Beauty of Becoming Adventure: Recent Episodes
Amanda Villagómez
The Beauty of Becoming Adventure podcast focuses on discovering how God uniquely created each of us to be within the context of the universal call to holiness. Each episode features concepts related to Christ-centered growth and celebrating the process. The value of knowing, sharing, and living our stories is also highlighted. // Music by geovanebruny from Pixabay
In this episode I provide glimpses into my faith journey, outlining why I became Catholic as an infant, and why I chose to remain Catholic as an adult in the face of moments when opportunities arose that prompted me to consider other faiths.
Then I introduce my new course Beauty of Becoming Foundations, which is built upon my love of the Catholic faith. You can learn more about and register for Beauty of Becoming Foundations here.
In this episode, I also mention:
- In Sinu Jesu: When Heart Speaks to Heart -- A Journal of a Priest at Prayer
- Fr. Mike's Ascension Presents video: Why Be Catholic and Not Just Christian?
www.beautyofbecoming.com
In this episode I reflect on my experiences as a student in level 1 of the Catholic Psych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP) Certification program. I talk about why I started the program, what it is, and how it compares to other educational experiences.
www.beautyofbecoming.com
After a four month pause on the podcast, I return to provide an update of what to expect with Beauty of Becoming for summer 2023 and provide an update on my journey with the word father - my current word for the liturgical year.
In this episode, I mention:
- The CPMAP Certification
- The National Catholic Educational Association's annual convention
- The book 33 Days to Greater Glory
- Thomas Muglia's music
- Fr. Augustino Torres, CFR (He is featured on many different sites, but here is one video that I enjoyed.)
www.beautyofbecoming.com
In this First Friday episode, I give glimpses into insight from my word for the liturgical year, father. I explore through the lens of patterns and surprises - a concept that I incorporate into my course in draft - Your Story With God. I consider how both patterns and surprises are opportunities to grow in trust, but that it can be harder to trust surprises initially.
www.beautyofbecoming.com
In this first Friday episode, I give an update on my word for the liturgical year, father, and how it is unfolding about a month in to the process. I reflect on the early stages of grieving, the process of healing and growth, and prioritizing in different seasons of life. I also share my latest learning adventure, the Catholic Psych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP) Certification program, that I just began and am loving.
www.beautyofbecoming.com
In this episode, I provide some concluding thoughts on my word for the liturgical year for 2022 - play and reveal my word for 2023.
If you are interested in taking my course - Word for the Liturgical Year 2023, you can learn more and register here.
I mention the following books in this episode:
Fr. Isaiah CFR music
He and I by Gabrielle Bossis
Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father’s Loveby Fr. Thomas Acklin and Fr. Boniface Hicks
33 Days to Greater Glory: A Total Consecration to the Father Through Jesus Based on the Gospel of John and 33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration by Fr. Michael Gaitley
I also announce that I will be taking a break from podcasting until the First Friday of January. Have wonderful Advent and Christmas seasons!
www.beautyofbecoming.com
This is the final episode of a 9 part series in which I read a chapter an episode from a book in draft that I wrote in 2017-18 focusing on the willingness to step forward in faith based on increasing trust in God.
The book is titled Do the Next Thing: Stepping Forward in Faith and this episode's chapter is A Lens for Life Revisited: Narrative Inquiry with a Dynamic Mindset.
After this concluding chapter, I also mention some brief thinking about the value of documenting our thinking over time in order to revisit the graces in the future. I mention how revisiting this writing made me think of how God has been clarifying and bringing my personal vocation into sharper focus over time, which reminded me of the song Glorious sung by the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles.
In this episode I also mention my course Word for the Liturgical Year 2023. You can find out more and register here.
www.beautyofbecoming.com
This is episode 8 in a series of 9 episodes in which I read a chapter an episode from a book in draft that I wrote in 2017-18 focusing on the willingness to step forward in faith based on increasing trust in God.
The book is titled Do the Next Thing: Stepping Forward in Faith and this episode's chapter is Guides for the Journey: Mentors of Process and Product.
