Spark Your Life Podcast: Recent Episodes

Olena Mytruk

Welcome to The Spark Your Life Podcast! I’m your host Olena Mytruk, and I’m passionate about all things personal growth and living your life to the fullest – so much so that I created Breverie, your ultimate guide to life filled with joy, meaning, satisfaction and contribution. I am here with you on this journey to create the life where you feel perfectly alive, where you uncover your highest potential, where you know your value and your worth, where you pursue your dreams with passion and confidence, and where you create positive change in yourself and in the world around you. My goal is that, at the end of each episode you walk away with at least one easy to do exercise, actionable tip or a-ha moment that you can apply in your life TODAY. Every big change starts with a little spark, and today you are going to create that spark that will allow you to fully transform and elevate your life – no matter what area of your life you currently want to improve. Let’s get started!

Send Olena a text!

“I don’t like when things go according to plan”, said no one ever.Let’s admit it - we LOVE it when things go according to plan. We love to be in control. And when something doesn’t go the way we want, it is very easy to start feeling stressed, frustrated, or even angry.

But if we let those feelings go, if we embrace this unexpected opportunity that life presented, if we open our minds to getting the most out of it, we might not just learn some very important and valuable lessons, but have more fun than we have ever envisioned!

In this episode, I am joined by a very special guest - an amazing woman who has been making this podcast successful behind the scenes for almost a year - my podcast manager Rosa Sarmento.

Today, Rosa is actually taking a seat in front of the mic and sharing her story about how she overcame her fears and created one of the most memorable life experiences while zip-lining upside down (I am not even kidding!) above the tree canopies in Costa Rica. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[02:10] It started with COVID in Mexico
[03:50] Going to Costa Rica to regroup
[05:45] Exploring the stunning nature of Costa Rica
[08:32] Facing her fears and zip-lining upside down
[12:44] Lessons learned from this type of experience
[14:26] Being brave and facing your fears
[16:54] Stories are meant to be shared

Connect with Rosa SarmentoLinkedIn: Rosa Sarmento
Instagram: @idea.blossoms
Website: ideablossoms.com
Email: rosa@ideablossoms.com OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The Page About Freedom, Sitting on a Sidewalk, and the Ultimate Unknown (feat. Yeliena Theofilatos)
The Page About Firsts, Following Your Gut, and Senegal (feat. Ashlee Sang)
The Page About Ziplining, Adventurous Spirit, and Once in a Lifetime Experiences
The Page About the Mustang Convertible, Parking Brake, and Feeling Badass
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Send Olena a text!

How often do you measure success by whether you achieved a specific result? You want to hit a particular number - on your watch, or your floor scale, or in your bank account.

And you have to hit that number 100%, 99% doesn’t count.

You set expectations for yourself and then heroically try to meet them. And if you don’t, you get discouraged and blame yourself.

But let me ask you - what if those expectations were unrealistic in the first place? What if this number was impossible to hit no matter how hard you try?

I am here to tell you - there is a better way to measure success.

In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how I spontaneously decided to run a 5K race, the first ever in my life, how I did not come in first, or second, or even third, and how it still became something that I am super proud of. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:24] From hating physical education to loving being active
[02:32] How running became a non-negotiable
[04:14] Running in Houston
[05:00] Wishing to participate in a real race
[07:14] Preparing for the 5K race
[09:14] The race has begun
[13:47] The hardest part of the race
[15:53] Reflections on success and my first real race

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The Page About Freedom, Sitting on a Sidewalk, and the Ultimate Unknown (feat. Yeliena Theofilatos)
The Page About Carefully Laid Plans, A Cold Shower, and a Perfect COVID Wedding Day
The Page About Doubts, Overthinking, and Getting Unstuck
The Page About Two Hands, One Head, and Prioritizing
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Send Olena a text!

Imagine getting a little taste of freedom - being on your own, making your own decisions, doing anything you want, not having anyone looking over your shoulder. And it all tastes so good that you decide, “I want more of it! I am ready for it!”
But the Universe has an interesting sense of humor. And before you know it, you find yourself sitting on a sidewalk in a foreign country, and your suitcase is standing next to you, and you have no clue what you're going to do next from this point on.

Sounds too intense to be true?

In this episode, I am joined by Yeliena Theofilatos, and this is exactly what happened to her a month and a half after she and her friend came to Brooklyn NY as students for the summer.

Are you curious about what happened, how this story ended, and what Yeliena learned from it? Let’s dive in! EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:43] A harrowing story of eviction
[06:09] The despairing aftermath
[08:37] Lessons from the sidewalk
[10:20] How Yeliena navigated the ultimate unknown
[11:26] The secret to asking for help
[12:41] A test from the Universe
[14:28] Reflections and advice about sharing your story

Connect with Yeliena TheofilatosInstagram: @mybloominghearthypnotherapy
Podcast: The Peace Grows Here
Website: mybloomingheart.com OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The Page About Firsts, Following Your Gut, and Senegal (feat. Ashlee Sang)
The Page About Freedom, the Tattoo, and Taking Charge of My Life
The Page About the Mustang Convertible, Parking Brake, and Feeling Badass
My First Date With the Power of Storytelling, and Where The Podcast Is Heading
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Send Olena a text!

How do you build trust with people, especially in the business or corporate world?

I used to think that one of the best ways to do it is to always have an action plan ready, especially for when things go wrong - because this is how you show that you take responsibility, and responsibility is what earns trust and respect. Right?

But what if you don’t have a plan? What if you are put on a spot and don’t have all the answers? What do you do then?

Well, I might have found an answer to this question.

In this episode, I share the story of a crisis at work when I actually had no plan and no idea how to solve the problem, but I still stepped forward and was absolutely open and honest about it. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:08] What I knew about confidence and trust building
[02:25] A special project with my biggest client
[03:22] The infinite cycle of adding to the timeline
[04:47] The boiling point: when I finally woke up and realized something was really wrong
[06:49] Meeting with the client while completely unprepared
[09:20] Taking ownership of the project and making all the difference
[12:28] What I know now about earning trust in the corporate world

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The Page About Firsts, Following Your Gut, and Senegal (feat. Ashlee Sang)
The Page About Business Ideas, Creating Space, and the Evolution of Our Stories
The Page About Doubts, Overthinking, and Getting Unstuck
Why “Fake It Till You Make It” Doesn’t Work And What To Do Instead To Build Confidence
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Raise your hand if you consider yourself a strong and capable woman.

Now, let me ask you—what do you normally do when you face a challenge or a problem, or struggle with something? If you are anything like me, you probably just go ahead and solve this problem, or deal with this challenge, or handle this struggle - all on your own.

And when someone asks you if everything is okay and if you need help, you probably tell them, “It’s fine, I am fine, everything is fine”. Because you are a strong and capable woman, right?

Well, let me just say that if you are doing this, you might be missing out on something very important…

In this episode, I share the story of how I spent years building a very tall and thick “I am fine” wall around myself, and why now I am bringing it down—brick by brick. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:09] The crushing disappointment of an empty masterclass
[03:49] Getting me to open up
[05:52] The power of talking it out
[06:48] How this “I’m fine” thing started
[09:56] Demolishing the wall brick by brick

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The Page About Firsts, Following Your Gut, and Senegal (feat. Ashlee Sang)
The Page About Wishes, Two Marriages, and Magic
The Page About Freedom, the Tattoo, and Taking Charge of My Life
The Page About the First Time I Put Myself First, Really
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

So often we want to know in advance what our life will look like, what decisions we will make along the way, and what results those decisions will lead to. We want to come up with the perfect plan today and then simply stick to it for the rest of our life.

But life is not meant to be lived by a plan.

And as much as we want to predict the future, it cannot be predicted.

Instead, we can shape our future - by the steps we take every day.

And it all starts with firsts - actions, decisions, and events that shift the direction of our lives forever. They show us who we are, what we are made of, and what we stand for.

In this episode, I am joined by a guest - an amazing, passionate, brave woman and my dear friend Ashlee Sang. She is sharing her story about how the 4 years she lived in Senegal, a country that many of us haven’t even heard about, shaped who she is, what she stands for, and how she sees the world today. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[02:10] How she moved to Senegal for love
[06:23] Dakar is a place of firsts that would shape her whole life
[09:28] The sensory overload of living in Dakar, the capital
[11:52] Ashlee’s biggest lessons from life in Senegal
[13:55] Back to the USA: life after Senegal
[15:48] Would Ashlee make the same choices if she could go back?
[17:31] How Ashlee felt having shared her story
[19:03] Ashlee’s message to everyone who thinks they’re not a storyteller

Connect with Ashlee SangInstagram: @ashleesangconsulting
Podcast: Purpose & Progress
Website: ashleesang.com OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:My First Date With the Power of Storytelling, and Where The Podcast Is Heading
The Page About the First Time I Put Myself First, Really
The Page About the Mustang Convertible, Parking Brake, and Feeling Badass
The Page About Doubts, Overthinking, and Getting Unstuck
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you sign up for something, “Sure, sounds fun, I’m in!”, but then later you are like “Holy crap what did I get myself into?”

