🎙️ Welcome to the Merriment Making Podcast—a soft rebellion in your earbuds. I’m your host, Mary “Uncustomary” England—creator of the Merriment Making Method™, sacred disruptor, joy strategist, and founder of the Merriment Movement at Uncustomary.org. This podcast is your permission slip to step off autopilot and into something more meaningful. Each week, we explore creative tools, playful philosophy, rebellious optimism, and science-backed strategies to help you feel more alive—not just “ok ...
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This Isn’t My Definitive Autobiography (But It’s One Of Them): My Interview With Voyage
9:55
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9:55What if your story didn’t have a final version? What if you got to rewrite it every time you learned something new or felt something deeper? In this week’s episode, I’m reading aloud my interview with Voyage Baltimore—a not-so-definitive autobiography of my journey from chaos to creativity, from pain to playful rebellion. I share about what it’s me…
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They Said Nothing Could Be Done. I Don’t Believe Them : How to Reject Hopelessness and Rewrite Your Story
11:37
11:37
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11:37When the world tells you “this is it”—a diagnosis, a label, a limitation—you don’t have to accept it as your whole truth. In this episode, we’re breaking down the lie of “nothing can be done” and replacing it with creative, rebellious possibility. This is a wake-up call, a pep talk, and a reminder that you are not your prognosis—and that change is …
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Sacred Disruption 101: Merriment Against The Machine
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8:33
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8:33You don’t need to burn your life down to start over. Sometimes you just need to throw a little glitter in the gears. In this episode, I—your resident Joy Trickster and Sacred Disruptor—invite you to rethink what rebellion really looks like. We’re talking about disrupting guilt spirals, tuning into softer frequencies, and letting your weirdness be a…
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Comfortably Uncomfortable: Permission to Play with Brigid Gibson
2:00:18
2:00:18
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2:00:18What if being a little bad at things was actually the secret to a life that lights you up? In this joyful and insightful conversation, I chat with Brigid Gibson of Vibrant Badass about stress relief, breaking out of perfectionism, and letting joy guide your choices—even when it feels weird, messy, or unproductive. We talk creative identity, stress …
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The Joy Toolkit: What Every Helper Needs in Their Emotional First Aid Kit
9:06
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9:06When you spend your life caring for others, who cares for you? Today, we’re building a Joy Toolkit — a playful, powerful emotional first aid kit that helps caregivers, helpers, and heart-forward humans stay resourced, recharged, and radiant. This episode is especially for the Heartfelt Caregivers — the over-givers, the nurturers, the ones who feel …
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People Like Us Do Things Like This: How Culture, Community, and Ritual Create Change
9:26
9:26
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9:26Why do some habits stick and others fade? It’s not about willpower — it’s about identity. In this episode, Mary explores the power of group culture, the psychology of belonging, and why “people like us do things like this” might be the most life-changing phrase you’ve never considered. You’ll learn why culture always beats strategy, how rituals rei…
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Joy as a Professional Tool: How Therapists and Teachers Can Use Delight in Their Work
7:07
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7:07What if joy wasn’t just a personal indulgence, but a professional advantage? In this episode, we’re exploring how therapists, teachers, caregivers, and helpers of all kinds can use delight—yes, delight!—as a real strategy for building trust, boosting morale, and deepening connection. Whether you’re guiding a classroom, holding space in therapy, or …
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Run Your Own Joy Experiments: (The S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method for Personalized Joy)
12:31
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12:31If you’ve ever felt frustrated by people shouting “Just start!” like that’s helpful (spoiler: it isn’t), this episode is your permission slip to try something different. We’re tossing out the rulebook and running our own experiments in joy — with curiosity, wonder, and a whole lot of permission to play. In this episode, I’ll teach you my S.P.A.R.K.…
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You Don’t Have to Suffer to Succeed: How Silliness, Softness, and Science are Better than Hustle Culture
9:17
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9:17What if success didn’t require burnout, self-denial, or endless hustle? What if joy was actually the most sustainable fuel for growth, healing, and motivation? In this episode, Mary England kicks off April’s theme—making joy easy—by dismantling hustle culture myths and offering a gentler path to success: one built on delight, discipline, and a touc…
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You don’t have to be fully healed to feel joy. You don’t have to wait until you “figure things out” to take action. And no—you’re not broken. You might just be bored. Overstimulated by junk, undernourished by joy, and caught in a loop that’s keeping you small. This episode is your sacred disruption. It’s your reminder that motion creates momentum. …
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The Happiness Immune System: And How It Protects Joy