In this episode I also mention my course Word for the Liturgical Year 2023. You can find out more and register here.
www.beautyofbecoming.com
This is episode 7 in a series of 9 episodes in which I read a chapter an episode from a book in draft that I wrote in 2017-18 focusing on the willingness to step forward in faith based on increasing trust in God.
The book is titled Do the Next Thing: Stepping Forward in Faith and this episode's chapter is Step by Step: The Zone of Proximal Development.
In this episode I also announce that I have released my course Word for the Liturgical Year 2023. You can find out more and register here.
My second announcement was that my next podcast series will focus on the concept of burnout. You can view a recent talk that I did at my university that is an abbreviated version of what the series will be here.
www.beautyofbecoming.com
This is episode 6 in a series of 9 episodes in which I read a chapter an episode from a book in draft that I wrote in 2017-18 focusing on the willingness to step forward in faith based on increasing trust in God.
The book is titled Do the Next Thing: Stepping Forward in Faith and this episode's chapter is Receptivity: Transactional Reading.
www.beautyofbecoming.com
This is episode 5 in a series of 9 episodes in which I read a chapter an episode from a book in draft that I wrote in 2017-18 focusing on the willingness to step forward in faith based on increasing trust in God.
The book is titled Do the Next Thing: Stepping Forward in Faith and this episode's chapter is Cycles of Learning: Gradual Release of Responsibility.
www.beautyofbecoming.com
This is episode 4 in a series of 9 episodes in which I read a chapter an episode from a book in draft that I wrote in 2017-18 focusing on the willingness to step forward in faith based on increasing trust in God.
The book is titled Do the Next Thing: Stepping Forward in Faith and this episode's chapter is The Construction of Knowledge: Cognitive Theory.
www.beautyofbecoming.com
In this brief First Friday episode, I talk about how revisiting childhood play has been showing up in my life recently as I have focused on play as my word for the liturgical year. I consider implications that I can learn about myself through the act of revisiting moments of childhood play.
I also mention the following Catholic resources in this episode:
- Michelle Dunne, Catholic Strengths Coach
- Well Read Mom
- Haley Stewart's new book
- Franciscan University of Steubenville's Masters in Catholic Studies
- Ascension's new podcasts Catholic Classics and Catechism in a Year
www.beautyofbecoming.com
This is episode 3 in a series of 9 episodes in which I read a chapter an episode from a book in draft that I wrote in 2017-18 focusing on the willingness to step forward in faith based on increasing trust in God.
The book is titled Do the Next Thing: Stepping Forward in Faith and this episode's chapter is A Context to Thrive: Situated Learning.
In this episode I continue a series of 9 episodes in which I read a chapter an episode from a book in draft that I wrote in 2017-18 focusing on the willingness to step forward in faith based on increasing trust in God.
The book is titled Do the Next Thing: Stepping Forward in Faith and this episode's chapter is Put it in Perspective: Do the Next Thing.
In this episode I begin a series of 9 episodes in which I read a chapter an episode from a book in draft that I wrote in 2017-18 focusing on the willingness to step forward in faith based on increasing trust in God.
The book is titled Do the Next Thing: Stepping Forward in Faith and this episode's chapter is A Lens for Life: Linking Theory to Experiential Reflection.
In this episode, I talk about how I thought that play would be a lot about having a lighter heart after some challenging years but then with time discovering that it is more about being able to play in the midst of on-going challenges. It is about the role of play and prayer can support perseverance and growth through the contexts and circumstances of our lives - whether they feel heavy or light.
I referred to loving Fr. Isaiah's Receive Me and many of his other songs, available on YouTube (listed as Brother Isaiah since they were published prior to his ordination earlier this summer).
I also talked about loving my course from Franciscan University of Steubenville this summer, as well as my plans to couple progress towards the MA in Catholic Studies with some workshops from Franciscan at Home during semesters in which it would not be prudent to take full courses.
