As a stylist who explores what makes women feel beautiful, entrepreneur and Instagram favorite @HilaryRushford brings her witty, winsome, and wise voice to honest conversations on how to have an extraordinary life (without being exhausted): More joy and less overwhelm in your style, business, and life. You’re welcome (wink), in advance.
This was meant to be a just 3 min announcement, but based on your reaction to the news Dean Street Society is closing, I felt we needed another moment to just hang and process.
Pay The Value Closing Sale: DeanStreetSociety.com/closing
Also read information shared via email, by clicking “Hear More” at the bottom, and you can catch up on all emails sent since December 1st.
You asked for help choosing joy now and in the new year, after a hard year or season.
Can you relate to any of these?
Today’s 5 Q’s with my teaching on each from my own life currently are for you!
Review these after the teaching to come up with your own answers:
What do I have that others don’t have? // Gratitude
Who have I seen rebound that reminds me it’s true? // Evidence
What dark came before my dawns? // Receipts
What have I handled well, grown in, how have I healed? // Confidence
What is good right now? // Present
And enjoy my list of happy company this season:
See you over on Instagram @HilaryRushford for more.
The closer we get to a due date, the more I’m overthinking the name we have picked.
Here’s my advice on naming, plus what I’m looking for in case you have ideas?
Share this one with anyone working on their baby names.
Or to spark some conversation this holiday if you’re done with naming in your family.
Links in this episode:
Truly, Internet Aunties (and a few uncles) thank you for your help!
Sadly, much of a surrogacy journey is bracing for disappointment. However the positive side of that, is when things are easy you feel so incredibly lucky.
This week Jeremy, myself, and my mom all flew out to meet our surrogate’s family, our doctor, do a hospital tour, and have our 20-week anatomy scan.
All in a whirlwind 6 hours!
It was hilarious (y’all, our doctor is both an angel and a SNL character), a bit awkward, slightly triggering, and super heartwarming.
May it bring you more compassion, all the good feelings, and make you want to watch Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin this weekend! (wink)
Would be so grateful if you’ll share this episode with anyone it might bless, tag me @HilaryRushford on Instagram, and take a minute to leave a review.
So grateful you’re here!
A breakdown of my last 24 hours and the choices I made when there was too much on my plate.
Things are a lot right now.
Today I’m sharing exactly what I’m preaching, practicing, and sending in voice memos to my girlfriends.
We’re talking about:
I want to help you do better not by trying harder, but by trying more gently.
Links in this episode:
Please share this episode to bless someone else and tag me @HilaryRushford if on IG Stories so I can see what spoke to you. And thank you in advance for taking one minute to tap the stars and leave a review – it means so much!
I’m watching friends navigate life from a place of burnout vs healing, and the difference is astounding.
Comparison (their grass is greener) keeps us chasing goals harder than we should.
Yet, the opposite of envy is even more destructive to our burnout, and far less talked about.
Today we’re healing the crippling mindset that keeps us chasing a dream until it nearly kills us.
Anxiety and depression are two manifestations of the same burnout root.
Whether today you’re sprinting to keep a million balls in the air, or struggling through a sad fog to get much of anything done – it’s burnout.
The great news is that you can heal burnout!
You don’t have to stay here.
Let’s start creating space for hope today…
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
What if some of the biggest choices in your life actually came from outside your head, not inside your heart?
That’s the hard truth I’ve been grappling with.
I’ve been coming up for air a bit after a season of grief (with my book story) that (I see now) was followed by a season of hustle and determination to put life back together again.
I’m remembering how it felt in my body to dream many years ago with more hope, less disappointment, and less outside voices.
And now I understand why choosing the wrong dreams led to burnout and never enough
These are the complex choices in life, and this is a safe space to tell the truth to yourself.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
So many are struggling lately, both personal friends and members of our community.
I had a different episode planned for today when a friend called with hard, hard news and I wanted to share part of what we discussed.
Listen in to hear:
It’s the message you or someone you love needs when the way is feeling dark, and you’re wishing to feel more hope and faith.
With all my heart, you’re welcome, in advance.
Links In This Episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
What advice would you give? Would you want?
The last two weeks while in Italy, I was swept away in the best romantic story.
A dear friend unexpectedly met someone while traveling internationally far from home and texted, “I might have met my husband.”
The wrinkle is that a life with him means a major fork in the road, leaving possibly forever things she’s loved, and for various reasons the decision is going to be made quickly.
When you have a major life decision, how can you be confident you won’t regret whatever you choose?
Over hours of voice messages back and forth I reflected:
The questions I guided her through, I found myself asking myself in the very different scenarios I’m walking through personally today.
This is the grown-women’s approach to love and life choices that (thank goodness) has less draining drama and more delightful drama that makes life exciting yet empowering.
Curious to hear on Instagram @HilaryRushford what advice you’d give after you listen? If you share it on Stories tag me so I can see!
Join us on the road from Tuscany to the Italian Riviera via Rome on:
We get lost, have to change audio sources halfway through, and I don’t allow for silence so we don’t have to make edits once we arrive in Positano so he doesn’t have much time to chime in (ha.)
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
Ciao from Rome! When we’re in a bad mood, we know so much we could do to make ourselves feel better.
Yet how often do we not do it in the moment when we’re rushing, flooded, frustrated?
Recently I’ve found a new self-coaching prompt I’m actually remembering to use.
I’ve asked it to myself in those little moments in the day:
I’m asking myself this simple Q when I’m cranky… because it feels light.
It doesn’t require as much mental work as past options, and comes with a lot less shame.
Try it out for yourself today, and let me know if you agree?
I’ve been using it in Rome (more on my surprising thoughts about this city, travel, enough, fomo and more in the PS!) and it’s making my days sweeter.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
A girlfriend chat going back to the future, around the world, and ending with more ease. (Don’t miss the PS!)
In today’s episode we’re talking about how to live in the flow of love.
That sounds hard to pin down, but I’ll tell you exactly what to do and it’s so simple. The people you love most will thank you the deepest for listening.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
A few months ago I got messages from 2 women in one week who were both hiding, on opposite ends of the same spectrum, each thinking they had the most to be ashamed of.
As I sat with their stories I realized: we all think we’re hiding the most, or more than others. When the truth is everyone is either hiding in some way, or has healed from hiding but used to be there so they can relate.
Today we’ll explore exactly how we heal, learn to trust, and why it matters so deeply to our health and happiness.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
I went back to the site of past shame and was so grounded in myself, it was noteworthy.
How did I stay more present than self-analytical, despite being in a room of wealthy people I had once felt so much smaller than?
This is a different experience of confidence and freedom (of time, money, energy) than I’ve felt before.
And I’m sharing exactly what I did to get there!
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
How often do you double shame yourself? Part of the shame is warranted: we’re imperfect and insecure.
Yet from that place how often do we also take on a double helping of guilt, instead of being able to see that the people or circumstances around us were also flawed and problematic?
Sharing a story about a chance meeting that left me with so many insights about myself 20 years ago, and myself today – both how I’ve grown and what the next level of healing is.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
I had my first experience with mom shame, and I couldn’t believe I caved so quickly!
I knew what was and was not a priority for me, but one little sentence… and I took an action purely out of shame and fear. #PalmToFace
I was genuinely flabbergasted that I could feel pressured so easily on a decision I’d made very clearly over a year ago.
I came home determined to shore up my confidence and identified 3 steps to remaining confident in your decisions when others disagree.
This conversation includes how to feel less triggered by the unsolicited advice of others, avoid burnout and overwhelm, and live with less stress, more peace.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
We got a call from our surrogate that she was spotting, shaken, and headed to the hospital.
I’ve been sharing how much I’m confused by the peace I’m feeling around surrogacy and pregnancy.
As someone who’s always been prone to anxiety, how the heck am I SO CALM?!
I’m thrilled I am! But I literally don’t recognize this feeling of living in my body.
I wondered if perhaps I just hadn’t been tested?
Maybe the peace will prove less strong if something goes wrong?
How I handled the next 12 hours of not knowing whether we were miscarrying, shocked me even more.
The next day I started journaling: I want this same peace in other areas of my life! So HOW did I get here?!
I went back to 2018, followed the path, and identified 5ish steps you’ll learn in this episode.
I’ve taken new steps myself this week from the wisdom in this conversation!
I believe we can both create more almost unbelievable peace for ourselves by the end of 2023.
Let’s give each other updates on how it’s going in the months to come…
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
For years I’ve been endlessly making big decisions.
Did we want to have kids or not?
Were we supposed to leave NYC, and if so to go where?
These decisions were the two longest and hardest I’ve ever had to make, but I’m so grateful for this process that eventually lead me to peace.
As I wrestled with these decisions over the years, I took notes for you. Listen in for the 7 steps that helped me make these big choices in a way that left me with confidence when it came time.
Links in this episode:
Earlier episodes on my decision to have kids or not:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
I’ve had 5 years of being asked this question. #PalmToFace
It’s one I asked others over the years! It seemed innocuous and I didn’t realize how triggering, personal, or just awkward it can be.
This question is asked whether someone is pregnant, using IVF or conceiving naturally, or even had children years ago.
Please note this isn’t to shame any of us who have asked (or answered!) over the years.
We did the best we could with what we knew then.
Now we know better, so we’ll do better for both parents and children.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
How did surrogacy get on our hearts? What are the misconceptions about surrogates?
Bigger picture, how do you make big decisions (especially when you have no one to ask) and look for clues in the seeds God/the universe has planted around your life?
We’re covering all of that plus the 4 reasons to NOT do surrogacy, why we turned down our 1st two matches, and more.
Links mentioned in this episode:
If you’re seeking more peace, clarity, and confidence in your own life choices, order your Elegant Excellence Journal today at ElegantExcellenceJournal.com! A process cultivated over 10 years, with thousands of customers and 5-star reviews, it’s the life coach at your fingertips guiding you to your own inner wisdom.
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see + chime in! And thank you in advance (wink) for leaving a review, they mean so much in helping more people!
ICYMI my recent announcement on Instagram, we’ve been on a fertility journey for the last 6 years.
From my first appointment about egg freezing when single, through multiple rounds of (failed) embryo freezing, to moving forward with a surrogate (gestational carrier), and our first embryo transfer last week!
Today I’m answering Q’s you submitted about the process, thoughts, feelings, and decisions along the way.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know, please share and tag me so I can see and chime in!
P.S. Reviews mean the world to a podcast. If you’d take a moment to tap the stars (and bonus add a short thought of why you appreciate an episode or the show) I’d be so grateful!
What if you’ve worked so hard the last year, only to feel so far from where you hoped you’d be?
You’re still in debt, or the business still isn’t working; still waiting on the adoption or walking through infertility; still haven’t met your person, or aren’t over the relationship you lost.
Or in my case, I’m not as healed, as undefined from grief a year ago as I thought just a few months ago I might feel passing the anniversary.
If you feel far from your peak, you’re not alone, and I’m on the journey with you.
Would love to hear from you on Instagram @hilaryrushford after the episode, and if you think this could make someone else feel less alone, share it and tag me so I can see what spoke to you!
I’m struggling today. You? I had another episode planned.
Yet for reasons I’ll explain, it was feeling heavy. And I’m burned out.
So I asked myself:
What would feel easier today?
I hope my enough will be enough for you today, and that you’ll give yourself the same grace. ❤️
Your weariness is welcome here, in an honest chat about how to continue when you’re using all your tools and still feel far from really good.
Would love to hear from you on Instagram @hilaryrushford after the episode, and if you think this could make someone else feel less alone, share it and tag me so I can see what spoke to you!
When you say you feel “good” in an area, it’s compared to how you used to feel.
You feel better. But if this is the best you’ve felt, can you really know it’s good?
What if how you feel today is only 40% of what’s possible?
You don’t even know what great feels like!
Ten-ish years ago I was feeling so much better in my body and beauty.
But something in me knew there was more–more peace, more ease, more acceptance, more confidence.
In today’s personal episode I’m sharing small moments of healing over the years and what I realize caused the shift
You can feel better.
You simply have to listen to that knowing inside of you that says: this isn’t the peak yet.
Let me show you how to get there…
Links mentioned in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see + chime in!
I didn’t want you to miss this.
Last week I gave a keynote speech + I just extended the window to watch the recording but it expires THIS Thursday, June 29th.
Watch it here right now to get more depth + understanding with beautiful visuals as you listen:
HilaryRushford.com/2k
How to finally feel confident and at peace in your body
PLUS SAVE TIME, ENERGY, AND $2K/YEAR
This is a powerful conversation + a pivotal moment. I’m so grateful you aren’t missing it.
I want to introduce you to a new aspiration, belief system, way of living:
Beauty Positive.
My goal is not Body Positive, because you don’t need to feel positive about your body to live this way.
Importantly, other people don’t need to feel positive about their body to join you here.
Think about that sentence for a second…
__________
“How to Finally Feel Confident and at Peace in Your Body
Plus Save Time, Energy, and $2k/Year”
__________
OPENING DAY: What Makes Women Feel Beautiful
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see + chime in!
Bonus: Leaving a review makes all the difference in the world! One minute of your time can lead many others to listen to a needed message like this. Thank you, in advance!
An invitation to a special talk I’ll call “the podcast 10x” this week only!
I’m giving a keynote speech + still have free VIP tickets available:
How to finally feel confident and at peace in your body
PLUS SAVE TIME, ENERGY, AND $2K/YEAR
HilaryRushford.com/2k
Join me LIVE so we can talk after + I can help you more personally!
