Living Fearlessly Free with Heather Bunch: Recent Episodes
Heather Bunch
I enjoy being there for others and giving advice I believe is wise and hope-filled. I desire to help more people, so I’ve decided to be intentional in my pursuit of this through this podcast.
In this podcast, my wish is to lead us through a journey to uncover who God has created us to be and do something with that understanding that will make an impact on the lives around us and, not only that, leave a lasting legacy for the next generation.
In this episode, I guide you through actionable steps to achieve your dreams, focusing on the importance of taking courageous actions.
I outline the stages of the hero's journey, emphasizing the need for three types of actions to overcome distractions and achieve your goals.
I encourage you to embrace your purpose and take immediate steps towards your aspirations, while also preparing for challenges ahead.
If you need more help getting unstuck, out of procrastination or overthinking, grab my cheat sheet, “Beat Procrastination: 5 Quick Q’s to Ignite Your Goals NOW!”
https://heatherbunch.com/beatit
In this episode, we're diving into the growth stage of our hero's journey. Today, we'll explore the power of adopting the right mindsets and packing essential life tools for a successful adventure.
Let's discuss critical perspectives like the victor, growth, opportunity, abundance, and adventure mindsets. Discover the importance of recognizing your worth, understanding your identity, and embracing faith in God's love and grace. Find empowerment in Christ and stay connected to the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit.
In this episode, Heather Bunch discusses the Courageous Quest, which is the success path for the hero's journey. In this episode, we break down the first stage - awareness stage: the call to adventure. It’s time to discover or rediscover your dreams, identify barriers and potential blocks, and uncovering hidden treasures––aka your gifts. She provides practical tips and exercises for you to journal and reflect on your dreams, obstacles, and talents.
The conversation is about the courageous quest, a success path for achieving dreams and fulfilling one's purpose. Heather shares her personal journey through different stages of the quest and highlights the importance of each stage. The six stages of the quest are: awareness, growth, action, learning, mastery, and expansion. The host encourages listeners to identify which stage they are currently on and to overcome any obstacles in completing that stage. Heather emphasizes the need for clarity, focus, motivation, and efficient use of resources in pursuing one's dreams.
In this conversation, Heather Bunch discusses the concept of a growth mindset and how it can supercharge both our personal and professional lives. She explains that a growth mindset believes in the ability to grow and improve through effort and learning from others.
On the other hand, a withering mindset believes that one is stuck with their current circumstances and capabilities. Heather shares personal stories and examples to illustrate the difference between the two mindsets.
She also provides two practical ways to develop a growth mindset: learning from wise mentors and trying new things.
Ever felt like you're just a puzzle piece that doesn’t quite fit? Comparing yourself to others and feeling like you’re coming up short? Join us live for a fun and eye-opening session where we’ll help you uncover how utterly unique and awesome you truly are! Learn how to turn your quirks and life stories into your superpowers, kick self-doubt to the curb, and celebrate your one-of-a-kind journey. It's time to embrace your inner superstar and shine. Don’t miss out—your adventure in discovering your uniqueness starts now!
Links:
Six Questions to Discover What Makes Uou Unique: heatherbunch.com/courageouszone
*StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Gallup: https://amzn.to/4cCTmYO
*Indicates an Amazon affiliate link. If you purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission.
Are you midway through the year and feel like you've lost sight of your goals? Don't despair. In this replay episode, Heather discusses how to review, reassess and recommit to your objectives, offering powerful insights into overcoming common obstacles that stand in the way of achievement. Prepare to refocus your energy and start making tangible progress towards your dreams.
In this replay episode, Heather Bunch discusses the importance of setting goals and turning dreams into actionable plans. She introduces the concept of SMARTER goals, which are specific, measurable, actionable, reasonable, time-bound, exciting, and relevant. Bunch emphasizes the need to start small and break down goals into micro goals to make them more achievable. She also recommends books by Michael Hyatt and John Acuff for further guidance on goal setting and finishing goals. So, if you’re half way thorugh the year and aren’t on track to hit your goals, take a moment and run your goals thorugh the smarter framework so you can get back on track and finish out the year strong.
In this replay episode, Heather Bunch discusses the importance of dreaming for the upcoming year. But we’re half way thgrough the year. So think about this throught the lens of what you want for the remainder of this year!
She provides a series of questions to help listeners think about their biggest wishes, who they need to become to achieve those wishes, and what risks they can take in the face of fear. Heather emphasizes the importance of adding more of one's true self into life and business and seeking advice from one's future self. She encourages listeners to trust in God's plan and purpose for their lives.
Episode Revisit: Uncover Your Path to Year-End Success with Heather Bunch!
Dive into this special replay episode with Heather Bunch as she guides you through the transformative power of reflection. Discover how revisiting the first half of your year can pave the way for a triumphant year-end finish.💡 Gain Insight: Heather shares seven thought-provoking reflection questions designed to supercharge your goal-setting process and unlock hidden potential within you.
Ignite Your Progress: Learn how to identify areas of settling and fear, unleash your dormant skills and talents, and embrace forgiveness to break free from past limitations.
Celebrate Your Wins: Join Heather in acknowledging your accomplishments and victories, no matter how big or small, as you embark on a journey towards your best year ever.
Embrace the journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment as Heather encourages you to approach reflection with compassion and grace. Gear up to finish the year with unwavering determination and a renewed sense of purpose!
In this conversation, Heather Bunch discusses the importance of adopting an abundance mindset and how it can help aspiring entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs overcome the belief that there is not enough success to go around. She shares her personal experience of growing up with a scarcity mindset and how it affected her mindset as an adult. Heather provides practical strategies for shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, including exchanging negative thoughts for positive thoughts, keeping a gratitude journal, celebrating others' success, and collaborating with others. She encourages listeners to identify an area where they need to shift from scarcity to abundance and take small actions to embody abundance.
I've got a great opportunity for those of you with a story to tell. I'm offering book coaching, where I'll teach you how to translate your story into a transformative, non-fiction book. And if you sign up by July 9th, I have a special bonus in store for you! Remember to shoot me an email at hello@heatherbunch.com for more information. Exciting times lie ahead!
Heather Bunch – The Courageous Coach
Heather is a certified life and Enneagram coach, speaker and author who helps women of faith close the gap between their dreams and reality by Live Fearlessly Free. Now they can stop hiding, show up fully themselves and fulfill their God-given purpose–courageously.
Heather also uses her ninja writing skills to help other coaches, speakers, and authors get their ideas out of their heads into their signature system so they can create the income and income they dream about.
Heather’s book is available on Amazon––Hello, Courageous! The Gal’s Guide to Delight, Discover, and Direct Your Divine Life by Heather Bunch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP3BZ7ZP
You can find Heather at https://www.heatherbunch.com.
Or email her at hello@heatherbunch.com.
In this conversation, Heather Bunch encourages listeners to ditch the guru myth and embrace the role of a guide. She shares her own experience of starting as a life coach without being an expert and how she was able to make a difference in her clients' lives. Heather emphasizes the importance of being relatable and approachable, sharing personal experiences, and focusing on continuous improvement. She encourages listeners to redefine their role, prioritize relatability over perfection, and embrace the journey of learning and growth. Heather also introduces a program for aspiring authors to write transformational nonfiction books.
Have you spent too long dreaming of writing a book, only to be held back by doubt or lack of direction? If you’re a Christian woman with a story bubbling inside, don’t wait any longer! Now, with our program, you can not only write a book but also develop a Signature System that amplifies your message across multiple platforms.
Transformational Writers Collective
Group Sessions with peers who get you
Peer Feedback to polish your work
Writing Power Hours for focused productivity
Signature System Creation to use your content for workshops, keynotes, and more
OR
Transformational Writers Elite
All of the above PLUS:
Personalized Coaching just for you
Manuscript Reviews to hone your book
Continuous Support to keep you on track
Whether you need the camaraderie of a group or the deep-dive guidance one-on-one, this is your chance to become a published author and create lasting change.
If you're interested, email me at hello@heatherbunch.com for more info.
In this conversation, Heather Bunch discusses the importance of believing in oneself and tapping into the power of Christ to overcome doubt and fulfill one's dreams. She focuses on the scripture Philippians 4:13, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,' and breaks down its keywords and lessons. Heather emphasizes the need to engage with resistance, recognize the significance of each step in the journey, shift your state to support your calling, and remember that it’s Christ who empowers and strengthens you…not you.
Unlock Your Power: A Journey Towards Accountability - Listen as Heather Bunch, a courageous coach, opens up about overcoming fear and her journey towards accountability. If you've ever felt stuck or paralyzed in your life or career, you won't want to miss this episode. With Heather’s practical guidance, discover how momentum can be built through accountability and how this mechanism can help you fulfill your dreams.
More about your host:
Heather Bunch – The Courageous Coach
Heather is a certified life and Enneagram coach, speaker and author who helps women of faith close the gap between their dreams and reality by Live Fearlessly Free. Now they can stop hiding, show up fully themselves and fulfill their God-given purpose–courageously.
Heather also uses her ninja writing skills to help other coaches, speakers, and authors get their ideas out of their heads into their signature system so they can create the income and income they dream about.
Heather’s book is available on Amazon––Hello, Courageous! The Gal’s Guide to Delight, Discover, and Direct Your Divine Life by Heather Bunch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP3BZ7ZP
You can find Heather at https://www.heatherbunch.com.
Or email her at hello@heatherbunch.com.
Do You Feel Like a Fraud? Here's How to Overcome It - Join Heather Bunch as she continues her series on imposter syndrome. Today, she closes the series with a bang: exploring whether imposter syndrome will ever fade. Tune in to discover practical tools and wisdom to shrug off imposter syndrome like an old coat and step into a life of true freedom.
Facing Imposter Syndrome head-on is your key to freedom.
In this podcast episode of Live Fearlessly Free #307, we answer the question, “Does imposter syndrome sneak up randomly or can we predict when this thief will show up?”
But this episode is not just about recognizing imposter syndrome; it's about beating it at its own game.
Tune in to find out how to identify the roots of your own imposter syndrome and the crucial steps to overcome it, leaving you ready to dive in toward your dreams.
Have you ever found yourself trapped in self-doubt, fear of failure, or feelings of being an imposter? Heather shares personal experiences and knowledge to help uncover the root cause of imposter syndrome and discusses how embracing your true identity can combat these feelings. Dive in as she dissects the link between identity and imposter syndrome and how to rewrite your own narrative.
On this anticipated episode of Live Fearlessly Free, your host Heather Bunch invites you on an impactful journey of self-realization and transformation. Learn how to pinpoint and tackle the impostor syndrome that's been inhibiting you from your fullest potential. Heather shares her fascinating insights and personal stories that will inspire you to break free from the cycle of self-doubt, comparison, and unrealistic standards. This episode will empower you to embrace success, accept praise, celebrate achievements, and most importantly, live fearlessly free.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Live Fearlessly Free, Heather discusses the struggle of feeling inadequate, specifically how the statement "only certain people can be high-achieving leaders" affected her. She shares her journey through resolving this belief and highlights the importance of focusing on becoming, not just achieving. Heather also provides a spiritual exercise based on the biblical scripture Psalms 46:10 and extends an exclusive founding membership offer for The Courageous Club.
Key Points:
Heather challenges a common belief about leadership and discusses her journey through resolving her own feelings of inadequacy in leadership roles.
Heather believes that anyone can be a leader, their leadership might just look different.
It's essential to focus on becoming the person who can fulfill what you're called to do rather than solely focusing on achieving.
Heather walks you through a meditation based on Psalms 46:10 can lead to inner peace and clarity.
Don’t forget today’s (May 7th) is your last chance to take advantage an exclusive founding membership for The Courageous Club, a community for Christian women entrepreneurs, at $47 a month.
Links mentioned in this episode:
To avail the founding member offer for The Courageous Club, email: hello@heatherbunch.com by Tuesday, May 7th.
What does it take to fulfill your dreams? How do you gain momentum and keep it? These questions and more will be answered in this episode with Heather Bunch. She shares her compelling insights on four key elements that contribute to sustained growth and success - friendship, accountability, mentorship, and community. Tune in and discover how these elements played critical roles in Heather’s journey, and how they can shape yours too. Get ready to ignite your potential and catapult onto your path to success.
Dirty Lenses: A Practical Guide to Change Your Vision by Amy Nunn*: https://amzn.to/3Ui1nvb
*Book link is an Amazon Affiliate link. I will receive a small commission if you purchase through this link.
Jackie Trottman Meditation Expert and Spiritual Director: https://joyandflow.com/
Courageous Club Founding Member open from May 1 - 7, 2024:
If you’re interested in joining the Courageous Club as a Founding Member email me at hello@heatherbunch.com (don’t forget the deadline is Tuesday, May 7, 2024)
Unleashing Your Dreams into Reality: Steps to Bridging the Gap - Are you stuck in the valley between your dreams and your reality? In this insightful episode, our courageous coach, Heather Bunch, reveals how to make the leap. Discover the key role of discipline in unfolding a fearless life, and learn how to discipline your thoughts, feelings, actions, in your pursuit of fearless living.
Have you ever had your emotions run away with you? Do you ever wake up anxious and don't know why? Do you find yourself stressed, worried or depressed? Want to do something about that? I've got your ticket to jump off this crazy cycle, and it's one word...discipline. We've got to learn how to discipline our emotions. And I'll show you how in this episode. So, if you're ready to crack the code to a better life and break through limits, I'll meet you inside.
In this 300th-episode celebration, host Heather Bunch discusses the theme of discovering your courageous calling and coaching people to action to start living fearlessly and authentically.
Feeling stuck in a life of mediocrity? Need a little kick in the booty to break away from a life of settling? Ready to live life the way it was meant to be experienced?
This episode delves into your courageous calling and how it gives you that kick to step out of your comfort zone. With compelling challenges to confront your fears and maximize your potential bravely, this episode might just be the catalyst you need to live your purpose fearlessly.
Ever felt as if you're good at something you don't really enjoy doing? In this episode, Heather Bunch – the Courageous Coach – unpacks how people can get trapped in pursuits they excel at but find unfulfilling. Discover the difference between a zone of celebration and a courageous zone. Dive into an exercise of self-discovery, as Heather guides you through a set of reflective questions to help you find what truly satisfies and brings out the best in you – your courageous zone.
On this episode of Live Fearlessly Free, your courageous coach Heather Bunch is on a mission to help you identify your gifts and leverage them to fulfil your life's purpose. This episode embarks on a new series centred on unveiling your hidden superpowers. Heather gives helpful guidelines on how to ignite your potential, understand your strengths, and flourish in your unique journey. Join us as we explore a path that transforms uncertainty into confident self-empowerment.
In part four of the series, "From Living in Fear to Fearlessly Free," Heather Bunch masterfully uncovers the insidious "upper limiting beliefs" that can cap our potential. With wisdom pulled from her own book, "Hello Courageous," Heather guides listeners through the process of recognizing and overcoming these self-imposed ceilings in pursuit of their divine life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck and seeking to transform their dreams from mere imaginings to tangible realities.
