Healthy Vibes for Moms: Recent Episodes
Kelley Ranaudo
Inspiring and empowering moms to show up for themselves, find more time in their day, and realize there is life outside of the crazy pressure you feel caught up in. It is time to feel better about yourself, love who you are, improve your relationships, and above all, feel confident about living life on your terms. Together, let’s embrace today for all that is good, and travel this journey of motherhood supporting and encouraging each other.
In a world filled with social media, influencers, AI, and constant comparison, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are. Authenticity is becoming increasingly rare, outside influences are quietly shaping our choices, and we talk about practical ways to reconnect with your values, purpose, and the life that truly matters. The world doesn’t need another copy—it needs the real you.
Today’s reminder: This week, remove one thing that is pulling you away from who you truly want to become.
We’re surrounded by a culture that celebrates being busy. Our calendars are full, our phones never stop buzzing, and our to-do lists seem to grow faster than we can cross things off. But what if our greatest accomplishment today isn’t finishing another task, it’s being fully present with the people we love?
In this episode, we’re talking about how the pursuit of productivity can quietly steal our attention, our peace, and the moments that matter most. You’ll learn practical ways to slow down, be more intentional, and choose connection over completion.
Because at the end of the day, your family won’t remember how many emails you answered, they’ll remember how you made them feel.
Picture by: Thomas Bormans
Have you ever felt the pressure to do what everyone else is doing? To follow the crowd, fit in, or choose the easier path?
In this episode, we explore the powerful words in Matthew 7:13-14 about finding the narrow gate and the narrow path. While the wide road may be popular and comfortable, the narrow road often requires courage, faith, discipline, and a willingness to live differently.
Join me as we discuss what it looks like to resist worldly pressures, follow your convictions, and trust God’s direction even when it feels lonely or unpopular. The road less traveled isn’t always easy, but it often leads to greater peace, purpose, growth, and a deeper relationship with God.
Scripture:
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. – Matthew 7:13-14
Key Takeaways:
- Why the wide road is so appealing
- The dangers of following the crowd
- How worldly pressures can pull us off course
- What it looks like to walk the narrow path today
- Practical ways to choose faith over popularity
- Finding peace and purpose in God’s direction
Reminder for Today: The narrow path isn’t always the easiest path, but it is often the one that leads to the greatest growth. Don’t choose a direction simply because everyone else is going that way. Choose the path that aligns with your values, your faith, and the person God is calling you to become.
This week, before making a decision, ask yourself:
“Am I following the crowd, or am I following God’s calling?”
Have you ever felt behind in life because of what someone else has accomplished? Or found yourself measuring your success against others? Comparison is one of the easiest traps to fall into, yet it often leaves us feeling discouraged, prideful, anxious, or dissatisfied.
In this episode, we discuss why comparison is unhealthy from both directions. Whether it causes us to feel inferior or superior, comparison keeps our focus on other people’s lives instead of our own journey. You’ll learn practical ways to break free from the comparison cycle, find contentment where you are, and focus on becoming who you were created to be.
Key Topics:
- The hidden dangers of comparison
- Why feeling “less than” hurts our confidence
- Why feeling “better than” isn’t healthy either
- The impact of social media and constant comparison
- Gratitude, contentment, and personal growth
- Measuring progress without comparing ourselves to others
- Living according to your values and purpose
Bible Verse:
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” – Galatians 6:4
Reminder for Today:
Your worth is not determined by where you stand compared to someone else. Stay focused on your own growth, your own calling, and the next faithful step in front of you
What you follow every day matters more than you think. The accounts, shows, and content you consume are shaping your thoughts, your mood, and your energy – often without you even realizing it.
In this episode, we talk about the importance of cleaning out who and what you follow. Not everything deserves your time, attention, or mental space. Some things inspire and uplift you, while others create comparison, negativity, distraction, or overwhelm.
It’s time to be honest about what’s affecting you and take action.
This week, challenge yourself to unfollow 5 – 10 accounts, remove content that drains you, and create space for what truly supports your growth, peace, and purpose.
Less noise. More clarity. More peace.
Today’s reminder:
You are allowed to protect your energy. Be intentional with what you allow into your life.
Every day we face small but powerful challenges that can distract, discourage, and pull us away from peace and purpose. In this episode, we’re reminded that the battle often shows up in our thoughts, choices, and daily interactions.
From negative thinking and comparison to gossip, insecurity, and overwhelm, these subtle moments can slowly derail our mindset if we’re not paying attention. But when we stay aware and grounded in faith, we can choose a different response.
This episode encourages you to protect your peace, be mindful of what you allow in, and make intentional choices throughout your day.
Today’s reminder:You don’t have to give in to distraction, discouragement, or negativity. Stay rooted in faith, guard your thoughts, and do not let the devil win today.
In this episode, we talk about the importance of saying no to urgency and creating space to pause before reacting or committing. Not everything that feels urgent is truly important, and other people’s stress or pressure does not have to become your responsibility. When we slow down, think clearly, and respond with intention, we protect our energy, our time, and our peace. This episode is a reminder that thoughtful living often requires a slower pace and the courage to pause before saying yes.
Simple takeaway:Pause more, slow down, and don’t let urgency control your day.
Serena Arora is an Ayurvedic health practitioner and yoga therapist with over a decade of clinical experience, helping women reconnect with their bodies through daily, preventative self-care practices rooted in classical Ayurveda. Her work blends ancestral wisdom with modern nervous system awareness to support digestion, hormonal balance, and sustainable, embodied wellbeing.
Born in Canada to a Chinese mother and Indian father, Serena’s approach is deeply informed by her multicultural background and lifelong immersion in Eastern healing traditions, including the influence of her yogi uncle who taught her that “we don’t study yoga, we are yoga.”
She is also the #1 international bestselling author of Unbound, a memoir exploring her journey of reclaiming self-worth as a mixed-race immigrant daughter and redefining what it means to live in alignment with one’s truth.
Website: https://www.serenaarora.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serena_arora/
Her book “Unbound”: https://www.serenaarora.com/unbound
When I first started sharing content over 10 years ago, I was a new mom with toddlers, navigating the noise, distractions, and uncertainty that come with motherhood and life. My mission was simple then, and it is still the same today: you get to choose.
In this episode, I share a personal reflection on how awareness, intentional choices, and faith help us tune out the noise of the world and focus on what truly matters—our mind, body, soul, family, and values. Even as life gets louder and more distracting, we can continue choosing what aligns with who we are and who we want to become.
This episode is a reminder that growth is a lifelong journey, and no matter how many times we get distracted, we can always choose again.
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or another mom who may need this reminder.
Follow the podcast and keep showing up for your whole self—mind, body, and soul.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why distractions and noise can pull us away from what matters most
- The power of awareness in changing our thoughts and habits
- How choosing your family, faith, and values creates healthier energy
- Small mindset shifts that reduce negativity and overthinking
- Why choosing again is part of lifelong growth
- How to teach your kids to stay true to their values
Key Takeaways
- You always have the power to choose your thoughts and actions
- Awareness is the first step to meaningful change
- Reducing negativity creates healthier mental and emotional energy
- The noise of the world never stops, but you can keep tuning it out
- Choosing your values, faith, and family leads to a more intentional life
- Courage comes from consistently choosing what matters most
Do you ever find yourself stuck in cycles of complaining, stress, or negative thinking? In this episode, we talk about how chronic complaining and constant venting can actually rewire your brain, increase anxiety and depression, and keep you stuck in survival mode.
Through the science of neuroplasticity, repeated negative thinking strengthens stress pathways in the brain, increases cortisol levels, and makes it easier to default to worry, fear, and frustration. Over time, this can impact your mood, relationships, and overall well-being.
In this episode, we explore how to break the cycle of stewing, shift your mindset, and create healthier mental and emotional habits so you can live with more peace, gratitude, and presence.
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who may need a mindset reset.
Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review to help more people break free from negative thinking and live with greater peace and purpose.
👉 Ready for more personalized support on your health and well-being? Book your 1-on-1 session with Kelley here: https://kelleyranaudo.com/personal-wellness-consulting/
Such a great conversation with Dr. Nelva Lee, who is passionate about education, our next generation, and she is determined to make positive change in our communities.
Dr. Nelva Lee is the Founder and CEO of Concrete Build Financing. Dr.Lee was also the CEO of a vocational school for 20 years, has over 20 years of experience in healthcare and over 10 years in academia as an adjunct professor for various Universities.
Dr. Lee was a Governor Kemp appointed board member to the Department of Community Health. She is the Vice Chairman of the board of the Henry County Pregnancy Resource Center (Bridge Wellness South), a former
Republican candidate for State Senate in District 17, and current candidate for Georgia Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Lee has authored several Christian-based books including: “Stay and Fight” and “Be the Super Hero of Your Story.”
Dr. Lee volunteers at Relevant, her local church, and the Joy FM as a Prayer Partner. She was a Home-School Mom, and a Substitute Teacher for a Christian School. She has been married to her best friend Donnie for 25 years, and together they have 3 children.
Website: https://www.drnelvalee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TBWGTR
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@votedrnelvalee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.nelvalee
As adults, we’re still dealing with grown people who act like kids — drama, gossip, jealousy, comparison, and dishonesty. It makes you pause and ask… what are we teaching our own children?
In this episode, I share reflections as a parent (not a parenting expert) who has watched the world completely change since the 80s and the rise of the internet. The pressure on our kids is different now — louder, faster, and constant.
But the most important lessons are still simple.
In This Episode:
- Teaching kids to stay out of drama and gossip
- Learning to say no and protect their time and energy
- Giving themselves grace when they mess up
- Choosing good energy and healthy boundaries
- Remembering social media isn’t real life
- Why quality friendships matter more than quantity
- Paying attention to what fills them up vs. drains them
- How they start their day shapes everything
- Hope is a choice — and you can always choose again
We can’t control the world they’re growing up in. But we can help shape how they move through it.
Simple daily choices matter — movement, nourishing food, time in prayer, quiet time, getting outside.
Sometimes our kids just need permission to know there is another way — and they will be okay.
Life will knock us down — physically, emotionally, professionally. The question isn’t if we’ll face stress or setbacks… it’s how we recover.
In this episode, we talk about what resilience really is. Not just pushing through. Not pretending we’re fine. But learning how to support our body, mind, and spirit so we can truly bounce back.
Sometimes getting back up isn’t about doing more.
It’s about choosing better — better recovery, better nourishment, better perspective.
More of what heals. Less of what harms.
Simple shifts. Stronger foundation. Healthier life.
Many moms carry emotional and mental stress quietly while telling the world, “I’m fine.” In this episode, we talk honestly about the invisible emotional load of motherhood, why so many women minimize their own struggles, and how mild but ongoing stress, anxiety, and overwhelm can grow into more serious mental health challenges when ignored.
This conversation is not meant to minimize serious mental illness — it’s meant to encourage awareness, early support, and honest self-check-ins so moms don’t have to reach a breaking point before getting help.
We explore why moms often feel pressure to hold everything together, how common emotional struggles like chronic stress, irritability, emotional exhaustion, and quiet anxiety are often dismissed, and why asking for help early is a powerful act of strength.
If you’re a mom who feels overwhelmed, stretched thin, emotionally tired, or disconnected from joy, this episode offers encouragement, validation, and practical mindset shifts to support your mental and emotional well-being.
Who this episode is for:
- Moms who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally exhausted
- Women who feel pressure to be strong for everyone else
- Moms who know something feels “off” but don’t feel like it’s serious enough for help
- Anyone who wants to be proactive about mental health and emotional well-being
Important Note:
This episode is not a replacement for professional mental health care. If you are experiencing severe depression, anxiety, thoughts of self-harm, or emotional distress, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional or trusted healthcare provider.
An important reminder for your health this year…
You can exercise regularly.
You can eat well.
You can do all the “right things” for your body.
But if you neglect your mind, heart, and soul, you’re missing a vital part of your health.
Unprocessed anger.
Lingering resentment.
Comparison and envy.
Lack of patience.
The things we carry but don’t address.
These don’t stay contained. They show up in our bodies, in our homes, and in our workplaces. What we allow to live inside us eventually spills into how we lead, communicate, parent, partner, and show up for others
Stop this week, and be intentional about what is still consuming your thoughts, energy and time, that you should let go of. Too often, we are stuck in the past, consumed with other people’s lives, or just gripping too hard. This week, together, let’s slowly begin to release our grip on whatever has a strong hold on us. We all have something. Get deliberate about living in the present, walking your own path, and letting go of what isn’t yours to control anymore. Letting go is telling God that you really do trust Him.
Dr. Robyn Graham is the founder of Robyn Graham, LLC. She partners with women to maximize their potential in motherhood and career. Robyn is passionate about brain health and works with her clients to navigate anxiety, alleviate emotional chaos, and deepen relationships for a thriving family experience while achieving personal growth and maintaining career aspirations.