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13:15Ever feel like you’ll never bounce back from a setback? That the bad stuff lingers longer than it should? Good news: your brain is built to help you recover, adapt, and even find happiness again—faster than you think. In this episode, we’re diving into the science of the psychological immune system—the brain’s built-in defense mechanism that helps …
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How to Use Joy to Make a Difference (Even If You Feel Small)
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11:32Have you ever felt like the world could use way more joy—but wondered if one person (aka you!) could really make a difference? Spoiler alert: you can. And today, I’m showing you exactly how. In this episode, we’re diving into why joy is an act of rebellion, how small acts of kindness create real change, and practical ways to spread joy in your ever…
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Are you following rules you never actually agreed to? 🚫 In this episode, we’re diving into the power of micro-rebellions—tiny, mischievous acts of defiance that make life feel less suffocating. From taking a spontaneous road trip to eating sugary cereal straight out of the box for dinner, we’re talking about how breaking small, harmless rules can s…
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When "Getting Better" Sounds Like Too Much Work
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28:44Ever felt like self-improvement is just too much work? Like the idea of “getting better” makes you want to take a nap instead? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down why personal growth doesn’t have to feel like an exhausting full-time job—and how tiny, effortless shifts can actually make the biggest impact. We’ll talk about: 🩷 Why …
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Have you ever called yourself lazy for not getting enough done—when really, you were just exhausted? Today, we're talking about the real difference between laziness and burnout. Spoiler: Being tired is not a character flaw. In this episode, we go over: 💠 Why exhaustion can feel like laziness (but isn’t) 💠 The difference between true rest and guilt-…
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Feeling burned out? This episode dives into the science of burnout, why it happens, and how to reverse it with simple, 5-minute practices. Reclaim your energy, restore balance, and remember—you are enough just as you are. Program mentioned: Merriment Reset.By Uncustomary
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The Struggle To Be 'Real' Online: And A Real Personal Update
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56:00See video version on YouTube.com/MaryEngland. In this deeply personal and unfiltered episode, I sit down—no script, no makeup, no edits—to talk about the messy, real-life struggles I’ve been navigating lately. From family crises and chronic illness to the exhausting tightrope of running a joy-centered business in a world that often feels overwhelmi…
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You Are the Most Beautiful Thing in Your Life: Self-Love as an Anchor
10:03
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10:03What if the most beautiful, joyous thing in your life wasn’t a sunset, a pet, or a twinkle-lit evening—but you? In this episode of Merriment Making, we’re flipping the script on self-worth and exploring what it means to be the star of your own story. If you’ve ever felt like a supporting character in your own life—always prioritizing others, stayin…
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Give Yourself An Olive Branch (Or Piece Of Cornbread) – Making Peace With Every Part of Yourself
19:57
19:57
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19:57In this episode, we're talking about the 🌿beautiful contradictions that make us human. 🪞 How to reconcile conflicting sides of your identity with compassion and curiosity. Mary shares her personal journey through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and how she learned to quiet her inner critic and embrace the messy, multifaceted nature of self. 🧠💖 🌈🧘♀️A…
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Letting Go of Autopilot: How to Live Intentionally Every Day
18:10
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18:10Stuck on autopilot? Coasting through your days without experiencing them? Today we talk about: Why we fall into autopilot How it robs us of joy How to break free From personal stories of overcoming dissociation to practical tips for adding whimsy and joy to your daily life, this episode will inspire you to take control and live intentionally. Plus,…
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The Power Of Playfulness: The Ultimate Grounding Tool
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15:43Play can boost your mood, ground you in the present moment, and connect you to joy. Find out the science of WHY (and the secret about why you NEED to play for the rest of your life). Plus, the 8 Play Personalities as defined by Stuart Brown, and a challenge to take with you! Uncustomary.orgBy Uncustomary
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Rewriting Your Story: How To Rewrite Your Own Narrative
8:22
8:22
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8:22🏰 Have a story or belief that makes you feel badly or just wanna change it? 📜 In this episode, I'm teaching you to 🗯️ identify a limiting belief, ✏️ choose a new story/narrative, and take easy, tangible steps to incorporate it into your every day life. ❣️ For more big transformations through 5 minute challenges, check out the Merriment Reset at Unc…
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Embracing The Weirdo Within: 3 Steps To Start Being Yourself
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16:19