In this exploration of closing the gap between your dreams and reality on Live Fearlessly Free, Heather Bunch provides a transformative path towards unconditional self-love as one of the ways to live your dreams. Heather draws deep comparisons between loving one's neighbor and caring for oneself, while dispelling the myth that self-love is a form of arrogance. This is your personalized guide to manifesting your dream life by learning to fully embrace and love your true self. Give it a listen — it's a journey towards embracing the masterpiece that is you.
In this energizing episode of Live Fearlessly Free, I unveil how to shed the negative mindset and keep fulfilling your dreams. I uncover a simple yet powerful tactic to transform your mood and self-identity, encouraging you to embrace your true potential. Get insight into how this one quick trick can help you shift how you see yourself and achieve your dreams.
Dive into this inspirational podcast episode of "Live Fearlessly Free" as your courageous coach Heather Bunch walks you through her own journey of becoming a beacon of bravery and conviction. Discover how her dream of living a life of purpose started melting away into resignation, reducing her ambitions to the bare necessities. But resilience got the best of her. Experience how she decoded the language of her mind and tackled the fears, repurposing her life in sync with her long-lost dreams. Is your dream still lingering somewhere in the back of your mind? Tune in and find your path to dust off those dreams and turn them into reality.
In this episode, Heather Bunch, your Courageous Coach, guides us through the path of self-exploration to unlock our full potential. Dig deep into your identity and rewrite your life story as Heather weaves elements of faith, self-compassion, and forgiveness into powerful lessons. Get ready to shed your old narrative and step into a divinely guided life in this transformative journey.
Ditch the labels and embrace your worth. In this thoughtful and transformational episode, host Heather Bunch implores listeners to challenge the negative story they tell about themselves. Reflecting on her own past experiences and drawing on excerpts from her new book, Heather leads the way toward a profound rediscovery of self and encourages listeners to shatter the constructed narratives that hold them back from their true potential. Listen in, and prepare to rewrite your own story.
Let’s talk about how our old stories shape us and how we can reshape them. In this 290th episode of Live Fearlessly Free with Heather Bunch, we set out to explore the old stories we tell ourselves and how they prevent us from living our divine lives. I’ll delve into my own old story and demonstrate how I transformed my painful narratives into profound life lessons and how you can do the same. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention, so remove the lids holding you back and be all God’s called you to be.
Strip Away Misunderstandings: Discovering Your God-Given Identity: Host Heather Bunch guides us through an exploration of one of the most essential yet often misunderstood topics: identity. Heather takes listeners through her personal struggles with identity, intertwining her narratives with biblical teachings on the subject. Grab a notepad, cozy up, and prepare for a transformative journey towards discovering your own divine life in this hard-hitting episode."
How do you navigate through fear and toward freedom? In this empowering episode, I share my secret weapon to overcoming fear - the Courageous Cycle. I illustrate the power of fear, how it manifests, and, most importantly, how to confront it to live fearlessly. I'll walk you through the four steps of the Courageous Cycle, helping you harness your fear and turn it into fuel for your divine life.
In this episode of Live Fearlessly Free, HeatherBunch, your Courageous Coach, talks about how you can achieve your goals evenwhen things don't go as planned. She shares a personal mistake that delayed herbook launch and how this experience relates to the concept of the third secretfor living a courageous life – directing your imagination. Heather offerspractical ways to combat fear and resistance by taking control of your mind andperception.
In this episode, we talk about how to approach a new year. I address the pressure we feel to achieve things and do more. But we need to reevaluate the tasks on our plates to make room for growth and self-fulfillment. The aim is to live free and stop hiding so that you can fulfill your God-given purpose, but you can't do that if you can't focus on what matters.
Don't forget, my upcoming book 'Hello, Courageous,' which contains secrets on how to live a divine life courageously, comes out Tuesday, January 9th on Amazon.
Closing the Year, Opening the Future: Join me as we bravely gaze back at 2023 and ahead to the untapped potentials of 2024 on the Live Fearlessly Free podcast. Dare to ask yourself the hard questions brought up during this risky reflection and set yourself on a path to purpose and abundance. Warning: You may end up committed to changing your life!
Here's a list of thought-provoking questions to facilitate reflecting on the past year and planning for the next:
-
What message does father have for you in 2024?
-
Where are you settling in life?
-
How can you add more of your true self into your life and your business?
-
What skills or talents are you not using?
-
Who can you forgive?
-
What opportunities can you let go of?
-
What have you been avoiding out of fear?
-
What risks can you take even in the face of fear?
-
What does your business or life want that you are not currently giving it?
-
What are you committing to change?
-
What went right in 2023?
-
Picture 2024; what does it look like to you?
In this festive episode of "Live Fearlessly Free," host Heather Bunch discusses how to elevate your holiday experience and make it more meaningful, present, and less stressful. Heather offers strategies to fully embrace the spirit of Christmas and to ensure it is a joyful time rather than a period of tension or disappointment. She also shares insight on her upcoming book release.
Join Heather Bunch, your courageous coach, in this riveting episode of Live Fearlessly Free as she divulges the secrets to closing the gap between dreams and reality. Heather discusses the power of fear, how it can disrupt your progression, and the tools needed to conquer it. Find out how resting in divine presence can help unshackle your potential and enable you to embark on a courageous journey to your God-given purpose.
In this episode of "Live Fearlessly Free" with Heather Bunch, Heather delves into discussing the concepts mentioned in her upcoming book, "Hello Courageous, The Gal's Guide to Delight, Discover, and Direct Your Divine Life" set to release on January 9th, 2024. Heather focuses on two main areas: the gift of grace and the gift of the Father's presence. She reads excerpts from her book to shed light on these topics in a bid to help listeners understand God's grace and love towards them. She also explores how to use that understanding to live a fulfilling life true to their purpose.
As we navigate through this beautiful Christmas season—a season born out of God's immense love for us—join me as I unwrap the depth of God's love for you and explore practical steps toward breaking the barriers that might be stopping you from fully embracing this love and your God-given purpose.
Missing the true spirit of Christmas amidst the hustle and bustle? Unravel the anxiety that Christmas can bring, as I invite you to recenter your focus on its true essence in this transformative episode of 'Live Fearlessly Free'. I extend God’s wisdom to those feeling overworked and anxious, helping you explore the profound subtleties of Christmas beyond the presents and food. Tune in to discover the gift of Christmas.
In this holiday-themed episode of "Live Fearlessly Free," I talk about managing the stress and busyness of the Christmas season. I share my thoughts and strategies on how to prioritize events, manage the temptation to overcommit, and cultivate contentment with what is "good enough." I highlight the importance of white space in our lives, just as it is in design, to avoid feelings of overwhelm. Toward the end of the episode, I promote my latest book, "Hello Courageous," available for pre-sale at Amazon.
Today I wanna talk to you about not giving up on that dream that’s in your heart. I finally am reaching a dream that’s been in the works for years but that I’ve actively been working on for over a year. I wanna share with you three principles that is going to help you fulfill your goals and dreams.
Do you struggle to enjoy the holidays? Are you looking for the key to unlocking a happier holiday season? Find it in this podcast episode of Live Fearlessly Free, #278 –– Rewriting Thanksgiving Day Scripts: How to Have a Better Holiday. We cast aside traditional "what are you thankful for" Thanksgiving talk to discuss seriously actionable ways to savor fully what the season offers––no matter where you're celebrating. We'll explore how adjusting expectations, discovering joy in small moments, and practicing mindfulness can brighten your holidays.
Get ready for another episode of Live Fearlessly Free as I flip the script on how we view our weaknesses. I’ll share my struggles with multitasking or 'juggling,' and let’s build a roadmap that we can all follow. As we negotiate through the busy routines of life, we convert our weaknesses to help us stride toward a stronger tomorrow?🚶♀️Dive into this episode to uncover the treasures buried in our so-called weaknesses.
Unmask the saboteur within! This episode of Live Fearlessly Free unravels the inner critic we all harbor. Your personal cheerleader, Heather Bunch, guides you on a revealing journey on how this critic is sabotaging your dreams, how they are born out of our protective instinct but, unfortunately, often stifle our growth. Tune in and discover the secret weapon for silencing this critic and living your God-given purpose courageously.
Learn how to turn down the fear and uplevel your courage with the Courageous Cycle. I'm sharing a real-time story where the heat turned up, and I had to hop on the Courageous Cycle so my fear didn't take me for a spin on the fainting cycle. I'll walk you through how you can release the fear and generate courage in a hurry.
We’ve all experienced catastrophes it. It’s a sudden turn that takes us down a path. We never wished would happen. They’re challenges and issues that seem to take over our life but I’ve got good news. God works in Eucatastrophes. A massive turn in events for Good coming out of seemingly unconcoquerable obstacles to an unforeseen victory. Discover today how you can experience this beautiful grace for yourself.
Unearth the secret formula to live the life you were meant to live. Join Heather Bunch as she explains the fundamental connections between our thoughts, feelings and actions through the lenses of discipline. Instead of viewing discipline as a punishment, envision it as the greatest form of self-care, the key to fulfilling your potential. Gain insight into concrete methods to fine-tune your thought process and its influence on your feelings and actions. This episode promises a compelling blend of personal reflection, actionable advice, and life-changing revelations.
Summary of the Episode
In this episode of "Courageous Coach", Heather Bunch begins a new series discussing the key to experiencing the life one desires. She reveals that the secret component for growth in life is discipline - training oneself in various areas of life. Heather breaks down her approach to self-discipline analyzing three areas: thoughts, feelings, and actions. For this episode, the focus is primarily on disciplining our thoughts.
Key Points Discussed
- The concept of disciplining thoughts, feelings, and actions as a path to improve life.
- The importance of changing negative thoughts into positive ones to overcome challenges and obstacles.
- The discipline of our thought life is based on the principle that our entire life is influenced by the process of thinking, feeling, and acting.
- The use of the law of exchange to switch negative thoughts with premeditated positive life-giving thoughts.
In today’s episode, I want to talk to you about your secret weapon to open doors of opportunity. The secret weapon that will help you to live out your dreams. The secret weapon is a power that God gave you and too many of us are using it against ourselves instead of using it to open those doors of opportunity. Join me as I talk about your RAS – your reticular activating system. Join me as I show you how to put it to work for you.
Today I want to share my story with you of going from hopeless to hopeful. I’m gonna give you the two keys that will allow you to do the same.You’ve got this, my friend and Father’s got you!Thank you a bunch for listening!Until next time, live fearlessly free!
Have you ever had something happen and you reacted in a way that was over the top from what the situation called for?
Or, you’re not even sure why you reacted a certain way to a situation?
Have you ever had someone close get annoyed with you like you broke a rule but you had no idea what you did wrong?
As a child you probably had some rules you followed such as rules about curfew, chores or homework. There are also rules of engagement, like how you speak to others, how you handle emotions or which parent is responsible for dishing out the consequences.
But there are rules that you unknowingly broke and then were surprised by the extreme reaction. That’s what we’re going to be talking about today.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of the rules of engagement being a moving target.
If you desire healthy, happier relationships with your loved ones.
If you’re ready to open the lines of communication so you get the elephants out of the room for good.
There is a thing called Unspoken Rules. These are rules that no one actually talks about but if someone breaks one, watch out.
Children are great observers but horrible interpreters.
They learn these rules by watching parents emotions, words and actions.
Common Unspoken Family Rules:
DON’T TALK
This family rule means don’t have conversations about uncomfortable topics.
Certain areas of discussion are off-limits.
This breeds secrecy and hiding, both inside the family and outside as well.
DON’T FEEL
Another way a child can absorb this unspoken rule is by observing parents’ strong reactions to negative emotions. Then you think it’s not ok to have these emotions.
If your parent becomes abusive while angry, you might avoid ever getting angry.
If you had a parent who was consumed by sadness or depression, you may have learned to be the positive one who brought up the mood, and sadness feels foreign to you or like it’s not ok to feel.
BLAME-SHIFTING
Become the scapegoat, taking on the blame for other people’s issues.
If you speak up as a child against these family rules, you get targeted. Whistle-blower.
If you talk about your parent’s problem to a teacher, for example, your parents may punish you severely and blame you for the problems the parent is now facing.
You’re told consequences are your fault for speaking up.
Know that is the parent's fault not yours. You were right to speak up.
DENY ANY PROBLEMS
Shove problems under the rug and pretend they aren’t affecting you.
Phrases like “stop making such a big deal out of it.”
BOYS SHOULD BE… GIRLS SHOULD BE…
Have you hear phrases like “boys will be boys” or “girls should be prim and proper”?
How did your parents handle gender roles? We learn by observing.
APPEARANCES ARE EVERYTHING
Family focused more on the external than the internal.
You had to put on a good face even when there are problems at home, addiction, or arguing.
YOUR VALUE COMES FROM WHAT YOU DO
You learn that academic achievement, financial success, Christian service, or some other measure of external success is what makes you worthy or valuable.
So what are the unspoken family rules you experienced growing up?
Name these rules so that you can break the patterns and create clear communication.
Questions to ask yourself:
•What were topics that were off-limits for discussion in your family?
•What emotions were unacceptable in your family?
•Did you learn to shut off any negative emotions? Which ones? Why?
•Where do you tend to place blame when something goes wrong? Yourself? Others?
•What gender roles did you learn from your family?
•When do you find yourself putting on a mask to pretend everything is okay on the outside?
•Is it okay for you to make mistakes? Where does your value come from?
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review or share it with a friend.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
Today is a fireside chat about what to do when your plan goes wrong. Join me as you learn how to be a firefighter or an arsonist when the challenges comes.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, I share a story that took place on October 3rd involving a disrupted video shoot when I should have gotten a podcast episode out to you.
The equipment failed, the process was delayed, and not as many videos were produced as planned.
However, instead of letting this situation turn into a disaster, my husband and I utilized it as an opportunity to work together, get creative and enjoy each other's company.
I underline the importance of a calm mindset during distressing situations, reminding us to be "firefighters" who solve problems rather than "arsonists" who create more.
Key Takeaways:
- When met with obstacles, ask, "What does this obstacle make possible?"
- Panic does not lead to problem-solving.
- A positive mindset can turn non-ideal situations into opportunities.
- Instead of worrying about what is outside of your control, allow yourself to focus on the current situation and get curious.
- Treasure the moments and the unexpected opportunities that a detour in life can present.
- Technology can fail, but it should never stop you from enjoying your life and learning from each challenging situation.
Do you meet everyone else’s needs and skip your own?
Do you feel most alive when you’re helping others?
Do you desire to live a life of real significance beyond yourself?
It’s the final episode of our series, decoding the puzzle of human motivation. We’re tackling the last of six human motivations or needs.
So today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of feeling like everything you do isn’t making a difference.
- If you desire a life that is greater than yourself.
- If you’re ready to learn the ultimate secret of a life of joy and satisfaction.
It’s time for our last need…#6 Contribution
Contribution believes:
- Life is incomplete without the sense that you’re contributing to others or a cause.
- You have to go beyond your own needs and give to others.
- You desire to give back and to leave a mark on the world.
If this is you…contribution might be a top need.
What the Need for Contribution Looks Like:
- Your focus is on the world, a cause, how to help others, and how to contribute.
- You’re energetic and focused outwardly to the point that you can exhaust yourself.
