Inside Voice Podcast: Recent Episodes
Miss Radio Jess
Have you ever been told to use your Inside Voice? I've been told countless times and it wasn't until recently that I turned the idea of an Inside Voice on its head. What if your Inside Voice is not the quiet one you use to be polite? What if your Inside Voice is the voice inside of you that is dying to be released? Your biggest passions, your wildest dreams, your greatest love. Maybe it's time we all used our Inside Voice.
If you're like me, you want to live a life that is both fulfilling and exhilirating. Well, that doesn't happen just sitting on the couch watching a screen. We've got to get out there and live it. Now, I know that can sound both inspiring and terrifying at the same time. Like, where do you starts? I believe it starts with something so small. Something that we often overlook because we're seeking out the big, dramatic and thrilling things things to change our life. I'm talking about habits - good old fashioned habits. Good habits can move us forward, but bad habits can also hold us back. So how do we build up the good ones? What does that look like? What if I told you, you could be on your way to a good, healthy habit that sticks, as early as this week?
As a 3 on the Enneagram, I know the high you feel when you check off everything on your to-do list. But what happens when your to-do list is just filled with tasks and nothing that sparks joy or passion in your life. Y'all, just when I was hitting my stride this year, I suddenly felt burnt out. I found myself telling a friend that I felt like I was being super productive, but not doing anything I wanted to do. That's when I knew it was time to shift focus and put something meaningful at the top of my to-do list. It's important for us to slow down and look around every once in awhile. Our lives are meant to be rich and colorful. If weren't not careful, we will miss out on the true joys in life. Taking these moments can be done every day in just about every task and trust me, they won't derail those big beautiful dreams you're chasing.
I hear this phrase in another podcast and it really struck a nerve in me. It's simple... "You have no clue." It hit me like a ton of bricks. We have no clue what beautiful things are in store for us, we have no clue just how high we can soar, we have no clue the impact we can have on others. Why? Because we've compare ourselves so often to so many other things that we have take the glorious treasure within us and we've buried it. This habit has squashed our dreams before we even had a chance to pursue them. Y'all it's time to look within ourselves, dig up that treasure, and let it shine.
One thing we can all count on in life is that it doesn't last forever. Time marches on and before you know it our time is up. This is encouraging when it comes to the hard times. It's nice to know that grief and heartache won't consume us forever but when it comes to our dreams, this is a call to action. The things you are pursuing won't always be there. The people you love won't always be around. This shouldn't paralyze us with fear, but it should give us the push we need to be present in our lives. I guess the real question is, what are you waiting for?
When you think of muscles, what do you think of? Biceps, quads, abdominals...? These are all muscles that need to be worked to be healthy and to keep out bodies healthy and strong. But what about the mind? The mind is also muscle, but one that is far more complex than the rest. You can't just feed your brain protein after a few heavy reps and call it a day. Your mind is a muscle that is always working and always evolving. It's also always learning. It's due to this complexity that I believe we need to find a coach to help us train it.
This is why I've decided to go to therapy.
It's likely you'd get a trainer to help your body, a nutritionist to establish your diet, a coach to help you level up in your field of expertise or a teacher to further your education. But why do we stop short when it comes to our minds? Perhaps stepping into our greatest life starts with working on our minds.
Valentine's Day is just about here. Once again we will all be focused on what we get or what we don't get and what that says about us. How about we choose to love ourselves this Valentine's Day?
Not in a "I don't need no one" way, but rather with a genuine care for ourselves. Often times I think we are told to love ourselves in a prideful way or we're told that loving ourselves is a selfish act. Either way, we're left empty and unfulfilled, which can leave us feeling depressed.
But if we can take care of ourselves in an authentic way I believe it will open more doors of opportunity for us and further push us into who were meant to be.
So what does that look like? Let's look at three areas we can love ourselves better.
How's the year starting out for you? Are you already giving up on your resolutions? I'd like to encourage you to give them another try. Perhaps there were some things missing in the month of January that held you back. Maybe it was a lack of preparation or purpose or even promise. Let's take a look at a few key things that might be missing from our mission and how getting certain priorities in line can put us back on the path to success. Ready? Let's dive in.
I saw someone on social media call January the "Free Trial Period" of the year. How was your free trial? Would you buy in for more or opt out? I'd love for you to look back at January and be honest about how the month went. Don't go beating yourself up because you weren't perfect. That's not what this is about. Rather look at where you were successful and why, and where you weren't successful and why. It's these monthly check-ins that can really help propel us forward in our resolutions rather than leaving us stuck and frustrated. If you've given up on resolutions in the past, I'm willing to bet it's been around this time of the year. It's time to write a new plot for this story and start achieving our dreams.
I'm about to ask you something that I wholeheartedly believe will offend you. Are you ready? Ok, here it goes... Whatever it is that you're working toward, is it important to you? I'm hearing a collective - and exasperated - response of 'yes'. Good. The resolutions/dreams/goals that you have in your life should absolutely be important to you. However, if you are setting the same resolutions over and over again because you didn't do the thing last year, I would wonder how imporant the those things are to you. Or, better yet, how does your day mimic its importance. Often times our first excuse is that we don't have time anything. I don't believe we are without time, I believe we could be better stewards of our time. So lets get real with ourselves and our time. This might very well be the key to unlocking success for our dreams/goals/resolutions.
Are you looking to do some big things this year? If so, I'm willing to bet that at least one of two of those goals are things you've never done before. Well, let me tell you something. In order to do things you've never done before, you're going to have to do some things you've never done before. Understanding that as you dive into your dreams provides such a relief. It removes the pressure of feeling like you have to have things figured out. It also give yous the freedom to try new things and explore what works for you. I want to share something I'm doing this year that I've never done before, but it's something that I know is going to take me to the next level. Let's dive in!
So I've heard you've got big dreams for this new year. And I'm sure, like me, you've got big ideas of how to achieve them. Or maybe you're completely overwhelmed with where to start. I'd like to encourage you to start with... Y-O-U.
