If you’ve ever caught yourself poking at your belly or scrutinizing your thighs in the mirror, you’re not alone. Body image is something most of us grapple with, especially in a world obsessed with airbrushed perfection. But here’s the deal: you’re more than your body and learning to love the skin you’re in isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about living fully! Today we’ll discuss why body image can feel so complicated, what contributes to the way you see yourself, and, most importantly, five steps to help you start accepting your body (and yourself).

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Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/why-body-image-and-acceptance-can-be-tough-five-steps-to-make-peace-with-your-body-patreon

Join Abby’s online community, One Love Collective on Patreon to get exclusive access to content.

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Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries

Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

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Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to  https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.

Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com

Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

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If you want to heal emotionally, you have to focus on what you’re doing now, not what happened in the past. It’s, of course, important to speak about your past and get clear on some of your why, but the big mistake I find clients making is that they just want to keep talking about their childhood or a bad breakup and not focus on what they can do now. Talking about your past won’t heal you. Taking action will. But you need to take the right action. You heal yourself emotionally by getting good at three components: 1) Learning self-regulation, 2) Making mindfulness a habit, and 3) Practicing self-acceptance/self-compassion. The trick is that you need to do these in that order. Too many people are trying to practice self-acceptance, but they haven’t had any experience in self-regulation or mindfulness. It’s then incredibly hard to work on your self-compassion or acceptance, so you give up! Last week, in episode 316, we went all in on self-regulation. This week, you’ll learn to master mindfulness and self-acceptance/self-compassion. Let’s dive in.

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Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/emotional-healing-techniques-mastering-mindfulness-and-self-acceptance-compassion

Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/

Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries

Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

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Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com

For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

Say hello on social:

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You’ve talked about your past and likely know a lot of the reasons why you’ve got issues (I say with love). The problem is that even though you might know the why (or think you do), you don’t feel better. You continue to repeat unhealthy relationship cycles and you’re still not maintaining your boundaries with others. Or maybe you’re overeating or smoking too much pot. You know why you’ve got some dysfunctional habits, but that hasn’t resulted in you healing emotionally. Talking about your childhood or a bad relationship, initially is great, but spending all your time on the why and not on the how is keeping you stuck. Healing yourself emotionally is comprised of three main areas: 1) learning self-regulation, 2) mindfulness, and 3) self-acceptance/self-compassion. Today we’ll be focusing on that first step, self-regulation. Next week, we’ll tackle mindfulness and self-acceptance/compassion.

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Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-heal-yourself-emotionally-mastering-self-regulation-for-a-happier-life

Grab my FREE Feelings List: https://abbymedcalf.com/feelingslist

Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries

Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

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Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.

Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com

For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

Say hello on social:

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Let’s face it: setting goals is easy, but sticking to them? That’s a whole different story. How many times have you started the year determined to crush your goals, only to lose steam a few weeks later? The struggle is real, and you’re not alone. Studies show that only 19% of people maintain their New Year’s resolutions by the two-year mark. So why is it so hard to stick with what we set out to do? Today we’ll talk about the biggest mistake you make when setting goals and what you can do differently to create lasting success in 2025 and beyond.

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Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/the-big-mistake-you-make-when-setting-goals-and-how-to-actually-achieve-your-goals-this-year

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Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries

Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to  https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.

Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com

For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

Say hello on social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving

YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

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We’ve all had that person in our lives who constantly needs reassurance. Whether it’s your partner asking, “Do you really love me?” for the tenth time this week, your mom needing praise every time she tries something new, or a coworker who looks to you for approval on every decision, these interactions can leave you feeling exhausted, frustrated, and even resentful.

But why are some people like this? And, more importantly, what can you do to manage these relationships while staying compassionate and maintaining your boundaries? In today’s episode, I’ll answer all your questions and give you my five-step process for what you can do to create more balanced and healthy relationships. 

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Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-to-do-when-they-need-constant-reassurance-and-validation

Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries

Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

____________________________

Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.

Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com

For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

Say hello on social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving

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Entitlement. It’s a word we toss around casually, usually about other people. (“Did you see how she cut the line? The entitlement!”) But here’s the thing: entitlement is sneakier than we think. It can show up in the most unexpected places, like our relationships, our workplaces, and even how we navigate society at large. Today you’ll get a clear picture of what entitlement is, why it happens, and (brace yourself) how it might be showing up in your own behavior. As always, I’ll give you great takeaway tips so you can recognize it in yourself and others and break those unhealthy cycles.

