December 26, 2025 • 46 mins
Today we’re cracking open a journal prompt that screams "I want more but also have no idea what I'm doing!"
Today's prompt is:
“What is one thing I deeply desire, and what steps can I take toward achieving it?”
So grab your journal, your most unhinged aspiration, and let’s get into what you really want—and how to actually inch toward it without lighting your whole life on fire. Probably.
Join us on the O'Neil Counseling app here: https://www.oneilcounseling.com/app-landing-page
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:01):
Welcome back to Shrink Wraps, the podcast where we
psychoanalyze ourselves for fun,for healing, and occasionally
for procrastination. Today we're cracking open a
journal prompt that screams I want more, but also have no idea
of what I'm doing. Today's prompt is what is one
(00:24):
thing I deeply desire and what steps can I take toward
achieving it? Oof.
Big feelings, big dreams, slightly sweaty palms.
This isn't your average I want to raise or I want ABS by next
(00:45):
summer kind of convo. Although valid, we're talking
that deep in your gut keep you up at night.
I'll cry if I think about it toolong.
Kind of desire the one you low key avoid because the idea of
actually going for it is both exhilarating and mildly
(01:10):
nauseating. But they're not.
We're not mapping out a 10 year plan or creating a vision board
made of lies. We're just taking it one tiny
semi doable step at a time. Because big dreams don't need a
grand entrance, they just need alittle motion.
(01:33):
Even if that motion is you journaling in sweatpants while
emotionally attached to a blanket.
So grab your journal, your most unhinged aspiration, and let's
get into what you really want and how to actually inch toward
(01:54):
it without lighting your whole life on fire.
Probably. Let's get into it.
OK, so you've got your journal in hand, maybe a pen that
(02:14):
actually works. Bonus points if it doesn't leak
ink all over your existential crisis.
And hopefully something cozy within arm's reach.
Tea, coffee, your emotional support water bottle, or that
one iced beverage you keep forgetting you made.
Whatever's fueling you today. Welcome.
(02:35):
You've officially carved out a pocket of time just for you.
Not for being productive. Not for fixing anything, but to
actually check in. Today's guided prompt is simple
on the surface, but like most deceptively tiny questions, it
packs a punch. What is one thing I deeply
(02:59):
desire, and what steps can I take toward achieving it?
We're not asking what do I thinkI should want, not what would
make my LinkedIn profile pop, and definitely not what's trendy
in the self optimization corner of the Internet this week.
This is about something real, something your nervous system
(03:23):
perks up at, even if it also starts internally screaming.
This feels dangerous and vulnerable.
Let's go watch Netflix instead. That thing you maybe whisper to
yourself when no one's around. The desire that feels equal
parts magnetic and mildly terrifying because it actually
(03:45):
matters to you. We're not here to map out your
next five years, build a 47 stepvision board, or manifest a
yacht. Unless that's genuinely your
vibe, in which case carry on. This space is for peeling back
one honest layer and asking whatdo I actually want and what's 1
(04:10):
tiny move I could make to stop ghosting that part of myself.
No judgment, no pressure, no need to have it all figured out.
Just you, your inner compass, and a few unfiltered minutes
with your own mind. Let it be messy, let it be
(04:31):
honest, let it be yours. Step 1.
Clarify your desire. All right, let's start with the
big question. What the hell do you actually
want? Not what your mom wants for you.
(04:51):
Sorry mom. Not what your partner would want
to brag about at brunch, and definitely not whatever your two
AM TikTok spiral convinced you was the secret to happiness.
No shade to the hashtag van lifefolks, but let's be honest, some
of us just need reliable plumbing and mental stability.
(05:11):
We're talking about your actual desire.
The one that doesn't shout but lingers.
That quiet, persistent nudge that shows up when you're
driving in silence, lying awake at night, or pretending to
listen during a Zoom meeting. The one that whispers hey,
(05:34):
Remember Me and then immediatelytriggers your fight or flight
response because oh God, what ifI actually went for it?
Maybe it's finally writing that book you've been talking about
since 2017. Maybe it's starting that weird
little side hustle that makes nological sense but lights you up
(05:58):
like a raccoon in a dumpster full of glitter.
Maybe it's traveling not in a curated influencer way, but just
waking up somewhere new without panic, Googling for stable
Wi-Fi. Or maybe, just maybe, it's
(06:18):
peace. The kind of peace where you're
not constantly bracing for disappointment, chaos, or the
next emotional fire drill. The version of you that's less
anxious, more grounded, and no longer operating on caffeine,
autopilot and repressed rage. Whatever it is, own it.
(06:43):
Name it, say it out loud, write it down, bold it, underline it,
doodle it in the margins of yourjournal like it's your high
school crush. Use a sparkly gel pen if that's
your brand. You don't have to know how to
get there yet. Right now you're just giving
(07:05):
that desire, permission to exist, to be real, to be worth
exploring, to be yours. And that, that's the first move.
Now, why do you want this? No, really.
(07:29):
Not the cute surface level reason you'd say at a networking
event. We're not here for growth
opportunities or diversifying your skill set.
I'm talking about the real stuff, The emotional juice
behind it. The stuff that lives just
(07:49):
beneath your carefully managed calendar.
And you're coping through distraction habits.
Is it about freedom? Freedom to do things your way,
to make choices that aren't filtered through obligation or
fear? Is it about expression finally
(08:10):
letting out the parts of you that have been playing it safe,
quiet, or polite for way too long?
Is it about proving to yourself that you're more than just a
task, doing meet robot who wakesup doomscrolls and drinks
caffeine until it's socially acceptable to stop?
Why does this thing matter to you?
(08:34):
Not in a resume bullet point kind of way, but in a this would
actually make my soul exhale kind of way.
The kind where your chest unclenches just thinking about
it. The kind where you stop looking
for validation because you are actually aligned with your own
(08:56):
values. That kind get specific, get
weird with it. Let your why be bigger than your
fear of sounding dramatic. Because honestly, this might be
the first time in a while you'veasked yourself what you want
(09:18):
without censoring it and then let yourself feel it.
Not just think about it intellectually, but actually
drop into it for a second. Imagine waking up and and
realizing, oh shit, I'm actuallydoing the thing.
(09:44):
You're living the version of your life that your past self
only dared to Daydream about. What would that feel like?
Empowering. Peaceful.
Like you finally stopped holdingyour breath and bracing for
disappointment? Would it feel grounding, like
(10:06):
you're standing in your own shoes for the first time and
they actually fit? Whatever it is, write it all
down. Capture the texture of it, the
energy of it, the before and after of your emotional
landscape. Don't worry if it's messy.
(10:29):
Honestly, it usually is. This is how we build a vision
that means something. Not just a Pinterest board, but
an actual map back to yourself. Step 2.
