The Best of You

Learn to identify and avoid toxic behaviors, distinguish between mistakes and toxic patterns, and set boundaries for self-protection in relationships. Explore examples of manipulation, guilt-driven love, and constructive feedback versus criticism. Discover the #1 antidote against toxic behaviors and receive tips on establishing word and action boundaries.

How do you decide when it’s time to leave a place or a relationship behind? We have to make decisions all the time. Yet most of us struggle with it. It’s hard to leave something (or someone) behind. It’s also hard to give ourselves the time that we need to wrestle with the decision.When you don’t have a process, you might be tempted to avoid decision-making. Or you might rush too quickly into a decision that isn’t quite right. That’s why I’m thrilled to have this conversation with Emily P. Freeman this week. It’s such a rich conversation about how to discern when it’s time to walk away and what to do when it's time to enter into a new space. Here’s what we cover:1. The truth about tiny red flags (11:29)2. 4 crucial questions to ask yourself (13:40)3. What to do with those 51/49 decisions (20:13)4. Readiness vs. timeliness in decision making (21:30)5. Emily’s decision process for leaving a church (25:26)6. How to walk into a new space (33:28)7. A life-changing 2 word mantra for decision making (38:34)Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.Related Episode:Episode 93: 3 Ways to Stop Guilt-Tripping Yourself, Untangle Complicated Emotions, & Discover the Joy of ClarityThanks to our sponsors:Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.Right now LMNT is offering a free sample pack with any purchase. The LMNT Sample Pack includes 1 packet of every flavor. This is the perfect offer for anyone interested in trying all of our flavors or who wants to introduce a friend to LMNT. Get yours at DrinkLMNT.com/BestofYou.Go to goodranchers.com, pick your box, use my code BESTOFYOU, and enjoy $189 of free chicken in 2024 PLUS $20 off your first order.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.Make the switch and build a starter kit. 15% off AND free shipping when you buy a Notes starter kit at notescandle.com/bestofyou.Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!Music by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emotions are complicated. They're also beautiful.When you don't honor the complicated mix of fears, frustrations, and also the good things that you feel, you doubt yourself and you doubt other people. You deprive yourself of the opportunity to get real wisdom and to brave healthier solutions.Today we're diving into these complicated feelings together. Here's what we cover:1. Why emotional complexity is a gift2. Examples of how we guilt-trip & gaslight ourselves3. How to locate emotions within a larger story4. Real-life examples 5. The 3 most important guideposts to get startedPreorder I Shouldn't Feel This Way!Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Related Episode:Episode 92: How to Honor Loss & Why It Matters With Rachel Marie KangThanks to our sponsors:Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.Ritual’s Essential for Women 18+ is a multivitamin you can actually trust. Get 40% off your first month for a limited time at ritual.com/BESTOFYOU.Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout.Go to AquaTru.com and enter code BESTOFYOU at checkout to get 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier!Make the switch and build a starter kit. 15% off AND free shipping when you buy a Notes starter kit at notescandle.com/bestofyou.Get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!Music by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We experience big and little losses all the time. A friend moves away. An opportunity passes you by. A relationship ends. Learning how to recognize and honor the losses we all experience can become a beautiful part of life, leading to more kindness, self-compassion, and connection. But we don't often talk about our losses, let alone how to honor them.That's why I loved this conversation with Rachel Marie Kang about creating space to honor loss. She is the author of the brand new book, The Matter of Little Losses, a beautiful journey through how to honor the big and little losses in your life. Here's what we cover:1. The difference between loss and grief (2:09)2. Different types of loss (7:22)3. How we process loss as children (14:23)4. Examples of “little” losses (22:46)5. The most important way to parent kids through losses (31:04)6. Rachel’s 3 steps for tending losses each day (35:25)7. The thing we want most to help us through loss (39:59)8. Why honoring loss brings hope (47:25)Get The Matter of Little Losses here.Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.Related Episodes:Episode 90: Parenting Through Transitions—How Their Challenges Catalyze Your GrowthEpisode 91: Self-Worth–How to Believe You Are Enough & Transform Your Life with Jamie Kern LimaEpisode 42: How to Honor Sadness, Set Boundaries with Loneliness, and What to Do When You Don’t Have Time for this WorkThanks to our sponsors:Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.Head to factormeals.com/bestofyou50 and use code bestofyou50 to get 50% off!Make the switch and build a starter kit. 15% off AND free shipping when you buy a Notes starter kit at notescandle.com/bestofyou.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.Get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!Music by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you doubt yourself? Struggle to respect your own worth?Self-worth is foundational to both our psychological and our spiritual health, and today's episode is all about how to develop it. My guest, Jamie Kern Lima, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of IT Cosmetics, a company she started in her living room and grew to the largest luxury makeup brand in the country.If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, this episode is for you. Here’s what we cover:1. The 4 benefits of self-worth2. The difference between self-worth and self-confidence3. The moment Jamie realized she was believing a lie4. Who are you really doubting?5. The prayer Jamie prayed to combat God-doubt6. Research on negative self-talk7. How to reframe rejectionFind a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.Related Episode:Episode 29: Perfectionism and Proving Your Worth: How to Stop Chasing Approval and Start Living the Life You Actually WantThanks to our sponsors:Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.Get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!Make the switch and build a starter kit. 15% off AND free shipping when you buy a Notes starter kit at notescandle.com/bestofyou.Music by Andy Luiten. Sound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Navigating transitions with your children is a deep dive into raw emotions, facing conflict, and your own unhealed wounds. These transitions aren't easy. The stakes feel so high! But when you face them with courage, compassion and curiosity, you'll find your way through the wilderness and onto a beautiful path. As you do your own work, you'll be an even stronger anchor for your kids! Rowena Day is back to discuss:1. How parenting changes our neural pathways (9:25)2. Learning to set limits (12:17)3. Parenting differently than how you were parented (22:10)4. Growth vs. fixed mindset (29:29)5. A better way to praise your kids (30:29)6. The problem with peer attachments (36:40)7. The ultimate goal of all this parenting work (45:47)Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.Related Episodes:Episode 69: Your Future Self—8 Challenges to Resolve As You Become the Person You Were Meant to BeEpisode 88: Navigating Transitions—What to Do When Change Stirs up Anxiety, Uncertainty, or ConfusionEpisode 89: When A Relationship Has to Change—How to Tolerate Discomfort, Face an Attachment Void, & Resource YourselfThanks to our sponsors:Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.Head over to WildHealth.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU at checkout for 20% off!Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to receive UP TO 39%!Go to goodranchers.com, pick your box, use my code BESTOFYOU, and enjoy $189 of free chicken in 2024 PLUS $20 off your first order.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.Music by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Balancing the need to hold on to others and the need to let go. Healthy and unhealthy attachments. The 2 competing relationship needs. Attachment voids. Practices to anchor yourself. The role of liminal figures.