Drawing on neuroscience and scripture, Robyn provides a solution for Christian Moms to transform moments of anxiety into opportunities for calm and connection in their relationship with their child.
Robyn is a pharmacist, certified neuroscience coach, master certified life coach, host of the globally acclaimed and award winning podcast – The Robyn Graham Show, a speaker, and an award winning, best-selling author of You, Me, and Anxiety: Take Action Over Anxiety to Enjoy Being You, in which she shares her life-long journey with anxiety to help others navigate anxiety to live a joyful, peaceful, purposeful life.
When not working, you’ll find Robyn spending time with her husband, three children, and two dogs, most likely doing an outdoor activity, traveling, or enjoying great food.
Resources:
Website: therobyngraham.com
Podcast: The Robyn Graham Show
YouTube: therobyngraham
Instagram: therobyngraham
LinkedIn: therobyngraham
Free resources: therobyngraham.com/resources/
As we round the corner to begin a new year, I encourage you to go against the grain in 2026. Over the years, I have empowered you to live simply, slow down, and learn to say no, to improve your health, relationships, and life. This year I encourage you to be even more bold, honest, and courageous in your voice and choices.
What do I mean?
I strongly believe to live your healthiest, most authentic, peaceful, and absolute best life…you have to go against what is celebrated, supported, and expected in this world.
And, you have to ignore the distractions, and not get caught up in them.
If you want support creating real change, my Personal Wellness Consulting offers 1-on-1 guidance to help you slow down, clarify your priorities, and build a life that actually feels aligned.
What are you going to let go of, and leave in 2025? Think about these 5 questions.
- What are you letting distract you?
- What is draining your energy?
- How and where are you spending your time?
- What choice do you know you want to improve?
- What have you been prioritizing?
Creating space helps open up room and possibility for the new year.
Being able to find time, slow down, pause, and back off helps create clarity, energy, focus, and more.
Take a day, afternoon, or a few hours to think about these questions and decide what you are going to leave behind. What can you let go of, so that you create space for goodness in 2026.
To help you do this intentionally, the Daily Surrender Journal is designed to guide you through daily reflection, release, and reset. You can learn more or purchase the journal to walk this process out one day at a time.
Michelle Bexelius, founder of DesignWell Studios — a wellness interior designer, environmental consultant, and integrative health practitioner who helps people create homes and spaces that truly support healing.
Michelle blends more than 15 years of wellness design, consulting, environmental inspections and testing. Her work helps people reduce exposure to mold, chemicals, VOCs, allergens, and EMFs — and redesigns them in ways that naturally support the nervous system, sleep, immunity, and emotional wellbeing.
She works virtually with homeowners, builders, designers, and developers worldwide, integrating wellness principles into remodels, new construction, and restorative home transformations.
Recommendations and specials from the podcast:
- Battery operated alarm clock
- Blue block glasses and lighting (affiliate link)
- EMF protection devices for phones/computers (affiliate link)
- Environmental Wellness Consultation – HEALTHYVIBES discount code $100 Off
- Book a FREE Discovery Call with Michelle for any design projects or support
- 10% off all Air Quality Purifiers – BREATHEWELL
How to contact Michelle:
- Email: Michelle@designwellstudios.com
- Website: designwellstudios.com
If you have something that is nagging at you, constantly frustrating you, or that you are struggling with, I want you to evaluate what it is, and if it is really true and realistic. Letting go of what is not ours to control is important for our health and relationships. Often, we need to lower our expectations for our relationships, connections, and peace of mind. We aren’t supposed to control it all. Learn how to let it go. Joy comes from the simplest of things. Stop overthinking and overcomplicating it.
Some of us might not be doing enough, but many times when you hit a plateau, you are doing too much of the same thing, or too intense, too often. Change it up. Back off. Give your body, muscles, and mind time to rest and recover. Most of the magic happens during recovery. Don’t underestimate doing something less intense, or having more recovery time.
Episode Overview
I honestly believe that these days it is too obvious that the enemy just wants to keep us busy with all the wrong things. There are too many easy distractions, worldly pressures and temptations, holding us back from all the good things we want in life. We are so distracted, we don’t even realize that we are the one that can make the change. This week, pay attention, and become aware of what is holding you back, and I want you to get intentional about beating that distraction. Do not let the enemy win this week.
Episode TranscriptAll right, hey there, welcome to the podcast.
I’m Kelly Renato, and today, we’re going to talk about beating at least one distraction this week.
I feel super passionate about helping us chase after what matters most.
And I find, and we all know this, but most of the time when we’re not achieving our health goals, our relationships are struggling, we’re not feeling great, maybe we’re down on ourself, maybe our work’s not going good, friendships, either way, it’s usually from distractions.
And I think sometimes we think it’s us, maybe we think it’s them, maybe we think it’s who knows what.
But most of the time, it’s distractions, and they’re stealing the goodness of our life.
Some of them are very obvious, we all know them, and then there’s some that are not so obvious.
And I want you to think about it this week.
I want you to, first of all, really pay attention this week.
Pay attention to what is distracting you, what is keeping you from whatever it is you really are truly wanting.
And what’s keeping you from your family, your kids, your friends, working out, chasing a dream, whatever it is.
Your faith, what’s keeping you from spending time in the Word, in prayer, in the Bible?
What’s keeping you from being kind and serving others?
So I want you to pay attention first off this week.
Really pay attention.
And become like super aware of your surroundings, what’s coming at you, and what’s derailing you.
So pay attention and become aware.
And then second and third of all, we’re going to have the courage to choose differently and beat at least one distraction.
We’re going to do the hard thing this week.
So I’m going to give you lots of examples.
First, we’re going to talk about the obvious ones.
And some of these, I think some of us know we need a boundary, or we need to like, you know, handle it better, work on our time management, whatever.
But there’s also others that I don’t think we even realize are distractions.
I think it’s just things that we just deal with, or just every day.
So first, let’s go over the obvious ones.
Social media, our phones, maybe TV, maybe even just, you know, those things in life, materialism, scrolling, the things that, whatever app you’re on at night makes you think you need to buy this, buy that.
All of those are distractions, right?
So our phone, social media, to me, those are, those are the big, obvious ones in the world these days.
Can’t really completely get rid of it.
You could, absolutely.
Some of us could completely delete social media, we’d be fine.
And honestly, there’s much of it that I would just love to delete.
We all have our reasons for not.
But I believe it’s boundaries, just setting boundaries with it.
And back in the day when it all started becoming bigger, my kids were little, and I had so many constant insecurities, whatever it is, the distractions that were creeping in, that created the insecurity, the sadness, the anxiety, stress, fear.
A lot of it came from social media, because social media gives us this, you’re not meeting expectations, you’re not good enough, the whole comparison game, the envy game, my kids aren’t doing this game, whatever it is, social media doesn’t.
So I immediately, when I knew, like to me, social media is, there’s good in it, but there’s a lot of it that’s just, to me, is so not real, not believable, not healthy.
So I started creating boundaries, and I had to, in the beginning, turn it off for a month.
Like I seriously like just stayed off of it.
And then I knew I could stay off of it and be fine.
I knew I enjoyed life more, real life.
So then when I did get back on, I had boundaries.
I told myself I wouldn’t scroll.
I every day unfollowed somebody that was negative, that wasn’t putting out there what I wanted to fill my mind with.
So I worked on that distraction.
I created boundaries.
So it didn’t completely go away.
And that’s what boundaries do with not just that, but with a lot of things in our life.
The TV, creating boundaries with TV at night, if you don’t want to get on the couch every single night and watch hours and hours of TV or on the weekends, create boundaries.
You can absolutely get rid of it, but you can also create boundaries.
So then there’s the phone, because the phone and social media, two different things, because our phone in itself can just be distracting too.
Back in the day, I think my phone has been on silence for a really long time, because I can easily check it, but if it rings and it dings and it does all, it’s distracting all day long.
Same with notifications, silence them, unless you absolutely need it.
Like there’s a few things with like my daughter’s team.
If I don’t have a notification, I’ll never know what’s going on, so I’ll miss all the messages, because I even miss the notifications sometimes.
I even check to make sure I haven’t missed them.
So you know what you need and what you don’t.
But then there’s, so any of those, you could work to beat this week.
You could work to beat it, or you could work to minimize it.
Just tell yourself that.
If you’re like, I’m not getting off of social media, then just minimize it a little.
If that is the distraction you think is sucking your time and energy or making you grumpy when you get off, like be honest with yourself.
Pay attention, become really aware, and then be honest, like what made you grouchy.
And that’s where you need boundaries.
So, the ones that were not as the less obvious distractions, I would say, because, so back to social media, I also realized when I got off, I didn’t feel the same as when I got on.
My energy changed, my joy changed, my how I felt about myself changed.
So, pay attention to that.
How do things make you feel?
How do people make you feel?
How does your phone make you feel?
How does being outside, being inside make you feel?
Whatever it is, pay attention.
So, the less obvious distractions, I think, are things that create fear, anxiety, insecurities that we don’t even realize.
A lot of times, it’s our mind.
We have things spinning in our mind.
I read a quote this last week that said, something to the effect of that worst-case scenario is a distraction.
It’s not a message from God.
Something to that effect.
And I thought, that is so good, because so many of us spin, especially with kids, but in all scenarios, we spin the worst-case scenario in our head over and over and over again.
That’s what creates fear.
Like if my kids are out and about, I can create some story that’s not even true.
We also do that with friendships.
We create stories because someone didn’t text us or call us back.
We create the story that’s not even true, and now we have it spinning in our head.
It’s a distraction.
If you have something spinning in your head more than once or twice, it’s a distraction.
It’s the enemy.
I see it as the enemy, a distraction keeping you from the goodness of life.
So if there’s a made up story, tell yourself, do I really know if this is true or not?
If it’s a judgment of someone else, I feel like that is a distraction.
Like who are we to judge?
What does it even matter?
What someone else is doing if it doesn’t affect my life?
If I’m consuming myself with what someone else thinks of me, who cares?
You can’t control that.
You could do everything that that person likes, and they’re still going to have an opinion of you, if they’re a person that’s judging other people.
So these are all distractions.
Getting offended too easily, personally offended, like thinking it’s all about you.
It’s so easy to take everything too personal.
That to me is a distraction.
And we can easily fall into that, easily fall into that.
Anything else that just creates a fear in you, and rather than having the faith that everything’s going to be okay, it’s going to work out how God’s intended it to, you know, having hope that it’s going to be, you know, the outcome will be good, if we’re going to, it’ll work out.
All of those negative feelings are stealing your faith, your belief, and your trust in God, that everything’s going to be okay, that it’s going to work out, that this opportunity might, you know, end up being good.
So all of those, to me, are distractions from God.
So if you’re feeling self-doubt, insecurities, you’re not believing in yourself, and you have a dream you want to chase.
Even, I see it all the time with people that are wanting to start working out, or taking better care of themselves, and they’re uncertain of where to start, or what to do, or they’re not familiar with workouts and gyms.
All those insecurities creep in.
Those are distractions keeping you from making yourself healthier and feel better.
So, don’t let all those things creep in this week, and steal whatever it is you’re wanting to chase, whatever you’re wanting in your life.
Maybe it’s just time with your family, but whatever distraction, maybe it’s the peer pressure of friends that are asking you to do this or do that, and you don’t know how to say no.
Those are distractions.
If they’re stealing the time you want with your family, it’s a distraction.
So, learn how to say no, learn how to set boundaries, and learn how to change your choices.
Change your mind.
Flip the switch.
Change.
Give yourself something else to say in your head.
If it’s spinning and spinning and spinning, give yourself just an anchor thought, something that’s positive and good.
I am grateful for this.
I am capable of this.
I know this will work out, and say it over and over and over again.
A prayer.
A prayer to God.
Help me get through this, God.
Help me believe a more positive outcome will take place.
Help me believe in myself.
Whatever it is this week, I want you to see, and maybe you don’t even realize it, because a lot of times the stories in our head, the thoughts, the fears, all of those intangible things are the distractions that we don’t realize are keeping us from that next step, making that courageous next choice, doing that thing we want to, but we keep staying paralyzed in this fear that what will people think?
I’m not good enough, I can’t do this.
It’s all distractions.
So this week, I want you to do the hard thing.
I want you to beat the distraction, so that you can move forward with one move forward on whatever it is, even if it’s just trying to be more confident, trying to have a better marriage.
But somehow, when you’re with your friends, you fall into that beating your spouse up or finding all the negative.
All of those are distractions.
So stop letting the worst-case scenario, the terrible outcome, finding all the bad in the people in your life, take away from all the good in your life.
So beat the distraction this week.
Beat at least one.
Do the hard thing this week.
And I’m rooting for you.
I hope you have the best week, and thank you so much for spending your super valuable time with me.
