Inspired Weekly Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jessica Ladd
A weekly dose of inspiration for moms on a mission!
The Inspired Weekly Podcast offers a mix of real life advice + coaching tools to help you stop waiting for someday—and go for those dreams, momma!
Our goal is simple: bring a new perspective each week to help you show up as your best self in motherhood + homeschool + business.
It's summer time!!! Wooohoooo!!! And with summer comes more challenges with all the kiddos being home.
Listen in as Jess talks about exactly how to choose for yourself ahead of time---so that you can set yourself up for the best summer yet!
The world or our human design tells us to GO GO GO all the time. Knowing our makeup, let's remember to give ourselves the gift of rest.
This is the end of the Unhurried Life Series all about ways to incorporate what you've learned into your real life.
Dead Battery
Episode mentioned: 10 Ways to Recharge and Reconnect with the True You
Connect with me:
Instagram: jessicanladd
Jessica shares 5 ways you can get more time, peace, and presence back in your life as a working momma.
In this episode you'll learn:
-Change isn't all butterflies and rainbows
-Jessica's experience recently with a back injury
-And other helpful encouragement to keep you moving forward
This is a follow-up to last week's episode all about staying up late. I believe part of the solution to our thought that night time is our only option for "me time" is utilize the time we have during our day to rest and reset.
Listen in to Jess talk about reasons you might be blowing your rest time during the day. And ways to get that back!
We all know intellectually that about 8 hours of sleep is recommended. But our toddler brains want what it wants---and NOW!!! Whatever feels good in the moment right?
Today, I go into some of my old habits of staying up late---and of course regretting it the next day.
Learn a few things you can switch up if you too, are exhausted all the time!
ChatGPT, it's all the rage right? But wait, I thought tech was the bain of our existence?!
Not anymore. I want to invite and encourage you to think outside the box. Allow the power of AI to bring you simple plans to implement in your every day life as a mom, CEO, and teacher in your home.
It can be simple, momma! Let's do this!
In this episode you'll learn:
-to work with your brain NOT against it
-to listen for the static in your mind
-about intrusive thoughts/thought errors
I used to set BIG audacious New Years Resolutions...as we all do. But over the past 5 years I've done it differently.
I am more relaxed now when it comes to goal setting---because it feels more aligned with my human design, and it's waaaaayy more fun!!!
Tune in today, as I talk about a simple, yet effective process I use to create what I want for the year.
Welcome to the first podcast episode with the new name!!! The Tuned-In Mom Show
You'll learn:
-Insights from Jess on how she picked the new name
-Why it helps all of the listeners with their life
-What's to come for the future of the show
All this and more in the very first episode!!!
The holiday season can bring about the pressure to please. Our family and friends. Be the hostess with the mostest so to speak. But I want to inspire a heart of preparedness this year vs. feeling pressured.
It can happen to the best of us. One minute you're improving your life and in the next your proving that your improving your life.
What is the culprit of this result? Well, I call it self-help or self-development overload. And it can lead to major burnout!
In today's episode you'll learn:
*How to spot when you're in self-development overload
*Ways to get out of that overload rut
*Unexpected sources of inspiration
Enjoy this episode of The Inspired Weekly Podcast!
The MOM FOG!!! Am I right? Today on the show you'll learn:
A mindset shift that will clear away that fog and allow you to see the truth that's right in front of you!
Enjoy this episode of Inspired Weekly!
Are you a mommapreneur looking to uplevel your biz? Check out my Etsy shop HERE for tools, templates and more!!!
This week on the show we are talking about restoring your values in motherhood. Looking within yourself for what you deem is most important. Because so often it's easy to look outside ourselves and see that we're doing it all "wrong". That's why building a solid foundation of values, by which to live our own lives---is vital.
It's definitely a show you don't want to miss!
Click HERE for your free Restoring Values in Motherhood Workbook companion!!!
Overwhelm.
Confusion.
We've all been there. What does it take for the opposite to be true?
Tune-in to find out!
Our brains point out all of the problems going on in our lives. What if we sit down and ask ourselves, "what is working?"
The world or our human design tells us to GO GO GO all the time. Knowing our makeup, let's remember to give ourselves the gift of rest.
What you'll learn:
*What is human design?
*How can it help you become your truest self?
*Jessica's experience discovering human design by accident and how she feels about her Design Reading
*PLUS, where you can get your own Human Design Chart for FREE!!!
Want to take what you're learning here on the podcast a step further?
DM me the words "Momma's Mixtape" on INSTAGRAM to get started today!
Mentioned in the Show:
Lauren Cash (Time + Energy Coach and where I first learned about Human Design that I could understand!)->you can find her HERE and HERE
Get your own FREE Human Design Chart:
HERE or HERE
Does your life feels like it's on fast forward? I know mine does sometimes.
I want to get past the humidity and heat of summer, and into the cool air and crispy leaves of fall.
Or I want to get to the place where my 1 year old is finally sleeping throughout the night by herself.
There are so many seasons of life where it feels like it takes forever
to see the results or outcome we crave.
If allow ourselves to stay where we are, we might catch some of the beautiful moments God wants us to take notice of.
Tune-in to find out how you can do this!
As mommas building it all under 1 roof it's easy to get caught up in the day to day stuff...that we often forget how far we've actually come.
Today we're digging into the question, "What would you tell her about where you are now?"
