Minutes on Growth

Episode 167 – How to Make Valentine’s Day Meaningful

Click here to listen to Episode 167 of the Minutes on Growth Podcast on Spotify, on Apple Podcast or to watch it on Youtube.

Hi soul friends, its Tannaz Hosseinpour and welcome back to another short solo episode of the Minutes on Growth podcast.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, I wanted to talk about something a little different today.

Because lately, in my sessions and in conversations with people in my community, I’ve been hearing that a lot of those who celebrate Valentine’s Day are feeling stressed — whether it’s because of finances, the state of the economy, or simply the emotional heaviness that can come from the state of the world.

For that last piece especially, I recently came across a beautiful reflection from another therapist about the importance of intentionally seeking micro-joys while moving through big pain — those small, meaningful moments that don’t erase what’s hard, but gently remind our nervous systems that warmth, connection, and goodness still exist alongside it.

for the former, I want to gently remind you — despite what social media might suggest — romance is not about money. It’s about attention and thoughtfulness. That’s not to say money isn’t important or that it’s bad — quite the contrary. Money can be a beautiful tool that enhances the quality of our lives when used intentionally. But in the realm of love, money doesn’t automatically equal romance.

Because at the end of the day, love isn’t built on grand gestures once a year. It’s built in the small, intentional micro moments of connection we create every single day.

So today we’re talking about how to make Valentine’s Day special in a meaningful, grounded, emotionally connected way.

Some of the most powerful things you can do cost absolutely nothing.

You could write your partner a love letter. And I don’t mean a quick “I love you.” I mean a real one. Tell them:

What you admire about them
A memory that still makes you smile
A moment when you felt especially grateful for them
What you’re excited to experience together in the future

There is something deeply regulating and bonding about being seen in words. A letter is something they can come back to on hard days. It becomes emotional security in paper form.

You could also recreate your first date at home. Play the same music, cook something simple, or even just sit together and talk about how you both felt when you first met.

Romance isn’t performance. It’s presence.

Speaking of presence, how we show up emotionally especially during hard seasons might look different too, because Valentine’s Day doesn’t land in a vacuum. Life is still happening.

Some people are dealing with long winters, work stress, financial pressure, family issues, or emotional heaviness. For example, Iranians worldwide are grieving the loss of 90,000 people who were massacred by the regime in the month of January. All of these circumstances can impact mood, energy, and emotional capacity.

Loving someone well means being attuned to their emotional climate, not just the calendar.

Instead of asking, “What big thing should we do for Valentine’s Day?” you might ask:

“How have you been feeling lately?”
“What would feel supportive to you right now?”
“Do you want connection, fun, rest, or space?”

Emotional attunement is one of the strongest predictors of relationship satisfaction. It says, I see where you are, not where I wish you were.

Sometimes the most romantic thing you can say is,
“I know you’ve been overwhelmed. I’m here with you.”

Speaking of romantic, one gentle reminder I like to bring up often in my couple’s therapy sessions is that the goal is to love our partners how they’d like to be loved, and not necessarily how we’d like to be loved.

You’ve probably heard of love languages from The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman — but Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to actually use this knowledge.

If you haven’t come across them before, love languages are the different ways people tend to give and receive love. There are five: Words of Affirmation (verbal appreciation and encouragement), Acts of Service (helpful actions that ease your partner’s life), Receiving Gifts (thoughtful tokens that symbolize care), Quality Time (undivided attention and shared experiences), and Physical Touch (affectionate, comforting contact). Knowing your partner’s primary love language helps you express love in a way that truly lands for them — not just in the way that feels natural to you.

In other words, it isn’t about giving love the way you naturally do. It’s about giving love the way your partner receives it best.

Here are the five love languages, with simple Valentine’s ideas for each:

1️⃣ Words of Affirmation
Write them a note. Send a thoughtful text during the day. Tell them specifically what you appreciate about who they are & not just what they do.

2️⃣ Acts of Service
Take something off their plate. Clean, cook, run an errand, fix something they’ve been putting off. Acts of service say, I care about your stress level.

3️⃣ Quality Time
Put your phones away. Go for a walk. Have a deep conversation. Play a game. Watch a show and actually cuddle and talk about it after. Presence is the gift.

4️⃣ Physical Touch
Longer hugs. Sitting close. Holding hands. A back rub. Gentle, affectionate touch increases oxytocin and feelings of safety.

