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Steven Webb
Bringing Inner Peace to Busy Minds
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I really didn’t want to do this

Links to Steven Webb’s podcast and how you can support his work.

I’m feeling a bit anxious today, and I want to share that with you. Even though I help people manage their stress and anxiety, I still experience those feelings myself. Today, I found myself avoiding life by watching random videos on YouTube instead of dealing with my tasks. It’s easy to get caught up in those moments of escapism, but I realized that acknowledging my feelings is crucial. In this conversation, we’ll explore how we all face our own storms, and what we can do to find stillness amidst the chaos. Let’s dive in and see how we can navigate these feelings together.

Now and again, you have one of those days, and this was one of them. I really couldn’t be bothered to do anything, let alone record a podcast.

Stress and anxiety can creep in on even the best of days. As I sit here feeling anxious and overwhelmed, I share that it’s a universal experience, even for those who help others manage their stress. We all face moments of doubt and avoidance, and I’m no exception. This podcast dives into the feeling of wanting to hide from the world and the struggle of confronting those feelings head-on. I share my recent experiences of procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities, like scrolling through YouTube instead of dealing with my emails. It’s all too easy to get caught up in distractions, but recognizing this behavior is the first step towards addressing it.

During this episode, I reflect on how life can feel overwhelming, even when it seems like everything is fine. The anxiety doesn’t always have a clear cause, and sometimes, it just sneaks up on us. I discuss how I’ve learned to observe my feelings and reactions, and how this awareness can lead to better coping mechanisms. We talk about the importance of showing up for ourselves and the power of doing something constructive, like recording this podcast, to help shift our mindset. It’s a reminder that we all deal with stress and anxiety, and it’s okay to feel that way sometimes.

The conversation also touches on the idea that we’re all just a few pages ahead in our life stories. No one has it completely together, and even those who seem to have it all figured out have their struggles. By sharing my own vulnerabilities, I hope to encourage listeners to acknowledge their feelings and take steps to overcome them. Life is about navigating through the storms, and the tools we build for ourselves can help us feel more equipped to face those challenges.

Takeaways:

  • Feeling anxious and overwhelmed is something everyone experiences, even those who help others.
  • We often avoid our responsibilities by distracting ourselves with things we don’t care about.
  • Recognizing our feelings and taking action is more important than simply feeling overwhelmed.
  • Life is unpredictable; despite our coping strategies, storms will still come our way.
  • The key to managing anxiety is to observe our behavior and respond constructively, not reactively.
  • It’s okay to feel stressed; what matters is how we choose to deal with those feelings.

I really didn’t want to do this

Now and again, you have one of those days, and this was one of them. I really couldn’t be bothered to do anything, let alone record a podcast.

How to Think Positive Even with a Negative Bias

Links to Steven Webb’s podcast and how you can support his work.

I’ve realized that telling people to just think positive is one of the worst pieces of advice I’ve ever given. It seems so simple, right? Just be positive and live for the good stuff, but oh man, I was so wrong about that. Today, I’m diving into why it’s not really that easy and what we can actually do about it. We’re going to explore how our minds work and why we really can’t just flip a negative thought into a positive one on demand. So let’s unpack this together and figure out how we can take control of our thoughts instead of letting them run wild.

Just think positive, just look on the positive side of life. Really easy, simple anybody can do it. So why do the majority think in a negative way? It’s not as simple as thinking positive, and in this episode of Stillness in the Storms I explained why.

Stephen Webb takes us on an insightful journey through the complexities of human thought in this compelling episode. He starts by addressing a common piece of advice—just think positive—which he admits is not as straightforward as it seems. After years of sharing this advice, he has come to understand that simply trying to force a positive mindset can be both unrealistic and unhelpful. Instead, he advocates for a more thoughtful approach to our inner dialogue, one that honors the intricacies of our emotional landscape.

He breaks down the concept of the mind into three distinct parts: the instinctual mind, which reacts quickly; the subconscious mind, which draws from past experiences; and the conscious mind, where intentional thinking occurs. Each of these minds plays a vital role in how we process information and react to life’s challenges. Stephen emphasizes that while we cannot change a thought once it has appeared, we can choose how to respond to it. He likens thoughts to trains coming into a station, suggesting that we can let unhelpful thoughts pass without boarding them.

