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Do you feel stuck in the sugar cycle, no matter how hard you try to break free? In this episode, Dara Thomason, the Accidental Weight Loss Coach, shares strategies to help you break unhealthy patterns and transform your relationship with foodâwithout relying on calorie counting or step tracking. Building on the insights from Episode 184, Dara explores how connection plays a crucial role in overcoming addiction and how reprogramming your brain can lead to lasting weight loss success. What Youâll Learn in This Episode:
â Why traditional weight loss methods often fail
â The connection between addiction, environment, and weight struggles
â How to rewire your brain using neuroplasticity and the vagus nerve
â A real-life client success story that proves small changes make a big impact
â Practical strategies to create a sustainable calorie deficit without tracking every bite
Key Takeaways:
đ§ Your body isnât the problemâyour approach to weight loss needs an update
đ€Ż Weight loss starts in your brain, not with restrictive dieting
đĄ Making your life more interesting helps shift focus away from food
đ„ Simple mindset shifts can help you break free from emotional eating patterns If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with someone who could benefit. Donât forget to leave a reviewâit helps others discover the podcast!
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Addiction and How to Break Free
In todayâs episode, we dive into a powerful concept that challenges the traditional narrative around addiction. What if addiction isnât about the substance or behavior itself but about a lack of connection? As the Quilterâs Coach, Iâm here to help you uncover the deeper issues behind the habits that hold you backâwhether itâs sugar, scrolling, shopping, or people-pleasing.
Weâll explore why connection, both with others and yourself, is the true antidote to addiction. Through personal coaching stories, compelling research, and actionable strategies, Iâll show you how understanding your habits and reconnecting with your inner wisdom can transform your life.
I also share a touching story of a client who overcame her struggles with perfectionism and people-pleasing to host a stress-free event, showing how connection to self can reduce anxiety and increase joy. Plus, weâll take a closer look at groundbreaking studies, like the Rat Park experiment, that illustrate how community and connection play a vital role in overcoming addiction.
In this episode, youâll learn: Why addiction isnât just about chemical hooksâitâs about the need for connection. How perfectionism and self-judgment keep you stuck in unhealthy patterns. The importance of vulnerability in building stronger relationships with yourself and others. Practical tools for reconnecting with your purpose and breaking free from habits that no longer serve you. Resources and Links: Book a discovery call with me for personalized coaching: https://daratomasson.com/contact/ Learn more about the Rat Park experiment and its insights on addiction: https://www.yesmagazine.org/social-justice/2015/02/12/portugal-cut-drug-addiction-rates-in-half-by-connecting-users-with-communities This episode is a reminder that youâre not brokenâyou just havenât learned how to connect deeply with yourself. Letâs break the cycle of addiction and create a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
Subscribe and Share:
If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with someone who could benefit. Donât forget to leave a reviewâit helps others discover the podcast!Watch this episode on Youtube
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Letâs start connecting and creating a life you love, one stitch at a time.
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How to Achieve Mastery and Break Free from Old Habits
In todayâs episode, Iâm talking about the concept of masteryâwhat it truly means and how to achieve it in ways that stick. As the âaccidental weight loss coach,â Iâve learned that creating lasting habits isnât about perfection but about intention. Did you know that Day 19 of building a habit is often a make-or-break day? I recorded this episode on January 19th because Iâm here to help you avoid falling into the statistics of setting a goal and giving up. Together, weâll explore how to reframe your mindset and create habits that support a joyful, sustainable life.
I also share a powerful story about a client who discovered how her fears shaped her identity and decisionsâand how she broke free to create a life aligned with her true self. Itâs a reminder that our old patterns donât have to define us, and by applying intentional tools, we can create new habits that align with the life we really want. Mastery, as weâll discuss, doesnât mean perfection; it means creating autopilot habits that serve us. Iâll also reflect on J.K. Rowlingâs insights on failure and imagination, two tools that are key to redefining success on your own terms.