5️⃣ Receiving Gifts
This doesn’t have to be expensive. A favorite snack, a printed photo of you two, a flower picked on a walk — the meaning matters more than the price tag. And if you do have the financial means to go all out and that feels joyful and aligned for both of you, that’s beautiful too. Whatever works for your relationship.

And I also want to name this gently: if you’re in a season of financial constraint and your partner is expecting something expensive, it’s okay — and actually healthy — to have that conversation. this can actually be an opportunity for deeper connection. Letting them into your inner world might sound like, “I know that gift means a lot to you, and I wish I could do that right now. At the moment, I’m not in a place financially to make that happen — but I still really want to make you feel loved and special.”

Open, honest conversations about money build emotional safety. They help you move from secrecy or pressure into teamwork. It shifts the dynamic from me versus you to us as a team navigating life together.And just because you can’t show up financially in the way you might want to doesn’t mean you can’t show up in other meaningful ways — through presence, effort, care, and emotional availability. That, too, is love.

So yes, loving someone in their language says, I took the time to learn how your heart works.

How beautiful is that? because at the end of the day, don’t we all have the same desire to feel seen, heard, understood and valued?

Which brings me to this… Valentine’s Day is beautiful but a healthy relationship is built in the ordinary Tuesdays.

You don’t have to show up perfectly every day. Life happens. Stress happens. We get tired. We get distracted.

But what matters is the intentional effort we put in to show up to the best of our ability, whatever our best looks like that day.

Waking up and thinking:
“How can I show up for us today, even in a small way?”

Research from John Gottman at The Gottman Institute shows that strong couples maintain about a 5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative interactions. That means small daily kindnesses — smiles, gratitude, affection, humor — create emotional resilience in the relationship. Think of it as deposits in our relational piggy bank.

The Gottmans also talk about the importance of “turning toward” your partner’s bids for connection. When they share something small, ask for attention, make a joke, or sigh after a long day — those are invitations. And responding with warmth instead of distraction builds trust over time.

These are all evidence that love isn’t proven in grand gestures. It’s proven in daily responsiveness.

So this Valentine’s Day, remember:

Love is not about impressing the world.
It’s about nourishing the person beside you.

It’s in the letter.
The listening.
The hug that lasts a little longer.
The choice to show up again tomorrow.

You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to be intentional.

Happy Valentine’s Day, soul friends.
May your love feel safe, seen, and deeply valued.

I’ll see you in the next episode 💛

Episode 166 – Responding to Injustice

Click here to listen to Episode 166 of the Minutes on Growth Podcast on Spotify, on Apple Podcast, or watch it on Youtube

Hi soul friends,

It’s Tannaz, and welcome back to another short solo episode of the Minutes on Growth Podcast .
Today’s episode is different. It’s heavier. It’s necessary.

Because there are moments in history—and in our nervous systems—when the weight of injustice can’t be ignored.

Whether you’ve been closely following what’s happening in Iran, or you’ve recently come across the disturbing release of the Epstein files, this episode is here to hold space for your rage, your heartbreak, your numbness, and your hope.

Let’s begin with a grounding breath—
Inhale through your nose,
Exhale through your mouth with a sigh… ahhh.
You’re here. And that matters.

Let’s start by looking at what’s been happening in Iran.

So in late December of 2025, protests erupted across Iran; millions of people rising up against economic collapse, systemic repression, and 47 years of authoritarian rule.

By January 8th and 9th, 2026, those protests were met with one of the most horrific responses in modern history: a brutal massacre that left tens of thousands of civilians dead in just two days. The current unofficial numbers are 40,000+ but the reality is significantly higher.

The regime imposed a near-total communication blackout.

Internet and phone lines were cut.
Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram went dark.
Even emergency services were inaccessible.

For nearly two weeks, families in the diaspora couldn’t reach loved ones. It was the same situation in the country too. Even basic safety and medical needs were left unanswered.

Only fragments of truth emerged—thanks to limited Starlink access.
But even those fragments were devastating:

The regime using military grade equipment to kill protestors in broad daylight.
Regime bringing in foreign militia to help with their democide
Hospitals being stormed and injured protestors being outright shot.
Forced confessions aired on state TV.
Families being charged exorbitant sums — or coerced into signing false statements — in order to receive the bodies of their loved ones

This wasn’t chaos. It was deliberate, premeditated cruelty.

And yet, mainstream media coverage was shockingly silent.