Have a good one.
Annmarie reminds us to make space for compassion, grace, and love, and how this can change our relationships and approach to conflict, drama, and life.
Annmarie Chereso is a conscious relationship coach, speaker and author of the #1 International Best Seller Anthology, The Perfectly Imperfect Family and the children book Little Seeds Journey. She is devoted to helping women lead empowered, fulfilling lives from the inside out. With over two decades of experience, she blends deep wisdom with practical tools to help women break generational patterns, navigate conflict with clarity, and reconnect with their true self.
Known for her playful and heart-centered approach, Annmarie serves as a compassionate guide—supporting women in building relationships rooted in love, trust, and freedom. Her mission is to help women let go of conditioned beliefs, embody unconditional love, and step into their full potential. Annmarie has supported thousands around the globe through courses, coaching, speaking, workshops, and retreats. She has trained with master teachers including Jon Kabat-Zinn, Jack Kornfield, Thich Nhat Hanh, Daniel Rechtschaffen, Susan Kaiser Greenland, Martha Beck, and The Conscious Leadership Group.
Living her teachings, Annmarie resides in Chicago with her husband, where they joyfully navigate life with their beautifully blended family of nine—a living testament to her work in cultivating harmony and conscious connection.
Resources:
Website: annmariechereso.me
Instagram: @annmariechereso
What’s Fueling Conflict in Your Relationship? Take her FREE quiz now and start your path to clarity and connection. https://annmariechereso.me/quiz-v1/
I was shocked when I got shingles, but looking back, I shouldn’t have been. I had layers of stress buried deep, and I just kept going. It was a turning point for me in how I handle my stress today. Stress is one of the worst things for our health, and most of us could make some simple changes to handle it better. How are you approaching life and how are you handling your stress? Awareness is key. Take note this week, and make simple changes to approach life lighter. It is possible.
We can agree that there isn’t much that is easy about this stage, but there are many, many approaches that can make this a more wonderful stage than we could ever have imagined, and with a strong faith, and five kids, my friend Jenni Spuler has learned her share of encouragement from the bumps along the way.
Always love having a conversation with my friend Jenni Spuler. She is as special as they come. In her own words…Married 28 years to the love of her life. Mother of 5 (4 of which are currently in college, and the baby is in high school). Pastor’s wife. Soccer mom. Mortgage loan originator. Passionate about the local church. Encouraging others is my greatest passion, and I’ve learned you can be an encourager in ANY environment. I believe as followers of Jesus we are ALL called to ministry…we’re to love and serve right where we are, at the soccer fields, at work, or anywhere he’s placed us!
Resources:
Instagram: Jenni the Mortgage Girl
Parenting littles can bring about more unmet fear than we ever imagined. We create scenarios and stories that quite possibly will never come to light. The things that seem huge, really aren’t. When you feel it in your gut, you are more often than not, correct. Go with it. You are more prepared for this time than you ever knew.
Postpartum is experienced by more moms than you realize. From mild, to intense. Either way, let’s support moms, encourage moms, and give a whole bunch of grace. And moms, keep taking that next best step to take care of yourself through this. Get help. Give yourself grace. Go for a walk. Get some sunshine. And know that this will pass, this is so common among moms, and you will be ok.
Stress is a huge factor in your health, and your stress is compounded by how you approach life, which is how you approach each day. Choose to approach your day with hope, gratitude, and a positive outlook on life, and watch your health, relationships, work, and life improve.
There are so many choices at home that affect your health. It all starts with you. Choose to own the health in your home. Good health is not just exercise, and eating well. It is the environment and atmosphere of our home. It is how our family feels when they are there. It should be a place to feel safe, and find peace, and rest from the crazy pace of the world.
Your health is a combination of your choices, your home, and what you do at your office. You can’t go to the gym, eat well, and create a terrible culture with your team. It all goes together. Bring your healthy approach to life, to your office and team as well. There are many simple choices and shifts you can make in an office, and with your team, to have a healthier culture, less stress, and better energy.
This world will keep you from all of your dreams if you let it. This week I want you to have the courage to say no, create the boundary, choose something hard and unpopular, and go do it. Choose your family first, live by your values, rest when needed, and have the courage to walk your own unique path.
Have goals, but stay flexible and open in your path, and never stop believing in yourself. Don’t let this world make you question your goals, your path, or your belief in yourself. Hope is a choice, a way of thinking. Choose to be hopeful. This too shall pass.
I am listening to the audio of Daring Greatly, by Brene’ Brown this summer. She talks about vulnerability and shame. Vulnerability does lead to connection, but it is important to know that not everyone is cheering you on, and not everyone deserves to hear your story. Pay attention and know that you get to choose.
Our words and thoughts have an enormous amount of power over your life. They create the trajectory of where you go, how you feel about yourself, and affect your confidence and ability to take action. Pay attention and choose wisely.
Self-awareness is powerful. You control you, and nobody else. What lights me up might not light you up? Know what matters most to you. What are your values and are you living that way? Spend time thinking about this. Write it down. Also, think about what drains you and pulls you down, then choose accordingly. You get to choose.
Download the FREE guide here: A Simple Guide to Living Well
We go through many, many seasons in life, and especially as parents. Awareness and giving yourself room for this can really change how you show up for yourself. And giving yourself grace. There are many choices to take care of your heart, soul, mind and health.
Know your season, and go in more on what is possible, and don’t beat yourself up over the other. Don’t overthink friendships, where your time is needed, and more. Live for today and where your feet are planted.
Your mission is where your feet are. Your obedience in this season matters.
Download the FREE guide here: A Simple Guide to Living Well
Julie Roebken is a Certified Breathwork Facilitator, Embodiment Mentor and a devoted apprentice of Jesus. Julie founded mindfulhaus.com in 2018 and is dedicated to encouraging women to release chronic busyness and distraction, and craft unhurried, spacious lives. Julie is on a mission to help women in midlife fall back in love with their life, their faith and their purpose – through rest, rhythm and realignment. Julie’s work is anchored in breathwork, nervous system regulation, neuroscience, embodiment practices and spirituality.
Resources:
Email: julie@mindfulhaus.com
IG: @mindfulhaus
Website: mindfulhaus.com
Julie recently launched her self-paced e-course + community called UNHURRIED.
Many of us can relate to this, and you can not feel guilty for this. Life is hard, and life is good. Just because you are having a challenging season, or day, doesn’t mean you aren’t in love with your life. We all have many things coming at us, and to be honest…it is too much. Let us support each other, encourage each other, and give out a boat load of grace to ourselves and others.
Download the FREE guide here: A Simple Guide to Living Well
It is hard to start, and it is hard to keep going. Simplify your choices. Lower your expectations. Start stacking those small, simple, good choices on top of each other, over and over again. Let’s talk about what those choices are, and how our mind, body and soul work together and help keep one another encouraged and accountable. They all matter, so start with the choices that are easiest for you. Download my FREE guide to help you get going.
Download the FREE guide here: A Simple Guide to Living Well
In order to live healthier, we have to make it our lifestyle, and small, simple choices are the easiest to start and keep going. This guide gives you the keys, how to strengthen your foundation, defeat the enemy, protect your energy, and keep your eyes up in the hardest of seasons. Grab it today and start making any of the simple choices over and over again.
Download the FREE guide here: A Simple Guide to Living Well
Britt Brandon is an inspiration and breath of fresh air. She is on a mission to reach as many women as possible who have gone through big challenges in their lives, and wants to help them recover and live the life that they were meant for.
Britt is a 40-year-old single mom of three residing in Apex, North Carolina. She is a survivor, proud woman in recovery, and powerhouse in the wellness industry! Once homeless and hopeless, she escaped an abusive marriage with nothing but her children and a determination to rebuild. Today, she stands as a beacon of resilience, using her journey to inspire and empower women to reclaim their health, happiness, and wholeness – especially those on the path of recovery. With 22 years in the wellness industry – dating back to the days of Bally’s Total Fitness – Britt turned her psychology background into a mission to heal others, becoming a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, DNA-based trainer, group fitness instructor, Pilates instructor, and Yoga I Instructor. Her expertise has guided over 10,000 clients worldwide, offering science-backed, sustainable strategies for
lasting transformation.
A prolific author, Britt has published 23 books on health, fitness, and nutrition, helping readers simplify wellness and create meaningful lifestyle changes. Her latest work, She Rises & Thrives: Loving Life in Recovery!, is a powerful guide designed to help hurting women heal and find joy beyond their struggles. As a proud woman in recovery, Britt is on a mission to help others rise above their circumstances and embrace the life they deserve. Through her books, coaching, and speaking, she continues to inspire women worldwide to step into strength, self-love, and lasting wellness – one empowered choice at a time. With an unwavering commitment to making a difference, Britt Brandon is more than just a wellness expert – she is a mentor, motivator, and advocate for women seeking transformation. Her work continues to touch lives, proving that with the right guidance, every woman has the power to rise and thrive!
Resources
- Website
- Britt’s book, The Only Pregnancy Book You’ll Ever Need: An Expectant Mom’s Guide to Everything
- YouTube
It is possible to love where you live, and you should. If you don’t, you can absolutely move, but if that isn’t the plan, there are many other changes you can make to create a home environment that you and your family love to come home to.
It is too easy to complain and blame someone else for a problem, challenge, or how you are feeling at any given moment. When you decide to look inward, and choose to see how you can better yourself, choose differently, or help someone else solve an issue, your life truly begins to change. Challenge and empower yourself this week to look inward, when your reaction many times wants you to look outward to find someone to blame.
Regardless of what choice you have made, please remember that you can always choose again. Remind yourself of this with any choice that you question, or wish you would have chosen differently. Pause, and choose again.
Every day you should strive for these 3 wins. This is a reminder that our health is composed of our mind, body, and spirit. Start to approach your choices every day for your whole self. It will make all the difference.
It is possible to change how you are feeling right now, but you have to move, and redirect your focus. We really can control our mood and how we are feeling. There are two things that can help. Change your physiology, meaning stand up, walk outside, sit up straight, take a deep breath, or move in some other way. Second, change your focus. This is one of your powers. You “get” to control this.
Yes, there are a lot of good choices we can make more of. But, let us also pay attention to what we need less of. There are many choices that can change your health, by just saying no and choosing less of what is stressing you out.
Let’s make 2025 the year of less drama, negativity, sugar, processed food, and more. You got this. Change your choices, change your life.
We get overwhelmed by all of the options, social media posts, supplements and more. This year I want you to change your mindset and change your habits, one small choice at a time. More of the good stuff, and less of the bad. Little by little. Over and over again.
Challenge: Find one or two choices that you can focus on this week, to just be better than you were yesterday.
Resources: Prayer. Rest. Boundaries. Movement.
Pay attention this week to the distractions that are stealing your time and energy. They are keeping you from living your best life. I want you to slow down, pause, and back off from the craziness of life, so that you have time for quiet and the time to find some clarity for your next best choice.
Resources:
- Bible
- Daily Intentions Journal
We each have a calling on our heart, and we will miss it, if we spend our energy and time being offended. Don’t let small things take your energy. Rise above, and move on, and go be great.
Challenge: Pay attention this week, and see what tries to steal your energy.
Resources: Prayer. Rest. Boundaries. Movement.
Your life is too short and you’re calling too great to be offended by something small. – Craig Groeschel
Pay attention and become aware of how things affect you. You get to choose what you follow and where you spend your time. Choose wisely. Unfollow things that don’t fill your heart with goodness, and find things and people that lift you up and direct you to God and goodness.
Resources: Bible, Journaling, Prayer
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
Every thought you have directly affects your heart, and your heart is the wellspring of life. We have to protect it. Protect it with good thoughts, Bible verses, gratitude practice, and not spending our energy on negativity. We can change them with practice. Become aware this week of your thoughts.
Challenge: Pay attention to your mind this week and how it affects your heart.
Resources: Prayer. Rest. Boundaries. Movement.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
Energy is so precious, and it is what helps me make most decisions. Know yourself. Know when you are depleted. Know when you need filling. Nobody knows this but you.
This is a truly individual thing. We are all different.
Give yourself permission. Be proud of yourself for knowing and being that aware.
Stop explaining. Retelling the story. Still talking about the drama. Solve it. Accept it. Endure it. Learn from it. Grow from it.
This week I read this quote and it resonated…
“Don’t throw good energy at a negative situation. Let it go.” – Rachel Macy Stafford’s sister, Rebecca
Challenge: Pay attention to where your energy goes this week.
Resources: Prayer. Rest. Boundaries. Movement.
Shelly Marshall is the founder of Beauty Shamans Skincare, and the Skin Within Studio. Her ultimate mission is to help elevate humanity; she believes that is made possible through individual growth and healing first. With over 15 years of experience as a nurse injector and esthetician, and her knowledge of skin biology and facial anatomy, Shelly has created a beauty brand like no other. Seaweed-based skincare, functional facial tools, and step by step skincare rituals combine to empower people to become their own beauty healer, inside and out.
