Based on a recent article in Forbes Health, young adults 18 to 25 in the U. S. experience the highest rates of mental illness at 36. 2%, followed by those ages 26 to 49 at 29. 4%. Adults ages 50 and over are at almost 14%. That's us. Anxiety isn't just reserved for just the young or the old, it does not discriminate.

I want to further surprise you to learn that anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic disorder are some of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in the U. S. affecting 42.5 million adults.

My guest today is known as The Anxiety Healer and has found the sweet spot on how to use social media to connect with those suffering with anxiety so that they feel seen, heard, and most importantly, understood. Alison Cepenaro, licensed therapist, author, podcast host, and holistic healer specializes in cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness based positive psychology for adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders. She is a CEO and founder of the Anxiety Healer Community, boasting over 550, 000 members on Instagram and TikTok.

Alison also spreads awareness and holistic healing methods for anxiety. Her book, “The Anxiety Healer's Guide”, offers a comprehensive toolkit for overcoming anxiety. And through her podcast, “The Anxiety Chicks”, Allison destigmatizes mental health and shares her journey to recovery, providing a judgment free community globally.

If you’re experiencing anxiety, whether it be smaller moments or through the lens of anxiety disorder, Alison will help guide us toward healing today.

In this episode

• [4:13] Jodi shares her experiences with anxiety attacks and not knowing what was going on at the time.
• [5:26] Alison also shares her experiences with anxiety and how she became known as The Anxiety Healer.
• [6:44] “We're not born just knowing how to talk about feelings we have. We were guided, you know, by our caregivers and people.” - Alison Seponara
• [9:32] There is a stigma about anxiety and it is not talked about enough. Alison speaks on this as being a major motivator for here to break the stigma and have those conversations through the lens of Instagram.
• [11:42] Vulnerability of your experience as being incredibly healing.
• [13:07] What anxiety can look like - and it looks different for everybody!
• [14:48] Physical manifestations of anxiety.
• [16:24] “Everything about healing yourself and coming up with your toolkits starts with being aware of who you are and what makes you tick.” - Jodi Silverman
• [16:59] The power of doing breathwork properly, followed by a quick tutorial by Alison.
• [19:50] Practical steps you can take to create your own healing toolkit.
• [23:59] The 5 Senses Breathing Technique as a way to manage anxiety.
• [29:35] “You're not supposed to be dependent on just one thing. These are all self regulation, self soothing tools, which is great, but, but part of this process is to learn how to reorganize and reprocess your brain. When and then also incorporate these tools into it.” - Alison Seponara
• [30:28] Jodi talks about the importance of supporting your kids as they leave the next and the anxiety both you and your children may experience.
• [31:42] Alison shares her dare for this week.
• [32:54] Jodi challenges us to a double dare!

❤️Your Dare for this week is a DOUBLE DARE!

• Dare #1: Drink one glass of water every morning for the next week. Take note of the changes you exper

It's the empty nest season and I've got your back! Join me for this 1 night only FREE virtual event where I will share the 3 Keys to help you navigate and embrace your empty nest. It's ok to be sad AND this will help. Grab your seat HERE

All right, ladies and gentlemen, if you're out there listening, who else here identifies themselves as a fixer? I'm here to tell you that most women do, especially moms. And look, it makes sense, right? When our children are born, they're a hundred percent reliant on us to thrive, to eat, to be changed, to be safe.

So naturally we become the fixer of all things. The problem with this occurs when we don't begin to shift out of fixer mode as our children grow up.

Today, I'm sharing the #1 parenting shift we all must learn and practice that will empower, equip, and instill confidence in our children and actually relieve our stress as well, believe it or not.

And do you know what that number one parenting shift is? It's going from fixer to coach.

So what's our goal as parents? Take a minute. What is our goal as parents? It's to raise our children to become great adults.

It’s making crucial shifts within how we support our children at each stage of life that makes the difference for everyone.

How to Move from Fixer to Coach

1. Self-awareness - In order to make shifts or changes within ourselves and others, we have to be aware of ourselves. So it's learning how to make this shift, being aware of when we're In the fixer mode, so we can snap out of it a little quicker and shift over to coach.
2. Ask Questions - The fixer is always trying to solve the problem for their child versus the coach or the advisor asking questions to help their child figure out the best course of action or the best solution.
3. Be Kind and Gentle With Yourself - This is something I am constantly working on. So be kind, be gentle to yourself. Give yourself grace. If you go to fixer, when coach would have been better, it will happen.

By making this shift from fixer to coach, you are giving your sons and/or your daughters the best gift ever: empowerment and confidence.

Don’t forget to download the incredible resource I’m offering to you all to support you in making this shift! Review the five questions every mom must have in her parenting toolbox. And yes, there's a link in the show notes below to grab this whole resource. It's a four page “fixer to coach” resource that you can just download, print out and have with you. Hint: Number one is the permission question. This is my go to question.

Your Dare for the Week

❤️Your Dare for this week: Begin to practice simply by asking the number one question, the permission question all week for everyone you come in contact with. Whether it's at the beginning of the conversation or when they're finished bitching and moaning, ask them, so was this just a venting session or did you, are you asking me for an opinion or thought? And you know, you can move to the clarification question if they say, well, I wanted your opinion. What exactly are you asking me, what exactly are you asking me for here?

Resources Mentioned

The #1 Parenting Shift Every Mom Must Make to Empower, Equip and Instill Confidence in Their Children Resource - https://dareontowhatsnext.com/parentshift

Moms Who Double Dare

If you've been seeking connection and have a desire to figure out who you are and what your purpose is now, outside your role of mom, then Moms Who Double Dare is the perfect fit for you!

Connect with like-minded women and receive personalized support and encouragement to help you thrive in this excit

It's the empty nest season and I've got your back! Join me for this 1 night only FREE virtual event where I will share the 3 Keys to help you navigate and embrace your empty nest. It's ok to be sad AND this will help. Grab your seat HERE

Downsizing. It’s a term filled with promise, but also with uncertainty.

As we transition into the empty nest phase, downsizing becomes increasingly appealing. Yet, the mere thought of parting ways with a lifetime of memories can be overwhelming. Where do we even begin? What do we keep and what do we let go of? And perhaps most dauntingly, how do we conquer the fear of saying goodbye to cherished possessions?

Today we’re joined by an expert in the art of downsizing—Rita Wilkins, affectionately known as The Downsizing Designer. With her wealth of experience as a nationally recognized interior design and lifestyle expert, Rita is here to shed light on all your downsizing dilemmas.

From TEDx talks to her book, "Downsize Your Life," Rita has dedicated her career to helping individuals reimagine their spaces and, by extension, their lives.

Together, we’ll explore the benefits of downsizing—not just for our physical spaces, but for our health and lifestyle.

❤️ Your DARE for this week begins with making a list. Take out pen and paper, find a peaceful spot—perhaps in nature or a quiet room—light a candle, and reflect. Ask yourself: What do you want? What do you need? What are your wishes, and what do you feel is lacking in your life? Begin with these questions. If you seek assistance, Rita's website is an excellent resource for support.

🤗 Click HERE to activate your Moms Who Double Dare membership for half off your first month!

It's the empty nest season and I've got your back! Join me for this 1 night only FREE virtual event where I will share the 3 Keys to help you navigate and embrace your empty nest. It's ok to be sad AND this will help. Grab your seat HERE