Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up Authentically

Grounding Meditation: Permission to Struggle

If you listened to my recent conversation with Shulamit Ber Levtov, you heard us talk about something that doesn't get said enough: there's nothing wrong with you when you're struggling. You're having a normal response to systems that weren't designed to support you.
This 9-minute meditation is about giving yourself permission to struggle without carrying shame about it. Permission to be exactly where you are, feeling exactly what you're feeling, without needing to fix it or hide it or push through it.
In this episode, we'll:
Use breath work to settle your nervous system
Acknowledge what you're carrying (the shame, the pressure, the expectations)
Practice releasing that weight - even just for a few minutes
Experience what permission actually feels like in your body
Recognize that struggling doesn't make you broken - it makes you human
You don't need to be perfect or composed. Just find a comfortable position and give yourself these few minutes to be exactly as you are.
Related Episode: Episode 32 with Shulamit Ber Levtov - The Entrepreneur's Therapist: Caring for Your Mental Health in a Relentless World
Connect with Ruth: Website: groundingwithruth.com Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn: @groundingwithruth
If this episode resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review - it helps other women find these meditations.
Stay grounded.

The Entrepreneur’s Therapist: Caring for Your Mental Health in a Relentless World: Shulamit Ber Levtov

In this enlightening conversation, Ruth sits down with Shulamit Ber Levtov, known as The Entrepreneurs' Therapist, for a deep dive into the critical intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship. This isn't your typical "self-care will fix everything" conversation - it's a raw, honest exploration of why running a business takes such a toll on our mental health, and why that's not actually our fault.
Shulamit brings over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience combined with her expertise as a licensed trauma therapist to challenge some of our most deeply held beliefs about struggle, success, and what it means to be "enough." From her groundbreaking work in financial therapy to her revolutionary take on imposter syndrome, this conversation will leave you questioning everything you've been told about personal responsibility and mental health.
KEY TOPICS COVERED
• Why therapists should be part of every entrepreneur's support team• The mental health crisis in entrepreneurship that nobody talks about• Financial therapy and why mental health professionals score lowest on financial wellness measures• How scarcity triggers trauma responses in the body• The myth of self-care as a cure-all for systemic problems• Why women entrepreneurs face unique societal pressures and role conflicts• The truth about imposter syndrome - it's not about you• Reframing trauma as wounds inflicted on us, not something we "internalized"• Finding strength through spiritual practice and connection to something greater• Why vulnerability is actually a superpower
GUEST INFORMATION
Shulamit Ber Levtov, MA, RSW, CCTP, is known as The Entrepreneurs' Therapist. She's a licensed trauma therapist, registered social worker, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of business experience. After experiencing her own mental health crisis from running a business, she exited her group practice and dedicated herself to ensuring no other business owner has to go through what she did.
Shulamit specialises in supporting women business owners to care for their mental and emotional wellbeing in what she calls "an era of relentless stressors that can make you want to flip your lid on the daily." She's also trained in financial therapy, addressing the emotional aspects of money that are so central to entrepreneurial life.
Her unique perspective comes from living both sides - the entrepreneurial rollercoaster and the professional expertise to understand the mental health challenges that come with running a business.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Financial Therapy and Money Trauma: • The Trauma of Money Institute: https://www.thetraumaofmoney.com/ • The Trauma of Money Book: https://www.thetraumaofmoney.com/trauma-of-money-book
Research and Educational Content: • Eldar Shafir's TED Talk on Scarcity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMRcWj_GKxY • "Bicycle Face" Commencement Speech (referenced regarding imposter syndrome): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV1ESN8NGh8 • Sustainable Compassion Training: https://sustainablecompassion.org/
Books and Literature: • Susan Juby's Buddhist Nun/Butler Mystery Series: https://www.susanjuby.com/books • John O'Donohue's "May the Light of Your Soul Guide You" (poem mentioned by Ruth)
CONNECT WITH SHULAMIT
Website: shula.caNewsletter: shula.ca/newsletter (recommended - you can reply directly to connect)Social Media: Find her as "The Entrepreneurs' Therapist"
CONNECT WITH RUTH
Website: groundingwithruth.comSocial Media: @groundingwithruth on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInPodcast: Available wherever you listen to podcasts
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Mental health challenges are inherent in entrepreneurship - it's not a personal failing when you struggle.
The systems we operate in aren't designed for human wellbeing, especially for women and other marginalised groups.
Imposter syndrome isn't a syndrome at all - it's a normal response to systems designed to make us feel like we don't belong.
Financial shame affects over 90% of people, but it's particularly acute for entrepreneurs who face unique financial pressures.
Self-care isn't about fixing ourselves - it's about responding to our organism's call for care in our distress.
Having a mental health plan should be as integral to your business as having a business plan.
Vulnerability and authenticity aren't weaknesses - they're sources of strength and connection.
There's nothing wrong with you when you're struggling - you're having a normal human response to difficult circumstances.
If this episode resonated with you, please follow Inspired Questions and leave a review. It really helps other women find these important conversations.
Stay Grounded.
For more episodes and resources, visit groundingwithruth.com.

