Podcast Summary: "Not All Change is Bad"
Podcast: Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Dr. Laura Call of the Day, Dr. Laura Schlessinger delves into the emotional complexities of change and nostalgia with a listener named Mike. Skipping the initial advertisements, the conversation promptly addresses Mike's struggle with reminiscing about his past and coping with the changes that have altered his life.
Listener's Concern: Struggling with Nostalgia
Mike initiates the discussion by expressing his ongoing battle with reminiscing about past experiences, particularly his youth in sports and cherished moments with friends. He shares:
Mike [01:24]: "I think about them all the time and it always puts me in like a sad mood that lasts like a couple hours... I just feel like it's missing something that used to be there."
Despite being content with his current life, Mike feels that something essential from his past is missing, leading to transient sadness during moments of reflection.
Exploring the Roots of Discontent
Dr. Laura probes deeper to understand the specific aspects of Mike's past that evoke these feelings:
Dr. Laura [01:52]: "What reminiscing about what particular subject gets to you the most?"
Mike identifies his high school and college sports career and the joyful times spent with friends at the beach as the primary sources of his nostalgia. He elaborates on the abrupt end of these activities due to injuries and geographical distance:
Mike [01:58]: "I played in high school and then I graduated college, but I ended up tearing both of my ACLs at that time. So I had to stop playing sports early."
"I don't live in my hometown anymore, so it's hard for me to go home and see all my friends."
Challenging Negative Perceptions of Change
Dr. Laura confronts Mike's underlying issue by questioning his reluctance to return to his previous environment, emphasizing personal responsibility and prioritization:
Dr. Laura [02:50]: "If that seeing your friends and family is that meaningful, why the hell are you not back where you used to be? That seems like a reasonable fix, doesn't it?"
Mike acknowledges the validity of her point but remains conflicted due to his happiness in his current situation.
Reframing the Narrative: Embracing Growth
Shifting the conversation, Dr. Laura encourages Mike to recognize the positive outcomes from his past experiences. She highlights how his involvement in sports instilled valuable qualities that benefit his adult life:
Dr. Laura [07:03]: "Life is a series of leaving things behind, but having benefited from it."
Mike [07:19]: "Well, I mean, the sports basically made me who I am as far as just being super competitive and being humble and meeting a ton of people and learning so many lessons from doing all that that I still, you know, carry with me into the workforce now."
Dr. Laura reinforces the idea that the lessons and traits developed during his athletic days continue to serve him well, shifting the focus from loss to personal growth.
Encouraging a Positive Outlook
Dr. Laura further motivates Mike to take pride in his past and current achievements, rather than dwell on what has changed:
Dr. Laura [08:48]: "You should be proud of yourself as opposed to sad and think you've lost something, you've lost nothing. You gained something there, you're going to gain something where you are now."
She underscores the importance of valuing past experiences as foundations for present and future successes, advocating for a mindset that embraces change as a pathway to continual personal development.
Conclusion: Embracing Change with Gratitude
By the end of the conversation, Mike gains a refreshed perspective on his feelings towards change. Dr. Laura's insightful guidance helps him appreciate the enduring benefits of his past while encouraging him to remain open to future growth:
Mike [09:23]: "Gotcha."
Dr. Laura [09:19]: "I'd like you to be proud of yourself."
This episode eloquently illustrates that while change can evoke feelings of loss, it also presents opportunities for growth and the acquisition of new strengths. Dr. Laura underscores that embracing change with gratitude can lead to a more fulfilling and resilient life.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace Growth: Recognize the positive outcomes from past experiences and how they shape your current life.
- Prioritize Relationships: If connections with friends and family are important, consider ways to maintain or rekindle those relationships.
- Positive Mindset: Shift focus from what has been lost to what has been gained, fostering pride and resilience.
- Continuous Development: Understand that each phase of life offers new challenges and opportunities for personal development.
For more insightful discussions and advice, tune into Dr. Laura Call of the Day on SiriusXM Triumph 111, Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 PM Eastern Time. Visit DrLaura.com to become a Family member and access additional resources.