- You would like to stay healthy, but your need to contribute may drive you to neglect yourself and your health.
- You avoid being weak, dependent and powerless.
- You don’t want to lose the respect of those you care about.
Strengths
- Brave
- Persistent
- Generous
- Assertive
Growth Tactics If You Need for Contribution is Holding You Back:
The Goal for Growth:
Find a balance between caring for yourself and loved ones and your need to contribute to the larger good.
What Can You Do to Achieve Your Goal?
Notice that you can come across as too intense.
Acknowledge your need to take care of yourself.
Take care of relationships that matter to you before contributing to another cause.
What Interferes With Your Goal?
- Contribution satisfies all your needs so much that you often ignore your own needs and neglect yourself and others.
- Your lifestyle can lead to exhaustion.
- Your need to always be strong and deny my vulnerability interferes with your goal for balance.
How Others Can Support You in Your Goal?
- Others can encourage you to care for yourself and express your vulnerabilities.
- They can stand their ground in expressing what they need from you regarding attention and energy.
Homework:
- Pick a goal to focus on: balance caring for yourself or others.
- Enlist others to support and encourage you in this goal.
- Get comfortable asking for what you want by starting small and working up to more significant asks.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this series on the six human motivations. When you learn how to balance each one and meet your needs in healthy ways, you’ll enjoy more of your life on the way to where you’re going.
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review or share it with a friend.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
Do you love learning and growing?
Does it stress you out to be dependent on others?
Have you ever been so caught up in researching or studying that others felt you were ignoring or abandoning them?
Thanks for joining me for part 6 of decoding the puzzle of human emotions. We’re unpacking what makes us tick. What motivates us? We’ve broken down 4 out of the six human motivations or needs so far, and now it’s time for the motivation that can sculpt us into our best selves and propel us into our dreams.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of always saying someday, but someday never comes.
- If you desire to continue your learning journey to uncover your best self.
- If you’re ready to learn and use that learning to grow deeper connections with others.
Need #5…Growth
We’re either growing or dying.
It doesn’t matter how much money you have, accolades you receive or accomplishments you can check off your list.
You won’t be fulfilled and happy unless you feel you’re growing.
Growth could be your top need if these beliefs hit home:
- I need to develop new skills constantly.
- I need to learn new things and improve what I already know.
- I must develop myself physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.
- I need to be constantly growing.
What the Need for Growth Looks Like:
- You focus on learning, studying, developing your skills and being the best you can be.
- You conserve my energy and focus away from feelings to learn everything there is to be learned.
- You are self-contained and set careful limits to protect my time and privacy.
- If your need to grow is tied to developing physically, I will do whatever is necessary to stay healthy and fit.
- You’ll do anything to avoid feeling inadequate or drained.
- You avoid demands and intrusions on privacy, allowing me to focus on your personal growth.
Strengths
- You’re respectful of others.
- You’re thoughtful, calm and dependable.
- You like to think that you’re a model of self-improvement for others.
Growth Tactics If You Need for Growth Is Holding You Back:
Goals for Growth:
- Pursue growth while enjoying relationships and connection with people.
- Experience joy and pleasure in many ways, not just by learning.
What Can You Do to Achieve Your Goal?
- Find balance by focusing more on others than your growth and development.
- Experience pleasure in giving.
- Be less reserved.
- Give priority to love and relationships.
- Take better care of those I love.
What Interferes With Your Goal?
- The belief that you’re not worthy if you don’t constantly improve yourself.
- The importance that you give to privacy interferes with your goal.
- Recognize that you can appear self-centered.
How Others Can Support You In Your Goal?
- Appreciate your ability to be self-sufficient and independent.
- Appreciate your willingness to live and let live.
- But also encourage you to be more social and loving.
Homework:
- Pick a goal to focus on expressing joy in other life experiences besides learning or pursuing deeper connections with people.
- Enlist others to support and encourage you in this goal that are safe people.
- Remember you’re loved whether you grow or not.
In the next episode, we’re tackling our final human need––Contribution and not just talking about giving to charity.
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review or share it with a friend.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
Do you feel most worthy when you’re loved and can love others?
Have you ever struggled to receive a gift but are continually giving gifts?
Do you need meaningful connections with others regularly, or are you unsatisfied?
It’s part 5 of decoding the puzzle of human emotions. We’ve unpacked three out of the six human needs so far. It’s time for the need that can make or break you.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of being disappointed when others don’t return love to the level you do.
If you desire to finally share your needs instead of only fulfilling everyone else’s.
If you’re ready to shed the guilt that keeps you giving, giving and never resting and receiving.
In this series, we’re talking about our top needs as humans. We all have these six needs, but each person’s top needs are different. We also can get our needs met in healthy and unhealthy ways.
The goal is to grow ourselves so we can get our needs met in healthy ways that help instead of hurt us and others.
Let’s talk about Need #4…
Do you Believe any of these statements?
- To feel worthy, you need to love and be loved.
- You need to have meaningful connections with people.
- If you’re not loved, and you can’t give love, you’re worthless.
You might have love and connection as a top need.
What the Need for Love and Connection Looks Like:
- Focus is on the relationships with those you love and how to satisfy their needs.
- Great empathy for the feelings and emotions of others.
- Expect to be loved in return.
- Focus is on understanding others and meeting their needs.
- You think you can help and are proud of being able to do so.
- Need people’s approval and acceptance.
- High energy when it comes to giving.
- Crave romantic love.
- You may be so focused on caring for others that you neglect your health.
- Will do almost anything to avoid feeling dispensable.
- Avoid disappointing others and feeling unappreciated. It’s hard for you to tolerate rejection.
Strengths
- Generous, sensitive, supportive and helpful.
- Relate well to people of all ages and all walks of life.
- You’re a good companion and listener.
- Give good advice.
- Freely give your time, energy and material possessions.
- Empathize with suffering.
- Have emotional depth.
Check out heatherbunch.com/blog/264 for more detailed show notes.
Homework:
- Pick a goal to focus on: taking care of yourself, buying something for yourself or asking someone for something you want or need–start small if you need to.
- Enlist others to support and encourage you in this goal that are safe people.
- Get comfortable asking for what you want by starting small and working up to more significant asks.
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review or share it with a friend.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
Do you struggle with shiny object syndrome or FOMO?
Have you ever started a routine or habit and quickly shifted to a new one before establishing the old one?
Are you always up for an adventure but feel like those around you are poo-pooing your adventurous spirit?
It’s part three of decoding the puzzle of human motivation. It’s time to tackle the need that can lead you to a life of fun but miss out on what matters most.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of people thinking you’re flighty.
If you desire to learn how to focus on what matters.
If you’re ready to apply your exuberant energy to reach new heights.
There are six human needs. We need them all, but a couple of them drive us and shape the quality of our lives. This can be positive or negative depending on how we’re trying to meet our needs.
What the Need for Uncertainty/Variety Looks Like:
- Seeks excitement and change.
- Focused on what’s new and exciting or challenging.
- While involved in an adventure, planning the next one.
- Needs to focus energy on several projects.
- Constantly seek stimulation and entertainment.
- Avoid a life of habits and routines.
- Relationships that restrict me from new challenges and new experiences are hard on you.
- Avoid boredom.
Strengths
- Enthusiastic, independent and fun to be with.
- Never a dull moment.
- See the glass half full.
- Leader.
- Life of the party.
- Not afraid of taking risks.
- Playful and optimistic.
Believe that happiness comes from having many different experiences and challenges that exercise my emotional, intellectual or physical range.
To have balance in life, there are times when you have to prioritize stability and responsibility in relationships. Sometimes, it’s necessary to focus on subjects and tasks that are not interesting so you can obtain rewards later on.
The Consequences:
- People sometimes feel they can’t count on me or feel you’re uncommitted, unreliable or don’t take care of your loved ones.
- You can be involved in too many things and neglect what you must do to ensure what matters most.
Goals for Growth:
- Have roots, stability and permanent relationships while enjoying excitement and adventure.
- Make taking good care of yourself and others a priority.
- Become a better judge of character.
- Live in the present more than in the future.
What Can You Do to Achieve Your Goal?
- Focus more on the present and less on the next adventure in the future.
- Create a stable, harmonious environment for yourself.
- Develop long-lasting relationships.
- Focus on activities that are not particularly exciting but lead to important accomplishments in the future.
What Could Interfere with Your Goal?
- An infinite number of new, exciting experiences are open to me. Difficult to choose which to focus on.
- It’s challenging to stay focused on what’s essential in the present.
- Sometimes, focus too much on yourself and what you want.
- Easily distracted and diverted.
How Others Can Support You in Your Goal.
Others can support you by encouraging and praising you when you stick to a task that isn’t particularly exciting.
Homework:
- Pick a goal to focus on in the present that may not be exciting now but will reap great rewards in the future.
- Enlist others to support and encourage you in this goal.
- Find ways to make the goal fun so you can keep going.
- When you get bored with your goal or see a better one, remind yourself of the reward you’ll reap in the future if you stick with it.
If you need more help overcoming an excessive need for uncertainty or variety, check out the Joy-Filled Life online course. One of the benefits is you’ll learn how to focus your thoughts better. It’s on special for only $7 until 9/15/23.
I also have the Mirror Moments devotional on sale for $5 plus shipping. So, if you need help shifting your focus from negative to seeing yourself in Christ, check it out. Heatherbunch.com/store
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
Do you or others struggle to live up to your standards?
Do you feel happy when you’re respected, seen or heard and unworthy and unloved if you’re not?
Has anyone ever thought you’re arrogant or full of yourself?
We’re continuing our series on decoding the puzzle of Human motivation. Every human on this planet has six basic needs. I’m not talking about food, shelter and water. I’m talking about the needs that motivate what we do.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of feeling looked over and left out.
- If you desire to be respected but whether you are or not, you know you’re worthy.
- If you’re ready to feel unique and special regardless of what other people think.
So far, we’ve learned about the need for certainty; we all need a level of knowing what’s coming or stability, but we also need some uncertainty or variety, or things will get too stale.
The problem with our needs is if we try to meet them in unhealthy ways.
Let’s talk about human need #3 - The Need for Significance.
Listen, we all need a level of significance and feel valuable. What matters is how we try to get this significance met. If you only think you’re valuable while you’re achieving or are essential, when you’re not, you’ll feel worthless.
Remember, you are worthy because Jesus made you worthy.
Your Heavenly Father always loves you.
You are the apple of His eye.
Fearfully and wonderfully made.
Rest in that, knowing you’re significant.
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review or share it with a friend.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
How do you react when you can’t control your circumstances? Do you overreact, act like it’s no big deal or scrabble for control?
Do you have a burning need for life to be certain?
How do you seek certainty? Faith? Positive outlook?
It’s part two of decoding the puzzle of human motivation. In each episode, we’ll break down one of the six human needs and how to ensure we’re using them to help and not hurt us. It’s time to unpack the first human need.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of being stuck in your comfort zone.
- If you desire to live a life, let go and let God.
- If you’re ready to reap the rewards that come with risk, spontaneity and variety.
There are six human needs. We need them all, but a couple of them drive us and shape the quality of our lives. This can be positive or negative depending on how we’re trying to meet our needs.
We’re starting with our first human need, and that’s the need for certainty.
What the Need for Certainty Looks Like:
- Prefer work that is stable and easy instead of work that challenges and stretches your abilities.
- Focused on evaluating levels of your comfort-discomfort.
- Take care of yourself, but the need for comfort may lead to overeating or drinking.
- Tend to avoid new people and new experiences.
- Avoid relationships missing full commitment.
- Avoid threats and hazards.
- Fear not being in control.
What Certainty Believes: Need to feel secure, safe and comfortable now and in the future.
- It is possible to be uncertain about the future yet happy in the present.
What Certainty is costing you:
- Limit new experiences.
- Trouble letting love flow when I don’t feel secure and comfortable.
- Others think you’re controlling.
Goals for Growth:
- Live in the present. This allows you to experience the moment without focusing on what’ll happen next and what the future might hold.
- Take some risks and reap the benefits, like starting a new business, making a new friend, reaching out to an old friend, or taking a chance at doing something you’ve always wanted to do.
- Accept that uncertainty and insecurity are a part of life.
What Can You Do to Achieve Your Goal?
-
Stretch Yourself
-
Experience More Positive Emotions On Purpose
-
Learn to Enjoy a Challenge
Homework:
Pick a goal that requires you to get comfortable being uncertain.
You could try living in the present or taking a risk.
Then:
-
Find ways to stretch yourself.
-
Experience more of the positive emotions that come with growth.
-
Enjoy the challenge.
-
Get help or perspective from others if you need it.
If you feel you have a severe need for certainty, try reading this prayer when things feel out of control.
PRAYER FOR SERENITY by Reinhold Niebuhr
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference….
When you use the need for certainty in positive, healthy ways, it’s a beautiful thing that helps you be that reliable person people can count on. But when it’s out of control, it steers your life in unhealthy ways and can create what you’re trying to avoid…uncertainty.
In the next episode, we’ll tackle the need for uncertainty. We need some of that because God has a sense of humor.
If you need more help overcoming an excessive need for certainty, check out the Joy-Filled Life online course. It’s on special for only $7 until 9/15/23.
I also have the Mirror Moments devotional on sale for $5 plus shipping. So, if you need help shifting your focus from negative to seeing yourself in Christ, check it out. Heatherbunch.com/store
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
How do you currently cope with situations that feel unpredictable or uncertain in your life? Or do you ever feel like life is boring you to tears because it’s the same thing over and over?
Have you ever felt like your efforts went unnoticed or unappreciated, and how did that make you feel?
Have you experienced feelings of loneliness or isolation? Do you remedy that in healthy or unhealthy ways?
We’re starting a new series on decoding what motivates us because it’s vital to know why you do what you do.
Today, if for you if…
- If you’re tired of feeling looked out and left over.
- If you desire to live a life of meaning, significance and fulfillment full of love.
- If you’re ready to shed anything that costs you the life you dream about.
Why do we do what we do?
When you understand why you do what you do…you gain clarity for your purpose, achieve meaning and fulfillment and create deeper connections with others.
We’re all different, and yet, we’re all wired in similar ways.
All human motivation can be explained as the desire to meet one or more of our six primary human needs.
-
Certainty: The need for stability, safety, and comfort
-
Uncertainty/Variety: The need for stimulus and change
-
Significance: The need to be special and worthy of attention
-
Connection/Love: The need to feel connected and that you
belong
-
Growth: The need to learn and expand your abilities
-
Contribution: The need to give to others without expecting anything back
We have varying degrees of each need.
And seasons can change the degree we need each need as well.
Also, whichever one you value most will vary from what someone else values most…including your spouse if you have one.
That’s where conflict can come in.
Say you’re #1 need is certainty, and your spouse’s is uncertainty.
Can that cause some issues?
Story….
We tend to have two top needs.
Which two do you think are your top needs?
Homework:
Tap into your inner needs.
- What’s your priority?
Break up different areas of life into three manageable parts.
Three Spheres of Life:
-
Yourself
-
Your Work
-
Your Relationships
In what order do you prioritize these spheres of life?
