Don't Sweat The Small Stuff - Live The Big Stuff

This week, as part of the What Now? Series, Kristine Carlson offers a transformational episode dedicated to the art of self-discovery. You’ll learn how to recognize the “small self”(the ego that labels and boxes you in) and how to lovingly shift your awareness toward your true self, the part of you aligned with soul, spirit, and source.   You’ll get practical insights for returning to the present moment, cultivating gratitude, and trusting your inner wisdom. Discover why the voice of your highest self is a gentle whisper of love, in contrast to the ego’s loud, critical narratives of 'not-enoughness.' If you’re yearning for deeper self-compassion, peace, and authenticity, bring these practices into your daily life. Practice returning to the present with breath, hand to heart, and the simple reminder: “I am safe. I am loved.”  After listening, you’ll feel reconnected, centered, and empowered to shine your authentic light, no matter what comes your way!

This week, Kristine Carlson welcomes Lauren Ray for a heartfelt conversation about transformation, resilience, and starting anew. Lauren, a former veterinary neurosurgeon and founder of Blue Fox Farm, opens up about her journey through loss, emotional healing, and rediscovering her authentic self.  Listen in for inspiration on navigating life’s unexpected turns, the power of plant medicine in personal renewal, and creating spaces for healing and connection. You can find Lauren’s book  “Haute Couture to Oat Couture: A Memoir of Transformation” at Amazon. And subscribe to Mama Farmette Substack.

This week in the What Now? Series, Kristine Carlson explores the transformative principle: Where your attention goes, energy flows. Discover mindful strategies for protecting your energy, letting go of unnecessary worries, and intentionally focusing on what truly nourishes your soul. Receive practical tools for moving through emotional triggers and grounding yourself in self-compassion as you align with your highest self. Thanks for listening! Experience What Now? A Women's Retreat in Sea Ranch, California October 15–18, 2026 ( 5 spots available) Do you crave connection, rejuvenation, and a renewed sense of self? Are you ready to look into your soul to answer the questions lingering there? Want to pursue courageous reflection with like-minded women? Are you ready to honor, support, and connect with other women on the path of transformation?  Want to celebrate the divine feminine strength and passion we all possess? Are you seeking the healing that meditation, yoga, and sound therapy provide? Want to relish the deeper joy and meaning that a short escape from everyday life brings? Join Kris for the Women's What Now? Retreat this October >> What Now? Retreat Information

This week Kristine Carlson guides you on a gentle journey of self-discovery, sharing how to distinguish your true self from the small self. Listen in for practical wisdom to help you reconnect with your higher self, embrace self-compassion, and rise above fear and self-doubt. Receive heartfelt tools to bring yourself back to presence, gratitude, and authentic joy.

On the 3rd episode of the What Now? Series, Kristine Carlson explores the hidden dangers of the status quo and why embracing discomfort is essential for growth. Listen in as she uncovers how our routines can quietly lull us into a life of stagnation, and shares gentle, practical ways to reignite excitement and adventure. Receive compassionate encouragement for shaking up your daily patterns, stepping beyond your comfort zone, and living life with greater presence, vitality, and joy.

Kristine Carlson invites you to explore the question, “Who are you after the life you’ve lived?” as part of her What Now? podcast series. Discover gentle guidance for navigating change, from joyful milestones to unexpected transitions, and learn how to reconnect with your truest self when your identity feels unsettled. Kristine shares her own stories of transformation, the importance of honoring your values, and how simple, mindful reflection can lead you toward passion and purpose.

This week Kristine Carlson opens her new What Now series by guiding listeners through the unknown spaces we land in when life changes suddenly. Kristine offers insights into navigating identity transitions; whether due to loss, retirement, or the end of a long-held role. Through mindful breathing, personal stories, and reflections on grief and self-discovery, you’ll learn how to face uncertainty, honor your emotions, and rediscover your authentic self. Join Kristine as she reminds us that change is not just an ending, but a powerful invitation to return to who we truly are.