Our life is all about choices, and this particular situation is no exception. You do have a choice — to either pull the brakes, back up, give up, change your mind (which is by the way the right choice to make in some cases!) or stick to it, go for it, take the leap.

And if you decide to take the leap, and if you do it for the right reasons — not because you are afraid that you’ll be named a coward but because you really want to find out what you are made of — you might be rewarded with a once in a lifetime experience!

In this episode, I‘m sharing a story about how I almost chickened out but ended up going 35 miles per hour on a zipline over the rainforest in Belize. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:08] The problem: adventurous spirit + fear of heights
[01:52] Ziplining for the first time in Austin
[04:09] Planning our week-long family trip to Belize
[05:21] The moment I realized what I had gotten myself into
[07:34] Facing my fear in the amazing 7-platform ziplining experience
[13:36] On the other side of my fear

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The Page About Private School Applications, Tough Choice, and Being Good Parents
The Page About Rock Climbing, Comparing Yourself to Others, and Facing Your Fears
The Page About the Sunken Kayak and Family Adventures
Live Your Life to the Fullest! 6 Reminders for Our Daily Lives I Brought Home From My Family Vacation
“Just do it!” The Worst Advice for Overcoming Fear (And What You Should Do/Say Instead)

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Has it ever happened to you that you really look forward to something, you can’t wait for it to happen, it means so much to you…

And then things go south, something unexpected happens, and it suddenly feels that this whole thing that you were looking forward to so much got completely ruined.

But did it, really?

Today’s page of the Breverie Handbook is about how my wedding day didn’t exactly start as I’d hoped it would (quite the opposite in fact), and how it ended with lots and lots of laughter. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:23] The two types of people when choosing their wedding day
[02:11] Then COVID 19 happened
[03:45] After lots of uncertainty it looked like the wedding would really happen
[04:44] I needed to wash my hair, but something wasn’t quite right with the shower
[06:55] Sleep eluded me despite my best efforts
[08:44] I had no choice, I guess it’s time for a freezingly cold shower
[10:26] Food and mimosas save the day
[11:13] It was the perfect day followed by lots of laughter

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The Page About Wishes, Two Marriages, and Magic
The Page About the Sunken Kayak and Family Adventures
The Page About the Mustang Convertible, Parking Brake, and Feeling Badass
The Page About the Christmas Tree, Big Ribbon Bow, and Perfection

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Being a parent is an impossible task. Doesn’t it feel sometimes that no matter what you do you can’t win?

As parents, more than anything in the world we want to do what is best for our children. And yet, we constantly doubt ourselves, our abilities, and our decisions.

I wish there was an easy way to solve this problem, but I haven’t found one yet.

Tune in to learn the solution I have found so far.

Today’s page of the Breverie Handbook is really about reminding all of you parents out there that you are doing amazing. And that you are not alone. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:33] The Middle School Dilemma: public or private
[03:35] The truly overwhelming application process
[04:42] The emotional toll of prepping for the admission test
[06:07] Questioning the decision we made for our daughter
[07:02] Feeling guilty won't help, so I’ve got to stop feeling guilty
[10:21] The rollercoaster of emotions of getting the results
[11:59] A happy ending to the long journey

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The Page About the First Time I Put Myself First, Really
Reflecting on What It Means to Be The Best Parent For Your Kids
Embracing Life's Contradictions: Juggling Parenting, Solitude, and Motivation
The mistake I made on Mother's Day and the dark side of motherhood
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

I heard someone say this recently: before telling your story, you need to wait a little bit. You need to let your story settle.

It is very true - because, while you are still in your story, while you are still experiencing the events of your story, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to zoom out and to truly understand the learnings and the transformation that this story brings - in fact, you might still be undergoing this transformation!

And here is something interesting. Sometimes you might think that a particular story has ended – that you learned everything from it.

But then later, sometimes years later, you realize that what you thought was the end of the story is really a transition to the next chapter. Suddenly, you uncover new insights and new depth in your story.

In this episode, I’m sharing with you a story that I thought was over three years ago and that surprised me recently. It is a story of how I started my business. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:32] Wanting to start my own business
[02:26] The search for the perfect business idea
[04:24] The solution: giving the search a rest and getting a tattoo
[07:02] The birth of Breverie. Hint: it wasn’t the end of the story
[08:15] The next chapter in my business’s story
[09:13] The importance of taking the first step

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The Page About Doubts, Overthinking, and Getting Unstuck
The Page About Freedom, the Tattoo, and Taking Charge of My Life
How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Sometimes we want to do something, we are about to do something, and we know we have the skills to do it. But then we start comparing ourselves to other people, and we fill ourselves with doubts.

We think to ourselves, “If they don’t do it, if they can’t do it, then I won’t be able to do it either - because they are so much better, or smarter, or stronger than me!”

But if we are brave enough to face those doubts, if we decide to do it anyway, we might get rewarded with the best possible feeling – the feeling of great pride and the biggest accomplishment. And it is in those moments that we discover what we are truly capable of.

In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how I confronted my doubts and fear of heights by rock climbing. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:06] When your doubts, fears, and comparison keep you from doing something
[02:25] Our family’s weekly rock climbing adventures
[03:18] The two challenges we face when we go rock climbing
[06:44] The goal: build up our physical and mental endurance and climb all the way to the top
[09:00] Taking my turn after my husband failed to make it to the top
[11:56] I did it!

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The Page About the Mustang Convertible, Parking Brake, and Feeling Badass
Why “Fake It Till You Make It” Doesn’t Work And What To Do Instead To Build Confidence
“Just do it!” The Worst Advice for Overcoming Fear (And What You Should Do/Say Instead)
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

You know what? Having doubts is okay. Being emotional is okay. Feeling stuck is okay.

Because after a moment of doubt, a moment of confidence will come. After you let your emotions out, you will feel better. After you get stuck, you will always get unstuck.

Always.

In this episode, I share the story of my doubt-and-overthinking-filled struggles to make my brand, program, offers, and website reflect the new direction I’m taking in my business. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[00:42] The two cases that make me feel stuck, helpless, and hopeless
[02:49] Struggling to clearly express my vision, mission, and values
[04:34] Step 1: Trying to do it myself, feeling stuck, getting help from a brand strategist
[06:00] Step 2: Tweaking my offers, getting stuck again, getting support from a sales strategist
[07:25] Step 3: Sitting down to write the website copy, feeling stuck, helpless and hopeless
[09:13] A fresh perspective and a good night of sleep
[12:02] Getting unstuck and feeling inspired to write

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Page About the Sunken Kayak and Family Adventures

The Page About the Mustang Convertible, Parking Brake, and Feeling Badass

How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead

Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

I’m sure you’ve heard this saying before: “Be careful what you wish for. You might just get it.”

There is a different version of this saying, by American writer Laurie Halse Anderson, which I like better: “Be careful what you wish for. There’s always a catch.” And I believe that the catch is in the “why”.

So, in this episode, I want to share with you two stories that were driven by two different whys and how they led to two completely different marriages. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:44] The fear-driven wish: my first marriage
[06:00] Rebuilding my life after my divorce
[08:08] Trying out eHarmony because “I had to”
[09:44] Enjoying being a single mom
[11:27] Reflecting on my failed marriage and what I’d look for in a new one
[13:17] The abundance-driven wish: a little nudge and my future husband

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The Page About Freedom, the Tattoo, and Taking Charge of My Life
The Page About the First Time I Put Myself First, Really
How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

What is freedom?

To me, it is about your right to be yourself. It is about letting go of that external pressure that we feel on our shoulders every single day, and finally giving yourself permission to be yourself. It is about openly expressing your thoughts, needs, and desires. It is about standing up for what you believe and pursuing your dreams. It is about being in charge of your life, owning your life.

In this episode, I’m sharing the story about the moment in my life when I was ready to reclaim my freedom, when I was ready to finally become who I am – who I have always been. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:05] A frustrating incident from my childhood
[04:02] My daughter and I moved back in with my parents
[04:49] Feeling like a guest and like I didn’t have a say in my life
[06:49] My mom’s disapproval of my sister’s tattoo
[07:31] When my daughter got sick and I got yelled at
[09:21] The tipping point: deciding to reclaim my freedom
[11:42] Getting a special tattoo and starting a new chapter

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The Page About the First Time I Put Myself First, Really
How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Make Peace With Yourself To Create The Impact You Are Here In This World To Create
Navigating Pivotal Moments In Life: How To Get Unstuck and Discover Your Next Step When You Feel Lost
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

What do we usually do when we want things to go perfectly? We come up with a plan, right?