In this episode, youâll learn: How to define mastery for yourself and recognize areas where youâve already achieved it. Why failure and imagination are essential for growth and transformation. Practical tools to rewire your brain and create habits that align with your goals. Ready to dig deeper? Sign up for my free masterclass at darathomason.com/freeclass, and letâs get started!Watch this episode on Youtube
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Are you craving more joy and excitement in your life? Maybe you feel like you're going through the motions, stuck in a cycle of routines and expectations. What if you could rewrite the recipe of your life, adding just the right ingredients to make it uniquely yours? This episode is all about discovering three unexpected ingredients to create the most delicious and fulfilling life, tailored to your dreams and goals.
In this episode, Dara shares her journey of transforming her life by embracing curiosity, fun, and intentional questioning. From achieving her dream of becoming an international quilting instructor to helping clients design lives they love, she explains how these key ingredients lead to clarity, freedom, and lasting happiness. Youâll also hear inspiring stories of clients who broke free from societal pressures and created their own paths, whether in business, weight loss, or personal growth.
What you will learn in this episode:
The importance of curiosity in breaking free from judgment and experimenting with new approaches. How infusing fun into your daily life and decisions can make even challenges feel lighter. Why questioning long-standing habits and expectations helps you take ownership of your life.Daraâs insights will inspire you to rethink the way you approach your goals and create a life that truly reflects who you are. Tune in for actionable tips and real-life examples that will help you find freedom and joy in your unique journey!
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Do you wake up feeling the weight of 2025 already? Does life feel like Groundhog Day, with the same routines and frustrations repeating no matter your good intentions? If youâre craving relief and want to break the cycle, this episode is for you. Together, weâll explore practical strategies to help you create real change and bring much-needed relief into your life.
In this episode, I share four transformative strategies to help you stop the pressure cycle and create lasting relief. From learning to âburn the boatsâ and let go of old habits to embracing the pendulum swing of trying new approaches, these strategies will help you redefine your relationships, habits, and mindset. Youâll hear stories of clients who found unexpected freedom and joy by applying these tools and how you can, too. This episode is all about creating a new baseline for your lifeâone that feels authentic and sustainable.
What you will learn in this episode:
The importance of letting go of old patterns and âburning the boatsâ to create change How to use the pendulum swing of experimentation to find what truly works for you The power of creating a new baseline and questioning long-held expectationsThis episode is packed with actionable insights to help you step into 2025 with clarity and confidence. Letâs make relief your new reality!
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Do you ever feel stuck in habits or patterns that arenât helping you reach your goals? Have you been holding onto things simply because you think quitting isnât an option? If so, this episode will help you see quitting in a whole new light. Iâm sharing how strategically letting go of what no longer serves you can create the space and energy you need to thrive in 2025.
In this episode, I dive into why quitting isnât about failureâitâs about freedom. I share personal stories, including how Iâve embraced boldness and simplicity to grow my coaching business. Youâll also hear an inspiring client success story about how quitting old patterns transformed her relationship. This episode is all about helping you make intentional choices to let go of whatâs holding you back and focus on creating a life you truly love.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
Why quitting the right habits or mindsets can lead to greater progress and clarity. How to embrace boldness and simplicity to create lasting change in 2025. An inspiring example of how quitting control can improve relationships and personal growth.Watch this on Youtube
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Are you feeling stressed about setting goals for the New Year? Does the thought of goal-setting make you cringe because you havenât done well with them in the past? If so, youâre not alone. In this episode, weâre diving into a new way to approach goals that feels achievable and empoweringâno shrinking or shuddering required. Iâll show you how to create goals that inspire you to grow and succeed without unnecessary pressure.
In this episode, I share the difference between clean and dirty goals, concepts Iâve learned and applied to my own life and teaching. Clean goals are clear, motivating, and transformational, while dirty goals can leave you feeling stuck or pressured. Youâll also learn how to reverse-engineer your own successes and uncover why some past goals fell short. Plus, I share an inspiring win from a client who used these strategies to achieve an ambitious quilting goal.
What you will learn in this episode:
The seven characteristics of a clean goal and why theyâre essential for success How to identify and avoid dirty goals that create unnecessary pressure A simple reverse-engineering exercise to understand your goal-setting habits and make lasting changesWatch this on Youtube
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Do you find yourself struggling to feel joy, even when you look around and see everything you have? If youâve ever wondered why itâs so hard to feel joyful in the everyday moments of life, this episode is for you. Join me as we explore what joy really means, why it sometimes feels elusive, and how to embrace it more intentionally.