What many Iranians — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually — are going through right now is profound.

There isn’t just one kind of grief here. There are layers:

Collective Grief:
For the tens of thousands murdered. For lives and dreams cut short.
Anticipatory Grief:
For those still missing, as tens of thousands of protestors were arrested or abducted — living with the unbearable uncertainty of not knowing whether our loved ones are alive, safe, or at risk of being executed without due process.
Disenfranchised Grief:
This is grief that the world doesn’t officially recognize. There’s no global holiday to mourn the massacre. There’s no state funeral. There’s no public acknowledgment in most international quarters. No UN statements. Just silence.

Speaking of Silence…

Silence is not neutral.

Silence protects perpetrators.
Silence keeps the machinery of oppression running.

When global media ignores atrocities like this, regimes are emboldened.
And victims are buried—not just in death, but in forgetting.

This is why witnessing matters.

Sharing stories.
Amplifying accurate information.
Holding space for the names, the faces, the voices.

Because when the world sees, pressure builds.
And when we remember, we resist invisibility.

Already, we’ve seen the power of collective voices making an impact. Some executions have been halted, though tragically, at least 292 others have still been carried out. We’ve also seen institutions abroad begin holding the regime accountable in tangible ways — including universities and organizations distancing themselves from, or dismissing, the children of high‑ranking regime officials who live comfortably in the very countries the regime publicly condemns as “satanic,” while forcing children inside Iran to chant “death to” slogans.

Just last weekend, Toronto witnessed one of the largest political rallies in its history, with over 150,000 people gathering peacefully. The demonstration was so orderly that Toronto Police released a public statement noting there was not a single incident.

People often ask, “Why protest every week when this is happening on the other side of the world?”
Because when media coverage is limited, we become the amplifiers. And it works. Following the rally, several Canadian news outlets finally began reporting on what’s happening.

It’s important for the world to understand that Iranians are calling for regime change. It’s important for people to see the atrocities being committed so that governments stop legitimizing the current regime and instead open dialogue with the transitional leader many Iranians support — Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch, who was overthrown in 1979.

But all of this advocacy… all of this witnessing… is heavy.

If you’ve felt more irritable lately, more distracted, more emotionally raw —
you’re not being “dramatic.”
You’re being human.

This is grief.

And even more than that, this is secondary trauma. When people around the world see it, feel it, and carry it in their bodies, we are witnessing suffering that our nervous systems were never designed to process passively. This isn’t academic. It isn’t abstract. It’s embodied. It’s real.

Your anger. Your sorrow. Your exhaustion.
These are valid responses to witnessing injustice unfold in real time.

It’s your nervous system trying to make sense of something unbearable..

So what can we do—when it all feels too much?

Try these gentle practices:

Name what’s true
Whisper to yourself: “This makes sense.” You’re not weak for feeling this.
Place a hand on your heart or belly
Take a deep breath in through your nose, and gently release it through your mouth. The longer the exhale the better. Soothe your system. Be present.
Ground into the now
Use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique:
5 things you see
4 things you touch
3 things you hear
2 things you smell
1 thing you taste
Move your body
Shake. Cry. Hum. Trauma doesn’t leave through thinking—it leaves through movement.
Set a timer for grief or rage
Let yourself feel fully—for 5 minutes. Then pause. Come back later if needed.

And if you have the capacity—advocate, donate, amplify.
Not everyone can do everything. But everyone can do something.

And not just for Iran. For everywhere that injustice is present.

This past week, people are feeling waves of grief and fury in response to the new releases of the Epstein files.

Names. Cover-ups. Systems that protect abusers and silence survivors.
For many, it’s not “new” information—but having it confirmed again, seeing the impunity of power—can feel retraumatizing.

You might be asking:
How is this still happening?
Why aren’t more people talking about it?
What do I do with this fire in my chest?

That’s why this episode exists.

What connects these events is this:
A world that too often silences pain and shields power.

But you can disrupt that.
We all can.

By witnessing.
By validating.
By refusing to look away.

I also want to take a moment and talk about Why Emotional Validation Is Essential (Especially Across Cultures)

When you’re triggered by injustice, your nervous system is flooded.

You may feel rage. Grief. Numbness. Fear.
And yet—especially in trauma-impacted or collectivist cultures—we’re taught to suppress.
To “be strong.”
To “move on.”

