Messages From the Middle

Productive Procrastination

Ever feel like you're doing "all the things"—but somehow nothing important is getting done? In this episode, we explore the sneaky habit of productive procrastination—when you're busy with tasks that feel useful, like organizing, researching, or learning, but they’re actually keeping you from the real work that moves you forward. Using a personal story about transforming her home office, your host shines a compassionate light on how this pattern shows up and why it’s especially common among those with ADHD (but not exclusive to them!).
You'll learn how the brain rewards us with dopamine for the idea of progress, even when we’re avoiding the stuff that truly matters. This episode is all about building awareness without shame, and learning how to gently course-correct when our to-do lists become a comfortable hiding place. If you've ever found yourself alphabetizing your spice rack instead of hitting “publish,” this one’s for you.
contact me:
website: www.wendyparrish.com
instagram: @childsongbird @wendyparrishcoaching
email: wendy@wendyparrish.com

Healing: What that word really means to me for mental health

What if healing isn’t about going back — but about moving forward with more strength, compassion, and resilience than you ever thought possible? In this episode, I dive into the concept of healing in mental health, unpacking what it really means beyond the buzzwords. From my not-so-secret love of time travel stories to imagining what it would be like to "fix" the past, I explore why true healing isn’t about rewinding life, but about learning to live it more fully right now.
We’ll get practical, too — breaking down what healing would look like if we treated emotional pain like physical illness. Spoiler: it's not that different. Whether you’re on your own healing journey or still trying to figure out what that even means, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a gentle nudge to start defining healing for *yourself*. You don’t need a time machine. Just a little honesty, some self-compassion, and the courage to keep showing up.
www.wendyparrish.com
wendy@wendyparrish.com
Instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching @childsongbird
 

Secondary Emotions

This week on Messages from the Middle I talk about secondary emotions.
Secondary emotions are more complex emotions that develop as a result of social and cultural influences, personal experiences, and cognitive processes. Unlike primary emotions (which are universal and biologically hardwired, such as happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust), secondary emotions are learned and shaped by our interactions with others.
Secondary emotions play a significant role in mental health, as they shape how we process experiences, interact with others, and regulate our thoughts and behaviors. When managed well, they contribute to emotional intelligence and resilience. However, difficulties in processing secondary emotions can lead to mental health challenges
Take a listen this week to learn about secondary emotions and how they can help you with your mental health.
contact me: @childsongbird @wendyparrishcoaching
email: wendy@wendyparrish.com

To Diagnose or not to Diagnose

In this episode of Messages from the Middle, I dive into a question I hear all the time: "To diagnose or not to diagnose?" Many people suspect they have ADHD or another neurodivergence but hesitate to seek an official diagnosis. Maybe they don’t see the point, worry about labels, or fear it might hold them back. I get it—I really do. But today, I’m sharing why I chose to seek diagnoses for myself and my kids, and why knowledge can be a powerful tool for understanding, growth, and success.  
A diagnosis isn’t about limitations—it’s about empowerment. It provides clarity, access to support, and a roadmap for navigating a world that often isn’t built for neurodivergent minds. Whether you’ve already self-diagnosed, had a well-meaning friend diagnose you, or are just starting to ask the question, this episode will help you weigh the benefits of knowing for sure. Because as my daughter once said, “It’s better to know that I’m a regular zebra and not a weird horse.”
contact me: wendy@wendyparrish.com
instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching @childsongbird

Reclaimed

At some point in life, we all lose pieces of ourselves—whether through major transitions, shifting identities, or unexpected challenges. In this episode of Messages From the Middle, I explore what it means to reclaim our purpose, using the story of my beloved reclaimed-wood kitchen table as a metaphor for transformation. Just like that table, we can take what’s been worn down, broken, or forgotten and reshape it into something new.  
I share my own journey of reclaiming purpose after years of pouring everything into motherhood, only to find myself wondering, "Now what?" Through reflection, growth, and embracing change, I’ve learned that purpose isn’t about returning to what was—it’s about creating something even more meaningful. If you’ve ever felt lost in the shuffle of life, this episode will help you rediscover who you are and what truly matters in this season.
contact me: wendy@wendyparrish.com
Instagram: @childsongbird OR @wendyparrishcoaching

