In this deeply emotional episode, Arleen reflects on the tragedy of the shooting of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, an event that sent shockwaves through the entire U.S. healthcare system. This single act of violence serves as a reminder of the fragility of healthcare — a system that has been strained to its breaking point. Arleen delves into the intense emotions consumers are experiencing: the mistrust, anger, and frustration that have fueled an increasingly volatile view related to the failures of the healthcare system.
As she unpacks the chain of events that led to this tragic situation, Arleen urges healthcare professionals to remain vigilant in their interactions with patients, reminding them that every encounter is an opportunity to embody compassion and empathy — even amidst the chaos, anger and frustration. She advocates for more education and training to help workers navigate crises with a heart-centered approach, shifting from a task-driven mindset to one that prioritizes connection and understanding.
Arleen invites healthcare workers to return to the basics–making a conscious decision to lead from a place of love and kindness. In a time when the world around them seems overwhelming, it’s this empathy and patience that can provide true healing — not just for patients, but for themselves. This episode is an invitation for all healthcare professionals to rediscover their purpose and power by choosing compassion in the face of adversity. Are you ready to lead with your heart and help heal a system that desperately needs it?
In this episode, Arleen acknowledges the times when healthcare workers feel boxed in and are simply going through the motions. Are you secretly questioning if you have it in you to continue? Arleen reminds us that difficult memories and the daily challenges of caregiving can cloud your perspective, making it hard to see how important and impactful your work truly is.
Drawing from her own personal experience, Arleen talks about the mental clutter that can lead to feelings of anxiety and emotional exhaustion. When you hold onto negative experiences and memories, you miss the opportunity to clear out that mental clutter. Sometimes, the things that weigh you down no longer serve a purpose, especially when they’re beyond your control—particularly when you care for people who need the best of you.
Arleen also highlights the wisdom of Marie Kondo, the organizational expert known for her “spark joy” philosophy. Kondo encourages people to evaluate what they hold onto—whether in their homes or minds—and assess whether it brings joy. If it doesn't, it only occupies space that could be used for something more positive. Holding on to negative memories and experiences does the same to your mental space, affecting how you approach each day.
Arleen encourages healthcare workers to clean out the clutter in both their physical surroundings and their minds. By doing so, you can make room for meaningful moments of care and more joy in your daily practice.
In this podcast, Arleen shares the great work from Dr. Don Miguel Ruiz’s book called The Four Agreements where he shares the four agreements based on ancient Toltec wisdom. Each of the agreements are a powerful code of conduct that can transform your life through experiencing freedom, true happiness and love. In the book, Don explains that 95% of our internal beliefs are simply not true. Unlearning beliefs and challenging your own thinking is essential to experiencing a strong-sense of joy, happiness and freedom.
Arleen shares readings from the book about the importance of learning how to master each agreement. We delve into:
Agreement 1 - Be impeccable with your word
Agreement 2 - Don’t take anything personally
Agreement 3 - Don’t make assumptions
Agreement 4 - Always do your best
When you make a conscious choice and self-reflect on the ways you will embrace these four agreements and integrate them into your daily practices, you can experience healing. Arleen reminds us as healthcare workers, the work we do is meaningful and full of purpose. She challenges us to think about how we can use these four agreements in interacting with the patients we serve. You will realize, it is within your power to make change and to live the life you were destined to experience.
In this podcast Arleen reminds healthcare workers that the challenges you experience every day often include feelings of fear, especially the unknown. Arleen shares that our fears can result in untoward behaviors, stress and unnecessary anxiety. What if as healthcare workers you could learn strategies on how to rise above your fears instead. What if instead of allowing the fear of the unknown from holding you back, instead, you recognize that fear is a normal emotion that every single person faces each day. What if you could learn how to face everything and rise above it instead.
Arleen invites healthcare workers when you do not learn appropriate coping strategies and learn how to manage fear effectively, it may have a negative impact on every aspect of your life. In order to face your fear, Arleen reminds us that we must recognize the emotions that bubble up and how fear is affecting you, as well as the patients you provide care to.
