XO Conversations: Recent Episodes

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In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Sunita Sah — physician and organizational psychologist — to unpack something most of us were never taught: how to speak up when it matters.

Together, we explore:

• Why we struggle to say no (even when we know we should)
• How people-pleasing gets reinforced from childhood
• The hidden cost of staying silent
• The psychology of defiance — and why it isn’t what you think
• The five stages of speaking up
• How to find your voice without becoming someone you’re not

This conversation isn’t about becoming louder or more confrontational.

It’s about integrity and values and standing up for what you feel is right.

I learned a lot from this conversation.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between being kind and being honest…
If you’ve ever swallowed your truth to keep others comfortable…
This episode is for you.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Have you ever noticed how quickly comparison can take over?

One minute you’re feeling grounded…
The next, you see someone else’s post, promotion, relationship, or life update — and suddenly you’re wondering if you’re behind, off track, or not doing enough.

In this episode, we’re talking about the comparison spiral — why it happens, why it feels so personal, and what’s actually going on beneath the surface when someone else’s success makes you doubt your own life. You’ll learn why comparison isn’t really about them — it’s about the desire, insecurity, or longing that gets activated inside of you.

And more importantly, I’ll walk you through five practical tools you can use in the moment to stop spiraling.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why comparison can collapse your confidence in seconds

• The “happiness gap” comparison creates — and how to shrink it

• How curiosity can interrupt self-judgment instantly

• A few simple "resets" that restore perspective

This episode is for you if:

You feel triggered by other people’s success — even when you’re happy for them

You’ve ever thought “I should be further ahead by now”

You’re navigating midlife transitions, identity shifts, or changing capacity

You want to stop comparing without pretending it doesn’t hurt

You want to know how to get off the comparison spiral and back to yourself and your dreams.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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When was the last time you truly rested?

What happens when you literally can’t do it all anymore? For Jess, it took a broken foot, six weeks off her feet, and a complete pause in her routines to realize how deeply she’d tied her worth to her productivity.

In this episode, we explore the emotional reality of “rest guilt” — the belief that you’re only valuable when you’re doing, helping, performing, achieving, or holding everything together. Jess opens up about the meltdown that made her ask, “Who am I if I’m not doing all the things?” and how she's redefining worth, presence, and capacity.

We talk about:
• Feeling useless or unworthy when you can’t be productive
• How to accept help (even when it feels uncomfortable)
• Why women often tie value to caretaking, tasks, and saying yes
• How Jess learned to rest without shame
• The surprising way slowing down made her more productive
• Redefining movement, connection, and capacity

If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or secretly afraid of slowing down, this episode will help you rethink your relationship with rest — and give yourself permission to be human.

🎧 Listen if you’re craving:

Permission to rest

Freedom from productivity pressure

Emotional resilience and self-compassion

YouTube video:

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Have you ever done all the right things — gone to bed early, canceled plans, rested, even slept well — and still woken up feeling exhausted?

This episode is for the kind of tired that sleep doesn’t fix.

We’re talking about emotional exhaustion — how it’s different from physical fatigue, why it’s so common right now, and why so many of us keep trying to solve emotional depletion with physical solutions.

In this conversation, I walk you through how emotional energy gets quietly drained over time — through “shoulds” you don’t agree with, constant responsibility, being needed by everyone, and pretending you’re okay when you’re not. And more importantly, what it actually takes to move from rest to restoration.

You’ll learn:

• How to tell if you’re physically tired or emotionally drained

• Why emotional exhaustion can look like burnout, numbness, or constant tension

• How “shoulds” quietly leak your emotional energy

• The difference between rest and true emotional restoration

• How boundaries, connection, and purpose help you recharge at a deeper level

This episode is especially for you if:

You feel tired even after a full night’s sleep

You’re capable of doing everything — but don’t want to anymore

You feel tense when someone needs something from you

You’re a parent, caregiver, professional, entrepreneur, or helper

You’re tired of powering through and want to feel restored again

If rest hasn’t been working for you, it may not be your body that needs the break. It may be your heart.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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When life gives you lemons, what do you do?

In this episode of XO Conversations, Dr. Rishma Walji sits down with Rachel Kelly, founder of Make Lemonade, to talk about how she rebuilt her life — and her identity — after closing her dream business during the pandemic.

From launching a women’s coworking space to discovering her passion for floristry, Rachel’s journey is a masterclass in creative reinvention and self-trust.

Together, they explore:
🍋 How to pivot when life doesn’t go as planned
💬 Why “failure” is often just redirection
🌸 What it means to live a truly creative life
🪞 How to separate your identity from your business
✨ Why courage often sounds like intuition

If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or ready for a change, this conversation will remind you that it’s never too late to make something beautiful out of the unexpected.

Watch on YouTube

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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You don’t have to be fearless to be brave.

In this episode of XO Conversations, Dr. Rishma Walji sits down with Michelle “Mace” Curran, former U.S. Air Force Thunderbird fighter pilot and author of The Flip Side, to explore how courage really works — in the air and in life.

From blacking out mid-flight at nine times the force of gravity to performing in front of millions as one of the few women fighter pilots in the world, Michelle’s story is about more than speed and precision. It’s about what happens after the fear hits — and how to move anyway.

Together, they dive into:
✈️ What fighter jets taught her about failure and control
💭 How to separate self-worth from performance
🪞 Why courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s the pause before reaction
🌱 How to build confidence through recovery, not perfection
💡 The real meaning of starting before you’re ready

Whether you’re standing at the edge of a big decision or simply craving more confidence in everyday life, this conversation will remind you that bravery starts with one small, honest step.

🎧 Listen if you’re ready to:

Overcome self-doubt and imposter feelings

Reframe failure as feedback

Build courage in uncertainty

Learn from one of the few women fighter pilots in the world

Watch on YouTube:

Learn more: macecurran.com

More Resources: livingxo.com/resources

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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We spend years chasing success — the titles, the numbers, the validation — only to realize that achievement isn’t the same as fulfillment.

In this episode of XO Conversations, Dr. Rishma Walji sits down with Meghan Telpner, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of the Academy of Culinary Nutrition, to talk about what happens when you outgrow the version of success you once worked so hard to build.

After leading a multimillion-dollar business with students all over the world, Meghan made a radical choice — to walk away. What came next wasn’t burnout, but a complete redefinition of what it means to live well.

Together, we explore:
✨ How to know when “enough” is truly enough
💬 The emotional toll of achievement and identity
🌱 Why rest and creativity are the new measures of success
💡 How to reconnect with joy and self-worth after success
🪞 What it means to live in alignment instead of autopilot

This isn’t a story about quitting. It’s a story about redefining your goals, and a new kind of success that’s rooted in peace, values, creativity, and purpose.

Episode LinksWatch on YouTube

Learn more about Meghan

Explore tools for intentional living: livingxo.com/resources

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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So many of us grow up hearing: “Save every penny,” or “Don’t waste money.” But what happens when those kinds of money stories start holding us back?

In this heartfelt episode of XO Conversations, Dr. Rishma Walji sits down with Cammie Doder and Sandi Bragar, co-hosts of the Money Tales Podcast, to explore the emotional and practical sides of money.

✨ How childhood money stories shape adult decisions
💬 Why our values and beliefs about money often get tangled
💡 How to talk about finances with your partner — without tension
🌱 How to redefine “enough” in a world that tells us to keep striving
🧭 The intersection of identity, purpose, and financial wellbeing

This isn’t a technical finance episode — it’s a deeper look at how our money mindset mirrors our emotional life. Whether you’re redefining success, feeling financially stuck, or simply craving more alignment in how you earn, spend, and give, this conversation will help you reconnect money with meaning.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Somewhere between deadlines, caregiving, and doing all the things… fun got lost.