There’s no affirmation I use more in my life.
And this one actually isn’t even about your body.
Yet it leaves you feeling better, kinder, more hopeful.
And, better about your body.
Then inspires you to take the next step to healing.
If every woman used this, we could change our culture.
Let’s start with us.
Links mentioned in this episode:
_____________________________________
Get your free VIP ticket to hear my keynote speech live!
My talk is titled:
“How to finally feel confident and at peace in your body”
(plus save time, energy, and $2k/year)
You get access to the Q&A with me right after, and I’ll stay until I’ve answered every Q so I can connect with you personally!
_____________________________________
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see + chime in!
You sent so many messages when I started this convo on Stories a few months ago.
Then I had an appointment I wanted to tell you about (yegads) and the two came full circle.
What we get riled up about on social media distracts us from what we should really care about.
From false advertising ignoring the biggest factors making women look younger and pretending it’s something else.
Then we spend the money we do have unwisely, and are disappointed with the results.
I want to help you spend less.
I want to help you heal from the inside.
I want to help you feel more joy, more easily, on the outside.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see + chime in!
When does our rage feel compelling, not repelling?
After Part 3 of the podcast series went live II received messages like this:
“Hearing this unlocked something in me…”
“You awoke an anger inside of me I’ve been swallowing, and made it feel okay to let it out…”
“This was a holy rage and it was exciting, inviting even, to witness, thank you…”
I had been nervous to release that episode, but it turns out the lack of filter was deeply needed.
Today we’ll break down 6 elements to consider that increase our chances of being heard and honored when we speak up with passion.
And what I realize in hindsight was the recipe to why the Part 3 episode felt so raw yet so safe for you to hear
Links mentioned in this episode:
You requested this episode, submitting follow-up Q’s you had after listening to parts 1-3.
Today I’m answering your Q’s including:
I also talk about how to:
Links mentioned in this episode:
If you’re an author or in the publishing industry and want to share your experience after listening, write to me privately at books@deanstreetsociety.com. All correspondence will remain anonymous.
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share the links above + tag me so I can thank you + hear what spoke to you!
You’ve known gaslighting, rage at disorganization or disrespect, or a traumatic work/community experience.
Today I’ll share 7 action ideas to help us protect ourselves in the present or future, those in our inner circle, and more broadly our culture. Use this cheat sheet to journal, discuss, and reflect what you’ll do in this season to grow 10% better, leaving you more empowered + confident:
Links mentioned in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see + chime in!
If this episode helped you or someone you know, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review. They mean so much to creators!
I want to say it gets better.
In life I’ve really found that to be true. In romantic relationships, homes, friends, employees.
But sometimes it gets worse first.
How do you know when it’s time to walk away from a dream? From everything you’ve invested, with nothing–less than nothing, far far less than what you started with?
You know it when it happens.
The final straw.
HEADS UP: This is a very raw, salty, cursing, no holding back episode.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Share this series and read an exclusive chapter of What Makes Women Feel Beautiful at HilaryRushford.com/BookStory.
If you do so on Instagram tag me @HilaryRushford so I can thank you for doing what I wish someone had done for me, and/or hear what parts spoke to you the most.
If you’re an author or in the publishing industry and want to share your experience after listening, write to me privately at books@deanstreetsociety.com. All correspondence will remain anonymous.
If this episode helped you or someone you know, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review. They mean so much to creators!
In 2011 I started a business as a stylist. I’d moved to New York City for my career in theater after a Broadway tour, Radio City Rockettes, and all that jazz.
[The below timeline is not covered in the episode and included here for backstory.]
In 2014 a friend who worked at a top publisher told me that my style course, “had to be a book.” She’d told everyone in her office my principles and they were using them daily–women needed this. I told her that sounded like a lot of work for very little money. We were both right.
In 2016 I began writing the book in fits and starts, always “let’s just get through one more launch, just a little more income so we aren’t burned out and then I’ll write the book.”
By 2020 I decided then was never going to come. I had to take the leap. I hired a book coach and in 2021 they introduced me to a top agent. My book went to auction and my dream was coming true.
For a year I absolutely adored the writing process (which most authors bemoan) yet was traumatized by the publishing process (which I had never heard anyone mention–as explained in the episode now I know why.)
One year later, and it was all for nothing.
Worse, it almost cost me everything.
This is part 2 of 3 in sharing that story. Please begin with last week’s Part 1: Silent vs Silenced.
This is a story of creative and financial heartbreak, shared to protect others from it.
It’s the episodes I have wish I had heard from just one person, to have any idea what I was risking when I decided 7 years ago that maybe I would in fact like to write a book.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Share this series and read an exclusive chapter of What Makes Women Feel Beautiful in Part 3 at HilaryRushford.com/BookStory.
If you know any author, creative, or aspiring this could bless, please share it with them and if you do so on Instagram tag me @HilaryRushford so I can thank you for doing what I wish someone had done for me.
If you’re an author and want to share your experience after listening to next week’s final episode (I understand the desire to share with someone who can relate), DM above or write books@deanstreetsociety.com. All correspondence will of course remain anonymous..
If this episode helped you or someone you know, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review. They mean so much to creators!
The long + layered stories we’re all living in.That’s what this chat is about--you, us.You’ve asked for updates on my brother-in-law which I’m sharing here in the most respectful way possible.Yet really, this is about far more than one person’s physical healing + rather how we navigate the mental complexities of hope amidst hard things.You can catch up on Aaron’s story here: * My Instagram post * Go Fund Me * Ep 155: For the caregivers * Aaron’s Instagram hopefully going forward from now on
If you think this episode would help someone else I’d be grateful if you’d pass it on and if you share on Instagram tag me @HilaryRushford or come DM me to chat more.
The long + layered stories we’re all living in.That’s what this chat is about--you, us.You’ve asked for updates on my brother-in-law which I’m sharing here in the most respectful way possible.Yet really, this is about far more than one person’s physical healing + rather how we navigate the mental complexities of hope amidst hard things.You can catch up on Aaron’s story here: * My Instagram post * Go Fund Me * Ep 155: For the caregivers * Aaron’s Instagram hopefully going forward from now on
If you think this episode would help someone else I’d be grateful if you’d pass it on and if you share on Instagram tag me @HilaryRushford or come DM me to chat more.
For a year I’ve been asked, “What happened to you? What exactly are you grieving about?”
Each time I would reply, “Unfortunately I’m not legally allowed to share right now, but hope to be able to soon.”
Now I’m able to, and as I’ve known I would be all along, I feel terrified.
So we’re starting with that:
As is always my hope: may you feel seen in your story, or better understand others as they share theirs.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see and chime in.
How do you train your body to be more calm in stress?
Today I’m sharing an anchoring phrase that helps me every time I remember to use it, in hopes this conversation will help us all do so more often.
Recorded from a car outside the hospital visiting my brother-in-law, we’ll talk not only big picture gratitude and presence, but practically how we make our lives easier when we build the habit of small mental shifts.
Links in today’s episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see + chime in!
When you’re waiting for news, for an answer, for closure… how are you patient, how do you get through the day, what do you occupy your mind with? This wonderful question came from a member of our Elegant Excellence Community.
I shared the spontaneous teaching you’ll hear in this episode, and am following it up with thoughts through the lens of my brother-in-law’s accident that hadn’t yet happened when I shared this original teaching.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see + chime in!
Four weeks ago I’d have told you I’m deeply empathetic.
I still am! But I’ve been humbled as to how much I can declare that in scenarios in which I truly have never walked a similar path.
It’s rare we have “overnight change” moments. When they happen we get a clear vision of a before and after of ourselves.
Today we’ll chat about:
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after today’s episode @HilaryRushford! If you think this would bless someone else please share it and tag me!
If you love someone who’s walked through illness + injury, this “pour a cup” or “let’s go on a walk” chat is for you. My 26-year-old brother-in-law (outdoorsy, active, military veteran) was in an accident 2.5 weeks ago, fracturing his C5 vertebrae and paralyzing him from the neck down. He’s been given a 1-2% chance of getting out of a wheelchair, and our family is rocked, devastated, fighting, believing, and learning a whole new world.
When I shared the news on Instagram Monday comments and DMs were flooded by the caregivers. I saw a whole demographic that had been there all along, you just hadn’t had a reason to share your story with me.
Today’s episode is for you. Or for your friends who may not understand what you went through or are going through, because it takes this long to explain it, and these aren’t even any of the personal details, just 8 of the different emotions and experiences I’ve found myself or my family in over the last couple weeks.
I’m sharing from what I call the First-and-a-half Circle of Grief. The wife of the brother. Close enough to watch the trauma unfold, but aware how far my experience is from that of his parents and siblings who’ve known him every day of his life. Today’s conversation is for those who may not have quite heard themselves in the stories from the center on other podcasts about trauma and recovery.
May you feel seen. Love, Hilary Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after today’s episode on Instagram @HilaryRushford
For the caregivers (our brother’s recent paralysis from an accident)
If you love someone who’s walked through illness + injury, this “pour a cup” or “let’s go on a walk” chat is for you. My 26-year-old brother-in-law (outdoorsy, active, military veteran) was in an accident 2.5 weeks ago, fracturing his C5 vertebrae and paralyzing him from the neck down. He’s been given a 1-2% chance of getting out of a wheelchair, and our family is rocked, devastated, fighting, believing, and learning a whole new world.
When I shared the news on Instagram Monday comments and DMs were flooded by the caregivers. I saw a whole demographic that had been there all along, you just hadn’t had a reason to share your story with me.
Today’s episode is for you. Or for your friends who may not understand what you went through or are going through, because it takes this long to explain it, and these aren’t even any of the personal details, just 8 of the different emotions and experiences I’ve found myself or my family in over the last couple weeks.
I’m sharing from what I call the First-and-a-half Circle of Grief. The wife of the brother. Close enough to watch the trauma unfold, but aware how far my experience is from that of his parents and siblings who’ve known him every day of his life. Today’s conversation is for those who may not have quite heard themselves in the stories from the center on other podcasts about trauma and recovery.
May you feel seen. Love, Hilary Links in this episode:
Whether ending a relationship, letting go of a home or a side gig, it can be so challenging to know when a long story has run its course.
And it matters BIG TIME! When we’re leaking energy on the wrong thing, we can be missing out on passion and purpose meant for us, in our career or simply in how we live our daily life.
In this episode I guide us back to how we got here, and how we get out with lots of grace, empowerment, and hope.
This is an important episode for any entrepreneur, yet it’s about so much more than business or work.
Links in this episode:
Come let me know your thoughts on today’s episode inside the group and on Instagram @HilaryRushford!
© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford
Calming nervous system dates, the simplest path to feeling beautiful + more in today’s post-Florida download.
94% of us are in a waiting season. #HandRaised This week I stumbled upon a few ways to support myself in what feels like a Groundhogs Day chapter + broke down why/how they helped so I can look for more.
Join me in a seasonal reset inside our Elegant Excellence Community for April! We’ll be Choosing Lightness (hope, ease, releasing, faith) daily together in a special format this month.
Come let me know your thoughts on today’s episode inside the group and on Instagram @HilaryRushford!
© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford
A light girlfriend chat after a hard week. Anyone else just need to feel lighter?
We talk about Prince Harry, Pamela Anderson, habit stacking, winter blues, maman guilt (pet or human) – a grab bag of topics.
All tying in to less guilt in our actions or inactions (except when it’s warranted as I’ve been personally convicted of lately) and overall how to stop making things heavier for ourselves or others as we choose more lightness.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!
© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford
What’s the thing you keep trying to solve/fix/change in your life?
What should I do for work? Why are friendships hard for me? How can I be less anxious or reactive?
Today I’m sharing the history of the Elegant Excellence Journal, which is really the history of my evolution in personal growth — how to heal.
I say in this chat, “I wanted healing, I wanted breakthrough, but it felt elusive.”
Can you relate?
This is what helped.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!
© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford
What’s stealing your time? I asked myself that question while using my Elegant Excellence Journal one morning.
When we’re behind most of us tend to go to one main reason. Perhaps that’s beating yourself up, or blaming others. Perhaps it’s a sense of failure that makes you procrastinate, or a believe you can solve it through perfection that amps you up into overdrive.
What I realized is there are actually 5 different scenarios it could be. By opening up those possibilities, now I opened up my options.
I didn’t have to just blame myself, but also sometimes I could take that ownership because I wasn’t making it “my fault” 100% of the time which is exhausting.
I didn’t have to just accept it, but also sometimes I could have that acceptance and release because it didn’t leave me empowered that 100% of the time there’s nothing I can do to feel more safe or less overwhelmed.
Suddenly I felt less like a failure or a victim.
When we realize the habit groove we’ve been creating of one narrative isn’t the only option, our thinking expands, and we don’t keep banging into the same tender spot again and again.
Listen in today and see which of the 5 reasons you’re behind lead you to the biggest breakthrough of peace, permission, or an action plan.
5 Categories Cheat Sheet: (will make sense once you listen!)
Links mentioned:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!
© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford
A simple 5-part daily check in on living with peace while surrounded with hard things we can’t control.
Trigger warning we speak of suicide and loss of life at a too young age.
Though we end with hope, with actionable steps to guide us in what it means to live well each day driven not by a fear of death but an appreciation of life.
_________________
The 5 Hand Motions:
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Links mentioned in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!
© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford
While in a hard season right now there’s 2 phrases I keep coming back to.
One question, and one statement. They’re my mantras, my guides, and goodness are they blessing me.
If you’re going through something hard right now it can feel complicated to find words of wisdom that really ring true. Don’t feel trite, don’t fall apart upon further scrutiny and application.
Yes. And… sometimes it’s the simplest phrases that hold the most impact because we truly remember them.
Listen in to see if they serve you as much as they are me. (PS One of them is from Tom Hanks. Though to be fair it’s also the wisdom inside a book I’m loving right now. Once you hear good truth, you often start to hear it more places!)
Links mentioned in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!
© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford
I’m embarrassed to admit this even happened. Yet a recent appointment made it crystal clear: I am a people pleaser in an unexpected way, with unintended consequences for people I care about (not to mention myself!)
Furthermore, I experienced in real time when it’s worth it to be uncomfortable for a moment, to save yourself hours of discomfort if you stay silent.
We could call this: The one where my hair was accidentally died red (again) on a day I just happened to have a call with our community here and therefore I had the beautiful accountability to walk back in and show up better for myself.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Journal & discussion Q’s:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!
© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford
Do you have days it feels hard to get out of bed, or you want to climb back in halfway through?
That was today for me, and I decided rather than putting on a happier face to talk about what I had planned, I’d just share. From bed, from notes in my Elegant Excellence Journal.
Why do we hesitate to be honest we’re “still” not “over” what happened to us? That we may never be?
With honesty, hope, humor, and more honesty…
Links mentioned in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. I’ll post a reels shortly after this goes live to gather any advice you have for myself + others on the grieving process.
Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!
© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford
Culture puts much emphasis on the outside of our bodies. We feel confident or insecure based on what others see.
Hearing from a few students of my Healing Burnout course made me ponder a new layer of feeling beautiful that we’re overlooking: how our body feels on the inside, the parts that only we feel.
This is inside body kindness, which then becomes more outside body kindness. I’ll explain in the episode! But I’ll tell you this:
You deserve to feel beautiful.
You deserve to be beautiful.
Inside and out. In that order.
__________
Links mentioned in this episode:
__________
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!
© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford
The root reason you’re running so fast may surprise you. There’s the first layer fears. Once I dealt with those… I found a second layer, deeper reasons I didn’t even realize were there. Then I saw a friend go through the same phases, then students inside my Healing Burnout course started to report the same.
Here’s the secret: the real magic of life comes when you get past the second layer. It’s where everything feels good. Feels like living.
Links in this episode:
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Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Thank you in advance (wink) for subscribing, tapping the stars, and even leaving a brief review below!
© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford
I have a vision for our new year, friend. One that is softer, more beautiful, yet has more easy strength than we’ve known.
In today’s episode I break down how I arrived at a new season of inner confidence, and how that’s different from outer confidence.
We’ll talk about how to think about losses without minimizing them, what it means to feel like a situation broke you or didn’t break you, and importantly how to look a little longer-term when choosing what to prioritize and celebrate in our lives.
This episode will feel like a warm cup of tea on a cozy couch.
****NEW: Enter the new year not being harder on yourself with resolutions, but softer with healing, help, and hope. Get on the waitlist for my new Healing Burnout course and Elegant Excellence Community.
Enrollment opens for just the second time ever this month!
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford
A gentle, delightful exercise to summarize your vision for the year ahead.
In a riff off our Slow Sessions inside the Healing Burnout Course and Elegant Excellence Community, music will support you with space to think, write, and hear from yourself after the questions throughout.
Whether you feel behind on your annual planning, or are already swimming in your “word of the year” or resolutions, use this session to bring extra clarity and confidence about what matters most to you this year and why.
***NEW: Enter the new year not being harder on yourself with resolutions, but softer with healing, help, and hope. Get on the waitlist for my new Healing Burnout course and Elegant Excellence Community.
Enrollment opens for just the second time ever in January!
AND the Elegant Excellence Journal is coming back in 2023 with more new changes than ever before! Get on the waitlist today to be first to hear when she’s back in stock.
Would love to hear your thoughts after the episode on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford
How to feel more joy, and hopefully a little less sadness this season, no matter what’s swirling around you.
Family drama, work stress, life losses – the holidays can be a bit bumpy emotionally with triggers big and small we’re bracing for or didn’t see coming.
During a bit of a tough time over Thanksgiving this phrase of 3 G’s came to me to explain what I was going through, how I was handling it, and why it was helping. Sharing today in hopes it blesses you as well!
***NEW: Enter the new year not being harder on yourself with resolutions, but softer with healing, help, and hope. Get on the waitlist for my new Healing Burnout course and Elegant Excellence Community.
Enrollment opens for just the second time ever in January!
*** Would love to hear your thoughts after the episode on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford
Anyone else struggle with this? Using charming life lessons from The Holiday, I’m sharing a mental game that brings me more peace, less comparison or fear of judgment.
We know we shouldn’t care what others think of us, but that’s easier said than done. Using charming life lessons from The Holiday, I’m sharing a mental game that brings me more peace, less comparison or fear of judgment.
Press play for a seasonally appropriate mindset shift!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
PS Thank you so much in advance for tapping the stars below to leave a review and hit subscribe so you see future episodes.
© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford
Rest and leisure is one way we avoid burnout, but what about when it leaves us drained or regretful? Doesn’t feel the way we were hoping it would feel?
Ever gone on a trip expecting to be rested and come home drained? Whether a vacation or family holiday, solo or group, simple long weekend or big financial investment.
Listen in for coaching on how to make the most of your time, money, and energy for delightful memories that leave you feeling the way you hope to feel when you plan them!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. PS Thank you so much in advance for tapping the stars below to leave a review and hit subscribe so you see future episodes.
© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford
What should you rely on more when it comes to big choices? How often do we actually make a wrong decision? Which advice that we’re given is sound, and which might we question?
Gain wisdom through the final in this 3-part series on making better decisions with more confidence and clarity.
As I say at the end, “I’m working on and growing in having more peace with complicated choices, feeling less anxious about them, living with them more, accepting them, finding the silver linings and the hope that I can’t absolutely know for sure that it won’t be great either way, that the tough spots won’t get better, and from that place of hope and trust, it makes it a lot easier to take leaps and look for the best along the way, which tends to mean we’ll find it.”
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
PS Thank you so much in advance for tapping the stars below to leave a review and hit subscribe so you see future episodes.
© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford
An equation to help in the moments of endlessly waffling back and forth: Should I? Or no?? The more you overthink, the harder it feels to make a choice. Here’s why and a mindset that helps us make peace amidst challenging and important decisions.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
PS - Thank you so much in advance for tapping the stars below to leave a review and hit subscribe so you see future episodes.
© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford
We spend so much time trying to make wise choices. How do we still get it wrong sometimes?!
In this first episode of a three part series, we’ll use the kismet story of meeting our new kitten Freddie Cappuccino to ponder how much we know about what will really make us happy. Plus where is the balance between planning, and leaving room for fate.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford
What’s the #1 cause of these horrible feelings that create so much exhaustion in your life, whether self-loathing, shame, or anger and judgment – at yourself and others?
I believe I’ve identified the one core scenario that exacerbates all of these or creates more grace and connection. Listen in to feel more peace, love, and ease for you and everyone in your life.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford
I’ve missed you! When the ground fell out beneath me this summer, here's what helped me swim back to the surface, plus kept me healthy during a challenging year before that.
If you want things to feel a little easier, you are welcome here.
If you’re tired or grieving, you are welcome here.
If you’re looking for hope or healing, you are welcome here.
Links in this episode:
NEW workshop: “13 Signs of Burnout: Healing for a more beautiful life.” HilaryRushford.com/13signs
NEW Healing Burnout course and Elegant Excellence Community: HilaryRushford.com/burnout
Join the waitlist
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford
Behind the scenes as I walk the walk in making hard choices of less but better in this season.
Join the wait list for the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal + Workshops!
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
They told me I wasn’t sexy enough.
Well not verbally, but I knew that was why I didn’t get the job.
When I was set to return to the same place years later, an unexpected bump took a hit to my confidence.
At the last minute, I had a revelation about what the real change in me since that day was.
Whether this brings to mind going to a high school reunion, running into an ex, or the person who didn’t hire you:
What’s your real glow up?
Hint: It might be quitting the game they wanted you to play, and creating a new one…
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
This is going to sound weird but this advice also applies to your relationship with your business, body, friendships, self.
When this Q was submitted as a requested podcast topic, I realized two keys that genuinely do bless my marriage. And wouldn’t have been the case if I had gotten married younger.
In other words, if you’re just starting out on a new chapter you wish had happened earlier, this will leave you encouraged.
And if you’ve been married for many years, you’ll find we may have more in common than you think.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Have too much to do? This may be why.
Often when we’re deciding if we have the bandwidth to say yes to something, or feel stuck as to how we yet again are so behind, we’re considering our time but not our energy.
Today we chat about what that means, how you can tell, and how to choose more wisely.
Get on the waitlist for the Elegant Excellence Journal
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
If you feel behind, I’m with you. Honestly. Being “behind” is SO arbitrary. I’m “ahead” of 98% of my colleagues yet still struggle with it.
We often talk about the highlight reel, how it often looks on social media like everyone has “arrived.” What they don’t share are their fears and struggles they went through to get there.
Enrollment for my business program, Creative Business Accelerator, is now closed. Join the waitlist and get notified as soon as we open the doors again at HilaryRushford.com/CBA
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
When there’s just too much on your plate, what do you do? When we get overwhelmed it can feel like there’s no option but to suffer. Actually, we have 5 options and I can get from helpless to hopeful in just a few minutes.
The 5 P’s
Links mentioned in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Getting specific on how to avoid burnout. In the midst of juggling big projects the past three months, I’m shocked and thrilled to find myself more rested and sane than ever before. How did I make this shift? I’ll share as vulnerably as I can starting with this episode.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Join me for my upcoming workshop, “Stop Overthinking It: The Easiest Way to Launch Your New Business or Next Product in less than 30 Days.” Save your spot at HilaryRushford.com/launch
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Do you have a dream and don’t know if it will come true? Finding your person, getting pregnant, or reaching a career goal?
For me for many years it was marriage, and I’m deeply passionate about words and wisdom that did and didn’t help me when I was single.
Listen in for yourself or someone you love, to be more curious and compassionate about the very important desires of everyone we know and love.
Links in this episode
Which path most describes you, as well as the people in your life or that you’re considering in your life? Whether romance, friendship, or simply ourselves I’ve been observing this new aha in others around me and also asking what I can learn from it myself.
Jeremy's IG profile @TheDronalist
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
I don’t know any woman who won’t be better for listening into this conversation.
I’m so passionate about this topic. It’s one of the reasons I’ve spent years working to write the book I’m working on now.
Our culture has so many harmful messages about our bodies and our beauty.
We are promised oodles of quick fix solutions.
This one is free, easy, small, but deeply powerful for me.
My greatest desire is that more of us would feel more at peace and at home in ourselves.
Press play, then pass it on.
Oh, and I would also be so honored to hear your thoughts on Instagram after you listen, as this is tied into some chapters I’m writing this month. No pressure, but I’m all ears…
@HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Ever see someone at a fab resort you cannot afford? I love a good travel daydream, and heck a good resort! But often I find myself wistful for one day, instead of empowering and inspired for what I can make happen with my budget and family as they are today.
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
In a culture permeated with so much productivity guilt, hustle narrative, so many options, ideas, and opportunities…
My constant undercurrent is to feel guilty that I’m perhaps not working hard enough.
I loathe that this is true! Because I know it’s zero percent helpful, and only harmful.
And on paper I know the facts: I’ve built a successful business and been running it for 11 years. I’m the only boss I’m accountable to, so clearly if I was really lazy I wouldn’t have made it this far.
And yet… this has always been my story, so I’ve been working on that mindset bigtime the last year or so in particular, and I just had a new breakthrough that I think will help you, too.
Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
I was jealous of her, before I saw how our stories played out. I imagine you’ve had the same happen? But maybe forget when the next instance of jealousy arises subtly or swiftly?
Whether marriage, babies, career, or finances, this short yet powerful reminder is a recipe for more gratitude and compassion for ourselves and one another...
Come join the conversation. Submit a Q or topic HilaryRushford.com/podvip and hang out with me on Instagram @HilaryRushford in Stories while I write my first book!
“We are certain that we were meant for more and that we don’t even deserve what we have.” -- Glennon Doyle
How do we live in the guilt of abundance, and the longing for more?
These 3 things help me (the 3rd one in particular!)
Go forth and shine guilt free after this, friend.
Then come join the conversation. Submit a Q or topic HilaryRushford.com/podvip and hang out with me on Instagram @HilaryRushford in Stories while I write my first book!
Anyone else frustrated they aren’t making more things happen? As quickly, smoothly, brilliantly as they envision? Press play for some wisdom, grace, permission and encouragement on why and what to do next.
Then come join the conversation. Submit a Q or topic HilaryRushford.com/podvip and hang out with me on Instagram @HilaryRushford in Stories while I write my first book!
How do authors get a book deal? What does that even mean? What are the business elements behind the scenes of any creative endeavor?
This is the stuff I geek out over! When you better understand the business mindset behind any creative endeavor, it demystifies other industries and pursuits. Plus, gives you great respect for those people you watch pursue and achieve it!