But sometimes, things just don’t seem to work in our favor, no matter how hard we try. And we say, “screw it”, and we give up. But then, somehow we end up with the best possible outcome – something completely unexpected, but that makes our day!

In this episode, take a trip to Belize with me as I tell you about a family adventure that didn’t really go according to plan, and how instead it turned out to be so much better. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:05] Spending time together as a family is important for us
[02:33] The plan: snorkeling as a family in Belize
[03:22] 2 big problems and 1 possible but complicated solution
[05:13] The frustrated search for alternatives
[06:02] We go for the kayak but there’s no fish to be seen
[07:15] And… we almost sank our kayak
[09:39] Getting back to shore safely: an unexpected adventure

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Live Your Life to the Fullest! 6 Reminders for Our Daily Lives I Brought Home From My Family Vacation
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life
Ask Olena: My Proven Strategy to Actually Unplugging and Enjoying a Family Vacation

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

We are often hesitant to set priorities because we feel that once we choose one thing over the other, it automatically means that it’s more important, period. And especially when it comes to prioritizing “work” over “life”, or “life” over “work”, this choice seems to be impossible to make, or it causes feelings of guilt and shame.

And then we force ourselves to an impossible task – to do everything at once.

In this episode, I’m sharing a story about a time when everything got thrown at me all at once, all of which were equally important (family, work, and vacation), and I had to make some hard choices. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:15] High expectations for our much-awaited vacation
[02:37] Life throws some wrenches in my plans
[04:07] Everyone is clamoring for my attention all at once
[06:21] How I took back control and navigated my clashing priorities
[08:32] Finding peace by making choices aligned with my values

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life
Embracing Life's Contradictions: Juggling Parenting, Solitude, and Motivation

My 5 favorite tips on how to be productive without overwhelm - getting LESS done can actually help you achieve MORE

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Sometimes you spend years building your perfect life, or what you think is your perfect life. And then something happens, it all falls apart and it feels like your life is over now - because everything you’ve been working towards is not there anymore. But in fact, it might be not the end, but the beginning of your unique life.

In this episode, I share with you the first time in my life when I ever really put myself first. It’s the story of the decision I made eight years ago to file for divorce. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:01] I thought I had it all sorted out
[01:26] When I realized something was wrong
[03:15] How NOT fine my marriage was
[04:53] Realizing I deserve better but being full of doubts
[06:35] The opposite of love
[08:11] The turning point

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Reflecting on What It Means to Be The Best Parent For Your Kids
Navigating Pivotal Moments In Life: How To Get Unstuck and Discover Your Next Step When You Feel Lost
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

We often measure our success, or how cool and bold we are by the specific actions we take, and by the results of these actions. And if for some reason we fail, we immediately start doubting ourselves and our worth.

In this episode, take a trip to Hawaii with me and learn how I went from super embarrassed and beating myself up to feeling badass, proud, and ready to laugh about it. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[00:56] Convertibles and the real California dreamin’
[01:42] Planning our incredible trip to explore Hawaii
[02:55] The adventure begins with a beautiful bright orange Mustang convertible
[03:49] I’m new to driving and make a stupid and embarrassing mistake
[07:35] Sometimes all you need is a nudge to help you see the forest, not just the trees, and remember you’re already cool and badass

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:Ask Olena: Why Feeling Stupid and Feeling Badass Go Hand in Hand (and It is The ONLY Way to Mastery)
Live Your Life to the Fullest! 6 Reminders for Our Daily Lives I Brought Home From My Family Vacation
Ask Olena: My Proven Strategy to Actually Unplugging and Enjoying a Family Vacation
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Sometimes we think that what we want is perfection. But really, what we are looking for is to be able to share our joy and excitement with someone we love - to experience it together, and to create new memories, together.

Today's page of the Breverie Handbook is all about one realization that came to me on a Sunday evening in December as I was decorating our Christmas tree. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[00:59] One day I look forward to every holiday season
[01:51] My vision for the absolutely perfect Christmas tree
[03:29] Our Christmas ornaments shopping adventure
[05:53] It’s time to decorate the Christmas tree with my family
[09:30] It was never really about perfection

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Reflecting on What It Means to Be The Best Parent For Your Kids
How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Telling personal stories is the most powerful and most understated self-discovery andpersonal growth tool ever invented.
It's like a handbook. Your memories and life stories are like pages in your very own life manual, and all you need to do is be willing to look through those pages, read through them, and learn from them.
Sharing your personal stories out loud is like making a peace pact with yourself. Once you let it out, once you give yourself permission to let it out – something that you kept deep inside for so long – it liberates you.
And it begins to finally make sense. Your life, your deepest thoughts and desires, your wildest dreams and aspirations, your biggest fears and doubts – you begin to get it.
My name is Olena Mytruk, and it took me a while to learn the power of storytelling. But once I discovered it, I never looked back.
I invite you to join me on this adventurous and inspiring journey as I flip pages of my Breverie Handbook trying to figure out what it really takes to be a hardworking, passionate, multifaceted woman in today’s world.

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Over the years, I learned that by telling our stories, we’re not just helping others – we are helping ourselves. Telling stories is the best self-discovery and personal growth tool ever invented. That’s why storytelling will be at the heart of the podcast as it goes in a new direction.

In this episode, I am sharing how ten strangers and a secluded farm helped me discover the power of storytelling, and what the next direction of this podcast is going to be like. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:30] How I used to feel about telling my stories
[03:32] Then there was this in-person retreat
[04:58] My first date with the power of storytelling
[08:51] What sharing your personal stories can do for you

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:A Life Worth Living: Embrace Your Whole Self To Achieve Your Goals And Dreams
“Just do it!” The Worst Advice for Overcoming Fear (And What You Should Do/Say Instead)
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

I hear on social media and all over the place that we should “Let go of control! Trust the journey! Trust the process! Trust the universe!” And I bet you have heard it too.

This always makes me think this, though: “Yeah! I would be happy to do it, but can you please tell me HOW to actually do it?”

So, in this episode, I want to brainstorm with you and discuss why we want to control things and how we can actually let go of it to take charge of our lives instead. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[02:58] Let’s let go of what doesn’t serve us anymore: control
[04:04] Understanding the need for control
[05:55] When things (inevitably) go sideways
[08:50] Our need for autonomy
[10:10] Let go of control by taking charge with aligned action instead
[14:10] Life’s about learning to dance in the rain
[16:31] Want to join me on this journey?

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
How to Avoid The 3 Main Challenges Of Goal-Setting And Set Yourself Up For Success in 2024

Make Peace With Yourself To Create The Impact You Are Here In This World To Create

Life Design 101, Part 6: Building Confidence and Leaning on Your Personal Strengths to Overcome Fear and Challenges

Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Setting New Year's resolutions is not exactly the best way to set your goals for the coming year. I want you to know that there is a better way. A way that will give you the momentum that you need not just to set your goals but to actually be able to look back six months later and be amazed by how much progress you have made.

So, in this episode, you will understand why New Year’s resolutions don’t work, the 3 types of goals, and the 3 main challenges we face when we work on our goals. You will also be equipped with a better strategy to set your goals so that you get to do it in a way that sets you up for success in the coming year. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[03:28] 1st Challenge. Lack of motivation + Short-term goals
[05:17] 2nd Challenge. Goals and dreams that are so big they feel impossible + Long-term goals
[07:36] 3rd Challenge. Life keeps getting in the way + Mid-term goals
[09:36] The Solution. A combination of short-term goals, mid-term goals, and long-term goals
[13:17] How this goal-setting strategy helps you stay consistent with your goals
[16:41] Why I don't like New Year's resolutions

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:Life Design 101, Part 7: Goal-Setting and The 3 Levels of Goals You Should Keep in Mind

Life Design 101, Part 3: Ready to Stop Procrastinating And Discover The Right Goals for YOU?

Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

Ask Olena: 3 Things to Do if You Are Struggling to Stay Consistent with Your Workout Routine

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

I have a pretty important question for you: Who are you? I don’t mean what you do, but who are you as a person, as a woman, as a human being?

We focus so much on what we do that we forget that it's not our whole selves. It only describes a part of us and all parts of your life are important.