Not just the big, event-style fun — but the kind that makes you forget what time it is, that makes you laugh or relax without needing a reason, that reminds you who you are under all the responsibility.

In this episode, I explore the real reasons fun feels so out of reach for so many women — and why adding more of it back into our lives is less about being silly, and more about reconnecting with presence, lightness, and joy.

You’ll hear from women who tried a weeklong “fun experiment,” what worked (and what didn’t), and what we discovered about joy that surprised us all.

Plus, I’ll walk you through a simple thought process for bringing more lightness into your day — no vacation required.

🎧 What we cover:

Why fun feels harder the more “grown up” you get

The hidden cost of only being productive

How to find joy again in small, unplanned moments

The 5 types of daily fun (yes, even for the serious ones)

What “fun” actually means when you’re juggling everything

Whether you’re craving more laughter, more lightness, or just a way to feel like you again — this one’s for you.

🖐🏻 Want my free list of 50+ ways to add fun back into your life? Find it here: livingxo.com/havefun

And if you’re feeling stuck between who you used to be and who you want to become, I offer free coaching calls. Reach out at hello@livingxo.com

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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If you’ve hit your 40s or 50s and noticed that the workouts you used to do aren’t working anymore, you’re not imagining it.

In this episode, I’m joined by triple-board certified nutrition expert, fitness hall of famer, author of 4 New York Times bestselling books, JJ Virgin. We’re talking about what really happens to your body in your 40s and beyond—especially when it comes to exercise, hormones, and energy.

We cover everything from strength training and metabolism to recovery, motivation, and what JJ calls your “metabolic Spanx.” It’s science-backed, practical, and surprisingly encouraging.

Whether you’ve been feeling frustrated with your workouts, unsure how to shift your routine, or just want to feel stronger and more grounded in your body—this conversation is for you.

This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what works now.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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You’re dependable. Capable. Always there for others.
But under the surface — are you running on empty?

In this episode of XO Conversations, Dr. Rishma Walji explores what it really costs to be “the strong one.” You’ll hear about the quiet emotional toll of carrying too much, how overfunctioning leads to cognitive overload, and why selflessness can slowly turn into invisibility.

We’ll talk about:
✅ Why being capable often leads to being overlooked
✅ The mental load and its effects on your creativity and emotional flexibility
✅ Subtle signs you’re carrying too much
✅ How to redefine strength (and rest without guilt)
✅ 2 micro-practices to start feeling like yourself again

If you’ve ever thought “I should be able to handle this,” or “I don’t want to need help,” this episode will speak straight to your heart — and gently remind you: You don’t have to do it all. And you don't have to do it all alone.

📌 This is for the women who’ve been holding it all together for too long — and are ready to be seen and supported again.
Listen now and share with a friend who needs this too.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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In this episode, I’m sharing stories that challenge everything we’ve been told about aging. My mom is more vibrant than ever after making a big life change. A woman I admire took up boxing at 50 and shuffle dancing at 58—proving that movement, growth, and reinvention don’t have an age limit. And I’m opening up about my own journey with aging, including what finally shifted my perspective from dreading getting older to embracing what’s possible.

If you’ve ever thought “I wish I could, but I’m too old”, this episode will make you think again.

Hit play to rethink aging, reinvention, and what’s still ahead for you.

Share this episode with someone who might need to hear it.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Ever set a goal, feel super motivated at first, and then… life happens? You get busy, you get tired, and before you know it, you’re right back where you started. If you’ve ever wondered why change is so hard—or felt frustrated with yourself for falling into the same patterns—this episode is for you.

Here’s the thing: willpower isn’t the secret to lasting change. It’s exposure. The more your brain sees something as normal, desirable, and possible, the more it adapts to make that your default. I call this process “flooding,” and it’s a game-changer.

In this episode, I’m sharing:
✅ How your brain rewires itself based on what you consume
✅ Why surrounding yourself with the right influences makes change easier
✅ The simple daily shifts that helped me change my mindset, self-talk, and habits
✅ What to do when you feel stuck in old thought patterns

Change doesn’t happen through force—it happens through immersion.

Hit play to learn how to shift your beliefs and habits in a way that actually sticks.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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You’ve heard it before: “Get out of your comfort zone!” But what if that advice isn’t always right? What if sometimes, staying where you are is exactly what you need?

The truth is, your comfort zone isn’t your enemy—it’s a tool. Sometimes, it provides healing, security, and clarity. Other times, it traps you in fear and avoidance. The key is knowing when to step out—and when to lean in.

In this episode, we explore:
✔️ The neuroscience of comfort zones (and why they exist for a reason)
✔️ The difference between resting in your comfort zone vs. hiding in it
✔️ How small, intentional exploration can help you grow without burnout
✔️ Real-life stories of people who learned when to push—and when to stay put

If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting more and needing stability, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy:

Boundaries: Saying No in a World That Expects Yes - https://livingxo.com/boundaries/

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Ever find yourself staring at the ceiling at 3 AM, brain racing, knowing you should be sleeping but somehow can’t? Same. Sleep struggles hit differently when hormones, stress, and life’s mental to-do list start getting in the way. I’ve done all the things—dark room, no screens, evening wind-down routines—but sometimes, it’s not enough.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s actually helped me sleep better, from the impact of perimenopause to the unexpected mindset shifts that finally made a difference. Whether you’re waking up in the middle of the night, struggling with stress-induced insomnia, or just trying to figure out why sleep feels harder than it used to, this episode is packed with real talk and practical strategies.

Because sleep isn’t just about sleep—it’s about hormones, stress, and the way we train our brains. And if you’re feeling exhausted, it’s time for a new approach.

Short Breathing Exercise

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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All I had to do was sign. That’s it. A few seconds, and it would have been done. But I waited—for months. Why? Because procrastination isn’t about being lazy or bad at time management. It’s about emotion. Fear. Anxiety. Overwhelm.

If you’ve ever put off something important—whether it’s booking a doctor’s appointment, finishing a project, or having a tough conversation—this episode is for you. We’re breaking down the sneaky ways we procrastinate, the emotions that drive it, and how to finally stop putting off the things that matter.

Hit play and let’s talk about why you’re really procrastinating (and how to change it).

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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In this special episode of XO Conversations, I’m sharing an interview I did on the Talk to Danielle podcast. We explored:

• The science behind savoring and its role in strengthening relationships
• How journaling can help you connect with your kids, partner, or even yourself
• Practical tips for shifting from stress to gratitude and appreciation
• Why the small, intentional moments matter most

Whether you’re a parent, partner, or someone looking to live more intentionally, this conversation will inspire you to approach connection differently.

Resources Mentioned:

• Connected Parent Journal
• Free Gratitude Challenge
• Learn more about my work: Living XO

Stay Connected:

• Follow me on Instagram: @livingxo

Share Your Thoughts:
What’s your favorite way to connect with loved ones? Tag me on social media and let me know!

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Ever sat down to “define your values” and felt completely lost? You’re not alone. Most people look at a list of 50+ values and try to pick their top three, but it's so hard—when everything sounds good, how do you actually know what’s most important?

Understanding your values is really about understanding what truly drives you, shapes your decisions, and makes you feel aligned in your life.

In this episode, I’m sharing a simple but powerful 4-category framework that helps you uncover the values that are actually yours—not just the ones you think you should have.

🚀 What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why picking values from a list doesn’t actually help you
✅ The key difference between values and beliefs—and why it matters
✅ How to identify coping strategies that might be holding you back
✅ The 4 categories that will give you total clarity on what actually matters

💡 One Question for You: If you could only live by one core value for the next year, what would it be? DM me on Instagram @livingxo or share your thoughts in the comments!

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Related Episode: Title Here
• Free Download: Values Clarity Worksheet
• Join My Email List for Weekly Insights

📩 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend & leave a review—it helps more people find the show!