Grounding Meditation: Enough as You Are — A Guided Rest from Perfectionism

In this guided meditation, we explore the impossible pressure of showing up at 100% everywhere, all the time - and why that's complete bullshit.
If you've been carrying the weight of perfectionism, feeling like whatever you're offering isn't enough, or struggling with the voice that says your worth is tied to your productivity, this meditation is for you.
What You'll Experience:
A gentle body scan that honours your current capacity instead of trying to fix or change anything
Breathwork focused on releasing the performance pressure and guilt about having limits
Permission to show up authentically, whatever that looks like today
Affirmations to remind you that your worth is inherent, not earned
Key Message: You don't have to earn your place here. You don't have to prove your value. You don't have to justify taking up space by being productive every moment. You matter because you exist.
Perfect For:
Anyone feeling overwhelmed or burnt out
People struggling with perfectionism
Those dealing with chronic illness or fluctuating energy levels
Anyone who needs permission to be human
Remember: Showing up authentically - with whatever you've got, wherever you are - is infinitely better than burning yourself out trying to be perfect everywhere.
Connect With Ruth:
Join The Enough Project Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/1226798815277717/
Book your free Enough Assessment Call: https://pages.groundingwithruth.ca/calendar
Website: groundingwithruth.com
Music by Alex Wit from Pixabay

Enough Is Enough: Choosing Rest Over Perfection

In this solo episode, Ruth challenges the impossible standard that we have to show up at 100% in every area of our lives, every day, or we're somehow failing. She shares her personal experience of managing a Crohn's flare while building her business, and how she's learning to redefine what it means to "show up." This episode is for anyone who's exhausted from trying to be perfect everywhere and is ready to embrace a more authentic way of being present in their life.
What You'll Learn:
Why the "100% everywhere" standard is setting you up for failure
How to recognize when you're spreading yourself too thin to be present anywhere
The connection between self-worth and your ability to rest without guilt
How to show up authentically when you can't show up perfectly
Why choosing where to focus your energy isn't giving up - it's being strategic
Key Topics Discussed:
Managing chronic illness while building a business
The difference between showing up authentically vs. performing perfectly
Why productivity doesn't equal worth
Giving yourself permission to have limits and off days
How to honor your capacity instead of ignoring it
Episode Mentions:
Upcoming interview with Shulamit Ber Levtov (The Entrepreneur's Therapist) - releasing in a couple of weeks
Connect with Ruth:
Free Resources:
Book a Free Enough Assessment Call: https://pages.groundingwithruth.ca/calendar
Join The Enough Project (Free Facebook Community): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1226798815277717/
Follow Ruth:
Website: https://www.groundingwithruth.com
Instagram: @groundingwithruth
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-hirshberg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groundingwithruth
Leave a Review: If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your reviews help more people find these conversations and feel less alone in their struggles.

Grounding Meditation: What Does Calm Feel Like?

