RR 227: How to Take FIERCE Action in Your Life with Carolyn ColleenRR 227: How to Take FIERCE Action in Your Life with Carolyn Colleen
The SHAIR Recovery Podcast
Omar Pinto talks with Carolyn Colleen about her F.I.E.R.C.E. 5 method, turning fear and codependency into small, bold steps forward. The conversation focuses on self-love, resilience, and practical tools that can be used in just five minutes at a time.
1:21:34•18 Jun 2019
From Codependency to FIERCE Action with Carolyn Colleen
Episode Overview
- Break big, scary changes into five-minute blocks using breathe, focus, and fierce action.
- Use controlled breathing (in for seven, out for eleven) to calm the body and clear the mind.
- Treat yourself with the same excitement and care you once had for a first crush to rebuild self-love.
- Question and rewrite limiting beliefs like "I am not worthy" by looking at what you have already survived and achieved.
- Create intentional time and space—through morning routines and one-to-one time with loved ones—to stay grounded in recovery.
“When is the last time that you had that feeling for yourself? Now that is self-love.”
Curious about how others manage fear, anxiety and big life changes without reaching for a drink? This conversation with PhD candidate, speaker and coach Carolyn Colleen is packed with practical tools for anyone feeling stuck, scared or overwhelmed. Speaking with host Omar Pinto, Carolyn explains how she went from “a downtrodden, scared and ragged victim standing in a food line at the Salvation Army” to a confident woman building a life she once thought she didn’t deserve.
Her focus isn’t on substances but on recovery from codependency, abuse and a lifelong belief of not being worthy. You’ll hear her break down her simple F.I.E.R.C.E. method into something you can use in five minutes: breathe, focus and take what she calls “fierce action”. She shares the breathing pattern she uses (in for seven, out for eleven) and shows how one woman used it to face crippling social anxiety at a conference, one five-minute burst at a time.
As Carolyn puts it, “The next five minutes belong to you. What are you going to do with it?” The chat also digs into self-love in a refreshingly down-to-earth way. Carolyn compares it to that giddy first crush: all the little thoughtful things you’d do for someone you adore, then asks, “When is the last time that you had that feeling for yourself?” If that question makes you squirm, you’re in the right place.
Omar keeps things light and fun while still asking direct questions about codependency, childhood trauma, abusive relationships and parenting in recovery. Carolyn talks about burning the boats on old patterns, creating a morning routine, and even scheduling one‑to‑one time with each child to stay truly present. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not worthy” or “I can’t change”, this episode might have you rethinking what you can do in the next five minutes.
What could your own fierce five minutes look like today?
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