In the tenth episode of the Don’t Sweat Revival Series, Kristine Carlson reveals how the simple act of writing heartfelt letters can transform your communication and bring greater happiness into your life. You'll hear how composing letters allows you to express yourself fully, without the pressure of immediate reactions or interruptions, giving you the space to communicate with love, respect, and sincerity. Kristine explains why heartfelt letters are especially powerful when navigating difficult conversations or sharing appreciation, and how they create opportunities for both the writer and recipient to reflect and better understand each other. Learn practical letter writing tips: write your letter, take a pause before sending, and edit your words from the heart. Especially if strong emotions are involved. Authentic communication fosters deeper connection and often transforms conflict into closeness. After listening, you’ll feel empowered to communicate more thoughtfully, heal misunderstandings, and create heartfelt connections, one letter at a time.   Take a breath, find your calm, and embrace all the goodness life has to offer with a daily guide featuring the best-loved wisdom from The Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series. Get your copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Every/dp/0306835266

In the ninth episode of the Don’t Sweat Revival Series, Kristine Carlson This week Kristine Carlson reads from one of her favorite chapters in the "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" series, reminding us that one hundred years from now, all new people will be here and most of our worries won’t matter. You’ll learn how this simple, powerful shift in perspective can dissolve stress over flat tires, long nights, or untidy homes by inviting you to ask, “How much will this matter in a century?” Kristine opens up about daily moments when this wisdom helped her avoid getting overwhelmed. She gently encourages the acceptance of imperfection, reminding us that life happens as it happens and not always how we wish it to happen. You’re invited to reflect on how small grievances with loved ones and colleagues tend to fade when viewed through the long lens of time, and that peace comes from releasing what’s not worth holding onto. Let Kristine heartfelt wisdom uplift you, help you let go of unnecessary stress, and inspire you to cherish the present, imperfections and all. Take a breath, find your calm, and embrace all the goodness life has to offer with a daily guide featuring the best-loved wisdom from The Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series. Get your copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Every/dp/0306835266

In the eighth episode of the Don’t Sweat Revival Series, Kristine Carlson reads from the beloved book “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day,” focusing on how simple pleasures can enrich our lives and connections. You’ll hear stories of navigating budgets, compassion in relationships, and the value of letting your loved ones enjoy the little things that bring them happiness. Kristine shares practical tips for healthy communication with partners, especially during times of financial stress, and encourages you to find meaningful, low-cost alternatives to keep joy alive. Whether it’s taking a pause for yourself, spending time in nature, or suggesting activities that uplift your partner, this episode invites you to honor the “I” and the “we” in every relationship. Listen in to rediscover how the smallest gestures and adjustments can shape lasting well-being, harmony, and happiness. Share this episode with your loved ones and revisit the basics that matter most. Take a breath, find your calm, and embrace all the goodness life has to offer with a daily guide featuring the best-loved wisdom from The Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series. Get your copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Every/dp/0306835266

In the seventh episode of the Don’t Sweat Revival Series, Kristine Carlson delves into the art of forming a winning partnership. Drawing from “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day,” she demonstrates why choosing the right partner, whether for business, running a marathon, or navigating personal milestones, can be more valuable than going it alone. You’ll hear encouragement to overcome the fear of seeking support, and learn why blending different skills and visions leads to stronger teams. Kristine emphasizes the power of community, the benefits of thoughtful reflection, and why partnership should be mutually nourishing. She also shares practical advice for ongoing relationships: revisit shared dreams, update boundaries, and have open conversations about what truly matters right now. You’ll be inspired to find common ground and see partnership as a dynamic, evolving journey. Remember, even the most talented person flourishes with the right collaborator. Take a breath, find your calm, and embrace all the goodness life has to offer with a daily guide featuring the best-loved wisdom from The Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series. Get your copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Every/dp/0306835266

In the sixth episode of the Don’t Sweat Revival Series, Kristine Carlson reads from chapter 210, “Stop Scrambling,” bringing to life the timeless wisdom of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day. Kristine reflects on the pressures so many of us feel to move fast and multitask, whether we’re parenting, working, or just getting through the day. Learn how scrambling drains our energy, scatters our attention, and robs us of creativity and genuine connection. You’ll hear personal insights on the beauty of slowing down, like choosing still mornings for creativity, and the difference Kristine feels when she resists the urge to multitask. This episode is a loving reminder to pause, savor, and show up fully for your own life. Share it with friends and family who may need a little encouragement to stop scrambling and start living more presently. Take a breath, find your calm, and embrace all the goodness life has to offer with a daily guide featuring the best-loved wisdom from The Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series. Get your copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Every/dp/0306835266