In this First Friday Check-In, I provide a little bit more context to my discernment from the last academic year and some glimpses into the initial fruits of how it unfolded, including starting to explore the beauty of a vow of stability that some religious orders take and how that might apply to family life and decisions. I consider how continuing with a stable career can be a great blessing to the overall bigger picture of my life, while also having many inherent blessings within my career as well.
At the end of the episode I explain that I might need to put the podcast on pause fall term because it will be my heaviest teaching load of the year, so I am uncertain whether it will be prudent to invest in episodes or not. The best way to stay up to date on new episodes as I am able to create them is by subscribing in something like iTunes. As long as it is prudent when the time comes, I will try to at least do my First Friday posts.
In this First Friday episode I reflect on almost being a Franciscan student linked to my word for the liturgical year play. In this episode I talk about options for online learning through Franciscan University of Steubenville.
I also mention an:
- an article that I saw in Catholic Digest related to women returning to school later in life.
- The Catherine of Siena Institute's Called and Gifted
- The Ask Fr. Josh podcast
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church
- Fr. Mike's Bible in a Year podcast and the exciting news of his upcoming 2023 podcast, The Catechism in a Year
- He Leadeth Me
In this episode I conclude my entrepreneurship series. I share a concrete example of how one prompt during Lisa Canning's Branding Bootcamp a little over a year ago sparked a lot of dreaming, action, and clarity. This episode is releasing on the date that I set on that prompt for standing on a stage in a specific location delivering a talk related to the Beauty of Becoming. Listen in to see how the process unfolded between her prompt and the arrival of the date. I conclude the episode by reflecting on where I am at as far as the role of entrepreneurship in my life and by sharing for the first time, the prayer that I drafted - The Litany of Dreams.
In this episode, I also celebrate Dr. Greg Bottaro and Stephanie Weinert as Catholics who have inspired me related to the concept of dreaming with God and taking action aligned to what they have discerned in prayer.
I also refer to Fr. Mike's Bible in a Year podcast, episode 96.
In this episode I reflect on price-points, specifically considering: 1) price and motivation, 2) worth and value, and 3) mindsets and God's creativity.
I celebrate Catholic entrepreneurs Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira of Wallet Win as the entrepreneurs who have inspired me.
In this episode, I also mention:
-Franciscan University of Steubenville
-The Motivation Code: Discover the Hidden Forces That Drive Your Best Work-Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life-A podcast episode interview between Luke Burgis and Greg McKeown (...and I mispronounced his last name two times in this episode)
-Unrepeatable: Cultivating the Unique Calling of Every Person-The Chosen
-Pray More Novenas
-Blessed is She
-Mother and Home
In this episode of my entrepreneurship series, I talk about the role of mentors and colleagues when considering a new terrain of entrepreneurship. I also reflect on differences between mentors and colleagues within my educational career and my exploration of entrepreneurship.
The Catholic entrepreneur that I celebrate at the start of this series is Jenna Guizar of Blessed is She. I also express gratitude for Beth Davis and her experience The Well from Blessed is She.
Based on the nature of this episode, I also bring up again some of the mentors and entrepreneurs that have inspired me that I mentioned in previous episodes, such as Lisa Canning, Metanoia Catholic, Michelle Dunne, and Jackie Mulligan.
In this episode I narrate how my Word for the Liturgical Year journey has unfolded into a season of considering play and pause - a new layer of my word play that I do not remember considering previously in the year. I reflect on how previous discernments have supported my current discernment process and glimpses into the layers of growth inherent in this current season.
Mentioned in this Episode:
He Leadeth Me
Fr. Mike video - Your Work Doesn’t Come from Your Worth
Michelle Dunne - Catholic Strengths Coach
Integrated Daily Dialogic Mentorship (IDDM)
CFR’s - Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
This episode is the 5th in the entrepreneurship series and focuses on the fruit of intimacy with the Lord within an entrepreneurship context and life in general. I consider this topic with three concepts - content development and marketing, pace, and mutual gift of self.
