This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast

What does it take to build something meaningful? According to this week's guest, it starts with saying "yes" to possibilities before you know exactly how they'll unfold.
In this inspiring 2 episode conversation, Cheryl and Amy sit down with longtime friend and early childhood leader Rhonda Meyers to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, courage, and the power of surrounding yourself with people who see your potential. Rhonda shares the winding path that led her from running a home daycare in her basement to co-owning multiple successful businesses, while remaining deeply committed to the children, families, and educators she serves.
But this episode isn't just for aspiring business owners. It's for every woman who's ever questioned whether she's capable of taking the next step. Together, we explore what it means to become comfortable with risk, learn from failure, embrace accountability without losing your heart, and intentionally build a community that encourages you to become more fully yourself.
Meet Our Guest
Rhonda Meyers is the co-owner of Heartfelt Impressions Learning Centers and ECE SubHub, two organizations dedicated to strengthening early childhood education through exceptional leadership, innovative staffing solutions, and a deep commitment to quality. With more than three decades of experience in the field, Rhonda is known for combining a strong business mindset with a heart for people. She is a sought-after speaker, mentor, and leader who believes that successful organizations are built by investing in relationships, continuous learning, and courageous leadership.
Heartfelt Impressions Learning Centers: https://heartfeltimpressions.net/
ECE Subhub: https://www.ecesubhub.com/our-mission/founders-story
The Heartfelt Way Podcast: https://theheartfeltway.org/ 
In This Episode We Talk About:
How Rhonda's journey began with a licensed home daycare in her basement
Turning unexpected career setbacks into opportunities for growth
Why being comfortable with risk is different than being fearless
Building businesses that stay true to your values and integrity
The importance of finding mentors and creating your own personal "board of directors"
Why the people you surround yourself with influence what you believe is possible
Balancing heart, purpose, and compassion with accountability and strong business practices
Creating workplace cultures where every voice matters
The value of asking questions—even when you feel inexperienced
Learning to take small, consistent steps instead of chasing overnight success
Why investing in people creates lasting organizational change
The leadership lessons that only come through humility, mistakes, and perseverance
Takeaway
You don't have to know exactly where you're going before taking the next step.
Growth often begins by putting yourself in rooms where you're still learning, asking questions you don't yet know the answers to, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in your potential—even before you fully believe in it yourself. The most meaningful success isn't built overnight; it's created one courageous conversation, one small decision, and one intentional relationship at a time.
This Week's Challenge
Take a few minutes to think about your own personal board of directors.
Who are the people who encourage your growth, challenge your thinking, celebrate your successes, and remind you who you are when you've forgotten?
If someone comes to mind, reach out this week. Send a text, schedule a coffee, or simply thank them for the role they've played in your life. And if you realize your circle could use another encouraging voice, consider taking one brave step toward joining a professional group, attending an event, or introducing yourself to someone whose wisdom you admire.
Sometimes the next chapter of your life begins with one conversation.
Note: This episode reflects personal experiences and the opinions of the talent, it’s not therapy or legal advice. For personal situations, consult a qualified professional.
Connect with us
Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy
We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

