Episode 144

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Published on:

29th Oct 2025

Wednesday Real Stories: "When Things Fall Apart: Finding Courage in Our Darkest Days"

When Things Fall Apart: Courage, Intuition, and the Power of New Beginnings

What if the moments when everything crumbles are actually the doorway to something better?

In this week’s episode, Heather shares the raw truth behind those times life fell apart—and how intuition, courage, and unpopular choices led to growth she could never have planned.

Through real-life stories, you’ll explore:

  • How the “worst thing” can shift everything and invite renewal
  • The importance of acknowledging what you’ve already overcome
  • Lessons from making hard, unpopular choices and trusting your instincts
  • The difference between making courageous decisions and falling into old habits

Takeaways:

  • Sometimes when life crumbles, it’s just making room for something even better, trust me!
  • Choosing the tough path often means you're listening to that little voice inside, so don’t ignore it!
  • Endings can feel like a total disaster, but they’re really just fresh starts in disguise!
  • Remember, you’ve survived 100% of your worst days, so give yourself some serious credit!
  • Courage means boldly choosing what’s right for you, even when everyone else is raising eyebrows.
  • Ask yourself, is this choice for growth or just old fear trying to sneak back in?

Chapters:

  • 00:08 - Life's Uncertainties
  • 00:25 - Embracing Change and New Beginnings
  • 02:52 - Navigating Change and Courage
  • 03:48 - Lessons on Courage and Choice
  • 04:39 - Sharing Personal Stories of Resilience

Join us for a heartfelt, honest conversation about finding light in dark days, owning your wins, and leaning into change—even when doubt and fear surround you.

If this episode speaks to you, share it and tag @ChoosingHappyPodcast, or send Heather your own story of transformation via email. heather@heathervmasters.com

Let’s keep choosing happy—even when it’s hardest.

Call to Action:

Feeling like your mind’s been running ahead of your soul?

Join Heather for The Power Pause Weekend—a two-part online retreat to rest, reset, and rebuild your creative rhythm.

Reserve your space at ChoosingHappy.space/powerpause

How You Can Connect with Heather and Support This Independent Podcast:

Please like, share with someone who may need to hear this today, and/or leave a review and support the podcast. I really appreciate it.

Tired of the same patterns keeping you stuck?

Check out the Pattern Breaker Coaching Program: www.choosinghappy.co.uk/pattern-breaker

Want to dive deeper? Drop me an email: heather@heathervmasters.com

Join the conversation: Community | https://buymeacoffee.com/choosinghappy

Transcript
Speaker A:

Hello, and welcome to the Choosing Happy Podcast.

Speaker A:

On this Wednesday, real stories.

Speaker A:

Have you ever had life just crumble in front of you?

Speaker A:

One minute you think you know where things are heading, and the next, everything you've been clinging to seems to fall away.

Speaker A:

The job, the relationship, the certainty.

Speaker A:

The plans.

Speaker A:

It's terrifying.

Speaker A:

But what if the hardest days are the ones that make space for something new?

Speaker A:

Stay tuned for today's Choosing Happy Podcast.

Speaker A:

This isn't easy for anyone, and it's definitely not easy for me.

Speaker A:

I've had to face the edge of change more times than.

Speaker A:

Than I care to admit.

Speaker A:

One vivid moment, an invitation to move to South Africa.

Speaker A:

A complete life upheaval.

Speaker A:

Saying yes and being there within two weeks.

Speaker A:

No overthinking.

Speaker A:

Just a deep, intuitive knowing that this was a crossroads.

Speaker A:

And I've made those tough, unpopular choices before.

Speaker A:

Walking away from what others thought I should do.

Speaker A:

Choosing a risk over comfort, trusting in the faintest whisper of possibility, and doing what I thought was right.

Speaker A:

Have you ever felt that when everyone doubts you and all you have is this shaky certainty inside?

Speaker A:

My dad always used to say it's not about things being wrong, it's about making them right.

Speaker A:

Some of the hardest times have taught me exactly that sometimes what looks like disaster is just life rearranging itself so that the new can find you.

Speaker A:

But I want to be honest.

Speaker A:

Those choices often isolated me.

Speaker A:

They challenged me in ways I never expected.

Speaker A:

There were days I sat in the dark, doubting myself, wondering why I'd chosen the harder route.

Speaker A:

Sometimes life genuinely felt unfair, especially when it seemed like everyone else was on a smoother path.

Speaker A:

But looking back now, I see the courage it took to go on to make choices.

Speaker A:

Not because they were easy or popular, but because they were true.

Speaker A:

They felt right.

Speaker A:

That's how everything changed.

Speaker A:

If Monday's episode nudged me to acknowledge my small wins, my little purposes, today I'm reflecting on the big ones.

Speaker A:

When things fall apart, they're almost always making way for something else.

Speaker A:

The hardest endings, loss, change.

Speaker A:

Separation can be powerful beginnings if we allow them to be.

Speaker A:

And every brave decision, every leap with no guarantee, every moment of trusting your own intuition, your own truth.

Speaker A:

That's the heartbeat of courage.

Speaker A:

So, for the lessons.