It's a powerful question to bring to the surface when we're worried that we can't move forward with something new we want to try.
When our thoughts about this new thing are:
"I can't do this" "This is too hard" or "I don't know what I'm doing."
It's going to allow you the space for clarity of what works and what needs work.
The creativity to be the best problem solver in any situation.
And the confidence to show up from a place of calm + peace + ease in your days.
So, let's lighten our mental load today with this question...
"What would you tell her about where you are now?"
I like many of you, have been through a journey. We all have a set of experiences, trials, successes, and failures that lead us to where we are today.
Those things help us build home.
Our physical homes. Our internal homes. (mind, soul) Our business homes. Our homeschool homes. Any home you build will have those trial and errors that go along with the journey.
As I rewind it back and review my journey, I discover the common theme among them all.
My life changed because of one thing.
A decision.
That's it.
That is all, standing between you and the life you want to create for yourself.
So, because today marks an awesome time for me in podcast journey (episode 100, baby!!!)
I thought it'd be a beautiful way to bring you along as I rewind and review some of those monumental decisions for me---and the thoughts, people, and music that helped me along the road in growth, change, loss, confusion, doubt, insecurity.
ALL. THE. THINGS.
So momma, join me today as I share with you some of the life changing decisions that helped me build home.
Enjoy!
People Mentioned in this Episode:
Marie Kondo
Kelly Clarkson
Rachel Aust
Dr. Berg
What if you could lighten your mental load? Go through your day with more peace and ease? And enjoy life again?
It's possible right now, momma! And I want to show you how through my Rewind it Back™ Method.
This powerful & impactful exercise will help you take back your power. Set up your day with intention. Become the purposefully productive woman you want to be. Plus, show up as the confident and calm momma, no matter what is happening around you.
This method is perfect for a mid-year review, or you can simply rewind it back to what happened yesterday. The choice is yours!
It's all in this episode and I can't wait for you to tune-in!
Hope you enjoy!
You will learn
Why it's so difficult to make even the simplest decisions.
What holds us back from making decisions in first place.
How the power of confident decision making can change your life!!!
There comes a point in our lives where we question whether or not we're on the right path. Today we're diving into all that and more!
There is a lot of noise out there about how to live our lives as mommas who try to do it all under one roof. We're momming, homeschooling, wifing, and CEOing. ALL THE "INGS" and it can be overwhelming and stressful to sift through all the "how-to's" to make sense of what to do next in all these areas of our lives. Right?
Because, surely the answers we're looking for must be from other people, who have the experience and the knowledge and the expertise, because, well, how else would we find it?
This is what many of us mommas believe. Look outside ourselves to find the happiness, joy, peace, and presence we crave.
In his book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, author John Mark Comer says this,
"What if the secret to a happy life—and it is a secret, an open one but a secret nonetheless; how else do so few people know it?—what if the secret isn’t “out there” but much closer to home? What if all you had to do was slow down long enough for the merry-go-round blur of life to come into focus?
What if the secret to the life we crave is actually easy?"
There's a theme I see creeping up. And it is this.
We so desperately want to create a life different from the one we're currently living. We spend a lot of time, energy, and focus thinking about what we truly want. And yet, we still look to others to point the way. What if I told you there is no one-size-fits-all way to motherhood, homeschool, marriage, or business?
In today's episode we talk about why keeping it simple is the key to a life of less overwhelm and burnout. And it's a sneak peek of an upcoming training and mini-course available soon!
I hope you enjoy it!
You might hear the b word from people you meet at the grocery store, or it might drop from the lips of a family member. Heck even your kid's teacher might even call you the b word.
So, buckle up!
Because today, we're talkin about saying the b word and how it is stealing your peace as a mom doing all the things.
You’re homeschooling.
Raising kiddos.
Maintaining your marriage.
Building a business from home.
For most of us, we're trying to keep our physical and mental homes from crumbling to the ground, am I right?
And there is a reason for it, too! It's what I break down in this 20 minute show!
In this episode, you'll learn:
What the B-WORD is.
Why it steals your joy + peace.
How to rethink + rewind it back for yourself to create a playlist that makes you FINALLY say, "Yes! Now THAT? That is my JAM!"
Also mentioned in the episode:
Inspired Weekly Podcast Episode 80: Don't Let THIS Stop You from Going After Your Dreams
Inspired Weekly Episode 86: No really, how are you?
Inspired Weekly Episode 89: From Dreaming to Doing, One Thought at a Time
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Dreaming to doing. Not about doing more of the same you've always done. But pausing to think about what you really want to do to create the life worth living.
Products Mentioned in Today's Episode:
Beauty:
Native Deo
Skylar Perfume
Rael Period Pads
Magazine:
Magnolia Journal
Books:
I buy ALL my books used online!
Get a free book today when you make a purchase of $30 or more at Thriftbooks!
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Joy of Missing Out by Tonya Dalton
Start by Jon Acuff
Playlists on Spotify:
90s Alternative
Lofi Beats
Non-Alcoholic Sips:
Simple Truth Organic Instant Coffee
Loaded Tea (Alternative, I have not tried yet!)
Rest, Focus, Sleep:
Equilibria CBD->USE THE CODE: REFJNLADD2012 to save $20!!! Hello Bello Sleep Well Gummies
Momma Community for Support in Chasing Your Dreams->Join the Inspired As A Momma Facebook Group
As a life coach for moms called to build a life and business they love---it's my job to help them make that happen. How do I do that?
