Beyond the Smile: Real Talk with Real People / Season Two, Episode Nine:   Passions At A Circus Are Always In Tents Self-care is not selfish.   Self-care is taking care of yourself so you can take care of others.  Self-care is respecting yourself the way you respect others.  Heard any of those statements in your life?   Yep, so have I.   And I roll my eyes.    As a result, we are diving in to determine what SELF CARE really means what it does not mean.    You may think you know all about self-care, but after our discussion, we hope you change that opinion.  Sound familiar?  Yep - this is round two for those overachievers in our world that need a second discussion to REALLY hear the importance of this issue.  We - ok, MJC - uses my own struggles as a working example! Check out Episode Nine as we dive into this important topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: Best Motivation Apps of 2020 Poverty and Self Care Caring for Your Mental Health Time Blocking Info/Templates

Self-care is not selfish.   Self-care is taking care of you so you can take care of others.  Self-care is respecting yourself the way you respect others.  Heard any of those statements in your life?   Yep, so have I.   And I roll my eyes.    As a result, we are diving in to determine what SELF CARE really means what it does not mean.    You may think you know all about self-care, but after our discussion, we hope you change that opinion. Check out Episode Eight as we dive into this controversial (ok, annoying to some…)  topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: Radical Self Care The Global Community Connection with Radical Self Care Your Healthiest Self Self Care Why Self Care Isn’t Selfish How to Start a Self Care Routine 15 Self Care Ideas for Morning Routines Practicing Self Care is Important Doing What Matters in Times of Stress Does Self Care Impact Mental Health? What is Self Care and Why is it Critical for your Health? Caring for your Mental Health Self Care is a Must

Social Media is something that one either loves (or loves to hate…) or avoid at all costs.   But is there a benefit to social media?   Many individuals look to social media for their mental health information, general health advice, and overall tips and tricks for life.  Oh, and to keep in touch with people of course!   So can it be a positive avenue for information if taken from another point of view?    It may surprise you to hear that we both have different views on this subject! Check out Episode Seven as we dive into this interesting topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: 6 Ways Social Media Impacts Our Mental Health Social Media and Self Esteem Positive Impact of Social Media Diversity & Inclusion on Social Media Why Inclusivity Matters in Social Media How Social Media Impacts Culture & Language 6 Ways Social Media Impacts Your Mood  How Social Media Can Affect Your Mood

What?  I cannot be perfect?   Who says?   Perfection is an ideal that many seek and often fall short of their goal.  Tune in to hear stories of imperfect perfection in our lives, the negative impact that seeking perfection has on individuals, and, as always, ways to change your view to be realistic.    We are all Perfectly Imperfect and we hope that you will take some insight from our discussion to change what your ‘ideal’ for you is.   If you are still struggling after you listen - send us an email!  We would love to help you change those perfectionistic tendencies so you can live your amazing life. Check out Episode Six as we dive into this super important topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: Perfectionism Self-Rating Scale Imposter Phenomenon Multidimensional Perfectionism and the DSM-5 Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome Relationship Between Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome Imposter Syndrome:  Do You Feel Like A Fraud? Perfectionism and Your Health Perfectionism Root Cause of Perfectionism What Causes Perfectionism? How to be Perfectly Imperfect It’s Not Just You - It’s Science.  How Perfectionism Holds Women Back

This - by far - is our heaviest episode to date.   We included it in this season because of the increase of successful suicides that have been in the media, as well as in our lives since the pandemic began.   Is there a connection?  Or is it our culture increasing the pressure?   We may not have the answers, but we will discuss some of the issues impacting this discussion and offer some hope.   Please note that the show resources offer so many options for connection for anyone who needs extra support at this time. Check out Episode Five as we dive into this heavy, but a very important topic, and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: Logic (Ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid) – 1-800-273-8255 MIT Cuts Back on Course Loads After Two Student Suicides Suicide Rates at MIT Higher MIT Works to Reduce Student Pressure MIT Suicide Lawsuits Suicide Hotlines & Resources: 988 Crisis Text Line Love is Respect The Trevor Project National Sexual Assault Hotline LGBT National Hotline TXT 4 HELP International Hotline