In this episode, I share heartwarming wins from my clients and practical tools to help you discover and cultivate more joy in your life. Weâll redefine joy, uncover how your brain influences what you notice, and explore ways to record and measure joy to create a more balanced and fulfilling life. Whether itâs through reframing your thoughts, anchoring your experiences, or measuring progress, these strategies will help you live more intentionally and with purpose.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to define joy in a way that resonates with you and fits your life Tools to intentionally seek, record, and amplify moments of joy Strategies for embracing both positive and negative emotions to create a balanced and fulfilling lifeWatch this on Youtube
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Do you worry about planning for the New Year, feeling nervous and unsure about how to make it your best year yet? Maybe self-doubt creeps in, and youâre not confident about creating the changes you truly want. The good news is that, just like a blank sheet of paper, the new year is a blank slate. In this episode, Iâm sharing practical, doable strategies to help you step into 2025 with clarity and confidence.
In this episode, I walk you through a simple yet transformative exercise to plan your ideal year. Youâll learn how to collect data about your current routines, envision your dream day, and identify the shifts needed to create the life you desire. With insights from my coaching experience and tools like the time capture strategy, Iâll show you how to take control of your year without feeling overwhelmed. Letâs build a year that truly reflects your goals, values, and joy.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to use the "time capture" exercise to assess your current habits Steps to design your ideal day and align it with your best self Practical strategies to break old patterns and create lasting change in 2025Watch this on Youtube
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Do you worry about gaining the same 10 or 15 pounds every holiday season? Maybe it feels inevitable with all the parties, treats, and indulgences that come with the festive season. What if you could approach holiday eating differently this yearâwithout guilt or stressâwhile still enjoying the foods you love? In this episode, Iâll share practical strategies to help you navigate holiday eating with intention, so you can enjoy the season without sacrificing your health or peace of mind.
In this episode, I discuss why holiday weight gain feels so common and how to address it with simple, actionable strategies. From planning your indulgences to building awareness around transitions and overwhelm, I break down effective techniques to help you stay mindful and avoid the traps of holiday overindulgence. Youâll also learn how to deepen your relationship with yourself by being intentional with your choices and creating traditions that align with what truly brings you joy.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to strategically plan your "joy eats" without guilt or overeating The importance of transitions and self-awareness during the holidays Ways to strengthen your relationship with yourself through mindful holiday traditionsWatch this on Youtube
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Have you ever wondered why our ancestors celebrated Thanksgiving and how gratitude can transform your mental, physical, and emotional well-being? This episode dives into the deep history of Thanksgiving and its ties to gratitude practices that have stood the test of time. Drawing on both historical traditions and modern scientific research, I explore why gratitude is more than just a feel-good practiceâitâs a proven way to improve overall well-being.
In this episode, Iâll share insights on why gratitude plays such a powerful role in our lives, the science behind its benefits, and how to start cultivating it for yourself. Iâll also take you behind the scenes into my personal and client experiences, showcasing how gratitude can help build stronger relationships, improve emotional health, and even aid in weight loss. Plus, youâll get a glimpse into the fascinating history of Thanksgiving and the universal truths that connect us all.
What you will learn in this episode:
How gratitude impacts mental, physical, and emotional health according to scientific studies. The historical roots of Thanksgiving and its connection to gratitude traditions across cultures. Practical ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily life for lasting transformation.Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
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Do you ever feel like you're using coaching tools in a way that actually makes things harder? Many of us, myself included, can fall into the trap of using coaching methods or personal growth strategies with the wrong mindset, turning them into sources of stress and pressure instead of empowerment. In this episode, I dive deep into how life coaching tools can sometimes become a weapon when misusedâleading to feelings of failure, frustration, and burnout. Just like a hammer can be a powerful tool or a destructive weapon depending on how itâs used, the same goes for the coaching tools we implement in our lives.