Speaker A:

Lesson one.

Speaker A:

Things fall away.

Speaker A:

So something new can come through.

Speaker A:

Painful as it is, endings aren't just loss.

Speaker A:

They're invitations.

Speaker A:

And often the old has to die before the new can be born.

Speaker A:

Lesson 2.

Speaker A:

You've already overcome more than you realize in your darkest days.

Speaker A:

Try looking at the times you you've already survived.

Speaker A:

You've thrived or you've changed everything by choosing the tough road, the truth road.

Speaker A:

Honour those wins.

Speaker A:

Lesson 3 Courage means choosing what's right for you, even when it's unpopular.

Speaker A:

Sometimes it means moving quickly, trusting your intuition and redefining your path, no matter what doubts you.

Speaker A:

If you're sitting in the darkness wondering how to move forward, remember how far you've already come.

Speaker A:

What was your South Africa moment?

Speaker A:

The time you went against the grain?

Speaker A:

And be careful.

Speaker A:

Sometimes we can get so used to choosing hard things that it becomes a habit.

Speaker A:

Challenge yourself to ask, why am I choosing this?

Speaker A:

Is it for growth?

Speaker A:

Or is it old fear?

Speaker A:

I'd love to hear your stories about those moments when life fell apart and what came through and the space it left.

Speaker A:

I'm sure there's some amazing stories out there you can DM me or tag hoosinghappypodcast or share anonymously if you prefer.

Speaker A:

If today's episode resonates, leave a review or send the episode to someone who's sitting in their own difficult moment.

Speaker A:

Let's honour our courage, our messy transitions, our truth, our ability to keep moving forward and keep choosing happy, even when it's not easy, and especially then.

Speaker A:

Thank you for listening.

Speaker A:

Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to this week's episode.

Speaker A:

If you enjoyed it or think it would be valuable to others, please do share.

Speaker A:

And if you really enjoyed it, please please leave me a review.

Speaker A:

It really helps the podcast.

Speaker A:

All of the links are in the show notes and I look forward to seeing you next week on the Choosing Happy podcast.

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About the Podcast

Choosing Happy
"For entrepreneurs who are tired of toxic positivity and ready for real transformation
Ready to break free from old patterns and choose joy in a noisy, demanding world?
You’re in the right place.

The Choosing Happy Podcast is where techies, entrepreneurs, transformational practitioners and creative souls come to reclaim happiness, shake up their mindset, and unlock more meaningful wins—no toxic positivity, just real stories, honest wisdom, and practical tools.

Hosted by Heather V Masters, certified trainer, coach, NLP master practitioner, and ex-corporate burnout survivor turned joy champion, every episode blends bold myth-busting, brutally honest moments, and uplifting insights.
Here, you’ll hear everyday tales about messing up, getting back up, and finding clarity in chaos.
This isn’t polished perfection—it’s raw, relatable, and relentlessly positive.

Whether you’re stuck in a rut, ready for a pattern break, or craving authenticity in your business and life, you’ll find strategies, experiments, and support to help you thrive.
Expect weekly bite-sized wisdom, longer deep-dives, and monthly guests who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo.

What You’ll Get:
Real stories & hard-won lessons: The truth behind success—failures, pivots, and tiny happy experiments.

Mindset shifts for real life: Ditching the fluff and finding joy in the messy bits.

Actionable tools: Live tests, wins jars, A–B experiments, reframes you’ll actually use.

A vibrant, supportive community: Share your wins, get inspired, and rediscover what makes you happy.

Join us and choose happy—one honest conversation at a time.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at www.choosinghappypodcast.com.
Connect with Heather, join the community, and let’s thrive together!

Coaching: Email heather@heathervmasters.com for personalised support.

Newsletter: Get weekly tips at https://www.choosinghappy.online/realhappynews.

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Disclaimer
Content is for informational purposes only, not medical advice. Techniques may evoke strong emotions; engage at your discretion. If facing trauma or mental health challenges, consult a professional. Heather V Masters isn’t liable for outcomes from applying this content. See full disclaimer for details.
© 2025 Heather V Masters. All rights reserved.
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About your host

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Heather Masters

Hello, I’m Heather V Masters—your host of the Choosing Happy Podcast and a passionate guide for techies, entrepreneurs, and creatives ready to thrive!

As a certified Master coach, NLP trainer/ Master Practitioner, and hypnotist, I bring a unique blend of tools to help you break free from limiting patterns and choose happiness every day.
My journey began with corporate burnout, where I discovered the power of mindset shifts to transform my life. That spark led me to build thriving communities like the Creative Writing Tips Club and launch this podcast, where I share the strategies that helped me—and can help you—create a life you love. From NLP techniques to heartfelt stories, I’m here to empower you with actionable insights and a warm, authentic vibe.

When I’m not podcasting, you’ll find me coaching clients, writing, or sipping a cuppa while dreaming up new ways to inspire joy. Let’s choose happy together—join me on this journey!

Connect with Heather
Email: heather@heathervmasters.com

Community: www.choosinghappy.co.uk/community

Newsletter: https://www.heathervmasters.com/sundaynewsletter