Beyond the Surface: Capacity, Comparison, and Compassion

In this episode, Shauna opens up about a recent experience that challenged the way she thinks about grief, emotional capacity, and the constant comparison we all fall into. From a funeral that stirred unexpected emotions to a family trip that left Rachel feeling “less than,” we share how we're learning to validate our feelings and recognize that capacity is personal—and always shifting.

If you’ve ever told yourself you “shouldn’t” feel a certain way, or felt guilt over not being able to do more, this episode is your reminder that pain doesn’t need to be ranked, and you don’t need to earn rest or compassion. Your experience is enough.

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🕒 Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

[1:02] – Feeling unexpected grief and questioning if it’s valid
[4:31] – The broken leg vs. sprained ankle analogy: pain is still pain
[8:18] – How our max capacity changes over time
[13:04] – A science experiment that explains emotional flexibility
[18:41] – Why trip planning guilt hit me harder than expected
[24:09] – Realizing we all have different strengths and comfort zones
[28:43] – Final thoughts: comparison steals joy—check in with you, not them

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