Arleen reminds healthcare workers that by using positive affirmations every day you set positive intentions on how you wish to manage the day to day challenges with ease instead of being filled with anxiety. When you have the courage to face your fears and notice them, you are in the best position to rise above them and provide compassionate and empathetic care to those you serve.
Arleen reminds healthcare workers that the field of healthcare is full of daily physical, mental and emotional challenges. It is highly likely that in addition to the long hours you are probably not integrating self-care in your daily routine. When you are running on an empty tank, you need to keep your tank at least half full, not bone dry!
Arleen reminds healthcare workers that you need to carefully examine your emotional and physical responses especially in stressful situations. Having the courage to recognize when you need a moment to find a quiet place where external stimulations in your environment are limited.
Arleen reminds professional healthcare workers that they shouldn’t wait to the point when you are having a meltdown. You must train your mind to look inward and examine what is within your control and what you can do to send love, compassion and empathy to the people you serve regardless of what is happening around you. Arleen reminds us that good things are happening around us, we just need to pay attention to them. When you advocate for your needs, you are in the best position to increase your tank before it runs completely dry.
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In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers that we must learn how to manage in the chaos and create calmness despite the challenges we face. Many healthcare workers crave a routine environment. But healthcare by nature is full of unpredictability. Arleen reminds us that managing the chaos is not just limited to our workplace but in our personal lives as well.
Arleen reminds us that we can never forget that we are drawn into the field of healthcare because we are the healers of people. We must always demonstrate compassion and empathy to create the conditions for healing and comfort to occur.
Arleen reminds healthcare workers that we alone control our own emotional response. When we work to create a sense of calmness even in a chaotic environment, it will improve the overall health of our patients. When you are aware of the energy you bring to work, it will truly change how healing occurs.
In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers that we are susceptible to being triggered by someone or something in your environment. The truth is, for many healthcare workers, working during the pandemic has resulted in experiences that can still be very triggering to you. Arleen reminds us that a trigger is something that causes a reaction or response, often emotional and/or psychological in nature that causes a person to experience feelings of intense anxiety.
Arleen reminds healthcare workers when we self-reflect, look inward and gain self-awareness of our own triggers we are better positioned to be aware of behaviors that may be triggering to us or for us. When we slow down our pace, create a pause, and resist the temptation to react but rather respond you are in the best position to identify those triggering behaviors.
Arleen shares reflections from Robert Holden’s book Finding Love Everywhere to serve as reminders for healthcare workers that when we provide care delivery, we do it from a place of love. That when we look inside ourselves and search for love, it is just one way we can show compassion, empathy and caring for those we serve.
In this podcast, Arleen co-hosts with Doris Taylor, RN, BSN, a burnout wellness coach for an in-depth discussion on ways to identify and treat burnout. Arleen reminds us that working in healthcare can leave you feeling overwhelmed, fatigued and full of exhaustion. It is not your fault and not what you imagined when you entered into the workforce.
Doris invites us to self-reflect--what if it could be different? What if you could learn ways to truly relax and calm your nervous system and doing what you were destined to do. The secret is performing intentional actions to soothe your nervous system so you are not operating in a reactive state.
Doris reminds us that burnout is not a permanent state and no one should feel alone. We discuss many of the challenges we face and why it is necessary to educate yourself on the ways you can self-identify feelings of burnout creeping in and those factors that contribute to burnout. Doris shares that every one of us must find their specific window of tolerance and identify when we are operating in either a hyper-arousal or hypo-arousal state, putting ourselves at risk for burnout. Lastly we discuss ways you can recharge yourself every day and find ways to continue to work in the field despite all of the challenges.
To connect with Doris and learn about her virtual and in-person workshops and training on combating burnout, visit her website at www.moonshinewellnesspnw.com or connect on her social media platforms at moonshinewellnesspnw to learn more.
In this podcast, Arleen delves into the immediacy of why healthcare workers need to learn how to demonstrate empathy and compassion in every interaction when caring for others. Arleen discusses the challenges of how the influences of living in a non-empathetic and non-compassionate world can influence the way you respond in stressful situations.