Visualizing success. Time to time travel into your
(10:53):
best case scenario. No, not the version where you
win the lottery by a llama sanctuary in the woods and
finally ghost everyone. Whoever sent you a just circling
back e-mail. Though, let's be honest, that's
a valid Daydream and we fully support it.
But this is about your real, lived, possible future.
(11:19):
The one where that deep desire you just wrote down.
It's not a distant fantasy, it'syour actual life.
You did the damn thing. You committed, you took the
scary steps, probably had a few breakdowns along the way because
(11:40):
growth is spicy like that. And now you're in it.
You're living it. So what does that look like?
Maybe you're waking up without immediately checking your phone
like it's a life support machine.
Maybe mornings feel less like a fire drill and more like you
(12:03):
actually ease into the day, coffee in hand, boundaries
intact, and a nervous system that isn't screaming into the
void before breakfast. Maybe you finally have a morning
routine that isn't just chuggingcaffeine and trying not to cry
in the shower. Your days feel different now,
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not necessarily perfect or curated, but intentional.
You're doing things that align with your values, your energy,
and the version of you that doesn't say yes just to be
liked. Your calendar isn't full of
obligations disguised as opportunities.
(12:48):
You've made space, actual space,for what matters.
Your relationships. Maybe those have shifted, too.
The ones that drained you have either been pruned, redefined,
or put on the world's longest pause.
And the ones that remained? They're rooted, mutual, safe.
(13:14):
You no longer feel like a support group leader for people
who don't show up for you. You're surrounded by folks who
get it and who get you your worklife.
Maybe it finally reflects who you are instead of just what you
(13:34):
can tolerate. Maybe you're creating, building,
resting, or simply working with more autonomy.
You're not fantasizing about faking your own death to escape
a Zoom call. You're not trapped in Hustle for
Survival mode. You're in Build Your Life on
(13:57):
Purpose mode. Zoom out and really feel this
version of life. Feel it in your chest, in your
shoulders, in the part of you that's so used to bracing for
disappointment that even imagining peace feels like a
(14:20):
risk. This is your invitation to dream
honestly. Not perfectly, not
performatively, just with the kind of messy, hopeful clarity
that says, yeah, this could actually be mine.
(14:42):
Zoom in. What are the ripple effects of
this win? You didn't just check off a
goal, you shifted something foundational.
You proved to yourself that you're not just capable of
dreaming, but of following through without turning into a
(15:05):
joyless productivity Cyborg who lives off color-coded
spreadsheets and guilt. You did the thing and now
there's this deep, quiet confidence settling in.
Not the fake it till you make itkind.
(15:26):
The real kind. The kind that lives in your
bones. The kind that whispers we did
it, we're doing it. We can do hard things and not
completely unravel. Maybe you're finally at peace
(15:54):
not because life suddenly becamechill and chaos free.
Lol as if. But because you stopped
abandoning yourself. You stopped shoving your needs
to the bottom of the To Do List.You stopped negotiating your
worth with people who never deserved a seat at the table in
(16:17):
the first place. You started choosing you again
and again and now that's just normal.
And that sense of purpose. It's no longer some elusive find
yourself scavenger hunt that involves burning sage and panic
(16:39):
reading self help books at 2:00 AM.
It's more like, oh, hey, I know what I care about, I know what
I'm building, I know why I'm here.
Maybe it's still unfolding, still imperfect, but it's real,
(17:01):
it's rooted, it's yours. Now.
Check in with your body. How do you feel in this version
of yourself? Not how you think you should
feel, not what would look inspirational in a caption, but
(17:23):
deep down, gut level you. Are you walking taller?
Is your breath deeper? Do you feel a little more
grounded in your skin, like you actually belong in your own
life? Maybe you feel grateful, maybe
(17:48):
you feel soft, maybe you feel like an absolute bad ass who's
finally stopped playing small just to keep things safe.
Help. Maybe you even feel a little
smug in the best way. Not arrogant, but self assured.
(18:09):
Like you've earned this. Like you're no longer asking for
permission to want what you want.
Like your inner critic is still around, sure, but they've been
demoted to unpaid intern with nodecision making power.
So go ahead, channel that version and body it.
(18:34):
Describe it like you're narrating your own glow up
montage. Slow motion, dramatic lighting,
maybe a power song playing in the background.
Get into the details. Because here's the thing, if you
can imagine it, you've already started building it.
(18:58):
Your mind is laying the blueprint.
Your words are carving the path.You're not just dreaming, you're
remembering what's possible. Step 3.
Identify obstacles and limiting beliefs.
(19:21):
OK, so you've got the dream, you've visualized the glow up,
you've bathed in the fantasy of the life you could have.
And now, now it's time to wade into the swampy part.
The part where all the internal drama Queens start making noise.
(19:46):
Welcome to the mental mosh pit of Yeah, but what if I can't?
Because apparently the moment you admit you actually want
something meaningful, your brainhits the panic button and
launches a full blown existential WWE match, complete
with folding chairs of self doubt and dramatic entrance
(20:08):
music by your inner critic. Let's start with the fears.
The uninvited but always on timeguests.
What pops up the moment you consider taking a real step
toward what you want? Maybe it's the classic fear of
(20:28):
failure, the little voice that Mumbo mutters.
Excuse me, why even try? It's safer to stay where you
are. At least mild disappointment is
familiar. It's the emotional equivalent of
staying in wet socks because changing them sounds like a
little too much effort. Or maybe it's that old fan
(20:54):
favorite, imposter syndrome, tapdancing on your last nerve like
it paid rent, convincing you that you're not enough, not
smart enough, creative enough, consistent enough, attractive
enough, healed enough, Whatever enough.
Spoiler alert, you are, and evenif you weren't, the bar society
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sets for enough is made of bullshit and shifting goal posts
anyway. And it's not just the internal
gremlins. I mean, let's talk about the
external crap too. Because life isn't lived in a
vacuum. What about time, money, energy,
(21:40):
a support system that looks morelike a group chat of emotionally
unavailable raccoons than a cheer squad?
Maybe you've got responsibilities, real life
barriers, or a nervous system that's been in survival mode for
so long it's side eyes joy like it's a scam.
Here's the thing. These fears and roadblocks
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aren't proof that your desire isunrealistic.
They're proof that it matters. If it didn't, your brain
wouldn't throw such a spectacular tantrum at the mere
thought of pursuing it. So instead of pretending the
fears aren't there or trying to bulldoze through them with toxic
(22:27):
positivity and seven empty affirmations taped to your
mirror, get curious. Name the fear, let it speak,
then calmly inform it that it can ride in the car, but it sure
as hell doesn't get to drive. Because yeah, the swamp is real,
(22:49):
but so is your ability to walk through it with muddy boots, a
journal in hand, and the absolute audacity to keep going.