1
2
3
What needs do you meet through Sphere #1?
What needs do you meet through Sphere #2?
What needs do you meet through Sphere #3?
When you know what you need and why, you’ll become more resilient and motivated to keep pushing on. Again, you’ll create more and deeper connections and more meaning and fulfillment.
Hang on to this info, and we’re going to dive deeper into each human need and unpack
If you need more help tapping into who you are and what drives you, I’m offering my Joy-Filled Life online course on special for only $7.
I also have the Mirror Moments devotional on sale for $5 plus shipping. So, if you need help shifting your focus from negative to seeing yourself in Christ, check it out. Heatherbunch.com/store
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
When you make a mistake, do you say things like, “dumbing, moron or idiot?
When you’re feeling down, what’s your body doing? Is it full of energy or about to drag you down?
Have you ever felt like when it rains, it pours?
It’s part 3 of Ordinary to Extraordinary: Unraveling the Secrets of Living an Extraordinary Life. Are you ready for the secrets that control the quality of your life?
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of life, drag you around where you didn’t plan to go.
- If you desire to experience a greater quality of life than what you’re experiencing right now.
- If you’re ready to take control of your life, you can take it from ordinary to extraordinary.
What controls and determines the quality of our lives?
-
Meaning
-
Emotion
The meaning we assign to what happens to us creates an emotion. Then, the feeling creates the quality of our lives.
Whatever you want in life, you want because of a feeling that you believe you’ll get when you get what you actually get what you want.
Did you know you can have that feeling right now if you want? You just need to make some simple shifts to create the emotions you want and live in an extraordinary state of life.
Three Patterns that Create Any Emotion:
1. Physiology
That just means what you do with your body.
Motion creates Emotion.
Whatever you’re feeling right now relates to how you use your body. This includes your face.
To live an extraordinary life, you must be intentional with your physiology.
2. Focus
Your focus is your reality, even if it’s not really reality.
Whatever you’re focusing on, you’ll eventually believe.
“Where focus goes energy flows.” – Tony Robbins
Is your energy flowing where it’ll lead you to an extraordinary life?
3. Language/Meaning
Belief is a phrase you say over and over again until you believe it.
Certain words create different meanings and change the way you feel.
- I made a mistake.
- I’m wrong.
- I’m an IDIOT.
There’s a significant difference in the feeling those words create.
Change your words and change your life.
Create Intentional Incantations: Incantations are like a mantra. They’re repeated phrases with emotional intensity added.
Use positive incantations that support your extraordinary life and do it with emotional intensity.
When you align your physiology, focus and language with what God says, you’re not just creating an extraordinary life to live one day; you shift your emotions to start living it right now.
Homework:
1. What is your body doing?
- Notice what your body is doing when you’re feeling down.
- Notice what you’re body is doing when you’re feeling happy.
- Pick two to three changes you can make to your physiology when feeling down.
2. Where is your mind focused?
- Is your mind focused on where you want to go?
- Is it helping you create beliefs that will support your extraordinary life?
- If not, shift your focus.
3. What language are you using regularly?
- What negative incantations do you use without realizing it?
- What new positive incantation can you create and use instead?
One final thought on living an extraordinary life–look for the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Life is full of ordinary moments. Live them, love them, experience them in the moment.
That, my friends, is how you can take your life from ordinary to extraordinary.
If you need more help creating an extraordinary life full of joy, I’m offering my Joy-Filled Life online course on special for only $7. I also have the Mirror Moments devotional on sale for $5 plus shipping. So, if you need help shifting your focus from negative to seeing yourself in Christ, check it out. Heatherbunch.com/store. No coupon code is needed. The sale ends on 9/15/23.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
258 - How to Create an Extraordinary Life Part 2
Do you feel like life can be hit or miss? Sometimes, you feel great; others, you feel like you’re in the depths of despair.
Do you know the forces that shape the direction of your life?
Do you feel empowered or disempowered to live an extraordinary life?
It’s time for part 2 of How to Create an Extraordinary Life. In the last episode, you discovered in your own terms what you want your extraordinary life to look like. You also uncovered what’s keeping you from that life and what you need to shift or change. It’s time to dig in further and unpack the beliefs that get in your way of living your extraordinary life to the fullest.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of life feeling like one big rollercoaster.
If you desire to let go of the excess stress and worry in your life.
If you’re ready to remove the old thoughts that sabotage your life, create a new story and life.
It all starts with a thought.
We think > We Feel > We Choose
First, you think a thought.
Then, that causes you to feel a certain way.
Then you make a decision or choice. You act, don’t act, or react.
The life you have now is directly connected to the choices you’ve made up to this point.
Your choices are your actions or inactions.
If you’re not fully living your extraordinary life, it’s time to dig into thought life and see where it’s leading your choices - your actions, inactions and reactions.
Change your story and change your life.
1. Check Your Thoughts
Ask yourself:
What are your two most stressful thoughts that consistently show up?
You know the achiever’s word for fear is stress. If you’re stressed out, you’re afraid of something.
What tends to trigger those thoughts?
A trigger is something that sets off an action or response.
So, what sets off your stressful thoughts?
Fear is your imagination undirected. So, let’s get that imagination working for you instead of against you.
2. Choose a New Thought
Now ask yourself:
What is the antithesis or the direct opposite of your stressful thoughts?
Or what would be an empowering thought instead?
Change your story and change your life.
When your triggers, switch out your disempowering thoughts for your empowering thoughts.
3. Focus on what you can love and appreciate.
What can you love and appreciate in this moment?
Focusing on love and appreciate will take you from fear to faith.
We think > We Feel > We Choose
Homework:
- Check Your Thoughts with These Questions:
What are your two most stressful thoughts that consistently show up?
What tends to trigger those thoughts?
- Choose a New Thought
What is the antithesis or the direct opposite of your stressful thoughts?
Or what would be an empowering thought instead?
Now, switch out the disempowering thought for an empowering thought when triggered.
- Focus on what you can love and appreciate
What can you love and appreciate in this moment?
Your beautiful, extraordinary life is not just about achievement but who we become on the joinery and enjoying our beautiful life along the way to where we’re going.
When you focus on what’s lovely instead of the stressful/fearful thoughts, you keep yourself in a resourceful state of mind that helps create your extraordinary life.
You can live your extraordinary life, but remember, you’ve got to be willing to do what’s necessary to make it happen.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please share it with a friend who could use some help creating an extraordinary life.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
Have you ever seen that person know what they want in life and take the bull by the horns and think, “I wish…”
What makes up an extraordinary life? Money, success or meaning?
What is your definition of an extraordinary life? Are you living it?
Today, we’re starting a new series to discover how to create an extraordinary life. God is calling us to this life, but are you living it? Do you want to have it if you don’t?
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of living a life below your potential.
If you desire to live life to the fullest,…full of joy, fulfillment and meaning.
If you’re ready to shed whatever is holding you back, step into your extraordinary life.
An extraordinary life is a life that’s a life experience on your terms…not someone else’s.
1. Define Your Extraordinary Life
You can get somewhere if you haven’t defined where you’re going.
Here are four questions to help you define your extraordinary life:
What does an extraordinary life look like to you?
What would it look like at the next level? So, it’s not the end game but just another level up from where you’re at.
Where would you live emotionally?
What would fulfill you?
2. Uncover Why You’re Not Experiencing Your Extraordinary Life Yet
What’s prevented you from creating your extraordinary life in the past? What’s gotten in your way?
What’s getting in your way right now?
Suppose you said other people, circumstances or anything outside yourself. In that case, please take a moment and uncover what is going on in you that’s preventing you from living your extraordinary life.
We can’t change anything until we take 100% responsibility for what’s in our control. And that’s ourselves.
A bad circumstance may have knocked you down, but you’re responsible if you get back up again.
3. Change What You Can Change to Make Your Extraordinary Life Happen
You can’t change others, but you can change yourself.
What do you need to change now to make life happen on your terms?
What shifts do you need to make?
Homework:
1. Define your extraordinary life.
Here are a few questions to prompt your imagination:
- What does an extraordinary life look like to you?
- What would it look like at the next level? So, it’s not the end game but just another level up from where you’re at.
- Where would you live emotionally?
- What would fulfill you?
2. What’s prevented you from creating your extraordinary life in the past?
What’s gotten in your way?
What’s getting in your way right now?
3. What do you need to change now to make life happen on your terms?
What shifts do you need to make?
In the next episode, we’ll delve into what can hinder you from going to the next level in your extraordinary life and how to change that.
As you work through these questions, you’re becoming aware of how to experience an extraordinary life instead of only getting to experience it at the whim of your circumstances.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please share it with a friend who could use some help creating an extraordinary life.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
Today’s episode is my thoughts around living your dreams and I have an important question to ask. Are you willing to do it necessary to live your dreams? Did you end up with a yes? Or did you just give a bunch of excuses why you can’t make it? This episode will help you push past excuses so that you can finally live your dreams. And it’s a lot simpler than you think.
In this episode, Heather Bench, your courageous coach, educates us on how we can live fearlessly by focusing on empowering our emotional homes. She gives practical and applicable advice for those tired of their lives being hijacked by emotions or people controlling them. You will learn how to concentrate on the present and live in the moment.
Today I’m gonna show you how to live a more empowering life. How to live in those empowering emotional home instead of keep running back to that disempowering emotional home. I’ve got three questions that will help you do it. Stay tuned.
Where is your emotional home? It’s those emotions that you experience day after day or even hourly. It’s the place that you go where you feel safe and comfortable but not all of our emotions are empowering us. So let’s uncover. Where is our emotional home so that we can make sure that what we’re feeling is empowering us to live the life we’re called to live
Fireside chat - is there more in you that needs to come out? What can you do to unlock that potential? Now go do that!
Summary:
In this episode, we explore the key tenets of the Adventure Mindset and discuss how you might break free from the Comfort Mindset to embrace a life of rich and meaningful experiences. We delve deep into practical steps you can take to cultivate an Adventure Mindset; from trying new activities to stepping outside of your comfort zone, to pushing yourself to meet new challenges head-on. We also touch on the importance of embracing change and the role of personal growth in living an adventurous life.
Key Points:
-
Dangers of the Comfort Mindset: maintaining status quo, avoiding risk, resisting change, and settling for routine and predictability
-
Adventure is only accessible to those willing to venture into the unknown, take risks, and embrace discomfort
-
Practical strategies for cultivating an Adventure Mindset including trying something new, consistently challenging yourself, stretching your abilities, and stepping outside of your comfort zone
-
The crucial role of personal growth and continuous learning in the adventure journey
-
A practical exercise on creative visualization and planning can be used to concretely move from the Comfort Zone to the Adventure Zone and beyond
-
How to rewire the brain to normalize discomfort, thereby expanding one's comfort zone to accommodate newer, more challenging experiences
-
The long-term advantages of adopting an Adventure Mindset: expanding horizons, building resilience, and crafting a rewarding life that embraces the spirit of adventure
Summary:
In this episode, we explore the concept of an "Opportunity Mindset." The main idea is to view obstacles not as hindrances but as chances for learning and growth. We draw inspiration from the movie "Zootopia" and its protagonist, Judy Hopps. Despite the challenges she faced - lack of belief from others, a physically demanding training course, discrimination, and more - Judy overcame each one with a determined spirit. We dive deep into how to adopt this optimistic mindset, which can turn any difficulty into an opportunity. We also explore the role of faith, endurance, and wisdom in this journey. Practical steps and reflections are shared to guide listeners on how to apply this in their daily lives.
Key Points:
-
Understand the Opportunity Mindset: It is not the absence of problems, but seeing every challenge as a chance for growth, resilience, creativity, and empowerment.
-
Frame your story: The way you perceive struggles and obstacles is a personal choice. You can react with fear and discouragement, or you can respond with courage and optimism.
-
Look for lessons and opportunities: Each obstacle can be an opportunity to learn, grow, and push yourself. It can make you stronger, both physically and spiritually. Ask yourself, "What does this obstacle make possible?"
-
Engage your faith: Lean on spiritual guidance to navigate challenges. This involves asking for divine wisdom and releasing your worries to a higher power.
-
Make action plans: Reflect on how you can implement the Opportunity Mindset in your life. Identify current challenges and ask yourself how you can use them as launching pads for growth.
Links mentioned:
-
*The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday - https://amzn.to/3DHGemk
-
Zootopia (Movie): https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/zootopia/2qgZ2OqbpIC2
-
Andy Andrews (Author): https://www.andyandrews.com/
-
Tony Robbins (Motivational Speaker): https://www.tonyrobbins.com/
-
Romans 8:28 ESV (Bible Verse): https://biblehub.com/esv/romans/8.htm
-
1 Peter 5:7 NASB (Bible Verse): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A7&version=NASB
*Amazon affiliate link; I will receive a small commission if you purchase the book through this link.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we explore the concept of the Scarcity Mindset versus the Abundance Mindset. Our mindset has a profound impact on how we see the world, how we perceive opportunities, and our overall happiness. The Scarcity Mindset can limit us and discourage us from taking risks or exploring new opportunities. This episode walks through the processes of recognizing and countering a Scarcity Mindset with an Abundance Mindset.
Key Points:
1. Definition of a Scarcity Mindset: A belief that there is a limited or fixed amount of resources, opportunities, or possibilities. This mindset views the world through a lens of lack and fear.
2. Traits of an Abundance Mindset: Believing there is enough to go around, that opportunities are ample, and that risk-taking and growth are opportunities for more.
3. The importance of embracing the idea that there's enough for everyone and that God doesn't play favorites.
4. Practical steps to develop an Abundance Mindset include: use the law of exchange to replace negative thoughts, maintain a gratitude journal, and celebrate other's success.
Do you ever feel like all your hard work is for nothing?
Have you ever thought, “my circumstances are killing me?”
What do you do when you step out of your comfort zone, and it gets hard? Keep growing or wither back?
We’re continuing our new series Mindset Reset with the mindset that will take your life from something that feels like it’s dying to enjoy a harvest of goodness.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of circumstances or people stopping you from living your best life.
If you desire to grow more personally or professionally.
If you’re ready to shake off the mindset slowly killing you and cultivate the mindset that’ll get you blossoming again!
Podcast Summary:
In this episode, we explore the idea of the Victor Mindset, a belief system based on self-agency, personal power, and mind control to shape one's future.
I’ll contrast the Victim Mindset, characterized by powerlessness and blame, leading to a sense of hopelessness. Essential elements of nurturing a Victor Mindset introduced include personal responsibility for thoughts, feelings, and choices and understanding that thoughts are a powerful tool for change.
Additionally, we underline the concept that thoughts aren't always true and stress the power of choice in determining which thoughts to hold on to.
Key Points:
-
A Victor Mindset is founded on personal responsibility for my thoughts, feelings, and choices.
-
The Victim Mindset attributes all failures and misfortunes out of their control, sapping you of your power.
-
You're not a victim of your thoughts. You can choose your thoughts.
-
Step into your power with the Victor Mindset Formula: You Think > You Feel > You Choose
-
Change your thoughts to change your future using the law of exchange, where you swap the victim thought for a victor thought.