What do you do when life feels disorienting or uncertain? Maybe a relationship ends, you change jobs, or your children no longer need you in the same way.Change is disorienting. We don’t always recognize the value in slowing down to process these in between places—when we’ve left something (or someone) behind but aren’t yet sure what the future is going to look like.This next series is all about navigating transitions. I've invited spiritual director, Rowena Day, on to discuss. . .1. Normalizing liminal spaces (2:50)2. Do we ever "arrive" at stability? (9:11)3. Fascinating research on the pain of uncertainty (26:25)4. The 3 stages of transitions (27:13)5. The surprising value in endings (28:28)6. How your body can become your ally (41:25)Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.Related Episodes:Episode 49: Personality, the Big Five Traits, and Why Are We So Obsessed With Personality Types?Other episodes with Rowena Day:Episode 31: Peace-Keeping, Anger Avoidance, and How to Start Using Your VoiceEpisode 44: Why Anger is a Surprising Friend, What Happens When You Avoid It, and How to Create Space for Healthy Expression of Anger in Your FamilyEpisode 63: Spiritual Direction, the Power of Listening, & How to Attune to Yourself and to OthersThanks to our sponsors:Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.Go to goodranchers.com, pick your box, use my code BESTOFYOU, and enjoy $189 of free chicken in 2024 PLUS $20 off your first order.Get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!Make the switch and build a starter kit.  15% off AND free shipping when you buy a Notes starter kit at notescandle.com/bestofyou.Music by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn about the harmful effects of comparison on happiness and self-worth, and discover strategies to break free from this cycle. Explore the dual nature of comparison as both a source of inspiration and self-doubt, and how shifting focus to self-acceptance can lead to personal growth. Embrace personal standards rooted in faith and take courageous steps to combat self-criticism and comparison.

Learn how conflict can be turned into growth opportunities in relationships. Discover the benefits of facing conflicts head-on and the dangers of conflict avoidance. Get practical tips for mastering conflict and strengthening relationships for personal growth and better communication