But before you sign up for the class, purchase the workout classes or read the book, I want you to simplify it evern more. When I say "it starts with you" I mean it starts with what's inside of you.
What is your heart truly seeking in this life? This year? This moment? Get crystal clear about what you want and why you want it.
Then, change your mindset.
This will revolutionize the way you show up for everything in your life, including those big beautiful dreams you have. Do the work within to transform the work on the outside.
Anyone else heading into the new year feeling like they took themselves out of the game? I feel you on that. My word for 2023 was "Embrace" which was meant for me to grow where I was planted, but somewhere along the way, I just took myself out of the starting lineup of my own life. It's time to take back control of the game. It's time to draw up a new game plan and put the ball in your own hands. This is your moment, your year, your life. And no one can play it better than you.
Gosh fear loves to hold us back. It can completely paralyze us in life. Not only can fear stifle your hopes and dreams, it can also prevent you from moving forward with things that matter - like your health. I have procrastinated on a doctor's appointment for over a decade only to find out I had nothing to be afraid of. As it turns out, we're afraid of more than just failure. So let's dive into the three things that are holding us preventing us from living our best lives.
Are you on your phone right now? I realize how redundant that question is. Of course, you're on your phone. How else would you be listening to this episode. I guess a better question is, how often are you on your phone? Do you find yourself mindlessly reaching for it in order to mindlessly scroll social media? I don't know about you, but I don't want to go through life "mindlessly." And to be frank, this little device is probably keeping you from achieving the life you truly want. How? Well, you'll have to hit "play" to find out.
After spending two days at the ACM Awards on media row, I've come away with some truths that I think we need to be reminded of. It's hard not to be inspired and motivated after having conversations with 50+ people who are striving to achieve their dreams at every level. We talked with people who are brand new in the music industry and those who are veterans, plus those who have been working so hard for years and are finally seeing the fruits of their labor. Some of these truths are hard to hear while others are simple yet incredibly motivating. So, let's dive in.
Can we stop with the perfectionism already? We're holding ourselves back and stifling the growth of our lives because we're so hung up on how things "should" be. This prevents so much for manifesting in our lives and quite frankly, it's hurting the relationships around you. Don't you think it's time to hang up your old ways? I've got some tricks that I think can help you combat this nasty perfectionism bug. Let's dive in!
You've got dreams. You've got big dreams How in the world are you supposed to achieve them? The secret sauce is to create bite-sized, snackable habits that can serve as the building blocks to crushing those dreams. See, the great thing about habits is that you don't have to think about them. Think about your bad habits. You catch yourself engaging in them before you even realize what's going on. Now, imagine having good habits that propel you toward your dreams and you don't even have to think about doing them. That is the secret sauce to achieving your dreams.
We've all got dreams. Maybe you're living some of yours right now or perhaps you've tucked yours away because they didn't seem achievable. Let me tell you, the things you want in life can absolutely happen - they just might not happen all at once. So how do we build the dreams we want? The secret is getting all of those big beautiful dreams out into the light. Then, we start building. So grab your hammer and your nails and let's get to work!
I don't know about you, but I'm ready for an upgrade. Life has been rough the last few years for all of us. Couple that with anything hard that has happened in your life and it feels like we've stopped dreaming. Y'all, it's time to dream again. It's time to get excited about life and the future. It's time to feel like ourselves again. If you're like me, you're ready to take all of these ashes from the things you've lost in your life and turn them into diamonds. So let's get to work.
Have you ever tried to run a race while looking backwards? Chances are you've looked back while running or while playing a sport, but eventually you realize the best way to run is to be focus on what's ahead of you. Looking behind you increases your chances of tripping or running into something. The same is true for our past. If we are constantly focusing on what's behind us, we risk never reaching our final destination or hurting ourselves in the process. When it comes to the hard moments in our lives, we can't let them force our focus in the wrong direction. Instead we must harness their strength an use it to propel us forward.
Ever notice how powerful words are? We understand the power of positive self-talk when it comes to motivation. However, affirming yourself and speaking hope into your life is just as valuable when dealing with your past. There are dark things that linger in our past, but we can't let those thing consume us. It's about time we re-framed our thinking and our speech surrounding those moments.
Can we be honest? We've all had things in our lives that have hurt us. If you're like me, you've stuffed that hurt so far away into the darkness. Y'all, it's time to shine the light into that darkness. Facing your past gives you control over it. If you can expose it, you can take away it's power and turn it into something good. It's not easy, but it's worth it. And there are things you can do to prepare yourself for future hurts. So, grab your flashlights and lets dive in.
Last week, I ripped the Band-Aid off. I took a flashlight, pointed it at the darkest part of my life and turned it on. And I did it in front of you. It wasn't easy and I was so incredibly scared, but you know what... I feel so much better on the other side. See light drives out darkness and there's value in illuminating those spaces that we've locked up inside us. It's not easy and it's beyond uncomfortable, but sometimes we have to endure discomfort in order to attain what we truly want in life.
I'll admit, this is the hardest episode I've ever released. I've avoided recording it and even told myself I would never would. However, the more I put it off, the more I felt inauthentic - which goes against the rules of the Inside Voice Podcast. For weeks this sat in a folder on my desk and I had every intention on keeping it tucked away. And yet, here were are... ripping the Band-Aid off and letting one of my deepest wounds see the light of day. I hope that by shining light on this darkness, it will lose power over me and, in doing so, encourage you to turn on the lights in those dark spaces of your own life. I have no idea what will become of this episode or where it will lead, but it's time to give this whole thing over to God. It's heavy and it's raw. But thank you for listening.
Happy New Year! What a wonderful time of hope and dream casting. We have so many visions of what we will look like at the end of 2023, but how many of us will accomplish what we set out to change? If you want to be successful this year, there are some hard truths you might need to hear. That's why I'm here - to tell you what "they" don't tell you about this time of year so you can be successful on your journey. So... let's dive in!
