Becoming Me

EPISODE 16 When was the last time you went away to a quiet place to spend some extended quality time with your inner self? No interior life pilgrim will be able to make headway in this journey without entering seasons of hiddenness from time to time.In this episode I share why seasons of hiddenness from the distractions and pressures of our lives are invaluable for going within and connecting with the core of our being. Do you feel like you have been losing touch with your inner self? Or that busyness has been keeping you circling on the outer layer of your life without being able to pay attention to the core of your being? This episode is meant for you!Share this episode via this episode page.CHAPTER MARKERSAvailable here.TRANSCRIPT Available here.REFLECTION PROMPTListen. - As you listened to today's episode, what struck you?Ponder.- How does entering a season of hiddenness make you feel?- What is your emotional response telling you about the state of your inner being?Act. - Identify an area or two in your life that would benefit from a time of hiddenness.- Plan for a period of time to get away to be hidden where you can be in silence and solitude and be tended to. For full details of this reflection prompt, please see transcript.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESBlog: Hide Me So I Can Be FoundOther episodes that would help you understand and apply the lessons in this episode:- Ep 4 & 5 Living from the Inside Out (Part 1 & 2) - Ep 8 The Necessity of Making Space- Ep 9 The Wisdom in Slowing DownInterested in Going on Retreat?Retreat Go Where? Relaxing spots for a spiritual getaway in Singapore.Spiritual Retreats: A Time to Refresh Our Souls (Salt & Light)Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

EPISODE 15  Do you sometimes feel like a fraud, and that you're not as ____________ (fill in the blank) as other people think you are? Do you sometimes feel even more fake when others praise you and look up to you?In this episode I talk about how feeling like an impostor and being unable to feel joy at our achievements could be an indication that our lives are out of alignment with our inner selves.Share this episode via this episode page.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:14) -Introduction(00:03:31) - Expectations Not In Line With Reality(00:06:19) - Choosing Authenticity(00:12:03) - Feeling Like An Imposter(00:16:38) - The Real Deal(00:20:22) - Out Of Alignment(00:22:21) - PRAXIS: Listen. Ponder. Act.(00:24:12) - ConclusionAvailable here.TRANSCRIPT Available here.REFLECTION PROMPTListen. - As you listened to today's episode, what struck you? Does something resonate particularly strongly with you? What emotions or thoughts came up in response as you listened?Ponder.- What was it that resonated with you in this episode? Why do you think this specific part of the episode resonated with you?Act. - Can you remember a time or an incident when you felt like an impostor? Others could be praising you or looking up to you, and yet you feel that you didn't deserve it and felt out of place. Take some time to journal about this. Describe the circumstances and what felt fake to you.- Next, remember an instance in your life when you felt deeply aligned with your inner self even if you did not understand why...For full details of this reflection prompt, please see transcript.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESBlog: Why Can't I Just Be Me?PODCAST COMPANION WORKBOOK- Downloadable & Printable- 10 worksheets, over 30 exercises- Helps you integrate and apply the foundational principles to Becoming Me- Great for inner work and connecting with yourself in solitude- Includes tips for partner and small-group sharing- Free for all e-mail newsletter subscribersFIND OUT MORESupport the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

