In this conversation, Michelle Renee and Leela Sinha discuss the concepts of intensives and expansives. They explore how intensives are passionate, risk-tolerant, and make unexpected connections, while expansives are steady, reliable, and prefer predictable environments. They also discuss the importance of understanding and appreciating both types of personalities. Overall, the conversation highlights the value of self-awareness and finding balance between intensity and steadiness.

Leela Sinha is a coach and author. Leela created The Intensive Institute and wrote the book You're Not Too Much. You can find Leela and the book at https://IntensiveInstitute.com.

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Platonic Intimacy Guide and Surrogate Partner. Michelle's websites are https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠ and https://humanconnectioncoach.com and she can be found on social media at https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee.

If you’d like to ask a question, for Michelle to answer on an episode, https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/podcast

Links from today's show:

*Note, I'm cutting back on the amount of resources I share as it takes a lot of time to pull them and I'm finding myself not putting out new episodes due to the time requirement. My compromise to myself is to put in less time. Thanks for understanding that is a hard area to cut as someone who prides herself as a "resource maven". I trust you can google and find what you need.

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers https://amzn.to/47XJjvm

You're Not Too Much by Leela Sinha https://amzn.to/3YsPm9T

In this episode, Michelle Renee talks with her client, Judy. Judy discusses how her work with her therapist and Michelle has helped her feel safer in certain situations and has allowed her to challenge her beliefs about herself. She also talks about the importance of leaning into difficult emotions with curiosity and the process of relearning self-worth and self-care. In this final part of the conversation, Judy and Michelle Renee discuss the power of being raw and vulnerable with another person. They explore the idea of rewriting personal narratives and reframing past experiences. They also discuss the importance of physical touch and the role of surrogate partner therapy and cuddle therapy in healing relational wounds. Judy shares her journey of self-discovery and self-love, and expresses deep gratitude for the transformative work she has done with Michelle Renee and her therapist. Takeaways Asking for help is a brave and important step in healing and personal growth. Setting boundaries is essential for prioritizing mental health and self-care. Childhood experiences, even those that may seem small, can have a significant impact on adult life. Therapeutic love and support can be transformative in the healing process. Rewriting stories and reframing past experiences can lead to personal growth and healing. The triadic model, involving collaboration between therapist, client, and support system, can be highly effective in therapy. Recognizing triggers and understanding the symptoms of PTSD can help shift one's perspective on certain situations. Working with a therapist and a supportive touch professional can help create a sense of safety and challenge negative beliefs about oneself. Leaning into difficult emotions with curiosity can lead to healing and growth. Learning self-worth and self-care is a process that takes time and patience. Rewriting personal narratives and reframing past experiences can be transformative. Physical touch, such as in surrogate partner therapy and cuddle therapy, can play a crucial role in healing relational wounds. Self-discovery and self-love are essential for living a fulfilling life. Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Intimacy Guide and Surrogate Partner. Michelle's website is ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠ and can be found on social media at @meetmichellerenee. If you’d like to ask a question, for Michelle to answer on an episode, https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/podcast To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers https://amzn.to/47XJjvm Links shared in today's episode: We’re Not Really Strangers Healing Edition https://www.werenotreallystrangers.com/collections/shop-all/products/healing-edition The_emdr_coach on IG https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7TvzAyMtP2/?igsh=Z2JyMWlna3FtM21t The Power of Journaling blog post https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/blog/journaling Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) test https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean Polar bear shaking off trauma https://youtu.be/xDlR-wl7iFI?si=QffFsOYMTTTG7b2R The myth of self regulation https://youtu.be/91tUxJq12gc?si=6mTBE9PQAw5_-fIy Setting Boundaries that Stick by Julianne Taylor Shore https://amzn.to/459NdkW Complex PTSD from Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker https://amzn.to/4e1QfeW Pitsburg Action Against Rape https://paar.net/

In this conversation, Michelle Renee and her Michigan wife discuss their friendship and the changes they have experienced. They talk about their history, including how they met and their journey through polyamory. They also discuss the importance of communication and adjusting expectations in relationships. The conversation then shifts to their personal journeys with weight loss and body image, as well as the societal pressure around body count. They share their experiences with weight loss surgery and the impact it has had on their confidence and physical well-being. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of self-acceptance and finding joy in personal growth.

Takeaways

• The importance of open and honest communication in relationships
• The need to adjust expectations and labels in relationships to maintain a strong connection
• The impact of weight loss surgery on confidence and physical well-being
• The societal pressure and judgment around body count and the importance of self-acceptance Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing experience, but it is important to have proper follow-up care and support.
• Weight loss medication can be a helpful tool in the weight loss journey, providing a feeling of fullness and reducing food noise.
• Weight loss is not always within one's control, and it is important to have empathy and support for those on their weight loss journey.
• The journey to weight loss involves both physical and mental changes, and it is important to prioritize mental health and self-care.
• Understanding and accepting that weight loss is a lifelong journey can help in setting realistic expectations and maintaining long-term success. It is important to be mentally prepared for surgery and to have a good support system.
• Do what is best for you and don't shame yourself for considering weight loss surgery.
• Feeling comfortable and free in your body is a significant positive change.
• Having supportive and trusting friendships is invaluable.
• DIY projects can bring joy and a sense of accomplishment.
• Expressing love and appreciation for others strengthens relationships.
• Living together with close friends can be a fulfilling and complementary experience.

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Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Platonic Intimacy Guide and Surrogate Partner. Michelle's website is ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠ and can be found on social media at @meetmichellerenee.

If you’d like to ask a question, for Michelle to answer on an episode, click here.

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers, click here.

The video version of this episode is available on Spotify and on Youtube.

Links from today's episode:

Friendship edition of We’re Not Really Strangers: https://amzn.to/3ywpy1E

Kids editions of We’re Not Really Strangers: https://amzn.to/4avj4O0

Shrill on Hulu or https://amzn.to/4dNJ0qN

First time rock climbing video: https://youtu.be/YPa4af-DMgQ?si=EA-kChLkPA5x3z10