In a world where positivity is often glorified, Stephen reminds us that negative thoughts have their place too. They can alert us to potential dangers and help us navigate life more effectively. By recognizing and managing our thoughts, rather than suppressing them, we empower ourselves to create a more balanced mental state. This episode is a call to action for listeners to engage mindfully with their thoughts, encouraging them to choose which ones to nurture. It’s a refreshing perspective that highlights the importance of embracing all facets of our mental experiences for a more authentic and resilient life.

Takeaways:

  • The advice to just think positive is overly simplistic and often unhelpful.
  • It’s crucial to recognize that we cannot simply change a negative thought into a positive one.
  • Our subconscious mind tends to reinforce the thoughts we focus on, whether they are positive or negative.
  • Negative thoughts have evolutionary benefits that can keep us safe in dangerous situations.
  • Learning to manage our thoughts involves choosing which ones to focus on rather than trying to change them.
  • Emotional weight attached to thoughts determines how our subconscious mind prioritizes them in our awareness.

How to Think Positive Even with a Negative Bias

Just think positive, just look on the positive side of life. Really easy, simple anybody can do it. So why do the majority think in a negative way? It’s not as simple as thinking positive, and in this episode of Stillness in the Storms I explained why.

The Emotion That Stopped Me Living | What’s Yours?

Links to Steven Webb’s podcast and how you can support his work.

Today, I’m diving into a big realization I had about shame and how it sneaks into our lives. I’ve been carrying this emotion for nearly 30 years without even knowing it, and it’s been holding me back from asking for help. It turns out that shame has been a huge part of my struggle, especially since my accident when I was 18. I’ve always felt guilty about needing assistance, but now I see that it’s time to face this head-on. By recognizing this feeling, I feel a newfound freedom that’s been missing for way too long. Join me as I unpack this journey and explore how facing our emotions can truly set us free.

I’m sure you’ve heard of shadows, those emotions and influences that have a large bearing on our lives yet we cannot see them. Nearly 30 years, I had no idea that this one emotion was holding me back. As I share my story of finding freedom, what about you? What emotion is holding you back?

I’m Steven Webb, your host, and sometimes we are far too close and when an ex says something that bites. Take notice.

The heart of today’s discussion revolves around a profound personal revelation that has taken years to uncover. Our speaker reflects on a conversation that revealed an unrecognized emotion: shame. This emotion, stemming from a life-changing accident at 18, has woven itself into the fabric of daily life, impacting decisions and feelings of independence. The speaker grapples with the complexities of needing help while feeling a deep-seated guilt for requiring assistance. This episode dives into the intricacies of human emotions and the importance of acknowledging them to achieve freedom and wholeness. Through personal anecdotes, we explore how shame can act as a silent barrier, subtly pulling us back from reaching out for support. The speaker’s journey towards understanding this emotion offers listeners a chance to reflect on their own barriers and the potential for growth that comes from confronting them head-on.

Takeaways:

  • The realization of shame in my life has brought a new sense of freedom.
  • Understanding that I can include all my feelings, both good and bad, is key.
  • Asking for help has been a significant struggle for me throughout my life.
  • It’s crucial to shine a light on our emotions to free ourselves from their hold.
  • Recognizing that shame has limited me has opened doors to a more fulfilling life.
  • Listening to others about what might be holding me back can lead to profound insights.

The Emotion That Stopped Me Living | What’s Yours?

I’m sure you’ve heard of shadows, those emotions and influences that have a large bearing on our lives yet we cannot see them. Nearly 30 years, I had no idea that this one emotion was holding me back. As I share my story of finding freedom, what about you? What emotion is holding you back?

I’m Steven Webb, your host, and sometimes we are far too close and when an ex says something that bites. Take notice.

‘Based on a True Story’ – This WILL STOP You ARGUING

This podcast will blow your mind, it will literally rewrite the way you think and you will stop arguing! That’s a big claim, listen to the podcast and I think you will agree.

Our memory is flawed, yet we think it is perfect. When we realise the true nature of how our mind works it will have a big impact on your life, and your family and those around you.

‘Based on a True Story’ – This WILL STOP You ARGUING

Links to Steven Webb’s podcast and how you can support his work.