Anyway, now let's talk real world stuff.
Not vibes, not manifestation mantras whispered into
moonlight. I'm talking about the actual
(23:12):
practical things that might makethis whole chase your desire
thing feel hard. Things like time, or more
specifically, the complete lack of it.
Maybe your schedule is already aJenga tower of commitments held
together by caffeine and sheer willpower.
Or money, because unfortunately even the most soul aligned
(23:37):
dreams sometimes need actual funding and your bank account is
currently looking at you. Like bestie, please be so
fucking for real. And then there's support.
Or, you know, the lack thereof. Maybe you're surrounded by
lovely humans who just don't getit.
(24:01):
Or worse, you've got a motivational circle made of
entirely emotionally unavailablehouse plants, a group chat that
only talks about drama, or relatives who think your dream
is just a quirky face. Write it all down.
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No shame, this is not about sugar coating or pretending it's
all vision boards and just believe in yourself speeches.
This is about naming the landscape so you don't get
halfway into the journey and panic quit because you forgot to
pack snacks and hiking boots. Avoiding reality doesn't make it
(24:49):
easier, it just makes the crash louder when it inevitably shows
up uninvited. But here's the kicker, the part
the burnout gremlin doesn't wantyou to realize?
You can shift the story. No, you can't snap your fingers
(25:10):
and make time appear or conjure a fairy godmother who bankrolls
your dreams. So if you do have one of those,
please send her my way. But you can take tiny,
intentional steps that make the whole thing more doable.
(25:30):
Maybe it's breaking your goal into micro movements instead of
trying to life overhaul by next Tuesday.
Maybe it's asking for help, gas vulnerability again, delegating
one thing or letting someone know what you're working toward.
(25:52):
And maybe it's just changing your internal monologue from
this is impossible to this mighttake a while, but I'm allowed to
try because spoiler alert, progress doesn't require
perfection. It doesn't even require a solid
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plan. It just requires movement.
Any movement. Your obstacles are not signs
from the universe that you should give up.
They're just detours asking for better navigation, a little
creativity, or, let's be honest,a nap and a snack before you
(26:39):
keep going. So go ahead, name the fears.
List the roadblocks. Air out the doubts like you're
Marie Kondo in your limiting beliefs, but don't let them have
the final word. You've got bigger things to
build, and they start with not abandoning yourself at the first
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sign of resistance. This is where the good stuff
starts, not in spite of the hardparts, but because you're
willing to face them and keep moving anyway.
Step 4, breaking it down into actionable steps.
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All right, dreamer, time to bring that vision down from the
clouds and plant it squarely into your real messy calendar
clogged life. Look.
Manifestation is cute, mood boards adorable, but actual
progress she's into To Do List sticky notes and slightly
(27:49):
panicked Google searches at 11:47 PM.
This is the part where your dreamy montage fantasy meets
actual logistics. And yes, that can still be
magical. This step is about breaking your
big shiny goal into bite sized, non overwhelming, actually
(28:12):
doable actions. Not the kind that make you want
to immediately lie down and dissociate, but the kind your
nervous system can handle without throwing a full blown
tantrum. Because let's be honest, if your
brain thinks pursuing your dreammeans waking up at 5:00 AM,
becoming a green juice person, and quitting your job on a whim,
(28:36):
it's going to Nope out before you even sharpen your first
metaphorical pencil. So let's scale it way down.
Start by writing three embarrassingly small steps you
can take toward your desire. Like, I might even forget I did
(28:57):
this tomorrow. Small think.
Google that thing you've been intimidated to research.
Text someone who might be helpful, encouraging, or at
least less emotionally draining than your usual group chat.
Dust off that half used notebookand write one single sentence
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about what you want. This isn't about momentum that
looks impressive. This is about micro moves that
prove to your very overwhelmed, very human self that this thing
it's possible, and that you don't have to overhaul your
(29:39):
entire life overnight to get started.
Maybe one of your steps is reaching out to someone who's
doing what you want to do, even if it makes you want to throw up
a little. Maybe it's carving out 15
minutes a day that's just for this dream, even if that means
(30:00):
saying no to something else or letting the dishes vibe in the
sink for a hot minute. Maybe it's picking a deadline
that feels like a gentle nudge, not a threat from your inner
productivity gremlin. Whatever it is, make it real,
make it yours, and above all, make it kind.
(30:24):
The goal here isn't to impress anyone or earn gold stars, it's
to start to prove to yourself inthe smallest and most
sustainable ways that the thing you want isn't just a fantasy,
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it's a work in progress. And you, miracle of a mess that
you are, are the 1 making it real now.
How do you make sure these smalldoable steps don't just become
wishful thinking that future youghosted?
Like a dating app match with toomany red flags, You structure
(31:08):
them. You give those baby steps the
dignity of a real plan. You treat them like sacred
little calendar events, not vague ideas you might get to
later. AKA never set dates, add
reminders. Put it in your phone, put it in
(31:30):
your planner. Write it on your bathroom mirror
and eyeliner if you have to. Treat it like a hot date with
your potential. And yes, that includes choosing
an outfit if that helps you showup with main character energy.
And let's be real for a second, if you are executive functioning
(31:50):
has been flirting with burnout or chaos lately.
Hi, welcome to the club. You're going to need systems
that might mean alarms, visual reminders, accountability
buddies, or a planner that talksto you like a therapist crossed
with a personal trainer. Use what works.
(32:14):
Color code it, sticker it, brag yourself with snacks, whatever
it takes to make your own brain feel like a safe place to land,
not a battlefield of unfinished to do lists.
Now let's talk support. What tools, resources, or full
blown life lines are going to keep you from spiraling into
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avoidance the second things get even slightly uncomfortable?
Maybe it's an online class to teach you the thing you're
afraid you don't know. Maybe it's a mentor or coach or
friend who sees your magic even when you're convinced you're a
disaster. The people listening to this
know exactly who they are. Maybe it's a discord server of
(33:02):
like minded weirdos who are alsotrying to do big scary beautiful
things. Or maybe it's a planner so
aggressive it makes you feel like it's judging you from the
corner of your desk, but in a motivating, disappointed but
supportive aunt kind of way. Whatever your version is, use
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it. Don't white knuckle your way
through this out of pride or perfectionism.
You're not weak for needing help.
You're not lazy for needing structure.
You're not a failure if you needa reminder 12 times before you
do the thing. You are a human building
(33:43):
something tender and important in the middle of a world that
rewards burnout and punishes softness.
So build the scaffolding. Phone a friend.
Make it easier to show up for your dream than it is to ghost
it. Because one small step at a
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time, That's how empires are built.
That's how routines get stable. That's how lives actually
change. Messy, gentle, real.
You've got this. Step 5.
