Two years in, and I’m still amazed at the journey of The Conscious Habit Podcast. Every episode feels like another step toward understanding how to navigate this messy world with a little more grace, vulnerability, and humor.
I’m thrilled to share a rerun of one of our all-time fan favorites with New York Times bestselling author Cy Wakeman, who brings wisdom and raw honesty to living fully, even amidst life’s storms.
Here’s what Cy and I explored that I believe will shake up your thinking and maybe even change your day-to-day approach to life.
Listen to the two part episode: Part 1 and Part 2.
Embrace the Compassionate Return to Connection
Cy put it beautifully: staying centered isn’t the point; it’s about compassionately coming back when you lose your footing.
We’re all going to drift from time to time. Life is full of distractions, emotions, and stresses that can pull us off balance, but the real challenge is how quickly and kindly we can find our way back.
The compassionate return isn’t about perfection—it’s about catching ourselves, laughing at our slip-ups, and refusing to spiral into self-criticism. Try it. The next time you feel yourself drifting, take a deep breath, smile, and just start again.
Let Go of the “Barn” and Look for the Moon
One of Cy’s favorite lines is, “Barn’s burnt down, now I can see the moon.” It’s easy to think that a tough loss or a disruptive change is something purely negative. But what if it’s clearing a path for something you’ve never considered?
When we hold too tightly to the things that no longer serve us, we miss out on the unexpected beauty that comes from letting go.
Yes, there will be seasons of heartbreak, uncertainty, and chaos. But these are also the seasons when we’re often closest to real transformation. Allowing ourselves to see life as both messy and wonderful opens us up to a bigger experience.
Tear Down the Do Not Disturb Signs You’ve Put Up for Yourself
One of my favorite lessons from Cy is the idea that we “see Do Not Disturb signs where they don’t exist.”
How often do we hold ourselves back from joy, spontaneity, or simply being present because of these invisible boundaries we’ve created? Maybe it’s the guilt that tells you to keep grinding, even when your soul begs for rest. Or the fear of judgment that stops you from saying yes to new experiences.
The next time you hesitate, ask yourself, Is there an actual reason not to do this? Or am I simply holding myself back? Play is a critical part of life, and yet it’s the first thing many of us sacrifice. It’s time to rewrite the rules we’ve set for ourselves and reclaim our right to joy.
Gratitude Isn’t Just for the Good Stuff
The concept of “gratitude for the hard stuff” struck a chord with me. It’s easy to count our blessings when everything’s going well. But what if we could learn to see even the tough times as blessings—not by denying our pain, but by staying curious about what each experience might be teaching us?
Gratitude for the hardships might sound like toxic positivity, but it’s not about glossing over the bad. Instead, it’s about opening ourselves to the lessons life has to teach. So the next time you’re facing a challenge, don’t rush to move on or numb yourself to it. Instead, sit with it. Let it evolve you.
Remember, You’re Not Here Just to Suffer or “Get by”—You’re Here to Live
At the end of the day, all this talk about life being messy comes down to one simple thing: we’re here to live.
Not to play it safe or endure every hardship like it’s some penance. We’re here to be fully alive. Heartache, setbacks, and frustrations are proof that you’re trying, that you care, that you’re human. Don’t let them stop you.
As Cy put it, life can be messy and happy at the same time. So instead of striving to keep it all neat and perfect, start leaning into the chaos. Live boldly, laugh through the setbacks, and remember—there’s beauty in every bit of it.
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Meet Amy Woodall
Amy, founder of Conscious Habit, is a human behavior expert, mindfulness practitioner, and high-performance coach with nearly 20 years of experience. Through her podcast, keynote speaking, and sold-out High Vibe Tribe retreats, she empowers individuals and teams to lead happier, more conscious lives. Amy’s mission is to blend personal growth with professional success, inspiring others to live from the inside out.