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The Holiday Peace Project Begins!
We’re launching The Holiday Peace Project! In CYH 215, we get real about stress (ER scares, big-family pressure) and share a simple plan to protect your peace: decide what the season means to you, choose your feelings on purpose, and add tiny anchors—reflection questions, low-pressure games, and small rituals. Plus, a trivia giveaway (win a mug!), a downloadable Holiday Meaning Map, and what’s coming next: comparison/perfectionism and grief in the holidays.

Tami West
Nov 126 min read


Sleep: The Science, the Struggles, and the Solutions
Can’t turn off “anxious math” at 2 a.m.? Tami shares the cassette-tape trick that changed her nights, the science of sleep cycles and body clocks, and a compassionate 4-step plan: journal, build sleep drive by day, create a soothing routine, and optimize your bedroom. Plus CBT-I tools that beat pills long-term, the ½-hour rule, and the Bluetooth headband that feels safe and cozy. Consistency over perfection—learn to sleep again.

Tami West
Nov 54 min read


Travel with Joy
In this uplifting episode, Tami and Michelle sit down with Joy Huber to talk about the freedom and empowerment that come with solo travel. Joy shares stories, tips, and reflections from her adventures, reminding us that exploring the world can help us rediscover ourselves. Whether you’re planning your first trip or dreaming of one, this episode will inspire you to travel with confidence and joy.

Tami West
Oct 295 min read


The Forgotten Kindness: Generational Care, Respect, and the Micro-Habits that Change Us
In this heartfelt episode, Tami shares powerful stories about how we treat each other across generations—from an airport moment that sparked reflection to lessons from her mother’s final years. Explore how awareness, respect, and compassion shape caregiving, multigenerational living, and everyday interactions. Discover simple habits to slow down, honor others, and love better at every age.

Tami West
Oct 225 min read


The Stress Club: Tools 6–10: Exiting the Club One Conversation at a Time
Continue your journey out of The Stress Club with Tools 6–10—Word Swap, Identity Honor, Reality Check, Connection Swap, and Worth Reset. Learn how to replace stressful language, redefine identity, question cultural myths, and form healthier bonds through honesty instead of exhaustion. These practical, research-based tools empower you to rewrite your story and create calm, confident connection every day.

Tami West
Oct 164 min read


Finding Help: Resources for mental health
In this heartfelt solo episode, Tami shares three true stories that shaped her passion for helping others find mental health support. From a 1995 panic crisis to caring for her mother, to seeking help again during the pandemic, she reveals practical ways to access care—from 911 and 988 to workplace EAPs, faith-based support, and hidden virtual resources. Early help is easier help—let’s find it together.

Tami West
Oct 154 min read


5 Ways to Exit the Stress Club: From Script Swaps to Equity Lenses
Ready to stop measuring your worth by your stress level? This week’s blog brings together the first five Stress Club Exit Tools—from flipping your stress script and setting anchor phrases, to unraveling old narratives and seeing life through an equity lens. Real conversations, relatable stories, and tools to help you exit burnout culture and choose peace.

Tami West
Oct 95 min read


Not a Label, a Lifeline: Mental Health Diagnoses
In honor of World Mental Health Day, Michelle leads this episode on mental health diagnoses. Together we explore depression, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorder—what they are, what they aren’t, and why language matters. Through personal stories and compassion, we highlight the importance of seeking help early, reducing stigma, and remembering that a diagnosis isn’t a label of weakness—it’s a lifeline to healing.

Tami West
Oct 82 min read


Not Perfect, Just Growing: The apology episode
In this episode of Consider Yourself Hugged, Michelle and I share what happened when we accidentally hurt someone’s feelings — and how it became a powerful lesson in apologizing. From resisting defensiveness to offering a heartfelt “I’m sorry,” fixing what we can, and remembering mistakes don’t define us, we walk through four lessons that can help anyone. A real conversation about repair, growth, and mental health.

Tami West
Oct 12 min read


Are You Selfish?
We often hear “self-care isn’t selfish”—but the truth is, sometimes it is. The difference lies in the spirit behind it. In this blog, I share real-life examples of women whose self-care inspires and those whose self-care isolates. Discover how to practice confident, life-giving self-care that fuels connection, instead of selfish self-care that creates distance.