By asking GREAT QUESTIONS!!! Today is no exception to this rule in my little corner of coaching. So...
We're digging deep into the question "What's Driving You?"
I know you're going to get so much value out of the episode! I want to ask that if you do, share it with someone who could resonate with this message!
It's widely accepted to answer the question, "How are you?" with I'm good, okay, fine or busy don't you agree? Chances are we've asked this often to so many people, but when was the last time you've asked it to yourself?
When the heck do we have time to love and care for ourselves?
To protect our peace, when we're living on fast forward?
When we are fed messages that the goal in life is chase happiness,
and get there requires us to buy more, do more, scroll more, and eat more.
Yet when we consume this way, when we think these temporary fixes are the cure-all
to us feeling better, we often feel...
Worse.
More overwhelmed. Stuck. Lost.
We get the furthest away from the life we crave because we're just scratching the surface.
Not digging into the goals and dreams that we truly want for our lives.
There is a better way, and we're talking about it today.
Five ways to protect your peace.
What's happening when we hide from our feelings? When we seek to feel happier or better from things outside of us, these temporary fixes?
We forget about the work.
The work it takes to be ourselves and accept ourselves for who we really truly are.
We forget that the work, the uncomfortable and hard parts of being ourselves,
is actually the fuel we need to propel us forward and move us into the life we really truly want.
So let's do this!
Let's create lives worth living, ones we truly want, right now.
Mentioned in the show:
Episode 75: 5 Myths About Motherhood and Chasing Our Dreams
Inspired As A Momma Private Facebook Group
We have the power to create any life we want, today, right now, and in this very moment. Because we know that someday doesn't exist. All we are ever promised is today. I'm going to show you how to stop waiting for someday to create the life you really want.
Mentioned in this show:
Inspired As A Momma Private Facebook Group
After the time episode a couple of weeks ago, I thought you know what? Why not rewind it back to the show where we talk about decluttering in the minutes you have to spare throughout the day. I hope it helps you mommas come clean this Spring, in your homes and minds!
So much of what I'm teaching you today is exactly what is stopping so many us from moving forward toward a goal or dream. Don't let THIS one thing stop you!
Mentioned in this show:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Kd6aY7DgcKboL67dt26E6?si=570665172f284e86
Here's the thing: we have a lot of stories we might believe about being a mom and pursuing something beyond our role in motherhood, something more than raising our kids. That call on hearts to make a deeper impact on this world. I bring you these today because I can completely relate!
Most if not all of these beliefs and myths I'm going to share with you today are ones I've held for such a long time and as women in the wake of motherhood, we kind of lose ourselves a little bit. We put ourselves at the bottom of the list, waiting for someday---because we’ve believed so many of these for sooo long.
We forget who we truly are when it comes to going after our dreams or pursuing a goal and it comes at the cost of one thing, our thoughts. So getting real about these myths is important because when we have thoughts about ourselves that we believe, it impacts how we feel and show up in our lives, and for many of us, it is the reason we get stuck.
But the amazing part of all of this is that we have the power to choose new thoughts and begin to rewrite a new soundtrack to our lives that sounds so much better. So if you have ever felt the guilt for desiring something more outside of motherhood then you could possibly resonate with all of these myths we’re talking about today.
We are continuing our True You Series here on the show with an episode from early 2021 about authenticity and permission to dream. It's a good one!!!
At the end of the day, it isn't the bigger house, the number on the scale, or another degree under our belts. NOPE. That's not how we chase our dreams. What matters most is our self-confidence, the ability to have our backs even when things get tough. Today in this re-release of part of Episode 18 How You Show Up Matters, we discuss Three Important Parts of Chasing That Dream. It's a good one momma! Can't wait for you to listen!
Three thoughts I'm sharing today about you, for you. Try them on see if they fit---because your thoughts are completely up to you!!!
The exercise I’m walking you through today really is like flying 400 feet in the air and recording a drone video. An aerial view of the bigger picture over your life. Once you see the lay of the land and what you’re working with, you can zoom in and get very specific and down to the details.
That’s where these questions come into play. I love them so much because so often we feel like we’re doing life wrong or that we should be further along—but then, when you see your answers on the paper and when it comes down to it—there are soooo many areas where we ARE excelling and doing very well in life.
This process is eye-opening, gives you clarity, and walks you through what you want to change. It will help you to let go of what is no longer serving you, to make room for new ones that do. And asking ourselves these questions can really shed light on where we are, and they are critical to understanding where we want to go from here. So, good, right? There is a ton of inspiration and transformation to come from doing this, my friend.
Before we begin, I want to invite you to grab the free worksheet that goes along with this episode. That way you’ll have it to get your thoughts down on paper, to get a visual and follow along with the show, and to work on it for each quarter, at the end of the year, or whenever you need a fresh start.
So, hit pause. Download the free worksheet HERE.
Hmmm that might be sorta hard. In fact, I think for most people quitting even the smallest of things proves to be difficult. In this episode, we're diving into my recent decision to quit my teaching job of almost 7.5 years---because well, I'm at a change of season in my life. Where quitting this one thing is going to open the doors for more time and energy spent with my second child, who will arrive literally any day now. Not to mention create the space to build more intentional days with a planned routine and ritual for my mornings in the future.
It's that time of year again! Back to school! This episode is all about my choice to homeschool for one more year. And how I hold the confidence to stand strong in that decision.