Last week, we talked about what it means to give feedback with care, clarity, timing, and relationship in mind. This week, we are stepping into the other side of that conversation: receiving feedback.
And whew… sometimes receiving feedback can come with an “ouch” moment.
In this episode, we talk about what it means to be open, coachable, and self-aware when feedback comes our way. Sometimes feedback is positive and encouraging. Sometimes it is something we do not want to hear but maybe need to hear. Sometimes it is helpful. Sometimes it is someone else’s opinion, projection, or discomfort being handed to us.
We explore how receiving feedback well does not mean accepting every piece of feedback as truth. Instead, it means learning how to pause, listen, sort through what is useful, and decide what deserves to become part of us, and what we can breathe in and let go.
We also talk about the importance of knowing who we receive feedback from. Are they in the arena with us? Do they have our best interest at heart? Are they helping us become a better version of ourselves, or are they asking us to become a version of ourselves that serves them?
From parenting and teaching stories to workplace feedback, relationships, AI, trusted advisors, and the people we choose to surround ourselves with, this conversation reminds us that receiving feedback is a skill. And like any skill, we can practice it, grow in it, and become more intentional about who we want to be when feedback finds us.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why receiving feedback is a skill we can develop
What it means to be coachable beyond sports or formal coaching
How feedback can help us grow when it comes from care and trust
The difference between helpful information and someone’s opinion
Why timing and headspace matter when asking for or receiving feedback
How to look for patterns instead of overreacting to one comment
Why not all feedback deserves the same weight
How self-awareness helps us decide what feedback to keep and what to release
The importance of choosing trusted advisors or a personal “board of directors”
How AI feedback may be useful for tasks, but cannot replace human wisdom, relationship, or lived context
Takeaway:
Receiving feedback well does not mean taking in every opinion, criticism, or suggestion as truth. It means staying open enough to learn, grounded enough to discern, and self-aware enough to decide what belongs to you and what does not.
Challenge for the Week:
This week, think about the last time someone gave you feedback.
Ask yourself:
How did I respond in the moment?
Was I defensive, open, hurt, curious, or excited?
Did I take the feedback in and let it become part of me?
Did I breathe it in, take what I needed, and let the rest go?
Was this feedback from someone who has my best interest at heart?
Who do I want to be when I receive feedback?
Then, think about one small step you can take to become the kind of person you want to be when feedback comes your way.
Maybe that means pausing before responding. Maybe it means saying, “Thank you for sharing that. I’m going to think about it.” Maybe it means asking for feedback from someone you trust. Or maybe it means giving yourself permission to let go of feedback that was never really yours to carry.
Connect with Us
Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadioSocial Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy
We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

This week, we are starting a two-part conversation about feedback. Feedback is something we all give and receive in so many areas of our lives - as parents, friends, coworkers, leaders, educators, students, partners, and humans just trying to figure things out together.
In this first part, we focus on giving feedback. We talk about why feedback is more than simply telling someone what they did right or wrong. The way we give feedback can shape trust, connection, confidence, and whether the other person is even able to hear what we are trying to say.
We explore the difference between helpful, specific feedback and the quick “good job” or “attaboy” that may feel positive but does not always show that we truly noticed someone’s effort. We also talk about timing: when feedback is useful, when it can wait, and when the best response might simply be to celebrate that someone did the hard thing.
Of course, curiosity shows up in the conversation too. Before giving feedback, we ask ourselves: Am I the right person? Is this the right time? Is this the right place? Am I calm enough and neutral enough to offer something constructive? And does this person even want feedback from me right now?
We also touch on the growing use of AI-generated feedback in schools and workplaces, and what can feel lost when feedback no longer feels human, personal, or connected to the actual work someone put forward.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why giving feedback is a skill we all need to practice
How our mood and headspace affect the way feedback comes out
The difference between feedback that builds trust and feedback that feels generic
Why specific feedback matters more than a simple “good job”
How timing can make feedback helpful or harmful
When to pause and ask, “Who do you need me to be right now?”
The difference between giving feedback, giving an opinion, and sharing a culture or policy expectation
Why relationship, curiosity, and self-awareness matter when offering feedback
How AI feedback may be useful in some ways but still cannot replace human connection
Takeaway:
Feedback is not just about correction. At its best, feedback says: I see you. I noticed your effort. Your work matters. I care enough about your success to be thoughtful with what I offer.
Challenge for the Week:
This week, practice giving thoughtful feedback to someone in your life. Before you offer it, pause and ask yourself:
Am I the right person to give this feedback?
Is this the right time?
Is this feedback specific and useful?
Am I offering this with care, curiosity, and the relationship in mind?
It might be feedback to a coworker, a child, a friend, a partner, or even someone you are mentoring. The goal is not to be perfect. The goal is to notice how you give feedback and practice making it more intentional.
Next week, we’ll continue the conversation by talking about the other side of the equation: receiving feedback.
Connect with us
Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy
We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