Resources:
Beauty Shamans Website
Beauty Shamans on Instagram
Skin Within Studio
Here are a few tips to help us not completely lose our good, healthy choices this season. We can enjoy the season, and still keep some of our routine intact. We just have to be intentional and aware as we move through the season. Let us enjoy the season, while we still take care of ourselves.
Challenge: Take a few minutes this week to be intentional and prepare for your health this holiday season.
Resources: Prayer
Life will constantly give us problems. We grow when we problem solve, and not just react. It isn’t easy, but with practice, we get better. One step at a time. One week at a time. One day at a time. Don’t jump too far forward. That will stress and overwhelm you. Just take the next best step right now.
Challenge: You can be calm in the storm. Just think, next step.
Many of us are. We have too much coming at us every day.
Rest, breaks, relaxing, slowing down, are all ok. They are not lazy.
Not responding immediately. Not scrolling to see what is happening with everyone else is ok.
Saying no is ok.
It seems the world has made us think that whatever we have, we do, or we are is never enough.
I am here to tell you that you are already enough. Everything else is extra.
My experience has shown me over and over again.
Joy comes from the simple things.
Stop chasing the worldly distractions, and embrace what is right in front of you. God. The day. Your home. Your family. Yourself. The present. Nature. Outside. Being able to drive your kids somewhere. Being able to parent your kids through hard times. Navigating their ups and downs. You were given that role. It is a blessing.
If you don’t believe me…back off of social media. Say no to anything that doesn’t shout hell yeah this week. Smell the flowers. Sit in the sunshine. Walk through the grass. Take a deep breath. Call your mom. Or dad, if you can. Hug your family.
The only way to true JOY is through God and living in the present. Embracing what you have.
Challenge: Seek out JOY and simple God given blessings this week
Resources:
- Daily Surrender Journal
- Bible
An extremely relatable analogy was shared with me this week, and I think you can relate as well. How do you respond when life gets hard? What spills out of your heart and mouth? I received this in perfect timing, as I was feeling that deep mom exhaustion. I was frustrated with most of what got in my way. I realized after reading the analogy, that I was not filling my cup with the best choices. I was off track, and I needed to get back on immediately.
Challenge: Start filling your cup and taking care of yourself right now.
Resources: Journals
This is not to minimize fitness and exercise, because they will always be such important health choices. But these simple shifts to your life can make all the difference.
Prayer, nature, guilt, grace, sleep and letting go of other people’s opinions are a few to start. Please listen in and bring more peace and calm into your life today.
Challenge: Pick one of the choices above to start this week.
Resources: Journals
After spending nearly 27 years in the pharmaceutical industry learning about traditional medicine, Stacey Millhorn faced her own battle with chronic pain, including migraines and muscle/joint pain. Despite being prescribed various medications and undergoing physical therapy, she struggled with side effects and sought alternatives.
Her search led her to Pilates, but it was discovering infrared sauna and float therapy at Pure Sweat Studios in Nashville that truly transformed her health. Regular sessions helped ease her pain, improve her sleep, and boost her mood. After moving to Utah and unable to find a similar experience, Stacey seized the opportunity to bring the Pure Sweat Studios franchise to Utah. The first location opened in Park City in May 2023, followed by South Jordan in November 2023.
Resources:
Park City Pure Sweat Studios on Instagram
South Jordan Pure Sweat Studios on Instagram
Pure Sweat Studios Website
Let us stop seeing exhaustion, skipping lunch, no breaks, never getting outside, working late hours, working weekends, etc as status symbols.
It is time you stand up and know that you are worth taking care of yourself and your family.
Let’s not let this continue with the next generation.
Make rest, exercise, and time in nature the new status symbol.
Takeaway: You are worth it, so take time to take care of yourself and your health.
Challenge: Make one good change this week.
Resources:
Daily Intentions Journal
Daily Surrender Journal
Daily Motivation Plan
We spend way too much time in worry, over thinking, drama, and more. Pay attention to what you can control and what you can’t. Stop spending time on what you can’t control.
Takeaway: Stop spending time on things that are out of your control and not productive.
Challenge: Practice letting go, moving on, and just letting some things be.
Resources:
Daily Intentions Journal
Daily Surrender Journal
Daily Motivation Plan
The world will constantly rush you, pressure you, and pull you from God and calm in your life and day. You have to choose to step away from the crazy and create some space in your day. This will help bring you closer to God, bring calm in your heart, and add peace to your day. We will always have challenges and hard days, but when we have God, we can still be calm in our heart and know that we will be ok.
Takeaway: Regardless of what is going on in your life, you can have calm in your heart.
Challenge: Be intentional this week about creating space in your day so that you can have more peace in your heart.
Quote: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31
Resources:
Daily Intentions Journal
Daily Surrender Journal
Daily Motivation Plan
Truth and authenticity are among the best gifts you can give yourself. Being true to yourself and your values, and living authentically, is your path to freedom.
Takeaway: In what area of your life are you not being true to yourself?
Challenge: Pay attention this week to where you aren’t being true.
Resources: Your Bible and your heart.
Let us take ownership of our mind. When negative self talk tries to derail us, what can we do to redirect it? It truly is up to us.
Takeaway: When you have negative thoughts, it is up to you to begin choosing differently.
Challenge: Make the hard choice this week over and over to choose positive thoughts.
Resources:
- Daily Intentions Journal
- Daily Surrender Journal
- Daily Motivation Plan
Such a great conversation with Marni Jameson. We talk about decluttering, cleaning out your parent’s house, and why you should let the extra stuff go.
Marni Jameson is America’s most beloved home and lifestyle columnist. Besides writing a weekly nationally syndicated column on all things home, Marni is the author of seven bestselling books of all things home. That’s the territory Marni Jameson takes you through in her books, columns, and talks. Whether you want to downsize, decorate, declutter or dream, Marni has been there and will take you there, too, by the hand.
“At Home with Marni Jameson“, Marni’s popular syndicated column, appears weekly in more than 20 papers nationwide, reaching three million readers with her trademark humor and advice. A long-time reporter for Tribune Media, including the Los Angeles Times and Orlando Sentinel, she has also written for such top-tier media as Woman’s Day, Family Circle, Sunset and Fit Pregnancy. A frequent speaker, Marni has appeared on numerous TV and radio programs, including NBC Nightly News, Fox & Friends and Martha Stewart Living.
Marni graduated with distinction from the University of Kansas with her bachelor’s degree in journalism, and received her master’s degree in writing from Vermont College. She taught writing at UCLA for nine years and has provided writing workshops to public relations agencies nationwide.
The mother of a blended family of five grown children, Marni lives in Winter Park, Florida, with her husband, DC, and their two unruly dogs. There she runs a national health-care nonprofit and tries to create a beautiful home.
Takeaway: Letting go of stuff can be hard, but the rewards are huge.
Challenge: Challenge yourself to clean out at least one space this week.
Resources: www.marnijameson.com
You can’t improve your life until you choose to own it. You have to take personal responsibility for your own life. Your next choice is yours.
Takeaway: How can you take ownership of something in your life this week that you have been putting off?
Challenge: Take ownership of one choice in your life this week.
Resources:
- Daily Intentions Journal
- Daily Surrender Journal
- Daily Motivation Plan
I learned years ago that more than anything I needed more stillness, space, and to slow down. There are many ways to add stillness into your life. One choice at a time. We need this more than anything if we really want to be closer in our relationship with God.
Takeaway: It is more than ok to slow down, say no, and choose to pause and be still.
Challenge: Choose one way that you can be more still this week.
Resources:
- Daily Intentions Journal
- Daily Surrender Journal
- Daily Motivation Plan
There really are too many options out there so don’t be misguided. Be sure you are doing the simple things for the foundation of your health before you start adding all the hype. I am not saying it doesn’t work, but don’t forget how important the basic choices still are.
Takeaway: What basic choice could you improve upon for your health?
Challenge: Work on the basics this week.
Resources:
- Daily Intentions Journal
- Daily Surrender Journal
- Daily Motivation Plan
When we focus on the message, and not ourselves, it is a whole different ball game. The message drives you, inspires you, and empowers you. When we make it about us…fear, insecurity, and doubt creep in. Listen to your heart and soul, and bring your message to the world. We need to hear it.
Takeaway: If you have a message to share, share it. You are the vessel to bring your message to the world, and we need to hear it.
Challenge: Challenge yourself this week to slow down and listen to what your heart and soul is trying to tell you to share.
It is too easy to fall into the worldly trap of distractions, that keep us from all that can be good in our life. This week I want you to pay attention and get really honest with yourself about where you are spending your time. I empower you to own your time and choose to spend it where it matters most to you.
Takeaway: Get honest and pay attention to where your time is going this week.
Challenge: Find one distraction to eliminate or minimize this week.
It is time to get honest and let go of stubbornness, excuses, blaming, and having an answer for everything. Let us open our minds, drop our walls, and be open to what is possible to help our relationships, health, and journey.
Takeaway: What are you struggling with that maybe humbling yourself might help?
Challenge: Work on humility in at least one area of your life.
Balance your day by starting with what matters most. Be intentional about filling your time and energy with what is most important in your life. Put these things at the top of your list each day before the world distracts you from them.
Takeaway: Fill your bucket with the good stuff first.
Challenge: Make a list of what matters most to you this week, and be sure that that is where your time goes first.
Balance your day by starting with what matters most. Be intentional about filling your time and energy with what is most important in your life. Put these things at the top of your list each day before the world distracts you from them.
Takeaway: Fill your bucket with the good stuff first.
Challenge: Make a list of what matters most to you this week, and be sure that that is where your time goes first.
There are many celebrations this time of year for awards, accomplishments and more. There are also many kids who have had hard seasons, hard years, and have not had the year or season they expected. They are in the valley. So much growth can happen in the valley if we allow it. Is someone you know in the valley right now? Let us notice them, celebrate them, and encourage them. It takes a lot to show up every day when life is hard. Tell them you see that.
Takeaway: Pay attention to who is in a hard season this week.
Challenge: Whoever is in the valley, take notice of them, and let them know that you see them showing up each day, and you celebrate their strength and resilience to get through their hard season. Remind them to stay close to God, and that it will pass.
What are you doing to take care of your soul? There are many ways to nurture your soul and get closer to God. We are all different in what ignites and stirs our soul. There are many choices each day that bring me closer to God and I truly feel a stirring in my soul. It is apparent in how I react, when I skip these choices when life gets hectic. Listen in and think about what you are doing each day to stir your affection for God and how you are caring for your soul. The health of our soul is so important, and sometimes neglected if we don’t know how to care for it.
Somer Phoebus is deeply committed to empowering women to embrace their God-given gifts and callings with confidence. As the co-founder of She Works His Way, a nonprofit discipleship community for working women, she has coauthored She Works His Way: A Practical Guide for Doing What Matters Most in a Get Things Done World alongside her best friend and ministry partner, Michelle Myers.
Additionally, Somer is the creator of the 3 Step Planner, a tool designed to keep the multi-passionate person productive and focused on what matters most. Residing in Annapolis, MD, she and her husband Kent, a pastor at South Shore Church, have two wonderful daughters and just recently welcomed two amazing sons-in-law.
Get more content from Somer:
- Website: sheworkshisway.com
- Email: somer@sheworkshisway.com
- Instagram: @somerphoebus @sheworkshisway
- Podcast: She Works His Way Podcast
- Exclusive Content: Patreon Community
A healthy atmosphere in a home starts with us, and we can shift it starting today.With different seasons, comes many changes inside our home. When we pause and slow down, we can keep a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere inside our home, so that everyone connects better and wants to be home. We have to first actually spend time at home, slow down, and let go of the pressures to always be doing something.
Challenge: What are some changes you can make in your home this week?
Parenting is different in all stages, but as our kids become teens, they are closer to being an adult. I am not an expert, but doing our best to let go, while also being there for them and guiding them makes all the difference in our relationship with them. We have to pay attention as to where we should be releasing our grip and just guiding, trusting, and supporting. Let us be the ones that always believe in our kids, let them spread their wings, and keep speaking life into them.
Takeaway: There are times in life where we have to learn to let go, while still holding on.
Challenge: See what you are trying to control right now, and how you can start letting go and trusting God.
How we start our day matters. Every season is different. Give yourself grace and take time to find what is best for you right now. Cater your time and choices to you and where you are now. Remember there are many things that are good for us that we can do anytime and anywhere, and even with our baby or toddler in tow.
Takeaway: Give your grace and most importantly know that your morning is yours. Don’t compare it to where anyone else is right now.
Challenge: See how you add in what is important to you, even if it isn’t first thing in the morning.