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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In this episode of XO Conversations, I sit down with Hanifa, a retired naturopathic doctor and grief recovery guide, to unpack the complexities of grief and loss. Together, we redefine grief beyond its traditional understanding—it's not just about losing someone but also encompasses life transitions, conflicting emotions, and unacknowledged experiences. Hanifa shares her unique approach to grief recovery, offering tools, actionable steps, and insights on how to process emotions and move forward. If you've ever struggled with loss, emotional overwhelm, or simply naming your feelings, this conversation is for you.

Topics include:

• Why you might still feel “stuck” years after a loss or major change
• Tools to process grief and move forward with clarity
• Myths about grief, including "time heals all wounds"
• How unprocessed grief impacts your emotional and physical health

Connect with Hanifa here

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Life doesn’t always follow the plan. Especially in parenting.

In this raw and heartfelt conversation, Diana shares her journey of raising children after receiving a medical diagnosis. From the emotional highs and lows to practical strategies for balance, this episode is full of lessons on emotional regulation, empathy, and building resilience for yourself and your kids.

Whether you’re a parent, a caregiver, or someone seeking inspiration in the face of adversity, this episode will remind you that challenges can lead to powerful growth and deeper connection.

This isn’t just a story about parenting—it’s about finding strength, love, and understanding in the unexpected.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Have you ever felt misunderstood by your doctors? Are you tired of accepting discomfort and hormonal imbalance as your normal? Are you looking to age gracefully, well and healthy? Dr. Brighten, a leading expert in hormonal health, brings clarity to the confusion surrounding women's health, offering insights that challenge the status quo and help you to understand your body.

From debunking widespread myths to revealing how simple changes can lead to monumental shifts in health, this discussion is not just a conversation—it's a opportunity for women seeking to reclaim their health.

Tune in to transform the way you understand your body and your health.

Free List of 5 Must-Ask Questions Before Making A Decision: https://livingxo.com/questions

🙏🏽 Free Gratitude Challenge: https://livingxo.com/gratitude

About Dr. Rishma Walji:

• Dr Walji spent over 20 years in clinical practice as a Naturopathic Doctor with a focus on hormone health
• She has a PhD and 2 post doctoral fellowships
• She is the host of the XO Conversations Podcast
• Dr Walji gave an enlightening TEDx talk on Intentional Decision Making
• Her mission is to empower people to live healthier, more intentional lives with access to information and resources in a non-judgmental environment
• Reach out at https://livingxo.com/

About Dr. Jolene Brighten:

• Dr. Jolene Brighten is a hormone expert nutrition scientist and thought leader in women's medicine.
• She is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in clinical sexology.
• Dr. Brighten is the author of "Is This Normal", a non judgmental Guide to Creating hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms and building the sexual desire you crave
• She's a fierce patient advocate and completely dedicated to uncovering the root cause of hormonal imbalance.
• Dr. Brighten empowers women to take control of their health, their hormones through her website and her social media channels
• Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator and medical advisor within the tech community

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy these other episodes:

Learning to Love Our Bodies: https://livingxo.com/learning-to-love-our-bodies/

Bold Choices, Hidden Sacrifices: https://livingxo.com/bold-choices-hidden-sacrifice/

Boundaries, Saying No in a world that expects a Yes: https://livingxo.com/boundaries/

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Ever feel like you’re living a version of success that no longer applies? That who you are has somehow taken a backseat to what you do?

Meet Judy—a high-achieving professional who checked off all the right boxes but now feels like she’s lost touch with her true self. In this episode of XO Conversations, I sit down with Judy after she's made big changes in her life and in her career.

Judy’s journey is a reflection of a struggle many of us face: we get so focused on career milestones and the “shoulds” of success that our sense of self fades into the background. Together, we talk through the real fears, surprising insights, and gentle self-discovery steps that can help you reconnect with what you want after what you want evolves.

I share some practical exercises you can try right now to start uncovering what you really want from life, how you can redefine success, plus tips on how to stay kind to yourself in the process. Because —rewriting the rules isn’t easy. But with each step, you’re building a life that feels more true to you.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Ever wonder why you’re so exhausted after a full night’s sleep? Or why “just take a deep breath” sometimes doesn’t cut it? Here’s the kicker: we’ve been breathing our whole lives, but most of us are still doing it wrong.

In today’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at the one thing we’re doing all day, every day, without thinking—our breath. Inspired by James Nestor’s book Breath, someone's shocking sleep apnea diagnosis, and even my own asthma experience preparing to hike Machu Picchu, this episode breaks down why your breath matters way more than you think.

We'll explore a few easy (and research-backed!) techniques you can try right now to feel more energized, focused, and calm—without adding more to your to-do list. If you’re looking for a small shift that leads to a big impact, this episode will help you understand how the way you breathe can change everything.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Can you just do something for the pure joy of it? Or does your brain automatically turn every hobby into a set of goals? In this episode, we dives into the pressures we feel to turn our hobbies into something productive, the constant push for 'bigger and better,' and how we can learn to enjoy hobbies for what they are. We explore why many of us struggle to simply enjoy our free time activities without feeling the need to justify or excel at them. If you’re tired of turning hobbies into a side hustle or Olympic sport, this episode is for you.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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When was the last time you did something just for you? No obligations, no guilt, just pure, unfiltered joy. If you’re struggling to even remember, you’re not alone. Between the chaos of family, work, and everything else, it’s easy to lose track of what lights you up.

In this episode, we’re diving into the topic of hobbies, why they seem so hard to start (or keep), and how you can reconnect with what brings you fulfillment—even if you’re convinced there’s no time. I’ll share practical strategies for carving out space for yourself, guilt-free, and we’ll explore how rediscovering a simple passion could be the key to recharging your energy and finding yourself again.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re missing out on your own life, this one’s for you.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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I’ve stood, maybe like you, looking in the mirror, picking apart every flaw, every inch that society told me wasn’t good enough. But what if we saw in ourselves more than a waistline, more than our wrinkles, more than our scars? In this episode we talk about how we see our bodies, and by extension, ourselves. And more importantly, how we can shift that perspective to a more positive, empowering and compassionate narrative.

Dives deep into the journey of embracing body love and self-acceptance. Tune in as we explore practical strategies to shift your mindset and celebrate the uniqueness of your body.

Key Takeaways:* The Power of Self-Acceptance * Personal Stories * Practical Tips * Insights on Body Image * Breaking Free from Societal Standards * Aging Gracefully

Action Steps:Learning to love your reflection (FREE resource)

https://livingxo.com/mirror

Resources & Links: Free Resource*: Learning To Love Your Reflection

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Have you ever been told to 'think logically' and 'ignore your feelings' when making a big decision? What if there's more to it? People have emotions and ignoring them isn't realistic or beneficial. In today's episode, we're uncovering the powerful role emotions play in shaping our choices and our lives. If you've ever felt torn between your heart and your head, this episode is for you.

Highlights

1. Why Ignoring Emotions Isn’t an Option: Explore real-life scenarios where emotions play a significant role in decision-making.
2. Impulsive Decisions vs Emotional Awareness: Learn the difference between making decisions in the heat of the moment and being aware of your emotions during a challenging choice.
3. Thoughts vs. Emotions: Delve into the connection between thoughts and emotions and how they influence your choices.
4. Handling Multiple Emotions: Find out how to acknowledge and embrace the complexity of having more than one emotion at a time.

Quotes

• "When we take out the emotion, we neglect a huge part of what makes us feel satisfied with our choices and our lives."
• "The key is not to eliminate emotion but to understand it and integrate it effectively."
• "Acknowledging and understanding everything you’re feeling can help you make more balanced and true-to-self decisions."