So, in this episode, I’m talking about the power of fully embracing our whole selves and I’ll help you start your journey of going deeper and learning about who you really are, so you can expand your life and achieve your goals and dreams. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:35] We are so much more than just what we do for work
[04:33] A life with many facets and layers is far richer and easier to navigate
[06:57] Who Are You… Really? Questions to start getting to know yourself better
[08:49] How understanding all the facets of who you are can help you uncover your core values and make peace with yourself
[11:45] The importance of embracing all parts of your life instead of just work and family
[13:07] By embracing who you already are, you not only gain so much energy you also get to better manage it
[15:33] The life that is really worth living

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Support Your Personal Growth Journey By Managing Your Energy

Make Peace With Yourself To Create The Impact You Are Here In This World To Create

Life Design 101, Part 5: Create Meaning, Joy, and Happiness Through Mastering Core Values

Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

I am a strong believer that managing, preserving, and maintaining the proper energy level lies in the foundation of sustainable personal growth. To me, it is impossible to maintain any lifestyle unless we become very intentional about our energy levels.

So, in this episode, I am talking about energy: our energy, why it is important for us to manage it carefully, how we can tell when we are running out of it, and how we can restore it and recharge our batteries when needed. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[03:33] Navigating the complicated and stressful Middle School application process with my daughter
[08:53] The impact being drained and stressed had on my relationship
[11:08] The skill of emotional intelligence: it is our responsibility to manage our own energy
[13:44] Is this a real trigger or a consequence of you running on empty?
[16:39] The story continues: getting ready for Round 2 with more meltdowns along the way
[20:10] How listening to myself and giving myself permission to take time to recharge made a world of difference
[22:59] The moral of the story: managing our energy is necessary to thrive in life

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Let’s Reflect On What It Means To Be The Best Parent For Your Kids

Life Design 101, Part 4: If You Want To Achieve Work Life Balance, Then Do THIS First

Life Design 101, Part 2: How to Achieve Desired Results Without Burnout or Multitasking

Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

I just got back from our seven-day family trip to Belize. It was such an awesome vacation and besides gaining some amazing experiences, having fun, and trying new things, I was also reminded of some very important things.

In this episode, I want to share with you these six reminders that were inspired by our trip and that I'm bringing home with me. I will use them in my daily life and hopefully, you can use them in yours as well to live your life to the fullest today. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[02:00] Our 7-day family trip to Belize
[05:02] Reminder 1. Slowing down in your daily life
[07:39] Reminder 2. Noticing what's happening around you and appreciating it more
[09:25] Reminder 3. Not stressing too much about things that aren’t worth being stressed about
[12:05] Reminder 4. Taking small steps today is much better than waiting for some big step in the future
[14:53] Reminder 5. Sometimes the most fun and exciting things await you on the other side of your fear
[18:01] Reminder 6. Living your life in between to the fullest instead of just waiting for the next vacation

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
“Just do it!” The Worst Advice for Overcoming Fear (And What You Should Do/Say Instead)

Ask Olena: My Proven Strategy to Actually Unplugging and Enjoying a Family Vacation

Sustainability is NOT only about our planet – it starts with preserving your own resources

Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Please hear me out. There are so many bad things in this world to fight against. You are not one of them. So please stop fighting yourself.

In this episode, I will share with you the story of how I made peace with myself and why I believe it's so important for us to be at peace with ourselves. Ironically, my story about finding inner peace is actually related to the war that is happening in Ukraine.

This might be the most personal and most vulnerable podcast episode I have recorded to date, but I believe that it's very important that I tell this story, especially based on where I am in my life and my work.

I hope it resonates with you. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[03:26] A little bit more about myself: the background for this story
[06:16] Being in the middle of the growing hate that people have towards each other on both sides of the conflict
[07:37] My brother-in-law was a prisoner of war and thankfully survived
[09:32] My personal tragedy in this conflict: my family doesn’t talk to each other anymore
[10:29] My huge internal conflict: feeling I had to choose sides, why I couldn’t, and how I finally made peace with myself
[14:06] Why it's so important for us to be at peace with ourselves and how you can find that with yourself

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:Personal values – what they are, why they are important, and three exercises to find them

Life Design 101, Part 5: Create Meaning, Joy, and Happiness Through Mastering Core Values

Unlocking Abundance: Navigating Life's Challenges through Vision and Values Alignment

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Recently, I came across a pin on Pinterest that said “8 Things You Must Do In The Morning To Supercharge Your Productivity”. Well, I hate when people give one-size-fits-all type of advice like this to others, so I clicked on the article to see what it was all about.

Each of the 8 things makes sense at one time or the other, but saying that they are a must for every morning before 9 a.m. and that without them you will not be productive is nonsense.

So, in this episode, I will go through these 8 things with you and I will just give you my honest opinion about each one. Why? Because I want to end this manipulation and help you find the way that will work for you. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[04:52] 1. Get Up early - It’s not about having more hours, it’s about how you use them
[08:06] 2. Work Out - Find the time that works best for your body and schedule
[10:43] 3. Read The News - This is important, but first thing in the morning is probably not the best time for this
[12:57] 4. Plan Your Day - Focus on the things that are going to move the needle and eliminate what isn’t
[16:10] 5. Meditate - It doesn’t need to be meditation, find your own way of staying present and mindful
[22:01] 6. Make Your Bed - There are other ways to set the right tone for the day
[23:01] 7. Drink A Tall Glass Of Water - You need to stay hydrated, but always follow your body’s needs
[24:44] 8. Eat A Nutritious Breakfast - Breakfast is not a must, but being present and enjoying your food is important

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
What it REALLY means to be productive (hint: it's NOT what you think it is)

My 5 favorite tips on how to be productive without overwhelm - getting LESS done can actually help you achieve MORE

Life Design 101, Part 3: Kickstart the Ripple Effect and Achieve 10X Results in Both Work and Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Lately, I have been reflecting a lot on my parenting and really thinking on the very important question: What does it mean to be the best parent for your kids?

To be honest, I don’t have an answer to that but I think, especially as mothers, we all want to be the best parents for our kids and we want to set the best example.

So, in this episode, I’m sharing with you my thoughts on this question along with a few stories and examples that show how I am working on becoming the best mother for my daughter. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[02:43] More than A family, my daughter needs a HAPPY family and setting the right example
[05:39] It's not about the quantity, it's about the quality of time you spend with your kids
[07:45] Why being with your kids 24/7 isn’t the best for either you or them
[10:59] Unfortunately, there’s no way to find out right now if you’re really doing the right thing
[14:50] The best we can do as parents really is to be the best version of ourselves for our kids

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:The mistake I made on Mother's Day and the dark side of motherhood

Ask Olena: My Proven Strategy to Actually Unplugging and Enjoying a Family Vacation

Life Design 101, Part 4: If You Want To Achieve Work Life Balance, Then Do THIS First

Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

We hear very often people recommending us to “Fake it till you make it.” I myself have heard this phrase many times and every time I heard it, there was this inner resistance inside me. Recently, it became very clear to me where this resistance was coming from.

So, in this episode, I am sharing my thoughts on this phrase, why it never sounded quite right to me, and a much better way to build confidence that doesn’t involve any faking. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[02:08] How speaking at a panel about Executive Presence within my company inspired this episode
[07:47] The problem with “fake it till you make it”
[11:40] The concept of the cookie jar and developing the skill of successfully stepping into the unknown
[13:41] My personal experiences of stepping into the unknown
[16:43] You really don’t need to fake anything – here’s what to do instead

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
3 Lessons I Learned at the Yellow Conference 2023 For Living a More Beautiful and Fuller Life

Life Design 101, Part 6: Building Confidence and Leaning on Your Personal Strengths to Overcome Fear and Challenges

Embracing the Unknown: The Truth about Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Seeking external approval WON'T help you build your confidence – here's what WILL

My thoughts on getting out of your comfort zone, or should you really start before you are ready?

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

If you are struggling in your business right now, you're trying all the right things, and you're trying so hard to make it work, but it's still not working or bringing you the results that you wanted, then it's very likely that you are making this big mistake without even realizing that.

In this episode, I'm going to tell you exactly what this mistake is, how I made it, how I fixed it, and how you can fix it too, so you too can 10X your business and your life. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[02:17] My failed Masterclass: the story of how I made this mistake myself
[06:56] Stepping back and the power of accepting the fact that it just isn't going to work
[14:37] The mistake that I made and that you are likely making
[16:56] How to fix this mistake and find a way to achieve your biggest dreams, goals, and desired results
[19:19] Thinking about elevating your life by 10X versus elevating it by 2X

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

Life Design 101, Part 2: How to Achieve Desired Results Without Burnout or Multitasking

Life Design 101, Part 3: Kickstart the Ripple Effect and Achieve 10X Results in Both Work and Life

Three key lessons to business success that I wish I knew when I was starting my own business

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Last week, I attended the Yellow Conference 2023, my first in-person conference in years, and this time as a panelist. The whole experience was filled with inspiration, empowerment, connection, warmth, and wonder. It left me feeling very positive, very energized, and very excited about the future.