We Thought Traveling Abroad and Feeling Connected to your Ancestors Was Supposed to Be Easy
Episode Description
What happens when a lifelong dream finally becomes reality?
In this 2 part episode, Amy sits down with Cheryl to unpack her May 2026 adventure through Sweden, Finland, and Estonia. As someone who has spent years reading about Nordic culture, hygge, cozy living, and her own Nordic roots, Cheryl shares what it was like to finally experience these places firsthand.
From Swedish meatballs and pickled herring to Finnish saunas and cold plunges in the Baltic Sea, this conversation explores the joys of travel, the surprises that come from stepping into another culture, and the lessons that emerge when we remain open to new experiences.
Whether you're dreaming of international travel yourself or simply curious about what makes Nordic countries so fascinating, this episode offers a thoughtful reflection on curiosity, culture, comfort, and the magic of seeing a place you've only imagined before. 
 
Key Topics and Takeaways
Cheryl's long-standing fascination with Nordic culture and the concept of hygge. 
Discovering family connections to Scandinavia through ancestry and personal history. 
Food experiences in Sweden, including Swedish meatballs, lingonberries, pickled herring, and traditional recipes passed down through generations. 
Trying reindeer and other uniquely Nordic foods. 
Exploring the differences between Scandinavian and Nordic countries. 
The role of public spaces, playgrounds, libraries, and museums in supporting childhood. 
How Sweden and Finland approach risk, play, and outdoor experiences for children. 
The cultural importance of saunas in Finland. 
Experiencing a cold plunge in the Baltic Sea. 
Public transportation, language barriers, and navigating international travel. 
The surprising similarities between northern Michigan and parts of Scandinavia. 
The beauty of slowing down, embracing coziness, and finding joy in seasonal living. 
Why flexibility and curiosity can make travel more meaningful. 
 
Memorable Lines
"I found my people." — Cheryl Priest
"The easiest translation is a cozy life." — Cheryl Priest
"Every chair had a blanket on it. And I thought, this is magical." — Cheryl Priest
"I was blown away by the opportunity to see what childhood looked like in public places." — Cheryl Priest
"I'd fallen in love with a place before I'd ever actually been there." — Inspired by Cheryl's reflections
"Who cares if we got on the wrong tram? That's a funny story later." — Cheryl Priest
"To experience true hygge, you probably need to try going somewhere that's cold." — Cheryl Priest
"Always be open to the experience and open to unplanned changes." — Cheryl Priest
 
Challenge for the Week
Think about a place, culture, experience, or tradition that has always fascinated you.
Now ask yourself:
What draws me to it? 
What have I only learned through books, videos, or social media? 
What would it look like to experience it firsthand? 
You don't need an international plane ticket to start exploring.
Visit a cultural festival.Try a new recipe.Read a book from a different country.Learn a few words in another language.Seek out a local experience that feels unfamiliar.
Curiosity often begins long before the journey itself.
 
Additional Resources
Books Mentioned or Referenced
How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz 
Books exploring Hygge and Nordic living 
Resources on Scandinavian and Nordic culture 
Topics to Explore
Hygge (Denmark) 
Lagom (Sweden) 
Sisu (Finland) 
Nordic approaches to childhood and play 
Sauna culture and cold-water immersion 
Sustainable city design and public spaces