Action Step

• Download the Free Guide: Grab my 5 go-to, must-ask questions for any complicated decision at livingxo.com/questions
• Get the Free Workshop: Learn how to recognize and regulate your emotions at livingxo.com/emotions

Connect

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend! Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast—it really means a lot to me. You can always reach out at hello@livingxo.com.

Join the Conversation

• Instagram: Follow us @livingxo for behind-the-scenes content and updates.
• LinkedIn: Follow me for more insights and research @rishma-walji on LinkedIn
• Website: Visit livingxo.com for more resources and information.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Do you ever find yourself doing things you don't really want to do? Maybe it's the subtle pressure to fit in, the fear of disappointing others, or the allure of a path that isn't truly yours.

Today we explore how to make decisions that feel more authentic and true to ourselves. Discover how to identify and prioritize your values, even when societal norms or family expectations pull you in different directions. Learn the about recognizing what you're willing to trade to achieve your goals, and how to manage your time to align with your true desires. Plus, gain invaluable tips on trusting your journey, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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If you're seeking to live fully without burnout, this podcast is for you. Join us as we explore strategies for navigating complex decisions and finding clarity in the chaos of life.

Episode Overview: In this episode, we meet Larissa, who is grappling with a major career decision. Larissa's journey highlights the complexities involved in decision-making, from untangling emotions to managing uncertainty and challenging expectations. Through Larissa's story, we uncover valuable insights that can help you approach your own decisions with greater clarity and confidence.

Larissa's journey serves as a reminder that clarity and confidence in decision-making can be achieved by understanding and addressing the complexities involved.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Ever find yourself second-guessing every decision you make, replaying past choices like a broken record, wondering if you'll ever get it right? You're not alone. In this episode of XO Conversations Podcast, Dr. Rishma Walji peels back the layers of self-doubt and dives into the heart of why trusting ourselves can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. But fear not, because Dr. Walji doesn't just show us why this happens — she's got helpful tips for reclaiming your confidence and stepping boldly into a life of purpose and intention.

Don't forget to visit livingxo.com/questions to access Dr. Walji's free guide for navigating complex decisions with confidence.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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It's one thing to want to learn and grow and reach your goals. It's another thing to push through - harder and harder - until things start to fall apart. But it's not always easy to know where that line is.

Ambition is important. It keeps us focused and helps us work hard. But if you're feeling like you keep racing towards a finish line that keeps moving further and further away, or like you're starting to miss out on other things in life, if you're always wondering 'what's next' without ever feeling like you've arrived, this episode is for you.

In today's episode as we unpack the myth of perpetual achievement and explore what happens when the thrill of the chase starts to wear off. It's a heart-to-heart on the true price of checking off all the boxes of success and how sometimes, the most significant growth comes from re-evaluating what you're chasing in the first place.

What We Cover:

1. The Hidden Costs of Constantly Chasing
2. Redefining Success
3. The Myth of More
4. Stories That Inspire
5. Self Reflection

Join the Conversation:

Feeling inspired? Curious? Challenged? Me too. Reach out to share your thoughts and stories on instagram @livingxo or LinkedIn @rishma-walji or via the website livingxo.com/contact. I'd love to hear from you!

For a list of the self reflection questions, check out the blog at livingxo.com/pushing

To connect with guest Kristin Dainis, find her at https://kristindainis.com

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:

Redefining Success

Finding Your Creative Flow

Is It Time To Curate Your Friendships

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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This episode takes you on an unexpected journey that began at a seemingly ordinary book club dinner and led to an extraordinary insight into life's purpose.

What You'll Discover:

• A Reunion That Reignites: After months of virtual connections, a simple dinner with friends unfolds into a night of profound revelations. Why this night was unlike any other, and how it changed our host's perspective on life, will inspire you to look at your reunions in a new light.
• The Book That Opened Eyes: "The Measure of My Powers" by Jackie Kai Ellis isn't just a story about finding oneself through the art of cooking; it's a catalyst for self-discovery that challenged our host in unexpected ways. Learn why sometimes the books we resist are the ones we need the most.
• Finding Purpose in the Everyday: Discover how a casual conversation about a book can lead to a deep reflection on personal purpose and joy. This episode invites you to consider what truly drives you, beyond the grandiose dreams and into the heart of daily living.
• Inspiration Through Vulnerability: Hear how sharing struggles and challenges can not only help us heal but also inspire those around us. Our host's journey is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the surprising ways it can connect and uplift others.
• Reflections That Propel Forward: This episode isn't just about looking back; it's about moving forward with intention and joy. Find out how simple questions and reflections can transform your approach to life and your impact on others.

Exclusive Resources:

• Unlock deeper self-knowledge and decision-making clarity with the Free Guide: "5 Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Decision." Available now at livingxo.com/questions.

Teasers:

• "What if one evening could alter the way you see yourself and your place in the world?"
• "Why your purpose might be simpler and more powerful than you've ever imagined."

Don't Miss This Episode!

• Tune in to "The Night a Book Club Changed My Life" for an intimate exploration of friendship, the unexpected lessons we learn, and the quiet power of self-reflection. It's an episode that promises to leave you with more questions than answers, in the best possible way.

Thank you for joining us!

If you loved this episode, you might also love:

https://livingxo.com/is-it-time-to-curate-your-friendships/

https://livingxo.com/how-to-get-people-to-give-you-better-advice/

https://livingxo.com/labels/ (The Labels We Give Ourselves and Why They Matter)

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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We've all been there, at the edge of a life-changing decision - maybe it’s moving across the world for love, changing careers, or even starting a family. These choices can be exciting, they can be for people we love, they can be for something wonderful. But they're also choices that bring change, and loss of an old life, a previous identity, something familiar. This episode is about embracing the full spectrum of those choices, acknowledging the bittersweet farewells as much as the exciting hellos.

You’ll be inspired by change, and also you'll get strategies to honour both the gains and losses on your path.

This isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about making peace with them.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Ever feel like your gratitude practice is just another thing on your never-ending to-do list? You're not alone. This week, your host, Dr. Rishma Walji, discusses the not-so-perfect journey of finding true gratitude amidst life's messes.

This episode isn't about the picture-perfect moments of thankfulness we see plastered on social media. It's about the gritty, real-life stuff. It's about turning "gratitude" from a buzzword into a lifeline, discovering joy in the mundane, and learning how to see the silver lining even when it feels like life is just a series of clouds.

Dr. Walji doesn't just share her story; she dives into the why and how, blending science with actionable tips that go beyond the journal. Think gratitude through laughter, tears, and those in-between moments.

Why listen? Because life's too short for superficial gratitude. Join us for real talk, genuine stories, and science-backed insights that promise to breathe new life into your daily grind. Let's get messy, let's get real, and let's find joy together.

About Your Host: Dr. Rishma Walji is your guide on this journey of self-discovery and intentional living. With a background in naturopathy and a PhD, she's spent over 20 years helping people navigate the ups and downs of life with grace, empathy, and science. When she's not podcasting, you can find her globe-trotting, dancing, or sipping on a warm cup of chai, with a smile and an open heart.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Whether you're a parent stretched thin by the demands of family life, a professional struggling to find work-life balance, or anyone in between, you'll find valuable lessons and relatable stories in this episode.

We'll tackle the hard questions:

• Why is setting boundaries so hard?

• How can we do it without feeling selfish?

• And what real-world steps can we take to make a lasting change?

Bonus Content: Don't miss out on our free workshop on how to regulate emotions, available at livingxo.com/emotions. Plus, stay tuned for more workshops and exclusive content by signing up for our newsletter at livingxo.com/subscribe.

Follow our podcast for more insights, and leave us a review to let us know how setting boundaries has changed your life.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Have you ever had that awkward moment when you have something on your mind, you’re pouring out your heart to someone, and they say ALL the wrong things?

In this episode, we talk about steering conversations to get the advice you really need. Discover how to frame your talks, ask the right questions, and express your emotions for better understanding.

