Episode 28: How Self-Care Can Make Us Better Humans with Vicki Atkinson

Posted on by Wynne Leon

We all have different ideas of what a self-care looks like for ourselves – ideas that match our personality and phase of life. But for all the variation in style, there is a central question of how to make self-care stick.

So in this episode, Vicki and I talk about the little hacks that help us to really fill our cups – things like knowing how we self-sabotage or trying not to go whole hog into self-care but instead picking and choosing what’s really helpful.

I talk about seeing the bigger picture and how that helps to orient me on what truly is important. It’s quite probable that I won’t ever get to the end of my to-do list, or at least not until I retire and the kids have moved away, so it’s my way of finding some peace in knowing what is going to make a difference.

Vicki and I talk about the love of naps and how they help to reset our system and create a break between one thing and the next.

And in the midst of summer vacations and home improvement projects, we commiserate about all the fun threatens to throw us off kilter. I talk about how meditation is my tool to irrigate the irritation and Vicki reveals how she spends energy to get energy.

Vicki answers how disruption helps to remind her that she can learn and adapt. We tie our need for adapt to things at a personal level, like having to change plans because of the AQI (air quality index), and extend the conversation from personal self-care to global self-care.

Which is a great way to segue to why this is a full-circle episode because we tie how taking caring of ourselves helps us to be more thoughtful people in this world. I know you’ll love it.

Episode 132: South Side Memories with Gloria Golec – Sharing the Heart of the Matter

In this episode, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author Gloria Golec about her memoir, South Side Memories. The conversation explores themes of family, immigrant experiences, and the power of storytelling. Gloria shares insights on how her Polish heritage and family dynamics shaped her identity and writing journey. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preserving personal narratives, the emotional connections that come from sharing stories, and provides the inspiration for writing our own stories.TakeawaysThe book is a reflection of the American dream and immigrant experiences.Storytelling helps maintain connections to roots and loved ones.Writing can be a therapeutic process for personal growth.Family dynamics, especially gender roles, play a significant role in shaping identity.Cherished memories can provide clarity and understanding of past relationships.Cultural heritage is often intertwined with food traditions and family gatherings.Teaching experiences can influence one's writing and storytelling approach.Writing a memoir can be an emotional journey that brings past relationships closer.Encouragement to start writing by focusing on one story at a time.Sharing stories can inspire others and create a sense of community.Links for this episode:⁠How To Share Snapshots of the American Dream transcript⁠⁠Gloria Golec's profile on Eckhartz Press⁠South Side Memories on ⁠Eckhartz Press⁠From the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: ⁠Surviving Sue⁠; Blog: ⁠https://victoriaponders.com/⁠My book about my beloved father: ⁠Finding My Father’s Faith⁠
  1. Episode 132: South Side Memories with Gloria Golec
  2. Episode 131: Attacking the Dragon with Marc Ross
  3. Episode 130: Take Me Back to Chicago with Doug E. Jones
  4. Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey
  5. Episode 128: This is Your Body on Trauma with Meg Bowman

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to on Anchor Episode 28: How Self Care Can Make Us Better Humans with Vicki Atkinson

Links for this Episode:

Episode 28: How Self Care Can Make Us Better Humans with Vicki Atkinson on Anchor

Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders

Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy

And if you haven’t already, check out Vicki’s book Surviving Sue – now also available as an ebook!

18 thoughts on “Episode 28: How Self-Care Can Make Us Better Humans with Vicki Atkinson”

  1. So…here’s a Friday morning conundrum. Is it okay to “Like” our own podcast…and then daringly offer a comment about as much? I’m doing it anyhow…cheers and love to you, Wynne. If only everyone who wanted to do so had the opportunity to chat (and giggle) with you. One woman ‘joy squad’ = Wynne. xo! 🥰

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    1. Ha, ha, ha – you are so fun, Vicki!! I take it as a very good sign that we’re still giggling a week after recording. Always so much fun to talk with you. You are such a great human and encourager, my dear friend!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

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  4. Enjoyed the segue towards the end about self-care in regards to being human on a struggling planet and our need to have awareness of the human/earth connection from a well-being standpoint. Thank you ladies!

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  6. This one made me chuckle: “It’s quite probable that I won’t ever get to the end of my to-do list, or at least not until I retire and the kids have moved away.” My list grows every day, even in retirement. Maybe it’s that I move slower and don’t care quite as much? Or maybe those time-thieving, delicious little naps that push things farther down the list? Whatever it is, naps rule and they’re number one on my list. Period!

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