Whether you want to admit it or not, we need people in our lives. We are social beings and are craving connection. And no, social media isn't cutting it. As humans, we are meant to be social, but it's so easy to turn down opportunities to truly connect with one another. Why? Because it takes effort, time, and energy. We prefer to sit at home binging Netflix because it's comfortable. The problem however, is doing that leaves us feeling lonely and abandoned. It keeps up from some of the biggest blessings in our lives - people.
Let's get moving! A few years ago, I made a commitment to move my body daily and boy, has it changed my life. So of course I had to make it part of my 5 Game-Changing Habits That Completely Rocked My World series. How often do you move? Are you taking care of your body so it will ultimately show up for you? It's time we get moving for US. What do you say?
What a blessing it is to eat... am I right? We have to nourish ourselves, but the fact that we get to enjoy that process is wonderful in and of itself. If you're like me, you've tilted the scales too far from nourishment and too far into enjoyment. We all struggle with it. So how can we get ourselves back to a place where we are taking care of our bodies through food? After all, what we eat effects everything about us. Let's dive into some tips and tricks to care for yourself with what's on your fork.
Ever lose sleep thinking about losing sleep? Getting enough shuteye on a regular basis can be a stressful topic that can quite literally keep you up at night. However, sleep is a vital part of healthy living. You body, mind and spirit need it. So how can we hack our routines and set ourselves up for success when it comes to laying our heads down at night. From an unofficial "olympic" sleeper, I've got some tips and tricks for you.
Are you chasing happiness? Have you found yourself unsatisfied or let down? Perhaps it's time to stop looking for happiness outside of yourself? It's far better to start within on your journey to happiness. It can be as simple as taking care of your mind and being aware of what you're feeding it. Let's dive into ways that you can check your mind and get it on the right track in order to cultivate happiness on a daily basis.
Are you happy? It's a simple question, but perhaps the answer is complicated. We all want happiness in our life, but we find ourselves falling short. There are some reasons why we might not be happy that you might not have thought about before. So, what do you say we dive in and explore some of those? Buckle up, it might be a bumpy ride with some hard truths along the way.
Oh, time. There's never enough of it. We love wasting it, but we hate losing it. We all want more time in the day. We throw up our hands each night and wonder where the time has gone. We question why we feel stuck on a wheel, never getting to where we want to be. Perhaps a change in mindset - is the key to productivity. What if making the most of your day really boiled down to one simple question that could unlock your ability to knock out that to-do list. Wanna know what it is?
Contrary to popular belief, your life is not that big. It's not a big collective moment, but rather a million small moments. And if you're only looking for the big moments - the vacation, the birthday, or the job promotion - to satisfy you, then you are missing out on an infinite amount of small things to bring you joy. Your life is not the past nor is it the future... it's right here. Don't you think it's time to enjoy it?
I know what you're doing and you should really stop it. You're living a beautiful life with blessings and so much to be thankful for. And you're miserable. Why? Because you're nitpicking everything. You are belittling the good things in your life and you're wondering why you're unhappy. I know this because I do the same thing. Don't you think it's time we stopped sabotaging ourselves?
As many of you know, I've been grieving the loss of my mom for the better part of the last year and a half. Lately, I've been realizing how quickly I can fall into a pit of anger. I get angry that my mom isn't here for so many things in my life. What I'm learning to do is combat those feelings with specific tools to help get myself out of the pit faster. I think these tools are valuable for just about any part of our lives. So, I'm sharing them with you.
When it comes to your life, the people in it and your career, are you asking enough questions? I honestly don't think that we are. I get it, we don't want to appear dumb or incapable of doing things on our on. However, when we don't seek out knowledge or wisdom, we're limiting ourselves. Growth comes with curiosity, vulnerability and imagination. How can we put any of these things into practice if we aren't asking enough questions? Ultimately, when it comes to the things that matter most to us, we shouldn't shy away from seeking information.
I'm willing to bet, if given the opportunity to change the world, just about everyone of us would jump at the chance. We all want good in this world for us and for our loved ones. But often times we don't allow ourselves to try to change the world because it seems like a daunting and impossible task. What if I told you, it's much more simple than you think. In fact, you can start changing the world today. Wanna know how?
Ever notice how getting started is the hardest part of achieving any goal? Most people procrastinate because they've convinced themselves that if they never start, they never have to fail. The starting line is difficult however, taking that first step is imperative to achieving what you want. That first step brings you clarity, direction, passion, excitement, etc. Why would you rob yourself of all that? Look, I know it's scary, but this is your sign to jumpstart your dreams and get going!
Let's face it... critiques are uncomfortable. However, if we want to grow, often times we need them. Growth requires change and how can you change if you don't know what to change? This is why pretty much every professional out there has a mentor and why every expert is consistently seeking out more education. So how can we - this is gonna sting - foster critiques in our life? I've got three simple ways you can get the feedback you need and propel yourself forward.
One of the biggest secrets I've learned about life is this... you have more control than you think. You may not always be able to control your circumstances, but you can control your reactions, your mindset, your next move. Too often we give up our control, whether we mean to or not. It's about time we changed that. Take back control of your emotions, your thoughts and your actions. Get back to being present in your life and enjoying it.
Have you ever achieved a big dream? I recently did and honestly, it's been a rush. I'm learning as I go with this new level of success in my career and it's exhilarating... but also scary. I've pinpointed three things I want you to know if you're still chasing after those dreams. Now that's I've gotten to experience some of mine, I want to share with you.
Every so often there's a podcast I do that feels like it was made for me too. As I reflected on the year I've had since losing my mom, I put this podcast together and recorded it the day she passed. A few days later I edited it and it was exactly what I needed to hear. These are timely lessons that became magnified in my grief - and occasional anger - in the last year. I hope they resonate with you as well.
