Landscaping Your Life with Alison Smith: Recent Episodes
Alison Smith
What can you learn from having a garden buzzing with life and apply to your own life and buzz with life –insights that are especially useful when you’ve lost your mojo or life is feeling very flat or even stressful?
You’ll find more about the 7 keys to having a buzzing life in the following post plus any further references mentioned during the series.
https://www.alisonsmith.co/finding-your-buzz-in-life/
What can you learn from having a garden buzzing with life and apply to your own life and buzz with life –insights that are especially useful when you’ve lost your mojo or life is feeling very flat or even stressful?
You’ll find more about the 7 keys to having a buzzing life in the following post plus any further references mentioned during the series.
https://www.alisonsmith.co/finding-your-buzz-in-life/
What can you learn from having a garden buzzing with life and apply to your own life and buzz with life –insights that are especially useful when you’ve lost your mojo or life is feeling very flat or even stressful?
You’ll find more about the 7 keys to having a buzzing life in the following post plus any further references mentioned during the series.
https://www.alisonsmith.co/finding-your-buzz-in-life/
What can you learn from having a garden buzzing with life and apply to your own life and buzz with life –insights that are especially useful when you’ve lost your mojo or life is feeling very flat or even stressful?
You’ll find more about the 7 keys to having a buzzing life in the following post plus any further references mentioned during the series.
https://www.alisonsmith.co/finding-your-buzz-in-life/
What can you learn from having a garden buzzing with life and apply to your own life and buzz with life –insights that are especially useful when you’ve lost your mojo or life is feeling very flat or even stressful?
You’ll find more about the 7 keys to having a buzzing life in the following post plus any further references mentioned during the series.
https://www.alisonsmith.co/finding-your-buzz-in-life/
In an episode from the archives (#46) today’s episode shares two poems I’ve written about our relationship with the Earth and then turn that inwards and explore how that relationship is a mirror for our relationship with ourselves. A reminder of our own brilliance and uniqueness that’s been dampened by all the musts, oughts and shoulds.
You’ll find the words of the poems, my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/earth-day-the-earth-cried-the-day-the-mist-set-in/
It’s Groundhog Day and if you’re using the idiom to describe how you’re feeling then why not try this 5-minute technique to release the feeling and help you get you back on track.
If after listening you would like more information just sign up for the Landscaping Your Life newsletter and the latest newsletter includes the pdf with more detailed instructions. https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
We’ll be back very soon with the 4th series of the Landscaping Your Life with Alison Smith podcast.
Join us at 6pm UK time on Monday, 13th November for an evening with Alison Smith. If you feel like you're talking to a brick wall in an area of your life, why not come along for this live, virtual event on Zoom. Alison will be using her poem 'Talking to the brick wall' as a basis for an interactive conversation, to help you to identify solutions and actions to resolve the situation. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-alison-smith-how-to-talk-to-a-brick-wall-tickets-736679336727 #alisonsmith #landscapingyourlife #talkingtoabrickwall #event
To conclude series three we’re exploring ‘How do you draw a line in the sand and stop yourself from going back to your old way of behaving or relating to someone as you have on previous drawings of the line’?
To help you get back on track we’ll be doing this using nature’s landscapes as a metaphor for the situation.
You’ll find all links mentioned including the words of the ‘drawing a line in the sand’ poem here https://www.alisonsmith.co/drawing-a-line-in-the-sand/
As a postscript to episode 36 Alison shares some additional insights to help stop you going round in circles in your life. She’s also written a poem on the subject which you’ll hear at the end of this very short episode.
You’ll find all links mentioned, details of the Can’t see the wood for the trees book and the words of here
https://www.alisonsmith.co/stop-circling/
If you know you need to come out of the shadows in an area in your life you may it helpful to join Alison in nature and explore being in the shadows and non-shadows to get a sense as she does about your relationship to them both and to understand what stepping out of the shadows might require from you.
You’ll find all the links mentioned, the book and the words of the poem here
https://www.alisonsmith.co/how-to-get-out-of-the-shadows/
If you wanted evidence that words have power then the use of deadend for this episode provided evidence of distractions, disruptions and avoidance at every turn – something I think we do when heading for a dead end because it’s always an end to something – even if by its very nature it’s also the path to a new beginning too.
You’ll find all the links mentioned, and more suggestions on alternate words to being at a dead end here https://www.alisonsmith.co/what-to-do-when-youre-at-a-deadend-in-your-life/
After a very successful workshop entitled ‘Talk to the brick wall – how to influence those you’re struggling with’ I wanted to add a few postscripts to an earlier episode of the podcast and share a poem I’ve written on the subject.