It is easy to spot people who are filled with anger, frustration and rage. When people are not in touch with their own emotional response, they tend to react poorly. Arleen reminds us that the only thing we can control in healthcare, is how we look and handle each situation.
Arleen reminds healthcare workers of their superpowers, which is their ability to create a safe space for healing to occur. When we slow down our pace, and find ways to control our emotional response in every interaction we are best positioned to show empathy and compassion. Arleen reminds healthcare workers of the power of responding in a loving way every time, and how that can influence positive outcomes.
In this podcast, we dive into the emotional and psychological challenges healthcare workers face every day. Whether it be from the intense pressure of caring for people to the constant exposure to pain, suffering and loss.
Arleen reminds healthcare workers you must prioritize your own mental health. Guarding your heart allows you to provide a loving response regardless of the situation. Arleen shares how important it is to be present for the people you serve. You must practice searching for the goodness in one another and to act as role models showing people just how easy it is to care for one another.
Arleen reminds healthcare workers you are armed with a super power, which is your ability to heal people who are sick. Sometimes you are left wondering where the people who show love and compassion towards one another are.
As healthcare workers, you are perfect in your design to flood people with love, compassion and empathy. But you must also protect your heart, prevent those negative feelings and interactions from adhering to your spirit. Those feelings can easily overpower your mind, when they take root in your heart. You were designed to embrace all the beautiful moments that come from healing others. When you learn simple ways and work differently, you will position yourself for success.
In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers, while you are here in life school you were designed to carry out your purpose. You were born to provide care to people who are sick and need healing. Let’s face it, you work in healthcare, which is completely unpredictable. To continue to care for people, especially in a world that is sometimes full of people who do not care about you. Requiring you to recommit to caring every day.
Arleen reminds healthcare workers that our patients are dealing with pain, suffering and burdens from acute and chronic medical conditions. We must realize that we may not always see people at their personal best. Arleen reminds listeners that on top of that, the people you work with might also suffer from feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, wondering if the job is truly worth it. Arleen reminds you it is 100% worth it. You simply need to learn how to use your superpowers even in difficult times.
Arleen invites listeners to accept the challenge and recommit to caring regardless of the situation you are faced with. When you learn new ways to respond with love, kindness, compassion, empathy and a caring attitude you will positively impact the way healing occurs. In this podcast, Arleen discusses important characteristics that are necessary even when you feel the weight of responsibility on you. That you can use your superpowers for healing when you recommit to caring.
In this podcast, Arleen invites healthcare workers to carefully evaluate the hardships you face every day as something that is designed to put you on a path to make you stronger and wiser. Arleen shares that when you feel broken or lack the strength to push yourself forward, perhaps it is that you need to learn how to grow through it, instead of going through it. Arleen reminds listeners that we cannot change our past. If we are going to stay in the field we were designed to do we must look deep within and evaluate each experience as a learning opportunity while we are in life school.
Arleen shares readings from Jacqui Phillips book Reset. As a professional celebrity makeup artist and television host and producer, Jacqui was used to making others feel beautiful. But like you, one day she woke up and realized that if she didn’t find the courage to hit the reset button, she wouldn’t live the life she was destined for.
Arleen reminds healthcare workers that if we do not choose to embrace a mindset of learning how to grow from our difficult experiences, we run the risk that we will not stay in the field doing the work we were designed to do. Arleen shares hope for all healthcare workers, that you can grow from every experience and come back each day with a renewed spirit of caring and compassion.
In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers about the complex challenges and conditions you face that cause stress, anxiety and fear. When we remember to take time out every day to seek out the moments of joy, while providing care, this practice can help to sustain you every day. Arleen starts today’s podcast with a visualization exercise reminding listeners what it was like when you experienced joy during childhood. Remembering those moments is the key to realizing that joy does not have to be elusive, rather it is something that must be searched for every day especially with the challenging experiences you face in healthcare.
