We were buried under three feet of snow here in Rhode Island, and while I was sitting inside with a sinus infection and nowhere to go, I kept thinking about Charlie.

Charlie was a stray. Skittish. Half-wild. She started showing up in my backyard years ago. I fed her. Gave her shelter. Eventually set up a heated bed outside. She hovered at the threshold for a long time, close enough to see the warmth, unwilling to step into it.

Until something happened.

In this episode, I tell the full story-how survival instincts protect us, how resistance can keep us circling the very thing we want, and how sometimes it takes a “life quake” to finally let ourselves come inside.

A few episodes back we talked about preparing for storms. This one is about what happens when you’re already in one.

We talk about ego. Self-protection. Accepting help. The slow build of trust. And the shift from surviving alone to belonging somewhere.

Because surviving keeps you alive.

Belonging changes your nervous system.

3 Takeaways for you:

Notice where you’re hovering outside what you say you want.
Where are you close to warmth but still holding back?
Survival mode can look like strength.
Hyper-independence and control may be old protection, not present power.
Receiving care is a practice.
Belonging asks you to soften and let yourself be supported.

Timestamps

00:00 90-Day Growth and Transformation

08:41 Building Bond With Stray Cat

15:32 Rescuing and Caring for Charlie

18:09 Survival Amid Life’s Quakes

24:25 Healing, Trust, and Survival

27:22 Finding Warmth in Resistance

33:27 Finding Hope Amidst Fear

43:09 Facing Change and Uncertainty

44:10 Embracing Change and Self-Discovery

52:08 Seeking Change, Facing Fear

55:59 Embracing Change and Belonging

01:00:59 Take Care, See You Soon

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MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY:

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

A trusted coach, intuitive and fierce advocate for tree portals and a creative life, she spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer, honing her powerful skills as a witness.

Host of the Robyn Ivy Podcast, where she discusses how to be more present to our lives and create what’s next with today’s prominent thought leaders, spiritual mentors and creative guides.

Robyn mentors clients 1:1 through transitions, deep growth and meaningful change in a fun and inspiring way. Her workshops, groups and programs offer you insights and practices to live more confidently, creatively and from your truest wisdom.

You will often find her traveling in a camper van, sitting with the trees or capturing the beauty of nature. Raising her now grown sons Rook and Cole is her best work yet.