In this important and special episode, you will hear the beautiful, profound, and comforting words that are needed in the world right now. When I woke up this morning, I did not expect to have this conversation. But, as I watched the news unfold, I felt overwhelmed and hopeless, seeing a world that feels like it’s spinning out of control. I thought to myself, "If I could talk to one person right now who could give you and me the love, support, and tools that help when you feel scared of the world around you, who would it be?" I knew exactly who I wanted to talk to: Dr. Thema Bryant. Dr. Thema Bryant is a scholar, minister, and tenured professor at Pepperdine University. A clinical psychologist who completed her postdoctoral studies at Harvard Medical Center’s Victims of Violence, Dr. Thema Bryant is the current president of the American Psychological Association and has published multiple best-selling books. Every time I listen to her speak, she radiates so much love, perspective, and soft empowerment to help you face whatever is going on in your life. I seriously feel my soul exhale whenever she speaks, and that’s why I wanted her to talk to you and me through this difficult time. Whether you’re watching tragedy play out in the news or things are happening for you globally, nationally, locally, or even in your own living room, this is a conversation that will help you. You don’t have to be directly impacted by what is going on out there in the world to feel the uneasiness and overwhelm inside you. Please take 29 minutes and join me and Dr. Thema Bryant for this incredibly powerful message: Even when things seem so dark, there is still a light inside of you and me, and there are ways in which you can connect with it, no matter what is happening. This conversation is packed with meaning and simple things to do if you’re feeling overwhelmed or are in the middle of turmoil within your own community, relationships, or family. Dr. Thema will guide you in navigating your feelings. She’ll explain to you with reassurance and wisdom how exactly to process what is going on, while still staying connected with yourself. If you don’t feel like you have a soft or safe place to land or don’t know how to sort through overwhelming feelings, this conversation will feel like a gift. Thank you for being here for this and for sharing it with everyone you know and love. Because everyone is in it right now, and we all need some guidance. Xo, Mel In this episode: 0:25: Things feel scary right now; I want you to listen to this.02:46: Even if you can’t feel it right now, there is light inside of you.04:12: How we handle traumatic events unfolding in front of us.05:18: The 3 physical signs you are feeling disconnected from yourself.06:36: The powerful concept of “homecoming.”09:34: Do this now to relieve your overwhelm.11:32: When do we go from being informed to overexposed?14:06: What is continuous traumatic stress, and are we experiencing it right now?15:51: The 2 ways to nourish yourself when you’re in the middle of it all.17:12: Do this to feel more hope.21:39: How to navigate uncertainty and be a part of the solution.24:27: Why you need to care in a way that works for you. Want more resources? Go to my podcast page at https://melrobbins.com/podcast. Disclaimer

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.