Arleen reminds us that when we feel out of control or recognize we need self-care, finding a quiet moment will help you shift your perspective and notice those subtle moments where joy is around you. Arleen shares that when you seek out those meaningful, purposeful moments with the people you serve, you are best positioned to experience joy every day. Arleen shares a reminder that it only takes one person to change the way care is delivered to allow your patients and family members to respond to illness with joyful healing. As professional healthcare workers, you know what is good for you. When you develop your expert noticing skills you are best positioned to seek out joyful moments and integrate them into your daily healing practices.
In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers of the importance of shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset. Arleen shares the seminal work of Carol Dweck, Ph.D. on why we must embrace a growth mindset. Arleen shares how to embrace our failures and mistakes, practice self-compassion, set goals and accept that sometimes trusting in a “not yet” mindset positions you for success. Arleen reminds healthcare workers that what you do every single day and how you respond to stressful situations affects the healing of others.
Arleen shares that when we experience challenges, we also have a choice to seek out moments of joy and happiness that comes from caring for others, instead of being overly stressed and worried. Arleen reminds healthcare workers that the work is not easy, but when you find ways to embrace a growth mindset we can learn how to manage through those challenges with ease.
Arleen shares how Jim Carrey, the actor, used visualization and shifted himself into a much more powerful mindset, which led to his stardom. Arleen reflects on how a group of 33 Chilean miners survived trapped underground for 69 days, learning how to support one another even when they were fearful, anxious and full of despair. When we, as healthcare workers, cultivate a spirit of unity to support one another we are best positioned to heal our hearts from everything we experience and live the life we are destined to do.
In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers that we must face our fears before we can step forward and allow healing to occur. Arleen shares highlights from the recent documentary “Brats” by Andrew McCarthy and the actors who were labeled as the 80’s Hollywood Brat Pack are still battling internal fears and messages of self-doubt nearly 40 years later. Arleen reminds healthcare workers, it is time to live your authentic self and find ways to embrace self-care and let things go so you can push yourself forward away from your fears.
Arleen shares one of the secrets to her success, which includes readings from Mel Robbins book, The Five-Second Rule. Arleen highlights how Mel has taught millions to use the Five-Second Rule and to face your fears by shifting into action. Arleen shares numerous examples of how healthcare workers can find themselves paralyzed in fear, and the constant reminders that taking action is the only way to step into the life you are destined for. As a healer, you deserve to experience goodness, joy, success and professional fulfillment. Arleen encourages you that this is only possible if you have the courage to face your fears, then you can experience all life has to offer.
For more information on Arleen’s keynote “The Courage to Care” email Arleen@healingtheheartshealthcare.com.
In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers to use the power of love every day to promote healing. Arleen shares Noreen O’Sullivan’s “Look Listen Love” model and why we must slow down, look inside and listen to our emotions then shower ourselves with feelings of love. Arleen reminds us that because we care for people, we are exposed to pain and suffering every day. When we work hard to show love towards ourselves and others, it can be transformative and healing. Arleen invites listeners to build into their daily routine ways to promote love wherever you go.
Arleen educates on the importance of using a trauma-informed care approach in caring for yourself and your patients. Sharing research and findings from the article “Using a Trauma-Informed Approach to Address Burnout in Nursing” from C. Dawson-Rose, et. al. from Medscape.com and discusses the six principles of trauma-informed approach, we must promote sharing love especially in healthcare settings. Arleen reminds us that we can show acts of loving kindness towards each other through our words, body language and our actions, taking into account the cultural aspects and differences in each other. Finally, Arleen shares the power of love from the research experience in Masuro Emoto’s book, The Message from Water and why we must be mindful of how we express love towards one another.
In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers to take back what is rightfully yours–the opportunity to live your best life ever. You deserve it! You are a healthcare worker, but if you don't find ways to heal your hearts daily from all your experiences you might find yourself stuck and unable to move forward.
Arleen shares impactful and meaningful reflections from the book The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, Ph.D., a Computer Science Engineer and professor at Carnegie Mellon University. When faced with terminal cancer, Randy was inspired to share important life lessons to his students by preparing his last lecture on life and learnings. These life lessons included the importance of building relationships and building in time to imagine, wonder and dream about all of the things you want to accomplish in life.