Useful Links:
-
*Andy Andrews’ book, The Noticer: https://amzn.to/3Drz31c
-
Earl Nightingale’s quote on mindset: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/644-we-become-what-we-think-about-most-of-the-time
*Amazon affiliate link; I will receive a small commission if you purchase through this link.
Do you ever make a habit, do it one day and then promptly forget about it?
Have you ever decided to turn over a new leaf and made about ten changes but could never keep up with them?
Do you dream about one day doing something, like writing a book or running a marathon, but continually think, I don’t have enough time today to start?
Let’s talk about habits. In the last episode, we learned the secret to cracking the habit code…habits are pre-made decisions. Now we need to get those pre-made decisions working in our lives. But how?
Today is for you if…
- If you struggle to stay on the habit train.
- If you desire to make a permanent change.
- If you’re ready to create your dream life, one habit at a time.
Habits make your dreams possible; without them, we’ll never get around to fulfilling our dreams.
Remember, habits are pre-made decisions. And it doesn’t mean your habit is automatic; it means you decided to do that thing come hell or high water.
If you missed the last episode, you can check it out after you finish this one.
Start with One Habit - Pre-made Decision
It’s too much to try and start a bunch of habits at once.
Start with one–just one.
Get consistent with that one habit.
I remember when I started exercising back in 2017. It was the first time I was consistent in my life exercising.
I started with 5 minutes 3 times per week.
I didn’t do anything else but 5 minutes 3 times per week for a couple of weeks.
Add One More Habit
Add one habit at a time, not ten at a time.
Then I added more time, five more minutes, to be exact…but not more days.
I did that for a few more weeks.
Then I added one more day.
Use Timers
Timers are great reminders but also a great way to see how long something takes.
Have you ever overestimated how long something would take?
So you wouldn’t start that project because you thought I don’t have an hour, so I can’t do it.
Or, have you ever underestimated how long something would take?
You thought you could finish it in 20 minutes, but it took an hour and made you late for picking up your kid?
Start using timers to track how long it takes you to do something.
What if you have 5 minutes between appointments? Use a timer and work on that project for five minutes.
Yes, five minutes over time can make a huge difference.
A penny doubled every day for 30 days equals over 5 million dollars.
Time adds up over time and compounds to progress.
Write Your Pre-Made Decisions Down
I’m forever misplacing my mental notes, which clogs up my brain space. I need to write it down to get it out of my head.
Use the Power of Accountability
Let people know what you’re working on and give them permission to hold you accountable.
Remember Your Why
Remind yourself why you’re making these habits to begin with.
Don’t forget to give yourself grace. You’re going to miss days. Beat yourself up will never help you keep going.
Just pick yourself back up and say, “It’s okay. I’m still worthy. I can do it now.”
Homework:
- Which habit / pre-made decision are you going to start with?
- What tips will you employ to help you get it done regularly?
Habits / Pre-made Decisions compounded over time will make your dreams come true. Don’t give up; pick yourself up and keep moving forward!
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please share it with a friend.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you ever struggle to keep your house clean?
What about that promise you made to yourself to lose those 10 pounds?
Do you have a dream that you keep saying, “someday I’ll do such-and-such”?
We’re talking about how to crack the habit code so you can actually get them working for you to get what you want in life.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of disappointing yourself for not following through…again.
- If you desire more out of yourself and life.
- If you’re ready to figure out how to turn someday into today.
Oh, habits, how I love and hate you!
Growing up, I was consistent at all the things I didn’t want to be consistent at and never at the ones I should be.
I had a pile of forgotten habits a mile high and a sea-wide. That gets very defeating when you never stay with a habit. It makes me quit other habits as I spiral from the weight of disappointment.
When I put a line in the sand in 2017 to finally make something of my life, I knew habits would be a big part of that…especially a morning routine.
Just recently, I’ve wanted to work on keeping my house clean and organized. I’m terrible at this, so I bought a book to help, and it’s changed my views on habits.
What Habits Are Not:
Habits Are Not Projects
I could do projects. It had a start and end, and I could forget it for a while.
Habits Don’t Mean It’s Automatic
Have you ever found yourself mindlessly eating candy and thought, “how did I get here?”
I’ve done that with popcorn and thought, “how did the bowl get empty?”
I’ve never been dusting or journaling and thought, “How did I get here?”
What Habits Are: Habits are Pre-made Decisions
Pre-made Decisions don’t mean it’s automatic.
I thought I had to do it to the point where it came automatically or it wasn't a habit.
I consciously do those things, so I thought it wasn’t a habit,
But the thought that habits are pre-made decisions is a mind shift.
Pre-made Decisions Clear Brain Space
Now your brain is free to give others things your undivided attention.
Pre-made decisions remove the need to make the same decision over and over, freeing up mental space.
I.E., Steve Jobs wore the same turtle-neck shirt and jeans with no belt.
Jon Acuff, black v-neck shirts…closet full of them.
Pre-made Decisions Alleviate Overwhelm
This freed brain space also alleviates overwhelm from too many things running rampant in your head.
“I know there’s something I’m supposed to be doing but I can’t think of it.”
Pre-made Decisions Help You Keep Your Commitments to Yourself and Others
Say you’re pre-made decision or habit is to write for a blog or your book on Mondays; you know you’ve already made a decision, so come Monday, there’s no decision to make. If someone says, “want to go for coffee Monday?” You can decline or ask if they can go on Tuesday instead because you’ve already decided what you’re doing Mondays. You just do it.
Homework:
What are two to three pre-made decisions you want to make to remove mental or physical clutter or move your dreams forward?
Read, exercise, do the dishes, write, create videos for social media, eat 70% healthy?
Write these pre-made decisions down.
Decide today so you can clear the brain space, alleviate overwhelm and help you keep your commitments to yourself, your dreams and others.
Next episode, we’ll tackle tips and tricks to keep these pre-made decisions/habits consistently working for you.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please share it with a friend.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Resources:
*How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing with Your House's Dirty Little Secrets by Dana K. White:
https://amzn.to/3NSxxtY
- Amazon affiliate link - I will receive a small commission if you purchase through this link.
Have you ever wanted to have an adventure but were too afraid to do it?
Is it scary for you to let people into your life?
Do you ever struggle with your worth?
We’re continuing our series on what Disney Princesses can teach us and It’s time for another one of my favs…Princess Rapunzel!
Today is for you if…
- If you are tired of waiting for your life to begin.
- If you desire deeper relationships with your spouse, family or friends.
- If you’re ready to embrace who Father’s created you to be so you can live your best life.
Rapunzel was stolen as a baby because she was born with an extraordinary power. She lived in the same tower all her life, afraid to leave it but staring out the window, dreaming of the day her life would begin.
We learn three things when Rapunzel steps out of her comfort zone.
- True Life
Rapunzel steps out of the tower for the first time and out of her comfort zone. She experiences life for the first time.
Are you living life to the fullest or stuck in a rut?
Do you wake up excited for the day or drag yourself out of bed because you must?
Step out of your comfort zone and try something new you can try this week to awaken yourself. Or, get out of your normal day-to-day box.
- True Love
Rapunzel and Flynn fall in love. That took getting out of her comfort zone from everything she knew about love up to this point. It was scary and could have backfired, but she took the risk.
It reminds me of Father’s love for us—unconditional, no strings attached.
We have to step out of our comfort zone to embrace Father’s true love for ourselves and not just others.
- True Identity
Growing up, she didn’t know who she truly was, the privilege she was born into. Rapunzel finally learns the truth, and it is uncomfortable to learn. Everything she thought about her mother was a lie, and her real family was the one lighting the very lanterns she was drawn to every year…they were lighting them for her.
How about you? Do you know who you are? Do you struggle with believing who Father’s created you to be?
Our In-Christ-ness defines our identity. (Ephesians 4:1)
Life is meant to be an adventure. It’s intended to be a place where you know your identity so you can show up fully yourself, experience true love and enjoy life to the full. But it takes getting out of your comfort zone to experience it!
Homework – Pick an area you’d like to work on and do the exercise:
Experience True Life:
What is something new you can try this week to awaken yourself?
Experience True Love:
Read John 4:7-10 and 18-19. Think about these scriptures every day and thank God for His unconditional love for you.
Write down every moment you can think of where Father showed you His love.
Experience True Identity:
Look up all the scriptures in the book of Ephesians that says In Him or In Christ.
Write out your favorites and read them multiple times daily to remind yourself who you really are.
When you step out of your comfort zone, you can experience life, love and your true identity! That changes everything!
Consider a coach if you’re struggling to step out of your comfort zone. I would love to be that coach for you. I have just a few spots left in my schedule right now. Go to heatherbunch.com/coaching and pick a time that’s right for you. Let’s see if I’m the right fit to help you Live Fearlessly Free!
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Podcast Episode 243 - What Tiana Taught Me About Focusing On What Matters Most
Have you ever been so consumed with getting something done that everything else went on the back burner?
Do you struggle with developing deep relationships?
Have you ever wished life felt fuller and more meaningful?
We’re continuing our “What I learned from Disney Princesses” series, and today is another of my favorites! We’re talking about Princess and the Frog’s hard-working Tiana!
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re doing all the work but it’s not producing what you want.
If you desire to grow deeper relationships with your spouse, family and friends and experience lasting love.
If you’re ready to actually live life instead of just going through life.
I love Tiana; she’s the first African American Disney Princess and a hard-working firecracker.
I learned three things from Tiana about focusing on what matters most:
- Real Friendship
Tiana gets to the point where she puts herself in harm’s way to save her friends.
She finally learns to take time for friendships… it’s not all about working.
- Real Love
Tiana finally realized what her daddy’s words meant when she was tempted to trade an amulet to the Shadow man in exchange for getting her restaurant. It was like a deal with the devil.
“Promise your daddy one thing–that you’ll never, ever lose site of what’s really important.”
Love is what matters most.
She was willing to stay a frog to keep her love for Naveen.
So many times, we can forget what we have right in front of us.
- Real Purpose
Tiana learned there’s no I in TEAM. She realized that her purpose included other people.
Now she can get her restaurant but gets to share it with the love of her life, her family and new family and her best friends!
Homework:
- Do you have friends that you’re doing life with?
If you’re not doing life with your friends, text one today and set up a time to chat, either in person or on the phone or via Zoom.
If you’re missing friends, pray and ask God to bring the right friends into your life that will lift you up.
Then, get involved in places where you can meet people, like small groups, serving, networking events, parties, etc.
- If you’re married, how do you treat your spouse?
Do you act like you just met where you savored every moment and talked to them like you cared?
Or do you act like they’re in the way?
Send a text right now and share how much you love them.
Promise yourself to treat them like you did when you first met them.
Find little ways to show you love them.
- Purpose - ask yourself, who should be with you on your journey to fulfilling your God-given purpose?
Maybe it’s an accountability partner, coach or asking a friend or your husband for help.
If you don’t know what you’re purpose is, start there. Explore what you love and spark your interest.
When we nurture our friendships, our lovers and our purpose, we begin to really live life to the fullest.
Consider a coach if you’re struggling to discover your purpose or have started on the journey, but fear stops you in your tracks. Coaches help you see things you may not see so you can get unstuck and get going again. I would love to be that coach for you. I have just a few spots left in my schedule right now. Go to heatherbunch.com/coaching and pick a time that’s right for you. Let’s see if I’m the right fit to help you Live Fearlessly Free!
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you dream of more?
Growing up, did someone else have a dream for you that wasn’t yours? College, career, family?
Do you have people you can lean on when times are tough?
We’re continuing our Disney Princess series. Today it’s Moana day! You’re welcome… Let’s talk about what Moana teaches us about our purpose.
Today is for you if…
- If you desire a life of purpose.
- If you’re tired of going it alone.
- If you’re ready to step into your greatness.
From the time she was little, Moana was drawn to the water and didn’t know why. It was in her to be an explorer. But her family was scared of the water and stayed away at all costs. She wasn’t content to do the ordinary. Her heart said there was more, but everyone else said don’t try…except Grandma (the village crazy lady).
I Am Moana song:
Sometimes the world seems against you
The journey may leave a scar
But scars can heal and reveal just
Where you are
The people you love will change you
The things you have learned will guide you
And nothing on Earth can silence
The quiet voice still inside you
And when that voice starts to whisper
Moana, you’ve come so far
Moana, listen
Do you know who you are?
I am Moana!
But when she tried to venture out, it backfired on her, and she became afraid to explore like everyone else until her island was dying, and she needed to save her people.
She couldn’t do it alone.
1. We All Have a Purpose
Called to the water, meant to restore the heart of Te Fiti.
“And the call isn’t out there at all, it’s inside me.”
2. We All Have Courage
She restored the heart of Te Fiti by facing Te Ka, the scariest creature in the seas. But Te Ka turns out to be Te Fiti, and all the islands are brought back to life because of her courage.
3. We All Need Community
She couldn’t take the journey alone. She had a mentor, Maui, who literally showed her the ropes.
I prayed, and God brought me Lethia and the Women of Audacious Faith.
She brought her people together and helped them fulfill their purpose.
Homework:
1. What do you feel called to? What draws you in?
2. What step can you take today to move towards your calling courageously?
3. Who can join you on your journey?
If you don’t know who specifically, write down what type of person or persons you need. Then pray and ask God to bring them across your path.
If you’re struggling to Live Fearlessly Free and are ready to step into your calling courageously but aren’t sure what to do next, consider a coach. Coaches help you see things you may not see so you can get unstuck and get going again. I would love to be that coach for you. I have just a few spots left in my schedule right now. Go to heatherbunch.com/coaching and pick a time that’s right for you. Let’s see if I’m the right fit to help you Live Fearlessly Free!
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you feel like there’s more in you crying to come out?
Have you ever thought, “if I show you fully myself, people will think I’m too much”?
What is it you really want?
We’re starting a new series today that I’m super stoked about. As a Disney World and Mandalorian nerd, you know I have to go there. We’re going to learn success keys from Disney Princesses. And we’re starting with my very favorite…Mulan.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of being afraid to show up as the real you.
If you desire to live a life of significance.
If you’re ready to stop hiding and be all you can be.
When we meet Mulan, a young woman from China, she’s running late for her appointment with the matchmaker, which she totally blows.
Her father is called back to the arm to fight the Huns about to attack China. Her father is a famous war hero already but is partially crippled from previous exploits. Mulan tries to convince her father not to go. She’s put in her place and runs off to sing her song. You know, every good Disney princess needs a song.
Mulan had more inside, more potential, but hid herself because she didn’t feel like she fit into the world assigned to her, so she hid herself.
Then she hides herself and pretends to be her father’s son so she can protect him.
- Significance
One of the six human needs.
Significance is the need to feel important, needed, wanted and worthy of love.
It helped push her out of her comfort zone, out of hiding and into her purpose.
What does your life of significance look like?
- Contribution
Another of the six human needs.
Contribution is giving beyond ourselves and giving to others.
Mulan risked her own life to save her commander but revealed who she was in the process. The commander spared her life but was left out in the cold…literally.
It isn’t until she shows up fully herself, as Mulan, she saves China.
When we step into our life of significance, we contribute to others’ lives in significant ways.
What can you do to contribute to others and give beyond yourself?
Time?
Money?
Talents?