What's the one thing we all want in life? Happiness. No one wants to go through life angry, sad, or anxious. So how do we cultivate happiness in our lives? I believe it starts with 5 fundamentals. These are things that are well within our control that we can start implementing in our lives today. If we can make these changes, then we are are well on our way to living a life that is fulfilling, enjoyable and peaceful. And isn't that what we want?
What does it take to make a dream come true? Having just had one of my big dreams happen, I'm breaking down the things I believe are necessary to catch your dream. Things we may have forgotten about, things you maybe haven't thought about and things that can serve as "cross training" for you journey. It's my longest podcast yet and I've got some super exciting news to share. Let's dive in!
I get it. Not everyone likes resolutions. They can be intimidating, scary, or an awful reminder of what you don't currently have in your life. It's OK to not partake. However, I would like to encourage you to set at just one goal for this new year. Notice I didn't use the R word? What are some ways we can create a target to aim at in 2022? How can we move toward it? I think I've got some ways for you. Let's dive in.
New year. New resolutions. New you... right? Well, it is a new year and we do have new resolutions, but we're missing the new "us." One reason we struggle with resolutions is because we focused on changing things about us, without really changing us. Mindset plays a huge role in whether or not we are successful in making lasting changes in our lives. So before you write down "lose 15 pounds" or "make more money"... start with changing how you are going to show up to make those things a reality.
In case no one has told you... there is greatness within you. Now, it may not look like the greatness of those around you, but that doesn't make it any less great. You were born to do amazing things. And I'll let you in on a little secret, you're not too old and it's not to late to start pursuing them. But you gotta stop playing small. You've got to stop belittling yourself. It's about time you started seeing yourself as the star of your own life. With resolution time right around the corner, there's no better time to step into who you are.
Hi friends! Can you feel it in the air? Change is coming! Perhaps you have something coming down the pipeline or you're just drinking that New Years Kool-Aid... Or both! I'm ecstatic for what's to come in your life and I hope you are too. Today I'd like to share a few lies that I think we're been believing for far too long about changes. And we'll dive into ways you can combat those lies and take steps forward in pursuing your dreams.
Now before you come at me with pitchforks and torches because of that title, hear me out. We all have things that we want in our lives. We don't have them now and in order to get them, we have to make changes. This can be problematic for us, especially if we don't have confidence. And the reason we don't have confidence because we don't trust ourselves. So how to we build that trust and add to that confidence stock? I've got an easy habit for you to establish and you can actually start today.
I guess you could say one of the pillars of the Inside Voice Podcast is trying new things. I'm a firm believer that experiencing something new is good for us. It stimulates us mentally, it builds character, it sharpens our Inside Voice... the list goes on and on. Well my friends, I did something new. I took the leap into a new project and it has been exhilarating. Although it still new, I wanted to share a few things I've learned and what has helped me in this process.
Can we all agree that the last year and a half has been heavy? Add in anything else that you may have struggled with in the last 18 months and it can be almost unbearable. It has left many of us in a fog, feeling disoriented and inauthentic. At least, it has for me. I haven't been showing up on social media for fear that people may view me as fake, especially in light of losing my mom earlier this year. So how do we get back to that place of being true to ourselves and showing up in an authentic way? Here's what has been working for me.
We all know that comparison and negative talk go hand in hand right? You can't have one without the other it seems like. In my experience, there are three main things that I consistently compare myself to and it holds me back every single time. I'm sure you're first thought is "people on social media" and you would be right. But what are the other two? I find that the other impossible measuring sticks are our past and future selves. So let's dive in and unpack those.
What's something we all want in life? Control. We want to feel like we are the lead actor/actress in our own lives. We seek that out by trying to control every aspect of it. And while we can't have control of everything, we can certainly take control of ourselves. Creating a routine, or daily habits, can give us the ownership that we need in a world that seems so chaotic. It may not solve all of your problems, but it will definitely prepare you to face them.
Can we talk about loving yourself for a moment? And I'm not talking about some Disney channel mumbo jumbo. Do you have enough respect for yourself and the body you've been given to take care of yourself? It's not just about physical health. It's about your mental and emotional health. See, I believe that overall wellness starts will three very simple ways of taking care of yourself. Basic, easy-to-apply things that can change your life. In fact, they've changed mine. Wanna now what they are? Let's dive in.
When is the last time you did something that you loved just because you loved it? It seems like a silly question, but sometimes we hold ourselves back from doing what we want. For me, I used to let who I thought I wasn't keep me from living life on my terms. This is why seeking your Inside Voice, who you are at your core, is so important. When you get to know you, you can start living life to the fullest without any reservations. So... who are you?
Over the last few weeks we've talked about the importance of our mindset and ways to shift our mindset. By far, I believe the biggest way to consistently keep your mindset in check is to focus on service. Much of the yuck in our minds comes from dwelling on ourselves. This is a result of an idle mind. However, if we can get our minds off of ourselves then we can start to shift our thoughts to something positive and motivating.
Do you ever find yourself scrolling through social media looking at everyone's beautiful photos and just feel... blah? You actually close the app feeling worse than you did when you got on? This is because you probably (subconsciously) were comparing yourself to each of those photos. You decided (in you mind) that they have it perfect and you don't. If we're going to chase our big beautiful dreams, we can't start by believing we are without. Stop wishing for what you want and begin to see the things you already have that can propel you forward.
It's Part 3 of our Mindset Matters series. One of the limiting questions that can creep into our minds at times is, "what's the point?" I've asked this several times since losing my mom however, this thought can also creep in when we are chasing our dreams and we hit a speed bump. It can be easy to just throw up our hands. When this happens we need to ask ourselves, "what's my purpose?" This reminds us of what the point is and can keep us moving forward.
The word "can't" is one of the most limiting words in our vocabulary. How many times a day do you think you tell yourself that you can't do something? Perhaps you should keep a note with some tally marks. I think I tell myself I can't at least a dozen times a day. Part of changing our mindset is changing the dialogue we have with ourselves. The next time you hear the word "can't", flip the script and ask yourself what you CAN do. Even if what you can do seems small and underwhelming, it will get you moving in the right direction.