Plus a few great mindset Q’s on overcoming self-doubt along the way.
Listen in then join the conversation…
Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.
12 Q’s to get unstuck, unashamed and out from under your stories and expectations.
Whether getting the Broadway show, spouse, or learning to sail; whether personal or professional, lifetime legacy or would be lovely--do you or have you had a dream delayed?
Join me as I share very specific examples and takeaways of my five year journey to wanting to write a book to finally signing a book deal with a top publisher to ACTUALLY write the book!
Past episode mentioned for extra support:
Ep 83: 5 Roadblocks to Your Dreams + How to Overcome Them
Questions to journal or discuss:
For updates, insights, and behind the scenes of this process be sure to follow along @HilaryRushford and receive my personal emails at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
In our home we’ve been making a lot of big decisions lately.
I realized a common theme, whether I was asking or being asked, was in essence this one question.
Use it today and pass it on in your conversations this week!
Episodes mentioned:
Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.
Both practical tips and philosophical questions -- like why are restricting our bodies in tight clothes to begin with?? Today let’s feel not just more beautiful, but more at peace both physically and spiritually.
Listen to Ep 99 on The 2-Part Fashion Cocktail to hear more!
Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.
How can you welcome more people into your life, without excluding, yet also without compromising or editing your beliefs and experiences?
Today’s listener Q is a great one whether an entrepreneur speaking to your audience on Instagram, or simply wanting to connect with more people in your personal life.
Episodes mentioned:
Ep 5: My Own Path to Making Closer Friendships
Ep 17: Am I Doing Self-Love Wrong?
Ep 106: Enough: Why we never feel it in our time, productivity + success (part 1 of 3)
Ep 107: Enough: 10 Q’s to know if you’re doing enough (part 2 of 3)
Ep 108: Enough: Why it’s extra hard as an entrepreneur, creative or dreamer (part 3 of 3)
Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip!
Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.
A more personal part 2, as I felt compelled to be more vulnerable around a topic that, along with many of my colleagues, feels so rife with criticism and judgement.
Mentioned in this episode:
Would absolutely love to hear your thoughts on this topic, and be so honored if you would share on your IG Stories or elsewhere. Come chat @HilaryRushford or leave a voice memo Q at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
A personal chat for any stage or feelings on being or having a mother. A few days after Mother's Day and with some articles that came across my IG feed as of late, I’ve been pondering:
How we respond, trigger, idolize, yearn for and celebrate this complex topic that applies to every single one of us.
First, the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal Summer Collection is here! With a very limited restock, get yours today!
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Podcasts, blogs and articles referenced:
Instagram accounts:
Remember to follow wisely, slow, limiting your follows to under 200-300. You can gain what you need from someone in an hour of taking in their content without needing to see it daily. You can follow someone then realize only 5% applies to you + unfollow. You can follow then realize for some reason they’re increasing your anxiety or resentment + unfollow. Some accounts talk on the topic often, others may have a blog post or podcast episode on it specifically.
Also the shower speaker for extra entertainment in your every day. (wink)
Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.
“I’ve tried capsule collections, buying better quality, buying cheaper items… I spend so much time shopping, returning, and yet never feel like I have enough or the right things in my closet. Help!”
Today’s DM from a reader has so much more depth than you’d imagine in our question to find more joy, less overwhelm, in our beauty.
Links in today’s episode:
Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.
What’s your big question in life? The one you keep seeking to answer, coming at from different angles. The one that shows you what you’re really longing for, or envision as the key to happiness.
Your favorite books just might be a clue. Here are mine, or at least those mentioned in today’s episode:
PS - That last one is by me. (wink) And as noted in the episode, contains lots of broken or outdated links, hence why we don’t have it up on our site, but are providing the direct link for podcast listeners who hear about it in this episode.
Also mentioned in this episode:
Today’s episode was thanks to a listener Q. Submit yours at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and join the conversation in Instagram Stories daily at @HilaryRushford.
A self-help author recently made some problematic posts, and my thoughts on the controversy was the most requested topic this week.
In full disclosure: in this episode I neither mention her name, nor analyze her posts.
This conversation isn’t about her as I’m far less interested in the missteps of individuals than the bigger picture of how we want to act and react ourselves in and around these situations.
What does it look like to lead and love, with elegance and excellence?
There are big questions in this episode.
In the years, months, even weeks that follow, I reserve the right to change or expand or shift my thoughts on them!
That’s the nature of complex conversations.
They don’t have easy answers.
Which opens them up for allll the criticism and critique. So today’s talk comes with a caveat:
If at any point you feel yourself getting defensive, pause and walk away.
(When we get hot, we can no longer hear with love, and thus respond from love. Who might get hot? Oh Christians, non religious, conservatives, activists -- I’ve got enough experience under my belt to know 1 in 1,000 will get triggered no matter what I say or how carefully I try to say it. And we speak to that in and of itself today.)
This conversation is about how we love ourselves and others well.
I invite you to be curious alongside me today, explore our own heads and hearts before anyone else’s, and consider how we can truly make the world a kinder place for all.
Mentioned in today’s episode:
Is being so hard on yourself exhausting? Why do we feel crazy all the time!?
Good news. There’s some practical explanations for why some of us struggle extra with this question of when we have accomplished enough.
Whatever your occupation, this will give you insight and empathy, whether for yourself or others. Plus freedom, whether that’s gratitude or more grace for your own story.
Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.
I’m opening up my personal journal to read you my own questions on enoughness in my business and my body/beauty.
Listen in to hear the breakthrough that comes when we truly explore where our fears are coming from, the lies we’re believing, and the truth that would actually bring us more peace and joy.
Then use these 10 Q’s for your own questions:
Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.
Am I doing enough?
What will be enough?
At what point can I rest without feeling guilty I should be doing more?
I keep noticing this word in your questions, or the subtext beneath them.
I feel it too. I ask it too. I chase it too.
When we haven’t found the answer, it’s because the question is complex.
Which means exploring multiple angles, peeling back layers, going deeper.
Today launches a 3-week series on enoughness.
Share this episode with a friend so you can talk about it, observe, learn and grow together.
Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.
You know exactly what they need, but they aren't listening or at least aren't taking action.
Whether a friend, child or parent. Whether their issue is overcommitting, they're in a bad relationship, they keep complaining about the same issue.
A new 3-word mantra (piggybacking off last week's episode) to help us help others, in a way that stays healthy for us.
Mentioned in today's show is Ep 3: Your #1 Issue (Ok Prob Not You, The Person Annoying You Most)
Come join the conversation daily in IG stories @hilaryrushford.
Whether political disagreements, toxic relationships, boundaries issues and beyond.
Years ago my first therapist gave me three simple words that have served me in so many hard situations.
Three choices in any relationship.
Listen in today to become:
Mentioned in today’s episode:
Come join the conversation daily in IG Stories @HilaryRushford.
How often do we feel undeserving of good food or good rest?
What would it feel like to be generous with ourselves instead?
Today I share how I’m getting healthier in these thoughts, including the magic voice I use to catch how crazy these thoughts really are!
Mentioned in this episode:
Come join the conversation daily on my Instagram Stories @HilaryRushford!
I shared on Instagram to a flood of comments, shares, private messages and realized this topic had struck a chord.
It’s a little bit of growing our sensitivity around miscarriage, infertility and the complexity of becoming parents.
And a lot about checking in with our sense of time and time scarcity.
After today’s episode ask yourself:
P.S. Hop on the waitlist for the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal.
Then come join the conversation in Instagram Stories @HilaryRushford.
Your behind the scenes Q’s! From ideas and creative, to tools and advice
Whether you’re a fellow entrepreneur considering your own podcast, or embarking on any creative endeavor, or just love a look behind the curtain, this convo is for you!
My podcast tools:
Novel: The Rosie Effect
Entrepreneur? Get on the wait list for my Elegant Excellence Mastermind to hear more!
Your favorite topics and episodes in one wisdom-packed conversation.
What are my 3 best teachings on style? Relationships? Essentialism? My 2 most popular episodes and what they have in common you should take action on today?
Be reminded of 18 of my most powerful teachings.
Links in this episode:
What would you love to hear in the next 100? Chime in on Instagram @HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
How to identify what you want, why, and shift your life to create it.
That’s the heart of this teaching, springboarding off my current decision making about where we might live, and amplified by your replies to a Q that blew me away.
How to find more gratitude in your life and, bonus, more grace (less judgement) for others.
Chime in on this mini IG survey on our first 100 episodes to help shape the next 100.
Or leave questions or ideas for future episodes at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
My favorite signature style principle. Feel more beautiful, without buying more. Understand what and why you love what you love. Education and empowerment, in one powerful teaching you will use for years and want to share with every woman in your life!
Come join the conversation on Instagram @HilaryRushford or submit a topic or Q for the show at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
I shared on Instagram a few days ago that we’ve moved somewhere temporarily, to explore if we want to move here full-time!
The Q’s you asked back, made me realize there’s a great encouragement on how we make big decisions. Listen in to inspire your own now or next chapters.
For more details see our Announcement Post here. Plus a Q&A in my pinned stories here.
More adventures, inspiration and as always life coaching on the side (wink) to come...
We would all love to meditate more, to have nailed all the steps in the books on how to develop habits, but for the gal who has nailed neither (ahem, hand raised) an insight into the most powerful thing that has been simply a tiny shift you can start today.
Come join me on Instagram @HilaryRushford for more teaching in my Instagram Stories, and submit any ideas for future episodes at HilaryRushford/podvip!
Well this has truly been a week, friends!
In lieu of today’s episode, join our conversation hearing from the Black and white women in our community on IG Stories here.
And share your comments in this post that we’ll continue to revisit.
Join us on IG Stories for more as we continue to learn how to love our neighbor better, for and from one another.
We have cried together, commiserated in our grief, anxiety, loneliness… and our silver linings, gratitudes, blessings of 2020.
Gathering up some of our most poignant and recurring conversations, I’m recapping six insights we’ve shared this year to invite you to ponder what you’ve learned for yourself in each area.
NEW Masterclass for Entrepreneurs: Plan Your 2021 Business Revenue
Fiction podcasts mentioned: Rom Com Pods and Blood Ties
Come chat more on Instagram @HilaryRushford!
The Royal 20’s was one of our most powerful conversations a year ago as we headed into 2020.
How does it feel different heading into 2021?
Let’s revisit this story to bring more intention and ease into our year.
Mentioned in this episode:
Come share your thoughts below my latest IG post whatever it is @HilaryRushford or leave a topic suggestion at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
What if changing your body wasn’t one of your main goals in 2021?
Or if the change wasn’t at all about punishment, shoulds, need to, but gratitude and kindness?
In a season with so many overt and covert messages about our bodies, let’s have a girlfriend chat about our beauty.
Come share your thoughts below my latest IG post whatever it is @HilaryRushford or leave a topic suggestion at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Ever feel disappointed or nervous that you don’t or won’t do what you say you want to.
Lose weight, start a business, write a book, clean out your garage, stop drinking.
Whether big or seemingly small, I’ve got 3 Q’s to help us get clear on the repeating thoughts, goals, projects, fears that swirl in our head.
Here’s to heading into 2021 with more space to live...
PS Let’s hang out on Instagram (especially in Stories) @HilaryRushford
Submit a Q or topic for the show HilaryRushford.com/podvip
My 5 P’s to a life of more intention. This is for entrepreneurs and the everygirl, and not only about social media but our time and attention.
I took 1-2 weeks off Instagram in August and have been more intentional and aware since in my use of social media, my phone, my time off and more.
For entrepreneurs don’t miss your chance to apply for my Elegant Excellence 2021 Mastermind <<< click to learn more!
Q’s? Join the conversations on Instagram @HilaryRushford
From a musical theater performer in NYC to a CEO with zero business background, I myself can’t believe my own journey.
I had nothing that you don’t have. No money, connections, or knowledge. And therefore if I can do it, so can you.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or aspiring, a career change or dream could be in your future, or you simply love hearing behind the scenes, there’s insight and encouragement in the 5 Phases I share in this episode.
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Don’t miss the application window for the Elegant Excellence Mastermind!
And the free masterclass I’m teaching to kick it off: 5 Steps to Less Overwhelm in Business.
Have any Q’s about the mastermind, business, or other podcast topics? Come join me on Instagram @HilaryRushford and in Stories and DMs.
Are you grateful... for yourself? What you’ve accomplished, who you’ve become?
In this heart-to-heart episode we touch on anxiety, wellness, marriage, business and more.
With a specific spin on how to catch ourselves when we are setting ourselves up for disappointed, self-blame and self-shame.
Order your Elegant Excellence Journal before the shop closes.
Join the conversation on Instagram @HilaryRushford and HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
6 Q’s to clarify who, what, when & why to give of our time, energy & finances.
Today’s episode came from a great listener Q. There’s so much good we can do in the world, how do we not feel guilty we aren’t doing more or don’t really enjoy giving/helping in the same way someone else does?
Get your Elegant Excellence Journal before they sell out!
And on the waitlist now for the Elegant Excellence Mastermind.
Come join the conversation on Instagram @HilaryRushford, especially in Stories, and submit a Q or topic for the episode at HilaryRushford.com/podvip!
Accepting a closed door, or rather being willing to close it yourself, can feel terrifying.
Sharing my personal insights on how and when we listen to our gut, what breadcrumbs really mean, and the paradox of the grass always being greener.
