urgency culture often leads to hasty decisions."

"It's essential to slow down and assess urgency."

"Indecision can be a choice in itself."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Urgency Culture

02:56 Decision-Making Dynamics

05:56 The Weight of Choices

09:08 The Role of Experience in Decisions

11:49 Empowering Decision-Making in Youth

14:54 The Balance of Urgency and Importance

17:51 Understanding Agency in Relationships

20:45 The Complexity of Romantic Decisions

24:05 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

26:40 The Impact of External Pressures

29:44 Finding Clarity in Decision-Making

32:54 The Importance of Values in Choices

35:54 The Art of Compromise

38:46 Embracing Uncertainty in Life

41:46 The Journey of Self-Discovery

44:52 The Power of Choice

47:53 The Role of Communication in Relationships

50:47 The Essence of Being True to Oneself

53:50 Concluding Thoughts on Decision-Making