What if the secret to wellness isn’t pushing harder — but softening into ease?

This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we welcome the incredible Tara Stiles, founder of Strala Yoga, for a transformative conversation on redefining wellness. Together, we explore how movement, softness, and presence can heal both mind and body — and why breaking free from rigid rules is the key to harmony.

💬 Tara shares her journey from anger to action — transforming yoga into an accessible, welcoming practice for all.

💬 Barb & Michelle reflect on their own struggles with the wellness world and how Tara’s approach helped them reconnect with themselves.

Episode Highlights:

• Your practice is YOURS: Forget the rules — wellness is personal.
• Living softly in a harsh world: Release tension, stress, and impatience by choosing ease.
• Letting anger guide you: Rage can illuminate the path to your greatest passion.
• The body-mind connection: Peace begins when we listen to our bodies and our feelings.

💫 As a special gift, Tara is offering listeners 50% off the Strala Yoga app — making it easy to bring mindfulness and movement into your daily life. Use code LIFEHAPPENS at StralaHome.com.

📖 And don’t forget — Michelle’s new book, Dear Friend, is now available for pre-order! With 365 daily reflections, it’s your companion for beginning each day with intention, clarity, and self-love.

👉 Get your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

Today’s Episode Sponsor:

Give yourself a little daily reset with Chlorophyll Stick Packs (or any of the amazing goodies from Nature’s Sunshine!). As a gift, you’ll get 20% off your first order + free shipping. Just head to naturessunshine.com and use code LIFEHAPPENS at checkout.

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

Are You Living Your Life—Or Someone Else’s?

This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re answering your questions on how to reconnect with yourself, release negative emotions, and find strength from within. From people-pleasing to imposter syndrome to midlife fears, this honest conversation offers comfort, clarity, and encouragement for anyone ready to write their own chapters.

💬 Barb opens up about her journey with imposter syndrome and how she discovered true confidence and inner strength.

💬 Michelle shares candid reflections on the fear of aging and how she’s learning to live authentically, aligned with her own desires rather than societal expectations.

Episode Highlights

• Viewing peace as strength and learning to prioritize your own needs
• Accepting and honoring your emotions without judgment
• Finding comfort and confidence in your own presence
• Releasing the self-criticism around aging and life timelines
• Building confidence when imposter syndrome creeps in

Happiness and peace aren’t found outside of us—they’re choices we make every day. Tune in to discover how to start living the life you choose, with more joy, authenticity, and true success.

💫 Take the next step in writing your own chapters—pre-order Dear Friend, Michelle’s new book with 365 daily reflections to begin each day with positive intention, nurture emotional well-being, gain clarity, and build lasting confidence.

👉 Get your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Topics:

• Redefining peace as strength
• Giving yourself permission to feel
• Unlearning survival mode
• The blessing of aging
• Releasing self-judgment
• Realigning with your dreams

We’d love to hear from you! 💬 What resonated most with you in this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments—we read every single one.

Today’s Episode Sponsor:

Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod.

Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct Deposit, Overdraft Coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

When life feels too full, your greatest power is presence. 🌿

This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re breaking down how to move through overwhelm with ease and resilience. You’ll learn practical tools to pause, reset, and breathe, while letting go of what you can’t control. Remember—you’re not broken or in need of fixing. You’re worthy, just as you are.

• Fixing vs. Shifting: releasing the idea that we’re broken
• The power of small shifts in creating lasting change
• Talking back to worry and taking back your control
• Releasing thoughts and tasks that weigh on the mind
• Building resilience by countering apathy with curiosity and fun

Discover how to anchor yourself in the present moment, release the mental noise, and reconnect with what truly matters—so you can navigate challenges with clarity, calm, and confidence.

💫 Pre-order Dear Friend — Michelle’s new book with 365 daily reflections for emotional well-being, clarity, and confidence.

👉 Get your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

Join our community⬇️

YouTube

Instagram

Substack

TikTok

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ click here🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday🎧

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @LifeHappensthePodcast or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

Multitasking is quietly killing our productivity. Rushing through everything at once leaves us scattered, stressed, and less effective. What if slowing down, practicing patience, and being present was actually the key to real success?

This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re challenging the myth of multitasking and offering a healthier, more sustainable approach—one rooted in presence and ease. Together, we explore:

✨ Moving from a “monkey mind” to focused awareness

✨ Why multitasking fragments our attention and reduces productivity

✨ Letting go of guilt and shame through intentional action

✨ The power of patience—and how to cultivate it

✨ Finding balance between work and personal life

💬 Barb shares timeless wisdom on understanding the mind and staying grounded in the present.

💬 Michelle offers fresh insights and powerful visuals on how slowing down can transform the way we live and work.

This episode is a gentle reminder that even in the busiest seasons, patience and presence will always serve us better than hustle and overwhelm.

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend—Michelle’s new book with 365 daily reflections for emotional well-being, clarity, and confidence. Get your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Highlights:

• Understanding the “monkey mind”
• The power of presence in daily life
• Navigating life’s pressures with ease
• Exploring the mind–body connection
• Cultivating patience as a virtue
• Practical strategies for emotional well-being
• Creating balance and presence in your life

We’d love to hear from you! 💬

What resonated most with you in this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments—we read every single one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

Discovering Your Purpose in Life: From finding levity during hardships, appreciating the present moment, and discovering your purpose in life– this is an episode that will inspire and shift your perspective on life.

This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re joined by our dear friend—actor, writer, comedian, and activist—Tyler Merritt. In this heartfelt and profound conversation, we explore how life’s challenges can become powerful teachers of purpose, gratitude, and joy.