Episode Description
What happens when a lifelong dream finally becomes reality?
In this 2 part episode, Amy sits down with Cheryl to unpack her May 2026 adventure through Sweden, Finland, and Estonia. As someone who has spent years reading about Nordic culture, hygge, cozy living, and her own Nordic roots, Cheryl shares what it was like to finally experience these places firsthand.
From Swedish meatballs and pickled herring to Finnish saunas and cold plunges in the Baltic Sea, this conversation explores the joys of travel, the surprises that come from stepping into another culture, and the lessons that emerge when we remain open to new experiences.
Whether you're dreaming of international travel yourself or simply curious about what makes Nordic countries so fascinating, this 2 part episode offers a thoughtful reflection on curiosity, culture, comfort, and the magic of seeing a place you've only imagined before. 
Key Topics and Takeaways
Cheryl's long-standing fascination with Nordic culture and the concept of hygge. 
Discovering family connections to Scandinavia through ancestry and personal history. 
Food experiences in Sweden, including Swedish meatballs, lingonberries, pickled herring, and traditional recipes passed down through generations. 
Trying reindeer and other uniquely Nordic foods. 
Exploring the differences between Scandinavian and Nordic countries. 
The role of public spaces, playgrounds, libraries, and museums in supporting childhood. 
How Sweden and Finland approach risk, play, and outdoor experiences for children. 
The cultural importance of saunas in Finland. 
Experiencing a cold plunge in the Baltic Sea. 
The surprising similarities between northern Michigan and parts of Scandinavia. 
The beauty of slowing down, embracing coziness, and finding joy in seasonal living. 
Why flexibility and curiosity can make travel more meaningful. 
Memorable Lines
"I found my people." — Cheryl Priest
"Every chair had a blanket on it. And I thought, this is magical." — Cheryl Priest
"I was blown away by the opportunity to see what childhood looked like in public places." — Cheryl Priest
"I'd fallen in love with a place before I'd ever actually been there." — Inspired by Cheryl's reflections
"Who cares if we got on the wrong tram? That's going to be a funny story later on." — Cheryl Priest
"Always be open to the experience and open to unplanned changes." — Cheryl Priest
Challenge for the Week
Think about a place, culture, experience, or tradition that has always fascinated you.
Now ask yourself:
What draws me to it? 
What have I only learned through books, videos, or social media? 
What would it look like to experience it firsthand? 
You don't need an international plane ticket to start exploring.
Visit a cultural festival.Try a new recipe.Read a book from a different country.Learn a few words in another language.Seek out a local experience that feels unfamiliar.
Curiosity often begins long before the journey itself.
Additional Resources
Books Mentioned or Referenced
How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz 
Books exploring Hygge and Nordic living 
Resources on Scandinavian and Nordic culture 
Topics to Explore
Hygge (Denmark) 
Lagom (Sweden) 
Sisu (Finland) 
Nordic approaches to childhood and play 
Sauna culture and cold-water immersion 
Sustainable city design and public spaces 

Trying something new sounds exciting… until you're actually the beginner.
In this episode, Amy and Cheryl sit down with friend and guest Erin Smith-Gaken to explore what happens when we step outside of our comfort zones. The conversation begins with children and activities sports, dance, hobbies, and the growing pressure to specialize at younger and younger ages but quickly expands into a larger discussion about comparison, confidence, grit, and what it means to be a beginner at any stage of life.
Together, they explore how parents, coaches, and communities can either encourage or discourage growth, why being "new" has become so uncomfortable, and how many of us carry those same fears into adulthood when considering career changes, new hobbies, or unexpected opportunities.
Whether you're helping a child discover their interests or wondering if it's too late to try something yourself, this conversation is a reminder that growth rarely begins with expertise, it begins with curiosity.
 
About Our Guest
Erin Smith-Gaken is a learning and development professional, parent, and lifelong learner who recently made the transition from higher education into corporate learning and HR. As the mother of two children, Erin brings both personal and professional perspectives to conversations about growth, confidence, and trying new things. Her passion for helping people step outside of their comfort zones shines throughout this thoughtful discussion.
 
Key Topics and Takeaways
Why children are often expected to specialize in activities at increasingly younger ages.
The difference between exploring interests and feeling pressured to choose a lifelong path.
How comparison can discourage both children and adults from trying something new.
The importance of creating environments where beginners feel welcome.
Why grit develops through struggle, practice, and persistence.
The role parents play in supporting children through success, failure, and uncertainty.
How social media can distort our understanding of learning and mastery.
The challenge of career transitions and recognizing transferable skills.
Imposter syndrome and the belief that there is only one "right" path into a profession.
Why curiosity is often the first step toward personal growth.
The importance of allowing ourselves to be beginners again.
How supportive relationships help us take risks and build confidence.
 