Resilience

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about staying in the discomfort long enough to grow. In this episode of *Messages From the Middle*, I explore what it truly means to be resilient through the lens of one of the most controversial moments in Formula 1 history. Lewis Hamilton’s journey from heartbreak to victory isn’t just a story about racing—it’s a masterclass in perseverance. But resilience isn’t just for elite athletes; it’s something we all need to navigate life’s challenges, whether they’re forced upon us or chosen.  
I also share my personal journey with resilience—from scoring a 1 out of 5 on a resilience scale to learning how to sit with discomfort and use it as a tool for growth. We’ll dive into practical ways to build resilience, embrace discomfort, and shift our mindset when things get tough. Whether it’s through ice baths, tap dancing, or facing fears head-on, this episode will help you see discomfort not as a threat, but as a pathway to strength.
contact me: wendy@wendyparrish.com
Instagram: @childsongbird OR @wendyparrishcoaching

Integration: What is missing from your mental health journey

This week, let's learn about the importance integrating all the stuff your learn from therapy, the books, and the podcast. Getting what you have learned from your head and into your hear. This way you are ready to allow your feelings instead of treating them life a problem to be fixed.You allow your feeling and are able to sit in discomfort to strengthen you mental health.
Ever feel stuck between where you are and where you want to be? In Messages from the Middle, I dive deep into the realities of mental health, personal growth, and the messy middle of life. As someone who has lived with ADHD, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, I know firsthand how overwhelming the journey to healing can be. In each episode, I share personal stories, insights from therapy and coaching, and practical tools to help you navigate challenges like FOMO, emotional integration, and finding connection in an isolating world.  
If you've ever wondered why you're "doing all the right things" but still feel stuck, this podcast is for you. Together, we'll explore topics like mindset shifts, emotional resilience, self-compassion, and the power of community. Whether you're working through past trauma, managing daily stress, or simply trying to build a more fulfilling life, Messages from the Middle is here to remind you—you’re not alone. Tune in for honest conversations, real talk about mental health, and the encouragement you need to keep moving forward.  . 
contact me
Instagram: @chidsongbird
email: wendy@wendyparrish.com

FOMO: Fear of Missing Out

Ever feel stuck between where you are and where you want to be? In *Messages from the Middle*, I dive deep into the realities of mental health, personal growth, and the messy middle of life. As someone who has lived with ADHD, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, I know firsthand how overwhelming the journey to healing can be. In each episode, I share personal stories, insights from therapy and coaching, and practical tools to help you navigate challenges like FOMO, emotional integration, and finding connection in an isolating world.  
If you've ever wondered why you're "doing all the right things" but still feel stuck, this podcast is for you. Together, we'll explore topics like mindset shifts, emotional resilience, self-compassion, and the power of community. Whether you're working through past trauma, managing daily stress, or simply trying to build a more fulfilling life, *Messages from the Middle* is here to remind you—you’re not alone. Tune in for honest conversations, real talk about mental health, and the encouragement you need to keep moving forward.  
In this episode I talk about FOMO and how you can use it to enrich your life. Listen and let me know what you think
contact me
Instagram: @chidsongbird
email: wendy@wendyparrish.com

Emotional Adulthood

Have you ever felt stuck in patterns of blame, frustration, or emotional overwhelm? In this podcast, I explore the concept of emotional adulthood—what it means, why it matters, and how embracing it can transform your life. I share insights on how to take responsibility for your thoughts, feelings, and actions, so you can step out of victim mode and into empowerment. With real-life examples, practical tools, and a little tough love, I’ll help you recognize where emotional childhood shows up in your life and how to shift toward a more intentional, fulfilling way of being.  
If you're ready to reclaim your emotional remote control and stop letting outside circumstances dictate your happiness, this podcast is for you. Together, we’ll break down the mindset shifts that lead to real growth, self-awareness, and healthier relationships. Let’s learn how to show up as the strongest, most authentic versions of ourselves.
contact me: 
email wendy@wendyparrish.com
Instagram: @childsongbird
 

Sadness: Why it isn't always a bad thing

Sadness is often seen as something to avoid, but what if it’s actually a crucial part of our emotional well-being? In this episode, I reflect on a powerful moment from a recent gathering with my closest friends—a tradition of Angel Tarot readings that led me to an unexpected realization. Through personal stories and insights from the movie "Inside Out", I explore why sadness isn’t a bad thing but rather an essential part of processing emotions, fostering growth, and deepening our appreciation for joy.  
Good mental health isn’t about being happy all the time; it’s about allowing ourselves to feel the full range of emotions. Sadness can bring clarity, self-reflection, and even motivation for change. In this episode, I break down the ways sadness serves us, how it connects us to others, and why embracing all our feelings—both the highs and the lows—is the key to emotional balance. Tune in as we shift our perspective on sadness and learn to see it as a valuable part of the human experience.
contact me: wendy@wendyparrish.com
Instagram: @chilidsongbird