Building Resilience

If you’ve been calling yourself lazy, unmotivated, or inconsistent, this episode is your wake-up call.What if the reason you’re stuck isn’t a mindset problem… but a nervous system one? In this deeply validating solo episode, Leah Davidson explores how procrastination, avoidance, and “invisible resistance” are often signs of a protective nervous system, not personal failure.From ghosting your own business to endlessly “preparing” but never acting, Leah shares powerful insights on how shame, fear, and dysregulation keep you small, and how to reclaim momentum safely, one small step at a time.Whether you’re an overwhelmed parent, frozen entrepreneur, or helper who can’t seem to help yourself—this episode will help you reframe your “stuckness” and offer a gentler, more effective path forward.⸻⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: When “cleaning the junk drawer” means something deeper02:00 – What’s really behind feeling stuck03:25 – Fear masked as logic: the subtle signs04:40 – Shame’s quiet whispers and protective disguise05:52 – The “roommate” analogy for your nervous system08:10 – The myth of perfection in healing work10:25 – Real-life examples: coach, parent, student, executive12:57 – Stuckness ≠ laziness: it’s protection13:45 – Step 1: Curiosity over criticism14:45 – Step 2: Get specific about the emotional fear16:09 – Step 3: Regulate before action17:10 – The Safety Sequence in practice17:58 – Step 4: Start with the smallest possible step19:00 – Step 5: Find your people, especially in messy moments20:00 – Is it resistance—or redirection?21:20 – Sustainable change happens at the speed of safety22:10 – Regulate. Act. Repeat.⸻🧠 Want More Support?📝 Get my Resilience Journal – A guided journal for nervous system care:📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1🎓 Join the Nervous System Journaling Clubhttps://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1📬 Weekly Newsletter + Free Workshops:https://www.leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletterhttps://www.leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/doodleworkshop📱 Follow me:Instagram & Facebook – @leahdavidsonlifecoaching⸻🗣️ Found this helpful? Like, comment, and subscribe to support more conversations on nervous system resilience and compassionate growth.#NervousSystemHealing #SurvivalMode #YouAreNotLazy #TraumaInformedGrowth #LeahDavidson #BuildingResiliencePodcast

What if being “messy” doesn’t mean you’re disorganized—and clutter isn’t the real issue?In this episode of the Building Resilience Podcast, I’m joined by organizing coach Tracy Hoth for a powerful reframe on what it really means to be organized. Spoiler: It’s not about color-coded bins or minimalist living. It’s about safety, clarity, and knowing where your stuff is—80% of the time.We talk about the nervous system side of clutter, why perfection is a trap, and how “messiness” might be a protective response rather than a personal flaw. You’ll walk away with mindset shifts, practical tips (hello, SPASM method!), and a whole new lens on what organized can actually feel like.If you’ve ever looked at your home, your business, or your life and thought, “I should have it more together by now”—this conversation is for you.⸻Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome + Leah admits she might not be that organized02:34 – Meet Tracy: An organizing coach with a nervous system twist05:55 – Why “organized” doesn’t mean minimalist or picture-perfect09:18 – The 80% Rule: A realistic definition of being organized12:43 – Leah’s tiny Toronto home vs. American closets17:05 – You can be organized and have stuff21:17 – Nervous system links: Why some people need more things to feel safe24:30 – SPASM: The 5-step framework for organizing29:49 – The hardest part of getting organized (it’s not what you think)33:12 – The emotional side of purging (guilt, scarcity, memories)38:05 – How to set limits without feeling deprived41:50 – Why baskets and bins aren’t the answer44:37 – Benefits of organizing: Calm, clarity, confidence48:30 – Organizing as a nervous system regulation tool52:11 – What organization reveals about your identity56:05 – How to break projects into doable steps59:40 – Is your “mess” actually protecting you?01:02:55 – Where to start: Mindset before method01:05:23 – Final takeaways + how to work with Tracy⸻🧠 Want More Tools?📝 Get my Resilience Journal to support your nervous system:📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1🎓 Join the Nervous System Journaling Club:https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1📚 Explore Coaching, Courses, and Community:https://www.leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com📱 Follow me on Instagram & Facebook: @leahdavidsonlifecoaching💌 Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: www.leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletter⸻🗣️ Enjoyed the episode?Like, comment, and share! It helps more people find healing through nervous system tools and resilience-building strategies.#Organization #NervousSystem #DeclutterYourMind #TraumaInformedLiving #EmotionalClutter #LeahDavidson #TracyHoth #BuildingResiliencePodcast