Whether it's with family, friends, or colleagues, learn to communicate in a way that leaves you feeling heard and supported. Tune in and transform your day-to-day conversations into meaningful exchanges.

Stay Updated: Don't miss an episode! Follow us on your favorite podcast app. Leave us a review and let us know what you think – it helps others find the show too!

Resources for You: Check out our website at www.livingxo.com for additional resources and information.

Exclusive Content: Subscribe to our newsletter for insights, tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the show livingxo.com/subscribe

Spread the Word: Love this episode? Share it on your social media! Tag me @livingxo

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Have you ever felt confined by a label, whether self-imposed or given by others? Do terms like 'introvert,' 'perfectionist,' or even 'successful' resonate with you, but also feel limiting at times? We dissect how these labels, while sometimes validating, can also create unnecessary boundaries that restrict our growth and potential.

Discover the impact of positive labeling and how embracing new identities can lead to significant life changes. We discuss the science behind labeling theory, the brain's remarkable ability to rewire itself, and how adopting empowering labels can alter our thought patterns and self-esteem. Learn how shifting from 'I have to' to 'I get to' can transform your daily routine from a chore to an eagerly anticipated activity.

This episode is full of personal journey as well as a thoughtful guide to understanding and harnessing the labels that define us. Whether you're looking to break free from stereotypes, seek motivation for a new endeavor, or simply gain insights into your own identity, this conversation is for you.

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• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Do you often find yourself following the crowd, making decisions based on what’s expected?

Have you ever wondered if there’s a more creative, intentional way to live your life?

Dr. Rishma Walji, a Naturopathic Doctor (retired) and PhD, shares a compelling story from her visit to Montreal that sparked a profound realization about life’s choices.

In today’s episode, Dr. Rishma discusses:

• The Montreal Story: A family trip experience that teaches us about challenging the status quo.
• Embracing Curiosity: Understanding how asking the right questions can lead to more fulfilling life choices.
• Redefining the Norm: Why actively participating in our decisions is crucial rather than just accepting societal expectations.
• Building Resilience: Strategies for adapting when plans don’t unfold as anticipated.

If you're looking to transform your decision-making process and step out of the average, join Dr. Rishma in her workshop on intentional decision-making. Discover how to navigate life’s challenges with creativity and intention.

For more details, visit: livingxo.com/workshop.

Don't forget to rate and review our podcast, and share it with someone who might benefit from our conversation.

Tune in to our next episode for more on personal growth and intentional living.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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In this episode, I share with you a story that’s close to my heart – a story about an accidental family heirloom that's much more than just a piece of jewelry.

Today is all about a special necklace that's woven through the generations of my family. A history that is interconnected with my own, and hopefully with future generations. It's a symbol of love, a bridge between past and present, and a reminder of the laughter, tears and love that binds us.

This necklace isn’t just an accessory; it’s a storyteller, whispering tales of my family's love and strength and the bonds that have shaped who I am.

As you listen, think about the stories that live within your own family. Maybe it’s a recipe, a photograph, or an old letter. Like our necklace, these are more than objects; they’re the threads that connect us to our past and guide us into our future.

I hope this episode inspires you to explore the depths of your own family history and the beauty of living intentionally. It's about finding meaning in the little things and understanding how our roots influence our wings.

So grab a cozy spot and join me. Let's discover together how our families, in all their ups and downs, shape our paths and how we can honour their legacy in our daily lives.

Engage & Connect:

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Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

Watch the behind the scenes YouTube video HERE

P.S.: If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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How to do hard things: going from "I Can't" to "I'm Doing It"

Episode Description: Dive into this episode of the XO Conversations Podcast as Dr. Rishma Walji discusses the psychological and physical strategies behind conquering challenging endeavors. Whether it's tackling a new hobby, enhancing a skill, or mending a relationship, the techniques shared in this episode can guide you from fear and uncertainty to confidence and execution.

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• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.
• Inspired by this episode? Share your story or insights with the community by tagging us on social media @livingxo with #XOConversations.

Exclusive Offer for Listeners: Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.

P.S.: If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review on your preferred podcast platform. It would mean a lot to me.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Have you ever felt like the ground beneath you suddenly shifted? This isn’t about painting on a brave face; it’s about the deep work of understanding, leaning into self-love, and finding glimmers of hope even on the cloudiest days. Because sometimes, resilience is quietly whispered in the pauses between our challenges. Join us for an intimate conversation that reflects the shared journey of navigating life when the roadmap changes.

We'd love to hear from you! Share your experiences with resilience. Connect through the website, livingxo.com/contact

Subscribe and Follow

Don't miss out on more episodes on personal growth and intentional living. Subscribe to the XO Conversations podcast, and follow us on your favorite podcast platform for regular doses of inspiration.

If you enjoyed it, please leave a review on itunes!

Free Gratitude Challenge

More than just 5 things you're grateful for, this free email series will help you to feel gratitude in new and different ways

livingxo.com/gratitude

Connect with Marjorie: www.marjorieturner.com

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Why do we sometimes make things harder for ourselves without even realizing it? In this episode, we'll explore the ins and outs of why we sometimes make choices that make life harder and why we self-sabotage. We'll also talk through how to swap negative reactions for a positive responses.

We'd love to hear from you! Share your experiences with self-sabotage or let me know which strategies resonate with you. Connect through the website, livingxo.com

Subscribe and Follow

Don't miss out on more insightful episodes on personal growth and intentional living. Subscribe to the XO Conversations podcast, and follow us on your favorite podcast platform for regular doses of inspiration.

Free Gratitude Challenge

More than just 5 things you're grateful for, this free email series will help you to feel gratitude in new and different ways

livingxo.com/gratitude

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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How do I talk to my kids about gender and sexuality? This episode is for parents who want to have open conversations with their kids, but may not know how to facilitate that communication, who may have some discomfort around discussing sensitive topics, and who want more information about navigating this part of parenting.

If you want to show up for your kids in an open and intentional way, but feel uncomfortable talking about sex, gender and sexuality, this episode is for you. In this video, we talk about starting these conversations, staying open without projecting biases, teaching consent and boundaries, sex education and even addressing the often-overlooked aspects from a healthcare perspective. These topics can feel uncomfortable but they are a necessary and important part of parenting, and also of the human experience. As parents, teachers and trusted adults, we need to be able to navigate uncomfortable conversations. So grab a cozy seat, because this isn't just an interview. It's a narrative style, storytelling episode with voices from real people, experts and parents.

Join Dr Rishma Walji and Dr Ashifa Jiwa for this narrative style podcast with real stories from people who have come out with their families.

To sign up for Rishma's newsletter about personal growth, intentional living, and decision making: Sign Up Here

How intentional are you? FREE Quiz

Resources for LGBTQ+ :

Pride at Work

Lesbian/Gay/Bi Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688 (Toronto)

Two Spirited People of the First Nations (145 Front St. E) (Toronto)

Sherbourne Health Center (333 Sherbourne Street) : LGBTQ specific healthcare (Toronto)

LGBTQ+ Resources USA

Ontario Health Curriculum

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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To donate: https://www.kloss2cross.com/

For more resources: livingxo.com

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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I know how overwhelming it can be to manage the never-ending demands of life. I've been there too. From chasing dreams to navigating personal and professional responsibilities, the weight of stress can feel unescapable. That's why I'm here—to share my journey and offer guidance rooted in expertise and empathy.

When I was in clinical practice, I witnessed firsthand how stress takes a toll on our overall well-being. It impacts our energy levels, hormones, mental health, and physical vitality.

In this episode, I introduce you to a game-changing concept—ambient stress. It's the often unnoticed background noise that perpetuates our stress levels. By recognizing and addressing this silent accomplice, you can navigate both acute and chronic stressors with greater resilience and clarity.