You’ll find all links mentioned and the poem here https://www.alisonsmith.co/its-like-talking-to-a-brick-wall/
It’s 5 years this month since Can’t See the wood for the Trees – landscaping your life to get back on track was first published. Its content has helped inform the structure of all of the podcast episodes.
Do have a listen and see whether a snippet from one of the chapters might be just what will help you get back on track on a situation you’re grappling with.
Rather than venture outside into nature and the rainy weather for this episode Alison uses drawing as another means of using nature as a metaphor for a problem you’re grappling with. So, get your pens and paper ready and be open to something a little unconventional to enable that breakthrough you’ve been searching for.
You’ll find links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/if-your-problem-was-a-mountain/
In the majority of episodes Alison invites us to join her to find solutions in a landscape that represents how we’re feeling whether that’s when we can’t see the wood for the trees #28, are treading water #23, or life feels like an uphill struggle #25. In today’s episode she shares with us a more general technique she uses called a Landscaping Your Life walk that can be applied to any situation you’re stuck about.
You’ll find links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/going-on-a-landscaping-your-life-walk/
If you’re thinking about testing the water about something you’d like to do in your life you may want to have a listen and see what insight you can get as you hear me testing the water at St Andrews beach, Fife - because it’s the unexpected that can catch us out.
You’ll find the podcast episodes mentioned, words of the poem, book, and how to sign up for LYL newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/what-not-to-do-when-testing-water/
Why it is when we can’t see the wood for the trees, are overwhelmed and already too busy with too much to think about we keep planting more trees. In this episode we explore why we wouldn’t do this in nature and why it’s counterproductive in our own lives too.
You’ll find the words of the poem, book, and how to sign up for LYL newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/stop-planting-more-trees-in-your-life/
When we’re caught up in the story we’re telling it can be hard to see the wood for the trees and identify a strategy or action plan for getting unstuck and back on track. That’s when taking to a higher vantage point to see all 360 degrees of options comes in, and that’s what we explore in more detail in this episode.
You’ll find the words of the poem, book, and how to sign up for LYL newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here
https://www.alisonsmith.co/getting-to-a-higher-vantage-point/
It’s perhaps a little too easy to get frustrated when things aren’t happening as quickly as we’d like – however nature teaches us that patience and timing are everything – sometimes we just need to let the mud settle, or wait for the next tide before we get the clarity we need.
You’ll find the words of the poem and how to sign up for the newsletter and other links including an index of all the podcast episodes here -
https://www.alisonsmith.co/do-you-need-to-let-the-mud-settle-before-taking-action/
An exploration in nature of my belief that “It doesn’t matter how long or short a path we walk as long as we commit to walking the whole of it.” An episode that provides the insight needed to commit to a goal and not go back and forth worrying it might not be the right one.
https://www.alisonsmith.co/half-a-path-gets-you-nowhere/
You’ll find the words of the poem and how to sign up for the newsletter and other links including an index of all the podcast episodes here https://www.alisonsmith.co/how-to-get-the-most-from-the-podcast/
Not knowing what to do can be frustrating – not least if you’ve circled around not knowing what to do for some time. That’s where the Landscaping Your Life toolkit can really help.
Today’s episode shares more about how to use the toolkit to help you move from not knowing to knowing what to do.
You’ll find the words of the poem and how to sign up for the newsletter and other links including an index of all the podcast episodes here https://www.alisonsmith.co/how-to-get-the-most-from-the-podcast/
The podcast is two years old this week and to celebrate I thought I’d share more about where the idea came from to use nature as a metaphor for our lives, and also a few of my favourite examples of the sorts of solutions people have found by taking a problem they’re grappling with out into nature.
You’ll find more about my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/landscaping-your-life-with-alison-smith-podcast/
Short and sweet again this week. Due to unexpected family issues today’s episode simply shares two poems that have helped me in recent weeks to sit with the ambiguity when I haven’t known what to do. Do let me know what you think.
You’ll find the words of the poems, my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other useful Landscaping Your Life resources here https://www.alisonsmith.co/what-to-do-when-you-dont-know-what-to-do/
Short and sweet today. Due to unexpected family issues today’s episode revisits the I reclaim all my parts poem shared in more detail in episode #45 with reference to episode #29 where you’re asked to put the stick down you’re beating yourself up with.
You’ll find the words of the poem, my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other useful Landscaping Your Life resources here https://www.alisonsmith.co/landscaping-your-life-with-alison-smith-podcast/
Today’s episode helps you when you’re feeling disappointed with the progress you’re making – you may even feel like giving up because all the effort is seemingly getting you nowhere.
I’ll be sharing 2 poems and a short story inspired by the sea that I’ve written to help you to see the situation from a different perspective and for you to identify potential action steps.