Did you get distracted or knocked off of what you were chasing this year? I want you to pay attention and if you have been derailed from your goal or what you were trying to do this year, get back up and start again. Do not let the enemy derail you from choosing a better life. The Lord will fight for us. We just have to keep showing up.
Takeaway: Getting back up is an absolute game changer for all that we want in life.
Challenge: Get back up this week and choose what you wanted this year. Just start again.
Melissa H. Gray is a dedicated attorney with a passion for empowering business owners to build and protect their ventures on a solid legal foundation. With a wealth of experience in business formations, contracts, trademarks, and other intellectual property matters, Melissa provides her clients with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.
Understanding that a strong legal framework is the cornerstone of any thriving business, Melissa works closely with her clients to ensure that every legal aspect of their operations is meticulously crafted and aligned with their business goals. From the inception of a business idea to the intricate details of contract negotiations and the complexities of intellectual property law, Melissa is there to guide her clients through each step.
Melissa’s expertise extends to the personal side of business ownership as well. Recognizing that personal and business affairs are often intertwined, she assists clients in estate planning to ensure that their personal assets are protected and their legacy preserved. Her comprehensive approach addresses both immediate business needs and long-term planning, providing peace of mind for entrepreneurs and their families.
Melissa’s commitment to her clients is matched by her dedication to personal service. She believes that every business owner deserves a legal partner who is not only seasoned in the field but also genuinely invested in their success. Whether navigating the startup phase, scaling a business, or planning for the future, Melissa’s clients can count on her to deliver legal services with clarity, integrity, and a focus on results.
For business owners seeking a legal ally to help lay the groundwork for success, Melissa H. Gray offers the expertise, dedication, and personalized attention necessary to make their vision a reality.
Melissa H. Gray, Esq.
Founder and Managing Attorney at The Law Spot
Email: melissa@thelawspot.com
Office: 267-529-7768
Website: TheLawSpot.com
Instagram: TheLawSpot_
Challenge: What are you putting off that you need to do? Estate planning, protecting your creations, or even starting your own business? Take one step this week.
We are all waiting for something, whether we are in a really hard season, or have something uncertain going on in our lives. How are you responding in the waiting? Are you filled with worry, or are you choosing to trust God and get closer to God during this hard, uncertain season? I want you to think about it. Are you showing up for what matters? These are important thoughts in order for us to get through this hard season and become better through it. What happens during the waiting is possibly more important than what we are waiting for.
Challenge: Choose to show up for what matters in the waiting this week.
Resource: The Hard Good, by Lisa Whittle
Quote: I said in the podcast that Toby Mac said this, but he actually posted it, which is where I saw it.
What God does in us as we wait is often much more important than what we are waiting for.
Rich Villodas
https://youtu.be/9LHA_in40Ro?feature=sharedLisa Whittle has a powerful way with words. Here new book is called, “I Want God: How to Love Him with Your Whole Heart and Revive Your Soul” and I love it and you have to get it. I want to tell you why her message of wanting God most will change the way you live. No more people pleasing, over-explaining, or half-chasing your dreams.
Challenge: Let’s not just say we want God most…let us live this way.
Rachel Swanson is a best-selling Christian author turned real estate investor beginning in 2021, acquiring 20 doors in her first year. She traded her stressful 80+ hour per week author and online coaching business for a more flexible PART-time real estate investing business, gaining time and financial freedom, tripling her income in less than 12 months, all while balancing her marriage and motherhood with “wannabe triplets”. Her goal is to help others see the value of real estate investing as a solid foundation for future wealth building and true time freedom for bigger impact.
Follow her on Instagram @rachelcswanson for more insights!
Mel Robbins talked about this recently in this video, and boy did it hit home. Let’s stop being bothered, mad, and upset at every bit of resistance these days. In order to feel more happiness, joy, and peace, we have to drop our sword when life pushes back, and allow the joy, and light, to come in.
Challenge: Drop the sword this week.
When life throws the hard stuff at us, we can’t give up or stay down too long. We have to lean into God during the hardest of times, give unlimited grace out, and stop digging when we are down.
Challenge: Don’t stay down too long. When you hit a bump this week, give yourself and others grace, do what you can, and do your best to let go and move on.
Ali Flynn, the creator of Hang in There, Mama and certified English and Special Education teacher is excited to share with you the joys and hardships of raising teens with an open heart, honesty, and some tears. She is a mom to four daughters who offers daily encouragement and support to moms while keeping it real and letting them know they are not alone on their motherhood journey.
Ali has been featured in numerous publications including Grown and Flown, Raising Teens Today, Her View From Home, and many others. She is also the co-host of Real Talk for Moms Raising Teens and Young Adults and has been a guest on a variety of podcasts revolving around motherhood and raising teens.
Resources:
- Hang in There, Mama on Instagram
- Hang in There, Mama Facebook Page
- Hang in There, Mama – Reconnect with Your Teen and Yourself Event
- Hang in There, Mama website
Maybe, maybe not, but I definitely feel that I have my own secret weapons that are my keys to a better life. I make these 6 simple choices every day and I can honestly say it has changed my life, my relationships, and my confidence in myself and my choices.
Challenge: What small habit or choice could you add or change this week?
Quote: Change your habits, change your life.
It is easy, and natural, to seek approval from this world. Let us make sure our priorities have us seeking approval from the right people in our life.
Challenge: Pay attention to your priorities this week and where you are seeking approval from.
Quote: Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:28-30
You don’t need permission, but sometimes I believe we just want someone to tell us that it is ok to go for it. So, I am giving you permission to go for it. Whether it is a dream, time for yourself, your health, or just setting boundaries…I give you permission.
Challenge: This week I want you to live boldly. Make you the choices that you have been wanting to make. At least one thing this week.
Quote: “You have the life you are willing to put up with.” Gary John Bishop
So many of us continue to live with choices that aren’t giving us the life we want. We continue to complain and blame others. We spend time on things that are wasteful, that suck our energy, or just help us continue the negative cycle.
When will you choose something else? You own the power to choose.
Challenge: Repeat the mantra, “I get to choose” over and over. And, make a choice this week that you have been wanting to do, but you have been avoiding.
Quote: “You have the life you are willing to put up with.” – Gary John Bishop
Are you just preaching and lecturing your kid, but not actually living your life that way? Get honest with yourself. We need to become aware, and grow as a person as well. Our kids need to see us learn from mistakes, make better choices, and own it when we are wrong. If you really want to influence your kids, pay attention to what you are giving them an example of.
Challenge: Be the example you want your kids to be.
Resource: Grow up: Becoming the parent your kids deserve.
I do believe that every challenge, mishap, mistake, or resistance that we experience, its a test for us. We decide if we are going to grow and learn, or if we are going to react with negativity. Will you adapt, shift, solve the problem, and keep going? Or will you complain, blame, and remain in the circle of self-doubt, and wanting to give up?
This is the point where life can completely begin to change if you decide to grow, pivot, and learn from what is going on.
Challenge: Pay attention to your challenges this week. How are you responding?
Quote: “Every excuse buys you another moment in your lifelong commitment to the victim club.” – Gary John Bishop
Angela Chapman, founder of Age on Purpose, is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and a ReCODE 2.0-certified practitioner dedicated to helping others with the prevention, reversal or better management of Mild Cognitive Impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease. Genetically at risk for Alzheimer’s herself, Angela opened her Direct Access community in 2020 to provide the education, peer support, Q/A and access to lab testing needed to successfully implement a proven protocol.
Angela opens our minds to how our everyday choices can impact our brain, and that a holistic approach is actually finding the root cause of our symptoms, and improving them, rather than masking them. You can’t miss this.
Resource:
- Angela’s website: Age on Purpose
- Facebook group: Alzheimer’s Prevention and Bredesen ReCODE
Suzi is the green blogger behind the blog Gurl Gone Green. She’s a wife and mom to three girls and one boy. After eating healthy for several years, she realized eating real food was only a small part of the healthy living equation. As a hairstylist and esthetician, she became aware of all the harmful chemicals she was constantly being exposed to. She went on a journey to transform her conventional products over to clean products. This led her to start sharing with others what she had learned. Fast forward 10 years later, and her mission to help others live out a clean lifestyle has only grown!
Here are some great resources and freebies that Suzi shared with us during the interview:
Blog Posts:
- Gift Guides
- Nontoxic Cookware
- Nontoxic Candle
All the Freebies:
- 10 Ways To Detox Your Home For Free
- How To Make The Best Healthy Cup Of Coffee
- Natural and Organic At Costco
- Ingredients To Avoid Checklist
- Natural Baby Swaps Guide
- Natural Target Shopping Guide
Upcoming Giveaways:
- 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways
Resource:
- Suzi’s website: Gurl Gone Green
When we get into the vicious cycle of letting unhealthy thoughts and feelings control our lives and our choices, we have to break the cycle and choose differently. This is possible. Let us choose this week to be bold and believe in ourselves and know that we are capable of anything.
Challenge: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings this week and break the cycle if needed.
Quote: “Recall that thoughts lead to feelings, feelings lead to actions, and actions lead to results. Everything begins with your thoughts—which are produced by your mind.” -T. Harv Eker
Resource: Break the Cycle
Grace is the most underused superpower we can have. Grace gives us permission to move on. The ability to let go, forgive yourself, and move on quickly seems to be one of the most underused super powers. I can do all the things, but if I can’t give myself grace when I mess up, I won’t be able to bounce back and start again. I won’t be able to get back up, when I fall down. I won’t be able to laugh at myself when I make mistakes.
Challenge: This week work on your grace muscle, for you and others. We need grace for the rest of our lives. Give yourself and others more grace this week.
Quote: One of the best game-changing habits you can develop is getting back up when life gets you down, and for that you need the superpower of GRACE.
Resource: The Daily Surrender Journal
Let’s talk about the middle zone. You are more likely to stick to something that is not extreme. Anything extreme isn’t a sustainable lifestyle. We want a more enjoyable lifestyle, and it is possible with healthy, balanced choices. This is also a perspective and a mindset. Let us find the goldilocks zone, as Jillian Michaels says.
Challenge: What are you getting too much of and not enough of? Figure out where you could adjust and get a better balance.
Resource: The 6 Keys, by Jillian Michaels
Let us become aware this week and work to shift our mindset little by little to a more positive, hopeful, abundant, and grateful mindset.
Challenge: Become aware of your mindset this week and make small shifts to make it more positive.
Quote: “You can’t feel stressed and blessed at the same time.” Jon Gordon
Don’t give up. Get rest, pause, and take a step back. Then start again. When something is so important to your soul, you will feel much resistance as you pursue it. Take a new perspective. Try something new. Step back and pause. Then…start again. Take action.
Challenge: Whatever you have given up on, or have thought about giving up on, I want you to step back, pause, rest and then, start again. Do not give up.
Quote: “The more important an activity is to your soul’s evolution, the more resistance you will feel.” Steven Pressfield
Resource: The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield
Here’s why I love habit stacking. Taking care of our health is overwhelming. Too many options, opinions, fads, diets, gadgets, and advice from everyone. This can leave us stuck, and not doing anything to improve our health. Just start. Start with what seems easy and possible. Take the walk. Drink more water. Get up earlier. Pick the one thing that you think you can accomplish and start.
Challenge: Start one new habit this week. Whatever seems easiest.
Quote: “Some people spend their entire lives waiting for the right moment to make an improvement.” James Clear
Resource: Atomic Habit, by James Clear
Dr. Michelle Young is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and owner of Young Medicine. She is a rising leader in natural pediatric healthcare dedicated to educating, empowering, and building the foundations of health for children, thereby leading to thriving adults.
Young Medicine offers one-on-one care, a group program called Healthy Families Collective, and online educational courses. The courses focus on using homeopathy safely and effectively with children, optimizing gut health, supporting detoxification, and using natural remedies for acute coughs and colds.
We discuss the foundations of health, cod liver oil, detoxifying our homes, the many services she provides in person and online, and a whole lot more.
Resource: www.youngmedicine.com
This is a deeper dive into our daily choices and how we can be more humble and authentic in our way. Humility isn’t just not bragging or boasting. It is so much more. Let us begin by remembering that His ways are better than our ways.
Challenge: Pay attention to how you interact with those you love this week. Are you truly listening? Pausing? Being patient? Or taking over and reacting?
He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30
There are many obvious distractions that we could be spending our time and energy on, but there are also some sneaky ways the devil gets into our days, our mind, and our relationships. Let us pay attention and make sure we are spending our time and energy on the right things. Get quiet and get back to your values that matter to you and your family.
Challenge: Have a purpose each day of where you time and energy is going.
When we insist on chasing other things, God lets us have our way. ~Lisa Bevere
Alternative options lets us choose to see the good, have a positive outlook, and change the norm.
Challenge: Pay attention to where your heart is this week.