Have you ever thought about how powerful your mind is? You can change a lot about how you show up for everything in your life if you change the way you think. I've learned this throughout my fitness journey and I've done my best to incorporate it into my every day life. How can I be my own biggest advocate? Well, it starts with changing the way I talk to myself. But before we dive into the specifics, let's chat about why our mindset matters.
Can you feel it? There's excitement in the air. There's a hope and an expectancy that we haven't had in quite sometime. I want you to grab onto that excitement and run with it. And honestly, it's about time we do. We need to get back to making plans, setting goals, dreaming big. Now, I know this feel awkward because we haven't done it in awhile and we are much different people than we were a year and a half ago. But let's get excited again.
Am I the only one who is realizing just how long we have had to do life with less? Of course not. I know that we are all feeling the effects of the pandemic fog, which I believe is partially rooted in operating with less for so long. So how can we fix this? What if we went the complete opposite direction and began to give ourselves more? More self care, more hustle, more challenges... What do you say, are you in?
It's a message we've been told over and over, but it never hurts to hear it again. Love on your people while you still can. I live with a lot of emotions these days after losing my mom. It's just another reminder, as this pandemic has been, that life is short. We aren't guaranteed the time we think we have with people. So pick up the phone, send the invite, make the trip... soak up every moment you can with the ones you love.
Hard times are a part of life, aren't they? This pandemic has been hard on all of us. Have you found yourself asking when we'll get back to the way things were? Perhaps you've wondered when you will get your sparkle back and feel more like yourself again. How do we get that little bit of magic back? I believe there are a few things we can be doing each day to bring things back into focus and get us back to feeling like ourselves again.
Let's face it, we're all going through a difficult time right now and the pandemic fog is a very real thing. If you're dealing with something on top of this pandemic, it can be overwhelming. Sometimes you just need to check in with yourself and get out those emotions, thoughts, feelings. Lately, I've been journaling each morning and it's been amazing to see the results of 'getting it all out' by simply filling in the blank for, "Today, I feel _____." A lot of what I've been processing is finally coming into focus.
Dichotomy, in a nutshell, is the categorizing of two opposing things separately; like birds and fish. Lately, I've been feeling many opposing emotions since losing my mom. It's because of this that I've discovered that there is great dichotomy within us. In fact, I think we hold more than just two opposing feelings, but rather several. Here's the thing, we can do that and do it well. It doesn't make you a hypocrite nor does it make you inauthentic. Instead it make you human. And through grace we can give ourselves and others permission to be multi-faceted, just as we were created to be.
Do you ever get inspired by the story of the underdog? Those tales of someone, who everyone underestimates, rising to defeat all odds and expectations? That happened recently when the Baylor basketball team won the National Championship. That head coach called his shot nearly 20 years ago when he claimed he would revive the program and one day hold that trophy. And he did it. Are you bold enough to call your shot in your own life?
Are you enjoying your life? Not the life you want to live one day or the life you idolize on Instagram. You life. Do you enjoy it? And if you don't, why not? Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. We are called to enjoy our lives as we lean into who He created us to be and the gifts that He gave us. So do that... live your life, enjoy it. How? Well, it starts with you; loving yourself, caring for yourself, challenging yourself with new things. It starts with you buying in to y-o-u.
How many times have you heard the words "I can't wait until..." come out of your mouth? It's beautiful to have things to look forward to. However, don't let that take away from what you're doing now. Life doesn't suddenly start when you land your dream job, get married or have a baby. Life is happening right now. Sure, you have more things on your "life agenda", but what are you doing in the time being? How are you spending this season of waiting? We need to lean into what's happening now, because every single day is a part of your life, not just the big things.
Do you feel like you're in a fog? Well, you probably are. It's called the pandemic fog. Experts say we experience a "mild cognitive impairment" when our world has been turned upside down, as ours certainly has over the last year. They recommend physical activity and novelty to navigate the fog. While I agree with both of these, I've also implemented a few other remedies that have helped me get out of this funk.
We're all coming off of a hard year. This pandemic has wreaked havoc on our lives. As with any hard times in our life, we are presented with a choice moving forward. Will we choose to let this past year destroy us or motivate us. You can use any difficult moments as fuel. After this pandemic and losing my mother this year, I want nothing more than to turn it all into something positive. I want to use it for me and for you. So who's with me? Who wants to choose life?
Does anyone else feel like we would be better served if resolutions began with the start of spring? Don't get me wrong, I love the new year with all of its goal setting, dream casting, and vision boards. However, it's hard to pull a 180 after the holidays. Spring brings hope, optimism, and a new gumption for life. So let's take a second to evaluate the year so far and to hone in on the resolutions that have become most important to us. Let's set a new mindset and get to work.
"Don't belittle the little things." - Joyce Meyer
I heard this on a podcast recently and it was definitely an AHA! moment. I have always been a believer in the little things adding up to make a big difference, but finally someone had said it in a way that made sense. When we chase after what we want in life sometimes we think we have to make big changes and rack up big accomplishments, but you know, more often than not it's the little things that have lasting power and make the biggest impact.
Sometimes life hits out of nowhere. Here you are living life, doing your best and feeling good and then BAM! You hit a brick wall. Losing my mother was and is a massive brick wall that just came out of nowhere. How do we get control again? I'm realizing a lot of it is found in the work we've already been putting in on us. This is why it's so important for us to continue growing each day. Our Inside Voice is going to be a beacon of light and hope showing us the way. Working on us is preparation for our life.
Whether we like it or not, grief is a part of life. We don't live forever and we will lose people on our journey. It's devastating, but thankfully we are not alone in this and we can lean on each other. I recently lost my mom and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Although it's still fresh, I'm doing my best to take care of me and navigate this in a healthy way. Today I just opened the mic to share things that have helped me in these early moments and I hope you can share what's helped you in the past too.