Overachiever?  Yep - we got you.   Feel like that is the only way to ‘do life’?  Yep - we get that too.  But there is another way.    Tune in as we talk about the issue of unrealistic expectations starting in youth and transitioning into adulthood.    We will review ways to manage your expectations and live the life in which you can thrive with REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. Check out Episode Four as we dive into this creative topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids How to Work Past Perfectionism Realistic Workforce Expectations Teen Overachievers and Perfectionism How to Manage Your Perfectionism Signs You May Be a Perfectionist Differences in Learning Strategies Different Types of Perfectionism Perfectionism and Impostorism in Becoming a Psychiatrist Brene Brown: The Stress Cycle Leadership runs amok. The destructive potential of overachievers

Episode 3:  Tag-Team Match of the Week:  Stress and Burnout vs Balance and Happiness.  Place your bets! What a tag-team match this episode will be for everyone!   I heard a quote from a student: "The brain relies more on experience than it does knowledge" seems to really apply to this discussion.    If your experience is to run the stress and burnout cycle day after day, sometimes KNOWING what to do isn’t as important as experiencing a new normal.  This episode runs through leading causes for burnout, how we live in a stress-based culture, and ways to find your true balanced, and happy self. Curious to see everyone’s thoughts!  Have a great week - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: Burnout and COVID-19 What Black Burnout Feels Like Millennials and Burnout Women and Burnout Women and the "Exhaustion Gap" Burnout in Healthcare Professionals Burnout vs. Job Satisfaction in Mental Health Workers Burnout & the Stress Cycle

Ever get lost in a spiral of Tik-Tok or maybe Instagram?  Before you know it hours have passed!   It is more common than you think.  Even mental health professionals are capitalizing on the social media platforms (both of us included!) but is that a good thing? Or can there be harm in seeking guidance or diagnosis via social media? Check out Episode Two as we dive into this relevant topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Resources Referred to in Episode: Tik-Tok Apologized to Black Creators Understanding the Role of Social Media Your Brain Gets a Dopamine Hit Digital Crack Cocaine:  The Science Behind Tik-Tok How Tik-Tok is Affecting Your Brain and Mental Health Tik-Tok & Psychology

We are finally back!  Welcome to Beyond the Smile: Real Talk with Real People SEASON TWO!   A few changes this year: 1.  We are in video so you can see our smiley faces!   Today's episode has a minor glitch, but I promise you it has been worked out, and starting with episode two it is a dual screen. 2.  I have a co-host!!!!   Tune in each week to see my fabulous new co-host and learn from each of us as we discuss some important topics when it comes to living your best life. As always, reach out with any questions and I cannot wait to dive in and tackle another season with you - Melissa (& Melissa!)

You have heard about her all season long and it's now time for my guru, the one, the only Corry Mendoza.  She is real, she is amazing and she has had such an impact on my personal life, professional life and overall view of how I view me.   Looking for a coach?   Check her out and drop my name - she truly rocks. Her official info... Corry Mendoza has been inspiring audiences for over twenty years. In her engaging talks, she addresses the limits and liberations of belief systems, using personal stories to drive home positive leadership practices in a powerful way. She is Founder of Volition, a leadership training and coaching firm and author of Monday Motivations: 52 Weeks to a More Purposeful You. Her passions, at work and at home revolve around people and her clients include Sutter Hospital, UC Davis, Better Homes and Garden Real Estate, Coldwell Banker, Women’s Council of Realtors, Boys and Girls Club and various government agencies thru-out California. Corry was born and raised in Atwater, California and has four children. She and her husband, Rusty, live in Roseville, California. They are active members in their faith, family and community. If you would like you or your team to break free from a discouraged or negative outlook and step into positive mental fortitude, call her. She will inspire you. She will challenge. She will cause you to grow! Resources: Whole Again / Jackson Mackenzie Fierce Conversations & Fierce Leadership / Susan Scott Drama Triangle/TED principle: check out on TED talks and YouTube