Memorable Lines
"The skill of learning to be new and step outside and take risks is so important all throughout your life." — Amy Bond
"Almost feeling like you've missed the boat before you're eight." — Cheryl Priest
"We're no longer coaching to teach and learn something new. We're coaching for enhancement." — Erin Smith-Gaken
"I think we get stuck in the idea that there's only one route from point A to point B." — Erin Smith-Gaken
"I'd like the box to be gone." — Cheryl Priest
"Sometimes it's our own selves that are getting in the way of trying something new." — Erin Smith-Gaken
"Growth rarely starts with confidence. It starts with curiosity." — Inspired by the conversation
 
Challenge for the Week
Think about something you've always been interested in trying but never pursued because you felt too old, too inexperienced, or too far behind.
Now ask yourself:
What would happen if I allowed myself to be a beginner?
What am I afraid might happen?
What could I gain if I tried anyway?
Then take one small step. Sign up for a class. Watch a tutorial. Attend a meeting. Ask a question.
You don't have to become an expert this week. Just give yourself permission to begin.
 
Additional Resources
Carol Dweck's work on Growth Mindset
Brené Brown's research on vulnerability and courage
Angela Duckworth's work on Grit
TED Talk: The Power of Believing You Can Improve by Carol Dweck
TED Talk: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

This week, Amy and Cheryl sit down with residence hall director and higher education professional Jessa Heroux-Croy for an honest conversation about the transition to college - not just for students - but for the families and supporters who love them.
From roommate dynamics and campus culture to homesickness, connection, and learning how to support young adults without rescuing them, this episode offers practical advice and emotional reassurance for anyone navigating the college transition season.
Whether you’re preparing to send a student off for the first time, welcoming one back home for the summer, or remembering your own experience of figuring out who you were in those years, this conversation is full of warmth, wisdom, and perspective.
Guest Introduction
Jessa Heroux-Croy is a residence hall director working in higher education and student affairs. She lives and works on campus alongside university students and supports them through everything from move-in and roommate conflicts to leadership development, connection, and personal growth. Passionate about student belonging and communication, Jessa brings both professional expertise and personal experience to conversations about what it really means to transition into college life.
 
Key Topics & Takeaways
Why campus “fit” matters more than prestige alone
Questions families should ask during college visits
The hidden emotional transition of coming home after freshman year
How roommate conflicts are often really communication conflicts
Why students need the act of connection to be intentional, not passive
What residence hall staff actually do to support students
Ways parents can shift from “fixer” to “coach”
The evolving culture of dorm life after COVID and technology changes
Creative ways families can stay connected beyond care packages
What students really need before moving into the dorms
Common dorm shopping mistakes and overlooked essentials
Why getting involved on campus early on matters so much
Memorable Lines
“You can’t wait for connection to come to you. You have to meet it halfway.” Jessa Heroux-Croy
“Who do you need me to be for you right now?” Amy Bond
“Sometimes students are communicating, you’re just not understanding the way they’re trying.”-Jessa Heroux-Croy
“College is 100% what you make it. What you’re open to is what you get out of it.” - Jessa Heroux-Croy
“You’re always the parent, but you start transitioning more into the coach.” - Amy Bond
“What does communication mean to you?” - Jessa Heroux-Croy
“Say yes to everything and figure out what works for you.” - Jessa Heroux-Croy
Challenge for the Week
If you know a child, student, or young adult preparing for a transition this year, ask them one intentional question this week:
What are you most excited about?
What are you nervous about?
What kind of support feels most helpful to you right now?
And if you’re the one entering a new season yourself, consider:What would it look like to stay open instead of trying to have everything figured out already?
 
