26_The contentment conundrum: Navigating expectations in a world of ”shoulds”

We’re back!! The fall semester is in full swing, and Create Space is back after a beautiful summer spending time at home with my kids. In today’s episode we’re going to make sense of the complex world of contentment. Join me as we explore the power of cognitive behavioral therapy, the concept of morally neutral behaviors, and the intriguing vertical and horizontal morality structures that influence our decision-making processes. We’ll start with a discussion on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a therapeutic approach that empowers people to identify and challenge negative thought patterns. We’ve talked about CBT on the show a few times before and we’ll definitely talk even more about it in later episodes. When it comes to storytelling, the stories we tell ourselves can simply not be understated. Next, I’m going to introduce you to the concept of morally neutral behaviors. This is something I learned from author, KC Davis. We’ll talk about the idea that not all actions are inherently good or bad. Understanding this concept can set you free from guilt and judgment, allowing you to make choices that feel right to you. Finally, we’ll turn to the intriguing concept of vertical and horizontal morality structures. We’ll discuss how vertical morality, often rooted in religious or traditional values, can clash with horizontal morality, which considers individual autonomy and societal progress. This is an episode that’s been on my mind for quite a while now and I’m excited to share it with you! Whether you’re feeling buried under a mountain of unattainable expectations or just wishing you could discover a deeper understanding of your own value system, this episode is for you.