A fun episode with my first-ever guest on the podcast! My son Bryson. Listen in as he talks about some of his favorite things.
In a world that encourages us to be perfect---we often stop our projects, that business, or halt any form of self-improvement. Because somewhere along the way, we've believed that the end result is the most important aspect of trying something new---and we somehow lose that spark to keep going on our journey.
Today on the show, we're talking about how valuable progress is no matter how slow or fast. Because after all, slow progress is still progress, my friend! And it opens you up to gratitude for what you do have---instead of focusing on what you don't.
Join me today, as I share a bit of our home renovation projects and how I opened my eyes to see that not everything has to happen so quickly. And in fact, slow progress is usually how we grow into our best selves anyway!
Today I'm bringing you a topic that many of us shy away from---because well, we simply don't want to admit certain parts of us that make us uncomfortable.
That part that screams, shouts and begs to be heard. It's our inner voice, inner critic, inner demon, or inner mean girl inside---we try so hard to silence and shut it out from our lives.
But, no matter how hard we try to rid of these criticizing and judgemental thoughts in our heads with the numbing, distraction, busyness, or chaos of our lives---that voice doesn't go away.
So, my challenge for ALL of us (because yes, I have an inner mean girl, berating and bullying me around all day long---and I'm walking right here with ya!) is that we actually befriend that voice inside.
Yep, you heard me right! I know it sounds counterintuitive like it won't work, and all we really want is for that darn critic to leave us alone!
But today on the show, I invite you to get to know that inner mean girl, and really well. Because we just might learn a thing or two about ourselves in the process.
Today in the show we're talking about perfection vs. excellence and all the ways that both can impact and influence us. Because let's face it, perfectionism can sneak up in many areas of our lives...
From how we run our business at home to raising kids. Being awesome women and momma's plus, maintaining a healthy marriage. So many of us want to look perfect on the outside---but we're struggling to keep it together on the inside. We want to make a change---but we're not so sure we can make it happen.
Well, that's where striving for excellence comes in...
Because while perfection says it has to be done right the first time---excellence makes room for mistakes and improvement in these areas of struggle for us.
I offer some tangible tips in the episode--so you can begin to love and extend grace to yourself again---no matter what season of life you're in! I hope you enjoy the show, friend!!
They say humans are creatures of habit, and today I'm talking about a great one of mine! A beautiful, sweet, yet simple nighttime routine. One that is easy enough for you to try out with your family---if you haven't found one that sticks! I hope you enjoy, mommas!
Piggybacking off last week's "The Balance Myth" episode, I mentioned finding what you need more in your life. Today, we are diving deeper into discovering that, and what can bring back the spark for you as a woman. Because let's face it, our to-do lists, keeping our homes, sustaining our marriage, raising our kids? Those aren't the only definitions of who we are! We are made and meant for more---but we have to allow ourselves the time and space to figure out what needs to change. And that my friend is what we're talking about in Episode 53: Is It Time For A Reboot?
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Jess
We are celebrating one year since the release of The Inspired Weekly Podcast!!! I cannot believe it has been that long already.
I hope that you as a woman and momma were able to meet yourself where you are, quiet your inner critic, and learn a bit more in depth about thought work the past 52 weeks.
Because that is the foundation of this podcast. Teaching you it's okay to be imperfect. To not have all the answers, take some time for yourself, even just for five minutes.
Today, and in the weeks ahead we will work on strengthening these skills and teachings from the podcast. Our topic for episode 52 is all about balance. Not balance in and of itself, but the myth of it all. I think as mom's we are constantly teeter tottering our priorities, commitments, and all the things to keep our life in so-called balance.
So that's what I am going to uncover for you today, the balance myth. So take a listen to episode 52 and enjoy the rest of your week.
I'll catch you in the next one friend!
Over the past week, I rounded up my top pick of books for moms on a mission. They're for the woman who has a desire or dream beyond the call of motherhood. Or the people pleaser...or the momma who is stuck on that hamster wheel---with no direction.
I think every single woman could benefit from these books--and I'm reviewing them today for you on the show.
Get your hands on these books:
THE BEST YES
SIMPLY TUESDAY
WRITE IT DOWN, MAKE IT HAPPEN
BARE
Today I’m sharing with you five habits I’ve implemented over the past year or so, that have greatly impacted my life as a woman, a mom, a wife, and a business owner. Before I dive into this topic, I want to give a shoutout to all of you supporting this podcast and listening each week. Because guess what, momma? When you invest time into yourself---and show your support for Inspired Weekly---it helps get these episodes into the earbuds of so many other mommas out there. That’s what truly inspires me to keep going. That is my reason for being here.
I’m not sharing my stories and experiences with all of you for the heck of it. I am pouring my heart into this project because I know it has a significant impact on all of my listeners. So a huge thanks if you’ve ever reposted or shared my episodes with a friend, or brought up in conversation an episode of mine, over coffee. Just know that when you tell others about what you’re learning here on the podcast---it is for good.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode that I Use:
The White Space Weekly Planning Pad---GET IT HERE!
It's a celebration of mothers! An ode to all the women out there who've sacrificed in some way for their kids. But...what if there was a way to reveal what's really to celebrate! OUR KIDS!!
There are so many ways kids can inspire us.
Be more creative. Find more joy. Or inspire us to become the best version of ourselves.