I share practical strategies and real-life examples to help understand and navigate your own ambient stress.

More resources: livingxo.com

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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In this episode, Dr. Chris Bjorndal shares her journey with mental health and how she is now helping others regain their mental health. She talks about her book "Beyond the Label," where she discusses how labels for mental health diagnoses can be stigmatizing and contribute to suffering. Dr. Bjorndal has struggled with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicide attempts, bulimia, and ADHD. She says that seeking help is the first step towards healing, but those with mental health struggles may not be objective about their subjective reality, which makes it difficult to reach out for help. Caregivers and the community are essential for mental health care. Dr. Bjorndal emphasizes the importance of showing up with love and compassion, recognizing that those struggling with mental health may not be ready to take the first step.

The topic of mental health is crucial in today's society, and Dr. Chris Bjorndal shares her story with honesty and vulnerability, which makes it easy for people to relate to her journey. She emphasizes that mental health struggles are a social condition, and we are all responsible for each other.

For more information on living your own XO (extraordinary) life: livingxo.com

Take our Free Gratitude Challenge HERE

Also find a free workshop on Emotional Regulation

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Misha and her husband had a marriage that seemed perfect from the outside. They were close friends and partners who had been together for years. However, there was one issue that they had been struggling with for a long time - intimacy. Every time they tried to be more intimate, Misha would experience pain, which made it difficult for them to be physically close.

Misha felt embarrassed and didn't know what to do. They both struggled to communicate about it, and despite their efforts to find help, they didn't get the answers they needed. They tried to ignore the problem, pretending it was okay, but eventually, things fell apart.

Misha's story is not uncommon. Many people struggle with intimacy, but it's not something that's talked about openly. For Misha, it was a taboo subject, and she never felt comfortable discussing it with friends or family.

As a naturopathic doctor with over 20 years of clinical experience, your host, Dr. Rishma Walji understands how important it is to have these conversations. She believes that it's essential to break the taboo around intimacy and increase awareness - not just physical awareness (understanding your body) but also system awareness (how to get the resources you need). By sharing Misha's story, Dr. Rishma hopes to encourage others to speak up and seek the help they need.

For resources: livingxo.com

Take the free quiz to find out your intimacy style: livingxo.com/quiz

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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In this quick tip episode, I thought I’d look at the science, go through some practical examples, and give you some ideas on how to bring more creative flow into your life.

What is Creative Flow?

Psychologist and researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes the state of flow as a state of concentration or complete absorption in an activity. It’s when you’re so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter. You’re in the zone.

And you could be doing any number of activities, running, cooking, painting, gardening. The idea is that it’s a positive mental state, where you’re completely absorbed and focused and feeling your best.

Today I’ll focus on flow in the context of creativity but the idea is really widely applicable.

When you’re in flow, you’re in a state of:

• Complete concentration - you become so focussed that everything else falls away. You can lose track of time. You become one with the actions that you’re doing. There is what they call a merger between your actions and your awareness. The actions start to feel automatic. And even effortless.
• You also sort of lose your sense of self-consciousness, so your inner critic is silenced. This one is really key for me, I think sometimes we get into an activity and we’re thinking about what we can do better or what isn’t right so of course that isn’t happening when you’re in flow. And this part is important, you’re not judging. You’re just doing.

I talked a bit more about flow in a very early episode of the podcast on meditation. It’s different from meditation, they are not the same thing, but the way they are similar is that you’re really in the moment. And a lot of people have trouble really getting into the moment, so if that’s you, you can listen to the episode on meditation for people who don’t meditate.

The Benefits of Being in a State of Flow

When you’re in a flow state, your brain releases all sorts of pleasure neurochemicals - dopamine, norepinephrine, endorphins, serotonin, oxytocin.

I’m not going to get into all the science and details around flow, but just the point to say that when you’re in a state of flow, your creativity is amplified.

Now here’s the challenge, how do we get into this state more often and more predictably?

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Slowing Down is Important for Improving Performance
• Being better at Life, not just at Work
• How to Get into a State of Creative Flow
• Protecting Your Creative Flow
• Creative Growth

If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider writing a review on itunes. I love knowing your takeaways and aha moments from each episode.

And let me know if there’s something you’re working on that’s your creative expression.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Have you ever wondered how to unlock your creative potential and live a more authentic life aligned with your passions? In this episode, Lauren Abøn Pedersen, a Danish-Canadian singer, songwriter, and composer, shared her journey and experiences with following her creativity and living intentionally.

In this episode, I’m talking with Lauren Abøn Pedersen. She’s a Danish-Canadian singer, songwriter and composer. She has the most amazing presence and she’s just a lovely person. I felt like we were just hanging out in a coffee shop talking deeply about life and creativity and I hope you enjoy the conversation much as we did.

In this episode, we talk about:* Finding inspiration and harmony with nature to fuel creativity * Making career pivots and bold decisions for creative fulfillment * Maximizing creative potential through intentional living * Navigating career changes and pursuing your creative passions * Living an authentic life: aligning your passions with your actions * The impact of Canadian and Danish cross-cultural experiences on creative expression * Embracing uncertainty: managing pressure, comparison and doubt * How to unlock creativity when you feel blocked * Control vs creativity and following your own path * Creating Your Own Muse

And much more!

For more resources, as always visit the website livingxo.com

If you want to start or deepen a gratitude practice for more positivity and peace in your life, join my free gratitude challenge.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Ever have trouble managing your emotions? Today your host Dr. Rishma Walji is talking with guest Dr. Joan Rosenberg about unpleasant emotions and how to manage them.

They discuss grief, self confidence, criticism and so much more.

For a free workshop on Emotional Regulation, a Free Gratitude Challenge and other resources, check out our website at livingxo.com

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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In this episode, we dive deep into the physical, emotional and cultural significance of hair and how it shapes our identity. Your host, Dr. Rishma Walji, and our guests share their own journeys with their hair, how it looks, how much time they spend on it, what it means for their self-perception and how they are perceived by others. Through this conversation, you'll gain a better understanding of the complex relationship between hair and self-confidence, identity, culture, ancestry, expectations and beauty. You might even find some inspiration for your own hair journey.

More resources on the website: livingxo.com

Join the free gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/quiz

Connect with our guest Hima Batavia

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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In this short, 'quick tip' podcast episode, we explore the importance of curating your friendships and surrounding yourself with people who uplift and support you.

We delve into the difference between collaborative friendships (where both parties support and encourage each other) versus competitive friendships (where there is a constant need to one-up each other). We also discuss how to identify toxic friendships and how to determine who to keep in your life.

If you're looking to re-evaluate who is in your life, who you want to spend your time with, this is the episode for you. Of course every relationship is unique, in this episode we discuss a helpful way to look at your relationships and to determine if you want to keep certain relationships, work with those relationships to improve them, or gracefully let them go.

For a free quiz to learn your intentionality style: https://livingxo.com/quiz

For more information on living intentionally and making decisions that are more aligned with your goals: https://livingxo.com

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Have you ever felt alone? Even as you may be surrounded by other people, or interact with others on a regular basis? Being physically alone is distinct from feeling alone, and the difference is a lack of connection and belonging. As humans we possess a need to belong. In this week's episode, your host Dr Rishma Walji has a conversation about finding friendships with Jillian Richardson, author of Unlonely Planet.

We talk about:

—Loving relationships, feeling enough and supported
—The value of facilitated spaces
—Learning while sharing and imposter syndrome
—Trying again after getting hurt

For information about making your dream XO life a reality, check out http://livingxo.com/

Take the free decision quiz here

Free Gratitude Challenge, to deepen your feelings of gratitude and connection.

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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If you're trying to manage your social media, or teach your kids how to manage their usage, this is a must listen. It's an interview with guest expert Dr Don Grant on healthy device management.