Guys, it's been one year of the Inside Voice Podcast. I can't thank you enough to being here and making this happen for me! This is something I've always felt was on my heart and I'm blown away that we've been doing this for 365 days. I've learned a lot this past year like; getting started has value, sticking with it builds character, and doing hard things is always worth it. Ultimately it al boils down to this, if there's something you want in life... there's no better time than now. GO. FOR. IT.
Mindset is incredibly important when chasing the things you want in life. It's more than just positive thinking... it's an attitude. This means you can choose your mindset and control it. You can also shape it and strengthen it. To do this we must work hard, get out of our comfort zone and, of course, let our Inside Voice out. Mindset comes from dedication to the craft day in and day out. To put it simply, it comes from showing up.
If you're here right now, it's because you have a dream on your heart. And the thing I've learned about dreams is that if it's on your heart, it's your responsibility. It's up to you to mold that dream and manifest it in your life. That's empowering because it means we have control! However, it also means that it's on you. If you want to see that dream come to life, you can't keep making excuses, blaming others, or hiding behind past failures. You've got to take personal responsibility for your dreams and starting taking steps to make them a reality.
Hey! Wanna talk about 2020 again? I know it's not our favorite subject, but I believe the year is worth looking at. If we truly want to be successful in this beautiful new year we need to analyze some things. So, as we do that, what are the things we can let go of and what are the things we want to hold on to? By looking at the good, bad and the ugly we can walk into 2021 with confidence and with proper tools to propel us forward.
Happy New Year! Many of us are walking into the new year feeling very optimistic and we've set new goals for ourselves. Please meet yourself where you're at as you open up this new chapter. Often times we start a new year expecting to be at our six-month mark, instead of at our beginning. This is where I believe we fail when it comes to new year's resolutions. If we can accept our beginning and give ourselves grace along the way, I believe we can accomplish all of those things we've set up for ourselves.
I struggled with this topic, I'm not going to lie. It was hard to put this together and get the words out, but the face remains that you might lose some people in your life as you dig for that Inside Voice and let it out. Some people will be uncomfortable with you chasing your dreams, others may want to take advantage of your success. Ultimately, you need to be clear about where you're headed and take stock of those who are around you. And remember, it's OK if people are only in your life for a season.
It's time we stopped waiting for permission to live our lives. Seriously. Your life is your life. You should live it the way you want to live it. In my own experiences, I've waited for others to champion my ideas or be comfortable with my decisions before I took action. But here's the secret, you don't need them to be OK with what you're doing... just do it! Today we unpack 3 ways that you can give yourself permission to get going on the dreams you have for your life.
Call me crazy, but I believe there is power in how we start our days. The thoughts we dwell on can have a major impact on how we move about our day and ultimately our lives. Days are building blocks of our lives, after all. Have you ever considered what you think about each morning? Are you telling yourself to look for good, there are things to be thankful for, and you deserve happiness? Why not? I believe positive thoughts can change your whole outlook on life.
What do you care about? I believe the things we care about are not only a core part of our Inside Voice, but they are also the things that drive us. Have you ever asked yourself what you truly care about and then considered how it affects your daily life, your actions, your tendencies? Often times we don't chase our dreams because we tell ourselves we don't have time or the task is too big, but maybe we just haven't tapped into our care. Maybe we haven't fully recognized why those dreams are there in the first place.
Anyone else feeling out of sorts? After the year we've had, I'd say a lot of people are. I have felt like I've been stuck on the bench of my own life. As we approach these final weeks of the year, I want to regroup and recharge my batteries. While some people tend to give up at this point or others (like myself) like to go 150%, I'm choosing to serve others. I think this is why it's the most wonderful time of the year. It's what we give to others that also gives back to us. I believe this will get me off the bench in a healthy, productive way.
Do you enjoy your life? It's a simple question, but it can come with a very complicated answer. Of course we can't all live on vacation every day of our lives, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the 'normal' days. We deserve to enjoy our life. It's OUR life, after all. Each day that we wake up and live in exhaustion, misery or dread in a choice. And if it is a choice, then we can choose better for ourselves. Yes, even in a pandemic. Let's choose to enjoy each day and if we can't, let's make some positive changes!
You know what I struggle with? Telling myself I'm good at what I do. Allowing myself some time to truly celebrate my accomplishments. Ultimately, I struggle with recognizing my greatness. Somewhere along the way we started to believe that doing this is inherently selfish and conceited. But here's what I've learned, taking inventory of your wins is crucial to growth, success and living a life that is fulfilled. It's time we recognize our greatness.
Whether you like it or not, we have all been forced to change this year. With all of the things that have been thrown at us, we simply can not stay the same. Oh, we can keep our core values, but I believe after this year we will approach many aspects of our lives differently. We have to. I pray that we love harder, feel more deeply, and prioritize the things that matter to us more often. I hope we realize that time is precious and so is this life, so stop waiting for tomorrow to come. Live today.
Ever get into a funk? A moment in which you question all of your gifts and talents? It happens to all of us. These moments can spiral into dream-killing beliefs that are nothing but false. How can we combat these feelings on the spot in order to continue being productive and move forward? It's not easy, but I believe with five simple steps, we can do this in a matter of minutes. We can address the root of our issue and reprogram our minds to get back to work.
Have you noticed in your life that you've stopped learning? As kids, it's a part of our daily routine to go to school and learn. Even after college we have a little bit of education as we begin a new career. But how do we continue to gain experiences and knowledge that will propel us forward. For some this is easier to do as curiosity is second nature. And for others education can be a little expensive. I have three easy and affordable ways for us to keep learning on the journey to our dreams.
Last week we answered five questions that will help us gain clarity on our dreams. And I asked you to do one thing to move you forward... your first step. Do you feel stuck? Many feel stuck right at the start. However, the goal here is not to do the biggest, most perfect thing. The goal is to just get over that initial hump and start gaining ground. There is value in getting started and gaining experience because not only does it help you hone in on your purpose, it will also bring you even more clarity on your life's purpose.