In today's episode, I'm sharing with you all the ways my son has personally inspired me to be the best momma I can be!
Hope you enjoy it! :)
In the last installment of the Motherhood Series for April, we're talking about reinventing yourself. Ways to do this even though going through the motions of daily life, sometimes make us forget that us mommas, we're human too!
We all have dreams and desires in our hearts---and we can change and rediscover what it is that lights us up. Besides, it's perfectly okay to want more and crave something new.
We're diving into ways you can begin to reinvent yourself, especially if you feel like there's something missing.
Can't wait for you to listen friend!
Motherhood is messy & confusing at times, and the worry and selflessness of it all can leave us overwhelmed and stressed. It's in our day to day chores and to-dos where joy often gets lost.
In this episode we're talking about what joy is in motherhood, why it's important, and how we can all seek more joy in our journey as mommas. Hope you enjoy it!
Resources mentioned in this show:
The Book Connoisseur Kids by Jennifer L. Scott->>>https://www.amazon.com/Connoisseur-Kids-Etiquette-Manners-Parents/dp/1452173478/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=connoisseur+kids&qid=1618869251&sr=8-1
As mommas, especially, I think we often forget what the word "boundary" even means.
Today we're diving into what boundaries are, why they're important, and ways for you to begin setting them in your own life.
Hope you enjoy the episode!
This week on the show we are talking about restoring your values in motherhood. Looking within yourself for what you deem is most important. Because so often it's easy to look outside ourselves and see that we're doing it all "wrong". That's why building a solid foundation of values, by which to live our own lives---is vital.
It's definitely a show you don't want to miss!
It creeps up on us slowly, maybe we start to realize we've been perfectionists our whole lives. Motherhood was just the catalyst for us to find out.
What's up! It's almost spring here in Tennnessee. Today I'm sharing with you 6 ways you can Spring Clean Your Life! Hope you enjoy!
It's difficult to find time to spend with family. Today I share ten of the ways I personally like to spend my time with those I love.
Part of the goal I have for myself this year is to listen closely to what I need. Because the last thing I or my family needs is a tired momma. So it’s been great to really hone in on what I value and find important. I am amazed at how effective a few changes have been in my life---and I really believe it’s for the best.
That’s what brings me here today. We’re going to talk about social media and some of the things I’ve seen floating around the interwebs. People ready to delete all their accounts for Facebook and Instagram. Why I decided that it might be best for me to also delete my business Instagram. Over the past two or three weeks, there are talks about whether or not to quit Instagram. I’ve also seen people I follow talking about leaving most social media platforms.
And it’s kind of crazy, because in a roundabout way---my digital detox in January, opened my eyes to this very thing. To pretty much being ready to say goodbye to the digital space. I believed for my business and my sanity it was good to take a step back. All I posted last month were podcast updates. Besides I needed to reevaluate a few of my branding and messaging techniques anyway.
Plus, I wanted the opportunity to stay local to my area---put myself out there in my own town. Now, everyone has and will have their own reasons for deleting accounts or the app on their phones. But I’m going into why I chose a digital detox in January. Plus, we’ll dive into exactly what a digital detox is and how doing this has changed my life and could benefit yours too.
I used to believe that in order to achieve or be good at something than I had to be perfect I’m sure that is a trait that many of us share together. But the truth is if we constantly strive for perfection we will easily forget the why behind what goal it is we’re trying to reach. So, this episode is dedicated to living less for perfection and more in-tune with the baby steps involved with progress instead.
Of course, most of you know that February is love month---here in the United States. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner---but I thought I would put a new spin on this Hallmark holiday.
Because traditionally Valentine’s Day is all about showing others how much you love and care for them---with gifts and chocolates and spending extra time. But what about you? How do you love and care for yourself? And are you spending quality time with yourself these days? I got to thinking about this a lot---because I needed more of this for myself in my life. And I’ve done that successfully---even when it wasn’t, “love” month. But that is kind of the point of this episode.
Learning to love yourself no matter what season of life you’re in---and if you think about it, how often do you think about yourself in a loving positive way? Chances are if you do, it’s very rare. We all have those days where we wake up and feel super confident in ourselves---and we’re ready to take on the day. When we feel good about ourselves---we’re more likely to take better care of our mental, emotional, and physical health, right? We want to keep up on those things.
But then, like the humans we are, we have other days where we’d rather crawl into bed and not even come close to any reflective surface, self-loathe, and eat junk food. I get it, I’ve been there, done that. The truth is---and we’ve all heard this a time or two. We have to love ourselves first before we can love our lives. We have to fill up our own cups before the overflow can fill others. So my goal today is to give you some useful, practical ways of how to love yourself more. Because when we love ourselves, we embrace anything and everything that comes with being who we truly are.
So let’s dive into some helpful ways you can begin to love yourself more...
Now, of course, ninja mind tricks---isn’t some new thing I made up. But it worked very well for me to relate to my 6-year old. He loves to pretend he’s a ninja---and so it felt natural to go along with that idea. That he’s created a thought in his mind---that will help him get through the day. In fact, when I googled, Ninja Mind Tricks, I found many research articles online basically say the same thing, that in much of the work of a ninja, the importance of it is to harness great mental strength and power. And let’s even go back to the primitive days of our civilization. Yo those cavemen---had to be some straight-up og ninjas---am I right?