To live your own XO (extraordinary) life: livingxo.com

Take the FREE Decision Quiz

Get your copy of the Connected Parenting Journal HERE

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Do you ever feel like deleting your social media? Or taking a break from it and doing a social media 'detox'? In this episode we look at social media and the love/hate relationship many of us have. How do we navigate a deep, thoughtful life in the presence of social media?

For more information about living your own XO (extraordinary) life: http://livingxo.com/

To find out your decision style: Take the QUIZ now.

Free Gratitude Challenge: https://livingxo.com/gratitude

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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In this quick tip episode we talk about how to turn learning into changing. We have so much access to information and many of us seek information to grow and change. But how can we actually use the knowledge we acquire to make our lives better? This is a technique that has worked well for me, and others, and I hope will help you too.

Discover Your Decision-Making Style: Are You a Spinner, Drifter, Driver, or Dreamer?

Take the free QUIZ: https://livingxo.com/quiz

More resources at: livingxo.com

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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On this episode of the XO Conversations Podcast, I had a conversation with Dr. Aimie Apigian. Dr. Aimie is a Board Certified Preventative Medicine Physician with a Masters in Biochemistry and Public Health. She is also an author, speaker, and founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated, LLC.

We talk about trauma, and the complex factors that contribute to it. We cover what trauma actually is and how it deeply impacts our lives. It's a great perspective on integrating health, emotions and history in order to heal.

For more information on living your own XO life, head over to our website: livingxo.com

For Dr. Aimie's 21 Day Journey click HERE

For Dr. Aimie's Foundational Summit click HERE

Free QUIZ

The Intentionality Quiz: Are you living the life you truly want?

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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Today's episode is with special guest: Karen Darke.

Karen could be described as a modern-day ‘Alchemist’: an adventurer, athlete, speaker and author, Karen’s purpose is about inspiring and impacting, about turning challenge into opportunity: finding ‘inner gold’. Karen started out as a geologist researching gold in the Bolivian Andes, but a life-changing accident that left her paralysed led her away from being a ‘rock-doctor’ to winning Paralympic gold in the sport of Paralympic hand-cycling in Rio 2016. It was the 79th medal for Britain, and 79 being the elemental number for Gold led to Karen creating Quest 79: Find Your Inner Gold. The project has Karen cycling 7 continents in 9 iconic rides, raising £79K for Spinal Injuries and encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones and discover passion, purpose or ability: their ‘inner gold’.

The Intentional Life Quiz: Discover Your Decision-Making Personality

More resources to help you live your own XO Life: livingxo.com

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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We often think that can 'do that later', 'call tomorrow'. We think we have more time. In this episode, your host Dr. Rishma Walji is talking to Dr Jacqueline Hui, a palliative care physician, about her experiences working with patients at the end of life. What she's learned from them, and how we can apply those lessons to our lives today.

Resources to live your own XO Life: livingxo.com

Take the free QUIZ to find out how you can live more intentionally in your life: livingxo.com/quiz

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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This is a Quick Tip Episode on how to move towards your goals faster. A new way to think about not only your goals but the outcome. What are you really trying to achieve?

Take the Intentionality Quiz: Uncover Your Path to Success

More resources

livingxo.com

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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An inspiring interview with Canadian author and pianist Coco Ma. She wrote her first novel, Shadow Frost, at the age of 15, and since she began playing the piano at the age of five and a half, she has also performed on some of the world's greatest concert stages and graduated with a pre-college diploma in piano performance from The Juilliard School in New York City. Currently, she studies at Yale University. When she isn't practicing piano, writing, or studying, you might find her bingeing Netflix or eating cake.

Coco is a household name for us. She's inspired my daughters in so many ways and has been their favourite author since they started reading her first novel, Shadow Frost.

In this episode I sit down with my daughters to interview Coco. And now, she's our hero! Honestly, this was such a fun episode. We learned a lot, had a great time and I hope you enjoy listening as much we enjoyed recording this.

Get Coco's books HERE

Get Kaiya's book: Canada, USA

Learn more about your host, Dr. Rishma Walji and how to live your own XO Life

Free Intentionality QUIZ: Are you moving towards your goals, or feeling caught up in the day to day?

livingxo.com/quiz

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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This is an interview with the lovely, 13 year old author, Kaiya. Her book, The Shifters, is a fantasy fiction novel. She also happens to be my daughter :) We talked about the book, her process writing the book and and she's learned.

More resources to help you live your own XO Life: livingxo.com

Clarity Journal:

https://livingxo.com/clarity-journal

Kaiya's book: Amazon Canada; Amazon USA

FREE Gratitude Challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude

Take the QUIZ on decision making to find out your intentionality style: livingxo.com/quiz

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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What does success really mean to you?

Have you ever tried to reach a goal, and then achieved it, and realized that you don’t want it anymore? Or maybe you’ve questioned your goals and dreams themselves. Why do you want to accomplish that goal? Is it aligned with your values in life and your vision of yourself?

In this episode I share personal story about 'failure' and what happened to change my perspective on what constitutes 'success' in my life.

More resources to help you live your own XO Life: livingxo.com

Clarity Journal:

https://livingxo.com/clarity-journal

Kaiya's book: Amazon Canada; Amazon USA

FREE Gratitude Challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude

Take the QUIZ on decision making to find out your intentionality style: livingxo.com/quiz

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!

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A VERY SPECIAL behind the scenes episode all about how we made the podcast, what's coming up for season 2 and much more.

Connect with Dr. Rishma Walji at livingxo.com/contact or on IG @_livingxo_

Connect with Avery Moore Kloss @averymoorekloss

XO Living Journals and Workshops Available Here: livingxo.com/shop

Sign up to stay up to date on upcoming work, inspiration and events: livingxo.com/subscribe

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If you want to be more positive and optimistic in life, join your host, Dr. Rishma Walji as she explores strategies on how you can take a more optimistic attitude on life. She discusses negative and positive thought patterns, and actionable strategies that can help you feel more hope for the future, and more control over your circumstances.

Find out more at livingxo.com

Join the newsletter: livingxo.com/subscribe

Workshops available HERE

Clarity Journal

The Connected Parent Journal

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If you've ever had a hard time with positive affirmations, and wonder if they actually work, then this episode is for you. Of course it would be nice to have positive, encouraging thoughts that can turn into beliefs and hopefully change our lives but is that too much to ask of a few sentences? We dive in the science around affirmations and a few ways to make them resonate more deeply and more authentically.

I hope you enjoy the podcast, if you do, be sure to let me know or leave a review! I'd love to hear what you thought, if you learned anything, or if it made you think about things in a different way :)

https://kite.link/xo-conversations

More great resources on wellness:

livingxo.com

Workshops available: HERE

Journals:

Clarity Journal

The Connected Parent Journal

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Are you a perfectionist?

Do you wonder to how to stop being a perfectionist without compromising your work or personality characteristics?

In this episode we explore the concept of Good Enough (a concept from parenting) and extrapolate to ask the question, is good enough sometimes good enough?

And if not, what can we do to strive to be our best, without feeling the guilt and crippling self-criticism that comes with trying to be perfect.

Let me know how you're enjoying the podcast. You can leave a message at livingxo.com/podcastmessage or email hello@livingxo.com.

You can find me on IG @_livingxo _

Get a copy of my Clarity Journal. A journal full of prompts to help you gain clarity and insight in different areas of your life (with sections on confidence, health/wellness, gratitude, inspiration/motivation and self-reflection. Write a review on Amazon and let me know at hello@livingxo.com and I'll send you my bonus journal prompts for career and goal setting.

The Connected Parent Journal is my newest journal unlike any other. It is meant to help parents not only connect with their kids but also re-program their own thoughts, memories and perspectives on parenting. It helps you bond in a unique way.