You’ll find the words of the poems, my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/what-to-do-when-youre-disappointed-with-lack-of-progress/
Today’s episode shares two poems I’ve written about our relationship with the Earth and then turn that inwards and explore how that relationship is a mirror for our relationship with ourselves. A reminder of our own brilliance and uniqueness that’s been dampened by all the musts, oughts and should.
You’ll find the words of the poems, my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/earth-day-the-earth-cried-the-day-the-mist-set-in/
Today’s episode provides insight when you’re feeling ungrounded, out of sorts and lacking confidence in yourself. Where that ungroundedness is providing a disconnect between you and your life.
Or you may simply want a different perspective about a situation you’re grappling with.
You’ll find the words of the poems, my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/landscaping-your-life-with-alison-smith-podcast/
Today’s episode uses the premise that when you’re stuck and don’t know what to do it’s often about the paths and destinations – you may not be clear about the destination or goal, or you’re not on the right path to get to your destination or perhaps you’re even judging the path you’re on because you don’t know where it’s headed, or fear it won’t get you where you want to go.
You’ll find the words of the poem, signing up for my newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/landscaping-your-life-with-alison-smith-podcast/
Today we dive straight into the heart of Landscaping Your Life – using nature as a means of hearing your own inner wisdom.
You’re asked to consider “if your life was a landscape what type of landscape would it be?” and to “stand in nature and see your own inner wisdom reflected back at you” in that landscape, and to then make changes to that landscape to release the stuckness and even overwhelm you might be feeling about a situation.
You’ll find the words of the poems and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/landscaping-your-life-with-alison-smith-podcast/
Today’s episode explores the real reason you might not be able to see the wood for the trees and invites you to face your fears and accept the “known and unknown, certain and uncertain”. To stop allowing the wood and trees to distract you and instead look to greater horizons beyond the wood, and not trying to do it alone but with others by your side.
You’ll find the words of the poems and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/blog-insight/
Today Alison shares highlights from this second series of the podcast where she went into nature to discover insight when you’re stuck and off track. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find useful references and blogs mentioned in the podcast here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Today Alison shares insights from nature about different perspectives available when you’re feeling ungrounded. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find useful references and blogs mentioned in the podcast here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Today Alison shares insights from nature about different perspectives available when you’re off track and want to get back on it. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find useful references and blogs mentioned in the podcast here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Today Alison shares insights from nature about different perspectives available when there’s a gap between where you are and where you want to be. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find useful references and blogs mentioned in the podcast here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Today Alison shares insights from nature about different perspectives available when you’re lost & explores the difference between being physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually lost. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find useful references and blogs mentioned in the podcast here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Today Alison shares insights from nature about the options & different perspectives available when you want to stop going round in circles. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find Alison’s blog & other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Today Alison shares insights from nature about the options & different perspectives available when want to turn a corner in your life and are resisting doing just that. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find Alison’s blog & other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Today Alison shares insights from nature about the options & different perspectives available when you’re feeling like you’ve missed the tide – that one perfect moment to take action. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find Alison’s blog & other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Celebrating its 1st birthday Alison shares 7 highlights from the last year including 2 poems & 5 idioms we use when we’re stuck.
You can sign up for Alison’s free webinar on 20th June @ 1900 UK time https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-opportunities-metamorphosis-for-solstice-tickets-339788736257
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Today Alison shares insights from nature about the options and different perspectives available to you when you’re feeling like you’re talking to a brick wall and would prefer to be listened or paid attention to. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Today Alison shares insights from nature about the options and different perspectives available to you when you’re afraid to put your head above the parapet. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Today Alison shares insights from nature about the options and different perspectives available to you when you feel like you’ve been pulled through a hedge backwards. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Today Alison shares insights from nature about the options and different perspectives available to you want to put the stick down you’re beating yourself up with. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Putting distance between you and a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. Today Alison goes back to a topic she first shared in her book, Can’t see the wood for the trees (available from all online stockists), and shares insights from nature about the options and different perspectives available to you when you can’t see the wood for the trees.
You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
Today Alison shares insights from nature about the options and different perspectives available to you when you’re at a crossroads in your life.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
Today Alison shares insights from several bridges from recent walks to help find metaphorical insight you can apply to a situation where you want to build a bridge with another person.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Putting distance between you and a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. Today Alison walks up a hill to find metaphorical insight you can apply to a situation you feel is like an uphill struggle. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Putting distance between you and a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
Today Alison goes back and forth with eyes open and closed through a tunnel obtaining metaphorical insight you can apply to a situation you’d like to see the light at the end of tunnel about.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
Putting distance between you and the situation you don’t know what to do in is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view.