- Love and Connection
Another of the six human needs.
Mulan feared she’d be rejected if her family and others saw the real Mulan. She didn’t fit into the typical ancient Chinese daughter role.
After Mulan saved China and was honored by the emperor, she returned to show the emperor’s medal and Shan Yu’s sword to honor the Fa family. But really, she was hoping her father would accept her now. He loved Mulan for her and not for what she accomplished.
We all need love and connection. In fact, if we have a life of significance and fulfill all our dreams but don’t have love, what good is it all?
Take time to show your spouse, family and friends you love them. Show and say it.
Homework:
-
What do you want your life of significance to look like?
-
How can you contribute to others and give yourself away?
-
What will you do today to show your spouse, family and friends you love them?
When you learn to stop hiding and show up fully yourself, you can change your life, and through that…you save your world that Father’s called you to reach!
If you’re struggling to discover your life of significance or started on the journey, but fear stopped you in your tracks, consider a coach. Coaches help you see things you may not see so you can get unstuck and get going again. I would love to be that coach for you. I have just a few spots left in my schedule right now. Go to heatherbunch.com/coaching and pick a time that’s right for you. Let’s see if I’m the right fit to help you Live Fearlessly Free!
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you struggle with feeling shame?
Have you ever said, “what’s wrong with me?”
Does anyone in your life try and put shame on you?
If you said yes to any or all of these questions, today is your day of freedom because we share our favorite tools to take down this insidious shame monster.
So, today is your day if:
If you’re ready to be FREE from shame.
If you’re tired of others trying to make you feel shame or something wrong with you.
If you need real tools or steps to remove the same, today is your day, our friend!
Over the last two episodes, we’ve talked about the shame we put on ourselves and the shame others try to put on us.
Here are tools and steps to remove the shame and gain the freedom God’s called us to.
Tool 1: Journaling
Start with one thing you can remember that caused you shame. Then just write. Write everything that comes to mind. Sit, reflect and learn the lesson from the past. Then rip that paper up or burn it. Then move on to the next memory of shame.
Tool 2: Do words and actions match up
If you feel shame or someone tries to shame you, examine and see if the words and actions match. If it doesn’t match, don’t take that shame on.
Tool 3: Forgive yourself (or others)
God forgave us, so who are we not to forgive ourselves?
Tool 4: Discover your true identity
Shame comes when we think we’re broken. We don’t know our identity. Discover who God created you to be. You are a beautiful, priceless masterpiece of the most high God. Own that.
Tool 5: Examine your circle
Are they life-giving and healthy, or do they tear me down and hold me back? Let go; remove them or yourself from that circle—set boundaries. Keep the life-giving relationships.
To learn more about us, you can check us out at:
Becky Michel, Fearless Growth Strategist
Becky helps hurt, broken people-pleasers change their Beliefs, Actions, and Mindset to transform into who they were born to be. I do this through my signature system, Fearless Growth©️ , by first learning their identity and then walking through the Shame, Fears, and Limitations that keep women from living a life of freedom.
For speaking, workshops, booking or more information, contact Becky at: www.GrowWithBecky.com 417-293-5340 FearlessGrowth@gmail.com
Find Becky’s Books on Amazon by searching Becky Michel or clicking the link https://www.amazon.com/Becky-Michel/e/B00HK1JCH4/ref=aufs_dp_mata_mbl
Kat Schudel, The Mission-Minded Mentor
Kat is a mentor, morning show DJ, writer and speaker who helps women find their hidden gems to discover and be who they were truly created to be. She does this through individual and group mentoring programs that walk you through finding your confidence to step into your Wildly Inspired Life so you can 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗕𝗜𝗚, 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣 𝗢𝗨𝗧 and 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘!
You can reach Kat by emailing kats@livewildlyinspired.com
Visiting www.livewildlyinspired.com,
Calling 636-395-1050
Heather Bunch, The Courageous Coach
Heather is a certified life and Enneagram coach, speaker and author who helps women of faith Live Fearlessly Free so they can stop hiding, show up fully themselves and fulfill their God-given purpose–courageously.
Heather also uses her ninja writing skills to help other coaches, speakers, and authors get their ideas out of their heads into their signature system so they can create multiple income streams and start making the impact they dream about.
You can find Heather at https://www.heatherlbunch.com
Or, email her at heather@heatherlbunch.com
You can also listen to her podcast, Live Fearlessly Free with Heather Bunch, just about everywhere podcasts are available.
Has someone ever said something to you that you took on as personal shame?
Are you always “the problem”? You know, they’re always right, and you’re always wrong?
Has anyone else ever made you feel broken?
In the last episode, we talked about our shame stories and how they affected us. It was us putting shame on ourselves. But what happens when others try to shame us? Well, that’s what we’re delving into this week.
Today is for you if:
If you’ve ever felt shamed by others.
If you’ve tried setting boundaries and they tried to shame you over that.
If you’ve ever been shamed by someone because you couldn’t live up to their standards or expectations.
Becky, Kat and Heather share their stories about when others tried to make them feel shame and how they dealt with it.
Shame doesn’t come from God so we don’t have to accept it from others. We’re children of our Heavenly Father, fearfully and wonderfully made.
So, next week, we’ll dig into shame further and give you practical tools and steps so you can finally move past the shame.
To learn more about us, you can check us out at:
Becky Michel, Fearless Growth Strategist
Becky helps hurt, broken people-pleasers change their Beliefs, Actions, and Mindset to transform into who they were born to be. I do this through my signature system, Fearless Growth©️ , by first learning their identity and then walking through the Shame, Fears, and Limitations that keep women from living a life of freedom.
For speaking, workshops, booking or more information, contact Becky at: www.GrowWithBecky.com 417-293-5340 FearlessGrowth@gmail.com
Find Becky's Books on Amazon by searching Becky Michel or clicking the link https://www.amazon.com/Becky-Michel/e/B00HK1JCH4/ref=aufs_dp_mata_mbl
Kat Schudel, The Mission-Minded Mentor
Kat is a mentor, morning show DJ, writer and speaker who helps women find their hidden gems to discover and be who they were truly created to be. She does this through individual and group mentoring programs that walk you through finding your confidence to step into your Wildly Inspired Life so you can 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗕𝗜𝗚, 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣 𝗢𝗨𝗧 and 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘!
You can reach Kat by emailing kats@livewildlyinspired.com
Visiting www.livewildlyinspired.com,
Calling 636-395-1050
Heather Bunch, The Courageous Coach
Heather is a certified life and Enneagram coach, speaker and author who helps women of faith Live Fearlessly Free so they can stop hiding, show up fully themselves and fulfill their God-given purpose–courageously.
Heather also uses her ninja writing skills to help other coaches, speakers, and authors get their ideas out of their heads into their signature system so they can create multiple income streams and start making the impact they dream about.
You can find Heather at https://www.heatherlbunch.com
Or, email her at heather@heatherlbunch.com
You can also listen to her podcast, Live Fearlessly Free with Heather Bunch, just about everywhere podcasts are available.
Have you ever felt like you’re somehow broken?
Do you feel like the black sheep of the family?
Have you done something so bad you can’t shake the shame?
We’ve all felt guilt over things we’ve done wrong, which helps us make the changes we need to make. But what happens when we feel shame?
Today’s episode is for you if:
If you feel riddled with shame. We are coming into the Christmas season, so this may come up
If you also want to be free of your past.
If you’re wondering why you feel like something’s broken in you. Like “I”m broken.”
We’re digging into shame and how it’s different from guilt.
Guilt says, “I did something bad.”
Shame says, “Something is wrong with me. I’m broken.”
We all experience shame in different ways because we’re all different.
But you’re not alone! Becky, Kat and Heather open up and share their first memories of shame and their most significant shame moments.
Guilt can be good because it helps us change. Shame is not from God. Shame doesn’t bring anything good.
If you’re dealing with shame, it really comes from not knowing who God’s created us to be. You are not your shame. You’re also not your sin. God calls you by your name.
Shame can be something we put on ourselves, or it can be something others try to put on us. In the next episode, we’re going to talk about the shame others try to put on us.
To learn more about us, you can check us out at:
Becky Michel, Fearless Growth Strategist
Becky helps hurt, broken people-pleasers change their Beliefs, Actions, and Mindset to transform into who they were born to be. I do this through my signature system, Fearless Growth©️ , by first learning their identity and then walking through the Shame, Fears, and Limitations that keep women from living a life of freedom.
For speaking, workshops, booking or more information, contact Becky at: www.GrowWithBecky.com 417-293-5340 FearlessGrowth@gmail.com
Find Becky's Books on Amazon by searching Becky Michel or clicking the link https://www.amazon.com/Becky-Michel/e/B00HK1JCH4/ref=aufs_dp_mata_mbl
Kat Schudel, The Mission-Minded Mentor
Kat is a mentor, morning show DJ, writer and speaker who helps women find their hidden gems to discover and be who they were truly created to be. She does this through individual and group mentoring programs that walk you through finding your confidence to step into your Wildly Inspired Life so you can 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗕𝗜𝗚, 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣 𝗢𝗨𝗧 and 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘!
You can reach Kat by emailing kats@livewildlyinspired.com
Visiting www.livewildlyinspired.com,
Calling 636-395-1050
Heather Bunch, The Courageous Coach
Heather is a certified life and Enneagram coach, speaker and author who helps women of faith Live Fearlessly Free so they can stop hiding, show up fully themselves and fulfill their God-given purpose–courageously.
Heather also uses her ninja writing skills to help other coaches, speakers, and authors get their ideas out of their heads into their signature system so they can create multiple income streams and start making the impact they dream about.
You can find Heather at https://www.heatherlbunch.com
Or, email her at heather@heatherlbunch.com
You can also listen to her podcast, Live Fearlessly Free with Heather Bunch, just about everywhere podcasts are available.
Do you have a voice in your head telling you that you’re not enough?
How about a voice that says nobody likes you or cares about you?
Do you have an inner critic?
In this episode, we walk you through how to shut up the inner critic's voice.
So today is for you if:
- If you need freedom from the inner critic in your head.
- If you need a new outlook from negative to positive.
- If you want to stop the “not enough” voices or shoulding on yourself.
We all have an inner critic, and it can be mean. But we don’t have to listen to it. There are ways to shut it up.
- Some say fake it til you make it. Becky shares with you how you can Faith it til you make it.
- Kat will help you understand how she went from internalizing what others said about her, like “you’re lazy,” to realizing there is perfection in imperfection.
- And Heather will give you her biggest release tool–Grace–along with the tool that helps her keep trying when the inner critic says, “you can do that.”
To learn more about us, you can check us out at:
Becky Michel, Fearless Growth Strategist
Becky helps hurt, broken people-pleasers change their Beliefs, Actions, and Mindset to transform into who they were born to be. I do this through my signature system, Fearless Growth©️ , by first learning their identity and then walking through the Shame, Fears, and Limitations that keep women from living a life of freedom.
For speaking, workshops, booking or more information, contact Becky at: www.GrowWithBecky.com 417-293-5340 FearlessGrowth@gmail.com
Find Becky’s Books on Amazon by searching Becky Michel or clicking the link https://www.amazon.com/Becky-Michel/e/B00HK1JCH4/ref=aufs_dp_mata_mbl
Kat Schudel, The Mission-Minded Mentor
Kat is a mentor, morning show DJ, writer and speaker who helps women find their hidden gems to discover and be who they were truly created to be. She does this through individual and group mentoring programs that walk you through finding your confidence to step into your Wildly Inspired Life so you can 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗕𝗜𝗚, 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣 𝗢𝗨𝗧 and 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘!
You can reach Kat by emailing kats@livewildlyinspired.com
Visiting www.livewildlyinspired.com,
Calling 636-395-1050
Heather Bunch, The Courageous Coach
Heather is a certified life and Enneagram coach, speaker and author who helps women of faith Live Fearlessly Free so they can stop hiding, show up fully themselves and fulfill their God-given purpose–courageously.
Heather also uses her ninja writing skills to help other coaches, speakers, and authors get their ideas out of their heads into their signature system so they can create multiple income streams and start making the impact they dream about.
You can find Heather at https://www.heatherlbunch.com
Or, email her at heather@heatherlbunch.com
You can also listen to her podcast, Live Fearlessly Free with Heather Bunch, just about everywhere podcasts are available.
Do you have big dreams but feel like something’s blocking you?
Are you waiting for motivation to overtake you so you can make your dreams come true, but it’s not coming?
Do you do things that are the opposite of what you want?
So many of us are waiting for our dreams to happen, but it seems like every time we turn around, the other shoe is dropping. How do we stop the sabotage and make our dreams a reality?
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of the other shoe-dropping.
- If you’re ready, to be honest, when you’re the one causing the other shoe to drop.
- If you desire to close the gap between your dreams and reality, whether you feel motivated at that moment or not.
I just finished the second round of my pilot program, How to Create Your Signature System. It’s been something I’ve been working on for a couple of years now. But it almost wasn’t.
There are so many days I find myself avoiding doing the steps to make it happen. Everything else seemed more urgent. There were days when I didn’t feel like writing, making calls, sending emails. I would do almost anything else to avoid it. Games, check my email or take a nap. There were days I just wasn’t feeling it.
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Rohn.
Motivation is great, but what happens when it doesn’t show up when you’re working on your dreams?
So many of us wait for the muse to hit us before we create. Or we’re waiting for the motivation to feel like doing that thing that will help us move toward our dreams.
If you’re waiting for motivation to push you toward your dreams, you’ll be disappointed almost every time.
If you want to fulfill your dreams, your God-given purpose, you’ve got to do what moves your dreams forward, whether you feel like it or not.
You have to go from self-forgetting to taking the right action.
Why…because I need to remind myself of this.
So many days, I’d rather play a game or take a nap. And you know what? I have wasted tons of time doing just that.
These aren’t bad things in themselves, but is playing a game or taking a nap helping me make my dreams happen? Nope.
When I’m doing other things instead of working on my dreams, I’m sabotaging my dreams.
God isn’t just going to drop our dreams in our laps. We have a part to play.
Where are you sabotaging your dreams?
- Limiting mindset?
- Mindless games?
- Doing for everyone else but yourself?
- Waiting to feel like doing it?
- Over-full calendar?
How do we stop the sabotage? Discipline
Discipline is the key to stopping the self-sabotage.
I have a quote on my computer: “Discipline is the presence of mind to see what’s in front of me and then choose what I want instead of what I feel like at the moment.
Remember Your Why
Why does your dream matter to you?
What will happen if you don’t fulfill it?
How will you feel? Who will miss out?
How will you feel when you do what you don’t want to do?
Use Tools to Keep Moving Forward
5 Second Rule (episode 185)
10-10-10 Decision-Making Framework (episode 235)
Accountability
Give Yourself Carrots
I can do this once I do that.
I just did this. I wanted to buy my new planner but told myself, “Send out the invoice you’ve been postponing for days, and then you can order your new planner.
Give Yourself Grace When You Fall
Give yourself the compassion you would give someone else when they blow it because Father does.
Your mistakes don’t define you.
When you make a mistake, tell yourself, “It’s okay. Just keep moving forward.”