So, in this episode, I’m bringing some of that wonder to you and sharing with you 3 learnings that stood out to me during the Conference and that will help you: deal with comparison in your life, achieve anything that you truly deeply want, let go of the need to be strong all the time, and navigate life with excitement and wonder. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:31] My experience at the Yellow Conference 2023
[05:50] Lesson 1 - from Arielle Estoria - each one of us has our own unique timeline, embrace your uniqueness
[10:10] Lesson 2 - from Dr. Sonya Anderson - being a strong woman doesn’t mean you can’t be soft, have doubts, or show weakness
[16:33] Lesson 3 - making the most out of change and approaching life with wonder and excitement instead of fear
[20:50] A new commitment to myself

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Sustainable lifestyle is NOT only about our planet – it starts with YOU

Life Design 101, Part 6: Building Confidence and Leaning on Your Personal Strengths to Overcome Fear and Challenges

What it REALLY means to be productive (hint: it’s NOT what you think it is)

Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

You know you want to be doing something else in your life, but you don't know what. So, how do you find that next step?
In this episode, I’m sharing with you what I wish somebody had told me eight years ago when I felt extremely lost. I’ll walk you through some actionable steps to help you get unstuck, and I’ll uncover some mistakes that I see people make (and that I have made in the past) that actually prevent us from uncovering our path. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[02:58] My own experience with feeling lost and stuck
[05:00] Mistake 1: The pressure to figure it out right here and now
[06:45] Mistake 2: Trying a ton of different things randomly and mindlessly
[08:49] The answers are already within you
[09:34] Uncovering your core values and personal strengths
[11:28] A positive mindset naturally leads to more opportunities and clarity
[14:08] Don’t pressure yourself!

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Life Design 101, Part 6: Building Confidence to Accomplish More While Doing Less

Life Design 101, Part 5: Create Meaning, Joy, and Happiness, and Ultimately Fulfill Your Life Purpose Through Mastering Core Values

Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

Personal values – what they are, why they are important, and three exercises to find them

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Recently, I officially ran my first 5K race ever and during the race I experienced three learnings that are about running, but they are also not about running because they can be applied in every area of our lives.
So, in this episode, I share these three lessons that will help you thrive, find the right motivation, and achieve your goals. Once mastered, these learnings will help you grow and take your life to the next level.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[01:36] Running my first 5K race: an unexpected endeavor
[03:59] Learning 1: we thrive in the right environment
[08:36] Learning 2: find the right motivation by setting life goals that are process-oriented
[12:27] Learning 3: the two things you need to have for the highest chance of achieving your goals
[17:36] What can you do today to take your life to the next level?

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Life Design 101, Part 7: How To Set And Achieve Life Goals
Life Design 101, Part 4: Achieve Your Goals With Life Domains
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Is Life Design And How Can It Change Your Life?
Ask Olena: 3 Things to Do if You Are Struggling to Stay Consistent with Your Workout Routine

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

I have been spending my time lately trying to come up with a better way to teach and learn because especially when it comes to learning life skills, we don't want to just pass the test or complete the course and then forget it.
So, in this episode, I’m exploring with you some different ways to learn and teach things, including some common-sense life examples of how we learn basic skills, so we can come up with the most efficient learning experience. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[03:01] The advantages and disadvantages of online courses and life coaching
[06:44] Example #1: School Education in Ukraine and the US
[11:46] Example #2: Learning how to drive a car
[15:05] Example #3: Fitness training with a personal trainer
[17:46] The importance of setting a timeframe for your learning experience
[19:34] The ultimate life skills learning experience
[21:34] The learning experience inside Breverie 10x and why the program is what it is

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:What Is Life Design And How Can It Change Your Life?
3 Powerful Ways To Shift From Scarcity To An Abundance Mindset
How To Stay Focused And Stop Trying To Do Too Many Things At Once
Learn how to build confidence in just 5 minutes a day (and see a huge boost in 4 weeks)

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

"Don't be afraid, just do it." This is probably the worst advice you can give someone who is experiencing fear. Hear me out. It’s not just useless, it dismisses people's real fears and feelings. Fear is a natural protection mechanism and an important signal to pay attention to.
So, in this episode, I’m sharing what I believe you should do instead when facing fear and how you can help someone who is feeling afraid.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[02:30] The worst advice that I hear out there
[05:00] Situations I felt afraid and steps I took that helped me overcome that fear
[09:53] What can you do to overcome fear (in a way that actually helps)?
[12:16] 8 questions to help you calm down and think through fear
[14:21] Turning your fear into a GOAL and breaking it down into smaller actionable steps
[17:04] Gaining confidence to overcome your fears doesn't have to be hard or painful

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:What is the life ripple effect, and how it can help you achieve your goals
My thoughts on getting out of your comfort zone, or should you really start before you are ready?
Embracing the Unknown: The Truth about Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Life Design 101, Part 6: Building Confidence to Accomplish More While Doing Less

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Setting goals can be hard. Sometimes, they feel too big and impossible, so it’s hard to even take that first step. Sometimes, they feel too small or unimportant, so we lack the motivation to pursue them.

So, in this episode, I’m sharing something I teach inside Breverie 10X, the three-level goal strategy that will help you set goals with more intention, goals that will fuel you with motivation to pursue and accomplish them. EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

[03:10] Short-term goals: benefits and common struggles
[07:49] Long-term goals: benefits and common struggles
[09:53] The reason why we may struggle so much to achieve our goals
[11:02] My Breverie 10X strategy for setting goals that are actionable and extremely motivating
[22:17] Olena’s two tips for setting the right goals for you
[35:24] What is Breverie 10X?
[37:07] The problem with SMART Goals and how you can fix it

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

Life Design 101, Part 2: How to Achieve Desired Results Without Burnout and Without Multitasking

Life Design 101, Part 3: Kickstart the Ripple Effect and Achieve 10X Results in Both Work and Life

Life Design 101, Part 4: If You Want To Achieve Work Life Balance, Then Do This First

Life Design 101, Part 5: Create Meaning, Joy and Happiness, and Ultimately Fulfill Your Life Purpose Through Mastering Core Values

Life Design 101, Part 6: Building Confidence to Accomplish More While Doing Less

HAVE A STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?Complete this form, and if your story is a good fit for the Breverie Handbook Podcast, I'll reach out to you with the next steps. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your story!

CONNECT WITH OLENA:Telegram: https://t.me/olenamytruk
Email: olena@thebreverie.com
Website: thebreverie.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (here). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Recognizing and appreciating your strengths is the key to building self-confidence over time and to accomplishing more while doing less. I believe that.

So, in this episode, I explore the concept of personal strengths and why they are an important – but often overlooked – part of life design and personal growth. I’ll start by sharing a personal story on how I overcame my fear of heights through rock climbing and by tapping into my strengths of courage, critical thinking, and self-control. Episode Breakdown:

[01:50] What rock climbing with my family taught me about my strengths and weaknesses
[07:33] The cookie jar analogy: pairing your strengths to your values to accomplish your goals
[10:24] What are personal strengths? And how courage, critical thinking, and self-control helped me overcome one of my major fears in life
[14:05] Why recognizing your strengths is an essential part of personal growth
[16:30] What’s the difference between strengths and skills?
[19:51] 3 simple ways to help you uncover your biggest strengths (so you can lean on them in times of need)
[23:55] Should you work on your weaknesses?

Other episodes you might like:

Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life

Life Design 101, Part 2: How to Achieve Desired Results Without Burnout and Without Multitasking

Life Design 101, Part 3: Kickstart the Ripple Effect and Achieve 10X Results in Both Work and Life

Life Design 101, Part 4: If You Want To Achieve Work Life Balance, Then Do This First

Life Design 101, Part 5: Create Meaning, Joy and Happiness, and Ultimately Fulfill Your Life Purpose Through Mastering Core Values

Resources and LinksFREE 6-month scholarship application within Breverie 10X is now OPEN! Apply HERE until EOD September 12th!
[FREE MINI COURSE] Learn how to find 3 extra hours in your day – without stress and overwhelm, without multitasking, and without sacrificing your sleep. Sign up HERE!
Have a question, a topic, or a challenge that you'd like me to address in future podcast episodes? Submit it HERE! (Yes, you read that right – it's like a free coaching session with me!) Connect with Olena:Instagram: @thebreverie
Website: thebreverie.com
Pinterest: Olena Mytruk | Life Design Coach & Mentor | Work Life Balance

Support the Show!Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (HERE). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Today we are talking about the second, and also very important, component of Life Design – core values.
Knowing your core values and living in line with them not only helps you set the right priorities (and feel good about these priorities without FOMO!). Ultimately, it is the way for you to create your purpose.
If you feel that you lack meaning and purpose in life, if you struggle to set priorities or make decisions, if you have constant fear of missing out, then this episode is for you!