In each episode of the entrepreneurship series, I am featuring Catholics that have inspired or encouraged me in this new terrain. In this episode, I feature Jackie Mulligan of Reform Wellness and Leah Darrow.
I also mention:
Jackie Mulligan's Ascension Presents conversations with Fr. Mark-Mary and Brother Elijah (1, 2, 3)
Reform Online information (including an image of the pillars)
The Catholic Coaching Podcast - Episode 66 - Leah Darrow quote mentioned at 21:20
Jennifer Dukes Lee's book, Growing Slow
Erin Loechner's book, Chasing SlowFr. Jacques Philippe
Fr. Walter Ciszek's book, He Leadeth Me
In this fourth episode in my entrepreneurship series, I focus on the Spirit Path, a play on words from a common entrepreneurial term - the Success Path. I explore benefits of the Success Path, as well as tensions with the underlying assumptions as both a creator and learner. Then, I explain why I will instead be shaping my teaching and learning through The Spirit Path - something that I perceive more accurately captures how learning, growth and transformation is constructed over time.
In each episode of the entrepreneurship series, I am featuring Catholics that have inspired or encouraged me in this new terrain. In this episode, I feature Franciscan University and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.
I also mention Fr. Agustino Torres' OSV Talk, The Franciscan Way.
In this third episode of my entrepreneurship series, I focus on process and play, exploring that becoming entrepreneurship is a process and that there is space for play inherent. I talk about relieving the pressure to instantly find a niche, as well as the ability to develop and shift niches over time.
I highlight how a conversation between Cal Newport and Jenny Blake, as well as Jenny's book Pivotand Cal's pull method have provided beneficial insight to shaping my mindset related to niche, career trajectory, and work flow.
I also mention the benefit of Sr. Josephine Garret's daily bread discernment (mentioned here and here).
In each episode of the entrepreneurship series, I am featuring Catholic Entrepreneurs or Apostolates that have inspired or encouraged me in this new terrain. In this episode, I feature January Donovan and Michelle Dunne.
On this First Friday check-in, I share narratives related to key anchor experiences throughout different seasons of life that have built upon each other and then expanded out into navigating life in general. The anchors that I explore are: cross country in high school, walking a portion of El Camino de Santiago in college, and my 6 labors throughout my 20s and 30s.
On the podcast, I also mention the book, Made for This: The Catholic Mom's Guide to Birth.
In this second episode of my entrepreneurship series, I discuss the role of playful surrender in the process of becoming. I focus on the importance of the role of trust to build a foundation that enables play. I also discuss how having a mindset convicted in God's goodness helps us to surrender outcomes, knowing that He is working through everything to accomplish His good will.
In each episode of the entrepreneurship series, I am featuring Catholic Entrepreneurs or Apostolates that have inspired or encouraged me in this new terrain. In this episode, I feature Lisa Canning and the Ingolds of Metanoia Catholic.
In this episode I begin an 8 part series into my emerging philosophy as an entrepreneur. I explain the background of my motivation to explore entrepreneurship, as well as the role of interests over time in our lives. I also share why I am sharing my entrepreneurial thoughts now, rather than waiting to be an expert. Then, I give an overview of the remaining 7 episodes in the series.
In each episode, I will feature Catholic Entrepreneurs or Apostolates that have inspired or encouraged me in this new terrain. In this episode, I feature Our Sunday Visitor's OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation.
In this episode, as I celebrate my 41st baptismal anniversary, I reflect on what to cling to when foundations shake throughout our lives.
For this First Friday Check-In, I announce a couple of my upcoming projects that I am excited to develop and share. Then, I share glimpses into my on-going journey with my Word for the Liturgical Year play.
The Bible verses that I mention are:
- Luke 1:46-47, 49
- James 1:2-4
- Luke 5
- Numbers 13
I also mention how some lines from a K-Drama called Start-Up spoke to my heart (Season 1, Episode 11, starting at 26:22).