Whether starting a business, leaving a relationship, or any of your own life shifts, may this be a story of hope that supports you!
ORDER TODAY: ElegantExcellenceJournal.com
Don’t miss out, get yours before they sell out!
Come hang out in Stories on Instagram @HilaryRushford or leave a voice memo with a Q or topic you’d love a future episode on at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
What if you had plans in 2020 that didn’t come to be? #AllHandsRaised
Today I’m speaking to a common Q in my DMs on how to think about having not made a business or goal happen in this wild year of 2020.
Using my own experiences of working out, meditation, and organization with my Elegant Excellence Goals Journal.
This is the conversation we should have every year before New Years to remember to both focus on, and have grace for, the one component that means more than any app or tool for our success: us.
Spoiler alert: we’re the most powerful thing we have, so this is great news!
PS Get your 2021 Elegant Excellence Goals Journal while they’re still in stock!
Then join the convo @HilaryRushford or voice memo a Q or topic for the pod at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
How do you choose between goals? Avoid overwhelm, biting off more than you can chew? But also not have FOMO (fear of missing out) that you might chose the wrong goal, regret it, be sad you can’t have both?
Today I’m sharing my signature principle for goal setting in a way that brings all our dreams and projects together. Instead of competing against each other, leaving us unfulfilled and disappointed. They work together, to give us momentum towards the life we really want.
Do not miss out on your 2021 Elegant Excellence Goals Journals + Workshops to use these principles with me all year!
UPDATE: We were 25% sold out just in our first 24 hours of early access before the shop doors even opened so don’t delay! We have an even more limited stock this year so choose your cover collection today!
Send love notes, Q’s, future topics to @HilaryRushford on IG or HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
There is so much power in saying and writing our dreams. In today’s special episode I walk you through delightful and insightful prompts to uncover what lights up your head and heart; has in your past and will in the future. Pour a cup, grab a pen if you can, and enjoy!
Then be sure to save your seat for our Elegant Excellence Goals Journal Reveal Party or snag your journal as soon as the doors are open!
P.S. My favorite pens to use with the journal:
I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming about! Leave me a voice memo with follow-up Q’s at HilaryRushford.com/podvip or share over on Instagram @HilaryRushford
I’ve identified five elements of our personality that trip us up in dreaming gracefully, spaciously, authentically.
Which of these descriptions sounds most like you? When you think about why you aren’t today, living out a dream, on top of the world in LOVE with your life, is it MORE because you’re:
THE STATS DREAMER. Uncomfortable saying WHAT we want, unless we understand HOW we can make that happen, how it’s realistic.
THE SIDEKICK DREAMER. Uncomfortable saying that we want more, want big things, so we play small, make our dreams only about making other people happy.
THE SUPERSIZE DREAMER. So many dreams we’re trying to pursue all at once. We don’t want to have to give up anything, so often end up getting even less because of it.
THE SPLIT DREAMER. Two dreams in conflict. In our mind they’re headed in totally different directions, and we’re paralyzed with indecision and fear of missing out.
THE SLOTHFUL DREAMER. We don’t even do the work to figure out what our dreams are, or if we do we don’t take the actions, risk, put in the work to move them forward.
https://elegantexcellencejournal.com/
Do you hate conflict, arguments, feel exhausted by all the tension in our cultural conversations lately?
Let’s consider how we can have healthier conversations whether around the election, holidays, or anytime in our lives.
This isn’t just about convincing someone (though that can be a lovely bonus!) or avoiding fights (ugh). The ultimate goal is that we feel more peaceful and positive ourselves, regardless of the other person’s tone or response.
Would love to hear your thoughts on Instagram @HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip!
Lightness, joy and happy topics feel in order after so many heavy world events this year.
I’m often asked if I have a blog post on my musical theatre story: how I booked a Broadway tour, the Radio City Rockettes, and all that jazz.
Sharing some fun (okay and emotional, I keep getting choked up!) stories along with inspiring takeaways about chasing our dreams and supporting those in our lives as they do the same.
Would love to hear your thoughts on Instagram @HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip!
What is in between laziness and productivity? This is the question I’ve been pondering myself during quarantine. And in some ways the core of a more sustainable lifestyle of rest I’ve been cultivating since a sabbatical in 2016. Reading the book How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell this year has given me further language for this unique journey, as well as clarity as to why it is truly imperative for our society and humanity that we choose to embrace it.
Would absolutely love to hear your thoughts in a voicememo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip or @HilaryRushford, including any topics or Q’s you’d like covered on the podcast!
PS - Cheat sheet inspiration for your Edifying/Present brainstorm list:
lowers anxiety, lowers envy, little financial benefit to you, little financial benefit to other people, increases thinking, increases listening, increases relationships, increases connection to nature and/or art, anchors you in the present
If you are busier than ever, let me pass along some insights from my slowness, to help you in the eventual-post-quaratine-season of your future.
A general community report back on how we’re doing at this 6 month mark for most of us since Covid ish got real.
Plus aha’s that have been rocking my world as I discover what happens when I have “plenty of time”... and still am not living the life I envisioned I would be.
Links in this episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts @HilaryRushford or leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
After thousands of clients and years teaching women how to understand their own style recipe, I’ve discovered there are So. Many. Lies we tell ourselves and how we feel towards that woman in the mirror!
In this episode, learn the truth and how you can rewire them to discover your true heart and self.
You do not need to lose weight, or buy more, to feel more beautiful. Nor is it about fluffy words of positive affirmation. Learn the science and psychology of style, you whip smart woman you.
More freedom, joy, peace, and beauty is waiting for you. Let me help you more on my feed and Stories @HilaryRushford.”
What if you could get out of a horrible mood? Without having to deny or downplay what had you hurt or upset in the first place? The story of 24 hours in my life, and the rainbow tool I discovered that day that helped get me from fearful and depressed, to joyful and optimistic, without simply putting on a happy face.
Today we explore how these small choices can ultimately amount to big changes.
PS Things I’m loving lately pillow and chest patch.
In this season of seemingly zero control over our pandemic-ed lives, what can we learn about living with change? What can we take into the next season? This encore presentation of episode 7 includes tools that have helped me in this whiplash of a crisis and encourage me for the future.
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Are you ready to be the CEO of your life? To accept change with more peace and courage? Many of us resist change because often we feel these choices are not our own. You get laid off work. Your relationship is failing. Your best friend is moving out of state.
It’s powerful to remember that even when you don’t make a choice, or get to fully make it, we have so much control over our head, heart and soul to CHOOSE for it to be a yes, a blessing, a gift.
Which step feels most powerful to you? Come tell me on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
PS Have a topic or Q you’d like covered? Leave it at hilaryrushford.com/podvip.
Be honest. Will you still cancel on events after Covid? Listen in on this encore presentation of Episode 12 with an updated teaching at the top to think ahead to how we can avoid falling back into old habits.
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We want to be invited and do all the things.. aaand sit on the couch to binge Netflix in silence. Sound familiar? Samesies. We want to be able to choose the right things to avoid overfilling our calendars with things that don’t really bring us joy; to avoid FOMO because we’re confident we did indeed make the right choice for us. I’m sharing 4 hacks to make decisions quickly.
Discern what truly brings you joy in that moment - not just what will make your Instagram feed look cooler.
Know that a “hell yes” will haunt you and anything less can be let go.
Buy back your freedom!
Slow down and ask the right questions so you can confidently and peacefully create that space for yourself.
Come leave me a voice memo on hilaryrushford.com/podvip and tell me what you want to talk about next! And share on Instagram @hilaryrushford which decision this helped you make!
Why are we still anxious, competitive, or impatient? Even though we know we dislike that about ourselves and wish we were different? Enjoy this encore of Episode 3 with an updated teaching at the top!
I have - get ready for it - the answers to all your problems. Yes, I’m talking to you, m’dear.
That guy who won’t text you back? Friend who’s making you feel left out? Boss who gives you the worst anxiety? The answer to all their problems too.
I reveal my “3 stages of ish” to get you to clarity, security, and change.
PLUS an incredibly useful one-page worksheet at HilaryRushford.com/podvip. Tuck in your journal or pin to your fridge to track your growth over the months to come, see progress, and celebrate your wins. This step was truly game changing in my own path to more peace and less overwhelm.
What do you think? Does the “3 stages of ish” help? Would LOVE to hear your takeaways @HilaryRushford. Leave me a note below my latest post, whenever you listen, as I read them all.
Sharing a brand new teaching that’s come out of writing my style book.
You have more power and opportunity that ever before to shift your story of what is beautiful, with a few simple, enjoyable actions.
Mentioned in today’s podcast:
Please come over to Instagram @HilaryRushford and tell me when you find someone new to follow there. And leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip with Q’s or topics to inspire future episodes.
Do you feel guilty you don’t accomplish more? Beat yourself up for not doing more? Feel failure and shame that your list is so long or you’re so far from where or who you desire?
I was shocked in a recent chat on Instagram Stories when 80% of you said yes.
Having explored this pain point in my own life for years, I’m sharing 3 core components I believe will give you more confidence, peace, freedom, and permission.
Episodes referenced:
Resources referenced:
Come continue the conversation on Instagram at @HilaryRushford or leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
I had an aha while writing my style book. I wrote this on a post-it:
“Write for her, not for critics or activists.”
I shared on Instagram Stories and the response was overwhelming.
On today’s episode I teach on who you’re called to.
Whether friendships that feel hard, social media that feels overwhelming, or creativity that feels terrifying.
Imagine a weight being lifted when you realize someone isn’t your responsibility...
Picture fresh enthusiasm when you realize who you ARE called to...
Listen in to feel more freedom in your relationships, creation, and time…
PS We’re hiring! Visit https://deanstreetsociety.com/careers/ to read our current open position.
Share this episode and tag @HilaryRushford, and/or chime in with topics and ideas for future pods at https://deanstreetsociety.com/podvip/.
When you’re frustratingly stuck in a scenario, what do you? Whether a creaky home messing with your morning routine, or an impasse with your husband on where to live. Sharing my advice to a few DMs I’ve received….
Links in the episode:
What would YOU like to chat about next? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and join the conversation in my IG Stories @HilaryRushford!
“My girlfriends have been complaining about weight gain during quarantine. I think they look great! But it makes me so uncomfortable because I’m a larger size than any of them. I know they don’t mean it, but it makes me self-conscious when they judge their own smaller bodies in front of me. Do you have any advice for how to bring this up without making it awkward?”
Let’s talk about The Compliment Sandwich for handling delicate conversations with aplomb.
Links in this episode:
PS Since recording this episode we had an incredible conversation about shaming on IG Stories which you can find pinned @HilaryRushford.
Please come leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to submit suggestions, Q’s or topics for upcoming episodes!
How do you show yourself grace in decision making? How do you MAKE big decisions around where to live, career, family?
Answering your Q’s and sharing some of my personal story on these topics.
8 Q’s + Actions to Consider:
Listen to Ep 61: Shelter-At-Home Style + Dressing Joyfully for more on #7 and what buzz is in our lives.
Have more Q’s to submit? Visit HilaryRushford.com/podvip. And come join the conversation @HilaryRushford.
PS - Books I’m loving lately That Month in Tuscany and The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Harcourt
I’ve noticed something in myself and my Elegant Excellence Mastermind students over the past year. Colleagues and coaches have confirmed it for me, and it’s a growing passion for me to help us break through it.
Today the doors open for my brand new course Creative Business Accelerator, with a limited time window to also join my Elegant Excellence Mastermind for the last 6 months of 2020.
Join me on a live call Wednesday/Thursday on The Simplest Way to Launch a New Business or Product for more teaching and details.
I can help you launch in 3-30 days with less overwhelm and procrastination, for more confidence and revenue. At an incredibly affordable price.
Links in this episode:
Have questions? I’m on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Idea for a future podcast? Leave a voice memo with a Q or topic at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
I asked on IG Stories how you’re feeling amidst our global conversation on racism and racial equity.
The most common answers were:
Everything I read, the heart was empathetic and compassionate. Wanting to help, support, and love.
And, struggling with not being full-time activists, yet also having woken up.
Unsure how to balance your life, for many entrepreneurs your business, along with not wanting to “move on”.
This is what I’ve been wrestling with myself.
Authenticity is very important to me.
Staying focused on a topic because it’s trendy or there’s pressure, is not the same as a true heart shift.
We show heart shifts, when weeks, months and years from now, we show true life shifts.
In this episode I share principles I’m using to be an ally authentically and sustainably.
I am not an expert, I’m simply sharing my own earnest journey feeling compelled to do more.
Imperfectly, I’m sure. Stumbling over my words, I’m sure.
Yet with great empathy and holding space for how many different phases we’re in in this community.
Links mentioned:
I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts below my latest Instagram post to continue the conversation @HilaryRushford where you can find additional resources I’ve shared in pinned BLM Stories.
Leave me a voice memo with a Q or topic to inspire a future episode at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Don’t miss my newest course for ENTREPRENEURS opening and closing this month in JUNE!
Who made the first move, what’s our best dating advice? You submitted Q’s for Jeremy, who’s making his podcast debut!
Interested in our proposal and wedding stories?
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My brand new course for entrepreneurs and aspiring opens this month in June! Get on the waitlist so you don’t miss the limited first window.
Have follow-up Q’s or another topic you’d love to hear on the pod? Would love to hear from you below my latest post on IG @HilaryRushford or leaving a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Do you reach out to friends more than they reach out to you?