Additional Resources
Explore your future college’s housing and residence life webpages before move-in
Look for orientation events, involvement fairs, and student organization showcases
Review residence hall prohibited items lists before shopping
Encourage students to fill out roommate compatibility forms honestly

In this episode of This Was Supposed to Be Easy, Amy & Cheryl sit down with Dr. Allison Arnekrans, counselor educator, clinician, and private practice owner, for an honest conversation about therapy, emotional wellness, relationships, and what it really means to care for ourselves in a world that often expects us to “just keep going.”
Together, they explore the realities of counseling, the misconceptions people often have about therapy, and why emotional health deserves the same level of attention as physical health. The conversation also touches on high-achieving women, communication, burnout, vulnerability, and the importance of feeling truly heard.
This episode is thoughtful, validating, and deeply human, whether you’ve been in therapy for years, are considering it for the first time, or simply want to better understand yourself and the people around you.
 
Guest Introduction
About Dr. Allison Arnekrans
Dr. Allison Arnekrans is a professor of Counselor Education at Central Michigan University and a practicing clinician specializing in women’s issues, high-achieving professionals, couples communication, and emotional wellness. With experience in both higher education and private practice, she brings a grounded and compassionate perspective to conversations around therapy, relationships, and mental health. Dr. Arnekrans is passionate about helping people feel seen, understood, and empowered in their personal growth journeys.
 
Key Topics & Takeaways
Why therapy is often misunderstood
The difference between “listening to respond” vs. “listening to understand”
How high-achieving individuals can struggle silently
The emotional load many women carry behind the scenes
Why vulnerability can feel uncomfortable but necessary
Communication patterns in relationships
The value of emotional self-awareness
How counselors balance empathy with professional boundaries
Why growth often begins with honest conversations
The importance of normalizing mental health support
 
Challenge for the Week
This week, try creating space for one deeper conversation.
Instead of rushing to fix, advise, or respond, practice simply listening. Ask someone:
“How are you really doing?”
“What’s been weighing on you lately?”
“What do you wish people understood better about your experience?”
And if you’ve been considering therapy or additional support for yourself, let this be your reminder that asking for help is not weakness, it’s self-awareness.

What if something as simple as stepping outside… isn’t actually simple anymore?
In this reflective and eye-opening conversation, Amy and Cheryl sit down with Dr. Joellen Lewsader to explore what it really means to slow down, reconnect, and be present in nature.
What starts as a conversation about a sabbatical becomes a deeper realization that many of us have lost touch with something essential. Through her experience studying sylvotherapy (forest bathing), engaging with nature-based research, and intentionally shifting her life’s focus, Dr. Lewsader shares how reconnecting with nature is not just a peaceful idea… it’s a practice.
And maybe the biggest surprise?Slowing down, being present, and disconnecting from technology, things that seem like they should be easy, actually take intention, time, and relearning.
This episode is a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and reconsider how we move through the world.
 
🎤 Guest Spotlight: Dr. Joellen Lewsader
Dr. Joellen Lewsader is a professor of early childhood development and learning in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. With a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies, her work bridges research, teaching, and real-life applications, particularly in the early childhood space.
During a recent sabbatical, Dr. Lewsader shifted her research and personal focus toward nature-based learning and well-being. She explored sylvotherapy (forest bathing), engaged in interdisciplinary learning through Native American studies, and conducted research on children’s connectedness to nature and biophilia.
Her work highlights the powerful role nature plays across the lifespan, from supporting children’s development to helping adults reconnect with presence, purpose, and well-being. Through both her research and personal journey, she brings a thoughtful and deeply human perspective to what it means to live more intentionally.
💡 Key Topics & Takeaways
The moment when perspective shifts from “how long I’ve lived” to “how much time I have left”
Why reconnecting with nature often requires intentional unlearning
What forest bathing (sylvotherapy) actually is, and what it is not
The surprising difficulty of being present without technology
How nature impacts our nervous system, stress levels, and overall well-being
The idea that humans and nature are deeply interconnected (and what that really means)
Why re-entry after rest (like a sabbatical or vacation) can feel harder than expected
The importance of daily, intentional practices, not just one-time experiences
How children naturally connect to nature, and what adults can learn from that
The concept of biophilia (our innate or learned love of nature)
Why slowing down is not inefficient, it’s necessary
Memorable Lines
“How much time do I have left here, and what do I want to focus on?” - Dr. Joellen Lewsader
“I’m finally getting glimpses of what I want it to feel like.” -  Dr. Joellen Lewsader
“Leave your phone inside.” - Dr. Joellen Lewsader
Try This: Challenge for the Week
Step outside… without your phone.
Start small:
5 minutes
No destination
No task
Just notice:
What do you hear?
What do you see that you normally miss?
What happens when you don’t rush?
Bonus:If you’re with a child, let them lead. Follow their pace. Notice what they notice.
 