Today Alison goes swimming in the sea in Fife, Scotland to discover metaphorical solutions when you resonate with either feeling like you’re treading water or are trying to keep your head above water.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
In this series of her podcast Alison is visiting the landscapes within the words you use when you’re stuck and don’t know what to do to help you find solutions and alternate perspectives currently hidden from view. Today she’s helping you get back on track when you feel like you’re between a rock and a hard place.
You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists.
You can find other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
In today’s episode Alison shares insight from her book Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track. Insight that uses the landscape within the words you’re using when you’re stuck to find metaphorical solutions to help you get back on track. Words and sayings such as:
- Stuck in a rut
- Can’t see the wood for the trees (also see episode 1)
- Up the creek without a paddle (also see episode 6)
- Like a fish out of water (also see episode 7)
- Head in the sand
- Out on a limb (also see episode 10)
- Treading water (also see episode 11)
- Missed the tide (also see episode 5 for the Chasing the tide poem Alison mentions in this episode)
Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track, is available from all online stockists and also includes examples of many different ways you can use nature to help you get back on track (also covered in episode 17). See #landscapingyourlife on many social media sites.
You’ll find PDF’s with more hints and tips to help you when you’re: Going round in circles; Stuck in a rut; or Can’t see the wood for the trees on Alison’s website https://www.alisonsmith.co/
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
The aim of the Landscaping Your Life podcast is to share and demonstrate tools, even if they’re a little unconventional, that help you uncover what you’re missing about a situation you’re grappling with. To see the situation from a different perspective, to uncover what’s hidden, and understand there are many more options or opportunities than you might originally have thought. Do let us know, therefore, the difference that made the difference in today’s episode.
In today’s episode Alison shares insight from her book Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track. Insight that uses the landscape within the words you’re using when you’re stuck to find metaphorical solutions to help you get back on track. Words and sayings such as:
- Stuck in a rut
- Can’t see the wood for the trees (also see episode 1)
- Up the creek without a paddle (also see episode 6)
- Like a fish out of water (also see episode 7)
- Head in the sand
- Out on a limb (also see episode 10)
- Treading water (also see episode 11)
- Missed the tide (also see episode 5 for the Chasing the tide poem Alison mentions in this episode)
Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track, is available from all online stockists and also includes examples of many different ways you can use nature to help you get back on track (also covered in episode 17). See #landscapingyourlife on many social media sites.
You’ll find PDF’s with more hints and tips to help you when you’re: Going round in circles; Stuck in a rut; or Can’t see the wood for the trees on Alison’s website https://www.alisonsmith.co/
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
The aim of the Landscaping Your Life podcast is to share and demonstrate tools, even if they’re a little unconventional, that help you uncover what you’re missing about a situation you’re grappling with. To see the situation from a different perspective, to uncover what’s hidden, and understand there are many more options or opportunities than you might originally have thought. Do let us know, therefore, the difference that made the difference in today’s episode.
What do you need to let go of – or perhaps you need to turn over a new leaf – or be a little colder with someone? All potential insights from patterns in nature during autumn.
As always, it’s certainly preferable to think of a situation you’d like more insight on to have at the back of your mind as you listen to Alison sharing hints, tips and tools about how to see situations from different perspectives. Otherwise, it’s a little theoretical and doesn’t give you an experience of how transformative these tools can be.
You’ll find Alison’s turn over a new leaf vlog here https://youtu.be/zT4Fz-f_xJU and turn a corner vlog here https://youtu.be/LJuIREwG2NY
If you’re wanting to release old habits then two posts that might also help are:
- Do something different every day for 28 days - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-im-doing-something-different-every-day-28-days-think-alison-smith/
- Disrupting habitual thinking https://www.alisonsmith.co/disrupting-habitual-thinking/
You’ll hear Alison talk more about getting out of a rut in episode 3, and examples of going for a Landscaping Your Life walk in nature can be found in episodes 2, 13, 15, & 16.
Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track, is available from all online stockists and also includes examples of many different ways you can use nature to help you get back on track. See #landscapingyourlife on many social media sites.
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
The aim of the Landscaping Your Life podcast is to share and demonstrate tools, even if they’re a little unconventional, that help you uncover what you’re missing about a situation you’re grappling with. To see the situation from a different perspective, to uncover what’s hidden, and understand there are many more options or opportunities than you might originally have thought. Do let us know, therefore, the difference that made the difference in today’s episode.
Talking about this episode Alison said “I could have pushed on, I could have waffled and said something, and yet the words wouldn’t form.
A great reminder, like in episode 16 when I was headed for that crossroads, that impatience and the ought/must/should/need to make progress is not always our best friend.