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Setting a timeline. All right, now that you've got
your big desire named, your gremlins called out, and your
action steps prepped, it's time to put this bad boy on a
timeline. Because let's be honest, someday
it's not a strategy. Eventually is how things end up
(34:51):
lost in the mental junk drawer with your abandoned hobbies,
your half finished DIY projects,and that plant you swore you'd
keep alive. This time your brain, especially
if it's been through burnout, self doubt, or the general
whiplash of existing in the world lately, needs clarity.
Not pressure, not a rigid 5 yearplan, but some honest, anchored
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structure that says this is real, this is happening, this
matters. So let's break it down.
Start with this question. What's one small win I want to
nail in the next month? Not your whole goal, not the
entire life overhaul, Just one thing that moves the needle from
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thinking about it. 2 I actually did something.
Think sending that e-mail, signing up for that course,
writing the first 3 paragraphs, finally starting that habit
you've been flirting with for months.
Or even, brace yourself, just sticking with something long
(36:05):
enough to feel a little momentum.
This is low stakes, high satisfaction territory.
You're setting yourself up for alittle hit of dopamine and a big
reminder that you're capable. Make it so doable, so bite sized
(36:26):
that your brain doesn't immediately throw a tantrum.
You're not aiming for Instagram worthy transformation, you're
aiming for consistency. Follow through a small win that
gives you proof. Hey, I'm doing it.
This is real. And when you check it off,
celebrate. I'm talking cue the tiny dance
(36:48):
party in your kitchen kind of celebration.
Give yourself credit, like you just won an Olympic medal in
showing up for yourself. Because you did.
And that matters more than most people give themselves
permission to acknowledge. This isn't about rushing.
It's about anchoring. Your dream deserves to live
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somewhere more concrete than themaybe later pile, so let's give
it a home in your timeline and let the magic of tiny follow
through moments start to stack. Next up, the three month
milestone. This is where things start to
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get real. You've planted the seed.
Now we're talking about that first actual sprout.
What does momentum look like foryou in the next three months?
Not some hyper optimized hustle culture version of progress, but
the kind that feels sustainable.The kind that doesn't leave you
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crying into a spreadsheet wondering if you're cut out for
any of this. Maybe it's showing up
consistently, even when it's boring or messy.
Maybe it's starting to see tangible progress.
A chapter written. A habit stuck, a creative
project finally not abandoned atthe halfway point.
(38:15):
Maybe it's just the fact that you didn't flake out on yourself
the second things got uncomfortable.
You kept going. You chose to keep moving
forward. And that alone isn't as a
radical act of self trust in a world that teaches us to quit on
ourselves before we even begin. Three months in, the vision
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starts to shift from fantasy life you journal about when
you're feeling brave to real life that's unfolding, set by
beautiful awkward step. You start to realize holy shit,
I'm actually doing it, and you didn't need a total reinvention,
(38:57):
you just needed to show up even when it wasn't glamorous.
And now zoom out one year from now.
What does success look like? Not what it would look like on a
resume, Not what would make yourparents feel less worried at
holiday dinners, and definitely not what your inner
(39:20):
overachiever, AKA the burnout goblin in a power blazer, thinks
is acceptable. No.
What does your version of success look like?
Maybe it's a finished project. Maybe it's a complete identity
shift. Maybe it's a new lifestyle
(39:40):
rhythm where your nervous systemis no longer in fight or flight
just because it's Tuesday. Maybe it's peace, spaciousness,
the feeling that you finally made room in your life for the
stuff that actually matters. Not because it was easy, but
because it was worth choosing. Whatever that one year milestone
(40:05):
looks like, name it. Write it down like it's already
happening. Feel it in your body.
Own it like it's not optional, like it's not a maybe but a
calling you've decided to answer.
And remember, timelines aren't about pressure or performance.
(40:31):
They're not a race. They're just a way to show
future you that present you gaveenough of a damn to try that you
didn't just dream, you moved. So go ahead, pencil it in, mark
the dates, make the plan a little real.
(40:55):
Because your life doesn't changeall at once.
It changes in these exact moments, the ones where you stop
waiting for clarity or confidence or someone else's
permission, and instead you decide to show up awkwardly,
(41:17):
bravely, beautifully, for your own dream.
And there you have it. You just peeled back the layers,
stare at your dreams and doubts straight in the eye, and laid
the groundwork for becoming thatversion of yourself.
(41:40):
The one who doesn't just Daydream about change, but
actually moves toward it, even if the steps are wobbly and the
map is half drawn in coffee stains and chaos.
The one who shows up even when it's hard, even when they're
scared, even when their girl Google search history reads like
(42:02):
a midlife crisis written in memes.
How to start over. Is it too late to be a person?
Jobs for burned out weirdos withbig hearts.
This isn't about fixing yourself.
It never was. This is about honoring yourself,
your wants, your fears, your tender, chaotic, brilliant,
(42:24):
unfinished self. Because you're not broken.
You're becoming. You've got clarity now.
A little road map, a plan with real steps, real timelines, and
maybe even a new level of self trust that says, yeah, I can do
(42:46):
this. You might not have all the
answers, spoiler, no one does. But you have something better
intention. You have truth.
You have the guts to look inward, get honest, and start
walking toward something real that's powerful as hell.
(43:13):
So whether your pen made it through the whole journaling
session or died dramatically midsentence RIP, you still did the
thing. You showed up, you cracked
yourself open a little. That matters.
Keep going, even if it's slow, even if it's messy, even if some
(43:39):
days the win is just not quitting on yourself.
Your desire didn't pick you at random.
It's yours for a reason. So treat it like it matters,
because it does. Now go hydrate, romanticize the
(43:59):
effort, put your playlist on, light the candle, talk nice to
yourself. You're in it now.
And if no one's told you today, this shit matters, you matter.
And this, this is just the beginning.
(44:24):
And that's a wrap on today's guided journaling episode.
If you stuck with me through allthe feelings, fears, and future
you fantasies, Congrats, you've officially shown more emotional
range than most of my exes. If you loved this episode, or
even just mildly tolerated it ina meaningful way, don't forget
(44:47):
to subscribe, rate and review Shrink Wrapped wherever you get
your podcasts. It helps more messy, magic
filled humans like you find us. And yes, I read every single
review and comment like it's a love letter from the void.
Now, if you want more journal prompts connecting with other
listeners like you and me, your host, text transcripts of each
(45:11):
episode, and a place to dissect each episode with other people
who get it, join us on the O'Neill Counseling app.
It's where all the good stuff lives.
And spoiler, it's free and it's cozy as hell.
You can find the link in the show notes.
And don't forget to tune in nextweek for our next DSM dive,
(45:33):
where we're unpacking schizophrenia, what it is, what
it isn't, and why Hollywood seriously needs to stop using it
as a lazy plot twist. Until then, hydrate, rest, and
keep showing up for your own damn life.