In this episode, Iâm going to share why you might be inadvertently sabotaging your own success with coaching tools and how to shift your perspective. I also share personal stories and real-life examples, including a client story about body image, weight loss, and the pressure we place on ourselves. By examining how pressure impacts our mindset and behavior, Iâll show you how to free yourself from unhealthy expectations and create space for true self-compassion. Whether you're struggling with goals, weight loss, or just feeling stuck, this episode will give you actionable insights to shift your approach.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to avoid using life coaching tools as a weapon and instead use them as empowering tools for growth. The importance of differentiating between needs and wants, and why understanding this can relieve unnecessary pressure. How to practice self-compassion and take the pressure off, so you can achieve your goals with a healthier mindset.Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
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Have you ever felt that the holiday season brings as much stress as it does joy? With so many expectations and traditions, itâs easy to feel overwhelmed, wishing you could enjoy Christmas on your own terms without the pressure. If the thought of holiday preparations makes you anxious, this episode is for you. Iâm Dara Thomason, and today, weâre exploring how to create a holiday season that feels meaningful and stress-free.
In this episode, I walk you through how to kick holiday stress to the curb, using powerful insights from neuroscience and personal experiences. Together, weâll reflect on how to adjust your holiday habits to feel more joy and less pressure. Youâll learn practical tools to help you plan ahead, edit traditions that no longer serve you, and visualize a holiday season that leaves you feeling connected and fulfilled. Itâs all about crafting a Christmas that brings peace instead of chaos!
What you will learn in this episode:
How to reframe your holiday traditions to align with what truly brings you joy Ways to set clear emotional goals for Christmas to keep stress at bay Simple visualization techniques to prepare for a peaceful and enjoyable holidayGrab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
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Resources:
Emotion Wheel: https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-wheel/ The Happiness Project: https://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-happiness-project/ Michael Phelps - The Journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-mZhvxeK_k Science of Visualization: https://www.neurovine.ai/blog/the-science-of-visualization-can-imagining-your-goals-make-you-more-likely-to-accomplish-them -
Do you ever feel stuck in your weight loss journey, frustrated by those seemingly endless plateaus? Have you reached a point where the scale just won't budge, leaving you questioning if all your efforts are even worth it? This episode is here to remind you that plateaus arenât a setbackâtheyâre a powerful place to pause, reflect, and build stability in your progress. Whether you're focused on weight loss or any other area in life where you're hitting resistance, it's time to reframe these "stuck" moments as opportunities for growth.
In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of plateaus and why theyâre not the enemy many people think they are. Using real stories from my clients and my own experiences, I unpack how these stages of stability are essential for sustainable progress. Together, weâll look at how weight plateaus mirror other areas in life, like career or personal goals, where we often feel pressured to keep pushing forward without stopping to appreciate the progress weâve made. I share valuable insights on shifting your perspective around plateaus to recognize them as essential steps in your journey, allowing your body and mind to fully acclimate before moving forward.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to reframe plateaus as moments of stability and growth, not failure Why understanding your "why" for weight loss or any goal makes all the difference Practical strategies to stay motivated and aligned with your goals without falling into self-sabotageGrab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
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Do you use food as a treat or find yourself struggling with the temptation of holiday sweets? Many of us see food as a reward, especially during holidays like Halloween, where treats are abundant. Have you ever asked yourself if thereâs a healthier, more fulfilling way to handle these temptations? In this episode of the Quilters Coach Podcast, weâll talk about navigating holiday temptations and exploring the stories we tell ourselves around food. Iâll guide you through shifting your mindset from seeing food as a treat to finding more lasting, internal satisfaction.
In this episode, I share how we unconsciously reward ourselves with food and what we can do to break this cycle. By understanding our relationships with foodâwhether itâs for comfort, joy, or escapeâyouâll gain a clearer perspective on how to make healthier choices without feeling deprived. I also share a story about my personal journey in creating a healthier relationship with food during Halloween and how you can embrace that shift, too. Plus, weâll look at how the environment and the stories we tell ourselves play a role in shaping our food habits.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to identify when youâre using food as a reward or comfort.
Practical tips for navigating Halloween and holiday treats mindfully.
How to cultivate internal fulfillment without relying on external sources like food.
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
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Do you often find yourself feeling exhausted at the end of the day but not truly fulfilled? Do you struggle to accept compliments or downplay your own achievements? If youâve ever felt like you're undervaluing yourself, this episode is for you! We'll explore the common mindset traps that lead us to overlook our own value and how to start shifting those habits today.