Do you think most people probably have more social plans (pre-coronavirus) than you do?
Who are we reaching out to more/less these days and why?
I gathered these Q’s into a series of surveys on IG Stories and put the insights into today's episode.
Our hearts crave more connection. We’re all yearning to hear from one another more. So why are we all letting one another down?
Episodes mentioned to re-listen on related topics:
Be sure to hop on the waiting list for my brand new course or entrepreneurs and aspiring launching this month!
Would love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode under my latest IG post (whenever you hear this) @HilaryRushford, or Q’s for future episodes at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
We had big beautiful visions for our 2020 on January 1.
A new decade, a new season. We’d just launched the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal.
Then before Q1 was even over they had completely changed with a global pandemic.
We don’t know when it will be over, what normal looks or feels like, which freedom and choice we do or don’t have.
Making plans feels exhausting.
Without them we’re aimless, disorganized, unfulfilled.
Yet trying to make them, comes with overwhelm about where to begin, what’s certain, what can we guarantee?
Do you reschedule your wedding, renew your lease in this city, start the business?
Today I’m sharing 7 Q’s that have helped me to navigate:
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Want more help?
Get one of the few post-dated Elegant Excellence Journals available.
Hop on the wait-list for my new course for entrepreneurs to hear first.
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Past episodes mentioned to go deeper on:
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Would LOVE to hear from you and your thoughts. Come leave a comment below my latest post @HilaryRushford or leave me a voice memo with a Q or topic for a future episode at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
As I’ve been reading over your DMs, and we’ve been chatting through my IG Stories, there’s something I want to say.
If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, discouraged, in need of a break, or unsure, this is for you.
By the way, I’ve felt all of those things myself and on the rare times that a friend knows me well enough to speak this into my life, it’s such a blessing.
If you think this message would bless others please SCREENSHOT + SHARE. Tag me on Instagram Stories @HilaryRushford so I can thank you! Text it directly to a friend.
I would LOVE to hear from you with Q’s or topics for future episodes at HilaryRushford.com/podvip if you’ll come leave me a voice memo?
PS If you loved this episode, check out Ep 42 The 6 Words You Need to Hear + Ep 43: I Am So Proud of You.
Are you enjoying your closet more or less in this season? And why?
I asked this question on Instagram and your responses came into 11 areas. Whether positive feelings we want to KEEP after this season, or negative ones where we might have more choice to CHANGE than we realize, I’m breaking them down.
So many of my lessons came back to the heart behind my style class, Style & Styleability, that I decided to open it up for podcast listeners. I’ve shared a replay of my last free class taught in Brooklyn here:
HilaryRushford.com/class
Two other episodes mentioned in this one are:
Come tell me your own thoughts on today’s conversation over on Instagram @HilaryRushford beneath my latest post? And look for examples of the styles I mention in my Stories or pinned Stories if they’ve expired.
The most powerful tool I’ve used to change my life, that's still helping me through coronavirus, in entrepreneurship, in my friendships...all the things!
For a quick visual:
C
T
F
A
R
C
T
F
A
R
That’s all. Simple, yet shockingly powerful. Go deeper with these additional podcast episodes (I re-listen to my own episodes ALL the time! Just because we’ve heard it, doesn't mean we are living it!):
Ep 29: 22 Steps to Feel Better in 1 Day (Easier Than it Sounds)
Ep 39: Welcome to the Royal 20’s!
Ep 58: Productivity Guilt during Quarantine + the Idealization of Time
If you’re interested in either the Elegant Excellence Journal or Elegant Excellence Mastermind you can hop on our wait lists for more info!
Would LOVE to hear your thoughts over on Instagram @HilaryRushford and be so honored if you would screenshot this episode to share.
Want to share even more? Send me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to inspire a future episode.
PS: Something I’m loving lately, Rob Lowe Autobiography!
Today’s concept of Third Circle Grief has blessed my life for the last few years as I came up with it to process my own experiences.
Sharing it, only recently on Instagram, the response was overwhelming as 90% said you too are experiencing this, you just didn’t have language for it.
What it is, what it means, and how to process it.
A few other gems from this episode:
Would LOVE to hear your thoughts over on Instagram @HilaryRushford and be so honored if you would screenshot this episode to share.
Want to share even more? Send me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to inspire a future episode.
I feel I should be getting more done during this time. Sound familiar?
I feel I should be more productive, creative, rested. The “should’s” are piling up during this time and rather than simply swatting them away with a “show yourself more grace,” I think we have a powerful opportunity to ask why.
What would happen if we did not, in fact, do these things on the “should list”? And deepest of all, have we made time the enemy all these years… only to realize the enemy is actually within ourselves? If we don’t do ____ while we have more time (for those of us who do right now) what does that say about us in the long-run?
Would LOVE to hear your thoughts over on Instagram @HilaryRushford and be so honored if you would screenshot this episode to share.
Want to share even more? Send me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to inspire a future episode.
And don’t forget, if you’re curious about starting, scaling or pivoting any sort of side income, product, or business be first to hear about my brand new course right here. My first new class in 4 years is coming to help you through this season and beyond very soon...
Links in this episode:
IG: Jamie Beck
IG: Krystal Bick
New program optin
If you’re unsure what your special gift is, how to stand out in your industry, or succeed doing something you’re naturally brilliant at -- I’ve got a story for you!
I recorded this conversation with my dad over Christmas, and it has the hope and big-picture-dreaming I feel we all need in this challenging season of coronavirus and recession.
Right now, many of us are scared or stuck, in our work and our dreams. From our family to yours, may you create your own story worth telling, COVID setbacks and redirections and all.
Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Come share with me on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
Or send me a voice memo on this or other topics you’d love to discuss here on the podcast at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
P.S. Be the 1st to hear about my brand new course for entrepreneurs and aspiring! #ComingSoon
Are you feeling more or less connected in the past few weeks? I’ll share how I’m feeling, as well as some timeless insights into these emotions that can feel all the more relevant in this current reality of sheltering at home for much of the world.
This is the final in a three-part series, exploring the NYT best seller Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope by Johann Hari.
Part 1: Ep 51: Healing Our Depression + Anxiety, with Beauty + Joy
Part 2: Ep 55: What We Want Out of Work + How to Create It
What would you love to discuss on the podcast next? Come leave me a voice memo! HilaryRushford.com/podvip
And please come hang out with me on Instagram @HilaryRushford!
Why are 87% of us disengaged or enraged with our work? For those who are fellow entrepreneurs, what does this mean when it comes to our own team and employees?
This episode is the second in a three-part series, exploring the NYT best seller Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope by Johann Hari, and the issues most relevant to us at Dean Street Society.
Part one is here: Ep 51: Healing Our Depression + Anxiety, with Beauty + Joy
Whether you or somebody you know has struggled with depression and anxiety, this is a topic that needs all of us to lean in, think deeply, and truly take action.
For more timely conversation on work during Coronavirus for those seeking additional income, stay tuned for a video coming to IGTV @HilaryRushford this week.
And till then get your daily dose of joy with one of my new most watched style videos un-sponsored by a little boutique I found here on the road called Walmart. (wink)
What would you love to discuss on the podcast next? Come leave me a voice memo! HilaryRushford.com/podvip
Choosing grace and releasing control. That’s the message I feel we all need in this challenging season. Both our in-person relationships, and our online ones (where we tend to feel even more loose in our boundaries).
Listen in to understand why you’re feeling how you are, and make sure you’re loving those around you as best you can.
With all the heaviness, we need gentleness more than ever! And joy, hence my shout-out for this IG profile.
Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences? Come share with me on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Or send me a voice memo on this or other topics you’d love to discuss here on the podcast in this season at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Links in this episode:
Ep: 49: An Open Letter on Opinion Culture
IG Account: goodnews_movement
I’m feeling like the black duckling these days, the one who doesn’t fit in.
My experience of Rona (as Jeremy and I are calling this surreal moment) isn’t what I’m seeing from most people.
The general memes, advice, and game plans … they just aren’t ringing true for me.
Listen in to see if you relate - or if this is the advice you too need to hear.
I would LOVE to hear from you afterward in my IG comments, truly, to hear how you’re processing this so we can support one another more. Leave a comment on Instagram @HilaryRushford and follow along on IGTV.
Links in this episode:
Links:
@HilaryRushford
HilaryRushford.com/podvip
Consider this our happy hour via Zoom friend. (wink)
I’m pausing the episode I had scheduled for today for a personal chat about our travels and experience over the last few weeks as we found ourselves in Mexico just before everything happened at home in the US and New York.
Including the very surprising place we ended up, where I’m recording this on a strange bed, on my iPhone, without any of my fancy equipment. And enjoying this chance to share what’s been happening in our life.
Would truly love to hear what’s happening in yours? Leave a comment on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Or send me a voice memo on this or other topics you’d love to discuss here on the podcast in this season at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Links in this episode:
Ep 49: Open Letter on Opinion Culture
Jimmy Fallon + Justin Timberlake song
Links:
@HilaryRushford
HilaryRushford.com/podvip
Exploring the 7-9 causes and antidotes inside the groundbreaking New York Time’s Best Selling book, “Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope” by Johann Hari.
This episode is the first in a three-part series, exploring the issues he teaches that I find most relevant to us at Dean Street Society.
Whether you or somebody you know has struggled with depression and anxiety, this is a topic that needs all of us to lean in, think deeply, and truly take action on.
Links in this Episode:
Join the conversation:
Whether 25 or 58, I received so many replies when I began to discuss how we feel around our age. Starting a business, getting married, having a baby, whatever the life milestone or decision it’s clear there is far more we have in common than different, wherever our present age.
A few Q’s to journal on or discuss with a girlfriend, your mother, or daughter this week:
Would love to hear your thoughts on this if you’ll come chime in below my latest post, whatever it is, on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
Have future topics you’d love to discuss? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and we may feature it on an upcoming episode!
It’s taken me a year to speak out on this topic, but in doing so I feel lighter, safer, and stronger.
I’m confident this will leave you feeling the same in your online and in person relationships, with more compassion for all, especially anyone willing to vulnerably share their life with you.
UPDATE: Between recording and publishing, I realized there were some additional steps I could take to be empowered. For the time being I’ve saved them in a pinned Story here.
_____
10 Elements of Grace:
The pinned Stories mentioned by another blogger (as long as they leave the link live).
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LISTEN: For more on this topic listen to: Ep 17. Am I doing Self-Love Wrong?
SUGGEST: Have a suggestion for a future topic or Q on the pod? Go here.
SHARE: Would love to hear your thoughts below my latest post on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
P.S. Those travel frames we now pack with us thanks to my sweet assistant!
Be even more empowered over your dreams with today’s action-inspiring episode. Although I love dreaming + wishing, I’m all about action + making small shifts towards accomplishing those goals.
Are you workshopping your life? Try not coming at it from an “either/ or” perspective, as having a “yes/and” mentality can open up even more possibilities!
Clarity comes from action. You don’t need to know every step to pursue your dream life.
What’s something in your life you’re dreaming of? Career change? Moving across the country? If travel, pretty please tell me where to! I’m over on Instagram @HilaryRushford or leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Other resources:
And if your dream is to Get Paid To Be Creative, teaching my annual free workshop this week!
Why do we love + loathe this place we spend so much time? After a few friends went on a “social media fast” for January and reported being happier… while also confessing that despite that they didn’t want to give it up… I started to ponder if there’s a middle ground.
Listen in for ideas on how to slow your roll, literally. (wink) Plus spring clean your feed, consider your motives, reevaluate what brings you joy and the reason for your relationships on Instagram, and perhaps beyond!
Would love to go deeper over at @HilaryRushford. How are you using this challenge to be more intentional with the content you consume?
Have any follow up Qs on today’s episode? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Paid to Be Creative webinars this week >>Save your seat!
Morning Apps mentioned:
Wake up feeling more empowered and less behind. In my constant pursuit of being more of an Essentialist, I started a morning routine to get into a daily rhythm. I share my biggest takeaways on how to be more accountable to myself and starting my day more gracefully mindful.
Other resources:
Ep 35:A Week in the Life BTS
My Daily Schedule
Ep 39: Welcome to the Royal 20’s!
Free Paid To Be Creative workshop live this week!<<
Would love to hear your morning routines on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
Have any follow up Qs on today’s episode? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
What if you don’t have enough money, time, or don’t know how to do something you want in your life?
Whether that’s start a business, get out of debt, care for an aging parent, or heal racial inequality?
I asked one of my colleagues, Marie Forleo, to join us today after having read her new book, Everything is Figuroutable. Her advice was so applicable, yet compelling, and seemed to help with so many of the DMs I receive from you on Instagram.
Would love to hear your favorite takeaways @HilaryRushford.
As well as a voice memo with a Q or topic for a future episode HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
PS If you’re a fellow entrepreneur, I have some special resources for you in the month of February to celebrate my own anniversary at DeanSt.co/26! <<<
Here’s to making your dreams happen...
To live a life that’s extraordinary, with ease. This is what it is to be an essentialist. After reading the book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less four times in the last five years, I share my 5 most powerful takeaways on how to stop trying to make too much happen, and only do what truly brings me the most joy.
More resources in your own pursuit of doing “less but better”:
A love note from God/the universe. A meditation. A pump-up pep talk from your coach. A voice memo from your best friend.
Save this and press play anytime you need it. Share this and encourage a friend as you let my words pour courage into them with you.