FREE 6-month scholarship application within Breverie 10X is now OPEN! Apply HERE until EOD September 12th!

Have a question, a topic, or a challenge that you'd like me to address in the future podcast episodes? Submit it HERE! (Yes, you read that right – it's like a free coaching session with me!)
[FREE MINI COURSE] Learn how to find 3 extra hours in your day – without stress and overwhelm, without multitasking and without sacrificing your sleep. Sign up HERE!

Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (HERE). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Connect with me on Instagram @thebreverie and let me know what you think of the episode – I would LOVE to hear from you!

It's pretty hard to achieve the perfect life balance if you don't even know what you are balancing, would you agree? That's why the first of the key components of Life Design is life domains – important areas of your life.
In this episode, I dive deep into what life domains are, why they matter, and how exactly understanding your life domains can help you create a holistic picture of your life and then balance it all in a sustainable way, while enjoying your life in the process and actually taking it to the next level.
Are you ready to stop living your life by accident and start living it by design? Then this episode, which is part of the Life Design 101 series, is for you!

FREE 6-month scholarship application within Breverie 10X is now OPEN! Apply HERE until EOD September 12th!

Have a question, a topic, or a challenge that you'd like me to address in the future podcast episodes? Submit it HERE! (Yes, you read that right – it's like a free coaching session with me!)
[FREE MINI COURSE] Learn how to find 3 extra hours in your day – without stress and overwhelm, without multitasking and without sacrificing your sleep. Sign up HERE!

Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (HERE). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Connect with me on Instagram @thebreverie and let me know what you think of the episode – I would LOVE to hear from you!

In the previous episode, we covered the first 3 out of 6 foundational principles of Life Design. In this one, I share 3 remaining principles.
So, if you are ready to stop procrastinating, to discover which goals are right for you (and which are absolutely not), and, most importantly, to find out how you can achieve 10X results in both work and life without having to do more (and while actually loving your life!), then this episode is for you!

FREE 6-month scholarship application within Breverie 10X is now OPEN! Apply HERE until EOD September 12th!

Have a question, a topic, or a challenge that you'd like me to address in the future podcast episodes? Submit it HERE! (Yes, you read that right – it's like a free coaching session with me!)
[FREE MINI COURSE] Learn how to find 3 extra hours in your day – without stress and overwhelm, without multitasking and without sacrificing your sleep. Sign up HERE!

Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (HERE). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Connect with me on Instagram @thebreverie and let me know what you think of the episode – I would LOVE to hear from you!

Ever wondered what a hot air balloon has to do with your capacity, or how killing flies with a swatter is related to multitasking, or what is common between open blinds in your bedroom and overcoming challenges? Haha, likely no, but this is exactly what this episode is about!
In this episode, which is Part 2 of the Life Design 101 series, I cover the first 3 out of 6 foundational principles of Life Design.
Mastering these principles will allow you to achieve the results you desire effortlessly and with joy, and without the risk of burnout and without multitasking.
So, if you are ready to stop living your life by accident and start living it by design, then tune in!

Sign up for the FREE 3-week Life Design 101 Bootcamp, and learn how to 10X YOUR LIFE!

Have a question, a topic, or a challenge that you'd like me to address in the future podcast episodes? Submit it HERE! (Yes, you read that right – it's like a free coaching session with me!)
[FREE MINI COURSE] Learn how to find 3 extra hours in your day – without stress and overwhelm, without multitasking and without sacrificing your sleep. Sign up HERE!

Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (HERE). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Connect with me on Instagram @thebreverie and let me know what you think of the episode – I would LOVE to hear from you!

You know what I just realized? I talk about life design a lot on this podcast, but I never actually recorded a podcast episode fully dedicated to it. I never really explained before what it is and, more importantly, how it can help you start thriving in life, career and business.

But, it is better late than never, right? So, in this episode, I share four essential components of thriving in life, explain why each one of them is important and how life design can help you master all of them.

Are your ready to stop living your life by accident and start living it by design? Then this episode is for you!

Sign up for the FREE 3-week Life Design 101 Bootcamp, and learn how to 10X YOUR LIFE!

Have a question, a topic, or a challenge that you'd like me to address in the future podcast episodes? Submit it HERE! (Yes, you read that right – it's like a free coaching session with me!)
[FREE MINI COURSE] Learn how to find 3 extra hours in your day – without stress and overwhelm, without multitasking and without sacrificing your sleep. Sign up HERE!

Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (HERE). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Connect with me on Instagram @thebreverie and let me know what you think of the episode – I would LOVE to hear from you!

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a rut, operating out of fear rather than leaning into your desires? You're not alone - we've all been there. But here's the good news: there is a way forward.
In this episode, I share how a shift in mindset towards operating from a place of abundance can dramatically impact your ability to navigate life's challenges. By aligning your vision with your core values, you can unlock the power needed to guide you towards your goals and fill your journey with purpose - so that you can create the impact that you are meant for.

Sign up for the FREE 3-week Life Design 101 Bootcamp, and learn how to 10X YOUR LIFE!

Have a question, a topic, or a challenge that you'd like me to address in the future podcast episodes? Submit it HERE! (Yes, you read that right – it's like a free coaching session with me!)
[FREE MINI COURSE] Learn how to find 3 extra hours in your day – without stress and overwhelm, without multitasking and without sacrificing your sleep. Sign up HERE!

Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (HERE). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Connect with me on Instagram @thebreverie and let me know what you think of the episode – I would LOVE to hear from you!

Do you ever find yourself trying to do everything at once, grabbing every task, every opportunity that comes your way? Then, you likely don't see the results you expect, you don't get the desired satisfaction, and you give up quickly.
If you want to break this cycle, you need to know the following:

That your capacity is in fact limited
How to set the right priorities
How to choose the right motivation

This is exactly what I talk about in this episode. So, if you are the type of person who always tries to do everything at once, then this episode is for you!

Sign up for the FREE 3-week Life Design 101 Bootcamp, and learn how to 10X YOUR LIFE!

Have a question, a topic, or a challenge that you'd like me to address in the future podcast episodes? Submit it HERE! (Yes, you read that right – it's like a free coaching session with me!)
[FREE MINI COURSE] Learn how to find 3 extra hours in your day – without stress and overwhelm, without multitasking and without sacrificing your sleep. Sign up HERE!

Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (HERE). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!

Connect with me on Instagram @thebreverie and let me know what you think of the episode – I would LOVE to hear from you!

Ever felt like your vacations are just another chore? Struggling to maintain a work-life balance while planning and executing family trips? Well, you're not alone. After several trial and error vacations, I finally cracked the code during my recent journey to the Bahamas with my family. From swimming with dolphins to exploring the grotto from the iconic James Bond movie, it was an adventure of a lifetime! Not only did I ensure we embraced fun in our own unique ways, but I also achieved something I hadn't done in years – I fully unplugged from work.

But how did I manage this seamless blend of relaxation and adventure, you might wonder? It's all about designing it. In this episode, I share effective strategies and practical tips that have worked for my family and me. Whether it's using your life map to know what's coming, or planning ahead and creating time buffer, these insights will help you experience a truly relaxing and memorable vacation.

So tune in and discover how to design your next perfect family vacation!

Have a question, a topic, or a challenge that you'd like me to address in the future podcast episodes? Submit it HERE! (Yes, you read that right – it's like a free coaching session with me!)
[FREE MINI COURSE] Learn how to find 3 extra hours in your day – without stress and overwhelm, without multitasking and without sacrificing your sleep. Sign up HERE!
Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (HERE). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!
Connect with me on Instagram @thebreverie and let me know what you think of the episode – I would LOVE to hear from you!

Did you know that spending time in your comfort zone is as essential as stepping out of it? Well, I'm here to highlight the importance of recognizing your comfort zone, and the balance between periods of rest and push.
Join me as I tackle a listener's question on the right approach to leave your comfort zone while sharing my experiences from moving from Ukraine to the United States.
Be ready to break the myth about the 'perfect plan', and open your mind to a world of boundless possibilities.
Regardless of whether you're gearing up for a significant life-altering journey, or taking a small yet meaningful step towards personal growth, this episode is an invitation to embrace the thrilling unknown!

