# Meg Durham with David Bott: The Year That Was & The Mantra That Keeps Meg Going | Episode 159

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-school-of-wellbeing-with-meg-durham-4350714/meg-durham-with-david-bott-the-year-that-was-the-mantra-that-keeps-meg-going-episode-159.md
Podcast: [The School of Wellbeing with Meg Durham](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-school-of-wellbeing-with-meg-durham-4350714)
Published: 2025-12-18T17:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://open-mind-education.mykajabi.com/podcasts/the-school-of-wellbeing-with-meg-durham/episodes/2149133552
Audio file: https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/8d016eed-40cf-4355-9e21-0535f58af188/stream.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2450

## Resource

"Our default way of being is so strong, and the more depleted we are, the more likely we are to fall back to these default patterns." - Meg Durham In this final episode of The School of Wellbeing, Meg is interviewed by friend and colleague, David Bott , in a warm, honest and often hilarious reflection on the year that was. Together they explore the messy moments, the quiet wins and the stories behind the work. From people-pleasing when depleted, to balcony moments and co-reflection, to advocating as a parent and recognising the crumbs of impact that keep us going. Along the way, Meg shares the phrases that have saved her, and why doing less, but doing it better, matters more than ever. This conversation is a reminder that wellbeing is not about perfection, but about being deliberate, human and connected in the work we do. ---- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Turning the tables and setting the scene 02:18 What changes when Meg becomes the guest 05:40 The wetsuit story and default modes under pressure 10:51 A massage misadventure and people-pleasing when tired 16:02 The omelette incident and learning to pivot 19:27 What these moments teach us about depletion 20:59 Balcony moments, co-reflection and sentence starters 24:50 A real reflection on the year that was 25:42 Parenting, advocacy and uncomfortable conversations 29:38 The phrases that have saved Meg this year 30:59 What “kicking ten” looks like now 32:18 The crumb theory and invisible impact 37:47 Shifting seasons and reclaiming energy 40:25 Ocean swims, perspective and joy 46:48 Moments of pride from 2025 49:28 Looking ahead to 2026 ---- Deliberate Actions: Notice your default patterns of thinking and behaving when you are depleted. Create regular balcony moments through reflection or co-reflection. Have a few go-to mantras…

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