Together, we share:

✨ The courage and freedom of standing vulnerably in your truth

✨ How to heal and find levity in the midst of hardship

✨ The gift of presence in cherishing life’s everyday moments

✨ Ways to discover hope and purpose, even through life’s difficulties

💬 Tyler vulnerably opens up about his cancer diagnosis and how it transformed his appreciation for life.

💬 Barb and Michelle reflect on their own journeys of finding meaning, joy, and resilience despite imperfections and challenges.

This episode is an invitation to shift your perspective and rediscover the beauty and purpose woven into each moment.

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend — Michelle’s new book with 365 daily reflections for emotional well-being, clarity, and confidence.

📖 Get your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Highlights:

• Express yourself with confidence and vulnerability
• Heal from perfectionism by embracing humor
• Set clear intentions to spread love and light
• Create a positive impact on the world around you
• Fully appreciate the beauty of the present moment

We’d love to hear from you! 💬

What resonated most with you in this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments—we read every single one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

Feeling overwhelmed by life? Whether it’s healing from trauma, navigating the pressures of aging, or dealing with critical people, this episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle is your guide to finding self-compassion, presence, and resilience in the middle of it all.

In this month’s Q&A, we share real-life tips and personal stories to help you:

• Manage overwhelm and stress in everyday life
• Heal from past trauma and release guilt
• Set healthy boundaries with difficult people
• Stay grounded and confident as you age
• Stop taking things personally
• Use affirmations and mindfulness to build resilience

💬 Barb opens up about the pressure she’s felt with aging and how she shifts her mindset to stay grounded.

💬 Michelle shares her journey of healing from trauma, navigating unsupportive relationships, and cultivating daily self-love.

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend — Michelle’s new book with 365 daily reflections for emotional well-being, clarity, and confidence.

📖 Get your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Highlights:

• Navigating the mental and emotional impact of aging
• Healing is a journey, not a destination
• Practicing the pause before big decisions
• Releasing the need for external validation
• How daily affirmations can change your perspective

This episode is sponsored by Wayfair

Refresh your home or workspace just in time for the school year with Wayfair’s affordable, stylish options—plus free, easy delivery. 🛋

🛒 Start exploring → Wayfair.com

We’d love to hear from you! 💬

What resonated most with you in this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments—we read every single one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

Your mental health is your competitive advantage. Learn how to integrate mindfulness and emotional wellness into your daily life—especially when you’re navigating high expectations, constant pressure, and a packed schedule. ⬇️

In this special episode, we sit down with former NFL athlete and children’s book author Brandin Bryant and sports psychologist Dr. Desaree “Dr. Dez” Festa to de-stigmatize mental health and share how mindfulness can become your greatest tool—whether you’re an athlete, student, or simply living in a high-pressure environment.

You’ll discover how to:

• Build a mindfulness practice that actually works for you
• Accept mistakes and move forward with confidence
• Handle outside opinions from social media and your surroundings
• Boost your mental performance under pressure
• Let go of perfectionism and embrace a growth mindset

💬 Brandin opens up about learning mindfulness in college and how prioritizing mental health helped him thrive in the NFL.

💬 Dr. Dez shares powerful research and real-world strategies for building resilience and reaching your optimal performance zone.

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend — Michelle’s new book with 365 daily reflections for emotional well-being, clarity, and confidence. Get your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

Life is unpredictable—and learning to navigate change with grace isn’t always easy.

In this heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, we dive into the emotional realities of unexpected loss, transition, and the journey toward acceptance.

Barb opens up about the grief and growth she experienced during her recent divorce—offering honest reflections and practical wisdom.

Michelle shares the profound impact of losing her father, and how she continues to find meaning and healing through life’s uncertainties.

Together, this mother-daughter conversation offers powerful reframes, gentle encouragement, and real-life tools to help you face life’s twists and turns with self-compassion, resilience, and hope.

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend – Michelle’s brand new book filled with daily inspiration, emotional support, and grounding messages for every season of life.

Perfect for yourself or someone navigating change.

Grab your copy here → https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

Let us know in the comments what resonated most—we’d love to hear your story.

Episode Highlights:

• The five most common life changes that profoundly impact our mental health and sense of identity
• How to trust the impermanence of life—and find faith in the unknown
• Understanding emotions during life’s “in-between” chapters through the lens of the five stages of grief
• Why it’s essential to feel your difficult emotions rather than avoid them
• Letting go of self-blame and shame in the face of loss, change, and disappointment
• The power of taking the first small step toward acceptance
• Embracing peace by viewing life as a journey—not a destination

Remember, no feeling is ever final– this, too, shall pass.

We’re so grateful you’re here. As a mother-daughter team, we’re committed to having honest, healing conversations about life’s challenges and the inner work that helps us grow through them.

This August, we’re focusing on youth and student mental health—but the truth is, emotional well-being matters at every age. We’re all navigating transitions in one form or another. Whether you’re heading back to school, starting a new job, grieving a loss, or simply adjusting to the change in seasons, you’re not alone.

Together, we’re stronger—and we’re here to support you through it all.

Join us as we explore how to grow through change, find steadiness in the chaos, and embrace acceptance—one small step at a time.

Thank You to Our Sponsor: Wayfair

With the school year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home or workspace—and we’re so grateful to Wayfair for helping make that possible.

We’ve been redecorating ourselves and have truly loved the ease, inspiration, and wide variety that Wayfair offers. From cozy touches to complete room makeovers, it’s our go-to for affordable, stylish pieces for every space and budget. Plus, their free and easy delivery makes the experience seamless.

Ready to refresh your space? Start exploring today at Wayfair.com and find everything you need to create a home that feels just right.

Join us next Tuesday for another heartfelt and healing episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