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Resources:
10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea by Suzy Welch: https://amzn.to/43OXj92
The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage by Mel Robbins: https://amzn.to/44g2kaT
When you think about your dreams, are you living them out?
Are you taking steps to get there, or are you stuck?
If you’re stuck, what’s stopping you?
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of saying someday.
If you desire to overcome what’s stopping you.
If you’re ready to step out and make your dreams happen.
Suzy Welch book, 10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea
Suzy developed a decision-making framework to clarify the process and uncover our unconscious agendas, fears, needs and desires. It’s a way to identify and live your deepest goals and values.
10 Minutes
10 Months
10 Years
Life is a series of choices. All dreams start with a decision, choice.
Every choice you make and execute closes the gap between your dreams and reality one more increment.
Do I pick up the phone and ask for the sale?
Do I register for that course, program or class or wait for the time to be just right?
Do I go to the networking event or skip it this time?
Do I sit down right now and write that blog post, a page of my book or a podcast?
Do I ask that person to be my mentor or hire that coach?
How can you use this decision-making framework to close the gap between your dreams and reality?
Think about what step you need to take toward your dreams.
Run it through the 10-10-10 framework.
How will I feel about this in 10 minutes?
How will I feel about this in 10 months?
How will I feel about this in 10 years?
For instance, when I was enrolling, emailing and texting prospects to have a conversation with me about a pilot course I created for coaches, authors and speakers to create their signature system.
How will I feel about this in 10 minutes?
Probably scared or nervous because I didn’t know what to expect.
That’s 10 minutes of anxious waiting and wondering.
How will I feel about this in 10 months?
Whether it went well or not, that conversation or situation is most likely a distant memory, but maybe you learned something you could use for the future.
I remember the feeling, but I feel proud of myself for conquering my fear and doing it anyway.
How will I feel about this in 10 years?
You probably don’t remember sending the email or having that conversation. So I might as well do that scary thing.
Some decisions have 10-year ramifications, such as quitting your job, getting married or divorced or having kids. But emailing someone if they’re interested in joining my program isn’t one of them.
Mindset Challenge:
Now it’s your turn!
Pick one thing you will do to move you toward your dreams.
Walk yourself through the 10-10-10 framework and write down your answers.
10-10-10 framework:
How will I feel about this in 10 minutes?
How will I feel about this in 10 months?
How will I feel about this in 10 years?
Keep the 10-10-10 framework in mind as you work your way through walking out your dreams. Send emails, make phone calls, attend the networking event, and start the course or program.
Now go do that thing that’s blocking you from your dreams!
Please email me and let me know what that scary thing you’re going to do is at hello@heatherbunch.com. I’ll be praying for you!! Then, email me when you’ve completed it and tell me how you feel now that you’ve done it.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Resources:
10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea by Suzy Welch: https://amzn.to/43OXj92
The Seven Decisions: Understanding the Keys to Personal Success by Andy Andrews: https://amzn.to/3NpHHTM
Do you ever feel like life is weighing you down?
Or maybe the pressures feel like a pair of Spanx two sizes too small?
How do you keep going when you don’t feel like you can take another step?
We're talking about how to rest when life is weighing you down.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired…like you’re tired of constantly feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
- If you desire to release what’s bothering you so you can feel free again.
- If you’re ready to enjoy more of your life on the way to where you’re going.
I went backpacking with my Dad and two brothers. About an hour in, my little brother got too tired, and my dad picked him up and carried him. Then I started to wear out under the weight of my pack. My dad carried my pack for me, and the weight dropped off my shoulders.
I couldn’t bear the weight of my backpack, so my father carried it for me. Now I could rest and enjoy our adventure.
How about you? What stress, anxiety or worry is weighing you down?
It’s time to let Father carry your pack and rest in His presence.
- Cast Your Cares On Father
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.
Anxiety here means to
The Bible says to “Cast” your care or anxiety on Him.
Anxiety (or, in some translations–Care): dividing and fracturing a person’s being into parts.
We’re literally and figuratively worrying ourselves to pieces from the inside out. We’re fracturing into parts. It’s no wonder anxiety hurts so bad!
Cast = cast upon or throw.
Throw your anxiety and cares on Father…He can handle it.
- Receive Father’s Peace
Isaiah 26:3 Berean Standard Bible
You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast mind because he trusts in you.
Peace means wholeness, wellness and prosperity both internally and externally. Complete and at peace.
Perfect is the same word as peace - Shalom. Make peace, peace. Double the fun.
There’s also an emphasis added that means it’s not just a little peace but an incredible, GINORMOUS amount of peace!!
Peace means wholeness, wellness and prosperity both internally and externally. Complete and at peace.
But we must receive this peace if we’re going to enjoy it.
- Trust Father’s Got You
In the Isaiah scripture, Steadfast means to lean, lay, rest, or support.
You can do the same, just like my Dad carried my pack and I rested.
Casting your care on Him is resting. Why? Because you trust when He says He’s got you that He’s got you.
The best way to do this is to pray and imagine yourself giving your issue to Father. Picture yourself taking off that heavy backpack, lifting it as if handing it off to Father. Imagine Him taking it from you. Feel the weight flow out of your body. Hold your hand on your heart and thank Him for carrying your anxiety.
- Give Up Control
Before Peter told us to cast all our anxiety on Father, he reminded us to humble ourselves.
Most anxiety is caused by our inability to control the situation or person.
We must humble ourselves, realizing we can’t control it all. That’s not our job.
Do the job that you’re responsible for–You.
Homework:
- List 1 to 3 people or situations you are anxious about.
- Now, pray and give it to God.
- When the thoughts return, remind yourself, “Fathers got this and He’s got me. I choose not to control and manipulate the situation. I can rest.”
Don’t let life tear you to pieces, but Trust your Father God, Relying on Him with your whole weight. Rest in His presence.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you walk into a room and feel like the wind got knocked out of you by all the clutter?
Are there friends in your life that leave you feeling defeated?
Do you ever feel overwhelmed but aren’t quite sure why?
We’re talking about what drains you.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of feeling tired…emotional energy drained.
If you desire to work at your optimal.
If you’re ready to enjoy your home, work, life, and family more.
Monday, my youngest daughter was crying…she couldn’t find her Pokemon cards.
I walked into the room and couldn’t stand it anymore…pulled out a construction trash bag and started going to town. I threw away two construction bags worth of stuff.
That room was an emotional drain every time I walked into it. I finally hit my breaking point and did something about it. I felt so much better when I finished it.
Sometimes you just have to pull the weeds.
Weeds are those things in your life that are sucking the life out of you. They drain our energy.
- It’s the room you walk in, and your heart sinks.
- It’s the mail sitting on your desk you’re afraid to open.
- It’s the closet full of clothes that don’t fit that you’re avoiding.
- It’s the calendar that’s too full.
- It’s the office desk that you can’t see.
- It’s the bill collectors you’re afraid to contact.
- It’s the five, ten, or twenty pounds you’ve meant to do something about someday.
- It’s the degree or certification you’ve been meaning to sign up for.
- It’s the draining friendship that you’ve been afraid to let go of.
Mark 4:3-9 NASB
3 “Listen to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow; 4 as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 “Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil. 6 “And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 7 “Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. 8 “Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” 9 And He was saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
For the past three weeks, I pulled some enormous weeds. These suckers have been draining me dry for months.
- My Office – piles of papers and books.
- Girls’ bedroom – disaster tackled.
- My computer desktop – it had hundreds of screenshots and downloaded items.
I felt so much better after pulling each of the weeds in my life.
How about you? What weeds do you need to pull to remove the soul-sucking drainers?
Homework:
- List three areas where you need to pull the weeds.
- Plan to tackle one this week.
- Do it in the way you need to…10 minutes a day or blitz method.
You’ll start to feel more life and joy when the weeds of life aren’t choking it out of you.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please share it with a friend who wants more out of their life.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Does time seem like it’s flying by, and you’ve got nothing to show for it?
Are you doing stuff that matters to you and will make an impact?
Or are you filling your days with stuff that doesn’t?
Life is short, and we’re all doing stuff every day, but the question is, are you doing stuff that matters?
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of getting to the end of another year and feel like you have nothing to show for it.
- If you want your life to matter.
- If you’re ready to do something about it!
Can you believe it’s June? I can’t believe we’re almost halfway through 2023?! Where does the time go? I have so much I want to accomplish this year, but I feel like I’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg.
- I’m writing a book.
- Working on launching my second pilot program to help coaches, speakers and authors create their own Signature System or course.
- I have a podcast that, until recently, was five days a week, and I record another podcast with two of my accountability partners.
- I am a coach.
- Church volunteer.
- Friend and daughter.
- Not to mention a mom and wife in the middle of summer break.
Then there’s cooking, cleaning, laundry, errands…
Life is busy. More importantly, life is short. Am I doing the stuff that matters?
When I leave this earth, will I have done what matters for my family, the kingdom of God and my legacy?
Or, like Saito says in Inception, “Do I want to take a leap of faith or become an old man (woman) filled with regret waiting to die alone?
How about you?
I want to guide you through a series of questions to double-check you’re on the right path and, if not, get on the right track.
What kind of impact do I want to make before I leave this world?
Prove 29:18 NASB
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained…
What’s stopping me from having that impact?
- Procrastination
- Fear
- Lack of motivation
- Businesses
- Tired
- Social Media/Games/Mindless Activity
What is one thing I can do each day to move your dreams forward?
Am I surrounding myself with people who support me and my priorities?
How can I balance my life now and my dreams “someday”?
Set aside time regularly to move your long-term dreams forward.
I have to block time for what matters, or I’ll fill it with a bunch of crap that doesn’t mean diddly squat in an eternity.
If you’ve been saying someday for too long and are ready and willing to do something about it but know you need help, fill out my coaching discovery form at heatherbunch.com/coaching. I have five spots open for one-on-one coaching. So fill out that form, and let’s see if we’re a good fit to work together and get you doing the stuff that matters to you.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you have a dream or want to live a life of significance? Me too!
Do you want to fulfill your God-given purpose and long to hear, “well done my good and faithful servant,” but at this rate, you’re afraid you’ll miss the boat? I’ve been there!
Are you stuck at the starting gate, or maybe you stepped out and froze with fear? I hear ya!
In this series, we’ve tackled five questions that’ll take you from fear to freedom. It’s freedom day– it’s time to Live Fearlessly Free so you can finally fulfill your dreams.
Today is for you if:
• If you need the courage to step out into the unknown called your dreams.
• If you’re unsure, you can do what God put in your heart.
• If you’re ready to release the fear and are willing to live your life fearlessly free.
God has called you to a life of purpose and significance. Fear is the biggest obstacle to fulfilling your dreams – living your dreams.
How do we take what we’ve learned about our core fears and go from fear to freedom?
We need to answer Question #5–How do you Live Fearlessly Free?
As I’ve been learning how to go from fear to freedom in my journey, God taught me three lessons to get me Living Fearlessly Free.
Direct Your Imagination
Your mind is powerful. And it can work for or against you; you get to choose.
1) Develop Your Mindset
Are your choices when you’re in fear giving you what you want in life?
If not, direct your imagination to work for you by developing your mindset by choosing the right thoughts.
2) Develop Your Discipline
It takes discipline to keep your thoughts, feelings and actions going in the right direction. Put the habits in place that support our imagination to keep working for us.
3) Develop Your Courage
Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s doing that thing you’re afraid of anyway.
You generate courage by staying on the Courageous Cycle.
The Courageous Cycle is a four-step process that’ll take you from fear to freedom.
It gets you moving no matter what you’re feeling at the moment.
Tune In
Tune into your Head, Heart and Gut.
These are our three brains.
We Think > We Feel > We Act
What thoughts are producing fear?
How does that fear make you feel?
Where do you feel fear in your body?
Turn Down
Turn down the negative, fearful noise.
Switch your thoughts from Fearful thoughts to Freedom thoughts.
Put your hand on your heart.
The vagus nerve stimulates certain muscles in the heart that help to slow heart rate.
Breathe into the fear. Breathe in for four seconds; breathe out for eight.
Speak Up
Speak up for yourself, your freedom and your dreams.
Speak your freedom thoughts out loud.
Speak how you’re going to feel when you’re walking in courage.
Speak about what you’re capable of and what Father says about you.
“You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”
You’re more capable than you realize.
Step Out
Step out of your comfort zone and into your dreams.
Continually choose courageous thoughts.
Remind yourself how it’ll feel to do this scary thing courageously.
Take action.
Step out of your comfort zone, into your uncomfortable zone and do that thing afraid.
Every time you step out of your comfort zone, you generate more courage to keep going. You see what’s possible. Your confidence grows and gives you more courage to keep going.
Every time you go through the Courageous Cycle, you’re generating courage to Live Fearlessly Free.
As you Live Fearlessly Free, you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
Coaching: https://heatherbunch.com/coaching
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Are you living out your dreams?
Are you living life as your best self?
Where do you fall short? Where do you need to grow?
Our choices always cost something–so does our fear.
Today is for you if…
If you’re sick and tired of missing out on your best life.
If you desire to push yourself out of your comfort zone but struggle to make it happen regularly.
If you’re ready to own what your fear is costing you and are willing to make the necessary changes to become your best self.
The next question you must ask yourself to go from fear to freedom is: What is your fear costing you?
Question 4 – What’s your fear costing you?
Fear has a hidden price tag; it’s costing you more than you realize.
Let’s look at the nine core fears we discussed in episode 229 and see each of those fears’ price tags.
Fear #1 Fear of Making Mistakes
Stop you from trying.
Never put your dreams out into the world where they can do some good because they’re not prefect yet.
People never feel like they measure up to your standard…including yourself.
Fear #2 Fear Can’t Be Loved For Yourself
Stops you from believing anyone loves you for you.
Stops you from your dreams because you’re busy doing something for someone else.
Fear #3 Fear of Failure
Stops celebrating wins and keeps you pushing yourself past exhaustion.
Stop appreciating someone else’s brilliance because it could outshine yours.
Makes you feel unworthy when you’re not achieving.
Question if you’re loved for what you do or if you’re loved for who you are.
Fear #4 Fear Something’s Missing in You
Live on a rollercoaster of feelings.
People avoid you because it’s too much drama.
Stop you from believing you’re enough.
Push to stand out just to stand out–rebel without a cause.
Fear #5 Fear Looking Incompetent
Miss deeper relationships with you because you’re stuck in your head.
Stop you from starting a project or goal before you get started because you feel like you don’t have enough information or data.
Fear #6 Fear the World Isn’t a Safe Place
Too afraid to move into your dreams because the unknown may not feel worth the risk.
Doubt yourself and not step into your power.
Anxiety gets the best of you, and miss out on trusting God for more.
Fear #7 Fear Pain and Unpleasant Feelings
You’ll stuff pain, and it’ll bite you later.
Shiny object syndrome, but it’ll stop you from finishing what God’s called you to do because you got bored or distracted or it became too hard.
It’ll stop you from experiencing the moment and who you’re with because you always look ahead to what’s coming.
Fear #8 Fear Looking Weak or Vulnerable
Stop you from letting people in.
You may be a marshmallow on the inside, but you’ll show up like you’re wrapped in barbed wire, hurting everyone in your path.
