Hi, this is Sophia Cartman, host of the Dream Big Podcast show, a place to learn, laugh, and grow.
Big Dreamers, have you ever felt totally lost, not in a forest, but in your feelings?
Like everything's happening all at once and you're not sure what to do or where to go next?
What if I told you the best thing to do is nothing?
In today's episode, I'll share a surprising lesson from survival experts about what to do when you're lost in the woods and how that same advice can help us when life gets a little overwhelming.
This is episode 450 of the Dream Big podcast, and it's time to dream big.
Are you pumped yet?
It's showtime, let's rock and roll.
Welcome back big dreamers.
Today I want to tell you about a special piece of advice that could help not just you in the forest, but also help you in life.
So here's a fun fact.
If you ever get lost in the forest, experts say the best thing to do is hug a tree and stay still.
Why?
Because when you panic and start running around, you get even more lost.
But when you stop, stay calm, and hug a tree, you're easier to find.
You give rescuers a chance to come and help you.
Now here's what's really cool.
That advice doesn't just work in the woods.
It works when we're lost in our feelings too.
Maybe this week had felt like too much.
Maybe you had a bad day at school or someone said something about you that hurt your feelings.
Maybe you feel left out or anxious or like everything is happening all at once.
And your brain says, do something, fix it, run, cry, yell, hide.
I totally get it, because sometimes I feel that way too.
This week has been extra full for me.
I've been rehearsing every single day for the musical, The Music Man.
And not just for one cast, but for two casts.
That means double rehearsal, sometimes for four hours a day.
On top of that, there's still school, homework, activities, life.
And yes, all the big feelings come with being a kid and both performer and a dreamer.
So by the time I get a free moment, I don't rush to fill it.
I don't try to do more.
I do what I call hugging my heart.
I pause.
I breathe.
Sometimes I lie on the floor and close my eyes.
Or I sit quietly and just let the stillness wrap around me like a blanket.
Because when life gets really loud, the best thing we can do is go quiet.
We stop, not because we're giving up, but because we're coming back to ourselves.
When we stop rushing and doing, we start hearing.
We hear our own voice.
We hear our heart.
We hear what we really need.
Because stillness big dreamers calms our nervous system and help us feel our emotions without getting swept away.
You don't need to figure out everything right away.
You just need to come back to yourself.
And the truth is, sometimes being still is how you get found again.
By yourself.
Big Dreamers, here are three simple ways to hug a tree in real life when you feel overwhelmed.
Put your hand on your heart and take three deep breaths.
Save yourself.
I am safe.
I am loved.
I am okay.
Sit somewhere quiet and just be for a few minutes.
No phone, no noise, just stillness.
Talk to someone you trust.
When we stop running away from our feelings and speak them out loud, we feel more grounded, like a tree deep in the earth.
So big dreamers, this week I challenge you to try it.
The next time you feel overwhelmed, lost, or confused, don't rush, don't panic, don't spin.
Instead...
Hug your heart, be still, and listen.
You might be surprised what you discover when you stop trying to do and start learning how to be.
As always, you can share your stories with us on social media.
Just tag us on Instagram. or send an email to my mom, olga at dreambigpodcast.com.
If this episode helped you feel a little calmer or clearer, I'd love for you to leave a review at dreambigpodcastcom slash iTunes.
It means so much to hear from you and helps us get more big dreamers.
As always, hit the like and subscribe button on our YouTube channel.
And if you don't know where to find that, search it in YouTube.
Dream Big Podcast with Sophia Kirtman.
As always, all the show notes will be at dreambigpodcast.com slash 450.
And remember, you don't have to have all the answers today.
You're allowed to pause and you are never truly lost when you can find your breath.
This is Sophia Cartman reminding you that you have unlimited potential.
Your dreams are not optional.
You need to make them essential.
So take massive action.
Turn those big dreams into reality.
Live with passion the way life was meant to be.
See you in the next episode.
Bye.