We’re diving into the myth of memory and how it messes with our heads, especially when we argue with family. You know how it goes—two people recall the same convo and end up at each other’s throats over who said what. I used to do this all the time with my sister. But guess what? Our memories are not as perfect as we think they are. I’ll share some insights that helped me stop the fighting, and it’s all about recognizing that both sides can be right and wrong. By understanding how memory works, we can chill out, have more compassion, and maybe even stop the endless debates over who remembers things correctly.

The podcast takes an enlightening dive into the concept of memory and how it affects our relationships, particularly with family. The host shares a personal story from his life about how he used to argue with his sister about their past conversations. It’s fascinating to hear him reflect on those moments, recalling how both of them were convinced of their own recollections. He emphasizes that memory isn’t as clear-cut as we often think. Instead, it’s more about how we reconstruct memories, often mixing them with emotions and fragments of other experiences. This realization has helped him reduce arguments with family, making conversations more peaceful. He encourages listeners to consider how their memories might be flawed too, and how understanding this can foster compassion and reduce conflict in everyday interactions. Overall, the episode is a gentle reminder of our shared human experience, highlighting that we’re all imperfect in our recollections and that it’s okay to be wrong sometimes.

Takeaways:

  • Today’s episode dives into the myth of memories being perfect and how this affects our arguments.
  • I share a personal story about how remembering things can lead to family arguments over misunderstandings.
  • We explore how our memories are not as reliable as we think and can be flawed.
  • Realizing our memories are imperfect helps us to stop arguing and accept different perspectives more easily.
  • I encourage listeners to send in their gratitude stories, making our connections more meaningful.
  • Understanding the emotional impact of memories can help us communicate better with our loved ones.

What Is My Best Advice?

Links to Steven Webb’s podcast and how you can support his work.

We dive deep into the idea that you can’t change the present moment, and that’s a big deal. I share some personal stories that really make you think about how we often fight reality instead of embracing it. It’s all about what we do with our circumstances. I talk about my own journey, especially during tough times, and how I found ways to use my challenges as fuel for growth. So, let’s figure out together how to stop battling with what is and start making the most of it.

My BEST ADVICE… That’s what I discuss on this podcast, and what advice I would like you to remember if I don’t get the opportunity to ever share another podcast.

Reflecting on how we wish to be remembered can be a powerful exercise. I found myself pondering this after a call, asking what message I want to leave behind. What if this was my final podcast? What would I say? The core of our discussion revolves around finding inner peace, especially in these chaotic times. 2020 has thrown countless challenges at us, and it becomes crucial to look inward for peace rather than relying on the external world. The wisdom I share is centered on the acceptance of the present moment. I learned this lesson during a difficult time in my life when I was bedridden after a serious injury.

During those long days, I realized that fighting against my circumstances was pointless. I couldn’t change the fact that I was paralyzed, so I focused more on how I could use that moment to learn, grow, and help others. The main takeaway here is that we often resist the present moment, wishing it were different. I urge listeners to stop that struggle and instead ask themselves what they can do with the current situation. Each moment, good or bad, carries potential for growth if we choose to embrace it. This perspective can change everything.

I also share personal anecdotes from my time in recovery, where small victories became monumental achievements. The process of moving from being immobilized to engaging with life again taught me resilience. My advice is simple: you cannot change the present moment. Instead of wishing for a different reality, focus on how to harness your current situation to make a positive impact. Whether it’s overcoming fear or finding purpose in hardship, it’s about using the present as a launching pad for your future. So, what will you do with this moment? That’s the real question.

Embracing the present can lead to profound changes in our lives. When we surrender to what is, we gain clarity and strength, and we can start to build the life we want from there. So, let’s shift our mindset from resistance to acceptance and explore how we can turn our challenges into opportunities for meaningful growth.

As I wrap up this reflection, I hope to inspire others to think about the legacy they want to leave behind. Let’s make it one of empowerment and resilience. We have the power to guide our lives, even when circumstances feel overwhelming. Let’s embrace our stories and turn them into something impactful.

Takeaways:

  • You cannot change the present moment, so focus on what you can do with it.
  • Accepting the present moment gives you the power to create positive changes in your life.
  • When faced with challenges, ask yourself how you can use them to improve your situation.
  • Every defining moment in life

What Is My Best Advice?

My BEST ADVICE… That’s what I discuss on this podcast, and what advice I would like you to remember if I don’t get the opportunity to ever share another podcast.