Welcome to the first meditation episode of Inspired Questions!
This podcast is all about questions - the ones that help us understand ourselves better, challenge our beliefs, and guide us back to who we really are. Today's meditation explores the question: What does it feel like to be grounded in your body when your nervous system is calm?
This isn't a question you answer with your mind - it's one you experience in your body.
In this 10-minute guided meditation, you'll:
Reconnect with your body through a gentle body scan
Use breath work to signal safety to your nervous system
Practice grounding and visualization techniques
Fill your own cup from within
This meditation pairs beautifully with last week's conversation with Heather Lillico about nervous system work and why we can't pour from an empty cup.
Find a comfortable position, give yourself permission to just be, and let's ground together.
New Format Alert: Starting now, Inspired Questions will release weekly! Every other week will feature a guided meditation episode like this one, alternating with interview episodes. Subscribe so you don't miss them.
Stay grounded.
💙 Ruth
Connect:
Ready to explore working together? Book a free call: Here
Website: www.groundingwithruth.com
Instagram: @groundingwithruth

You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup: A Conversation with Heather Lillico

In this episode, Ruth sits down with Heather Lillico, Neuroscience Coach, Meditation & Yoga Teacher, and founder of Cultivating Calm. They explore why surface-level wellness strategies often fall short and discuss the critical importance of nervous system work—especially for those who spend their lives holding space for others.
If you've ever felt like you're doing all the "right" things (eating well, meditating, exercising) but still feel exhausted and overwhelmed, this conversation will resonate deeply. Heather and Ruth discuss how our beliefs shape our well-being, why self-care isn't optional for coaches and helpers, and what it actually takes to recalibrate your nervous system so you can show up fully in your life and work.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Why nervous system regulation is the missing piece in many wellness routines
The reality of holding space for others when you're struggling yourself
How deeply held beliefs can keep us stuck, even when we're trying to change
Practical approaches to nervous system work and why it matters
The importance of filling your own cup before pouring into others
About Heather Lillico:
Heather Lillico is a Neuroscience Coach and Meditation & Yoga Teacher who helps purpose-driven leaders recalibrate their nervous systems so they can create greater ease in their lives and impact in the world. She's the founder of Cultivating Calm, a neuroscience-backed space for ambitious souls ready to regulate stress, rewire subconscious patterns, and rise into their next level of success.
Connect with Heather:
Website: https://www.cultivatingcalm.ca/
Instagram: @cultivatingcalm.life
Connect with Ruth:
Ready to explore working together? Book a free clarity call: BOOK HERE
If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women find these conversations.
New! Starting next week: Inspired Questions is moving to weekly episodes, with guided meditation episodes every other week. Subscribe so you don't miss them!
Website: www.groundingwithruth.com
Instagram: @groundingwithruth
Facebook: GroundingwithRuth

The Way You Think Is Your Superpower (with Natasha Skolny)

