Ep 489. The Tension Between What Is and What Could Have Been

Ep 489. The Tension Between What Is and What Could Have Been

From Around The Way Curls by Antoinette Lee & Shanti Mayers

April 6, 2026 · 1h 5m

About this episode

The episode explores the emotional tension of aging and the reflections on life choices not taken.

This week, we explore the tension that comes with getting older: reckoning with the life you have while reflecting on the life you didn’t choose. Using the psychological concept of counterfactual thinking those “what if” and “if only” thoughts, we unpack the emotional pull of the road not taken, what our unlived lives seem to promise, and whether we’re longing for something real or simply romanticizing the fantasy. Join us. Contact Us: Hotline: (215) 948-2780 Email: aroundthewaycurls@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/aroundthewaycurls See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

People in this episode

Hosts: Antoinette Lee, Shanti Mayers

Topics covered

  • aging
  • counterfactual thinking
  • emotional reflection
  • life choices
  • unlived lives

Keywords

  • aging
  • counterfactual thinking
  • life choices
  • emotional pull
  • unlived lives

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Around The Way Curls

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