Today I am honouring the fact that nothing came, no great idea, no fabulous insight. Just an invitation to sit with the doing nothing and that be ok.
After all, a seed knows when it’s the right time to take action and not a minute sooner.”
If you’ve discovered this episode today, therefore, how might doing nothing be the perfect antidote – knowing the time to make a decision is not in this moment now, to have patience knowing decisions and action are instead needed at some future date. There’s certainly 17 other episodes packed with ideas to help if you’re stuck and do want to make a decision or take action (just best to avoid episode 9 that also touches on doing nothing.)
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
You can of course just go for a walk in nature and find that when you return that the situation you’re grappling with feels different. As Alison shares in today’s episode there are, however, numerous other ways you can proactively invite nature to be your coach to help you get insight about challenges or problems to help you get back on track.
As always, it’s certainly preferable to think of a situation you’d like more insight on to have at the back of your mind as you listen to Alison sharing hints, tips and tools about how to see situations from different perspectives. Otherwise, it’s a little theoretical and doesn’t give you an experience of how transformative these tools can be.
There’s an example of a Landscaping Your Life walk in this post https://www.alisonsmith.co/how-to-find-some-get-up-and-go/ and other demonstrations of LYL walks in episodes 15, 16, 13, and 2.
There was also a section in each of the first 12 episodes where Alison demonstrates how to mine the landscape hidden in your language when you’re stuck – such as when you’re stuck in a rut, going round in circles, are treading water, out on limb, backed into a corner, up the creek without a paddle and so on.
To help you find the episode that will help you most today do see the description for each episode as that provides more about what’s covered.
Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track, is available from all online stockists and also includes examples of many different ways you can use nature to help you get back on track. See #landscapingyourlife on many social media sites.
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
The aim of the Landscaping Your Life podcast is to share and demonstrate tools, even if they’re a little unconventional, that help you uncover what you’re missing about a situation you’re grappling with. To see the situation from a different perspective, to uncover what’s hidden, and understand there are many more options or opportunities than you might originally have thought. Do let us know, therefore, the difference that made the difference in today’s episode.
Take a situation you’re struggling to know what to do next on a walk with Alison as she uses her poem ‘paths & destinations’ as a means of finding different perspectives from which to view the current situation.
The aim of the Landscaping Your Life podcast is to share and demonstrate tools, even if they’re a little unconventional, that help you uncover what you’re missing about a situation you’re grappling with. To see the situation from a different perspective, to uncover what’s hidden, and understand there are many more options or opportunities than you might originally have thought.
You’ll find the words of the poem Paths & Destinations here https://www.alisonsmith.co/paths-and-destinations/. Alison also shares a little more about what the poem means to her in episode 3.
You’ll find out more about how Alison uses poetry in her work to help you get back on track here https://www.alisonsmith.co/poetry/
There’s another example of a Landscaping Your Life walk in this post https://www.alisonsmith.co/how-to-find-some-get-up-and-go/ and other demonstrations of LYL walks in the podcast with Alison in episode 15, Susan in episode 13, with Amy in episode 2.
Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track, is available from all online stockists and also includes examples of many different walks people have taken to gain insight for their life. See #landscapingyourlife on many social media sites.
Coaching sessions with Alison by way of a landscaping your life walk are available 1:1 or in small groups, virtually or face to face, see www.alisonsmith.co for more.
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
Today’s episode demonstrates using nature as a source for insight in a couple of very different ways both accessed whilst travelling through nature’s landscapes as Alison travels south from Fife, Scotland to Staffordshire, England. You may get insight from Alison’s own insights or simply be inspired to take a journey for yourself through a familiar or unfamiliar landscape.
The aim of the podcasts is to share and demonstrate tools, even if they’re a little unconventional, that help you uncover what you’re missing about a situation you’re grappling with. To see the situation from a different perspective, to uncover what’s hidden, and understand there are many more options or opportunities than you might originally have thought.
There’s another example of a Landscaping Your Life walk in this post https://www.alisonsmith.co/how-to-find-some-get-up-and-go/ and other demonstrations of LYL walks in the podcast with Susan in episode 13, and with Amy in episode 2.
Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track, is available from all online stockists and also includes examples of many different walks people have taken to gain insight for their life. See #landscapingyourlife on many social media sites.
Coaching sessions with Alison by way of a landscaping your life walk are available 1:1 or in small groups, virtually or face to face, see www.alisonsmith.co for more.
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
Do leave feedback about what you’re enjoying, would like to see more of, or would like Alison to demonstrate / answer in a future episode.