EPISODE 14 Do you find that you have a hard time differentiating your own emotions and needs from that of your family or significant others? Do you feel that you are responsible for making sure that other people are happy and end up living a life that others want you to live instead of living the life that makes YOU more fully alive?In this episode I talk about how I realised that a lack of healthy boundaries was an obstacle to growing into my True Self, and how learning to practice healthy boundaries helped me to heal and become clearer in my identity.Share this episode via this episode page. CHAPTER MARKERSAvailable here.TRANSCRIPT Available here. REFLECTION PROMPTListen. - Did anything resonate particularly strongly with you?- What emotions came up in response?Ponder. - Do you struggle more with becoming emotionally intimate or with being too emotionally needy? Can you differentiate your needs from others'?Act.- List significant relationships in your life. Label them accordingl to:A. Too distantB. Too closeC. Just rightFor full details of this reflection prompt, please see transcript.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESBlog: That's Not Love, That's EnmeshmentPoem: Please Hear What I'm Not SayingArticles: 12 Signs You Lack Healthy Boundaries (and Why You Need Them)Signs that You May Be in an Enmeshed Relationship13 Signs You Grew Up in an Enmeshed FamilyPodcast:Why Your Family of Origin Impacts Your Life More Than Anything ElsePODCAST COMPANION WORKBOOK- Downloadable & Printable- 10 worksheets, over 30 exercises- Helps you integrate and apply the foundational principles to Becoming Me- Great for inner work and connecting with yourself in solitude- Includes tips for partner and small-group sharing- Free for all e-mail newsletter subscribersFIND OUT MORESupport the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

EPISODE 13 Have you ever felt that you had to be _________ enough (fill in the blank) in order to be loveable? In this episode I share my experience of chasing an 'ideal self' that I could never quite catch up with. The closer I seemed to come to my ideal self, the more fearful I became of failure because I believed I would be loved only if I was "good enough."I talk about why even noble ideals can get distorted unintentionally when we use them as a means to get the love we need, and how you can begin to identify the nature of the "impossible race" that you may be running in your life.Share this episode via this episode page. CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:10) - Introduction(00:01:33) - Chasing An Ideal Image(00:05:49) - Imitation vs. The Real Deal(00:08:20) - Abundance vs. Poverty of Heart(00:15:43) - PRAXIS. Listen. Ponder. Act.(00:17:37) - ConclusionAvailable here.TRANSCRIPT Available here. REFLECTION PROMPTListen.  - As you listened to today's episode, what struck you? Does something resonate particularly strongly with you? What emotions or thoughts came up in response as you listened?Ponder. - What impossible race are you running? What are the rules you feel you have to abide by? Or the things that you have to do in order to be seen, affirmed and loved? What has been your experience of running this race so far? What words would you use to describe it?Act.  - Try and remember a time, a place in which you did not have to run your impossible race, where you could relax and be yourself and be loved and accepted as you were.- Where were you? Who were with you if there was anyone? What was near you? What were you doing? For full details of this reflection prompt, please see transcript.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESBlog: Can I Ever Be 'Good Enough' For You?PODCAST COMPANION WORKBOOK- Downloadable & Printable- 10 worksheets, over 30 exercises- Helps you integrate and apply the foundational principles to Becoming Me- Great for inner work and connecting with yourself in solitude- Includes tips for partner and small-group sharing- Free for all e-mail newsletter subscribersFIND OUT MORESupport the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

EPISODE 12 Have you ever felt like you were regressing in your journey? It is a common experience among many who have started to take their interior life in earnest to feel discouraged when it seems they have stopped moving forwards and started back-sliding. In this episode I share why regressing is normal for pilgrims of the interior journey, why the usual "goal-setting" mindset doesn't really apply in this journey, and how we can let these seasons of regression help us rather than hinder us.Share this episode via this episode page. CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:10) - Introduction(00:05:21) - What Regression Looks and Feels Like(00:07:06) - Regression in the Interior Journey is Normal(00:12:44) - Regression Can Be Helpful(00:21:31) - A Season for Everything(00:24:44) - PRAXIS: Listen. Ponder. Act.(00:27:14) - ConclusionAvailable here.TRANSCRIPT Available here. REFLECTION PROMPTListen.  - When you find yourself feeling like you're regressing, take note of how you're feeling. What is the emotion?Ponder. - Why do you think or feel that you're regressing? What are the markers that are making you think that you're going backwards? Act.  - Read some of your old journal entries.- Jot down main milestones of your personal journey.- Look at how all those turning points in your life have led you here. - Write a list of what you're grateful for in your journey thus far. Keep the list close where you can review whenever you feel discouraged for regressing. For full details of this reflection prompt, please see transcript.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESBlog: "When Growth Feels Like Backsliding"Other episodes that would help you understand and apply the lessons in this episode:- Ep 4 Living from the Inside Out (Part 1) - Ep 5 Living from the Inside Out (Part 2)- Ep 7 Be Curious, Courageous & Compassionate with Yourself.PODCAST COMPANION WORKBOOK- Downloadable & Printable- 10 worksheets, over 30 exercises- Helps you integrate and apply the foundational principles to Becoming Me- Great for inner work and connecting with yourself in solitude- Includes tips for partner and small-group sharing- Free for all e-mail newsletter subscribersFIND OUT MORESupport the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