But neuroscience says otherwise.
Research by Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Kristin Neff shows that when our emotions are acknowledged—by ourselves or another—our brain’s threat system calms. This is called co-regulation.

And here’s the nuance:
In many cultures, emotions like anger or grief are seen as “too much.” Especially for women. Especially for those in marginalized communities.

But validation is not indulgence.
Validation is recognition.

It’s saying:
“Of course you’re feeling this way. What you’ve witnessed, what you’ve lost, what you’re carrying—makes sense.”

So if no one has said this to you today:
Your rage is valid.
Your heartbreak is valid.

Your nervous system was never meant to carry the grief of the world alone.
And yet, here we are—learning how to hold pain and purpose in the same breath.

So as you move through this week, ask yourself:

How can I honour my body’s cues today?
How can I validate what I’m feeling?
And how can I be part of the collective healing, without burning out my own flame?

You are not alone.

No justice without truth.
No peace without grief.
No healing without each other.

Thank you for listening.
Thank you for feeling.

If this episode moved you, please share it.
Let’s make sure the stories being silenced are still heard.

And remember:
Your compassion is not a burden.
It is a force.

Until next time,
Stay grounded. Stay tender.
And keep showing up with love.

Episode 165 – Bishop Foreman on Finding Your Calling, Navigating Delays and Embracing Wholeness

Click here to listen to Episode 165 of the Minutes on Growth Podcast on Spotify, on Apple Podcast or watch it onYoutube.

In this 44-minute episode with Bishop Foreman, we explore how to draft your own narrative, recognize and answer your calling, and turn delays and setbacks into setups for greater impact.

Bishop Foreman shares his journey from Orange Mound to ministry and entrepreneurship, practical tools for moving from comfort to calling, and how to stay whole, not broken, while leading.

He explains pro‑noia (a conspiracy for you), why delays don’t mean denial, and how to discern healthy relationships versus patterns driven by past wounds.

Expect candid stories, mindset shifts, and actionable takeaways for resilience, legacy, and living on purpose.

To learn more about Harvest Church: https://www.harvestchurch.church

♾ In a fast-paced world like the one we live in, time is one of our most important assets. For a few minutes every episode, I, Tannaz Hosseinpour, will be discussing topics that aim to enhance the quality of your life, by helping you feel empowered to take inspired action on your personal growth journey.

Connect with me for daily insights on social @ MinutesOnGrowth

More resources available on http://www.minutesongrowth.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

Episode 164 – Boundaries During The Holiday Season

Click here to listen to Episode 164 of the Minutes on Growth podcast on Spotify, on Apple podcast or to watch it on Youtube

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Minutes on Growth. I’m your host, Tannaz — and today we’re talking about something that comes up in my sessions almost every single day: boundaries.

In this episode, I want to walk you through:

Common misconceptions around boundaries
The importance of culturally sensitive boundaries
Why validation matters when setting boundaries
And 5 boundary scripts you can use right away this holiday season — loving, kind, yet firm.

Part 1: What Boundaries Are Not

Let’s start with a clarification I wish more people talked about:

Boundaries are not ultimatums.

A boundary is about your own behavior—how you’ll respond in order to maintain your well-being.
An ultimatum is usually about controlling another person’s behavior, often with a consequence attached.

💬 For example:

Ultimatum:

“If you keep showing up late to family dinners, I’m just not going to come anymore.”

This puts pressure on the other person to change or else, and often triggers defensiveness, shame, or power struggles.

Boundary:

“When dinners start much later than planned, I notice I get dysregulated and irritable. I’m going to arrive at the start time, and if things run late, I may head out earlier so I can take care of my energy.”

Here, you’re not demanding change — you’re naming your limit and your response.

Why This Matters

A boundary says: “I’m responsible for my nervous system.”
An ultimatum says: “You’re responsible for my comfort.”

Boundaries are self-honoring. They say: “Here’s what I need to stay grounded and connected with you.”
Ultimatums, on the other hand, often erode connection and trust.

So now that we know the difference, let’s look at why some of us might struggle with setting boundaries. Perhaps you heard the following statements growing up…

“You don’t need a boundary if you truly care about someone.”
“Saying no is selfish.”
“If I set a boundary, I’ll hurt or lose the relationship.”

Again, we’ve all heard these messages — directly or indirectly — growing up.

But here’s the truth:
Boundaries aren’t about control, rejection, or distance.
They’re about protection — for your energy, your mental health, and ultimately, the relationship itself.