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16:19Defining a 'weirdo' Why some people relish in standing out and being misunderstood How standing out will only get you so far How to embrace the more common aspects of yourself as well as the different parts (whether you feel like you're in control of them or not) Masking behavior What to do if you don't know who you are yet or what makes you unique…
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2024 Reflection: Not Being A Narcissist In 2025
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53:44A deep personal look into this year and moving into next. Merry New Year Plan: https://uncustomary.org/merry-new-year-plan/ Merriment Reset: https://uncustomary.org/merriment-reset-30-days-to-joy-and-confidence/By Uncustomary
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In this episode of the Merriment Making Podcast, we’re diving into a simple yet powerful practice to reconnect with your body and ground yourself in gratitude. The Joyful Walkthrough is a mindful body scan with a joyful twist, designed to help you celebrate the little ways your body brings joy and magic into your everyday life. Whether you’re feeli…
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Permission to Feel Good: Embracing Your Right to Happiness
23:09
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23:09In this episode of The Merriment Making Podcast, we tackle a belief many of us hold: that feeling good is selfish, especially when others are struggling. 🌈 Permission to Feel Good: Embracing Your Right to Happiness explores why your joy isn’t just valid—it’s vital. ✨ Mary dives into the science behind why we often deny ourselves happiness 🧠 and add…
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The Inner Critic Trap: Recognizing and Soothing Negative Self-Talk
21:38
21:38
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21:38That pesky voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough? That’s your inner critic—and you don’t have to believe everything it says. In this episode, we’re diving deep into The Inner Critic Trap, exploring how to recognize when this voice shows up, understand its roots, and—most importantly—soothe it with compassion. Transform negative self…
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Let's get into the disconnect between the love they give to others and the love they offer themselves. Through compassionate insights and practical advice, let's redefine self-love as an essential practice, not a selfish act, and unpack the societal myths that keep us stuck in cycles of guilt and over-giving. Discover how cultural conditioning, gui…
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Breaking Out Of Autopilot: Finding Joy In Small Moments
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10:30Are you running on autopilot, just getting through the day without truly living it? In this first episode of the mini series Joyful Grounding: The Caregiver’s Path to Self-Love and Inner Peace, I'm talking about how caregivers and support-givers like you can gently step out of the hustle of survival mode and reconnect with the small, meaningful mom…
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Why Permission Slips and Disclaimers Are Keeping You Small
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17:03In this episode, we’re talking about the "permission slips" we often give ourselves and each other—those little reminders like “It’s okay to be yourself” or “You’re allowed to be weird.” While they seem supportive, these statements can keep us stuck in old habits of self-doubt, as if our authenticity needs validation. Today, we’re moving beyond tha…
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Post Election Inspiration - Be The Person You Say You Are
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6:13This isn't a call to action, your whole life is. Don't waste time wallowing on the couch and posting pointless negative or fear-mongering memes. It's time to be a Merriment Maker. To leave your house and BE the thing you're scared to stop happening. If you're scared to see a record store go out of business, shop at it. If you're scared to see kindn…
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Learn my 4 step method for a soothing Merriment Evening routine that only takes 10-15 minutes! Soothe your nervous system, get a restful night's sleep, and set yourself up for a successful + happy day! Maybe the reason you're not a morning person is because you don't have a night routine! Plus - the real reason you don't want to give up screens bef…
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10 Minute Merriment Morning Routine To Boost Joy
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14:58In just 10 minutes, you can transform your mornings with a Merriment Morning routine! In this episode, I’ll guide you through four simple steps to start your day with more joy, energy, and resilience. Learn how gratitude, mindfulness, movement, and fun can set the tone for a stress-free day. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll focus on creating the …
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It Might Not Be LAMN, It Might Be Appendix Cancer
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32:00Since I last updated you on receiving a diagnosis of LAMN, I have been to many doctors and learned a lot of things. ❣️ The condensed version is: it might not be LAMN. It might be a type of appendix cancer. Out of these two things, we WANT it to be LAMN because this would look like monitoring me for the rest of my life to make sure nothing comes bac…
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I have received the results from the biopsy on my tumor. It is not benign. (FOR ALL THE INFORMATION PLEASE WATCH THE ENTIRE VIDEO. THE BELOW CAPTION IS AN EXTREMELY BRIEF SYNOPSIS.) I have something called LAMN which stands for low grade mucinous neoplasm which can cause cancer. Having a tumor on your appendix is very rare. Less than .01% of people…
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What Is Endometriosis Surgery Like?