This episode is an interview with Jennifer Pressimone. This conversation is filled with a wealth of information. We discuss the role of our gut, circadian rhythms and patterns, and how it can affect our mind, anxiety, depression, sleep, stress levels and more. Her story and knowledge will blow you away. I learned so much during this conversation and you will too.
She is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapy & Herbal Educator at JennScents Aromaversity, author, product formulator & owner at JennScents, Inc. She empowers health & wellness professionals with clinical aromatherapy certifications and specialty training courses. JennScents Aromaversity is a NAHA Level 1, 2 & 3 & NCBTMB approved school. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, numerous natural health certifications, and is a Diploma in Spiritual Phyto-Essencing for deep emotional healing. She serves as the current Vice President and Central Florida Regional Director for the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA.org). Jennifer has a passion for empowering others with knowledge, inspiration & encouragement to foster mind, body, spirit & soul balance. Inspired by her own health journey, she has dedicated the past 2-decades to exploring, expanding & evolving aromatherapy practices for mental & emotional health. Her passion and heart shines through in her teaching and mentoring with the next generation of aromatic colleagues.
Check out Jennifer’s websites for oil blends, education, and more:
JennScents Aromatherapy
JennScents Aromaversity
Challenge: Open your mind to alternatives this week. What is going on in your life that you feel helpless? Too many times we hear that “this” is the only thing that works, or that maybe we have tried it “all”. It is time to keep looking for answers. There is always another option to try.
In today’s society, we seem to keep going, keep pushing, keep rushing, and what really matters to us can easily pass us by. This conversation is permission to slow down, and embrace what is right in front of you, what really matters, and learn to let so many things go.
Challenge: Take extra time to pause and sit in silence this week.
Resource: Daily Surrender Journal
This is an encouraging conversation about prayer, keeping God close in our day to day life, our teen’s faith, and more. It was so good to sit down with Freyda Smith, who is a friend and fellow mom that always encourages and steers me straight to God.
She lives in Winter Garden, FL with her husband of 20 years, and their three children 18,16, and 11. She is a licensed Realtor, and has been practicing for 18 years. When she isn’t running the children to and from school, you can find her on a ball field cheering her kids’ baseball, or softball teams. Her children attend a local Christian school and she stays active there as well as leading Moms In Prayer. She thrives on having God at the center of everything she does, so she feels balanced and finds great peace attending church, finding a safe place with her Bible study group of 11 years, and committing to show up with her workout group of 7 years.
From Freyda, “God called me to Moms In Prayer. No doubt about it. I was searching for something to encourage other moms at school. I have an amazing group of moms I’ve been doing bible study with for 8 years and I met other moms that I knew could really benefit from that same type of community fellowship. I shared this with a school/baseball mom/friend who had just recently moved to Maitland and her kids were now enrolled at Orangewood Christian. She invited me to attend their MIP meeting and that summer I spoke with our elementary school principal and by the fall we had the green light to begin meeting at First Baptist Church in Winter Garden’s basement. So many women hungry for fellowship came and they all had the same goal, to trade in their fear and anxiety about their children for the freedom that comes from prayers covered by the blood of Jesus. I came to have a personal relationship with Jesus at about the age of 9. My family moved to Florida from Puerto Rico and our neighbors at the time invited us to church. This small act set ablaze in my heart a fire for God and it spread to my entire nuclear family. We’ve all been Christ followers since then and I pray to ensure that legacy of Christ-followers for generations to come.”
Challenge: Use one of Freyda’s tips this week to spend more time this week with God.
Books we talked about:
Out of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper
Quiet, by Susan Cain
The Truth About Us, by Brant Hansen
Let’s not shy away from being bold in all of our roles as parents, christians, prayer warriors, and neighbors. Let us share God’s love. Parent our kids to be really good humans. Help our neighbors in need. Love fiercely. Whatever it is you are going out to do this week, live boldly and live like it matters.
Challenge: Live boldly in the small areas as well as the big areas of your life this week.
Yes, we could have a big purpose in life, but I also believe each day, and season, we could have a different purpose, or even multiple purposes. Let us slow down enough to hear God’s whispers and where we are needed today, and let us be open to hearing where we can make a difference in today.
Challenge: Be open to what your purpose just this week might be.e. Be prepared with ways to stay calm.
It is too easy to ride the wave of stress, anxiousness, and aggravation. It is too easy to overreact, rather than stay calm. Once we become intentional about our situations, our reactions, and letting go of the need to control the situation, we can find more peace. Let’s start paying attention this week to what is trying to get us frustrated and stressed. Choose not to participate.
Challenge: This week pay attention to what tries to steal your peace. Be prepared with ways to stay calm.
We will experience a lot of pain in our life, and suffering as well. But many times, continuing to suffer is a choice. We have to choose to get out of it. So many of us choose to stay comfortable with whatever is holding us back, making us moody, or unhealthy. Let us become aware of where we make a different choice, deepen our relationship with God, trust Him and make better choices moving forward.
Challenge: What is something that you are choosing to suffer in?
Resource: Ed Mylett podcast: How to Attain TOTAL Freedom
Decisions become clearer and easier when we base them on what matters most to us. Take time to pause, and think about your values, before all of your choices. Let Your Choices Bring You Closer to God. I find that my best choices, the choices that lead me, and my family, closer to God, closer to each other, and to our best selves, are quite often inconvenient, unpopular, hard and sometimes feel lonely in the short-term. I usually know in my heart that it is the best choice. Once we get through the challenge and all the feelings, there is a sense of peace eventually, that we made the right choice. The choices that are best for our future, are usually the most challenging to make right now, but will bring us the reward we are craving, and a true feeling of content later.
Boundaries are healthy and good, not for others, but for ourselves, to help us use our time and energy on what matters most. Start, little by little, protecting your time and energy. Give yourself permission and grace along the way. Open your time up to what matters most to you.
Challenge: Work on at least one boundary this week to give yourself more time.
Podcast: Ed Mylett Podcast with Tim Tebow
Let us get honest with ourselves and decide if we are truly feeling joy and happiness, and if it is easy, or hard, to be kind. If we are struggling, let us do the hard things and work on ourselves so that we can truly feel joy, love, and kindness.
You get to choose who you are every morning. Do you look for whats good in your day today, or are you going to find all that is wrong and complain? This is a choice that we should remind ourselves every single day before we start the day. When we are intentional, we can choose to be the person that looks for the good and shares it.
We don’t always have someone that reminds us of this. I want to remind you, and let you know that you matter always, no matter what, to God.
When we let go of our ego, become more open, and truly listen, our perspective, and our life can truly change.
It is easy as the new year wears off, and we get back into life, to get too comfortable with those things we want to say no to. Let’s get back into paying attention and breaking these patterns.
We are a few weeks into the new year, and this is when resolutions and new habits start getting derailed by life, distractions, and many times we start sabotaging ourselves. It is time to break the pattern and take back ownership of our habits and goals.
Let us choose good every day and decide what we want more of this year, and what we want less of.
Quote:
Instructions for Living a Life:
Pay Attention.
Be Astonished.
Tell About It.
-Mary Oliver
It is ok to feel hope as we go through heartache. This is life. We feel like we need permission. We don’t, but I give you this permission, because I feel that hope is how we heal, and how we keep our eyes up during the heartache. So let us keep looking for joy and light in our hardest seasons.
Verse: Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
In order to truly feel the joy that comes each day, we have to slow down and live through the simple things, by speaking it, sharing it, being an example of noticing it, and giving this to our kids.
It is our choice where we put our time and energy. Even when we have to do something we don’t want to, we can put our energy into a bad attitude and complaining, or trying to find some good in the situation. Be more intentional about what you give life to. It matters.
Today’s guest, Lindsey Wilson is a mindset and high-performance mindset coach, a former professional athlete, and the founder of Positive Performance and The Mindset Coach Academy. As a collegiate and professional athlete, Lindsey utilized mindset coaching tools from a young age. This allowed her to experience tremendous success as a basketball player at Iowa State University, get drafted in the WNBA, and play overseas for 8 seasons.
However, despite her many accolades, her proudest result was being described as ‘relentless’ more than once by opposing coaches. Something she attributes to her mindset training. But she also had a front-row seat to so many of her peers struggling with performance simply because they didn’t know how to train their mindset. Because of this huge need, she launched her company in the mid-2000s with a simple mission: to get mindset training tools to as many athletes as possible.
Her mission continues now by providing mindset coaching tools to athletes, teams, and other high performers with her cutting-edge online courses and workshops. Her company works to expand access by training other mindset coaches in her craft. Her company offers the world’s first live dual certification for aspiring mindset coaches through their 4 monthly Mindset Coach Academy certification program. Lindsey is also a mom to three young girls and practices the same mindset training tools she used as a professional athlete, now as an entrepreneur and mom.
Resources:Positive Performance TrainingMindset Coach Academy Podcast
Our days are filled with so many things pulling on us, weighing on us, and asking for our response, or our decision. Learn to take your time, and go to the one who has our path already known for us.
Quote:
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12
Quoted from Lysa TerKeurst’s Instagram…
“A prayer for the girl who’s tired of trying to please everyone in her life. Dear God, I have been giving so much of my energy trying to stay “good” with people, and it has left me exhausted, depleted, and constantly feeling taken advantage of. Lord, help me determine what I should say yes to and what I should say no to. And as I draw necessary boundaries, I ask for your peace to guard my heart and mind through difficult decisions and conversations. I ask today that you remind me of how much you love me so I’m less tempted to turn to others to fill me up with things that I really should be turning to you for, and only you can sustain the type of giving that a desperate soul longs for. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
Resources: Good Boundaries and Good-byes by Lysa TerKeurstThe Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst
There are so many instances each day where I believe God is trying to teach us to become more patient and accepting in the waiting, to help grow us spiritually for greater strength and acceptance in the big challenges in life.
Quote: And God would not waste her time waiting. He was planning. He was preparing. And her heart grew stronger in every prayers. @laurenfortenberrywrites on Instagram
Quote: But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 @laurenfortenberrywrites on Instagram
Choose to believe, even when things seem dark and uncertain. Choose to believe in your loved ones, even on hard days.
Resources: Lauren Daigle: You Say
These are small choices that we can shift, or change, and make all the difference in how we feel, our relationships, and how our day goes. Evaluate your choices this week, and decide where you can choose differently.
There are so many benefits of a morning routine. There are simple choices you can make starting now for your morning to feel better, and change the rest of your day. Decide that you want to control your day, rather than your day controlling you.
Resources: Daily Intentions Journal
It is easy to become complacent in things that matter to us, like our health, relationships, marriage, time with God, or our goals and dreams. The world can easily pull us away from what matters. Take time this week to pause and evaluate where your time and energy are going.
Resources: Daily Intentions Journal
Quote: God can not be the source of your strength if the world is the source of your standards.
Many times these continual distractions are helping us to react better, and learn how to not be derailed by them, so that we can grow and mature spiritually.
We have to remember that our mood, reactions, attitude, tone, and more is in our control. Let us take ownership of knowing that we can control ourselves.
Resources: Daily Surrender Journal
Many times these hard things are hurdles that God puts in front of us to help us grow and mature spiritually.
Resources: Daily Surrender Journal
Quote: God can not be the source of your strength if the world is the source of your standards.
Let’s strengthen our perseverance, resilience, and patience.
ResourcesDaily Intentions Journal for clarity and peace.
VerseAnd let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. -Hebrews 12:1
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. -Galatians 6:9
Jesus came to set us free, and I believe God wants us to feel freedom and peace. Choose to let go of all those ugly feelings today.
ResourcesDaily Intentions Journal
QuoteHow we decide to receive and react to the really hard parts of our circumstances shows us what our hearts are filled with. - Bob Goff
Healthy habits begin with consistently making small, simple choices day after day.
Resources:BibleDaily Intentions Journal for clarity and peace.
It is the small, simple choices that add up to big changes in our lives. Every good, small choice we make, consistently creates positive change in our relationships, our mindset, and our perspective. We then want to make more good choices for our mind and our health.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal for clarity and peace.
Let us not become “ok” with things that go against our values and morals. Keep our moral compass strong.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal for clarity and peace.
Let us be an example of self-care for our kids. If they don’t see us caring for our heart, mind, and soul, they won’t realize how essential it is to take care of ourselves in this world.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal
Let us grow, mature, create boundaries, and have the courage to make hard choices when needed.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal for clarity and peace.
Pay attention to who makes you feel good, improves your energy, and makes it easy to be yourself. Be that person for someone else. What makes you different is what makes you great. Be original. God made you unique, and gave you gifts, so be sure to use them.
