Ever feel like you're following a script you didn’t write? In this episode, Andrew and Catherine crack open the idea that many of the “rules” we live by—college, career, homeownership, timelines for success—are completely made up. Some rules serve a purpose (looking at you, traffic lights), but others just keep us stuck, stressed, or chasing lives that don’t fit who we are.

They talk candidly about the internal rules we adopt as children, the external expectations of adulthood, and how to start rewriting your story based on what you want—not what you were told you should want.

What You’ll Learn:

• What “The Rules Are Fake” really means
• Why the traditional path of school → job → house → retire may not be for everyone
• How to question whether a rule is helping you or holding you back
• Why homeownership and college aren't the only paths to stability or success
• How internal rules (like "I should have it all figured out by 40") create anxiety
• The power of rewriting your personal playbook and defining success on your own terms

Key Takeaways:

• Some rules are helpful; others are just habits. Pause and ask: Is this true for me?
• College and buying a house can be amazing—but they’re not mandatory.
• “Should” is often a red flag. If you hear yourself say “I should…”, dig deeper.
• Happiness doesn’t come after you follow the rules—it comes when you live from the inside out.
• It’s okay to walk a different path. In fact, it might be the best decision you ever make.

Your Glimmers of the Week:

Catherine finds joy in morning rainbows from crystal sun-catchers, and Andrew reflects on a meaningful trip to see Ben Platt live—with a reminder that you deserve beautiful experiences too.

🧭 Want to start living life by your own rules?

Visit FiveYearYou.com to book a mentoring call and begin your path to intentional living.

Making friends as a grown-up isn’t as easy as it used to be. In this vulnerable and practical episode, Andrew and Catherine talk candidly about their own struggles with adult friendship—and why it's harder than it looks. From mom-friend pickup lines at the park to feeling ghosted after a good conversation, they explore what makes friendships work, how to initiate without overthinking it, and why proximity and personality play such a big role.

If you’ve ever wondered “Is it just me?”—this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why making friends as an adult is harder than it was in school
• How introverts and extroverts experience friendship differently
• Why proximity, shared interests, and vulnerability matter
• Two practical ways to connect with new people
• How to handle ghosting, rejection, or just plain busy lives
• Why it’s okay (and smart) to have different friends for different parts of your life
• How to initiate friendship without feeling awkward
• The “3 friend types” to surround yourself with for connection and growth

Practical Tips From the Episode:

• Ask for numbers (even if it feels like dating)
• Reach out to old friends—just be honest
• Be vulnerable or be curious (ideally both!)
• Don’t expect one person to meet every need
• Embrace diversity in age, interests, and energy levels
• Let go of perfection and initiate anyway

Your Glimmers of the Week:

Catherine discovers the joy (and simplicity) of homemade key lime pie, and Andrew shares his excitement for summer travel plans and adventures to come.

💬 Feeling isolated or struggling to find your people?

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out solo. Visit FiveYearYou.com to explore mentorship or join the community.

We all get angry—but what do you do with it? In this candid episode, Andrew and Catherine explore the role of anger in our lives, especially when we’ve been taught to suppress it or feel shame for having it. They share deeply personal stories from childhood and parenting, unpack how anger manifests in the body, and offer practical tools for managing big emotions in healthy, non-destructive ways.

From recognizing your triggers to learning how to release built-up energy before it explodes, this conversation is full of useful takeaways for anyone who wants to handle anger with more awareness and grace.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why anger is a normal (and even necessary) emotion
• How unprocessed anger can show up physically and emotionally
• Strategies for defusing tension in the moment (even if you’re at a 10!)
• The importance of self-awareness and communicating your emotional state
• Safe and effective ways to release anger—without harming relationships
• How to identify when anger has turned into something more dangerous

Resources & Mentions:

• Box breathing technique
• Rebounding for emotional release
• The power of 30 minutes alone (Catherine’s go-to reset strategy)
• Creating a calm home when you’re a sensory-sensitive parent
• The “Instant Pot” analogy for pressure and emotional release
• Domestic violence resources (linked in show notes)

Disclaimer:

Anger is human. Violence is not. If someone in your life is harming you physically, emotionally, or verbally, please seek help. Your safety matters. We’ve included crisis resources in the episode description.

Your Glimmer of the Week:

Andrew and Catherine share a light-hearted recap of their recent in-person visit, Canadian winter survival tips, and how creating new traditions can feel just as meaningful as honoring old ones.

🔗 Need help managing big emotions or want to work on your emotional health?

Visit FiveYearYou.com to book a free coaching call.