Have a question, a topic, or a challenge that you'd like me to address in the future podcast episodes? Submit it HERE! (Yes, you read that right – it's like a free coaching session with me!)
[FREE MINI COURSE] Learn how to find 3 extra hours in your day – without stress and overwhelm, without multitasking and without sacrificing your sleep. Sign up HERE!
Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (HERE). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!
Connect with me on Instagram @thebreverie and let me know what you think of the episode – I would LOVE to hear from you!

It's easy to start a new routine, but it's much harder to stick to this routine for a long amount time and to keep it consistent. It is especially true when it comes to working out, because you don't see immediate results.
So how do you stay motivated? How do you ensure that you don't give up after a week or a month? Let's find out.

Have a question, a topic, or a challenge that you'd like me to address in the future podcast episodes? Submit it HERE! (Yes, you read that right – it's like a free coaching session with me!)
[FREE MINI COURSE] Learn how to find 3 extra hours in your day – without stress and overwhelm, without multitasking and without sacrificing your sleep. Sign up HERE!
Haven't left a review yet? All you need to do is go to Apple Podcasts (HERE). Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world to me!
Connect with me on Instagram @thebreverie and let me know what you think of the episode – I would LOVE to hear from you!

Recently, I got a DM on Instagram from a follower – she asked me if I ever worry that I'll feel stupid if I push myself out my comfort zone. And the short answer is YES, I don't just worry, I actually feel stupid all the time!
In fact, I strongly believe that feeling stupid and feeling bold and cool are two sides of the same coin – it means that you are willing to learn something, it means that you are brave enough to try something you've never tried before. And of course, at first you will feel like you have no idea what you're doing.
But that is the only way to mastery.

Want me to answer your question next? Submit it here!

USEFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Sign up for the FREE Online Mini Course and learn how to find 3 extra hours in your day (without stress and overwhelm and without sacrificing your sleep)
Join the Breverie Circle and unlock the secret of "how to get it all done"
Connect with Olena on Instagram
Breverie on Pinterest

Hard to believe that it's been 2.5 years since I started my business. Throughout all this time, I have learned a lot of lessons. Some of them are "come and go", but some have stayed with me and have proven to be the key to success.
In today's episode, I want to share three of such lessons - the ones I continue to remind myself of regularly. I am sure you will benefit from them regardless of whether you are just starting, or whether you've been in business for several years already.
So, without further ado, let's dive right in!

USEFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Sign up for the FREE Online Mini Course: How to find 3 extra hours in a day
Join the Breverie Circle and unlock the secret of "how to get it all done"
Connect with Olena on Instagram
Breverie on Pinterest

Whenever we hear the word "sustainability", we immediately think of the environment.But sustainability is in fact so much more than just protecting our planet.
Do you remember, when you are on a plane and before it takes off, they always tell you that in case of the lack of oxygen you will need to put on your mask first before assisting others? That's because in order to take care of anything or anyone, you first need to take care of yourself.
Wondering why I brought this up? Because sustainability is not just about preserving the natural resources of our planet – it starts with you preserving your own resources.
It is about designing a lifestyle that you can actually sustain for an extended period of time – without stress or burnout.

USEFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Sign up for the FREE Online Mini Course: How to find 3 extra hours in a day
Join the Breverie Circle and unlock the secret of "how to get it all done"
Connect with Olena on Instagram
Breverie on Pinterest

Often, when we are progressing with something, when we are getting better at it, and then when we suddenly hit a setback, we immediately begin to blame ourselves. We start to feel like all that progress that we were making is gone, wasted, and that we have ultimately failed. Have you ever felt like this?
In 2021, after working out consistently for several years, I got into my best fitness shape ever. And then I lost some of it. At first, it made me feel very frustrated. But then I realized that it is actually okay, that there is nothing wrong with me.
And this is what today's episode is about.

USEFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Join the Breverie Circle and unlock the secret of "how to get it all done"
Connect with Olena on Instagram
Breverie on Pinterest

I said it before, and I will say it again – real productivity has nothing to do with the quantity of tasks that you check off your to-do list.
Over the last few years, I learned many lessons, some very hard way, that you can get a hundred tasks done and still feel like you did nothing. And on the other hand, sometimes getting just a few things completed makes you feel great.
In today's episode, I am sharing my top five favorite tips that help me achieve the latter – without stress and overwhelm.

USEFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Join the Breverie Circle and unlock the secret of "how to get it all done"
Connect with Olena on Instagram
Breverie on Pinterest

Here is something that no one really talks about when it comes to motherhood.
There is this common misconception that because we as mothers are supposed to love our children unconditionally, we cannot get mad at them, ever. And if we do, than it automatically makes us bad parents.
But that is simply not true.

USEFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Join the Breverie Circle and unlock the secret of "how to get it all done"
Connect with Olena on Instagram
Breverie on Pinterest

Here is the hard truth – you can be a highly skilled professional, a smart and very successful person, and still be lacking confidence.
You can tell that you don't have enough self-confidence when you constantly seek other people's approval. You hope that obtaining this approval will help you overcome your fears, fear of failure in particular.
Unfortunately, it won't...
But there is another, a much better way to build your confidence – a way that you can implement today.
Tune in for this episode and learn what it is!

USEFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Join the Breverie Circle and unlock the secret of "how to get it all done"
Connect with Olena on Instagram
Breverie on Pinterest

We all navigate challenges in our daily life. Some of these challenges are small and some are big, some are easy and some are difficult. While dealing with these challenges, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your whole life is falling apart.
In this episode, I am sharing three simple things that help me find joy and meaning in life – even in the most challenging situations.

USEFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Join the Breverie Circle and unlock the secret of "how to get it all done"
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I admit that I live a very busy life. And I bet you do too. And I also bet you've heard many times that being busy is bad and that you should stop being busy.
Well, I am here today to break this myth and to tell you that busy is actually GOOD, along with other 5 myths about being busy.
Curious what those are? Then tune in!

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Do you wonder why sometimes you don't feel like you are being productive, even though you are definitely staying busy? Do you ever have to tell yourself that "rest is productive" in order to give yourself permission to rest and do nothing?
If yes, then this episode is for you. We are diving deep into what it really means to be productive, and (spoiler alert!) it is NOT what you think it is.

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If you want to build a meaningful life, if you want to be able to make the right choices in life, if you want to find motivation to do something, it is essential that you know your personal values.
There are many different exercises you can use to discover your core values, and in this episode I share three exercises that you can try today, along with my own personal findings and insights.

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Do you often get stressed and overwhelmed? Do you wonder why your life gets so busy easily? I have found that it all comes down to the three core behaviors that trigger these feelings.
Let's break it down so you know what to watch for, how to fix it and what to do instead. And as a bonus, you will also learn how to say "no" without saying "no".

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In the world of busyness, stress and overwhelm, traditional tools, practices and strategies don't work anymore. You need new tools and strategies to navigate your busy life.

And in today's episode, I share what these new strategies are.

But first, let's address two fundamental problems related to how we approach our life.

Are you ready? Let's dive in!

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Sometimes you make plans, but the Universe has other plans for you. This is exactly what happened to me a couple weeks ago when we went on a family trip to LA. It was supposed to be a nice and relaxing trip and... well, let's just say that reality turned out to be quite different.

It felt like everything that could go wrong went wrong. Sounds like an epic fail and ultimate disaster, doesn't it?

And yet, I am truly grateful for this experience. Because it forced me to realize several very important things. I had no other choice but to stay laser focused, set my priorities very carefully, use all the strengths I had and be extremely flexible in order to navigate it all.

This is what this episode is about. And if you are like me, if your life is busy and complicated, if you constantly juggle a lot of different things, then please do yourself a favor and give it a listen.

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There is this big trend happening in the personal growth and life coaching space right now related to getting out of your comfort zone.

"Start before you are ready", "Get outside of your comfort zone" – I'm sure you've heard this advice before. And don't get me wrong, I'm all about challenging myself and testing what I am capable of. But I want to do it the right way. And I want you to do it the right way too.

So in today's episode, I am sharing my thoughts about what it really means to be ready, when is the right time to get out of your comfort zone and whether you should start before or when you are ready.

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I few weeks ago I suddenly realized that I was getting overloaded with information, and that made me think about some tips, or reminders, that help me protect my boundaries and maintain my mental health – and learning to control inbound information flow is one of them.

If you are struggling with getting too much information and not having enough time to process it, if you feel like your areas of life negatively affect each other, or if you tend to take responsibility for other people's thoughts, feelings and decisions – then this episode is definitely for you.

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Do you have those days when you did a million different things, but at the end of the day you feel like you did nothing? And then there are other days – when you feel accomplished, when you feel like you did something really meaningful and valuable.