Resources:10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know, by Kari Kampakis
There are many times throughout the day and season that we all just need small shifts. Find a different perspective. Adjust your lens. Forgiveness. Grace. It could be worse. You probably don’t know the whole story, and sometimes you don’t need to know every little detail and opinion. Pause and take a breath.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal
It takes maturity, letting go, courage and humility to actually take a calm, strategic approach to solving the problem, fixing it, walking away, or just enduring your way through. God didn’t remove the Red Sea…he parted it.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal
Trying to control all things can lead to anxiety, disappointment, frustration, and stress. What are you trying to control that you should begin to let go of the grip you have on it?
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal
There is nothing wrong with how something makes us feel, but we should pay attention to how long we hold on to these feelings. This can affect our health, the state of our mind, and our relationships if we keep carrying certain feelings around.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal
Listen to Monday’s podcast episode #71 to hear the intention for this week of choosing HOPE and JOY amidst heartache and struggle.
Resources:Daily Intentions JournalYouVersion Bible App
This is week 4 of a 4 week series. Even in our darkest days, God will give us hope, joy, and light. We just have to seek it, find it, and decide that we will still choose to find the light.
Resources:Daily Intentions JournalYouVersion Bible App
Listen to Monday’s podcast episode #69 to hear the full intention for the week, of using our time in the best way possible for our health.
Download the Value Declaration document to help you out.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal
This is week 3 of a 4 week series. You get to choose how you use your time. 5 minutes here. 5 minutes there. It all adds up. Time is precious. Be sure you are treating it that way.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal
Listen to Monday’s podcast episode #67 to hear the intention for this week of paying attention to where our energy is used.
Download the Value Declaration document to help you out.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal
This is week 2 of a 4 week series. Our energy each day affects our mood, happiness, health, how we feel, and what we think we are capable of. It is time to pay attention, and become aware of what is best for you and your health.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal
Listen to Monday’s podcast episode #65 to hear on how to be intentional the intention for this week. We talk about living for our values and learning to say no.
Download the Value Declaration document to help you out.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal
This is week 1 of a 4 week series. Take time to write down your values and pay attention to your choices, and if they truly reflect what you believe and what matters to you. This will help you know when to say “yes”, and when to say “no”.
Download the Value Declaration document to help you out.
Resources:Daily Intentions Journal
Let us embrace our passions, values, and what matters the most to us. But if someone, or something, tries to distract us, let us pay attention and not get derailed
Resources: Daily Intentions Journal
Whatever happened today is gone. Everyday is a fresh start. New courage. New strength. New perspective.
It is time to practice saying no. Stay in charge of what fills your time and energy this week. Don’t let the worldly distractions steal your joy, or your faith in your purpose. Be on your guard as to what is most important to you, and remember you always have a choice.
Resources:The Best Yes, Lysa TerKeurstBoundaries, Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John TownsendDaily Intentions Journal
First, be sure you are taking care of yourself so that you are rested, strong, and equipped to handle these situations. When your kids act out, stop taking it so personal. They are kids, and they have a lot of stress on them. Stay calm, honest, and gently work to connect with them, instead of battle with them. It isn’t easy, but we can choose different approaches to encourage, guide, and connect with them.
Resources: Live Love Now, by Rachel Macy StaffordDaily Intentions Journal, Kelley Ranaudo
Regardless of the circumstance, or situation, you have to always remember that you get to choose. Even if you don’t like what you have to do, you can choose a good attitude, and choose how you respond to what is going on. Don’t ever let anyone pressure you, or try to persuade you to choose something that you don’t want. You are responsible for your choices, so make sure it is what you want to choose.
Resources: The Best Yes, Lysa TerKeurstBoundaries, Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John TownsendDaily Intentions Journal, Kelley Ranaudo
Begin to choose love with our daily interactions with our loved ones. Let us practice more grace, forgiveness, and letting go.
Resources:Live Love Now, Rachel Macy StaffordDaily Intentions Journal To help you find clarity and peace.
Let us not give up and throw in the towel. It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves, so that we are strong enough to take care of our family. Take care of yourself first, so that you can guide, encourage and celebrate your kids and family.
Resources:Live Love Now, Rachel Macy StaffordDaily Intentions Journal
It is easy to get upset or blame others for how they are treating you. But, if you are letting them treat you that way…they think you are ok with it. We have to speak up. Respect yourself. Respect your boundaries. So that others will respect you.
Boundaries, Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John TownsendDaily Intentions Journal
When I began my journey of saying no to things that were not filling my tank with good, I began to weigh every choice with God, my values, and where my energy was needed. This helped so much in saying no to things that were not good for me and my values. Because my decisions were grounded in God, I didn’t feel as guilty, or even that I needed to explain.
Resources:The Best Yes, Lysa TerKeurstBoundaries, Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John TownsendDaily Intentions Journal
It is so easy for our mornings to get hijacked, and eventually get out of the habit of starting our day in the way best for us. Let us refocus and start again tomorrow. Each day is a chance to start again.
It is the small choices every day that accumulate and help us feel good, or sometimes continue to feel not-so-good. Let us be more intentional about every small choice, and choosing good. Sometimes when we feel down, we struggle with that next choice, and continue to dig a hole, rather than begin the small steps to begin climbing out of the hole, so that we can begin to see the light.
Let’s start paying attention to the small things every day that try to distract us, rob us of our happiness, and take us away from God.
It is so common to fall off track with self-care. We all do it. We have to be kinder to ourselves when we fall off track. Forgive yourself and start again. Let go of this habit of beating ourselves up, and move on.
I used to never want to disappoint anyone, but I was the one that was losing. I had to start being ok with saying no to others, so that I could say yes to God, my family and myself. It is ok to care less about some things. You are not a bad person. You are not unkind. Choose for your values. Choose for God and your family. When they are your first choice, it is ok to say no to other things.
Self care is more important now than ever. We start with God, then us, and how giving and serving is an important part of self care as well.
Self care is more important now than ever. We start with God, then us, and how giving and serving is an important part of self care as well.
This week we are going to look at our daily routines, and see if there is something we should break, or get rid of, in order to help us accomplish what we are chasing….maybe less stress, more calm, more rest, or just feeling better.
I promise this conversation will encourage you. Jenni and I talk about the challenging seasons of life, and how good can be found right along with it. She shares hopeful thoughts for our kids, our marriage, and for us moms during this time, while giving us powerful, healthy words that can shift how we are doing our day-to-day. Every one of us needs this encouragement right now to lift us up, and Jenni reminds us that nothing...absolutely nothing, can rob us of God’s purpose for our life. Take the time to listen in. You don’t want to miss this, and what Jenni has planned over the next year, to share more of her story with us.
Jenni has been writing her thoughts at her blog, JenniSpuler.com, where she hopes to spend more time in the upcoming future. She can also be found on Instagram and Facebook as Jenni Spuler.
All of life is a combination of good seasons, and challenging seasons. Regardless of what is going on, be sure we all enjoy the routine, embrace the small joys, and find the silver lining during our challenging seasons.
In this episode, we chat about how to make better choices when we are feeling down, and stressed. Rather than making ourselves feel worse, we have to plan our go-to choices, that little-by-little, will help us to begin to get out of our slump. Let us teach our kids to do the same
Many of us make up stories in our heads, that aren’t even true. First, you are not alone. We all do it. Together, let us pay attention, and let it go, when it isn’t even true.
Today we talk about the struggles of our minds every day, and how we can fill our minds with good each day. We also talk about becoming aware of what could be draining your mind, and what to do about it.
In this episode, we chat about why and how I created the journal. I tell you about what is in it, and how you can actually change how you feel each day by taking 20 minutes to add this daily practice to your morning.
In this episode, we chat about how working on ourselves is so important, for growth, health, and feeling good about ourselves. We should always be growing, learning, and being intentional about what we want to improve in our lives, and ourselves.
In this episode, we chat about finding one thing each week to focus on, and be more intentional about. This has helped me over the last few years to be in the moment more, feel less stress, and more in control of my days. Do I still have challenging days? Yes. But, I have more tools in my tool box to help me bounce back a bit easier, and handle the daily struggles a bit better.
One of my passions is getting our kids moving. I feel strongly about this for many reasons. Not only their health, and strength, but for their happiness, stress, and mental health as well. With all the uncertainty in the world right now, kids need help with choices that will help them feel happier, healthier, and more confident. Just moving every day will lift their spirits and self-esteem. But how we approach getting them to move and exercise is important. Take time to listen so that you can give your kids the encouragement and support they need to develop a life-long healthy habit that they will thank you for.
I wrote an article in February of this year about finding calm in our days. Now, as we find ourselves in the middle of a pandemic, we all need calm more than ever. If you want less stress, more calm, and a healthier mind, take time to listen and start being deliberate about what you let into your day.
As a mother of a teen and pre-teen, this conversation was refreshing, and full of hope. Connie is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and more. She gives practical advice to help you have a more meaningful relationship with your teen. Her book, “Parenting Beyond the Rules”, helped me transition into the teenage years, much better than I was doing on my own. We talk about boundaries, prioritizing the heart of our kids, learning how to adjust, and so much more. Connie has raised, and homeschooled, five teens, and she is passionate about encouraging and helping moms have a rich relationship with their kids. You can find all of Connie's resources here at ConnieAlbers.com.
With all the uncertainty this year, what can we each do to help? Spend your energy loving on your family, teaching and guiding your kids, and becoming better humans every day.
Happiness comes in waves, and sometimes we aren’t sure when it is coming back, but there are many small choices we can make to give us moments of happiness. It isn’t about everything being great...it is about finding the light in the midst of all of life’s challenges.
There is so much goodness and wisdom in this conversation with Louise Clarke, who is a Certified Parenting Coach and Certified Mindfulness Teacher. We discuss taking things too personal with our children, how to become more aware and present, and how meditation can help us become more mindful. She says her “mission is to change not just parent’s lives, but children’s lives for the better, one family at a time.” I believe she is doing just that through her coaching, courses, books, and podcast. She also does work with parents who have children with ADHD.
Many of her resources are geared toward the teenage years. Her book is Parenting the Modern Teen, and several of her courses help parents during the teenage years, and the challenges that come with those ages. She has practical, doable answers that help, for parents that are struggling and frustrated. You can find Louise at YourParentingPartner.com, and her podcast is Parenting In The Thick Of It. Be sure to soak up some of her resources.
When it comes to self-care, there are many choices we should make each day to fill us up and make us feel good. Just as important for self-care, is realizing when we need to say no, and when we need better boundaries. There are many things we do every day that depletes our energy, because we aren’t saying no. Let us learn when to say yes, and when we really need a good healthy no.
We have to be intentional about what we fill our mind with. Each day we have choices, and there are many good, positive, healthy vibes to give our minds. Let us be deliberate about giving our mind good energy every day. When our mind is in a better place, we can handle our daily challenges easier.
In this uncertain time, self-care and our health is more important than ever. Here are a few simple habits that you can start doing right away to bring you more energy, clarity, and happiness. This is a quick listen. Join me and let us start feeling less stressed, and calmer today.
Finding quiet time isn’t always popular, encouraged, or even easy to find, but 10-20 minutes a day can decrease our stress, bring more calm, and help us to feel less anxious and overwhelmed.
We have to accept our current situation, and accept what is in our control right now. We have to choose to protect your energy, take care of ourselves, lower our expectations, get closer to God, and be kind to each other. This can be a stressful time if you choose to let it take over. Choose to find the good, create a calmer environment, and help your tribe get through this. This will pass. Let us be better on the other side.
Honestly, I believe we have to take this time and get closer to God, closer to each other and slow down. Choose to use this time for good. It is possible.
I must say that choosing to homeschool your kids, and working remotely, is very different than what is going on now. So, yes, I know it is different, but I still am hoping that some things I have learned over the years might help.
I am not claiming to be an expert, and you also don’t have to agree with my beliefs for any of these tips to help you. I have been walking a different path for awhile, and I love it….but it’s not for everyone. But for now, we are all in this together, and I am praying and rooting for you to come out of this better than you can even imagine.
Honestly, I believe the most important part of all of this, is how we grow as people, parents, families, and christians.
Resource: Connection over Expectation
Grace is a gift. Grace is a choice. You can show grace with kindness, compassion, humility, understanding, gentleness, and forgiveness. Grace can bring you more happiness, calm, and improve your health. Choose to be more gentle this week.
This comes up every day with family, friends, and other moms, and anyone we come in contact with honestly. Changing our perspective, or just the ability to try to see someone else’s, can change our world. When you begin to feel resistance to something, it is time to look at other perspectives, push through, or make a move. Just changing your own perspective to how you are seeing a situation, can help you grow and do things you never thought possible. It can improve relationships, happiness, and confidence. Open your mind. There are always other ways to look at something.
Let’s pause, stay calm, and truly think about what we want our kids to remember during this time. What should we be teaching them? Let’s be smart, calm, and thoughtful, but don’t let the media hype create panic, stress and anxiety. This won’t be the last uncertain challenge our kids will face. Let’s strengthen their faith, resilience, acceptance, understanding and self-care. I am not an expert, but no that I want to do my best to give them the tools to face uncertain times with hope, faith, and strength.