Continuing the theme of demonstrating the tools in the LANDSCAPE coaching toolkit today’s episode follows Alison as she uses the Framework for change coaching process to help obtain insight about a situation she was mulling about – ie marketing her business. Insight that can also be applied to any situation you’d like more clarity about.
More about the Frameworks for change coaching process, cards and insights chosen in this episode: https://www.alisonsmith.co/are-you-setback-by-separation/
More about the Transformation Game: https://www.alisonsmith.co/are-you-ready-for-personal-transformation/
The poem mentioned that markets the work Alison does is called ‘From not knowing to knowing what to do’ https://www.alisonsmith.co/from-not-knowing-to-knowing-what-to-to/
Cards and Games is one element (C) of the LANDSCAPE coaching and problem-solving toolkit helping you to see situations from different perspectives. You’ll find out more about the toolkit here https://www.alisonsmith.co/the-landscape-toolkit/
You’ll also find out more about her book Can’t see the wood for the trees available from all online stockists along with many other of the idioms used in this podcast.
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
See #landscapingyourlife on social media for more
The process, the insight, setback and mentor cards used here are from Frameworks for Change © Innerlinks - www.innerlinks.com.
Today’s episode follows Alison’s commitment to do something different every day for 28 days and encompasses the three elements she’s shared in previous episodes and yet doing it differently. Instead today’s episode is a recording of a Landscaping Your Life walk with Susan who is at a crossroads on her life. The episode shares Susan’s exploration of the patterns she notices as they walk in nature helping her to see the situation from a different perspective and to understand what to do next.
See #DoSomethingDifferentEveryday on social media channels or this blog post for more about the challenge https://www.alisonsmith.co/do-something-different-every-day-2/. It’s also the first subject of episode 1 of the podcast.
There’s another Landscaping Your Life walk in this post https://www.alisonsmith.co/how-to-find-some-get-up-and-go/ and another demonstration of a LYL walk with Amy can be found in episode 2 of the podcast.
There’s a demonstration of turning a corner in this vlog https://youtu.be/LJuIREwG2NY which is also discussed in episode 3 of the podcast.
You’ll find out more about the paths & destinations poem mentioned here https://www.alisonsmith.co/paths-and-destinations/ and in episode 3 of the podcast.
Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track is available from all online stockists and includes many of the tools, techniques and idioms covered in the podcast and via #LandscapingYourLife
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
In this episode, Alison explores metaphorical solutions if you’re wanting a seat at the table - as her professional colleagues in procurement often do with senior management – solutions your mind can than translate back into the real life situation to help uncover more options than you thought you had about what to do.
Alison also invites you to think about the language you’re using to describe the other party you say you’re wanting to collaborate with and yet your words perhaps don’t support that intention.
Alison’s ‘if you only have a few minutes to listen to the podcast topic’ is about remembering that even if the other party is to “blame” for the current situation that taking back responsibility will enable you to understand what you can do to get it back on track. After all you could be waiting a long time if you wait for the other party!
Remember all these suggestions are only helpful if there’s a gap between where you are and where you want to be. If what you’re doing currently is working then you don’t need to change anything.
To open the door you may need to push not pull it - https://youtu.be/MaktukJjGJQ
Alison’s post on maverick spend provides a little more detail on the impact some words might have on our mindset about the other party https://www.alisonsmith.co/be-careful-what-you-wish-for-with-maverick-spend/
There’s more detail about how to get a seat at the table in Alison’s post https://www.alisonsmith.co/how-to-get-a-seat-at-the-table/
Language and Word is one element of the LANDSCAPE coaching and problem solving toolkit helping you to see situations from different perspectives. You’ll find out more about the toolkit here https://www.alisonsmith.co/the-landscape-toolkit/
You’ll also find out more about her book Can’t see the wood for the trees available from all online stockists along with many other of the idioms used in this podcast.
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
See #landscapingyourlife on social media for more
Alison’s ‘if you only have a few minutes to listen to the podcast topic’ is an invitation that next time you judge another to think about how that judgement might be more about you than the other person – ie a behaviour they demonstrate that you don’t like is actually something you also do or perhaps even something you need to do more of.
The tool from the LANDSCAPE toolkit shared in this episode includes drawing and metaphor – that is using imaginary landscapes to represent the current situation and making changes to the landscape in order to shift perspective about the situation.
Alison also explores the unconventional solutions to getting back on track when you’re like you’re treading water.
Remember all these suggestions are only helpful if there’s a gap between where you are and where you want to be. If what you’re doing currently is working then you don’t need to change anything.
You’ll find the ‘I reclaim all my parts’ poem Alison mentions in episode 7 of this podcast.