This week in the fifth episode of the Don’t Sweat Revival Series, Kristine Carlson invites us to reflect on chapter 195 of “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day”: Allow your partner a few eccentricities. You’ll hear how innocent preferences, like rigid routines or unique habits, define who we are, while also bringing simple joy into daily life. Kristine reminds us that correcting or criticizing our loved ones for their quirks only diminishes happiness, whereas embracing them empowers both partners to be their authentic selves. Through personal stories about living with a partner who treasures certain routines, Kristine models respect, humor, and understanding as a foundation for loving acceptance. This episode encourages listening with compassion, practicing non-judgment, and allowing love to be unconditional. Take a breath, find your calm, and embrace all the goodness life has to offer with a daily guide featuring the best-loved wisdom from The Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series. Get your copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Every/dp/0306835266

In the fourth episode of the Don’t Sweat Revival Series, Kristine Carlson reflects on the importance of being willing to change, drawing wisdom from Dr. Lair Ribeiro and personal life experiences. You’ll hear why sticking to the same routines leads to the same outcomes, and how true transformation begins with small, courageous shifts in perspective and action. Learn to take inventory of your own stubbornness and explore where you’re repeating old patterns.  Kristine shares simple techniques for pausing in emotional moments, witnessing your reactions, and choosing a different response. She also explores how negative and positive changes propel us forward, and how to disengage from reactivity in favor of conscious choice which is a more responsive way of living. You’ll leave this episode feeling inspired to welcome change and create positive outcomes in your everyday life.  Take a breath, find your calm, and embrace all the goodness life has to offer with a daily guide featuring the best-loved wisdom from The Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series. Get your copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Every/dp/0306835266

This week in episode three of the Don’t Sweat Revival Series, Kristine Carlson reads from “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day,” exploring how gratitude is one of the highest emotional vibrations we can experience. You'll learn why consistent gratitude keeps your heart open and your mind receptive, making it easier to navigate life’s small irritations with peace. Kristine explains how expressing appreciation to others strengthens relationships and prevents resentment, and why it’s easy to nurture an “attitude of gratitude” by focusing on what’s going right in your life. Kristine encourages you to practice gratitude every day, share it with loved ones, and notice the profound difference it makes in your outlook. After listening, you’ll feel more peaceful, aware, and empowered to shift your mindset, no matter what small stuff comes your way! Take a breath, find your calm, and embrace all the goodness life has to offer with a new daily guide featuring the best-loved wisdom from The Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series. Get your copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day  at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Every/dp/0306835266  

This week in the second episode of the Don't Sweat Revival Series, Kristine Carlson dives into the importance of allowing time for transitions, both big and small. You’ll hear anecdotes about friends embracing a new city and Kristine’s experience moving in with a partner, each story highlighting the difference it makes to release the pressure for instant adjustment. Kristine explores how transitions, like loss or career change, require gentle patience and self-reflection, rather than rushing into the next thing or making big decisions in times of upheaval. You’ll also discover the calming benefits of slowing down, connecting with nature, and creating space to process life changes with self-kindness. After listening in, you’ll feel more at ease and equipped to handle whatever changes life brings. Come back again next week! Take a breath, find your calm, and embrace all the goodness life has to offer with a new daily guide featuring the best-loved wisdom from The Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series. Get your copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day  at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Every/dp/0306835266

This week, Kristine Carlson launches the Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Revival Series. Kris reflects on how technology and fast-paced living can create unnecessary stress and anxiety, pulling us away from what’s truly important. Drawing from her book "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day," Kristine Carlson reads the opening chapter and explores why sweating the small things can drain our joy and energy. She shares relatable examples, like getting upset in traffic or ruminating on a difficult conversation, and offers a fresh perspective: focus less on life’s “small black dots” and more on the vast white space of possibility and presence. You’ll discover compassionate strategies for letting go, being kinder to yourself, and coming back to what matters most. As Kristine Carlson reminds us, life is what’s happening all around us when we stop overthinking. Tune in for inspiration to live more fully, notice the beauty you might be missing, and start your day with peaceful intention. After listening, you’ll feel more present, uplifted, and equipped to live the big stuff, no matter what’s happening around you. Come back again for the next episode in this inspiring summer series! Take a breath, find your calm, and embrace all the goodness life has to offer with a new daily guide featuring the best-loved wisdom from The Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series. Get your copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day  at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Every/dp/0306835266

