Whether it’s a New Year’s Resolution that’s already fallen to the wayside, a healthy habit you’ve been struggling to reintegrate, or a lovely little hobby that once brought you joy – today’s episode is your pep talk to just pick it back up.

No guilt. No shame. No stories about wasted time. The truth is that we all fall out of sync with the things we want for ourselves. Habits are hard to maintain, especially new ones. And dedicating time to cultivating joy can feel hard without sufficient momentum.

So, I’m here to offer myself and you not a kick in the pants, but a gentle nudge to just get the wheels turning again. Even a tiny bit of action might just get you back on the road to your most awesome self.

Read the transcript at: https://settlingisbullshit.com/2026/01/11/whatever-it-is-just-pick-it-back-up-again/

Resources, References, and Links

Note: book recommendations include affiliate links. If you buy a copy, I’ll get a tiny commission, and that would be super cool.

Atomic Habits by James Clear. Super great book to pick up if you want to make changes in your life.

An Invocation for Beginnings by Ze Frank. I have watched this video well over 100 times – it’s SO good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYlCVwxoL_g

2025 New Year post – ”Intentions Are Better than Goals (Especially for the New Year)” (AKA Episode #28)

Episode #35 - “Cultivating Joy Amidst the Shit Show”

And just for bonus fun, some other motivating posts/recordings:

• “Habits and Routines and Rituals, Oh My!”
• “Start Small and You May Surprise Yourself”
• “In Praise of Gentle Consistency” (Episode #24)
• “Action Fuels Motivation (Seriously)”

Unmet expectations are probably the leading cause of resentment in our lives – especially around the holidays! Just sayin’. But! Recognizing that we had (potentially unrealistic) expectations in the first place is a great step towards greater joy and freedom and being nice to each other.

This little episode is a pep talk around recognizing our expectations, letting go of the unrealistic ones, giving ourselves permission to recalibrate, encouragement to talk openly about our needs, and to take care of ourselves so we can show up well in our lives.

You know, the usual.

It’s also an update on what’s going on behind the scenes over here – and an expectation reset! Since I had unreasonably high hopes for myself during my first term back in school.

Sending love and fortitude as we enter the dark but merry time of year.

Read the transcript at: https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/11/03/unmet-expectations-are-the-theif-of-joy/

Resources, References, and Links

Episode #2: “Comparison Is the Thief of Joy.”

Episodes #20 & #21: “Befriending Your Nervous System with Marjorie Schreurs.” https://settlingisbullshit.com/2024/10/10/befriending-your-nervous-system-1-activation/

Episode #25: “Bringing Boundaries and Self-Compassion to the Holidays with Jenny Tryansky.” https://settlingisbullshit.com/2024/11/21/bringing-boundaries-and-self-compassion-to-the-holidays-with-jenny-tryansky/

Creativity isn’t just for artists. It’s a way of engaging with the world that we all have access to, and which offers a playful and engaging pathway toward healing. It’s also a thing that we do with our bodies! That makes it an extra-helpful way to get out of our heads and move through whatever feelings we need to process.

In this conversation with somatic therapist Amanda Melbostad, we explore the magic of accessing our creativity and finding safety in our bodies. We also talk about how to find the right therapist, how to open ourselves up to creative practices, and how freeing it can be to invite our inner critic to take a back seat.

Read the transcript at: https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/10/01/creativity-movement-toward-healing-amanda-melbostad/

Support the podcast on Patreon @SettlingIsBullshit https://www.patreon.com/SettlingIsBullshit

Connect with Amanda

Visit their website (and book a free, 30 minute consultation) https://www.amandamelbostadtherapy.com/

Find them on Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/amanda-melbostad-portland-or/1562150

Find them on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-melbostad-aa1a4340/

Resources, References, and Links

Note: book recommendations include affiliate links. If you buy a copy, I’ll get a tiny commission, and that would be super cool.

Relational Therapy. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/relational-therapy

Traveling Monet Exhibit. https://monetexpo.com/

My tiger picture! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLjI5BFxhzX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=cGpxOWFxZGh1NmJr

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Parts work episode. Episode #46: “Cultivating Self-Acceptance through Parts Work with Celine Redfield, LMFT.” https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/06/26/cultivating-self-acceptance-through-parts-work-with-celine-redfield-lmft/

Blind contour exercise. https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-blind-contour-drawing-help-better-artist

Drawing Lab. https://www.powells.com/book/drawing-lab-for-mixed-media-artists-9781592536139

Vision boards. https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a29959841/how-to-make-a-vision-board/