Here’s the post sharing how to use a photograph and make changes to it, much like a collage, to shift perspective about the situation the photograph represents https://www.alisonsmith.co/getting-a-different-perspective-using-images/
Here’s a vlog Alison did when she was treading water in the sea near her home in fife https://youtu.be/Oty3G67vNZw
There’s also a chapter exploring more solutions when you’re treading water in Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cant-See-Wood-Trees-Landscaping/dp/1844097498
There’s more detail about the LANDSCAPE coaching and problem solving toolkit here https://www.alisonsmith.co/the-landscape-toolkit/
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
See #landscapingyourlife on social media for more
Alison’s ‘if you only have a few minutes to listen to the podcast topic’ is about knowing those places or activities when you’re most being your unique and authentic self, and then going there when you need insight on a situation you’re grappling with.
Alison shares a poem she’s written entitled ‘Grounded to me’ which reminds you to see ungroundedness as a sign you’ve simply forgotten who you are.
Alison also explores the unconventional solutions to getting back on track when you’re feeling like you’re out on a limb.
You’ll find a copy of the ‘Grounded to me’ poem here https://www.alisonsmith.co/grounded-to-me/
There’s more detail about the LANDSCAPE coaching and problem solving toolkit here https://www.alisonsmith.co/the-landscape-toolkit/
There’s also a chapter exploring more solutions when you’re out on a limb in Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cant-See-Wood-Trees-Landscaping/dp/1844097498
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
See #landscapingyourlife on social media for more
Alison’s ‘if you only have a few minutes to listen to the podcast topic’ is about “doing nothing” and how often you can forget that doing nothing is something you can decide or even intuit to do and yet too often think you have to do something even if you have no idea what!
Alison shares more about how the language and words you’re using can be negatively impacting the outcome you’re getting. Bringing the impact words are having into your conscious awareness allows you more choice about what words to use going forward.
Alison also explores the use of ‘deadline’ and invites you to think whether it’s helpful or not in inspiring your action to getting things done.
Here’s more about the Transformation Game https://www.alisonsmith.co/are-you-ready-for-personal-transformation/
You’ll find the recording of The missing link in negotiations lunch & learn about confidence here: https://youtu.be/x-IPdDMptAk
There’s more on detail about the LANDSCAPE coaching and problem solving toolkit here https://www.alisonsmith.co/the-landscape-toolkit/
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
See #landscapingyourlife on social media for more
Alison’s ‘if you only have a few minutes to listen to the podcast topic’ is about remembering that there are always more solutions than you think. That is you’re never as stuck as you think you are – you just need to open the doors in your mind to see those other options.
Alison explores metaphorical solutions if you’re backed into a corner – solutions your mind can then translate back into the real-life situation to help uncover more options than you thought you had about what to do.
Alison goes back to the origins of her creative thinking toolkit and invites you to consider what sort of garden your current situation would be like, and then what changes you might want to make to ensure the garden and situation flourishes.
Remember all these suggestions are only helpful if there’s a gap between where you are and where you want to be. If what you’re doing currently is working then you don’t need to change anything.
Episode 6 of this podcast shares more about using drawing as a means of getting more insight into a problem.
This post explores the need to not rely on one area of your life to meet all your needs https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alisonsmitheu_which-of-these-would-you-replace-or-change-activity-6818411336347746304-9rKU
This webinar shares how to apply having a flourishing garden to how to have a flourishing team https://youtu.be/SuoPUruHh5o
Recording of the missing link in negotiations lunch & learn about confidence https://youtu.be/x-IPdDMptAk
This blog summarises what to do when you’re backed into a corner https://www.alisonsmith.co/how-do-you-get-out-of-the-corner-when-youre-backed-into-it/
Absurdity & Laughter is one element of the LANDSCAPE coaching and problem solving toolkit and you’ll find out more about the toolkit here https://www.alisonsmith.co/the-landscape-toolkit/
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
See #landscapingyourlife on social media for more
In this episode, Alison explores metaphorical solutions if you’re beating yourself up, and also (because we’re exploring 2 idioms this week) if you feel like a fish out of water – solutions your mind can than translate back into the real life situation to help uncover more options than you thought you had about what to do.
Alison also uses her poem I reclaim all my parts as a wonderful means of getting more perspective about accepting yourself.
Alison’s ‘if you only have a few minutes to listen to the podcast topic’ is about remembering they’re NOT you when engaging with others.
Remember all these suggestions are only helpful if there’s a gap between where you are and where you want to be. If what you’re doing currently is working then you don’t need to change anything.
