Free to Be Mindful Podcast

Embrace the Journey, Not the Timeline

Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC Season 6 Episode 264

Life has a funny way of making us feel like we’re always racing against some invisible clock — like if we don’t meet certain milestones by a certain age, we’ve somehow failed. But what if we’ve been measuring progress all wrong?

In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, we explore the pressure of timelines — the kind we create in our minds, hear from others, and absorb from social media. Vanessa shares psychological insights, personal stories, and mindset-shifting strategies to help you reframe what it means to be “on time.”

Whether you’ve been stuck in comparison traps or feel like you’re too late to start something new, this episode is your permission slip to breathe, reset, and embrace the journey as it is.


EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
Vanessa unpacks why so many of us feel “behind” in life — and where that pressure really comes from. Through the lens of psychology, society, and real-life reflection, you’ll learn how to break free from the myth of the perfect timeline and redefine success on your own terms. This episode offers practical tools to shift your mindset, become more present, and move forward with confidence — no matter where you are in your journey.


TUNE IN TO LEARN:

  • Why feeling “behind” is a psychological trap many of us fall into
  • The role society and social media play in our internal timelines
  • How hustle culture keeps us in a cycle of pressure and burnout
  • Practical ways to redefine success and reframe limiting beliefs
  • A grounding exercise to help you stay present in your own journey


TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline — just your path, your pace, and your progress. You’re not behind — you’re right where you need to be. So pause the pressure, trust the process, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful.

Send us a text


120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

People on this episode