Arleen also shares how as humans, we can find ourselves in the “Stuck-State Cycle” from the book, Wake Up Calls by Eric Allenbaugh, Ph.D. Arleen shares how our old behaviors can surface and we can find ourselves re-creating our past in our present. It is only when you reflect on your history and identify things you should do differently that you are in the best position to change the way you respond.
Arleen also shares how writing poetry can be a source of healing. In the book Poetic Medicine by John Fox, Arleen shares that giving yourself permission to be wild and magnificent and exploring the things around you in nature as inspiration is the first step in writing poetry. Arleen ends the podcast reminding healthcare workers that you must take advantage of all the opportunities to become the best version of you! You can do it when you take time to heal your heart from your experiences.
In this podcast, Arleen co-hosts with Nicole Braveman to educate healthcare workers on the power of practicing meditation and mindful moments to help heal your heart from the work that you do every day, and to help the best parts of you shine through in all aspects of your life and into patient care.
Nicole shares her personal healing experiences using meditation and yoga therapy to heal chronic physical and emotional pain. She also shares the power of setting intentions, particularly as you move between each segment within your day and before providing care, as a way to embody compassionate care in every situation.
Nicole reminds listeners that as you take moments throughout your day to breathe, set intentions or meditate, you set the foundation for a healthier mind and body, while allowing you to provide a higher level of care to patients. Feel rejuvenated, relaxed and inspired after you experience the 8 simple steps to meditation along with a mini guided visualization incorporating mindfulness moments within your day.
To learn more about Nicole and how she can help you and your loved ones navigate healing and feel more empowered during unpredictable times, visit her website at www.nicolebraveman.com
In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers that they have greatness inside of them and must learn how to activate it. Arleen shares reflections from the book Man’s Search For Meaning, and Victor Frankl’s theory of Logotherapy, that he discovered after surviving a concentration camp. Logotherapy is the primary motivation of human beings to search for meaning and purpose in their life. Finding meaning is the key to your mental health and well being.
Arleen also reads the poem “Heartsongs” from Mattie J.T. Stepanek’s book, reminding healthcare workers that each one of us has an inner heart song that is waiting to be heard by the world. Arleen discusses the different challenges healthcare workers face everyday and when you don’t take time out to heal your heart from your experiences at work and throughout life, it can be difficult for you to spot the greatness awaiting inside of you.
Arleen reminds healthcare workers to slow down their pace, use deep breathing, find solace in nature and allow feelings of love to overcome your spirit. Through storytelling and using a metaphorical example, Arleen shares how the pain and suffering we experience in life and at work can fill our spirits with lots of excess garbage. Living with garbage inside makes it difficult to search for and find those precious things inside of you that are destined for greatness. When you have the courage to activate the greatness inside of you, everyone in the world benefits from it!
In this podcast, Arleen discusses why as healthcare workers you must find moments of joy throughout your day to heal your heart of what you experience each day. Arleen reminds us that the effects of not allowing yourself to experience joy, absolutely impacts the way healing occurs for you and your patients. Finding the opportunities and allowing yourself the freedom to experience joy is 100% attainable. Arleen reminds healthcare workers to be intentional, channel the tiny moments of joy, and allow yourself to experience the feelings while providing care delivery.
Arleen reminds us what we allow into our hearts, absolutely impacts our ability to experience joy. Arleen shares when we do not allow ourselves those moments to experience joy while providing care, it can lead to burnout. We are reminded that even in nature change is happening around us and challenges listeners to recognize that there is a time and season for joy, happiness, sadness, pain and suffering. Arleen reminds us that unless we slow down our pace we may miss the opportunities to experience joy. Arleen shares reflections from the book by Dottie Billington, Ph.D. Life is an Attitude: How to Grow Forever Better and the importance of seeking out those magic moments each day.
Arleen reviews the psychological theory of Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and explains as humans how we are motivated and the different ways you can achieve fulfillment while in life school. Arleen shares relevant examples of how healthcare workers must search inward to understand the level you are currently at in order to move forward and live a self-fulfilled life. Arleen reminds listeners that focusing on your personal development, allows you to reach your full potential and become the best version of oneself.