Connect with our guest Crysta on IG @as_im _learning

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This was the full interview with Jessie. There are some short clips of the conversation in a previous episode, The Connected Parent, but the interview was so good and so interested that it's been included here as a bonus for you.

We talked about:

• emotional safety
• parenting strategies
• how to talk to your child(ren)
• and so much more

Find out more at XO Living: livingxo.com

Get your own copy of The Connected Parent Journal

https://livingxo.com/connectedparentjournal

To stay up to date, sign up for our newsletter: livingxo.com/subscribe

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In this episode we talk about how to connect with your kid(s) in a unique way. A strategy that can help you feel calmer, more present, feel more empathy and at the same time can help your kids develop more confidence and emotional security.

How can you do all that? Well that's what our host, Dr. Rishma Walji was on the search for. A way to feel connected, to help manage stress, to help bond with her kids in a deeper and more intentional way. Something that would not just have a momentary effect, but a lasting one on her and her kids.

Get your own copy of The Connected Parent Journal

https://livingxo.com/connectedparentjournal

Find out more at XO Living: livingxo.com

To stay up to date, sign up for our newsletter: livingxo.com/subscribe

Guest: Jenn @lobeloveco

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Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress. Many people have experienced some type of burnout symptoms over the years, and look forward to taking time off, or going on vacation to get a break from things and recover. But what if there was more to it than that? What if burnout wasn’t just about being busy, loaded with responsibilities and feeling exhausted. What if there was more to feeling burnout and another factor that could help you feel like yourself again? Join us in this episode as we discuss burnout from a different perspective.

“There’s something significant that sits underneath these two parts of burnout – managing the demands of life on one side, and coping with stress on the other. Something more that impacts us on a deeper level and put us at risk for burnout in a more profound way.”

Questions We Answer in This Episode:

• What is burnout
• What are burnout symptoms
• A new perspective on burnout
• How to recover from burnout

Connect:

About Your Host, Rishma Walji

Instagram: @_livingxo_

Website: Livingxo.com

• Workshops
• Clarity Journal
• Connected Parent Journal

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Special bonus episode with Para-athlete Candice Combdon! ⁠ 

If you've been listening to the XO Conversations podcast, you know that the format is very different. ⁠

This is not the typical episode style because we wanted to share the entire conversation. ⁠  Candice talks to your host, Rishma Walji, about being born with spina bifida, her childhood and decision to amputate as an adult, how she started in tennis and her approach to sport and being an athlete. They talk about accessibility, struggles, getting out of your comfort zone and so much more.

Connect with Candice:

@candice_combdon⁠

Connect with Rishma

Website: livingxo.com

⁠Qxo2fMLE0oinK5cERDGL

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In this episode you'll learn practical ways to create meaningful memories that will last a lifetime. Join host Dr. Rishma Walji with her guest Rishma Govani as they discuss love, family and making meaningful memories.

Summary: When we think about living a full life, it's about the things we experience. The people we connect with the memories we make. After all, it's the memories of our lives that make us who we are. There are ways to make those memories more meaningful to you. There are also ways to create and recall happy moments more easily. In this episode, we talk about family bonding, connecting with those you love, and how you can intentionally build a richer 'highlight reel' of your own life.

“Wow, what a life. It’s an inspiration. And I’ll never look at that dash the same way again.”

Questions We Answer in This Episode:

• How to make memories that will last a lifetime
• How memories work in your brain
• Intentionally creating more happy memories with your family

In This Episode We Discuss:

[00:03] Guest Rishma Govani’s love story

[03:40] How having a joy for life and trying new things can make every day count.

[06:35] How memory works in the brain in the brain.

[10:26] How you can be more intentional about creating meaningful memories with your family.

[13:06] How to enhance your brain's ability to store and recall positive memories. Try new things, Make Traditions, Tell a Story, Use Props, Create a Sensory Experience, and Recognize Peaks and Struggles.

[15:44] Purposefully creating new things to look forward to.

[17:38] A beautiful tradition to celebrate love and each other. And an idea for how to create your own story and tradition with a partner or family or someone you care about.

[19:30] How to remind your brain about the highlights and memories that you want to savour.

[23:21] A way to help you become fully attentive and fully present in the moment, which will help to solidify the memory into your mind.

[25:00] Kids book about traveling, food and diversity.

[26:50] How ups and downs of life contribute to memories and memorable emotions.

[37:46] Recap of the ways to help yourself create and remember moments and memories that will last forever.

Connect:

• Rishma Govani’s book Sushi and Samosas
• Aly’s tribute video

Mentioned:

Miek Wiking: The Art of Making Memories

Find Out More:

About Your Host, Rishma Walji

Instagram: @_livingxo_

Website: Livingxo.com

• Workshops
• Clarity Journal
• Connected Parent Journal

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If you have trouble with meditation, feel like you're always getting distracted or can't sit still and clear your mind, but want to, this episode is for you.

Join Dr. Rishma Walji as she explores meditation and her own journey towards reaching a meditative state. She talks about the brain and how things work (in an understandable way) and how she has extrapolated the science to make it apply to real life.  She's not advocating 'hacking' meditation (because of course meditation is awesome and beneficial), but she is offering a clear way to 'hack' how you can get better at reaching meditative effects if you're normally a person who can't meditate. 

Her unique take makes meditation more accessible for people who would normally find it hard to practice meditation on their own, in traditional ways.

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This podcast episode examines the key factors and science around creating new habits. We explore the missing piece, without which, we're more likely to fall off of our new habits and resolutions.

Follow along with your host: Rishma Walji, ND, PhD as she looks at habits a new way and explores why it sometimes takes longer to create a habit than we expect, and what we can actually do about making habits stick.

XO Living website: https://livingxo.com

Brain and Worry Workshop: HERE

Clarity Journal: HERE

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I don't want life to be ordinary. I want it to be extraordinary. The difference is just a little extra.

How do you define living a little extra?

In this episode we explore how live a life that we love. Finding joy, connecting deeply with my family, feeling energetic, following my dreams, making an difference and having fun. It comes down to lots of little choices, moments and insights related to personal growth and wellbeing.

But how can you make those choices when you have no time and never ending responsibilities?

This is the journey of this podcast, finding ways to live a life that we love, one with 'a little extra'.

It's not enough to know what to do, it's not even enough to know how to do it. To really be deliberate in life, you need to understand how things work and then you need to become self-aware so that we can find a way to make it work, for you. That's the key. Knowing how things work and then figuring out how to make it work for you.

In this podcast we talk about how things work in the body, the brain and in our emotions. Then we look at ways to make changes that will actually work for us, taking into account our lives, personalities, goals and challenges.

For example:

Telling me to stretch feels like a chore and it's less effective than helping me figure out how to want to stretch, and maybe even turn it into a habit.

Telling me to be more patient with my kids honestly doesn't feel great. and isn't as useful as offering me a strategy that I can use when I'm feeling less than patient.

Telling me to meditate because I'm stressed about being busy feels impossible, but understanding how meditation works allows me to incorporate other ways of finding peace and calm that could be a bridge to real meditative effects.

Wanting or dreaming of a happy family is nice but what's more tangible is learning ways to help my brain store and recall happy moments more readily.

Meet your host:

Dr. Rishma Walji is a life strategies, emotion hacker, joy seeker and travel adventurer. She is also the founder of XO Living (https://livingxo.com)

Rishma ran a thriving healthcare practice as a Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist for over 20 years, as well as earning her PhD and spending time in academic research and teaching positions. She now enjoys reading research for the purpose of using the insights to help her, and you, get the most out of life.

So what can you expect from the XO conversations podcast?

A conversation that stimulates you, helps you see things in new and actionable ways, and sparks discussions on how to make small changes that will make a big difference in life.

XO Living Website: https://livingxo.com