Then, let’s go deeper:
Subscribe! A new conversation here each Wednesday for more joy, less overwhelm
Rate + review! Spread the love to a stranger who comes across this special place.
Listen to Ep 39 ‘Welcome to the Royal 20’s” as a compliment to today’s episode
Own your royal mindset of growth and confidence with the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal ← special promo happening now
Come say hello @HilaryRushford or leave me a voicememo HilaryRushford.com/podvip!
My DMs flooded with the phrase “I needed this” when I shared just a snippet of today’s message on Instagram.
In addition to our vision from Ep 39 of what it means to be crowned with confidence, what does it additionally mean and change when we become people who celebrate ourselves? Truly celebrate?
Leave me a voice memo at to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020 HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Share today’s special 2-part episode in your Instagram Stories and tag me @HilaryRushford.
In part 2 of this convo... when my dear friend Brian lost 140 pounds in one year I was fascinated! Not by the weight loss methods, but by what prompted the change. Why do we finally change something that’s been making us unhappy? How do we start and stick with it? What makes the difference from all the times we’ve tried before?
If Brian’s story resonated with you today, you can follow his journey on Instagram @brianbrister.
This is the year for change for many of us. Take advantage of the special promo for Elegant Excellence Goals Journal to help you gain clarity on the change you'd like to see this year.
What change are you seeking in your life this year? Let’s chat over on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020!
When my dear friend Brian lost 140 pounds in one year I was fascinated! Not by the weight loss methods, but by what prompted the change. Why do we finally change something that’s been making us unhappy? How do we start and stick with it? What makes the difference from all the times we’ve tried before?
If Brian’s story resonated with you today, you can follow his journey on Instagram @brianbrister.
This is the year for change for many of us. A few resources to kick off your 2020:
What change are you seeking in your life this year? Let’s chat over on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020!
What if we asked a different question to shape our goals and vision for this new decade? Not what do we want to do, accomplish, have or achieve, but who we want to be and become?
Sharing deeper on the topic of confidence and courage, today we ponder what that feels like in small shifts of how we show up in our work, relationships, and daily life.
How would you act in a scenario if you believed you are worthy, invited, welcomed, honored, and belong?
More holiday, wedding, and new year joy on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020!
As we enter a new decade, how can we be our happiest selves? After watching this study on happiness, I rethought the one factor that should most motivate and shape the goals we set for ourselves.
More holiday, wedding, and new year joy on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020!
Let’s bring more ease, grace, and freedom into our 2020 remembering that feeling beautiful is not always about more clothes or weighing less. Use these small intentional shifts, or if you’re seeking more I teach in depth inside my signature course Style & Styleability.
What shifts are you choosing to feel more beautiful + confident in 2020? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip
Other resources:
You asked, I’m answering. In a slightly different, but holy heck so much deeper way!
Applications close this week: ElegantExcellenceMastermind.com
Business workshop this week: DeanSt.co/2020vision
Can’t make the free workshop & have Qs? Watch my “EEM Q&A” pinned stories @HilaryRushford, then submit your own if you have more!
Today, I answer a listener Q about how my faith has affected my anxiety + confidence. If there are areas you are called to be more confident in, hear these lessons:
Draw courage in these ways:
Lean into your faith:
What area you are inspired to grow in confidence in in 2020? Tell me over on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Or if you have a Q like Brooke, leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip
Two more ways to increase your confidence in 2020:
If you prioritize everything, nothing is a priority. If you have no deadlines, things will never get done. I take you behind the scenes while I work remotely in Nashville and South Carolina to help you consider your own rhythms and priorities as we step into this new year afresh with more clarity.
Two more resources right now:
At ElegantExcellence.com to order your Elegant Excellence Goals Journal
Join me this week for 2020 Vision: Design Your Life + Business free workshop
Know anyone looking for a plum job? We’re hiring!
P.S. Is there a topic you want to chat about as 2019 comes to a close? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and say hello @HilaryRushford
P.P.S. The book I’m loving lately: A Well Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts
You have more freedom and are more empowered than you think. If you’re sprinting, overwhelmed, or over-committed, there is always some small choice we can make.
You are the CEO of your life. Hoping these small shifts and personal questions, bring you more space and gratitude this holiday season and beyond:
For more clarifying thought-provoking Qs to ask yourself, head to ElegantExcellence.com to get your copy of the new Elegant Excellence Goals Journal for a more intentional 2020.
What are you grateful for this holiday season? Tell me over on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
Is there a topic you want to chat about as 2019 comes to a close? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
When it comes to deciding, declaring, and doing — dreaming can be a challenge. Today we walk through 5 types of dreamers to better understand the lens we come to dreaming with. How and why are you resisting, defending, fearing, explaining, rationalizing?
There is so much power in saying and writing our dreams. I walk you through 16 insightful prompts to uncover what lights up head and heart, has in your past and will in the future. Pour a cup, grab a pen if you can, and enjoy this special episode.
Then be sure to PRE-ORDER YOUR Elegant Excellence Goals Journal TODAY!
Many have written already to ask what my favorite pens to use with it are (I love a fellow paper products nerd!) so here they are:
I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming about! Leave me a voice memo with follow-up Q’s at HilaryRushford.com/podvip or share over on Instagram @HilaryRushford
Afraid of making the wrong decision? We’ve all been there, heck are there, sometimes on a daily basis. Social plans to go out or stay in, this business idea or that.
Today we talk about the cure to FOMO of 1 part Enough + 1 part Essentialism. Fighting back against both scarcity and overwhelm, as we get more clear on what we really want to make more confident decisions. Know what you want and believe you have enough.
ELEGANT EXCELLENCE GOALS JOURNAL PRE-ORDER:
ElegantExcellence.com
Half the covers are sold out already. Get yours while supplies last! They ship in early December, with a live kickoff workshop with Hilary to get started.
Also, visit ElegantExcellence.com and scroll to the bottom to optin for our email list to get invited to that workshop.
Other episodes + tools referenced:
Ep 5: My Own Path to Making Closer Friendships
Ep 18: Three personalities for your dream itinerary
Essentialism by Greg McKeown.
Come say hello on Instagram @HilaryRushford or leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip with any future Q’s or topics to cover on the show!
Ever struggle with too many goals, too much to do, more dreams than you have daily room to move forward?
Feel behind no matter how hard you’re working; or feel one puzzle piece short of organized? Friend, you are in the right place.
Today I take you inside the method I’ve been crafting for seven years, and finally brought it all together in the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal and the 4-part teaching series.
For three days only, Wednesday through Friday, you can choose from either collection -- handwriting or typography -- in any of the six gorgeous colorways. After this we’ll just be ordering a limited stock and only of certain styles. Some covers already sold out during our first few days of pre-order!
Choose your favorite now at ElegantExcellence.com!
What color way did you choose? Tell me over on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
Is there a topic you want to discuss to have a more inspired 2020? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Want to make a dream happen in 2020? Every January I hear people don’t have the money to make the choices they want in their life. This year, let’s prep ourselves to not overspend this holiday season, but actually save, to say yes to what we want most in the new year.
Here’s our list of ideas, and we’d love to hear yours if you’ll chime in on this post @HilaryRushford!
Ways to Save Money
CLOTHING + STYLE
HOLIDAYS
RECURRING CHARGES
FOOD
MISC
Ways to Make Money
IF YOU DON’T OWN A BUSINESS
IF YOU OWN A BUSINESS
What are your helpful money saving or making tips? Bless us and read from others on this post @HilaryRushford.
Is there a topic you want to discuss to have a more intentional 2020? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
What if you could get out of a horrible mood? Without having to deny or downplay what had you hurt or upset in the first place? The story of 24 hours in my life, and the rainbow tool I discovered that day that helped get me from fearful and depressed, to joyful and optimistic, without simply putting on a happy face.
Today we explore how these small choices can ultimately amount to big changes. Thanks to Gabrille Bernstein for introducing this scale in her book Super Attractor, and Brooke Castillo in her life coaching work.
For a visual of the Emotional Guidance Scale check out my IG Stories @HilaryRushford or visit HilaryRushford.com/podvip. While there you can also leave a voice memo with Q’s or topics for future episodes!
PS things I’m loving lately:
Have any other beauty tricks? Come share them over on Instagram!
We’re our hardest critic and sometimes no matter how hard we work, how productive we are, it’s still not good enough. We could have done more. We should have been doing something else.
Today we discuss a topic sparked by something said in my Elegant Excellence Mastermind around self judgement. Mom guilt, beauty/weightloss, relationships, or business, many of us go down this shame and guilt spiral.
Choosing to change starts internally with our thoughts, then externally with our actions. Here’s a reminder of those tiny shifts we can start doing today:
You have more power than you realize.
What tiny shifts are you choosing to make today? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Or over on Instagram under my most recent post @HilaryRushford.
How do you navigate an awkward convo? Especially with well meaning people we love (so we wish they’d know how to love us better)?
Listen in for our 3 primary choices. Sample conversations included. (wink)
What question or topic would you love to discuss? Leave a voice memo or email at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
ICYMI, we just got back the breathtaking video of our elopement to the South of France. We received almost a thousand comments just over the weekend, and I can’t say how much each one means!
@HilaryRushford
Today is the last day of our week long of giveaways in celebration of our 25th episode! I have been selecting two winners each day - one who leaves a review on iTunes and one who shares an episode on IG Stories. Do a quick post to enter and we’ll announce double winners today!
Interviewing 5 friends who had walked through miscarriage, divorce, loss of a child, called off wedding, loss of a parent – it was heartbreaking the theme that emerged. One in which we as friends, panicked. Got awkward. Didn’t know what to do, so we did nothing.
Thanks to their stories though, now we know what to do. We’re empowered and emboldened to love well. Everyone said “people disappeared”. No one said “people did it wrong”. So now we know simply to show up.
Here’s 6 ways how:
A few of the lovely women I mention:
@NoraBorealis Mcinerny teaches on grief while being hilarious
@AshleyKLemieux has a pinned IG Story with the story of losing their children
@TheOilyCottage shares about miscarriage + her rainbow baby amidst grief
@Jennifer.Kem shared wisdom + brings it throughout her life
@LindsayLetters.co + her husband are teaching a masterclass in grief with their daughter’s traumatic brain injury
Have you walked through grief? Or been a friend through it? Please chime in on today’s Instagram post @HilaryRushford. We can all benefit from your wisdom.
What hard or light topic would you love to hear shared on next? Leave a voice memo or email at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
We want to be liked. But none of us like everyone one else. So it makes sense we aren’t going to be the exception. Yet most of us still wish we were! This is why it’s so hard to get negative criticism.
Today we talked about why haters hate. One thing I’ve discovered is that it’s a defense mechanism because hurt people hurt. It’s a way to make sure people don’t get too close. And they continue to self-sabotage because changing is a whole new discomfort like we talked about in Ep 3: Your #1 Issue and the 3 stages of ish.
In this episode I share 7 steps to be less affected by negativity:
Let’s continue the convo on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
What would you ask me if we were out to coffee? What’s happening in your life this month? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and help inspire future episode conversations!
If I was in your shoes I would do it different, better, “right”.
Parenting, miscarriage, wedding planning, divorce, quitting a job, running a business, down to the photo someone posts on Instagram.
We all have these thoughts and lately I’ve been thinking: Before I get frustrated with others… how can I do this better myself?
I’m owning this very human side and sharing 3 things I’ve been reminding myself whenever I catch myself thinking these judgey thoughts.
What are YOU thinking about these days? Would love to chat about it on a future episode if you’ll leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Have more thoughts/Qs on today’s topic? Come chat below my latest Instagram post, whatever it is, at @HilaryRushford. Judgement free (wink).
The secret word I try to say more often in my marriage. (One of the best pieces of relationship advice I got years ago when I was single.)
It applies to parenting, friendship, and work.
This is a different kind of 80/20 rule, y’all.
To more joy and less overwhelm…
P.S. Join the conversation after any episode! Either in the comments of my latest post, whatever it is, @HilaryRushford (I read them all). Or submitting a topic or Q with an email or voice memo I might play on the air at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
How do you stand out, save up, scale and more when it comes to running your own business?
Answering more of your business Q’s in today’s part-2. With BONUS WORKSHEETS to help you brainstorm your first/next business idea at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Whether you’re just starting out or unsure how to expand, see what comes up to get clarity or closure on your ideas!
Come chat at @HilaryRushford. I’m here for you in any way I can help, and proud of you for taking the next step that’s right for you today.
Want to get past fear or have the confidence to pursue a dream? Start a business or a new chapter?
Answering some of your most frequently submitted Q’s today.
For those who want more help brainstorming their business ideas, find BONUS WORKSHEETS for this episode at HilaryRushford.com/podvip. Or send a voice memo with your Q’s for a future episode.
You can also leave comments anytime on Instagram @HilaryRushford where I do more teaching.
We’re lonely and yet want to stay home to binge Netflix? A culture racked with FOMO, yet “liking” memes about not wanting to have to talk to anyone?
Let’s talk introvert, extrovert and everything in between (where most of us live) when it comes to friendship, and why we aren’t happier with our social lives.
And for my fellow entrepreneurs even how you set up your business, as this lack of self-awareness depletes us in every area.
How would you describe yourself? Come chat @HilaryRushford. And submit future episode Q’s and topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
How to save money for and while traveling? What to pack and wear to feel effortlessly chic? How to work (or not) while traveling?