Kristine Carlson talks about how technology, especially with AI taking off, can make life feel like it’s coming at us a mile a minute. Listen in for Kristine's funny stories about dealing with phone updates, endless notification overload, and how a well-meaning online course became just another source of stress. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why it’s okay (and necessary!) to unplug for a while Quick ways to ground yourself when anxiety creeps in The magic of gratitude and simple joys, like time in nature or with loved ones How slowing down, even just a little, can bring calm back to your day If you’re craving some calm and want a reminder that it’s possible to find peace, this episode is for you. You can slow down to the speed of life and make space for the big stuff that brings you joy.

Reinventing yourself after divorce is not about becoming someone new, it’s about remembering who you’ve always been beneath the roles, expectations, and shared history. In this heartfelt and deeply honest conversation, Kristine Carlson welcomes Heather Sloan to explore what it really looks like to move through the emotional terrain of divorce and into a more grounded, self-honoring life. Heather opens up about the quiet grief, the identity shifts, and the tender moments of reckoning that often accompany the end of a marriage. She also shares how, little by little, she began to reconnect with her own voice, her own needs, and her own sense of possibility. Together, Kristine and Heather reflect on the power of not sweating the small stuff, especially during life’s most overwhelming transitions. When everything feels uncertain, it’s often the smallest acts of self-kindness and presence that help guide us forward.  You’ll hear reflections on letting go of perfectionism, softening self-judgment, and allowing space for both grief and growth to coexist. Heather’s story is a beautiful example of how clarity and strength can emerge when we choose to meet ourselves with compassion instead of criticism. Let this conversation be an invitation to trust your resilience, honor your healing, and embrace the unfolding of your next chapter. About Heather: Heather Sloan is a life coach, author, educator, retreat leader, and spiritual director trained through SoulFormation’s Academy of Spiritual Formation and School of Spiritual Direction. She has a background in international studies and public health nursing. She’s worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in East Africa, a community health nurse, and as a non-profit executive director. The throughline in her work and interests has been supporting whole-person health and well-being. After experiencing the personal crisis of divorce and rediscovering herself and a life that excites her on the other side of it, Heather wrote a book to help others do the same. It’s called Make a Tour de Force of Your Divorce – Emerge from the Split with Grace and Grit. In it, she draws on her spiritual foundation and training to offer a practical guidebook to accompany others through the core themes, challenges, and opportunities that a significant breakup presents. It offers a transformational path to rebuild one’s life and thrive. Learn more about Heather and get a copy of her book at www.TheHeatherSloan.com

In part two of Kristine Carlson’s conversation with Dr. Erin Stokes, they unpack the essentials of cultivating restorative sleep and vibrant well-being. You’ll hear why your sleep journey starts with your morning routine, like stepping outside for natural light, anchoring your day with gratitude, and eating balanced meals. Erin discusses the science of circadian rhythms, reasons to avoid late-day caffeine, and how winding down at night with healthy boundaries (including screen time) can help you feel more rested and present. They offer supportive tips like the power of magnesium and herbal remedies, creating a gentle bedtime ritual, and why honoring your own rhythm matters most. Kristine shares her personal routines and reflections on listening inward for what your body truly needs. For more insights, connect with Dr. Erin Stokes on Instagram. After listening, you’ll be inspired to nurture your nightly rest and bring a more grounded presence into your days and nights!   About Erin: Dr. Erin Stokes, ND believes that transformation begins when we reconnect with the healing power of nature. As a Naturopathic Doctor for 20+ years, Erin has dedicated her career to translating complex health concepts into actionable insights that empower people to participate fully in their own healing. Currently serving as Medical Director at WishGarden Herbs, Dr. Erin Stokes is at the forefront of innovative herbal education. She is a media spokesperson and frequent podcast guest, being featured in Forbes, Well + Good, EatingWell, Medium, Brit + Co, and The Everygirl Podcast.  Dr. Erin is known for her engaging personal style and deep scientific knowledge to create an environment where learning becomes both inspiring and actionable.