I think my voice talent was where I first realized when self-doubt came into my life. You know those pesky little voices inside our heads---screaming you can’t do that---what are you thinking!? You’ll never make it 2 seconds up there on stage. Those calls seemed to rule my life---the better parts of it anyway.
We tell ourselves lots of stories---maybe it’s to hide the pain of embarrassment, the doubt we have about ourselves. Whatever the story might be, we have lots and lots of them. Many of them on repeat since childhood---for sure! But what if we embraced all the messy parts of our life---didn’t deny them as part of our stories---and instead began to rewrite all the lies we’ve been telling ourselves for way too long?
Resources mentioned in this episode:
THE WORK by Byron Katie thework.com
Who Would You Be Without Your Story by Byron Katie
Tune-in to hear what my words of the year are and be inspired to pick some of your own.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
See when we put such pressure on ourselves to be perfect. We don’t give ourselves the grace and compassion of a beginner mindset. We want to go into it and immediately understand what it means to read the sheet music, to have the confidence to belt out a tune in a group of strangers, we want to be an expert at singing the high notes. But not tomorrow or six months down the road. No, we want all of that right now. And when we don’t have the skills like yesterday, we feel discouraged. We give in and give up on the dreams in our hearts.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
What I mentioned in this episode:
WHAT I LISTENED TO:
Beyond Happy-Becky Hoschek
The Life Coach School Podcast-Brooke Castillo
Better Than Happy-Jody Moore
The Big Life Kids Podcast
WHAT I WATCHED:
Social Dilemma-(Netflix)
Angela Braniff-(Youtube)
Jenn Im-(Youtube)
WHAT I READ:
THE BEST YES-LYSA TEURKERST
**YOU ARE NOT YOUR BRAIN-JEFFREY SCHWARTZ
WRITE IT DOWN, MAKE IT HAPPEN-HENRIETTE KLAUSER**
Over the weekend I definitely had an experience of something I’ve been working on for a while and it’s bringing my presence with me, no I’m not talking about the ones you wrap.
***What I'm referring to, is the presence of YOU!
Your time, your energy, and being fully there with family, on a more than surface-level way.***
Especially with this month of December, Christmas is this week, so it’s likely you’ve focused a lot of time on getting the perfect presents for people in your life. Yes, presents as in gifts. Making and buying what we feel is the best gift for those we love.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love the spirit of Christmas.
Sharing and giving the gift of love---that really is the feeling of the season right? I got so into that feeling this year. It was so much fun on Saturday, I connected with my husband while we wrapped our family’s gifts and in those moments it felt like the old days. Where we could laugh and joke around with each other, much like the beginning of our relationship. It was an amazing time to let loose and be free to be ourselves without any worry.
These little nuggets in time reminded me just how precious our presence really is.
It’s something you can’t get back---but you can hold on to the memory you created with that person. It truly is the best gift you can give to someone, and why I titled this episode The Best Presents. Because your presence, the parts of yourself you bring into a moment, environment, is more than just a material thing, it’s a wholehearted, fun-loving snippet in time, to remember forever.
Presence is the perfect present and we're talking ALLL about it in the latest episode!
It's live and ready for you! Can't wait for you to listen!
Anyone remember the good ole' magic 8-ball? Or maybe you secretly still own one (I won't tell! 😉)
Ask it a question and ye' shall receive?
Will I marry that boy? "Better not tell you now." 😒
Will I ever be brave enough to sing on stage? "It is certain" 😁
Will I get my homework done by MONDAY!? "Don't count on it." 😭
Is my life doomed? "Ask again later." 🤣
Man! That thing was the one tool I used to determine my fate. BAHAHAHA! At least back then anyway.
But now I know it was just a toy...PHEW!
Glad that phase is over (no judgment from me if your plans in life, depend entirely on a shake OR two from an 8-ball!)
Really though, what I love more is seeing all the little clues and nuggets of wisdom the universe has cleverly placed, at just the right moments in my life.
And for good reason...
It's the stepping stone, prompt, or when I need it the most, a push that gets me going in the right direction.
And trust me, there will be some subtle cues that we ALL miss.
In fact, probably A LOT of hints will go unnoticed even when they’re right in front of us.
But I do believe they exist and that they are there---if we learn to watch, pay attention, and listen for the signals.
A new path up ahead, a course, a job, a dream worth chasing...
They could be just a step away if we're on the lookout for it.
There is a deeper connection here.
Between living, and showing up as the best version of ourselves and dreaming big.
Carrying out our visions that we know without a doubt are ours to pursue will lead us to live a life that is truly the most authentic for us.
The plan for our lives is often sooooo much bigger & better that we can’t even wrap our minds around it.
But what we want for our lives IS possible.
We just have to be willing to notice when the universe gives us the good ole' "signs point to yes" clues!
I talk about all this and more in the latest Inspired Weekly show! 👇👇👇👇
It’s always been on my heart to help other momma’s who are struggling to find peace in working to build their own business and at the same time, build a family.
I’m here to tell you that it is possible, and you can do both successfully.
So, if you’re a woman who’s been called to the greatness of all things motherhood, but you feel your heart desires more.
You’re in the right place.
Maybe you want to volunteer outside of the home, want to pursue a passion that lights you up, you want to fulfill a dream, you want to do meaningful work beyond the call of parenting.
Well, I just want to tell you, I’ve got your back friend. I’m here for you!