EPISODE 11 (BONUS) Christmas is just around the corner, everyone seems to be merry - but are they really? Are YOU? What if you don't feel like celebrating this Christmas? Does it mean you are being a Scrooge, a Humbug? As someone who still feels contradictory emotions every time Christmas season rolls around, I made this special episode for everyone who needs to acknowledge that they are less than happy during Christmas. I want to assure you that not wanting to celebrate in the usual way does not mean you cannot welcome the incredible gift that Christmas brings.Come as you are, come even if you're sad, or grumpy, or just want to be left alone. Christmas is for you too!Share this episode via this episode page. TRANSCRIPT  Available here. GLOSSARY FOR THIS EPISODESome terms you may not be familiar with which I use in this episode:Solemnity - Refers to a particularly great celebration for CatholicsEucharist/ Blessed Sacrament - Refers to the round host - the bread that has been blessed and consecrated at holy mass into the Body of Christ. Perpetual Adoration Chapel - Refers to a chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is present, often exposed, for adoration by the faithful, and which is open 24 hours a day. ADDITIONAL RESOURCESBlog: Permission to be Un-Merry this ChristmasSupport the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

EPISODE 10  Many of us encounter people in our lives who cannot understand the new direction we are taking in our lives to know our True Selves. The experience of being alone on this journey can often make us doubt if we are on the right track.In this episode I look at one of the most common reasons beginners on the interior journey get discouraged and offer an explanation of why this struggle exists as well as how we can respond to our loneliness fruitfully.Share this episode via this episode page. CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:07) - Introduction & Announcement(00:04:11) - Loneliness on the Interior Journey(00:09:40) - STORY: Realising My Soul Missed Me(00:13:37) - When Others Don't Understand(00:18:20) - PRAXIS: Listen. Ponder. Act.(00:20:49) - ConclusionAvailable here.TRANSCRIPT Available here. REFLECTION PROMPTListen.  - As you listened to today’s episode, what struck you?  - What emotions or thoughts came up in response as you listened?Ponder. - What is your default response when you begin to feel lonely or unsupported? Do you run away from loneliness? How do you do that? Act.  - Write a short note or letter to yourself as you would to a dear friend.- Tell yourself that you will always be available to spend time with you.- The next time you realize that you are feeling lonely, read this letter before you do anything to distract yourself.- Spend that time that you've promised yourself, listen to your soul and get to know your neglected inner-self.For full details of this reflection prompt, please see transcript.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESBlog: "The Grace of Loneliness"Blog: "Crossing the Threshold of Loneliness"Quote by Henri Nouwen "From Loneliness into Solitude"Book Section. Henri Nouwen. "Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life". The first section of the book Reaching Out to Our Innermost Self is about the movement from Loneliness into Solitude.Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