Be sure to checkout The Ed Mylett Show - Protect Your Purpose with Jay Shetty.
Tony Robbins once said, "The faster you get clear on what it is that you want, the faster you brain can go to work making it happen." So how do we get that clarity? I've asked myself these 5 questions to help me get clear on what it is that I want in life...
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What do you want?
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Why do you want it?
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What does that look like?
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What are some steps you can take now to get there?
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Where can you find help?
So make some time, grab a cup of coffee or wine and a notepad, and answer these honestly. You may not have all of the perfect answers, but that's OK. Get started in any way that you can and start building momentum. Then, it's off to the races!
I know I left you hanging last week, but I had good reason. Two weeks ago I told you to take a break and rest... so that's what I did. Hubby and I took a train across the country which was not only vacation, but it was a new experience. We've talked about trying new things in previous episodes, so this trip was a win-win. I can now speak with authority on how important it is to rest and to experience something new.
When was the last time you took some time to rest? It could be something big like a vacation or something simple like a Saturday curled up on the couch with a book. We need downtime. Our bodies and minds crave it. We especially need it in during this mess of a year. It might feel like vacation is unrealistic right now however, we need to get away for a bit. We need to check out for minute in order to check back in stronger. So go ahead, take a break.
What sets you apart? What three things make you different? These were questions a friend asked me recently and I struggled to find the answer. I work hard and I'm willing to go the extra mile, but many people do that. What magical combination makes someone want to listen to my show or hire me over someone with a similar resume? It's important for us to do this. And what's more, it's important for us to lean into these things. It's not selfish. It's ownership. So what are you three things?
Let me ask you, when was the last time you tried something new? When did you last engage in a new activity, eat a new restaurant, set up a new morning routine? For some reason, the practice of trying new things goes out the window as we get older. We become more aware of consequences, but I think more commonly, we become way too comfortable with being comfortable. We need to remind ourselves there's a lot of value in getting out of that comfort zone.
You know that big thing you want to do with your life? That goal you want to accomplish? The dream you want to realize? It's on you. You dreamed it. You will have to work for it. And you will be the one to live with regret if you never try. This can sound very intimidating and often times defeating. However, the more we see this as an opportunity, the better. Will there be others to help you along your journey? Yes, but ultimately it's on you. You have the power. You can make it happen. So what are you waiting for?
Why do we hold ourselves back from doing the things we want? I used to do this constantly, even in the littlest of things. I would talk myself out of trying something new or buying things I wanted or even just spending time with people I care about... why? For some reason I had told myself that "wasn't me" because these were things I hadn't done in the past. We need to start thinking forward. We need to start doing the things we want to do while we can still do them.
Ask yourself a question real quick... What are you afraid of? Seriously. What is so scary that you are holding yourself back? Many would say failure or the opinions of other people, but I would say it's something else. You're afraid of change. There are a lot of iffy things that come with change. However, if you're not living the life you want or chasing the dreams you have, you're going to have to change. Scary? Yes. Worth it? Totally.
This year is not the year any of us expected nor wanted in a million years. And yet, here you are. You're still moving forward and pressing on. That's a big deal and I'm so proud of you. Obviously we were not given a guide on how to navigate a pandemic, but with every step you take forward, you are creating your own. You are proving to yourself and everyone around you again and again that you can do hard things.
Our mind is a powerful tool. It can power us through tough times, it can hold onto memories and useful information, and it can get stronger. But what happens when your mind becomes your worst enemy? Suddenly you find yourself up against a powerful adversary. How do we push out the doubt and negativity before it ever has a chance to take root? There are three things that we can practice daily to help keep those thoughts at bay.
Are you too hard on yourself? There's a difference between wanting more from yourself and not giving yourself any room for mistakes. Our world is quick to dismiss you or "cancel" you if you make a mistake. It's as if we all need to live a picture-perfect, Instagram-worthy life or we're not worth anyone's time. We've got to be more delicate with ourselves. When we are quick to forgive ourselves and move on, we open up the door to even greater growth than we imagined.
We spend so much time focused on age, don't we? In the end, it's just a number. Yet we compare ourselves to the age of others and measure our success by how many years we've been on this Earth. We've seen countless stories of famous, well-accomplished people who achieved high levels of success "later in life" or even at very young age. So who is to say that it's too late or too soon? When pursuing the dreams you have, when you are working to let your Inside Voice out, you are never too old or too young. You just have to get to work... now.
When this year started I was focused on networking and getting myself in front of people for auditions and such. Obviously with the pandemic that hasn't happened. However, I've discovered a fitness routine that not only works for me, but it's become a part of who I am. I've seen so many benefits to taking care of myself that go beyond looking good. I want to encourage you to not only get moving, but I'm also sharing 3 things that have helped me stay consistent with this new part of my life.
Can you believe we are almost halfway through this year? Now, I know this year has been less than ideal (understatement of the year) however, that is no excuse to just give up on the next six months. Don't let what's happened in the last few months dictate what you can still do in 2020. Allow this pandemic to make you stronger. Allow it to motivate you to make those dreams happen now. We're not promised tomorrow. So let's pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and press on through the rest of this year.
It's a rough world out there, ain't it? We could all use a serious dose of love. As a kid, I underestimated the power of love. I reduced love to just an emotion and not a powerful force that can make lasting change. I also believed the lie that loving yourself was incredibly selfish. True humble people don't love themselves, they love others before themselves. As I've gotten older, I've learned that in order for us to love one another, we have to start with loving ourselves. For me, that started with growing my relationship with the Lord and seeing myself through His eyes. Implementing that practice into my life makes it a whole lot easier to love others.