Today, I was called and led to hold space for all you mommas listening, so I’m going to do that.
I want you to know that you are heard and understood. That there is no judgment from me when it comes to your thoughts and feelings about being a mom who wants to work on building that business.
Or your thoughts and feelings you have about wanting more beyond the call of motherhood.
Consider this your place, to be honest with yourself, be vulnerable, feel all the feelings, and sit with your emotions.
And to know that you’re not alone in them.
Maybe you’ve heard this before but it’s powerful when you write things down. Just the simple act alone makes a dream more than a thought or an idea, it becomes a reality. It’s like transferring all of those thoughts, ideas, and actions to store them on something more permanent. In a notebook, you can refer back to. Or a recording you can listen to when you need to remember something from that podcast three weeks ago.
Uniting women as one---to collaborate, to share, and to learn from each other. We all have lived separate lives---but the more we talk---the more I realize how similar we are than different. Especially working moms, who I built this community around. A place where every momma has a seat at the table, she feels safe to share what’s on her heart, and she can learn to build a business that thrives.
Our brains believe us. And it’s our thoughts like that, that cause the unnecessary pain and suffering. Because we know that our brain will give us evidence to back up all of those thoughts and it goes on believing they’re true. The brain loves being right my friend! So one little thought you have about what should be different, becomes a downward spiral of all the things in your life that haven’t gone as you planned. And you’re spinning out and completely overwhelmed.
I believe that how we spend our days IS how we spend our lives.
This means that each and every little thing we do, no matter how long it takes us, will have a direct impact on how our life feels going forward.
So often we feel like we’re just crossing out another thing on our list, and life is just zooming past.
Maybe we don’t realize how much of our time is being spent planning too much for the future---and we’re not really living intentionally because of it.
The focus of today's show is to give you some ideas to set yourself up for the best tomorrow you can possibly have---by living for the present
I don’t know why I never thought about this alternative before now, but my family and I started implementing this in our night time routine over a year ago! It’s something that just stuck with us. It’s been an amazing tradition for when we tuck our son into bed. We each go around and ask “what was the highlight of your day? And it really gives us insight on each other’s daily life.
I think being present and asking this question has greatly improved my marriage. Because for the majority of the day, my husband and I are apart, right? This simple act of intentional listening helps connect us more on a deeper level. I get to know his values and what’s on his heart. And he gets to know the same about me.
We all have the power to choose our thoughts on purpose and with intention in order to create a life that feels better. We get to decide what to think and believe based on what our brain offers to us, and how we allow those thoughts to shape our life experience. In other words, what it means to be human. Which we know, encompasses feeling everything from happiness and joy to sadness and heartbreak. The discomfort in this though, is part of what grows, changes, and moves us forward into the next right thing.
Because it hurts to hurt. It hurts to let go of someone. But it hurts more to hold onto feelings that no longer serve us. It’s not a good feeling that I’m just going through the motions each day and life is passing me by. No, not at all. When we move into forgiveness, it brings us back to the present moment. Allows us to focus on what’s happening right in front of us. And I read a quote or theory somewhere, that grief is just love, with no place left to go. And in that moment, I knew exactly what I needed.
It isn’t getting the degree, expensive car, a bigger house, or what the number on the scale says.
What it comes down to is really how much we know, like, and trust ourselves to get to the next destination on our journey.
That’s part of how we grow.
Maybe you’ve heard of know like, and, trust factor as a marketing strategy, but...
What if we see that in a whole new light?
Because...
It’s important to know, like, and trust yourself, too, right?
You need to---the person you spend the most time with is YOU!
And how can you move into a calling in your life, if you feel broken or unworthy? Lost or confused. Feeling stuck.
The truth? You can’t.
But, when you are in your own corner and have your own back.
You create a plan.
You set it in motion.
You take action.
And show up how you want to, and you become more effective in every area of your life.
So, friend...
Can you count on yourself?
Do you follow through?
Will you keep the promises you make to yourself?
And the most important question...
Do you know, like, and trust yourself?
Because how we show up matters---and it starts with the relationship we have with ourselves. <3
**It’s never too late. You can always take an opportunity to reflect on the past year, of where and who you’ve been, where you are going, and who you are becoming.
As we move forward into the last quarter of the year, it’s only natural to want to think about what’s coming next in our lives, and how we want to live differently.**
I feel like this year we've been collectively holding on, anticipating what’s to come. I hear so many of you talking, that it feels like you’ve been in the same spot for months, and that you should be making more progress. Tired of going through the motions every day, checking off the to-do list, and seemingly going nowhere---even though you want to move forward in life. And the biggest challenge right now? You are faced with stress and overwhelm.
So, that’s exactly what we are going to discuss today. Why are we falling so easily into overwhelm? Why does it all feel so hard to navigate life these days? Ways to prevent overwhelm from happening in the first place.
Circumstances happen in the blink of an eye, totally out of our control. And we’re left wishing it was easier than it is. And that there must be another way. Why does change have to be so hard, we wonder?
In previous shows, I mentioned that thoughts create our feelings, feelings influence the action we take or don’t take, and the action produces the result.Todd Kashdan of George Mason University says, “What we know from science is that our greatest regrets don’t come from trying, and failing, but not approaching at all. That inaction bothers us more.”
In other words, it’s much better to come from a place of curiosity because if we are constantly judging what’s going on around us, other people, or ourselves. Chances are we block a lot of our ability to make progress or change. We miss the opportunity to take action and create the outcome we desire.