That voice in your head that says, "Who do you think you are?" The one that shows up right before you do something brave or bold? It’s not a flaw, it’s a signal , and the way you respond to it might be the difference between staying stuck or stepping forward.In Part 1, Leah Davidson explored where imposter syndrome comes from, how it shows up, and why it’s actually not the enemy. Now, in Part 2, she dives deeper into the how: what those imposter feelings are trying to tell you, how to regulate your nervous system in the moment, and strategies to help you take action even when self-doubt is present.This isn't about "fixing" imposter syndrome, but understanding its roots in your nervous system's protective responses. Leah guides you through practical, embodied strategies to transform the fear of being "found out" into a powerful catalyst for authentic self-expression and sustainable progress. Remember, confidence isn't a requirement to doing things; it's the result of doing them.In this episode, you'll learn:- Why imposter syndrome often signals you're heading in the right direction and doing something that matters to you.- How to reframe imposter feelings as "data, not drama" by getting curious instead of fighting or believing them completely.- Practical nervous system regulation techniques like the Safety Sequence, Box Breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 grounding, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation to calm your body and allow clear thinking.- The crucial difference between eliminating imposter feelings and regulating your nervous system to act effectively while they are present.- How to build "general competence confidence" by taking small, consistent actions despite uncertainty, proving to yourself that you can handle challenging situations.The importance of community and seeking examples of others to counteract the isolation imposter syndrome thrives in.This episode is for anyone ready to move beyond just understanding imposter syndrome and actively build the nervous system resilience needed to thrive in their authentic power.—📝 Get my Resilience Journal to support your healing journey:📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1🎓 Nervous System Journaling Club:https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1—📌 Tags:#ImposterSyndrome #NervousSystemHealing#EmotionalRegulation #GrowthMindset#Resilience #TraumaRecovery#SelfBelonging #ConfidenceBuilding#LeahDavidson #BuildingResiliencePodcast#Neuroplasticity #Authenticity#HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth#SelfDoubt #TakeAction

Do you ever feel like any minute now, someone’s going to figure out you don’t actually belong, even though you do?In this episode, Leah reframes imposter syndrome not as a flaw to fix, but as a signal that you’re growing. Through neuroscience, personal reflection, and powerful analogies (yes, including “bicycle face”), she explores the real reason you feel like a fraud—and why it’s actually a good sign.You’ll learn:• Where imposter syndrome really comes from• What your nervous system is doing behind the scenes• Why new experiences trigger old survival responses• How neuroplasticity explains the discomfort of growth• The 5 types of imposter syndrome—and which ones resonate with youThis is part one of a two-part series that will help you stop spiraling and start honoring the discomfort of doing something meaningful.⸻⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – The fear of being “found out”01:04 – What we’re covering in part one02:05 – Where imposter syndrome originated03:18 – The “bicycle face” analogy (and what it means today)05:09 – What if imposter syndrome is a sign of growth?05:44 – Your nervous system’s job is survival, not success06:54 – Neuroplasticity: why growth feels awkward07:34 – Leah’s personal story: launching her Resilience journal09:02 – Your body reacts to newness like a threat10:08 – Your brain is scanning for patterns—and gets anxious without them11:44 – The 5 patterns of imposter syndrome (by Dr. Valerie Young)12:00 – #1: The Perfectionist13:11 – #2: The Expert14:08 – #3: The Natural Genius15:20 – #4: The Soloist16:24 – #5: The Superhero17:38 – These are survival strategies, not flaws18:22 – You might show different types in different areas of life18:33 – A final reframe: imposter syndrome as a growth signal18:42 – Preview of part two: regulating & taking action19:01 – Closing⸻🧠 Explore More Tools📝 Get my Resilience Journal to support your healing journey:📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1🧘‍♀️ Join the Nervous System Journaling Club→ https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1🎓 Learn more:→ The Advanced Nervous System Resilience Training: https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aXvnLQ5iNMBUxzQYYcrgjg.Ygo_CcAbKDLG3ax4WgUAUannnVgrozTHO0DU3k-rSfw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mental%2Bhealth%2BJournal&qid=1748849188&sr=8-1&th=1📬 Stay Connected💌 Newsletter: leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletter📱 Instagram & Facebook: @leahdavidsonlifecoaching

