podcast 020: your suffering is valid and valuable
In this episode, Deb sits down with Dr. Deb Gordon to explore how cultivating self-awareness and embracing discomfort are essential to real human flourishing.
“Suffering isn't something to erase—it's something to learn from, to honor, and to use as a force for flourishing.”
Drawing from her personal experiences and professional expertise, Dr. Gordon shares why self-care must be intentional, why suffering isn’t the enemy we think it is, and how small daily practices can change the trajectory of our lives. This conversation offers a clear-eyed, compassionate look at how tuning into our own humanity—especially in the hard moments—ultimately empowers us to create stronger connections with others.
This episode is a must-listen for leaders, caregivers, and anyone committed to building a more grounded, resilient, and meaningful human experience.
Key Highlights:
Why self-care often gets lost in daily patterns—and how to reclaim it with intention
How suffering, when embraced, can become a catalyst for growth and connection
Practical strategies for dismantling harmful comparison and emotional self-judgment
Why small, daily self-reflection moments are more powerful than grand gestures
How paying closer attention creates deeper flourishing—for ourselves and those around us
About Our Guest:
Dr. Deb Gorton is a clinical psychologist and founder of a 14-person community mental health practice in Chicago. A passionate advocate for human flourishing, Deb blends clinical insight with lived experience to help individuals and organizations embrace the discomfort required for growth. She is also the author of Embracing Uncomfortable and a beloved aunt, sister, and city dweller who believes deeply in the transformative power of presence, truth-telling, and relationships.
About The HX Collective:
The HX Collective is a movement to elevate the human experience—at work, in relationships, and with ourselves. Through honest conversations and strategic insight, we explore how connection, context, and compassion can create a more flourishing world, starting right where we are.