(45:54):
You've got this.
Welcome back to Shrink Wraps, the podcast where we
psychoanalyze ourselves for fun,for healing, and occasionally
for procrastination. Today we're cracking open a
journal prompt that screams I want more, but also have no idea
of what I'm doing. Today's prompt is what is one
(00:24):
thing I deeply desire and what steps can I take toward
achieving it? Oof.
Big feelings, big dreams, slightly sweaty palms.
This isn't your average I want to raise or I want ABS by next
(00:45):
summer kind of convo. Although valid, we're talking
that deep in your gut keep you up at night.
I'll cry if I think about it toolong.
Kind of desire the one you low key avoid because the idea of
actually going for it is both exhilarating and mildly
(01:10):
nauseating. But they're not.
We're not mapping out a 10 year plan or creating a vision board
made of lies. We're just taking it one tiny
semi doable step at a time. Because big dreams don't need a
grand entrance, they just need alittle motion.
(01:33):
Even if that motion is you journaling in sweatpants while
emotionally attached to a blanket.
So grab your journal, your most unhinged aspiration, and let's
get into what you really want and how to actually inch toward
(01:54):
it without lighting your whole life on fire.
Probably. Let's get into it.
OK, so you've got your journal in hand, maybe a pen that
(02:14):
actually works. Bonus points if it doesn't leak
ink all over your existential crisis.
And hopefully something cozy within arm's reach.
Tea, coffee, your emotional support water bottle, or that
one iced beverage you keep forgetting you made.
Whatever's fueling you today. Welcome.
(02:35):
You've officially carved out a pocket of time just for you.
Not for being productive. Not for fixing anything, but to
actually check in. Today's guided prompt is simple
on the surface, but like most deceptively tiny questions, it
packs a punch. What is one thing I deeply
(02:59):
desire, and what steps can I take toward achieving it?
We're not asking what do I thinkI should want, not what would
make my LinkedIn profile pop, and definitely not what's trendy
in the self optimization corner of the Internet this week.
This is about something real, something your nervous system
(03:23):
perks up at, even if it also starts internally screaming.
This feels dangerous and vulnerable.
Let's go watch Netflix instead. That thing you maybe whisper to
yourself when no one's around. The desire that feels equal
parts magnetic and mildly terrifying because it actually
(03:45):
matters to you. We're not here to map out your
next five years, build a 47 stepvision board, or manifest a
yacht. Unless that's genuinely your
vibe, in which case carry on. This space is for peeling back
one honest layer and asking whatdo I actually want and what's 1
(04:10):
tiny move I could make to stop ghosting that part of myself.
No judgment, no pressure, no need to have it all figured out.
Just you, your inner compass, and a few unfiltered minutes
with your own mind. Let it be messy, let it be
(04:31):
honest, let it be yours. Step 1.
Clarify your desire. All right, let's start with the
big question. What the hell do you actually
want? Not what your mom wants for you.
(04:51):
Sorry mom. Not what your partner would want
to brag about at brunch, and definitely not whatever your two
AM TikTok spiral convinced you was the secret to happiness.
No shade to the hashtag van lifefolks, but let's be honest, some
of us just need reliable plumbing and mental stability.
(05:11):
We're talking about your actual desire.
The one that doesn't shout but lingers.
That quiet, persistent nudge that shows up when you're
driving in silence, lying awake at night, or pretending to
listen during a Zoom meeting. The one that whispers hey,
(05:34):
Remember Me and then immediatelytriggers your fight or flight
response because oh God, what ifI actually went for it?
Maybe it's finally writing that book you've been talking about
since 2017. Maybe it's starting that weird
little side hustle that makes nological sense but lights you up
(05:58):
like a raccoon in a dumpster full of glitter.
Maybe it's traveling not in a curated influencer way, but just
waking up somewhere new without panic, Googling for stable
Wi-Fi. Or maybe, just maybe, it's
(06:18):
peace. The kind of peace where you're
not constantly bracing for disappointment, chaos, or the
next emotional fire drill. The version of you that's less
anxious, more grounded, and no longer operating on caffeine,
autopilot and repressed rage. Whatever it is, own it.
(06:43):
Name it, say it out loud, write it down, bold it, underline it,
doodle it in the margins of yourjournal like it's your high
school crush. Use a sparkly gel pen if that's
your brand. You don't have to know how to
get there yet. Right now you're just giving
(07:05):
that desire, permission to exist, to be real, to be worth
exploring, to be yours. And that, that's the first move.
Now, why do you want this? No, really.
(07:29):
Not the cute surface level reason you'd say at a networking
event. We're not here for growth
opportunities or diversifying your skill set.
I'm talking about the real stuff, The emotional juice
behind it. The stuff that lives just
(07:49):
beneath your carefully managed calendar.
And you're coping through distraction habits.
Is it about freedom? Freedom to do things your way,
to make choices that aren't filtered through obligation or
fear? Is it about expression finally
(08:10):
letting out the parts of you that have been playing it safe,
quiet, or polite for way too long?
Is it about proving to yourself that you're more than just a
task, doing meet robot who wakesup doomscrolls and drinks
caffeine until it's socially acceptable to stop?
Why does this thing matter to you?
(08:34):
Not in a resume bullet point kind of way, but in a this would
actually make my soul exhale kind of way.
The kind where your chest unclenches just thinking about
it. The kind where you stop looking
for validation because you are actually aligned with your own
(08:56):
values. That kind get specific, get
weird with it. Let your why be bigger than your
fear of sounding dramatic. Because honestly, this might be
the first time in a while you'veasked yourself what you want
(09:18):
without censoring it and then let yourself feel it.
Not just think about it intellectually, but actually
drop into it for a second. Imagine waking up and and
realizing, oh shit, I'm actuallydoing the thing.
(09:44):
You're living the version of your life that your past self
only dared to Daydream about. What would that feel like?
Empowering. Peaceful.
Like you finally stopped holdingyour breath and bracing for
disappointment? Would it feel grounding, like
(10:06):
you're standing in your own shoes for the first time and
they actually fit? Whatever it is, write it all
down. Capture the texture of it, the
energy of it, the before and after of your emotional
landscape. Don't worry if it's messy.
(10:29):
Honestly, it usually is. This is how we build a vision
that means something. Not just a Pinterest board, but
an actual map back to yourself. Step 2.
Visualizing success. Time to time travel into your
(10:53):
best case scenario. No, not the version where you
win the lottery by a llama sanctuary in the woods and
finally ghost everyone. Whoever sent you a just circling
back e-mail. Though, let's be honest, that's
a valid Daydream and we fully support it.
But this is about your real, lived, possible future.
(11:19):
The one where that deep desire you just wrote down.