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Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/entitlement-in-relationships-how-to-recognize-it-and-break-the-cycle

Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/

Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries

Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

____________________________

Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to  https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.

Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com

For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

Say hello on social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving

YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conflicts in any relationship are inevitable. Whether it's with a partner, friend, family member, or colleague, disagreements are going to happen as we all have different needs, perspectives, and boundaries. I’ve noticed that conflict avoidance has become a bigger and bigger problem since the pandemic, and I’m here to tell you: it’s quietly wrecking your mental health and eating away at the foundation of all your relationships. It’s time to see conflict as an opportunity, not a problem. It’s time to engage instead of running away. It’s time to be happier and more connected in all your relationships by learning the five steps to resolving conflict in any relationship.  

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Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/the-five-steps-to-resolving-conflict-in-any-relationship

Grab my FREE List of Collaborative Questions: https://abbymedcalf.com/collabques

Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries

Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

____________________________

Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.

Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com

For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

Say hello on social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving

YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Self-doubt is that relentless voice in your head that questions your choices, your worth, and your abilities. It can make even the most straightforward decisions feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: self-doubt is a habit of thought. And, like all habits, you can break it. By understanding its roots and applying some research-backed strategies, you can absolutely become a confident decision-maker. Today, I’ll walk you through what science says about self-doubt, why it sticks around, and how to build the self-assurance you need to break the self-doubt habit. Stay tuned for my five steps to confident decision-making.

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Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/overcoming-self-doubt-five-steps-to-confident-decision-making

Get the Identify Your Values Quicksheet: https://abbymedcalf.com/values-quicksheet

Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries

Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

____________________________

Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to  https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.

Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com

For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

Say hello on social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving

YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Radical acceptance is about fully acknowledging and accepting reality as it is, especially when it’s something we don’t like or want to change. This approach, popularized by Dr. Marsha Linehan as part of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), encourages us to embrace what we can’t control instead of resisting it. But radical acceptance isn’t easy. The idea challenges our instincts, often triggering discomfort and frustration, especially if we’re used to holding tightly to that illusion of being in control. Or, if you can’t get past that something isn’t right or fair. Today we’ll explore the origins of radical acceptance, why it’s so challenging, how you can incorporate this life-changing approach and, of course, my top tips for creating a life of resilience, peace, and healthier relationships.

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Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/radical-acceptance-5-steps-to-embrace-reality-for-lasting-peace

Grab my Radical Acceptance Journal Prompts: https://abbymedcalf.com/radical-acceptance-journal-prompts

Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries

Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

____________________________

Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to  https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.

Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com

Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

Say hello on social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving

YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ah, the holidays. A time of family, fun, and… overwhelm? If the thought of spending time with family or navigating the stress of the season makes you feel anxious, you’re not alone. But there’s good news! With a little planning and the right mindset, you can not only survive the holidays but actually enjoy them with my five steps for a joyful season.

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Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-survive-and-enjoy-the-holidays-without-losing-your-mind-5-steps-for-a-joyful-season

Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/

Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries

Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

____________________________

Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to  https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.

Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com

For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

Say hello on social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving

YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many of my clients have issues today that relate back to being neglected as kids, but they’ve never realized that what happened to them was neglect. They say things like, “I had a roof over my head and food,” “My mom was there when I got home from school,” or they’ll even tell me they had a happy childhood. Growing up with neglectful parents isn’t always easy to identify. If you felt unseen, unheard, or unimportant as a child, you may be living with the long-term effects of childhood neglect. And, guess what? There’s a huge body of research that backs up how neglect in childhood affects your adult relationships and your mental health. Today, we’ll break down what neglectful parenting looks like, how you may be carrying the scars into your adult relationships, how to deal currently with your neglectful parents and most importantly, how you can start healing.

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Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-childhood-neglect-impacts-your-adult-relationships-and-how-to-heal-3-key-steps

Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/

Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries

Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

____________________________

Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to  https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.

Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com

Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

Say hello on social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving

YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.