{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/676997f240480c1d9584e7a5/69bd18c17878605e1172d876?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"From Surviving to Thriving: Rewiring Your Mind","description":"<h2>From Surviving to Thriving: Rewiring Your Mind</h2><h2>Your brain believes what you tell it</h2><p>In this deeply moving and empowering episode, we sit down with&nbsp;<strong>Clare Youssouf</strong>, member of Time Seekers and a passionate advocate for women’s wellbeing.</p><p>Clare shares her incredible journey from feeling passively suicidal and being diagnosed with bipolar disorder… to completely transforming her life through mindfulness and nervous system regulation.</p><p>Her story is proof that change doesn’t come from one giant leap — but from one small, consistent step.</p><p><br></p><h2>🌱 Clare’s Turning Point</h2><p>Clare began with something beautifully simple.</p><p>Every day, she walked around her local field repeating:</p><p><strong>“I can see…”</strong></p><p>That was it.</p><p>For 8 weeks, she kept going.</p><p>And slowly, something shifted.</p><ul><li>Her thoughts began to slow</li><li>She felt more present</li><li>The noise in her mind softened</li></ul><p>That one small practice became the foundation for a completely new way of living.</p><p><br></p><h2>🔥 What We Talk About</h2><ul><li>How mindfulness can transform even the darkest mental states</li><li>The power of small, consistent actions over time</li><li>Understanding the&nbsp;<strong>inner critic</strong>&nbsp;— and why it’s not always telling the truth</li><li><strong>Neuroplasticity</strong>: how your brain can change and adapt at any stage of life</li><li>Why&nbsp;<strong>“your brain believes what you tell it”</strong></li><li>The link between mental wellbeing and the&nbsp;<strong>menopause</strong></li><li>How Clare simplifies complex topics like&nbsp;<strong>polyvagal theory</strong>&nbsp;so anyone can understand them</li></ul><h2>🧠 Nervous System 101 (Made Simple)</h2><p>Clare explains that your body is constantly asking one key question:</p><p>👉&nbsp;<strong>“Am I safe?”</strong></p><p>Your nervous system is always scanning your environment, your thoughts, and your internal state.</p><p>And here’s the powerful part:</p><ul><li>Just because you&nbsp;<em>think</em>&nbsp;something… doesn’t make it real</li><li>Your body reacts to perceived danger — not just actual danger</li><li>You can learn to signal safety to your system</li></ul><h2>🌬️ The Power of Breath</h2><p>One of the most practical tools Clare shares is&nbsp;<strong>breathwork</strong>.</p><p>Why it matters:</p><ul><li>It directly regulates your nervous system</li><li>It sends a signal of safety to your body</li><li>It helps bring you out of overwhelm and back into the present moment</li></ul><p>Simple. Accessible. Powerful.</p><p><br></p><h2>💡 Key Takeaways</h2><ul><li>Small steps, repeated daily, create profound change</li><li>You are not your thoughts — you can observe them</li><li>Your brain is adaptable (at any age or stage)</li><li>Safety is something you can&nbsp;<em>create</em>, not just something you wait for</li><li>Regulating your nervous system is the foundation for feeling better</li></ul><h2>🔁 A Question to Reflect On</h2><p>👉&nbsp;<strong>What’s one small step you could take today… and repeat tomorrow?</strong></p><p>Because transformation doesn’t come from doing everything.</p><p>It comes from doing something — consistently.</p><p><br></p><p>Join the 1% Happier &amp; Healthier Community</p><p>On a similar journey? Want to share your story and connect with</p><p>others making positive changes? Join our private 1<em>% Happier &amp; Healthier</em>&nbsp;Facebook and follow us on Facebook 1% Happier and Healthier</p><p>Community for encouragement, tips, and real talk.</p><p>📩 Email us at&nbsp;hello@1percentandhealthier.co.uk&nbsp;to request an invite!</p><p><br></p><p>🎧 Thanks for Listening!</p><p>If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review – it helps others discover the show and join the 1% movement!</p><p><br></p><p>A big thank you to Pixabay for providing our intro and outro</p><p>music, \"Inspirational Background\" by AudioCoffee.</p><p><br></p><p>Ann &amp; Sally</p><p>xx</p><p><br></p><p>Stay Connected with Us</p><p>Follow us on Instagram:&nbsp;@happierandhealthier__</p><p>Have questions or want to join our Facebook community? Reach out</p><p>to us at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:hello@1percentandhealthier.co.uk\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">hello@1percenthappierandhealthier.co.uk</a></p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Clare</p><p>Instagram - clareyoussouf and timeseekers_womenswellbeing</p>","author_name":"Ann & Sally"}