They teach others how to love you in a way that’s sustainable.
They’re not walls to keep people out. They’re fences with gates — guiding people on how to be in connection with you in a healthy, respectful way.

Part 2: Culturally Sensitive Boundaries

Now let’s go deeper — because this is something I care deeply about and see so often in my work.

Boundaries do not exist in a vacuum.
They are shaped by culture, family systems, religious values, and collective norms.

In Western, individualistic cultures — boundaries are often seen as empowerment, self-care, or assertiveness.
But in collectivist cultures — such as many Middle Eastern, South Asian, East Asian, African, and Latin communities — boundaries can be perceived as disrespect, disconnection, or even betrayal.

In these cultures, values like sacrifice, interdependence, and family duty are deeply embedded. Saying “no” can feel like you’re rejecting your entire identity or community.

👉 For example:
A client from a collectivist background might say,

“If I don’t attend this extended family event, my parents will feel shamed or hurt — even though I’m exhausted and struggling with anxiety.”
Or:
“If I say no to helping my brother again, it feels like I’m abandoning my role.”

So when we talk about boundaries, we must do it in a culturally sensitive way.
That means asking:

How does your culture define love and loyalty?
What were the spoken or unspoken rules around saying no?
What would a relationally respectful boundary look like for you, given your values?

The reason I’m sharing this is because most of the scripts I see on social media are framed for individualistic societies were perhaps “no” is a full sentence. But those scripts might end up rupturing many family dynamics if we don’t take culture into consideration

🔎 According to research (2016), culturally responsive therapy — especially around boundaries — leads to better therapeutic outcomes, particularly for clients of color and immigrant communities. Respecting cultural nuance builds trust, safety, and relevance.

So setting a boundary doesn’t mean rejecting your culture — it means integrating your needs with the values you hold dear.

For example:

“Mom, I know how important it is for us to be together during the holidays. I really want to honor that. At the same time, I need some quiet space this year to rest. Can we find a compromise that works for both of us?”

This is conscious relational care.

Part 3: The Power of Validation When Setting Boundaries

Let’s talk about one of the most powerful tools you can use when setting a boundary: validation.

Here’s what I often remind my clients:
You can set a boundary and validate the other person’s experience at the same time.

Validation doesn’t mean agreeing with someone. It means acknowledging that their reaction makes sense based on their perspective and emotions.

Why is this important?

Because when people feel seen, heard, and understood, they are far less likely to react defensively.

In fact, studies on interpersonal neurobiology (Siegel, 2012) show that when someone feels validated, their brain shifts from a defensive “fight-or-flight” mode to a more regulated, open state. This makes it easier for them to hear your boundary without taking it as a personal rejection.

Let’s say a friend wants to spend lots of time together over the holidays, but you’re overwhelmed. Instead of just saying “I can’t,” you could say:

“I hear that you miss me and want to spend more time together — and that means a lot. I miss you too. I’m also trying to honor my capacity this season. I’m feeling really stretched. Here’s what I can offer that feels doable for both of us.”

It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being kind and clear.

One thing I’d like to add is an alternative perspective to what I’ve seen on social media. Often I read people saying how people react to boundaries is not your problem… & While how other’s react is on them and not us, we don’t live in a vacuum. So if the relationship is important to you, it can be helpful to create space for the other person to feel the feelings associated with us setting the boundary. It might sounds like “I understand how frustrating and disappointing it is that I can’t spend as much time with you as you’d like. It makes so much sense for you to feel that.”

Creating space for the other person’s response can be so validating.

Part 4: 5 Loving Yet Firm Holiday Boundary Scripts

Let’s get practical. Here are 5 boundary scripts you can use this holiday season — whether it’s with family, friends, or your partner — all infused with compassion and clarity:

1. Time Boundaries

“I’d love to join for dinner, but I’ll need to head out by 8pm so I can recharge. I want to be fully present while I’m there.”

2. Financial Boundaries

“This year, I’m simplifying gift-giving so I can stay within my budget. I won’t be doing gifts, but I’d love to write a letter or share a special moment together instead.”

3. Emotional Boundaries

“I know this topic matters to you, and I want you to feel heard, but it brings up a lot for me. Can we focus on things that feel nourishing for both of us today and when I have more capacity, I’ll let you know and we can discuss it later?”