Do you replay conversations in your head, second-guess your words, or feel a wave of shame from just one comment or look?You’re not too sensitive and you’re not alone. You’re simply human with a nervous system doing its job to protect you.In this episode, we unpack why you take things personally and what you can do to shift that response. This isn’t about “toughening up” or just thinking positive. It’s about understanding the neurobiology behind emotional reactions and learning how to regulate your state so you can respond with clarity, not collapse.🔍 What You’ll Learn:• How your nervous system interprets disapproval as a threat• Why “story follows state”—and how to shift both• The “slime” analogy for handling criticism• A powerful mindset tool called the “second score”• How to create emotional space between stimulus and response⸻🕰️ Timestamps:03:27 – Why thinking differently isn’t enough03:55 – Survival wiring and neuroception05:20 – Strategy #1: Critique behavior, not identity06:25 – Separate who you are from what you did06:56 – Strategy #2: Reframe criticism as feedback07:44 – The “Slime” analogy for handling feedback10:02 – Brené Brown’s arena metaphor: who deserves your energy?10:52 – Not all feedback deserves full volume11:16 – Strategy #3: Mind reading and nervous system state12:20 – Story follows state: Team Hyper, Hypo, and Resilient13:37 – The Safety Sequence: Regulate before you reframe14:27 – Strategy #4: Track and anticipate your personal triggers15:12 – Strategy #5: Validate your emotions first16:07 – Strategy #6: The Second Score – how you respond matters18:19 – Criticism as a growth opportunity18:40 – Final thoughts: It’s not a mindset flaw—it’s your nervous system⸻🧠 Explore More Tools📝 Get my Resilience Journal to support your healing journey:📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1🧘‍♀️ Join the Nervous System Journaling Club→ https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1🎓 Learn more:→ The Advanced Nervous System Resilience Training: https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aXvnLQ5iNMBUxzQYYcrgjg.Ygo_CcAbKDLG3ax4WgUAUannnVgrozTHO0DU3k-rSfw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mental%2Bhealth%2BJournal&qid=1748849188&sr=8-1&th=1📬 Stay Connected💌 Newsletter: leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/newsletter📱 Instagram & Facebook: @leahdavidsonlifecoaching

You know that moment when someone says something small, but your reaction feels huge? Like, your heart’s racing, your mind is spiralling, and you’re suddenly questioning everything?Or maybe you lose it, and then after think "Oof, where did that come from?"(Or I've often seen others lose it and also wonder, "Oof, where did that come from!")One of my clients recently asked a question that I know so many of us have wrestled with:"If something triggers me today, how do I know if I'm just reacting from an old wound - or it something's actually not ok right now?"Yes. Yes. YES.That’s exactly what this week’s episode of the Building Resilience podcast is all about.We’re diving into:* Why your nervous system doesn’t do timelines* How “story follows state” (and what that really means)* 6 powerful tools to help you sort out what’s now and what’s then* And how to bring compassion no matter what you findNervous System Journaling Club: https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1#nervoussystemhealing #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemreset

Have you ever felt yourself pulling away right as things started going well? You finally feel joy, connection, or success—and suddenly you sabotage it, shut down, or spiral. You’re not broken. You’ve just hit your nervous system’s upper limit.In this episode of the Building Resilience Podcast, Leah Davidson explores why so many of us unconsciously resist the very things we want—and how to shift that. Self-sabotage isn’t a failure of discipline—it’s a brilliant act of protection when our body doesn’t feel safe holding more.Through nervous system science and real-life examples, Leah walks you through 10 powerful strategies to expand your capacity, calm the fear of goodness, and stop pulling back when it matters most.This episode will help you:✔ Understand the root of your self-sabotage (and stop blaming yourself)✔ Rewire your nervous system to feel safe with ease, success, love, and rest✔ Recognize the subtle ways your body says “too much”✔ Use micro-moments and bottom-up tools to build real resilience✔ Expand your emotional capacity without triggering collapseThis episode is for anyone who’s ready to grow—but wants to do it in a way that’s gentle, embodied, and truly sustainable.—⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Do You Sabotage the Good Stuff?00:43 – Welcome to Episode 231: What’s Really Behind Resistance01:12 – Sabotage Is Protection in Disguise02:01 – The Body’s Response: “Too Fast, Too Far, Too Unfamiliar”02:49 – The Hidden Beliefs That Keep Us From Expanding03:48 – Why You Can’t Think Your Way Into Safety04:30 – Resistance Isn’t a Motivation Problem—It’s a Mismatch05:37 – Strategy 1: Get Curious With the Part That’s Afraid06:48 – Strategy 2: Anchor Safety in Small Doses07:55 – Strategy 3: Let Yourself Hold the Good Just a Beat Longer08:49 – Strategy 4: Practice Safe Exposure to Joy10:03 – Strategy 5: Expand Through Creative Expression10:49 – Strategy 6: Use Identity Work to Reinforce Safety11:46 – Strategy 7: Regulate Before You Strategize13:01 – Strategy 8: Slow Down Your Intake14:25 – Strategy 9: Stay Connected While Growing15:14 – Strategy 10: Be Gentle With Your Nervous System—📝 Get my Resilience Journal to support your healing journey:📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1🎓 Nervous System Journaling Club:https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1—📌 Tags:#Resilience #NervousSystemHealing#TraumaRecovery #PolyvagalTheory#EmotionalRegulation #GriefAndHealing#HealingTools #NervousSystemSupport#BottomUpRegulation #SafetySequence#TraumaInformedHealing #AnxietyTools#HowToHeal #HealingAfterLoss#CoRegulation #NervousSystemCoach#LeahDavidson #BuildingResiliencePodcast