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1:32:30In this episode I walk you through what endometriosis is and what it was like for me to get the surgery to remove it. I include FAQ like how to prepare, what pre-op, post-op, recovery, and the general hospital and operating room experience is like. If you are nervous about getting a surgery, this can be helpful for you, regardless of what kind of p…
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An update on how my surgery went! Leave your questions about surgery here by October 13th: https://www.facebook.com/merrimentmaker/videos/909520261104698 Join Positive Pulse for free here: https://uncustomary.org/positive-pulse-landing-page/ Uncustomary Copyright 2024 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only.…
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I'm getting a surgery, and even though I know I'll be fine, it prompted this piece for me to imagine what it would like if today was my last day. Here is what I would want you to know. Uncustomary Copyright 2024 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only. By watching this you agree that all your decisions based…
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Having trouble getting a good mood and STAYING in a good mood? Here's how to do it! Uncustomary Copyright 2024 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only. By watching this you agree that all your decisions based on and application of the information contained in this video is by your own personal choice. By wat…
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Listen as I read directly from notes I've taken down in my "Brain Dump" folder. Uncustomary Copyright 2024 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only. By watching this you agree that all your decisions based on and application of the information contained in this video is by your own personal choice. By watchin…
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Personal Update: Future, Purging, Planning, Quality, Respect
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58:36Giving you an update on my life right now! Updates on my surgery, mom, cats, house, stand-up comedy, and more! Themes: Future, Purging, Planning, Quality, Respect Uncustomary Copyright 2024 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only. By watching this you agree that all your decisions based on and application of…
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🌟 Feeling Stuck in a Funk? 🌟 Discover 10 Ways to Lift Your Spirits Fast! 💪✨ Whether it's physical movement or emotional healing, these tips will help you boost your mood. Uncustomary Copyright 2024 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only. By watching this you agree that all your decisions based on and applic…
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Development Isn't For Drones: You're Uncategorizable
7:20
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7:20If you're following a method to become unique, you're not going to become YOURSELF. Uncustomary Copyright 2024 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only. By watching this you agree that all your decisions based on and application of the information contained in this video is by your own personal choice. By wat…
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If You're Doing This You Will Continue To Be Unhappy
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4:31Today I'm going to tell you how a nail salon dog reminded me why most of us, probably you, are unhappy, and will continue to be if you don't do something different. Uncustomary Copyright 2023 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only. By watching this you agree that all your decisions based on and application …
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What If You HAD To Make $10,000 More In A Month?: 10X Is Easier Than 2X
20:09
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20:09After reading 10X Is Easier Than 2X by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan, I had some takeaways I wanted to share that I think are helpful for personal development. Uncustomary Copyright 2023 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only. By watching this you agree that all your decisions based on and application…
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Devil's Advocate: There Isn't Just One Truth
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28:05Objectivity Autism No filter Devil's advocate Telling the truth Seconding the truth/what you want Leaving situations you don't like Uncustomary Copyright 2023 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only. By watching this you agree that all your decisions based on and application of the information contained in t…
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This is how I spent my 36th birthday, the pressure I've felt to celebrate birthdays since I've turned 30, and the things I know to be true about myself as of right now. Uncustomary Copyright 2023 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only. By watching this you agree that all your decisions based on and applicat…
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Formula For Changing Your Complaints Into Goals
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14:26Formula For Recalibrating, Reformatting, and Reconnecting To Yourself. Here is a step by step process and procedure for how to change your complaints into goals. If you need a sounding board or assistance with any of these steps, work with me at Uncustomary.org/Coaching Uncustomary Copyright 2023 *All information in this video is intended for Gener…
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TW: Flashbacks, PTSD Trying to get something you want but stalling out? Are you avoiding your anxiety? Feeling overwhelmed by emotions? Feeling numb? Here is how to figure out WHAT you're feeling and move FORWARD. Uncustomary Copyright 2023 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only. By watching this you agree …
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Be grateful for what you have. Keep perspective. Stop making excuses. Find solutions. Go outside. Remember you're alive. Uncustomary Copyright 2023 *All information in this video is intended for General information purposes only. By watching this you agree that all your decisions based on and application of the information contained in this video i…
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