DeepSummary
In this episode, Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach reflect on the dynamics of love, control, and support in relationships, particularly in the aftermath of Amanda Doyle's recent cancer diagnosis. They discuss Glennon's tendency to obsess over what others should do to improve their lives, recognizing it as a form of control stemming from her desire to protect loved ones.
Glennon shares her realization that not everyone spends time strategizing about how to 'fix' or guide others, and she grapples with the need to learn how to love without controlling. They explore the roots of this behavior, considering Glennon's childhood role as the 'problem child' and her struggle with embodiment and agency.
As they process the emotional impact of Amanda's diagnosis, Glennon acknowledges her initial avoidance and the challenge of accepting her inability to protect loved ones from suffering. The episode delves into the complexities of balancing care and autonomy in relationships, encouraging self-awareness and trusting others to make their own choices.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Glennon Doyle has a tendency to obsessively strategize about how her loved ones can improve their lives, which she recognizes as a form of control rooted in her desire to protect them.
- This behavior stems, in part, from Glennon's childhood role as the 'problem child' and her struggle with embodiment and agency over her own life.
- Amanda Doyle's cancer diagnosis forced Glennon to confront her inability to control or protect her loved ones from suffering, prompting a profound emotional response.
- Glennon acknowledges the need to learn how to love her loved ones without controlling them, allowing them autonomy over their own lives and choices.
- The episode explores the complexities of balancing care and support with respecting others' autonomy in relationships, emphasizing self-awareness and trust.
- Glennon's tendency to intellectualize and analyze her emotions, rather than fully experiencing them, is identified as a potential barrier to emotional processing.
- The podcast serves as a platform for Glennon and Abby to process their experiences and challenges, promoting growth and understanding within their relationship.
- Self-reflection and confronting one's 'problems' are presented as opportunities for personal growth and increased freedom.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I am noting that recently we were in bed watching tv, and you looked at how I was laying and you said, babe, you are not comfortable.“ by Glennon Doyle
- “I think that a lot of the, quote, problems that identify in myself are in everyone. And that one of my gifts is to see things that are keeping me stuck, dig into them and unlock another level of freedom.“ by Glennon Doyle
- “I think that you think you can think through any feeling.“ by Abby Wambach
- “I do wonder if over time, this will get better for me if this is part of a lack of embodiment and checking in with your own body and having agency over your own situation.“ by Glennon Doyle
Entities
Person
Product
Episode Information
We Can Do Hard Things
Glennon Doyle and Audacy
5/21/24