Listen, none of us have it all together, even if it appears that way. You can be grateful, joyful and love your life, and still have struggles each day. Fear is a big part of what brings on stress, anxiety and overwhelm. This week we are choosing faith over fear...every single time. We are choosing to trust God in his plans and timing, and not let fear take over.
I get honest on several habits that I am trying to let go of. These are the habits that I know hold me back, create more problems in relationships, and limit my growth. I want you to get honest as well, and work this week on letting go of the habits that are not serving you well. We have to remember they are habits, and they can be changed.
We all go through events and life challenges that can try to bring us down. How we react and how we handle these hard things affects our lives, outcomes, relationships and health. No matter how big this life event is, you can take care of yourself through the process. We don’t have to overreact through the process. Prayer and perspective will do wonders for your health, mind health and your relationships. Believe in yourself and take care of yourself no matter what you are going through.
Resources:
5 Second Rule, Mel RobbinsEverything is Figureoutable, Marie Forleo
A fall is never a final unless you stay on the ground. ~Marie Forleo
Bad days and feeling down can come and go. We don’t want to stay in that place too long, but it is also up to us to start making simple choices to get out of it and feel better. Accepting ourselves, being kind to ourselves, and making small, good choices over and over can help us to feel better and get out of our funk easier every time.
Just remember, there is nobody better to do you, be you, or live your life. Embrace it.
Resource: Daring Greatly, by Brene’ Brown
Protecting your energy and peace take intentional choices. Always feeling guilty and explaining your personal choices, will leave you feeling drained and frustrated. Start making choices for you, and giving a simple response for when you say no. This takes practice, but it is possible, and easier, when you are taking care of yourself, so you are strong and confident in your choices. One choice at a time. Join me.
Resource: Daring Greatly, by Brene’ Brown “Share with people who have earned the right to hear your story.” ~Brene’ Brown
It is more than ok to have things we struggle with. It is common to feel that you should “keep it all together”. But, we all have something that challenges us. We will talk about where to start to own what we are struggling with. Speak it and own it, then you can begin to improve it.
Resources: The 5 Second Rule, by Mel Robbins
Be strong and love who you are. Be more intentional and slow down. Take time to choose. I will tell you what helped me make choices that aligned with my values. If something is tugging at your heart, and doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. ~ Romans 12:2
Resources: The Bible, Prayer
Before you can truly be you fully, you have to start loving every single part of you. Love your challenges, and your strengths. We talk about what has helped me accept me, love me, and be more of myself every day. It is a choice. You can start loving yourself right now too.
Resources: The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene’ Brown
Having a smaller circle doesn’t mean you have to cut people off. This just means to choose your time wisely. Don’t feel pressured to say yes all the time. You can love people, and still choose to say no. Know what season you are in, and where your time and energy need to go. Use it wisely. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t have a big group of friends. Find people that let you truly be you and applaud you for it, and that you can have real conversations with. Seek authenticity. It is out there. You just have to truly look for it.
Resources: Tribe Called Bliss, by Lori Harder
We talk about the benefits to doing something every day that is uncomfortable that will help you grow as a person. Also, how we will feel if we don’t get out of our comfort zone every day. Simple ways that we can manage the discomfort and help us take action. Together, let’s get out of our comfort zone, grow every day, chase our dreams, live fully, and find more happiness than we ever thought possible.
In order to live fully, you must be willing to step into the unknown. Fear kills more dreams than failure does.
Resource: Get Uncomfortable and Grow
Sometimes too much health and fitness information can make us freeze and not take action at all. There are many myths and some simple hacks that can save us time and energy if we are open to it. Hopefully, there is at least one simple truth in this episode that helps make your fitness routine more meaningful. Most importantly, we want to get your body moving in some way every day.
The biggest differences come in the smallest actions every day. You can feel so much joy, and give joy, by giving just a little every day to those around us. Whatever season you are in life...be all there. I believe that God tugs at us sometimes to show us where we can make a difference, or who might need us. When you hear, or see this, listen. Helping your neighbors, aging parents, giving compliments, holding the door open, or just asking someone about their day. Think small. Think simple. Think God. This is what begins to change our world, our hearts, your kid’s hearts, and more.
What are you doing that is creative that you truly enjoy? We all need to be creative for our soul, for happiness, to tap into something deeper. Creativity brings us joy and happiness. As we get older, we get away from doing things that just make us feel good. We feel like we always have to be productive or checking something off our list. What moves you? What is something you just enjoy? Creativity can come from so many different activities. Find something this week to do that you just enjoy. “Creativity living is any life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.” -Liz Gilbert
How we use our energy is as important, if not more than, how we use our time. What is considered good energy, and what energy can drain you? What lifts you up and what brings you down? Start paying attention to what you are letting into your life, and how it is affecting you, your mood, your happiness, how productive you are and your relationships. Remember...if something is on your plate, you put it there.
In this episode, we talk about the ongoing daily work to have a healthy mind, and how gossip and judgement can affect our minds.
Gossip and judgement can be so common, and have unhealthy consequences for us. Why we should stay clear, and how we can avoid it, or get away from it. If you find yourself feeling judgemental often, you have to step back and nurture yourself. The happier we are with ourselves, the less judgement we will feel.
Ask yourself if you are looking through the eyes of love or judgement. You can change your perspective.
We will be intentional this week to avoid gossip and judgement. Post somewhere, or add a reminder to your phone with the quote, “I choose to see this differently. I choose to see love,” from Gabrielle Bernstein.
It is easy to get into the habit of criticizing mistakes, shortcomings, and expecting more than we should. When we constantly get upset over small things, we add so much stress to our lives and the people’s lives that we love so much. Stress is one of the biggest culprits of disease, relationship problems, and anxiety in us and our kids. This episode talks about what we have to stop doing, and what we have to start doing so that we can relax, decrease our stress, and truly enjoy our days.
We encourage each other to stop comparing, hustling to fit in, and let go and let God have control.
It is time to slow down, pay attention, and change our reactions and frustrations to laughter and finding the good in our people. It is possible.
Resource: The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene’ Brown, Guidepost #10 Letting Go of Being Cool and Always in Control
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeramiah 29:11
This is how I went from not liking social media, to learning how to set boundaries, enjoy, be inspired, and create lasting connections through social media. I created my own discipline, and learned how to change my feed for the better, and wasting less time on endless scrolling. There is so much good, but there can also be a downside for some of us. Let us all become more aware of how it makes us feel, and make a change if needed. It should be making us feel good and helping us. You are not alone if it isn’t making you feel good. Join me to re-evaluate your relationship with social media. Our challenge this week is to take a break from social media.
We won’t be distracted by comparison, if we are captivated by purpose. ~ Bob Goff
What are the benefits of a morning routine? Less stress. More clarity. More productivity. Self-care. Clear mind. More focus and progress. Happiness. What should you put in your own morning routine? Exercise, stretching, How do you choose and what time should you get up? Let’s discuss creating your own plan for your routine and how it can change your days. Our challenge this week is to create your own personalized morning routine.
It is common for most of us to feel the pressure of your choices from others, and even to look for approval, sometimes without even realizing it. Are you craving authenticity or even feeling unsettled? Become aware of what is making you unsettled, and what you truly value.
If you are craving authenticity, you should truly make sure you are being authentic and genuine yourself. This starts with choosing what makes you feel your best, and saying “yes” when you really want to, and “no” when you want to. We need to feel strong and in control of our choices and what we believe in. This comes from taking care of ourselves, so that we can make these choices for ourselves. Don’t cancel on taking care of yourself, because you are saying yes to everyone else.
This week’s challenge is to take at least one thing off your plate. Say no to something this week. The world will not fall apart. One “no” at a time. You will get better at this, I promise. To help with this, I recommend The Best Yes, by Lysa TerKeurst.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~ Romans 12:2
Today we chat about what baggage we may be holding on to, and why we absolutely have to let it go. It is time to start living our life according to what matters to us and our values.
What is about your baggage that you are holding on to, and why is it bothering you? In order to move into becoming your best self, you have to let go of your old habits. We are going to find something that we need to let go of. Let go of the baggage one day at a time. It gets better in time. It is a daily habit and we have to work at it each day.
It is common for most of us to struggle with letting go of other people’s opinions. We have to remember that not everyone needs to hear our story, and sometimes what bothers us about someone else, could be something we need to work on as well.
It is time to evolve, change, and grow. Live your life. Happiness will come from staying in your story, not getting in someone else’s. Take time to think about what is important to you, and what you want to be your journey.
Today, we are going to start living according to our values. Become aware of what isn’t aligning with our values. Our energy is valuable. We have to choose wisely where we spend our energy. This week, the challenge is to find one habit or story that you are going to let go of this week. It could be big or small.
I have recommended both of these books before. A must read for becoming who you are truly meant to be, The Gifts of Imperfection and Daring Greatly by Brene’ Brown. Our quote for the week comes from Brene’ Brown… Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are.
Today we are going to begin the work on our mind. You just have to start. Every day there are things that can be bringing our mind down, and also filling it up. What is good, and not good, for your mind? We discuss ways to strengthen our mind because we can’t avoid everything that might affect our mind negatively. We have to strengthen our self by over-filling it with good stuff. We discuss simple ideas to lift up our energy and mind health. Grace and gratitude are both important for your health. Remember, your season is not comparable to other people’s seasons. It is important to practice grace for yourself and others.
We chat about the benefits of gratitude practice for our health. This week we are going to work on giving ourselves grace and starting a gratitude practice. We are challenging ourselves this week to practice gratitude every day. Write 3-5 things down every day that you are grateful for. You can make a gratitude notebook or download my free Daily Motivation Plan.
In the podcast, I recommended a program called Mindset Reset from Mel Robbins. It is a 30-day program that was helpful for me this year with my mind health. Mel Robbins is such an amazing resource
Our quote for the week: “Your mind believes everything you tell it. Feed it with faith. Feed it with the truth. Feed it with love.”
In this episode, we want you to uncover what story could you be telling yourself, and how you are limiting or stopping yourself from going after your goal. It is time to start listening to what you are telling yourself, and how to change this talk.
There are many common stories we all tell ourselves. Fear is a big one, and it is not always an obvious feeling of being scared. We are usually the ones limiting ourselves. We want to find these limits, and begin the work to change these habits we have created. We can’t let bad days stop us from moving forward. Regardless of the work we put in, we will still have bad days, and the more we take care of ourselves and practice our response, the sooner we bounce back and keep going.
This week we are going to pay attention to how our self-talk. Our challenge this week is to repeat 5 Daily Affirmations every morning and have one go-to during the day. This download can help you find your Daily Affirmations.
In this podcast, I also recommend the book, The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks. Our quote for the week is: If you waited until it is perfect, you have waited too long. ~Reid Hoffman.
In this episode, we chat about how we sabotage ourselves when we think we always have to be “all in”, and why moderation is what works for the long haul.
Many of us feel like we are on rollercoasters of taking care of ourselves. We are either taking care of ourselves…or we are not. The 80/20 rule can help you create a healthier lifestyle and stop depriving yourself. We have to change the conversation in our head to help our habits and choices. We look at our mindset and expectations for ourselves, and how mini-goals and mini-habits will help change your lifestyle.
We will identify our goal and find a trigger to help us follow through each day, and why you should reward yourself. I want you to break your goals down into mini-goals, and start small to help make it stick. This week, we are challenging each other to just move in some way every day for at least 5-10 minutes.
Here are two good resources on habits and making them stick. This is an article, The Psychology of Habits: How to Form Habits (and Make them Stick). Here is a book, Atomic Habits, by James Clear.
Our quote for the week: You don’t have to get it right, you just have to get it going. ~ Mike Litman
In this very first episode, you will get to know a bit about me and my goal with this podcast, and why I want to reach as many moms as possible. How I learned that exercise and eating good is not the complete answer to feeling our best. When my health plummeted, and what began my journey to feeling better. Why I am passionate about helping you to start showing up for yourself, and taking time to take care of you. I know that simple choices done consistently will change your days.
After having two kids, I did not feel my best, and I had to learn a new way of taking care of myself. I had to put myself and my health first, so that I could feel my best for myself, and be my best for everyone else in my life. I started with creating a morning routine, and this practice has slowly changed how I feel, and how I show up every day. I want to help you begin to create your own morning routine for what will make you feel your best.
Your morning routine can change your day and how you feel, and begin to change the direction of your life. We challenge each other this week to find time for yourself every morning. Download my Daily Motivation Plan and use it to jump-start your morning routine.
This is the book I recommended in the podcast. It is one of my favorites, even though I said the wrong title in my excitement. :) The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene’ Brown.
Here is our quote for the week. You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine. ~John C. Maxwell.