Those were your 3 most common Q’s that are answered in today’s episode! If you missed part 1, you can listen in either order, but don’t miss my 3 travel personalities to avoid disappointment.
A few extra style notes mentioned in the episode:
And here are links to my favorite novels mentioned in the PS of the episode!
What do you want to chat about next? Visit HilaryRushford.com/podvip anytime to submit a topic or Q!
You submitted travel Q’s and there were so many great topics this is my first 2-part episode!
Today we’ll cover where to go and what to do, how to be happy wherever you are (aka not give into FOMO), pros and cons of spontaneity, whether to solo travel, and making intentional choices about social media while traveling.
I also share my philosophy on the 3 ways to travel: Be, Do, Have. More on this topic and Paris from my “Be” perspective on this blog post: A Wanderer’s Guide to Paris.
As this episode is live, I’m currently in France for the month of August. Head over to Instagram @HilaryRushford to follow along! Any more burning travel Qs? Leave me a comment on my most recent post, or head over to HilaryRushford.com/podvip and leave me a voice memo on any future topic for an episode.
And as promised, here is a link to the Monkfruit sweetener I'm loving lately.
If you love your curves but don’t eat well, are you practicing self-love? That’s the gist of today’s listener question.
Which takes us in a much deeper direction about what it means to love. Do you love more if you’re pro-choice or pro-life? (Deep breath, everyone here is kind, let’s talk about hard things with love.)
Want to submit your own listener Q? Would love to hear from you! Visit HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
As promised, “How to organize your closet in under a minute for less than $1” is live on Instagram @HilaryRushford when you tap the IGTV icon in my profile.
It teaches you 3 ways to learn about your style from your closet, to shop smarter and clear clutter. As always, you’re welcome in advance. (wink)
In this special bonus episode, I offer an apology. I trusted too swiftly and blindly someone who I brought into my company, and am just now seeing more of the ways it has affected you, as a listener or reader.
Moreover, I share what I’ve learned about trusting ourselves and others in relationships. The warning signs of emotional unhealth, both ours and those we’re in relationships with. And I offer a path forward with these lessons I’ve learned and am learning:
1: Trusting people means we could get hurt
2: Don’t let that keep you from hoping in people you can trust
3: We have poorer decision making in trust when we feel weak
4: For female creative entrepreneurs, this can be in technology and finance.
5: We feel especially weak when exhausted; an area has been overwhelming us for awhile
6: We can notice warning signs of lack of trust to protect ourselves including:
7: Focus on ways TO build trust
To continue my apology we are offering two things for August:
If you are an entrepreneur, you’ll receive a 4-part series each Monday via email with more BTS stories, lessons and resources that have helped me feel more empowered in Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Leadership.
If you’re not a business owner, you’ll receive my 3 Steps to Simplified Style video series and daily style prompts calendar for September.
Access both at HilaryRushford.com/podvip by electing if you want to hear about Entrepreneurship, Style or Both.
Listening after August 5th? Access the complete entrepreneur series when it’s live at HilaryRushford.com/tech.
Would love to hear your thoughts on today’s special conversation under my most recent post on Instagram @HilaryRushford, whenever you listen, as I read every one.
What goals are you embarrassed to proclaim in case the dream isn’t realized? What if I say this out loud, put myself in that vulnerable place… and don’t get it?
Today we talk New York Times Best Sellers, Broadway shows and more. With two specific thoughts on how to shake off fear, and get back to delighting in our dreams.
As a small step towards that, come tell me what your big wish is over on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Declare it there and keep dreaming big! Have a Q for a future episode? Come visit HilaryRushford.com/podvip!
What if you could feel more confident, less ruffled by circumstances or what others do? I learned some great tools in a special therapy session, that I found myself sharing with girlfriends for months. They all found it so helpful, and I know you will too. The bad news, I’m pretty sure we all have this. The good news, I was taught specific steps to heal it!
A recap of the 6 steps in the episode:
Would love to hear your thoughts on Instagram at @HilaryRushford and future topic suggestions at hilaryrushford.com/podvip!
PS Here’s the link to the foot hammock my fellow shorties + infinity pillow. You’re welcome!
Ever dealt with FOMO? Felt behind?
Having a perfectly fine day when one Instagram post of someone else’s win is a punch in the gut?
Wonder why she gets the successful business AND the pregnancy, when your heart is aching for both?
Friend, we all have. We all do.
Today I’m sharing 6 things you can do to “not today Satan!” it and be the magically evolved human you really want to be when comparison, jealousy and envy strike.
This episode was from a listener Q, and you can submit your own at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and come say hello on Instagram @HilaryRushford!
Ever get the Sunday Sads in anticipation of the Monday hustle? Why not choose something else? Who said Mondays need to be so aggressive? Januarys need to be when you try be your most productive all year? Why not choose to ease into your week, month, year to create more space and joy?
Be more gentle with yourself. You are the CEO of your life. You can choose rest. Where are you going hard and what would it feel like to be more graceful? Or where are you too soft and can get hyper focused to alleviate yourself some of that stress?
Tell me what you are choosing to be gentle with over on Instagram @hilaryrushford.
We want to be invited and do all the things.. aaand sit on the couch to binge Netflix in silence. Sound familiar? Samesies. We want to be able to choose the right things to avoid overfilling our calendars with things that don’t really bring us joy; to avoid FOMO because we’re confident we did indeed make the right choice for us. I’m sharing 4 hacks to make decisions quickly.
Discern what truly brings you joy in that moment - not just what will make your Instagram feed look cooler.
Know that a “hell yes” will haunt you and anything less can be let go.
Buy back your freedom!
Slow down and ask the right questions so you can confidently and peacefully create that space for yourself.
Come leave me a voice memo on hilaryrushford.com/podvip and tell me what you want to talk about next week! And share on Instagram @hilaryrushford which decision this helped you make!
Who were you 5 years ago? 5 years ago, my husband didn’t even live in New York, the church where we met hadn’t even been created, my anxiety was wild, and I was exhausted with my business burning the candle from both ends.
Who will you be 5 years from now? You may know what you want, but have you peeled back the layers to really explore what it would take to get you there? So much can happen in that time and I choose to believe that your life will be so much better than you can imagine.
Choose the people and priorities that will get you to that magical life you dream of, and be okay letting go of the rest. There’s way less that matters than we think. And way better awaiting us in five years than we believe.
If one of your next 5 year goals is to scale your business to the next level, learn more about my brand new Elegant Excellence Mastermind, doors closing soon, at HilaryRushford.com/free.
This episode is for people who have zero desire to be in business, a friend who’s an entrepreneur, or you are/want to be one yourself.
Can I be honest? Entrepreneurship is so hard! Yes, I love it. But I feel the need to share 7 myths about the perfect Girl Boss, or gent boss. Aka the image we see on social media, dream we’re fed and told everyone is or should be chasing.
And if you are called to business, I’m here for you and want to share EVERYTHING I can to help you make it easier, less terrifying, more profitable, faster, than it was for me.
Head to HilaryRushford.com/free and sign up for one of the two free workshops I’m teaching this week:
- Goal Setting + Vision Casting for 2019
And learn more about my brand new Elegant Excellence Mastermind, accepting applications now for a very limited time also at HilaryRushford.com/free.
After thousands of clients and years teaching women how to understand their own style recipe, I’ve discovered there are So. Many. Lies we tell ourselves and how we feel towards that woman in the mirror!
In this episode, learn the truth and how you can rewire them to discover your true heart and self.
You do not need to lose weight, or buy more, to feel more beautiful. Nor is it about fluffy words of positive affirmation. Learn the science and psychology of style, you whip smart woman you.
AND get on the wait list for the next time my FREE STYLE WORKSHOP is offered HilaryRushford.com/free!
More freedom, joy, peace, and beauty is waiting for you, love. xo @HilaryRushford
Elegant Excellence is a lifestyle of being extraordinary, without being exhausted. More joy, less overwhelm. It’s that sweet spot between hustle and procrastination. It’s how I’ve been living my life for around 4ish years now and what has repeatedly made friends say, “You’re so different than you were six months ago…” as I’ve become less anxious, less busy, and more anchored in what matters most (while growing my business to be even more successful at the same time).
In this episode I’m breaking down for the first time this 3 x 3 path to embracing Elegant Excellence in your own life:
Know growth starts in the mind
Choose less
Making the decision to live this way has blessed my life so much, and if you choose to join me, I know it will yours.
PS I also unveiled a brand new offering in this week’s episode -- my first in three years! Want to learn more? Go to HilaryRushford.com/free and join the Wait List for early access.
Are you ready to be the CEO of your life? To accept change with more peace and courage? Many of us resist change because often we feel these choices are not our own. You get laid off work. Your relationship is failing. Your best friend is moving out of state.
It’s powerful to remember that even when you don’t make a choice, or get to fully make it, we have so much control over our head, heart and soul to CHOOSE for it to be a yes, a blessing, a gift.
Which step feels most powerful to you? Come tell me on Instagram @HilaryRushford.
PS Have a topic or Q you’d like covered? Leave it at hilaryrushford.com/podvip.
I‘ve never shared about being single and dating. But now that I’m newly married, I have A LOT to say!
If you’re married, LISTEN to this episode to grow in empathy and be a better friend to your single friends. And if you’re single, m’dear this episode is absolutely for you.
Delivering 6 truths about singleness. Some comical. And some life-changing drop-the-mic you-need-this-today.
Have your own advice on dating? See “Podcast” on my pinned IG Stories @HilaryRushford for a cute quick way to share! (Tag me so I can see!)
What should we talk about next? Leave me a message at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Do you want more or deeper friendships? According to my Instagram posts on this topic, the answer is YES!
Which means, great news, everyone else wants to be your friend too!
When I had this desire in my own life, I decided to stop wishing for friends to “ask me out” and decided to make the first move. Today I’m sharing the specific steps I took.
(Also if you’ve experienced loss of friendships, I shared vulnerably about this in Episode 1.)
A sweet madlibs to shout-out the beautiful folks who ARE in your life, is available under “Podcast” pinned stories @HilaryRushford. While you’re there leave me a comment below my latest post, whatever it is, to share your takeaways from the episode!
What do you want to talk about next? Submit your ideas via HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
Are you too hard on yourself, or not hard enough?
Should you be getting more done in a day… or are you being unrealistic about what you could accomplish?
Welcome to my eternal question to myself!
Today I’m sharing 5 things that help me get more done, while feeling less frustrated or disappointed in myself. And I’ve popped them into a cheat sheet for you for quick reference after the episode, which you can find on @HilaryRushford under my pinned “Podcast” IG Stories. Screenshot it and share! Make it your lock screen to help you take action this week!
Have a Q or topic you’d like me to cover on the podcast? Come leave your ideas at HilaryRushford.com/podvip!
I have - get ready for it - the answers to all your problems. Yes, I’m talking to you, m’dear.
That guy who won’t text you back? Friend who’s making you feel left out? Boss who gives you the worst anxiety? The answer to all their problems too.
I reveal my “3 stages of ish” to get you to clarity, security, and change.
PLUS an incredibly useful one-page worksheet at HilaryRushford.com/podvip. Tuck in your journal or pin to your fridge to track your growth over the months to come, see progress, and celebrate your wins. This step was truly game changing in my own path to more peace and less overwhelm.
What do you think? Does the “3 stages of ish” help? Would LOVE to hear your takeaways @HilaryRushford. Leave me a note below my latest post, whenever you listen, as I read them all.
Let’s talk an-xiety, -xiety, we're talkin' anxiety, when your body does not rock (please hum to the tune of Let’s Get Physical).
Hello, I’m Hilary, I have anxiety. It used to be oh so much worse. It’s now most often way way better. I’m sharing my journey of healing to answer some of your most common Q’s on overcoming anxiety, and facing fear.
Learn what’s helped through some of my most crippling moments, for yourself, a friend, or a loved one. And download an inspiration checklist and record for your own journey at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.
(No really, y’all this journal sheet can be SO helpful if you use it!!! Print it. Take notes. Tell me where you are 6 months from now. You’re doing awesome.)
What are your thoughts? Follow-up Q’s? I’m sure I’ll do a part 2 based on these so come leave a note in the comment of my latest Instagram post, whatever it is, as I read all those comments: @HilaryRushford.
Kicking off the podcast on a light note… I vulnerably share 5 of the darkest moments of my life, in hopes you can relate, and thus feel more welcome here. And being at presently the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been… it’s only authentic to share the true stories that brought me here.
From body image and weight, to money and career, heartbreak and weddings, entrepreneurship and depression, friendships and loss. There’s a purpose in our pain, in our waiting, and in our closed doors. There’s hope, new stories, and you’ve come to the right place for help, m’dear.
More joy, less overwhelm. The end. And also the beginning. Hello, friend, welcome to my very first episode! Here’s what my teammate wrote for me and it’s pretty adorable:
“Meet Hilary, a personal stylist, entrepreneur, and Instagram favorite @HilaryRushford. Most importantly? That next door neighbor whose house you love stopping by for candid conversations on style, business, and life. Pour a cup or glass and come on in her virtual living room. We have so much to talk about!”
I endorse this message! Want to leave me a voice or text message I can play on this show with a Q or topic to discuss? Visit HilaryRushford.com/podcast. And please come say hello instagram.com/hilaryrushford so I don’t feel lonely and like I have no friends on this podcast.
with grace & gumption, Hilary