4. Social Boundaries

“I’m limiting the number of events I attend so I don’t burn out. Thank you so much for the invite. I’m sending you all my love even if I can’t make it.”

5. Family/Faith-Based Pressure

“I understand how important this tradition is to you, and I want to find a way to honor that and care for my mental health. Could we create a version of this that works for both of us?”

And if you’re in a relationship, these moments are a great opportunity to team up — not turn on each other.Here are a few questions you can ask your partner to navigate the mental load and boundaries together:

“What’s on your mind as we head into the holidays?”

“What feels like too much right now?”

“How can I support you in protecting your peace?”

“Where can we simplify things as a team?”

“What boundaries do we want to set as a couple?”

So let’s remember:

Boundaries are not rejections.
They are invitations to healthier connection.
They don’t push people away — they make the relationship sustainable.
They don’t destroy intimacy — they create the safety where true intimacy can grow.

Boundaries aren’t barriers. They’re expressions of love that say: “I care enough about you and our relationship to be honest with where I’m at.”

✨ If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need a little support setting boundaries this season. And remember — you’re not alone. This is something we all navigate, and with practice, it gets easier.

Until next time,
Speak soon,

Episode 163 – From Bloodwork to Breakthroughs With Reed Davis

Click here to listen to Episode 163 of the Minutes on Growth Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast or watch it on Youtube.

In this episode, I sit with Reed Davis — board-certified holistic health practitioner, certified nutritional therapist, and founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition — to unpack the modern health crisis and a different way forward.

Reed shares his journey from environmental paralegal to leading educator in functional lab testing, why conventional bloodwork often misses the real causes, and how the DRESS framework (Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress reduction, Supplementation) helps resolve what he calls “metabolic chaos.”

We dive into real stories of transformation from clearing chronic hives and medication dependence to helping a child avoid stimulant meds through diet and lifestyle, and why running multiple, targeted labs is the “price of admission” for finding upstream healing opportunities.

Reed also explains how FDN trains practitioners to interpret functional labs, design individualized protocols, and coach clients through lasting change.

If you’re curious about lab-led holistic care, personalized protocols, and practical steps to reclaim long-term health, this episode is for you.

To learn more about FDN and connect with Reed: https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com

Episode 162 – How to Navigate the Invisible Load as a Team During the Holidays

Click here to listen to Episode 162 of the Minutes on Growth Podcast on Spotify, on Apple Podcast or to watch it on Youtube.

Hi Soul friends,

It’s Tannaz Hosseinpour & Welcome back to another short solo episode of the Minutes on Growth podcast. Today I want to talk about something that’s coming up a lot in client sessions lately and something I think many of us are quietly feeling as we head into the holiday season.

And that is: the invisible mental load.

This episode is here to shed light on what it actually is, how it shows up, especially during the holidays, and most importantly, how we can start navigating it together with our partners, without blame, shame, or frustration.

So, let’s dive in.

What is the invisible load?

The invisible load is the ongoing mental to-do list running in the background of our minds.

It’s not just what needs to get done. It’s the tracking, remembering, anticipating, and emotionally managing everything….and everyone.

It’s thinking about the dentist appointment your partner forgot, remembering your niece’s allergy when buying snacks, making a note to pick up wrapping paper after work, and mentally preparing for how Aunt Linda might comment on your life choices at dinner.

None of these are “urgent,” but all of them are essential. And for many, especially women, the burden of this invisible load gets heavier during the holidays.

Let’s start by breaking It Down and looking at the different Categories of Mental Load

When I work with clients, we often list out the different domains of the invisible load:

Scheduling: doctor’s appointments, RSVPs, pick-ups and drop-offs
Social planning: gifts, parties, family traditions
Household management: groceries, cleaning, decorations
Health: managing medications, mental health check-ins, kids’ sniffles
Finances: holiday spending, budgeting, tracking receipts
Emotional tracking: who’s okay, who’s upset, who needs cheering up
Future thinking: “What are we forgetting?” “What could go wrong?” “What if someone’s feelings get hurt?”

Yes. It’s a lot, and most of it isn’t written down anywhere. It’s held.

That’s why we call it invisible. Because it’s often not seen until it’s dropped.

Let’s look at Why this invisible load tends to Fall on Women (Often Without Intention)

This isn’t to say all women carry the load or all men don’t. But statistically and culturally, women are conditioned from a young age to anticipate needs and carry emotional labor.