In this episode, I explain 5 reasons why I love having the liturgical year guide my goal setting process, as well as some glimpses into the fruits of my recent prayer life and having selected play for the current liturgical year.
I also give an update on what to expect for frequency of episodes for the podcast.
Resources I mention are:
-Our Not-Quite-Holy Family by Mark and Melanie Hart
-The Power of Fun by Catherine Price
-Brother Isaiah's music
-In Sinu Jesu: When Heart Speaks to Heart by A Benedictine Monk
-Dwell - A Blessed is She study on the Eucharist
In this episode I am excited to reveal my word for the upcoming liturgical year, as well as outlining my intentions for Advent.
This is the last episode for season 1 in order to allow space to more prayerfully enter into the Advent season, to discern how to focus my time and energy in this season of life, and finalize the focus for season 2.
I would love to hear what you have selected for your word for the liturgical year. You can share about your journey with your word by using the contact form on my website beautyofbecoming.com.
You can access my free Word for the Liturgical Year resource on my website.
In this post, I mention:
The Chosen season 1, episode 8
Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee
Cal Newport - concept of pull method
Blessed is She - And Hay Became Holy Advent 2021 devotional
In this episode, I review my words for the liturgical year from 2019-2021. Then, I share 8 key take aways that I have noticed after incorporating the practice into my life for 11 years.
If you would like to join me on the word for the liturgical year journey, you are welcome to access a PDF that I have created to facilitate the process. Those who join are also welcome to include the logo for the project when sharing about it. I also have blog posts about some of my words.
In this episode, I also mention:
-an impactful homily from Fr. Mike
-Called and Gifted from the Catherine of Siena Institute to support discernment of charisms
-Reform Online from Reform Wellness
-Deep Work by Cal Newport
-Personal Prayer: A Guide to Receiving the Father's Love by Fr. Thomas Acklin, OSB & Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB
-St. Faustina's Diary
In this episode, I review my words of the (liturgical) year from 2010-2018. I mention a PDF that I have created to facilitate the process. Those who join are also welcome to include the logo for the project when sharing about it. I also have blog posts about some of my words.
In this episode I introduce the concept of Word for the Liturgical Year. I explain how it has been a powerful practice to nurture Christ-centered growth and invite listeners to join the adventure. I mention a PDF that I have created to facilitate the process. Those who join are welcome to include the logo for the project when sharing about it. I also have blog posts about some of my words.
On this episode I explore dreaming in the present moment, a concept I began pondering when I realized it was hard to dream based on recent disappointments. I explore 3 insights from prayer from this season of life: 1) God uses dreams as a means to clarify & purify, 2) God uses dreams to prepare us, and 3) God shows us how to plan and play.
In this episode, I share glimpses into discerning personal vocation, alongside reconsidering the role of schooling and daycare in our family's life based on how the pandemic opened me up to ideas I never would have imagined possible previously. An overarching theme from this season was better learning to live in the present moment and patiently see how different layers would unfold with peace, trust, and surrender. This was the final episode in my series to lay the foundation for recent seasons of discernment, which provide a big picture context for future episodes in which I will dive deeper into individual concepts related to the process of Christ-centered growth and the journey of becoming who God created us to be.
In this episode I continue the series on discernment in recent years by explaining a time in which I was discerning on-going career layers, while also grieving letting go of some ministry dreams for the moment. I focus on three key ideas that stand out to me from that season - gratitude, simplicity, and possibilities.
In this episode I continue with my narrative on seasons of discernment in recent years, outlining how some layers unfolded when navigating nuances of where ministry fits within overall bigger picture of family discernment. Then, I explain six take aways from those experiences.
In this second episode on discernment, I explain a process of discernment related to number of kids and involvement with ministry. I outline my approach to discerning in this particular season of life and some of the perceived fruits of that discernment 6 years later.
This episode is the first in a series of episodes on discernment. This one focuses on career boundaries and reeling in passions. It outlines factors that led to me being in need of setting solid boundaries, the process I used to discern and lessons learned from the process.