Tami West
Sep 253 min read


i am Because I Am: A Self-Esteem Conversation with Breanne Moore
In this episode recap, Tami and Michelle sit down with LMFT Breanne Moore to explore self-esteem, identity, and resilience for teens, families, and teachers. Breanne shares how stories shape our sense of worth, why family dinners matter, and how teachers can support students’ confidence in practical ways. From handling social media pressures to a simple “renewal of the mind” tool, this blog offers actionable strategies for parents, educators, and anyone seeking stronger self-

Tami West
Sep 244 min read


No Apologies: How to Respond When Rest Gets Judged
Ever shared that you rested, only to hear “must be nice” or “wish I could do that”? These judgmental comments can trigger guilt and make us shrink back. In this week’s blog, I share why rest is not indulgent and how cultural scripts tie stress to worth. Plus, I created a free downloadable mini-guide with six ready-to-use responses to help you rest without apology. Grab it now in my Resource Vault!

Tami West
Sep 183 min read


Episode 207: Community Building with Krislyn Mercer
Join us as we chat with 23-year-old powerhouse Krislyn Mercer, founder of Krislyn’s Kiddos & Furry Friends and White House Woman of the Year. From babysitting at 16 to launching retreats, leading a young-professionals network, and balancing it all with honesty about anxiety and imposter syndrome, Krislyn shares a joyful, resilient path. You’ll laugh, feel seen, and leave ready to say yes to your own next step.

Tami West
Sep 173 min read


From Overwhelmed to Peace: The Planning Tool That Gave Me My Power Back
Overwhelm hit me hard last week. I cried, double-booked myself, and canceled a speaking gig for the first time in my career. Instead of staying stuck, I created a big, visual planning tool with butcher paper, markers, photos, and post-its. Now, instead of a tornado in my head, I have tasks I can see, touch, and finish—plus a real rest day. I’m sharing every step, and you can download the detailed, pictured guide in my Resource Vault.

Tami West
Sep 113 min read


Hug 206: The Sunday Scaries, Teacher Joy, and Puppy Yoga
In this Consider Yourself Hugged episode, Tami and Michelle tackle the Sunday Scaries with honesty, humor, and heart. They share teaching stories, struggles with anxiety and perfectionism, and the importance of designing your year instead of letting it design you. With tips on boundaries, connection, and finding joy—whether through puppy yoga or morning coffee—this episode encourages teachers, parents, and students to face back-to-school with balance and hope.

Tami West
Sep 102 min read


I Hurt Someone: then I found my way back
A tense hour, an unexpected hurt, and the quiet work of repair. My honest story, the feelings underneath it, and a one-page guide that helped me.

Tami West
Sep 43 min read


Consider Yourself Hugged — Season Kickoff: New Studio, New Rhythm, Same Heart
We’re back with a brand-new season of Consider Yourself Hugged! Join Tami and Michelle as they share updates on their new studio, fresh logo, and renewed energy. This season highlights teachers while staying true to our mission of encouraging every woman’s mental and emotional well-being. Expect weekly Wednesday episodes, inspiring guests from big-name creators to hidden gems, plus practical tools, research insights, and personal growth stories.

Tami West
Sep 33 min read


When God Redirects: Lessons from the Feast Conference
Reflections from the Feast Conference: saying no to what’s not mine, embracing Sabbath rest, and remembering I don’t have to do everything.

Tami West
Aug 274 min read


30 Years Later: What My Dog, Cat, and Life Have Taught Me About Mental Health
This week I’m reflecting on mental health through everyday lessons—a dog and cat feeling safe, choosing calm over annoyance, and the importance of self-care. I’m also celebrating 30 years since my psychiatric hospital stay, highlighting the power of resilience, the mind-body connection, and cognition. These stories remind us that growth is possible and that mental health is built in both big milestones and small daily choices.

Tami West
Aug 204 min read


Three Dimensions of Your Mental Health Quotient (and Why You Should Care)
Discover 3 key dimensions of the Mental Health Quotient—Mood & Outlook, Social Self, and Resilience—and how they impact everyday life.

Tami West
Aug 133 min read
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