In this conversation, I sit down with Natasha Skolny, founder of The Leadership Cabin, to talk about her fascinating journey from competitive figure skater to empowering women leaders. Natasha shares how the skills she developed on the ice - visualization, performance under pressure, resilience - translate directly into helping women navigate high-pressure careers with authenticity and confidence.
We explore why the things we think make us different might actually be our superpowers, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and how to create intentional lives instead of default ones. Natasha's insights on community, communication, and helping young girls embrace their uniqueness offer both practical wisdom and genuine hope.
Key Topics:
Natasha's journey from figure skating to leadership coaching
How sports visualization techniques apply to personal and professional success
Why vulnerability strengthens rather than weakens leadership
The critical role of community in women's empowerment
Helping young girls change the narrative about what's possible
Creating intentional lives that feel fulfilling
Reframing your differences as strengths instead of problems
Memorable Quote: "The way that I think is actually the superpower." - Natasha Skolny
About Natasha Skolny:
Natasha Skolny is the founder of The Leadership Cabin, a coaching and development practice dedicated to empowering women leaders to lead with authenticity, clarity, and purpose. Drawing from her diverse background as a competitive figure skater, NCCP-certified skating coach, corporate leadership trainer, and certified wellness coach, Natasha combines emotional intelligence, performance psychology, and strategic leadership to help clients navigate high-pressure environments with confidence.
Through The Leadership Cabin, Natasha offers private coaching, workshops, and team development programs designed to help leaders connect with their inner strengths, overcome limiting beliefs, and cultivate resilient, high-performing teams. Her approach emphasizes self-awareness, effective communication, and intentional action, enabling leaders to define success on their own terms.
With experience across various industries, including financial services, insurance, construction, and IT, Natasha understands the unique challenges faced by women in leadership roles. She is passionate about creating safe spaces where women can thrive, reclaim their power, and lead with purpose.
Connect with Natasha:
Website: theleadershipcabin.com
Instagram: @theleadershipcabin
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/natashaskolny
About Ruth & Grounding with Ruth:
I'm Ruth, a social worker and meditation teacher who helps professional women break free from burnout, people-pleasing, and the exhausting cycle of "never enough." Through my work at Grounding with Ruth, I combine evidence-based psychology with practical tools to help women understand what's really driving their patterns - and shift them from the inside out.
If you're struggling with self-worth, feeling disconnected from who you are, or exhausted from trying to be everything to everyone, I'd love to talk. I offer free 30-minute Enough Assessment calls where we explore what's actually going on underneath those patterns and figure out if working together would be a good fit. No pressure, no hard sell - just an honest conversation.
Book your free Enough Assessment: groundingwithruth.com
Connect with me:
Instagram: @groundingwithruth
Website: groundingwithruth.com
Facebook: Grounding with Ruth Community
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Stop Trying to Be Excellent at Everything

Sometimes doing the bare minimum isn't failing - it's brilliant prioritization.
In this episode, I'm getting real about what it means to do the bare minimum when life gets busy, and why that's not only okay, but sometimes the smartest thing you can do. I'm recording this with very little time to spare because most of my energy this week has been focused on preparing for a free workshop, and that's exactly the point.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why "bare minimum" isn't a bad thing when you do it well
The difference between being strategic and being lazy
What it looks like to prioritize your energy without guilt
How the "never enough" syndrome keeps us from giving ourselves permission to do less
Key takeaway: You don't have to be excellent at everything all the time. Sometimes good enough isn't just good enough - it's exactly right.
Mentioned in this episode:
The Physiological Sigh: Two inhales through the nose, one long exhale through the mouth - a 30-second stress management tool
Free Workshop: "The #1 Way to Overcome 'Never Enough' Syndrome and Reclaim Your Self-Worth" - Tuesday, October 7th at 12 PM EST
Connect with Ruth:
Website: groundingwithruth.com
Instagram: @groundingwithruth
Facebook: Grounding with Ruth or my community group: The Enough Project
Email: ruth@groundingwithruth.com
Register for the free workshop: https://pages.groundingwithruth.ca/live-training-1

From Solo Mic to Shared Voices: Why I'm Bringing Back Interviews

Ruth explains the origin and evolution of Inspired Questions — why she started it, why she shifted to mostly solo episodes during serious health and life challenges, and what she learned about trusting her voice.
She shares why she’s ready to return to interviews, her plan to balance one interview and one solo episode per month, and how she may streamline her signature questions to allow more natural conversation.
Ruth invites women with honest stories to be guests and encourages listeners to connect via Instagram or her website to share feedback or apply.
Instagram - @groundingwithruth
Website - groundingwithruth.com

Why I'm Recording This at the Last Minute

Ruth records a last-minute episode after a difficult week of caregiving for her mother-in-law, sharing the emotional weight, exhaustion, and unexpected disruptions to her plans.She talks about the guilt of needing a break, the challenge of setting boundaries, the small moments of self-care that sustained her, and the necessity of asking for help.This episode offers solidarity and practical reminders that it’s okay to be imperfect, to grieve the life you planned, and to reach out when you need support.