Knowing all of this, if we observe our world, thoughts, others, and ourselves from a place of curiosity, we are more likely to build the life we want, right? We grow. We learn. We connect. We relate. We open up to other possibilities around us.
Not a single one of us is the same as we were yesterday. And that is the best news. Who we are today---isn’t who we’ll be tomorrow. We are constantly evolving, changing, progressing, and growing into who we will become. Something so very powerful happens when we can see that all of our life experiences, mistakes, events, and all the things we’ve been through have shaped us into who we are right now. But...what about who we are becoming?
I want you to think for a second how it makes you feel---or what comes up for you when I mention the idea of saying no. Kinda cringy, maybe? OR Oh, gosh, I could never! Just know that you are not alone. In our never-ending pursuit to make everyone around us happy, we say yes to so many, but we forget to say yes to ourselves. We fail to see just how life-changing saying no can be.
Today, I want to talk with you about why we struggle to say this small, yet powerful word. When is the right time to say it, how can we say it (without the guilt), and why we need to say it to save our sanity. It’s time to get real about what we want for and in our life. When we are honest about that, we can discern how to use yes and no---so that it aligns with our values, and what we view is most important.
When was the last time you reconnected and recharged when you had no energy left to give? How often do you face exhaustion in your day? One of the main benefits of creating enough white space in our day’s help with just that. We can disconnect and unplug from what’s going on outside of us. And reconnect and recharge with our inside world. The true you. Your heart, mind, and body.
It’s no wonder we are exhausted in a world that screams to us that busy is a way of life. It can be challenging to find time for ourselves, and most often, it’s at the end of the day. When we just want to crash. So, I’d like to offer in honor of the tenth episode here on the Inspired Weekly podcast---ten ways to recharge and reconnect with the true you.
Today, we are going to briefly discuss the benefits and go into more detail the different ways of creating white space and margin in our days. More breathing room for the moments that matter. Live with less overwhelm and understand that meeting ourselves where we are now---is important. Not only for the wellbeing of ourselves but to our family.
Life shifted in many ways as a result of the pandemic. It may have been five months ago we thought the situation would be temporary. But we all know it’s still so fresh and prevalent in our daily lives. So, how do we work on our business, school at home, and resume normal day-to-day things? Well, first off it isn’t going to be the same ole’ same ole’. What it looks like for me may not be what works for you and your family.
In today's episode, I talk about thoughts that may have come up for you about homeschooling---and ways to eliminate some of the unnecessary sufferings we create for ourselves. Hope you enjoy the show!
We need to stop believing the thoughts that we have to get it all done, and there’s too much to do and too little time to do it.
It’s interesting how our past can influence present-day decisions. Which is why thought work is soooo important. Without understanding why we think what we think. And feel what we feel---our self-doubt will always paralyze us. And we stay right where we are because we are too uncomfortable.
But, that’s fear, my friend. While yes, fear is valuable and has its place in certain situations. It also limits us from moving forward. I want to offer here though, that fear isn’t always under our control. Oh, no...we have a helper in this---our wonderful brain. The good news is that if we understand what happens when met with fear, we can learn to overcome it gracefully.
We’re taught from a young age that negative feelings and emotions are bad. That we are supposed to push them aside. That happiness is a way of life and it’s normal. That she looks happy over there in her life, so why not try it on for ourselves. The billionaire over here seems happy with his job, so maybe I’ll see what happens. I believe this to be partly true. In our culture, whether we read a self-help book, see an anxiety or depression medication ad on tv, or hear from an expert—there is always someone or something out there that promises to make us happy again.
Living intentionally is knowing how we intend to live and doing it with purpose. We live in a world that is constantly pushing us to do more and have more---hurry to do this and be busy or we aren’t viewed as successful. We live our lives focused on the “should’s” or “have to’s” instead of what matters to us the most. When we take a deeper look into how we live every day, we need to ask ourselves if we’re truly satisfied with the life we’ve lived.
It’s an auto-response. We were taught at an early age. I’m sure we can all remember this from our first English classes, that “I’m good” is a courteous way to answer the question, “How are you?” These words are a part of us that is preprogrammed. It's like being on auto-pilot---we don’t have to think about it long, we almost always say it instantly. What this “polite'' response does though, it blocks us from understanding ourselves and others. When we constantly repeat over and over, “I’m good” we miss the chance to respond with truth and confidence. The phrase is perfect to help us to build up the walls that guard our hearts against pain. But if we work to answer honestly it could change our perspective about connection.
One thing I find empowering is to know why you do things, being curious about why you have certain thoughts, recognize your triggers, and then have clarity about what’s going on in your heart and mind. I came to terms with the fact that it’s okay to be in a still learning space. To not be perfect. To not have all the answers. To not worry so much about how the past or future will affect me. And learn to ground myself and be present right where I am today.
So, I’d like to offer something for you to consider if you too are going through something similar. In true Jess fashion, I took the time and I picked some of my favorite self-acceptance quotes to have as little reminders for myself. I’d like to share five ways I plan to continue my self-discovery journey—and I hope that they’ll help you meet yourself where you are today.
https://eightyfiveandnorth.com/meet-yourself-where-you-are-now/
What is Inspired Weekly? A podcast created to impact and inspire growth and gratitude in your life and biz! An intro to what you can expect to hear in future episodes.