Have you ever been blindsided by something so painful it split your life into a “before” and “after”? Loss, betrayal, trauma, uncertainty—whatever the moment—you’re not broken, you’re human.In this powerful episode of the Building Resilience Podcast, Leah Davidson unpacks the core habits of resilient people—through the lens of nervous system science. Inspired by Lucy Hone’s TED Talk on grief and resilience, Leah shares how real healing happens: not by pushing through, but by tuning in to your body, building capacity, and connecting with others.This episode will help you:✔ Understand what your nervous system is really doing when you feel stuck✔ Shift from survival mode into regulation✔ Use simple tools to hold both grief and growth✔ Learn why co-regulation and community are essential to healing✔ Stop thinking your way out—and start healing from the inside outFeaturing practical tools like “The Safety Sequence,” you’ll walk away with insights you can apply in real time to come back to safety, connection, and wholeness.—Timestamps:00:00 – If You’ve Ever Been Blindsided by Pain…00:26 – Welcome to Episode 230: What Resilient People Do01:29 – Inspired by Lucy Hone’s TED Talk on Resilience02:17 – Why Resilience Lives in Your Body (Not Just Your Mind)02:40 – Lesson 1: Resilient People Know Crap Happens03:07 – What is Neuroception? How Your Body Scans for Danger04:21 – Fight, Flight, Freeze & Fawn: Understanding Survival States05:33 – These Responses Aren’t Flaws—They’re Intelligent05:59 – Lesson 2: Resilient People Choose Where to Focus06:49 – Equal Airtime: Holding Grief & Gratitude Together07:45 – Bottom-Up Tools: Breath, Grounding, Journaling, Doodling09:37 – Lesson 3: Ask “Is This Helping or Harming Me?”10:26 – Re-Engaging the Brain: Why This Simple Question Works11:22 – Befriending Your Nervous System: The Foundation of Healing12:08 – What Is the Safety Sequence & How to Use It13:02 – What Regulation Actually Looks Like in Real Life13:25 – Lesson 5: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone13:55 – Why Co-Regulation Is Essential for Healing14:47 – You Can Grieve and Grow at the Same Time15:07 – Nervous System Work Is the Path HomeNervous System Journaling Club:https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1Get My Resilience Journal to help you learn about nervous system regulation:📝 Resilience: A Guided Journal for Emotional Well-Being & Nervous System Care📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1📌 Tags:#Resilience#nervoussystemhealing#traumarecovery#polyvagaltheory#emotionalregulation#griefandhealing#healingtools#nervoussystemsupport#BottomUpRegulation#SafetySequence#TraumaInformedHealing#anxietytools#howtoheal#healingafterloss#coregulation#NervousSystemCoach#LeahDavidson#BuildingResiliencePodcast

Do you ever feel like life is happening to you—like you’re stuck in survival mode and just waiting for permission to live fully?In this episode of the Building Resilience Podcast, Leah Davidson invites you to step out of fear and into your true power as a creator and co-creator of your life.You’ll learn:• How survival mode keeps your nervous system stuck and limits creativity• Why belief in something bigger (whatever that means to you) can unlock deeper resilience• The hidden costs of living in fear and waiting for proof before you act• Practical ways to shift into creator energy using imagination, visualization, journaling, and doodling• How regulating your nervous system first helps you lead with vision—not survivalIf you’re ready to stop outsourcing your power and start creating from trust, faith, and aligned action, this episode will gently guide you back to possibility.Remember: you were not meant to simply survive—you are here to create, co-create, and live expansively.Nervous System Journaling Club:https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about?ref=06e003b61b8148ebbafd3a067f3cc2e1Get My Resilience Journal to help you learn about nervous system regulation:📝 Resilience: A Guided Journal for Emotional Well-Being & Nervous System Care📌 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F&ref=nb_sb_noss_1📌 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Mental-Journal-Anxiety-Management-Self-Care/dp/B0DNRSLV9F/ref=sr_1_1🎧 Tune in now and reconnect with the powerful creator within you.