S2:E7 If It's So Bad, Why Do We Stay Miserable in Our Comfort Zone

Laura Mangum Broome welcomes listeners to the Flourishing After Adversity podcast and introduces a free guide, “Reframe the Spiral: 5 Quick Coping Strategies to Shift Negative Thoughts and Reclaim Your Day,” available in the show notes. The episode explores why people stay in unhealthy or draining situations, framing it as self-protection by the brain and nervous system to avoid the risks of the unknown. Laura shares a personal story about remaining in a frustrating job due to the effort required to leave, and contrasts being realistic (gathering information, seeking support, and making a strengths-based plan) with giving up on yourself (hopelessness and resignation).

She offers three practical steps: name what you don’t like and ask “why” to find the root issue; clarify a measurable desired outcome; and decide whether the current situation can realistically achieve that outcome, identifying what’s in your control and one action to start this week—or, if not possible, defining the type of situation you need and taking one small step toward it. The episode ends with a three-minute writing exercise (“I’m subjecting myself to…,” “It’s costing me…,” and “My next small step is…”) and a call to share the episode, leave a review, connect at iCope2Hope.com, and download the free guide.

00:00 Why We Stay in Miserable Situations
00:21 Welcome + Free Resource: Reframe the Spiral
01:14 Staying Isn’t Weakness, It’s Your Nervous System Seeking Safety
02:06 A Personal Story: The Job I Hated but Didn’t Leave
03:08 Realistic vs. Giving Up: Spotting Hopelessness in Disguise
03:53 3 Steps to Change: Step 1—Name What’s Not Working
05:02 Step 2—Define a Clear, Measurable Desired Outcome
05:35 Step 3—Can This Situation Get You There? Control, Plans, and Next Steps
06:51 Recap + A 3-Minute Writing Exercise to Choose Your Next Micro-Step
07:53 Closing Encouragement + Share, Review, and Download the Free Guide

• Free Resource: Reframe the Spiral: 5 Quick Coping Strategies to Shift Negative Thoughts and Reclaim Your Day: https://www.icope2hope.com/reframe
• iCope2Hope 3-Step Resilience Framework: https://bit.ly/FrameworkRoadmap
• Website: iCope2Hope: From Hardship to Hope: https://www.icope2hope.com
• Move Beyond Adversity Blog: https://www.icope2hope.com/blog
• Free Newsletter: Wednesday’s Resilient Recharge: https://www.icope2hope.com/newsletter
• Schedule a free 15-minute Clarity Call with Laura: https://bit.ly/15mincallLMB

S2:E6 Identities Change, Values Stay (How to Stay Grounded Through Life Shifts)

In this episode of the Flourishing After Adversity podcast, host Laura Mangum Broome discusses the disorienting feeling of not recognizing yourself during life transitions. Laura offers insight into how identity is linked to the roles we play and provides practical strategies to help regain a sense of self. She introduces three anchors—core values, strengths, and passions—that can guide listeners in rebuilding their identity after setbacks.

Laura also shares personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of taking small, actionable steps and seeking support. Listeners are encouraged to download a free resource, 'Reframe the Spiral,' for additional coping strategies.

00:00 Introduction: Recognizing Change in Your Life
00:20 Welcome to the Flourishing After Adversity Podcast
01:06 Understanding Identity Shifts
02:00 Personal Story: Laura's Journey Through Identity Changes
02:50 Rebuilding Yourself: Core Values, Strengths, and Passions
03:48 Anchor One: Core Values
04:41 Anchor Two: Strengths
05:25 Anchor Three: Passions
06:15 Practical Steps to Rebuild Your Identity
07:54 Recap and Final Encouragement
08:44 Conclusion: Flourishing After Adversity

• Free Resource: Reframe the Spiral: 5 Quick Coping Strategies to Shift Negative Thoughts and Reclaim Your Day: https://www.icope2hope.com/reframe
• iCope2Hope 3-Step Resilience Framework: https://bit.ly/FrameworkRoadmap
• Website: iCope2Hope: From Hardship to Hope: https://www.icope2hope.com
• Move Beyond Adversity Blog: https://www.icope2hope.com/blog
• Free Newsletter: Wednesday’s Resilient Recharge: https://www.icope2hope.com/newsletter
• Schedule a free 15-minute Clarity Call with Laura: https://bit.ly/15mincallLMB

S2:E5 Radical Acceptance: Navigating Chaos with Practical Steps

In this episode of the Flourishing After Adversity podcast, host Laura Mangum Broome addresses the chaos that often follows life’s challenging seasons, such as loss, uncertainty, and emotional turmoil. She introduces radical acceptance as a key resilience skill, explaining that it involves acknowledging reality without approving it. Using her personal experience of dealing with grief and illness, Laura provides practical steps to help listeners calm their nervous systems, organize their thoughts, and take actionable steps.

The episode includes a guided three-step process: writing down overwhelming thoughts, conducting a control check, and practicing radical acceptance to spark momentum. Laura emphasizes that growth happens one step at a time, encouraging listeners to acknowledge their feelings and take action. Listeners are also directed to a free guide, Reframe the Spiral, for coping strategies.

00:00 Introduction: Navigating Life's Chaos
00:17 Welcome to Flourishing After Adversity
01:04 Understanding the Spinning Mind
01:55 Radical Acceptance Explained
02:48 Personal Story of Radical Acceptance
04:20 Three Practical Steps to Move Forward
08:18 Recap and Encouragement
09:13 Closing Remarks and Resources

• Radical Acceptance Resource: https://www.icope2hope.com/blog/constructive-grieving-leads-to-growth-after-a-loved-one-s-death
• Free Resource: Reframe the Spiral: 5 Quick Coping Strategies to Shift Negative Thoughts and Reclaim Your Day: https://www.icope2hope.com/reframe
• iCope2Hope 3-Step Resilience Framework: https://bit.ly/FrameworkRoadmap
• Website: iCope2Hope: From Hardship to Hope: https://www.icope2hope.com
• Move Beyond Adversity Blog: https://www.icope2hope.com/blog
• Free Newsletter: Wednesday’s Resilient Recharge: https://www.icope2hope.com/newsletter
• Schedule a free 15-minute Clarity Call with Laura: https://bit.ly/15mincallLMB