Why is that?

There is this paradox – we believe that the more tasks we check off our to-do list the better it will make us feel. But in reality it works in a completely opposite way. It is when we set our priorities carefully, when we focus on less things and egnage with them on a deeper level that we find that meaning that we seek.

In this episode, I dive deep into this paradox, I talk about quality vs quantity, and I share some of my personal tips that will hopefully help you start feeling better about your days.

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One thing that I find particularly challenging to handle in my day to day life is maintaning the balance between all areas of my life. It's like we constantly juggle way too many things, we try to do everything, and still it often feels like we don't hit the mark anywhere.

So in today's episode, I want to dive into the topic of life balance – what it is, why it is important to become aware all areas that your life consists of, and how you can actually create that holistic picture of your own life.

I am going to share one exercise with you that I personally found very helpful, insightful and thought-proviking. And if you want to try this exercise too, you can find it inside the Breverie Circle – so come join us inside this community while it's still free!

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The weather has been getting better lately, and this week I was able to go for an outdoor run for the first time in several months. And as I was running, I came up with five realizations, or lessons, which I would love to share with you today – because they are about running, but also they are not about running.

I hope you find this episode helpful and insightful. And if it inspires YOU to go for a run, just know that it will make me very, very happy!

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I am a strong believer that the answers you are looking for are already within you. And in order to uncover them, you need to create space and then to listen carefully so you don't miss them when they come.

It's definitely easier said than done, and it has played out in different shapes and forms in my life.

In this episode, I am sharing three different stories where I was able to find an answer I was looking for. These stories all happened at different times and under different circumstances, but they all had something in common – something that I now try to intentionally apply in my life whenever I feel lost or stuck.

If this is something you are interested in, or if you are at the crossroads right now and you need to make a decision or find an answer, then I am inviting you to join me for this episode!

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This episode is a bit different from all the previous ones.

First of all, it's very personal and vulnerable. In this episode, we are going to break down the whcole concept of happiness VS success, and we will find an answer to the question, "Which one is more important and which one should come first".

I am really excited about this episode and about the whole new chapter of my journey that starts with it, and I am inviting you to join me on this journey!

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Two weeks ago, I ran a survey on Instagram and I asked you about what you struggle with the most when working on your goals. I got a lot of responses (thank you guys!), and all these responses fell into several common themes.

There was one particular response that most of you mentioned in one way or another, and I decided that it deserves its own dedicated episode. Are you wondering what it is?

Yes, I am talking about procrastination. And in today’s episode I am going to dive deep into the topic of procrastination – what it is, why we procrastinate, and most importantly what you can do to stop procrastinating and to start taking action.

So if this is something you are interested in, then keep on listening!

Be sure to also check out this episode:
Different types of goals (Part 2), and why understanding your MOTIVATION behind the goal is the MOST important thing to do

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“I want to lose 15 pounds”. We’ve all set this goal at least once in our lives, right? And for some reason we all have seen different results. Why?

Well, the answer to this question lies in understanding your WHY behind this goal (pun intended). WHY did you set this goal in the first place? What drives you? What MOTIVATES you?

Because not all types of motivation are created equal. And the strongest motivation does NOT always mean the best.

In this episode, I am diving deep into the different types of motivation, and how they influence your chances of success, as well as your overall wellbeing. So if this is something you are interested in, then keep on listening!

Be sure to also check out this episode:Intentions VS goals, why they are not the same why it is important to focus on the former, and different types of goals (Part 1)

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Not all goals are created equal. While some will make you feel accomplished, fulfilled and empowered, others will just drain you and will actually decrease your level of self confidence and self esteem.

It is really important (and sometimes not so easy!) to know how to distinguish one from the other, and in order to do that you will want to understand what types of goals are out there.

Then you can learn a lot from just looking at your goals and analyzing why you set them the way you do. And this is exactly what this episode is about. In fact, it’s the first part of the two-part series – the second part will be released next week.

I also wanted to start this episode with a very important foundational question: What a goal actually is, what role goals play in our life and why it is better to focus on intentions rather than goals.

Are you ready to dive in? Let’s do it!

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Let me ask you something. Are you living your life? And before you answer it, let me unpack this question because it’s actually two questions in one.

First question – are you LIVING? Do you experience life? Do you wake up in the morning feeling excited about what is about to happen today? Do you go to bed feeling proud and accomplished, and you can’t wait for the next day to come? Or do you feel like there is this big hole inside you that, no matter how hard you work, you are just not able to fill? The hole, that like the black hole doesn’t let any light out, doesn’t let any joy or excitement.

And second question – are you living YOUR life? Do you do what you love doing, what you WANT to do? Or is your life full of SHOULD’s and NEED’s, is it full of other people’s expectations and stereotypes and society norms, and it feels like there is no room for YOU in this life?

If you don't know the answer to this question, or if you didn’t like your answer, then this episode is for you.

In this episode, I am diving really deep in why sometimes we don’t live our lives, and more importantly, what to do to turn things around.

And also, at the end of this episode I am giving an exciting announcement that you don’t want to miss!

Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

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You likely heard that it is important and really helpful to have an accountability partner when working on your goals. Maybe you have been looking for an accountability partner for a while, maybe you already have one, or maybe you convinced yourself that you can’t even get started until you find one.

But what if I told you that having an accountability partner might actually do you more harm than good if you approach it from a wrong angle?

Are you curious why? Do you want to know how you can understand if you are ready for an accountability partner, how to take the most out of your partnership or how to become the best accountability partner for someone else?

If yes, then keep on listening!

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It’s almost January, and you know what that means, right? January is the hottest time of the year when it comes to setting goals. On January 1, we all wake up with the decision to change our lives and we set our New Year's resolutions. In fact, how many times have you set New Year’s resolutions in the past? And how many times have you actually succeeded in achieving them?

Before you set any of your big goals for 2023, I strongly encourage you to listen to this episode because it will help you avoid six of the most common mistakes people make when working on their goals. And not just that – at the end of the episode you will also learn why New Year’s resolutions actually don’t work and what to do instead to significantly increase your chances of success.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

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Do you constantly find yourself counting days until the next weekend, or next summer, or next vacation? Do you often postpone important tasks with an excuse like, “I don’t have time for this right now, but later, in the future, when life gets less busy, this is when I will get on top of it”?

Or do you live your life regretting the decisions you made in the past? Do you keep replaying past events in your head again, and again, and again, and keep wondering what would've happened if things had turned around another way?

By doing all of that, by constantly thinking about the past or the future, you are losing an opportunity to be living your life TODAY. As a result, you are not able to fully experience the moment you are in right now, and therefore you cannot learn from this moment and cannot improve your life.

This is why it is so important to stay present, or live mindfully. You have probably heard about mindfulness in the context of meditation, but it is so much more than that!

That’s why, in today’s episode I am talking about all things being present, or mindful.I am going to tell you exactly how to recognize when you are not being present, what symptoms or red flags to watch for. And I am also going to give you 10 (yes!) different and easy to do exercises that you can do today to bring your focus and attention to the present moment so you can finally start living your life to the fullest.

Are you ready? Let’s get into it!

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Do you feel like you are constantly spinning the wheels, like you are always busy, and still you don't feel accomplished or satisfied?

Do you often look back on your day and wonder what it is that you were doing all day because you don't feel like you achieved any results?

Do you feel like you are not really living your life, like you're just running on autopilot, like you are hibernating?

If this is you, then the chance is high that you are missing at least one of the five key ingredients that you need in order to create the life of the highest level of meaning, potential, satisfaction and contribution.

In this episode, I am sharing all five ingredients with you so you can find which one it is that you are missing, and start bringing it into your life.

Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

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Are you struggling to achieve your goals? Are you trying to lose weight, or eat healthier, and just don’t seem to be able to stick to any of the routines?

If you are like me, you have tried downloading multiple fitness and nutrition apps, have joined endless challenges, and nothing just seems to work for you. And now you are close to losing hope that you will ever find a way that will work.

I know exactly how you feel, because I felt the exact same way. I was never happy with the way I looked, and still for years I didn’t do anything about it. Until about 3 years ago I was able to completely change my routine and make fitness an enjoyable part of my life.

In fact, it was only a part of my 7-year long journey. And when I was analyzing everything I did in the last 7 years, why some things worked and some didn’t, I was able to extract that one core concept that was always there whenever I was able to uplift my life.

And in today’s episode, I am going to share with you what this concept is. I am going to tell you my personal story and will give you an exact recipe for what you can do today to turn things around in your life.

At the end of this episode, you will not feel hopeless anymore and will be ready to take action that will finally start bringing you results.

Are you ready? Let's dive right into it!

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