A blog to remind you that they’re not you: https://www.alisonsmith.co/are-your-assumptions-correct/
The I reclaim all my parts poem: https://www.alisonsmith.co/i-reclaim-all-my-parts/
A vlog demonstrating putting the stick down: https://youtu.be/86-HWUfc61E
Stories & Poems is one element of the LANDSCAPE coaching and problem solving toolkit and you’ll find out more about the toolkit here https://www.alisonsmith.co/the-landscape-toolkit/
You’ll also find out more about feeling like a fish out of water in my book Can’t see the wood for the trees available from all online stockists along with many other of the idioms used in this podcast.
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
See #landscapingyourlife on social media for more
In this episode, Alison explores metaphorical solutions if you feel like you’re up a creek without a paddle – solutions your mind can then translate back into the real life situation to help uncover more options than you thought you had about what to do.
Alison also demonstrates drawing as a wonderful means of getting more perspective about a problem you’re facing.
Alison’s ‘if you only have a few minutes to listen to the podcast topic’ is about adapting your behaviour to suit the other and a reminder that doing that is NOT about giving up on who you are a person nor your identity.
There’s a wonderful vlog of me shouting at a door and blaming it for not opening https://youtu.be/MaktukJjGJQ
Here’s a blog sharing more about using drawing as a means of finding hidden solutions https://www.alisonsmith.co/i-just-dont-have-enough-time/
Drawing & Collage is one element of the LANDSCAPE coaching and problem solving toolkit and you’ll find out more about the toolkit here https://www.alisonsmith.co/the-landscape-toolkit/
You’ll also find out more about how to get out of the creek in my book Can’t see the wood for the trees available from all online stockists along with many other of the idioms used in this podcast.
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
See #landscapingyourlife on social media for more
In this episode, Alison explores metaphorical solutions for when life is feeling like an uphill struggle – solutions your mind can then translate back into the real-life situation to help uncover more options than you thought you had about what to do.
Alison also explores a poem she wrote entitled Chasing the tide, and her ‘if you only have a few minutes to listen to the podcast topic’ is values – and specifically how your judgement of others is impacted by your values.
What are your values blog - https://www.alisonsmith.co/what-are-you-values/
Chasing the tide poem - https://www.alisonsmith.co/chasing-the-tide/
Uphill struggle blog - https://www.alisonsmith.co/is-life-an-uphill-struggle/
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
See #landscapingyourlife on social media for more
In this episode, Alison shares a wonderful, if unconventional, tool to give you more insight when you’re struggling to know what to do in your dealings with another person by stepping into their shoes.
Alison also explores some solutions to help you when you feel like you’re juggling too many balls or spinning too many plates in a situation in your life.
There are 3 versions of any situation blog: https://www.alisonsmith.co/there-are-three-versions-of-any-story/
Standing in their shoes blog and instructions: https://www.alisonsmith.co/when-did-you-last-stand-in-their-shoes/
Are you juggling too many balls blog: https://www.alisonsmith.co/juggling-too-many-balls/
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
See #landscapingyourlife on social media for more
In this episode, Alison shares Paths & Destinations, a poem she has written and explores common themes about getting back or staying on track and even whether the track is of importance!
Alison also explores some unconventional solutions to help you when you need to turn a corner in your life.
A copy of the Paths & Destinations poem - https://www.alisonsmith.co/paths-and-destinations/
Alison’s blog on ‘what are your values?’: https://www.alisonsmith.co/what-are-you-values/
Alison’s vlog on turning a corner demonstrating what’s possible: https://youtu.be/LJuIREwG2NY
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
See #landscapingyourlife on social media for more
In this episode, Alison demonstrates with the help of Amy how to use nature as a means of obtaining new insight and alternate perspective to a situation where you don’t know what to do.
Alison also explores solutions to help you stop going round in circles that can be metaphorically applied to any situation you currently feel like you’re going round in circles about.
You’ll find the going round in circles pdf mentioned here - https://www.alisonsmith.co/are-you-going-round-in-circles-2/
And sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter here - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu
In this episode, Alison shares What is normal?, a poem she has written and explores the themes that might be relatable to you, as you come out of lockdown or experience new challenges.
Alison also explores solutions to help you see the wood for the trees that can be metaphorically applied to any situation you currently can’t see the wood for the trees about.
You’ll find a copy of the What is normal? poem here - https://www.alisonsmith.co/what-is-normal/
The can’t see the wood for the trees pdf mentioned here - https://www.alisonsmith.co/cant-see-the-wood-for-the-trees-2-2/
Examples of what Alison did differently for 28 days here - https://www.alisonsmith.co/do-something-different-every-day/
Sign up for the Landscaping Your life newsletter here - https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith
Follow on https://www.facebook.com/LandscapingYourLife
Follow on https://www.instagram.com/landscapingyourlife
Follow on https://www.youtube.com/user/AlisonSmitheu