It's not a distant fantasy, it'syour actual life.
You did the damn thing. You committed, you took the
scary steps, probably had a few breakdowns along the way because
(11:40):
growth is spicy like that. And now you're in it.
You're living it. So what does that look like?
Maybe you're waking up without immediately checking your phone
like it's a life support machine.
Maybe mornings feel less like a fire drill and more like you
(12:03):
actually ease into the day, coffee in hand, boundaries
intact, and a nervous system that isn't screaming into the
void before breakfast. Maybe you finally have a morning
routine that isn't just chuggingcaffeine and trying not to cry
in the shower. Your days feel different now,
(12:26):
not necessarily perfect or curated, but intentional.
You're doing things that align with your values, your energy,
and the version of you that doesn't say yes just to be
liked. Your calendar isn't full of
obligations disguised as opportunities.
(12:48):
You've made space, actual space,for what matters.
Your relationships. Maybe those have shifted, too.
The ones that drained you have either been pruned, redefined,
or put on the world's longest pause.
And the ones that remained? They're rooted, mutual, safe.
(13:14):
You no longer feel like a support group leader for people
who don't show up for you. You're surrounded by folks who
get it and who get you your worklife.
Maybe it finally reflects who you are instead of just what you
(13:34):
can tolerate. Maybe you're creating, building,
resting, or simply working with more autonomy.
You're not fantasizing about faking your own death to escape
a Zoom call. You're not trapped in Hustle for
Survival mode. You're in Build Your Life on
(13:57):
Purpose mode. Zoom out and really feel this
version of life. Feel it in your chest, in your
shoulders, in the part of you that's so used to bracing for
disappointment that even imagining peace feels like a
(14:20):
risk. This is your invitation to dream
honestly. Not perfectly, not
performatively, just with the kind of messy, hopeful clarity
that says, yeah, this could actually be mine.
(14:42):
Zoom in. What are the ripple effects of
this win? You didn't just check off a
goal, you shifted something foundational.
You proved to yourself that you're not just capable of
dreaming, but of following through without turning into a
(15:05):
joyless productivity Cyborg who lives off color-coded
spreadsheets and guilt. You did the thing and now
there's this deep, quiet confidence settling in.
Not the fake it till you make itkind.
(15:26):
The real kind. The kind that lives in your
bones. The kind that whispers we did
it, we're doing it. We can do hard things and not
completely unravel. Maybe you're finally at peace
(15:54):
not because life suddenly becamechill and chaos free.
Lol as if. But because you stopped
abandoning yourself. You stopped shoving your needs
to the bottom of the To Do List.You stopped negotiating your
worth with people who never deserved a seat at the table in
(16:17):
the first place. You started choosing you again
and again and now that's just normal.
And that sense of purpose. It's no longer some elusive find
yourself scavenger hunt that involves burning sage and panic
(16:39):
reading self help books at 2:00 AM.
It's more like, oh, hey, I know what I care about, I know what
I'm building, I know why I'm here.
Maybe it's still unfolding, still imperfect, but it's real,
(17:01):
it's rooted, it's yours. Now.
Check in with your body. How do you feel in this version
of yourself? Not how you think you should
feel, not what would look inspirational in a caption, but
(17:23):
deep down, gut level you. Are you walking taller?
Is your breath deeper? Do you feel a little more
grounded in your skin, like you actually belong in your own
life? Maybe you feel grateful, maybe
(17:48):
you feel soft, maybe you feel like an absolute bad ass who's
finally stopped playing small just to keep things safe.
Help. Maybe you even feel a little
smug in the best way. Not arrogant, but self assured.
(18:09):
Like you've earned this. Like you're no longer asking for
permission to want what you want.
Like your inner critic is still around, sure, but they've been
demoted to unpaid intern with nodecision making power.
So go ahead, channel that version and body it.
(18:34):
Describe it like you're narrating your own glow up
montage. Slow motion, dramatic lighting,
maybe a power song playing in the background.
Get into the details. Because here's the thing, if you
can imagine it, you've already started building it.
(18:58):
Your mind is laying the blueprint.
Your words are carving the path.You're not just dreaming, you're
remembering what's possible. Step 3.
Identify obstacles and limiting beliefs.
(19:21):
OK, so you've got the dream, you've visualized the glow up,
you've bathed in the fantasy of the life you could have.
And now, now it's time to wade into the swampy part.
The part where all the internal drama Queens start making noise.
(19:46):
Welcome to the mental mosh pit of Yeah, but what if I can't?
Because apparently the moment you admit you actually want
something meaningful, your brainhits the panic button and
launches a full blown existential WWE match, complete
with folding chairs of self doubt and dramatic entrance
(20:08):
music by your inner critic. Let's start with the fears.
The uninvited but always on timeguests.
What pops up the moment you consider taking a real step
toward what you want? Maybe it's the classic fear of
(20:28):
failure, the little voice that Mumbo mutters.
Excuse me, why even try? It's safer to stay where you
are. At least mild disappointment is
familiar. It's the emotional equivalent of
staying in wet socks because changing them sounds like a
little too much effort. Or maybe it's that old fan
(20:54):
favorite, imposter syndrome, tapdancing on your last nerve like
it paid rent, convincing you that you're not enough, not
smart enough, creative enough, consistent enough, attractive
enough, healed enough, Whatever enough.
Spoiler alert, you are, and evenif you weren't, the bar society
(21:18):
sets for enough is made of bullshit and shifting goal posts
anyway. And it's not just the internal
gremlins. I mean, let's talk about the
external crap too. Because life isn't lived in a
vacuum. What about time, money, energy,
(21:40):
a support system that looks morelike a group chat of emotionally
unavailable raccoons than a cheer squad?
Maybe you've got responsibilities, real life
barriers, or a nervous system that's been in survival mode for
so long it's side eyes joy like it's a scam.
Here's the thing. These fears and roadblocks
(22:03):
aren't proof that your desire isunrealistic.
They're proof that it matters. If it didn't, your brain
wouldn't throw such a spectacular tantrum at the mere
thought of pursuing it. So instead of pretending the
fears aren't there or trying to bulldoze through them with toxic
(22:27):
positivity and seven empty affirmations taped to your
mirror, get curious. Name the fear, let it speak,
then calmly inform it that it can ride in the car, but it sure
as hell doesn't get to drive. Because yeah, the swamp is real,
(22:49):
but so is your ability to walk through it with muddy boots, a
journal in hand, and the absolute audacity to keep going.
Anyway, now let's talk real world stuff.
Not vibes, not manifestation mantras whispered into
moonlight. I'm talking about the actual
(23:12):
practical things that might makethis whole chase your desire
thing feel hard. Things like time, or more
specifically, the complete lack of it.