Additional Resources
Explore the concept of forest bathing (sylvotherapy)
Look into biophilia and children’s connection to nature
Try simple practices like mindful walking, sitting in nature, or observing without distraction
Visit local parks, trails, or even your own backyard with fresh intention

What if one of the biggest things we were taught about life… wasn’t entirely true?
In this deeply honest and eye-opening conversation, Amy and Cheryl sit down with Dr. Sherene McHenry to unpack a belief many of us were raised with:If you’re kind, if you follow the rules, if you treat people well… everything should work out.
But what happens when it doesn’t?
Dr. McHenry shares her personal and professional journey of realizing that while kindness matters, it’s not enough on its own. Relationships aren’t always easy, and without boundaries, conflict skills, and emotional awareness, even the nicest people can find themselves hurt, overwhelmed, or taken advantage of.
This episode explores the hard truth: not everyone plays by the same rules. And learning how to navigate that reality might be one of the most important life skills we develop.
Guest Spotlight: Dr. Sherene McHenry
Dr. Sherene McHenry is a full-time author, speaker, and relationship expert with a doctorate in counseling. With decades of experience as both a counselor educator and practitioner, she brings a deeply grounded, real-world perspective to the complexities of human relationships.
She is the author of multiple books, including Pick: Choose to Create a Life You Love and Navigate: Understanding the Five Types of People, where she helps individuals better understand themselves, others, and the patterns that shape their interactions.
Dr. McHenry’s work focuses on equipping people with the skills many of us were never formally taught—how to set boundaries, navigate conflict, and build healthy, sustainable relationships both personally and professionally. Her approach blends practical tools, lived experience, and emotional honesty, making her insights both relatable and transformative.
 
 Key Topics & Takeaways
The belief many of us were raised with: “If you’re nice, others will be nice back”
The difference between problem solving vs. problem managing
How “taking the bait” keeps us stuck in unhealthy dynamics
The two common defensive reactions to feedback:
Blowing up (intimidation)
Breaking down (emotional overwhelm)
Why boundaries are not punishment, they’re protection
How emotional manipulation can show up in subtle ways
Why “canceling” people too quickly can do more harm than good
The importance of giving people the opportunity to grow
How to recognize when a relationship is no longer safe or healthy
The role of therapy, journaling, and self-awareness in healing
The truth: healthy relationships require courage, not just kindness
 Memorable Lines
“I thought everything was going to be fair and easy… and then life hit me.”
“Nice people without boundaries are the least equipped for difficult people.”
“Why do you always take the bait?”
“When people tell you who they are, believe them.”
“You don’t solve every problem; you learn to manage some of them.”
“This relationship works as long as you have no needs, no feelings, and no wants.”
“The only thing worse than being brave… is staying stuck.”
“If it bothers you for more than an hour, it’s worth addressing.”
“You earn your way into my life, and I get to choose how close you come.”
 
 Try This: Challenge for the Week
Think about a relationship or situation in your life that feels… hard.
Then reflect:
Have you been trying to solve something that actually needs to be managed?
Is there a boundary you haven’t clearly communicated yet?
What truth about your feelings have you been avoiding?
Then take one small step:
Write the letter (even if you don’t send it)
Practice the boundary out loud
Or simply name the feeling you’ve been pushing aside
 
 Additional Resources
Pick: Choose to Create a Life You Love by Dr. Sherene McHenry
Navigate: Understanding the Five Types of People by Dr. Sherene McHenry
Try journaling or writing a “freedom letter” to process unresolved emotions
Consider working with a licensed therapist for support with boundaries and conflict
Connect with us
Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy
We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!