Ever wonder why resolutions don't stick? We have an entire year to complete them, so why do we fail? I believe it's because we choose too many and we have no plan to conquer them. What if we created mini resolutions throughout the year? What if it was just one, simple goal a month? Imagine the accomplished, changed person we would be at the end of the year if we did this every single month. We need to establish habits that keep us moving forward toward our goals. We need to harness the power of 30 days.
The last few months have been a wonderful mix of stress, uncertainty, sadness, and fear. Routines and schedules have been rattled and it's been difficult to find our footing again. How do we take care of ourselves when everything feels out of place? Well, we get back to the basics. I've got seven things that I believe we are forgetting to do right now to care for ourselves. And you know what? They're so simple, you can start doing them today.
Have you ever noticed that good baseball players are always in motion? They are moving with the pitch and charging the ball as it barrels toward them. Believe it or not, this motion gives them control over the situation. They're not sitting back on their heels waiting to see what happens. Instead they are on their toes moving with the game. We should be charging life the same way those players charge the ball.
How can we experience joy in our lives? Joy, to me, is bigger than happiness, which can be based on events or circumstances. Joy is a practice that I believe we can exercise in our daily lives. But how? How can we bring ourselves joy on a daily basis? There's no magic potion, but there are some practices that I believe will foster more joy and enjoyment in your life.
Have you become an expert in negative self-talk? I know I have. It's so bad that I don't even realize I'm putting myself down in conversations with loved ones. But words matter, especially the ones we speak to and about ourselves. I believe all negative self-talk is rooted in three areas. Let's dissect those and find ways to combat them because when you find your Inside Voice, you'll find that it only wants the best for you.
I'm a self-proclaimed procrastinator when it comes to things outside of my job. This quarantine has made that blatantly obvious, because I no longer have the excuse of "I don't have time." Now, it's not always easy to find the motivation, but I've picked up a few tricks that have helped me set myself up for success. Those little to-do items may seem insignificant, but I'm starting to believe knocking them out can have a major impact in our overall pursuit of our dreams.
Things certainly look and feel different these days, don't they? As we navigate this pandemic, I find myself being very hopeful for what's to come. Our lives have slowed down during this time and I hope that we are receiving clarity on what truly matters in life. As I dream about the future, these are the things I want for humanity as we move out of quarantine.
"Believe in yourself." A mantra meant to inspire however, as a kid I felt is was nothing more than a frilly catchphrase used on Disney Channel to keep kids watching. As I've grown, I've realized that believing in yourself isn't just a happy hurrah used to get us through a situation. No, it's much bigger than that. And we owe it to ourselves and those around us to truly believe in the one staring back at us in the mirror.
We're living in some interesting times aren't we? I've seen many people close up shop, literally and figuratively, and it's heartbreaking. While there's a part of me that feels like continuing my podcast is tone deaf and insensitive, I can't get past this feeling of motivation to keep pressing forward. This quarantine is not vacation or a stopping point. It's a time to focus and buckle down on what we can do with this time. Let's come out of quarantine with momentum!
When you push for something you want and chase after a big dream, you're going to encounter failures. Some may be large, some may be small, but they'll always be there. It's impossible to grown without them. We need to look at failure as good thing in our lives. Failure can be the answer we needed, rather than asking "what if." Failure can serve as a guide on our quest. Failure can build up our dream-chasing endurance. As we press on, pursuing our #InsideVoice, may we remember that failure is gain.
There will always be things in our lives that we can't control. As frustrating, scary, and hard as it is to hear that, it's the truth. We can't control things like opinions, bias, or tragedy. However, when it comes to you dreams, there will always be things that are well within your control. Many of these things start with and revolve around you. Even in times of uncertainty and doubt, you CAN control you.
So you've got this incredibly big dream that you are absolutely enamored with. You love to daydream about your goal and you fall asleep with visions of yourself living out that dream. Now why haven't you started the work to make that dream a reality? Time, right? You don't have the time to do the things to make the dream happen. We all get wrapped up in the busyness of life, but that only puts our goals on the back burner. It's time to get organized and prioritize what's important to you. It's time to get to work on your dreams. Trust me, there's time.
Can I let you in on a little secret? NOBODY. IS. PERFECT. Everyone struggles, everyone experiences failures, everyone has to start somewhere. Babies don’t come out of the womb walking and talking. They have to stumble around and gurgle a few sounds first. Do you see anyone telling them they’re a failure? When you’re chasing something you want, when you’re letting your #InsideVoice out, there will be moments of struggle. There will be moments of you feeling like you suck. And guess what, THAT’S OK!
Let's get real about pursuing your dreams. It's exciting, rewarding and fulfilling. However, it's also hard and there will be moments when you break down. The beauty of the breakdown is that it's normal, it's therapeutic and it's a reminder that what you're doing is very important to you. Don't let the tears, frustrations and hurt keep you down for long. Get up, brush yourself off and get moving again.
Your Inside Voice is who you truly are at your core. In order to find that voice you have to get comfortable with you. As someone who wasn't always comfortable with who I am, this has been something that I've had to learn. So how do you get comfortable with you? I've got three simple things you can do each and every day to help you discover your Inside Voice.
Time. It's something we all think about, dwell on, rely on and wish we had more of. We spend so much of it thinking about the past or waiting on the future. This really doesn't get us anywhere because we can't change the past and the future may never come. However, you know what we do have? Today. And today is your day.
Do you ever feel like an impostor? Like you're inadequate, you haven't earned your position, or you don't deserve the happiness you have in your life? I think everyone feels this on some level at some point in their lives. The easiest way to combat these feelings is to determine where they are coming from. This ultimately removes their power and allows you to feel confident in who you are so you can go back to chasing those dreams and being happy.
This week we're diving into why your Inside Voice matters. There are too many people in the world who are ready to tell you how to live your life. It's about time you looked within instead. Are there core values within you that your Inside Voice is speaking through? What are they? Let's find out.
Hi! Welcome to the Inside Voice Podcast. In this episode I'll introduce myself and tell you a little bit about where the inspiration for the podcast came from. Thanks for listening!