Maybe your schedule is already aJenga tower of commitments held
together by caffeine and sheer willpower.
Or money, because unfortunately even the most soul aligned
(23:37):
dreams sometimes need actual funding and your bank account is
currently looking at you. Like bestie, please be so
fucking for real. And then there's support.
Or, you know, the lack thereof. Maybe you're surrounded by
lovely humans who just don't getit.
(24:01):
Or worse, you've got a motivational circle made of
entirely emotionally unavailablehouse plants, a group chat that
only talks about drama, or relatives who think your dream
is just a quirky face. Write it all down.
(24:25):
No shame, this is not about sugar coating or pretending it's
all vision boards and just believe in yourself speeches.
This is about naming the landscape so you don't get
halfway into the journey and panic quit because you forgot to
pack snacks and hiking boots. Avoiding reality doesn't make it
(24:49):
easier, it just makes the crash louder when it inevitably shows
up uninvited. But here's the kicker, the part
the burnout gremlin doesn't wantyou to realize?
You can shift the story. No, you can't snap your fingers
(25:10):
and make time appear or conjure a fairy godmother who bankrolls
your dreams. So if you do have one of those,
please send her my way. But you can take tiny,
intentional steps that make the whole thing more doable.
(25:30):
Maybe it's breaking your goal into micro movements instead of
trying to life overhaul by next Tuesday.
Maybe it's asking for help, gas vulnerability again, delegating
one thing or letting someone know what you're working toward.
(25:52):
And maybe it's just changing your internal monologue from
this is impossible to this mighttake a while, but I'm allowed to
try because spoiler alert, progress doesn't require
perfection. It doesn't even require a solid
(26:13):
plan. It just requires movement.
Any movement. Your obstacles are not signs
from the universe that you should give up.
They're just detours asking for better navigation, a little
creativity, or, let's be honest,a nap and a snack before you
(26:39):
keep going. So go ahead, name the fears.
List the roadblocks. Air out the doubts like you're
Marie Kondo in your limiting beliefs, but don't let them have
the final word. You've got bigger things to
build, and they start with not abandoning yourself at the first
(27:01):
sign of resistance. This is where the good stuff
starts, not in spite of the hardparts, but because you're
willing to face them and keep moving anyway.
Step 4, breaking it down into actionable steps.
(27:23):
All right, dreamer, time to bring that vision down from the
clouds and plant it squarely into your real messy calendar
clogged life. Look.
Manifestation is cute, mood boards adorable, but actual
progress she's into To Do List sticky notes and slightly
(27:49):
panicked Google searches at 11:47 PM.
This is the part where your dreamy montage fantasy meets
actual logistics. And yes, that can still be
magical. This step is about breaking your
big shiny goal into bite sized, non overwhelming, actually
(28:12):
doable actions. Not the kind that make you want
to immediately lie down and dissociate, but the kind your
nervous system can handle without throwing a full blown
tantrum. Because let's be honest, if your
brain thinks pursuing your dreammeans waking up at 5:00 AM,
becoming a green juice person, and quitting your job on a whim,
(28:36):
it's going to Nope out before you even sharpen your first
metaphorical pencil. So let's scale it way down.
Start by writing three embarrassingly small steps you
can take toward your desire. Like, I might even forget I did
(28:57):
this tomorrow. Small think.
Google that thing you've been intimidated to research.
Text someone who might be helpful, encouraging, or at
least less emotionally draining than your usual group chat.
Dust off that half used notebookand write one single sentence
(29:18):
about what you want. This isn't about momentum that
looks impressive. This is about micro moves that
prove to your very overwhelmed, very human self that this thing
it's possible, and that you don't have to overhaul your
(29:39):
entire life overnight to get started.
Maybe one of your steps is reaching out to someone who's
doing what you want to do, even if it makes you want to throw up
a little. Maybe it's carving out 15
minutes a day that's just for this dream, even if that means
(30:00):
saying no to something else or letting the dishes vibe in the
sink for a hot minute. Maybe it's picking a deadline
that feels like a gentle nudge, not a threat from your inner
productivity gremlin. Whatever it is, make it real,
make it yours, and above all, make it kind.
(30:24):
The goal here isn't to impress anyone or earn gold stars, it's
to start to prove to yourself inthe smallest and most
sustainable ways that the thing you want isn't just a fantasy,
(30:45):
it's a work in progress. And you, miracle of a mess that
you are, are the 1 making it real now.
How do you make sure these smalldoable steps don't just become
wishful thinking that future youghosted?
Like a dating app match with toomany red flags, You structure
(31:08):
them. You give those baby steps the
dignity of a real plan. You treat them like sacred
little calendar events, not vague ideas you might get to
later. AKA never set dates, add
reminders. Put it in your phone, put it in
(31:30):
your planner. Write it on your bathroom mirror
and eyeliner if you have to. Treat it like a hot date with
your potential. And yes, that includes choosing
an outfit if that helps you showup with main character energy.
And let's be real for a second, if you are executive functioning
(31:50):
has been flirting with burnout or chaos lately.
Hi, welcome to the club. You're going to need systems
that might mean alarms, visual reminders, accountability
buddies, or a planner that talksto you like a therapist crossed
with a personal trainer. Use what works.
(32:14):
Color code it, sticker it, brag yourself with snacks, whatever
it takes to make your own brain feel like a safe place to land,
not a battlefield of unfinished to do lists.
Now let's talk support. What tools, resources, or full
blown life lines are going to keep you from spiraling into
(32:38):
avoidance the second things get even slightly uncomfortable?
Maybe it's an online class to teach you the thing you're
afraid you don't know. Maybe it's a mentor or coach or
friend who sees your magic even when you're convinced you're a
disaster. The people listening to this
know exactly who they are. Maybe it's a discord server of
(33:02):
like minded weirdos who are alsotrying to do big scary beautiful
things. Or maybe it's a planner so
aggressive it makes you feel like it's judging you from the
corner of your desk, but in a motivating, disappointed but
supportive aunt kind of way. Whatever your version is, use
(33:22):
it. Don't white knuckle your way
through this out of pride or perfectionism.
You're not weak for needing help.
You're not lazy for needing structure.
You're not a failure if you needa reminder 12 times before you
do the thing. You are a human building
(33:43):
something tender and important in the middle of a world that
rewards burnout and punishes softness.
So build the scaffolding. Phone a friend.
Make it easier to show up for your dream than it is to ghost
it. Because one small step at a
(34:04):
time, That's how empires are built.
That's how routines get stable. That's how lives actually
change. Messy, gentle, real.
You've got this. Step 5.