Even in egalitarian relationships, this can show up subtly; one partner does the task, the other tracks it. One buys the gift, the other figures out who needs a gift, and when, and what they’d like.

So many couples I work with aren’t in conflict because they don’t love each other but because they’re swimming in silent resentment.

& now that we’re approaching the holiday season, that resentment can grow if we don’t get proactive with it.

Because the holidays layer on:

More social obligations
More spending
More expectations (internal and external)
More emotional labor (managing family dynamics, tradition, kids’ excitement, etc.)

And if we’re not talking about it, the partner carrying the invisible load becomes overwhelmed, often silently until they snap or shut down.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

If you’ve been following my work you know that I love to turn the theory into practice so let’s take a look at what Partners Can Practically Do

Let’s get actionable. Here are some ways to be a better teammate this season:

Ask this simple question:
“Is there anything you’re keeping track of mentally that I can take off your plate completely?”
Take ownership, not just help.
Instead of saying “Tell me what to do,” choose a category and fully manage it. For example: “I’ll handle all the gift planning for your side of the family.”
Create a shared doc or checklist.
Write down the categories I mentioned earlier—and split them up. Adjust weekly. Check in. Be flexible.
Plan a money talk early.
Discuss how much you want to spend, where the money’s coming from, and what really matters.
Make space for boundaries.
If your calendar is feeling too full, sit down and ask: “What’s a must-do? What can we let go of this year?”

I can’t stress enough how impactful these suggestions are. I see it not only in my own relationship but with my clients too.. Something shifts when couples start to acknowledge and address the invisible load together.

So here are a few grounding questions you can use with your partner this week:

“What’s been feeling mentally heavy for you lately?”
“What would help you feel more supported this month?”
“What’s one thing you’d love to not do this holiday season?”
“How can we make this season feel joyful—not just busy?”

Remember soul friends, We all carry invisible things. But we don’t have to carry them alone.

The goal here isn’t to point fingers. It’s to build awareness, trust, and true partnership especially during busy seasons.

If this resonated, share it with your partner or someone in your life who might need to hear it. And take 5 minutes today to check in with yourself and with each other.

You deserve ease, support, and softness. Not just for the holidays, but always.

Thanks for being here.

Speak soon

Episode 161 – Love Lessons from Divorce Attorney Sarah Intelligator

Click here to listen to Episode 161 of the Minutes on Growth Podcast on Apple Podcast, on Spotify, or watch it on Youtube.

In this episode I sit with Sarah Intelligator — a divorce attorney, long-time yoga teacher, and author of Live, Laugh, Find True Love — to explore her approach to ‘holistic divorce’ and how bringing mindfulness, compassion, and practical tools to family law can change how people navigate separation.

Sarah explains why caring for the whole person matters in legal work, how divorce impacts children (and adult children), and the red flags and early patterns she sees in relationships that lead to separation.

We dig into her ‘six F’s’ framework; fundamental values, fear, foundation, fairy tale, family, and fixing, and learn how to choose a partner intentionally, avoid settling, and protect your future self.

To connect with Sarah: https://livelaughfindtruelove.com

Episode 160 – Protecting Your Light with George Lizos

Click here to listen to Episode 160 of the Minutes on Growth Podcast on Spotify, on Apple Podcast or watch the episode on Youtube.

In this episode I sit with George Lizos — spiritual teacher, energy healer, and award‑winning author — to explore how we can protect our energy, live more authentically, and integrate healing across the body, mind, and spirit.

George shares his personal story of coming out and reclaiming his truth, then breaks down a simple but powerful framework for energetic wellbeing: identify, clear, and shield. We cover practical, everyday techniques, how to layer shields for empaths and healers, and concrete guidelines for protecting your presence online without disconnecting.

He also explains why energy work often opens the door to deeper shadow work and why healing must be holistic; blending energy practices with psychological and somatic approaches.

Episode 159: The Obstacle Is The Way

Click here to listen to Episode 159 of the Minutes on Growth podcast on Apple Podcast, on Spotify, or watch it on Youtube.

Hi soul friends, it’s Tannaz Hosseinpour and welcome back to another short solo episode of the Minutes on Growth podcast. Today’s solo episode is inspired by a moment that really stayed with me; something I heard in a conversation between Madonna, Jay Shetty, and Eitan Yardeni, a phenomenal Kabbalah teacher

He shared a powerful analogy that resonated with me so deeply, I knew I had to bring it here and expand on it not just spiritually, but also through the lens of psychology and personal growth.