EPISODE 9  Making the interior journey and living from the inside-out requires us to learn a new way of being and acting. The process of learning to live from the inside-out consist of deep soul work that cannot be done while we are living at the typical “warp speed” of our modern lives.In this episode I explain how “slow is fast, and fast is slow” when it comes to living the interior life and offer some practical suggestions on how to create your own Slowing Down Routine when you need to exit the expressway and enter a more contemplative space for inner life work. Share this episode via this episode page. CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:00) - Introduction(00:00:55) - Learning to Touch Type(00:07:46) - Dissipated Speed vs Grace and Ease(00:10:57) - Slowing Down and Creating Space(00:14:39) - PRAXIS: Listen. Ponder. Act.(00:17:23) - ConclusionAvailable here. TRANSCRIPT Available here. REFLECTION PROMPTListen.  - As you listened to today’s episode, what struck you?  - What emotions or thoughts came up in response as you listened?Ponder. - What signs might there be in your life that are telling you that you have been moving too fast and that you need to slow down? Act. - Create your own Slowing Down Routine if you don’t have one yet.- Set aside some time and make a date with yourself. Solitude is important for this routine because it is your inner self that you need to reconnect with. - Decide on a venue and a simple activity. Pick a place where you will not be disturbed and where the environment is reasonably quiet and conducive for calming you down.- Choose an activity that you enjoy and does not require you to multi-task, perform or achieve. - If you already have a routine you love for slowing down, then find some time in the weeks ahead to enjoy it!For full details of this reflection prompt, please see transcript.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESWatch this beautiful 10 minute video about Slowing Down by Green Renaissance.Read my blog entry Re-learning How to Slow DownSupport the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

EPISODE 8 It doesn't matter how much we understand conceptually about living authentically. If we do not make space in our overcrowded and busy lives to connect with ourselves and work on our interior journey, there will be no transformation in our life. In this episode, I talk about why it is paramount that we learn how to make space in our lives. I also share about how an awakening to inauthenticity led me to learn this fundamental principle of making space, and how learning it transformed the way my husband and I live our lives and our marriage.Share this episode via this episode page.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:00) - Introduction(00:01:31) - The Importance of Making Space(00:10:05) - The Vicious Cycle of Inauthentic Living(00:12:27) - Story: A Marriage Moves Towards Authenticity(00:20:55) - PRAXIS: Listen. Ponder. Act.(00:22:36) - ConclusionAvailable here.TRANSCRIPT Available here.REFLECTION PROMPTListen. - As you listened to today’s episode, what struck you? - What emotions or thoughts came up in response as you listened?Ponder. - How much white space is there in your own life right now?- Is there a sufficient space for you to breathe in between the things that you have to do? - Is there a space that allows you to pause and review and recalibrate?- Is there a space for you to just simply be? Act. - In your calendar block out some time within the next week or month and label it “White Space”. - Resist the urge to make plans for this white space ahead of time and resist the urge to give this block of time away to more productive pursuits. For full details of this reflection prompt, please see transcript.Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

EPISODE 7  Fear can be a powerful prison that keeps us from taking the steps we need to know our True Self and to make the changes we need to heal and flourish. But it is not unbreakable. And part of what helps us to break out of the prison of fear is this trio of virtues - Curiosity, Courage and Compassion. In this episode, I share about my first significant breakthrough from the fear of self-knowledge and how Curiosity, Courage and Compassion can give us real practical help in our journey to authenticity and wholeness.Share this episode via this episode page.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:45) - Introduction(00:02:37) - Story: Entering the Attic of My Soul(00:09:06) - Curiosity(00:11:14) - Courage(00:12:38) - Compassion(00:16:19) - PRAXIS: Listen. Ponder. Act.Available here.TRANSCRIPT Available here.REFLECTION PROMPTListen. - As you listened to today’s episode, what struck you? - What emotions or thoughts came up in response as you listened?Ponder. - Among Curiosity, Courage, and Compassion, which one comes most easily to you? - Which one do you find the hardest to practice? - Which one do you think you most need to develop for your interior journey right now?Act. - Choose one virtue to grow in for the next month and commit to checking in with yourself daily on how you have fared that day. For full details of this reflection prompt, please see transcript.Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.