(34:26):
Setting a timeline. All right, now that you've got
your big desire named, your gremlins called out, and your
action steps prepped, it's time to put this bad boy on a
timeline. Because let's be honest, someday
it's not a strategy. Eventually is how things end up
(34:51):
lost in the mental junk drawer with your abandoned hobbies,
your half finished DIY projects,and that plant you swore you'd
keep alive. This time your brain, especially
if it's been through burnout, self doubt, or the general
whiplash of existing in the world lately, needs clarity.
Not pressure, not a rigid 5 yearplan, but some honest, anchored
(35:17):
structure that says this is real, this is happening, this
matters. So let's break it down.
Start with this question. What's one small win I want to
nail in the next month? Not your whole goal, not the
entire life overhaul, Just one thing that moves the needle from
(35:43):
thinking about it. 2 I actually did something.
Think sending that e-mail, signing up for that course,
writing the first 3 paragraphs, finally starting that habit
you've been flirting with for months.
Or even, brace yourself, just sticking with something long
(36:05):
enough to feel a little momentum.
This is low stakes, high satisfaction territory.
You're setting yourself up for alittle hit of dopamine and a big
reminder that you're capable. Make it so doable, so bite sized
(36:26):
that your brain doesn't immediately throw a tantrum.
You're not aiming for Instagram worthy transformation, you're
aiming for consistency. Follow through a small win that
gives you proof. Hey, I'm doing it.
This is real. And when you check it off,
celebrate. I'm talking cue the tiny dance
(36:48):
party in your kitchen kind of celebration.
Give yourself credit, like you just won an Olympic medal in
showing up for yourself. Because you did.
And that matters more than most people give themselves
permission to acknowledge. This isn't about rushing.
It's about anchoring. Your dream deserves to live
(37:11):
somewhere more concrete than themaybe later pile, so let's give
it a home in your timeline and let the magic of tiny follow
through moments start to stack. Next up, the three month
milestone. This is where things start to
(37:32):
get real. You've planted the seed.
Now we're talking about that first actual sprout.
What does momentum look like foryou in the next three months?
Not some hyper optimized hustle culture version of progress, but
the kind that feels sustainable.The kind that doesn't leave you
(37:54):
crying into a spreadsheet wondering if you're cut out for
any of this. Maybe it's showing up
consistently, even when it's boring or messy.
Maybe it's starting to see tangible progress.
A chapter written. A habit stuck, a creative
project finally not abandoned atthe halfway point.
(38:15):
Maybe it's just the fact that you didn't flake out on yourself
the second things got uncomfortable.
You kept going. You chose to keep moving
forward. And that alone isn't as a
radical act of self trust in a world that teaches us to quit on
ourselves before we even begin. Three months in, the vision
(38:36):
starts to shift from fantasy life you journal about when
you're feeling brave to real life that's unfolding, set by
beautiful awkward step. You start to realize holy shit,
I'm actually doing it, and you didn't need a total reinvention,
(38:57):
you just needed to show up even when it wasn't glamorous.
And now zoom out one year from now.
What does success look like? Not what it would look like on a
resume, Not what would make yourparents feel less worried at
holiday dinners, and definitely not what your inner
(39:20):
overachiever, AKA the burnout goblin in a power blazer, thinks
is acceptable. No.
What does your version of success look like?
Maybe it's a finished project. Maybe it's a complete identity
shift. Maybe it's a new lifestyle
(39:40):
rhythm where your nervous systemis no longer in fight or flight
just because it's Tuesday. Maybe it's peace, spaciousness,
the feeling that you finally made room in your life for the
stuff that actually matters. Not because it was easy, but
because it was worth choosing. Whatever that one year milestone
(40:05):
looks like, name it. Write it down like it's already
happening. Feel it in your body.
Own it like it's not optional, like it's not a maybe but a
calling you've decided to answer.
And remember, timelines aren't about pressure or performance.
(40:31):
They're not a race. They're just a way to show
future you that present you gaveenough of a damn to try that you
didn't just dream, you moved. So go ahead, pencil it in, mark
the dates, make the plan a little real.
(40:55):
Because your life doesn't changeall at once.
It changes in these exact moments, the ones where you stop
waiting for clarity or confidence or someone else's
permission, and instead you decide to show up awkwardly,
(41:17):
bravely, beautifully, for your own dream.
And there you have it. You just peeled back the layers,
stare at your dreams and doubts straight in the eye, and laid
the groundwork for becoming thatversion of yourself.
(41:40):
The one who doesn't just Daydream about change, but
actually moves toward it, even if the steps are wobbly and the
map is half drawn in coffee stains and chaos.
The one who shows up even when it's hard, even when they're
scared, even when their girl Google search history reads like
(42:02):
a midlife crisis written in memes.
How to start over. Is it too late to be a person?
Jobs for burned out weirdos withbig hearts.
This isn't about fixing yourself.
It never was. This is about honoring yourself,
your wants, your fears, your tender, chaotic, brilliant,
(42:24):
unfinished self. Because you're not broken.
You're becoming. You've got clarity now.
A little road map, a plan with real steps, real timelines, and
maybe even a new level of self trust that says, yeah, I can do
(42:46):
this. You might not have all the
answers, spoiler, no one does. But you have something better
intention. You have truth.
You have the guts to look inward, get honest, and start
walking toward something real that's powerful as hell.
(43:13):
So whether your pen made it through the whole journaling
session or died dramatically midsentence RIP, you still did the
thing. You showed up, you cracked
yourself open a little. That matters.
Keep going, even if it's slow, even if it's messy, even if some
(43:39):
days the win is just not quitting on yourself.
Your desire didn't pick you at random.
It's yours for a reason. So treat it like it matters,
because it does. Now go hydrate, romanticize the
(43:59):
effort, put your playlist on, light the candle, talk nice to
yourself. You're in it now.
And if no one's told you today, this shit matters, you matter.
And this, this is just the beginning.
(44:24):
And that's a wrap on today's guided journaling episode.
If you stuck with me through allthe feelings, fears, and future
you fantasies, Congrats, you've officially shown more emotional
range than most of my exes. If you loved this episode, or
even just mildly tolerated it ina meaningful way, don't forget
(44:47):
to subscribe, rate and review Shrink Wrapped wherever you get
your podcasts. It helps more messy, magic
filled humans like you find us. And yes, I read every single
review and comment like it's a love letter from the void.
Now, if you want more journal prompts connecting with other
listeners like you and me, your host, text transcripts of each
(45:11):
episode, and a place to dissect each episode with other people
who get it, join us on the O'Neill Counseling app.
It's where all the good stuff lives.
And spoiler, it's free and it's cozy as hell.
You can find the link in the show notes.
And don't forget to tune in nextweek for our next DSM dive,
(45:33):
where we're unpacking schizophrenia, what it is, what
it isn't, and why Hollywood seriously needs to stop using it
as a lazy plot twist. Until then, hydrate, rest, and
keep showing up for your own damn life.
(45:54):
You've got this.
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