In this episode, Iâll share practical tools and real-life examples to help you recognize when you're undervaluing yourself and how to break free from that trend. I dive deep into why we often feel responsible for others' happiness and neglect our own needs, and Iâll guide you through actionable steps to start celebrating your worth. Plus, youâll learn how to set goals and create an environment that supports your growthâboth mentally and emotionally.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to identify if you're undervaluing yourself and why it happens.
Simple strategies for shifting your mindset to prioritize your own value and happiness.
The power of consistency and how small changes can create lasting transformation.
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
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Have you ever felt frustrated with your relationship, wondering why no matter how hard you try, things just donât seem to improve? Do you often find yourself waiting for your spouse or significant other to make the right moves, only to feel disappointed? In this episode, I share why your happiness and the quality of your relationships are actually within your controlâyes, itâs up to you!
In this episode, I dive into how life coaching can transform not just your relationships but also your overall happiness. Iâll guide you through powerful tools and techniques for rethinking your expectations in your marriage or other relationships. From letting go of âshouldsâ to rewriting your manual for how others should act, I explain how to stop placing conditions on others and start focusing on what you can control. Whether youâre dealing with relationship struggles or navigating difficult conversations, this episode will give you fresh insights and strategies.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to identify and reframe your relationship âmanualâ for a happier marriage. The importance of taking responsibility for your own happiness. Practical tools for having difficult conversations and building better relationshipsGrab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
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Have you ever felt stuck while trying to build your quilting business and wondered if there's a way to overcome the mental and emotional challenges of entrepreneurship? Life coaching might be the missing piece you need. In this episode, we explore how life coaching can help you gain clarity, build confidence, and create a sustainable business model for your quilting venture.
In this episode, Iâll share actionable strategies for building a successful long-arm quilting business, from setting up your studio to pricing your services effectively. Youâll hear real-life success stories of quilters who used both business tools and life coaching techniques to reach their goals. Whether youâre just starting out or looking to grow, life coaching offers valuable insights to help you navigate challenges and achieve business success.
What you will learn in this episode:
How life coaching can help you overcome mindset barriers and build confidence as a quilting business owner. The key steps to set up and grow your quilting business, including marketing and pricing strategies. How to balance your passion for quilting with the practicalities of running a successful business.Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
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Have you ever wondered what life coaching is really about and why itâs becoming such a powerful tool for personal growth? Do you feel like you're stuck in a cycle of striving for success but never quite feeling fulfilled? In this episode, I explore why life coaching is more than just goal-settingâitâs about understanding how your thoughts and emotions shape your reality and learning how to take control of them for lasting change.
In this episode, I break down the essence of life coaching and why it matters for anyone looking to transform their life. Whether itâs weight loss, improving relationships, or growing a business, life coaching helps you stop relying on willpower and start creating sustainable habits. Iâll also share personal stories and client experiences that show how powerful it is to learn how to be happy and fulfilled, no matter where you are on your journey. Together, weâll explore how coaching gives you the clarity and tools to change your mindset and, ultimately, your life.
What you will learn in this episode:
The role of life coaching in helping you find clarity and happiness in your current circumstances. Why itâs crucial to rewire your brain for success rather than rely on willpower alone. How life coaching helps you connect your thoughts and emotions to create lasting change.Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
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Do you ever doubt your ability to achieve the results you want or struggle to trust yourself when setting goals? If youâve ever felt stuck or uncertain about how to prioritize your time and energy, this episode is for you. As we dive into tools and strategies that will help you take control and truly start living an authentic life, Iâll guide you through ways to guarantee your success without the stress or overwhelm.In this episode, I share personal stories and insights on how life coaching principles can help you create permanent changes in your life. Whether it's feeling more relaxed, building better relationships, or breaking old habits, youâll discover how organizing your time into three categoriesânecessary, essential, and nice-to-doâcan lead to more balance and fulfillment. I also share a heartfelt story of how a member found deeper connection in her marriage by applying some of these tools.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to organize your time into three key categories for more balance Why your worth as a person is already 100%, and how to embrace that Practical steps to take control of your life and guarantee your resultsGrab this week's episode workheet HERE.
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Choose Ye This Day to Serve the Lord
- Se mer