138. You’re Perfect As You Are: Embracing the New Year with Self-Compassion & Harmony with Karena & Deseray

Welcome to 2025: New you, old you, but always improving! I’m kicking off the year with my right-hand woman, Deseray Cummings, from the stunning shores of Punta de Mita, Mexico. Together, we share our takes on New Year pressure —breaking down why resolutions can sometimes backfire and how to shift the focus to sustainable habits that truly nourish your body and mind. Spoiler: it’s not about 75-day challenges or burning yourself out!Deseray and I also answer your community questions about setting boundaries, practicing self-kindness, and finding balance in a world that demands “all or nothing.” From prioritizing sleep to embracing the messy ups and downs of life (hello, hormones!), we’re serving up real talk and practical advice to help you feel your best. Plus, we’re sharing a sneak peek at exciting new updates for the Tone It Up app and how to win a dreamy wellness retreat. Let go of the pressure, and start your year with grace and intention—you’ve got this!(00:00:00) Introductions(00:00:50) Ditching Perfection for Sustainable Growth(00:09:32) How to Improve Your Sleep Habits & Set Better Boundaries(00:16:51) 2025 Motto: Be KindClick here for full show notesGuest Info:• Instagram: @_deserayResources:• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing • Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listenersDonate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.Producer, Bobby Goldstein.The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Timeline Longevity | Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/TBS.Act + Acre | Visit ActandAcre.com and take the quiz on their website to see what hair & scalp system is right for you. Use code TBS20 for 20% off your purchase.

Om Podcasten

Where there is darkness, there is an immense opportunity for light. The Big Silence aims to normalize conversations around mental health and empower people to turn their challenges into triumphs. Hosted by Karena Dawn – mental health advocate, wellness entrepreneur, co-founder of Tone It Up, and New York Times bestselling author – The Big Silence is creating a safe space to share our story, and for you to share yours. Like so many, Karena has experienced profound grief and trauma. Growing up with a mother diagnosed with paranoid-schizophrenia, her childhood was filled with traumatic experiences that resulted in repressed emotions of guilt, shame, depression, and eventually, a suicide attempt. Though filled with this darkness, Karena was able to find deep joy. And with The Big Silence, she's creating a space for you to find that joy, too. This podcast will feature in-depth conversations with psychologists, spiritual leaders, public figures, friends, and anyone who has been impacted by a mental health condition – either themselves, or through a family member or a friend. Suffering in silence only reinforces the stigma behind mental health issues and builds boundaries that prevent healing. Wherever you are, whatever you're going through, you have a spark of greatness inside of you. No more embarrassment, no more shame, only healing. -- A non-profit 501(c)3, The Big Silence Foundation provides resources and support to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by mental illness. 'The Big Silence' theme song was written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney. Executive Handyman, Bobby Goldstein.