Let’s start with the inner critic..

We’ve all heard the voice in our head … the one that doubts, fears, criticizes. And if you’ve been on this journey of healing and growth for a while, you’ve probably also asked yourself:
“How do I overcome this voice? How do I silence the inner critic? How do I stop the chatter?”

But I want to go deeper than just asking how.
I want to ask: Why is it even there in the first place? What’s its purpose?

Because I truly believe — and what Kabbalah also teaches — is that everything has purpose. Even that annoying, persistent internal chatter. Even the self-doubt. Even the fear.

In that interview, Eitan offered a sport analogy, a football or soccer nlogyif you’re in North America, that I’ll never forget. He said:

“What feels better — scoring into an empty net, or scoring against an opponent?”

And that hit home, because I grew up playing soccer. I remember those childhood practices so clearly — it’s one thing to shoot into an open goal. But when there’s a goalie? When there’s a defender coming at you? That’s when you really learn. You dribble better. You move quicker. You develop skill, strategy, strength.

The opponent makes you better.
The opponent is the reason you grow.
The obstacle isn’t in the way — it is the way.

Not going to lie.. When I first started embarking on the personal development journey, I thought that the goal was to fight my inner critic. Like, shut it down, override it, silence it. But over the years, that understanding has shifted.

The more I studied psychology and spirituality, the more I realized that what you fight fights back. What you resist, persists. So instead, I learned to turn toward it… to get curious.

When the chatter gets loud, I ask:

What are you afraid of?
What are you trying to protect me from?
What skill do I need to strengthen here? What do I need to learn right now?

Because just like in parts work in psychology for example IFS or schema therapy — every part of us, even the ones that feel like enemies, are actually trying to help us. Their methods might be outdated. Their voices might sound harsh. But underneath it all, there’s a protective intention.

Sometimes that voice says: “You’re not ready.”
And maybe underneath, it’s scared you’ll fail and be humiliated.
Or maybe it says: “It’s not safe.”
Because a part of you was once deeply hurt or betrayed, and doesn’t want to feel that pain again.

So what if we listened?
What if we stopped resisting, and started understanding?

For me, my healing work became infinitely deeper when I integrated both spirituality and psychology.

Studying Kabbalah for over 12 years grounded me spiritually. But adding in somatic work, nervous system regulation, polyvagal theory, parts work — that gave me the language to understand what was happening inside my body, not just my soul.

And I want to say this:
There is no single path to healing. But for me, the most expansive growth has come from pulling from different lineages and weaving them together. Finding what resonates.

So today, if you’re facing internal resistance, fear, doubt — I want to leave you with this reminder:

That voice is not your enemy. It’s your opponent.
And just like on the soccer field, the opponent is what sharpens your skill.
It reveals where you still need to grow.
It shows you the next layer of your healing.
It’s not trying to destroy you — it’s trying to evolve you.

We can’t control the existence of challenges.
But we can choose how we meet them.
We can choose to let them birth a higher version of us or we can choose to entertain the victim narrative that life is happening to me instead of FOR me.

Because the goal isn’t to have a challenge-free life.
It’s to be able to meet life’s challenges with grace, with tools, with devotion to our growth.

Thank you for spending these minutes with me today.
If this episode resonated, I’d love for you to share it with someone who needs a reminder that their inner chatter has meaning. And as always, keep growing, keep feeling, keep choosing your healing.

Until next time

Episode 158 – Rewiring the Nervous System for Lasting Change with Kathryn Spears

Click here to listen to Episode 158 of the Minutes on Growth Podcast on Spotify, on Apple Podcast or to watch the episode on Youtube.

In this episode, I sit with Kathryn Spears, a Neurosomatic Intelligence Practitioner and Director of Marketing at the leading global institute of neurosomatics.

We explore the vital role of nervous system regulation in healing, sustainable change, and leadership.

Kathryn shares her personal journey overcoming childhood trauma, late-diagnosed ADHD, and breaking free from limiting patterns using uniquely personalized somatic tools.

Together, we uncover why mindset work alone isn’t enough and how signaling safety to the nervous system unlocks profound, sustainable transformation.

Whether you’re a high-achieving woman feeling stuck or someone looking to deepen their understanding of mind-body healing, this conversation offers hope, practical insights, and empowerment.

To connect with Kathryn: https://kathrynspears.co