Prevent you from being open and authentic with others, leading to relationship problems and missed opportunities for connection.
Fear #9 – Fear of Losing Connection
Stop you from owning your own life, voice, opinion and brilliance.
Stop you from venturing outside your comfort zone; limit your growth and won’t pursue your dreams.
Cost the deep connections because no one knows the real you.
So, what is fear costing you? Is that the price tag you want to pay for keeping your fear?
You can decide not to buy into the fear. You can choose to walk away.
Homework:
Think through your fear and list five things your fear is costing you.
The next episode, it’s Freedom Time! I’ll show you How to Live Fearlessly Free!
The Enneagram assessment is a powerful tool if you’re looking for something that can shortcut your growth process.
https://heatherbunch.com/enneagram to pick the right report for you.
If you’re enjoying this series on fear to freedom, please share it with a friend you know who wants more out of their life.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
What are you afraid of? Like at your core?
Do you fear looking dumb? Or weak?
Are you afraid of conflict?
Is failure the worst?
It’s time to dig to the root of what’s holding you back from being your best self.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired, looking like you’re about to reach your goals or dreams, and then the other shoe drops.
If you desire a life of significance, but you know something is blocking you from going to the next level.
If you’re ready to shed the shoulda, woulda, coulda’s so you can go from fear to freedom.
We all have a core fear that affects how we show up in the world and our ability to be our best selves. It’s lying beneath the surface, your subconscious, waiting to pounce…leaving playing small and running from your dreams.
But when you name your fear, you’ll see it for what it is and you take away some of it’s power over you.
Name Your Core Fear:
Fear #1 Fear of Making Mistakes
…makes you compulsive to perfect yourself, others and the world around you.
Fear #2 Fear Can’t Be Loved For Yourself
…so you try to meet the needs of others as their strategy to be loved and appreciated.
Fear #3 Fear of Failure
…so you must succeed and avoid failure; ultimately, fear that you aren’t worthy of love if you don’t achieve.
Fear #4 Fear Something’s Missing in You
Fear something is missing in you that everyone else has, and if you aren’t unique and special, people won’t see or accept you.
Fear #5 Fear Looking Incompetent
…afraid you don’t have enough inner resources to meet the demands of people and projects. So to protect yourself, you arm yourself with information and isolation.
Fear #6 Fear the World Isn’t a Safe Place
You need to feel safe, secure and supported and use this anxiety to prepare for anything.
Fear #7 Fear Pain and Unpleasant Feelings
You compulsively look to the next great activity, event or idea to avoid the pain, negativity and boredom.
Fear #8 Fear Looking Weak or Vulnerable
…so you show up with strength and control.
Fear #9 – Fear of Losing Connection
…so you merge with the agendas of others to avoid the conflict that might cause disconnection.
Which fear hits you at the core?
Fear makes you go, “Ugh, that’s me.”
Our core fears run deep, so deep they started in childhood.
We adapted these fears to keep us safe. They did serve us as little people to survive, but they stopped serving us long ago. You can’t work through an issue until you know what you’re dealing with. Then you can create a plan.
So, you must uncover your core fear to go from fear to freedom. Here’s where it starts.
Homework:
- Sit down with these nine core fears and choose yours.
What your looking for is the dominant fear that goes down to your core. The one that everything circles back to most of the time.
-
Write down two instances of this fear showing up now and twice in your childhood or early twenties
-
Now, ask yourself why? What caused that fear?
Mine started from how I dealt with my parent’s separation.
If you’re still struggling to name your core fear, the IEQ9 Enneagram assessment is a powerful tool. You can go to https://heatherbunch.com/enneagram to see your options.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Have you ever been going along and felt your chest tighten or your gut tied in knots and wasn’t sure why?
Do you feel like there’s an invisible wall holding you back from what God’s called you to do?
What is fear really trying to tell you?
It’s a great question. What is fear trying to tell you? That’s the question we’re tackling today.
Today is for you if…
If you’ve ever tried to do something you really wanted to do but never seemed to do it.
If you’re stuck in overthinking, feeling or overacting but getting nowhere fast.
If you’re ready to stop and listen to your fear so you can get it working for you instead of against you.
In the last episode, we unpacked Question 1 of the five questions that will take you from fear to freedom. We answered What is fear? We also broke down how fear operates, and you dove into how fear shows up for you.
Please take a moment and think about something you’ve wanted to accomplish for some time but haven’t done it yet. Maybe it is to write a book, learn a new language, declutter your home, change careers, or get a different job.
Now why aren’t you doing it?
You’re in fear.
Fear is sneaky because, on the surface, you might think, “I’m not afraid to declutter my house!”
Where you see resistance, fear is lurking.
That resistance, that procrastination, is really fear.
God gave your body a built-in alarm system to let you know you’re in fear.
Where’s the alarm in your body? Name it. That’s when you’re in fear.
It also shows up
- Overthinking
- Over feeling
- Overacting
Become aware of being aware.
So our subconscious will try and keep us from being vulnerable and trying or trying again.
List to what is fear trying to tell you
In her book Clean Up Your Mental Mess, Dr. Caroline Leaf says, “We think, we feel, we choose.”
Everything we experience currently all started with a thought.
Fear is telling us what we’re thinking about.
I want you to discover what fear is trying to tell you. When you unmask fear for what it is, you can create a plan to move forward.
Stop and listen. What is your fear telling you?
Remember, these fears are imagined dangers. I imagined a clown might chase me with a chainsaw if I showed up as my nerdy, loud self and snatch my friends and family leaving me alone. That fear held me back. But what happened when I showed up fully myself is I found my true friends.
Your fears, and your imaginary safety, are holding you back.
Homework:
Listen to the alarm in your body. That’s when you’re in fear.
Ask, What is fear trying to tell me? What’s really going on?
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please do me a favor, click the subscribe button, and share it with a friend who may need it.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
What is fear?
How does fear operate?
How does fear show up for you?
We’re starting a new series on overcoming fear. We’ll tackle five questions that will take you from fear to freedom.
So today is for you if…
- If you experience fear or anxiety regularly.
- If you’re tired of fear making choices for you and missing out on God’s best.
- If you’re ready to go from fear to freedom so you can live your best life now!
My fear ruled my life. It started as a kid and grew more powerful as I moved into adulthood.
Fear of failure, disconnection, not being enough, fear of what people thought, rejection and looking stupid.
Fear went beyond fight or flight responses, and it went all the way to freeze…so intense I fainted from fear. Fainting became my escape strategy. But it was keeping me stuck. I was missing out on my life of purpose and significance.
I started studying fear and learned to overcome the fear holding me back, and I’ll share how you can too.
I’ll take you through five questions that will take you from fear to freedom so you can live your best life now.
“When you ask great questions, you get a great answer.” ––Andy Andrews
What Is Fear?
When learning anything, it’s best to start at the beginning.
Fear = a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.
Two kinds of fear:
- Impending Danger
“The clown chasing you with a chainsaw; you need to run.”
- Imagined Danger
“You’re scared that when you try that new thing you’ll fail and that scares you.”
You’re afraid you’re not enough.
How Does Fear Operate?
Fear thinks it isn’t the job to try and keep you safe.
Fear likes to operate using a different lens.
But these lenses are “what ifs;” they may happen and may not.
- What if you step out and look incompetent?
- What if you make a mistake and then be criticized?
- What if you lose connection with others?
- What if you lose control?
- What if you fail?
- What if you’re not enough?
Remember, fear’s job is to try and keep you safe, yet if fear rules you, if you dwell on all the “what ifs,” if fear makes your choices for you, you’ll never experience life the way Father’s called you to.
How Does Fear Show Up For You?
Fear hits us in so many ways and different ways for different people.
- Physical Symptoms
- sweating
- shaking
- Nausea
- rapid heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- dizzy
- muscle tension
- Behavior Shifts
- fight - become aggressive and go into attack mode
- flight - run away response
- faun - people pleasing to avoid conflict and establish a sense of safety
- freeze - can’t make a decision
- Mental Responses
- negative thoughts
- critical
- withdrawn
- dwell on threat
- repress threat
- Emotional Reactions
- stressed
- anxiety
- worry
- panic
- anger
- despair
- isolated
- weak
- helpless
- sadness
- numb
- Coping Mechanisms
- run from a fearful situation
- repress fear
- Hit it head-on - turn aggressive
- numb with pleasure or pain sources
- substance abuse
- self-harm
-
parties and relationships
-
procrastination
- denial
Homework:
How does fear show up for you?
What are your physical symptoms?
How does your behavior shift?
What are your mental responses?
What are your emotional reactions?
How do you adapt, or what are your coping strategies? Are they helping or harming you?
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
What are you do when things don’t go like you thought they would?Do you get mad? Do you get angry? Do you run and hide? Do you feel resentful?
I’m here to tell you that it’s OK if you feel like that, but we don’t want to stay there.
I just got back from an amazing mastermind trip in West Palm Beach, Florida, with my mentor, Lethia Owens. It was amazing, and I had a list of awesome projects I wanted to work on. But when I got home, nothing went like I thought it would. I had to go into mom mode, rescue mode. I had to take care of one sick kid, one injured kid, one sick dog and a car insurance issue.
It all got handled, but none of the work that I thought it would get done got done. I was disappointed, angry and a little resentful.
But I remembered three things.
- Give yourself grace.
Self-compassion is key at this moment, not beating yourself up.
- Take it one step at a time.
Go into triage mode if you have to. Do the next right action.
- Take it to God.
Lay it all out there. Let Father know what you're really feeling. He can handle it.
Also, you can pray ahead of time when you have a plan that you're really looking forward to. God lives outside of time so you can cover it prayer ahead of time.
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you feel like you’re spinning your wheels but aren’t getting anywhere you want to in life?
Have you ever been exhausted at the end of a busy day but aren’t sure what you actually accomplished?
Do you
It’s time for the #10 surefire way to stay stuck. If you do this one, you’ll never be able to achieve a life of significance.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of saying someday.
- If you desire to become your best self.
- If you’re ready to finally launch when you’ve failed to launch in the past.
10 Sure-Fire Way to Stay Stuck – Don’t Act
Choosing not to act is a surefire way to stay stuck - it keeps you from advancing on your goals and dreams. Having an idea is one thing, but if you don't act on it, it won't get you anywhere.
When you don't take action, you also miss out on opportunities to learn and grow.
Not taking action can also lead to missed opportunities. Opportunities often come and go quickly, so if you don't seize them, you may miss out.
In some ways, inaction can be worse than failing, as doing nothing leads to no progress.
Heather’s Achilles heel…inaction. In Enneagram speak, my vice is sloth, self-forgetting or inaction, depending on the Enneagram philosophy. I get busy doing all kinds of stuff, but if I’m not careful, the action isn’t the right action. It’s just aimless action that makes me tired but leads nowhere closer to my goals and dreams.
Sure-Fire Way to Succeed – Take Right-Action
Growth requires action. Set achievable goals and take consistent action towards them to help you grow and achieve your full potential.
Yes, taking action is a crucial element in developing areas of growth and promoting personal and professional development.
Here are some reasons why it is essential to take action toward achieving set goals and desires:
- Create Momentum
Taking action creates momentum towards reaching goals, shifting focus to progress and forward movement. But only if it’s the right action.
Remind yourself constantly where you want to go; go back to the podcast about reviewing goal #220 if you need it. Keep the vision in front of you and take the right steps to get you there.
- Build Confidence
Achieving goals promotes self-esteem, belief and confidence. Goals will also ensure you’re taking the right action because you decided on the action ahead of time.
Building the habit of consistent action toward a goal and building successful momentum, and momentum also builds confidence.
- Accelerates Personal Growth
Regularly taking the right actions toward your goals and dreams helps to expand your skills and knowledge. It elevates your expertise in specific areas and broadens life experiences. All this accelerates your personal growth. And you need personal growth to achieve your dreams.
- Encourage Learning
Taking the right action consistently, regardless of your initial results or output, gives you an opportunity to learn from past experiences and provide feedback on mistakes as well as learn from your accomplishments.
- Boost Resilience
Taking the right action despite uncertainties or failures boosts your resilience.
Remember, taking consistent right-action is an essential factor in growth and development. Set achievable goals, establish plans, take concrete steps towards progress, and reap the benefits of your greater achievements.
Taking the right action, even if it's imperfect or requires pushing out of your comfort zone, you’ll move forward, learn and grow, and achieve your dreams.
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
How do you feel when you get constructive feedback?
Does it encourage you to do better, or does it crush you?
If it crushes you, why does it bother you so much? Do you think it means you’re a failure, not worthy or not good enough?
We’re coming into the home stretch with #9 of our 10 Surefire ways to stay stuck.
Today is for you if…
If you have an area of your life you can’t seem to make progress and you’re tired of being stuck.
If you desire to discover a key to unlimited growth.
If you’re ready to bust through the barriers holding you back from your dreams.
Today’s surefire way to stay stuck is close to my heart. Or one of my greatest flaws…however you want to look at it.
9 Sure-Fire Way to Stay Stuck – Reject Feedback
Rejecting feedback can keep you stuck because it prevents you from identifying areas for improvement and making necessary adjustments.
Whether positive or negative, feedback provides valuable insights into how others perceive you, which is especially important as you pursue your dreams and goals. Ignoring or rejecting feedback can cause you to miss out on vital opportunities for growth and improvement.
Rejecting feedback can also limit your ability to connect with people in your life.
But this mindset kept me stuck. I couldn’t grow in areas where I wasn’t willing to take feedback.
Sure-Fire Way to Succeed – Embrace Feedback
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” – Ken Blanchard.
Be open to feedback from others, whether it’s positive or constructive criticism. Use feedback as an opportunity to grow and improve
Here are some reasons to embrace feedback:
- Identifying Blind Spots
Feedback helps you identify areas that need improvement or growth opportunities. It provides an objective view of your strengths, limitations, and growth areas.
The letters from the apostle Paul weren’t just teaching; they were feedback revealing blind spots. He gave each of the churches he wrote to the good, the bad and the ugly of what they were doing. It helped them grow their relationship with God and reach people more effectively.
- Broadens Perspective
Feedback from others helps you gain a broader perspective, leading to improved decision-making and better problem-solving.
You open yourself up to constructive criticism that can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can use this information to refine yourself, improve your performance, and ultimately help you fulfill your dreams.
- Builds Self-Awareness
Taking feedback to heart will increase self-awareness, which, in turn, boosts understanding of self and others, allowing for more informed decisions needed for improvement, decisions or future directions.
“Make feedback normal. Not a performance review.” – Ed Batista
- Increases Accountability
Feedback provides a sense of accountability, knowing that others are observing your work and behavior, and their opinions will help improve or sustain your performance.
Feedback can come from anywhere. Use it to your advantage.
- Creates a Culture of Growth
Embracing feedback can aid in creating a culture of open communication, support, and self-improvement among co-workers, teams, and personal relationships.
“There is no failure. Only feedback.” – Robert Allen
Remember, feedback provides growth opportunities, so embracing it and accepting criticism with a positive outlook and a growth mindset is essential.
Actively listen to feedback and consider the perspective offered; take the valuable points to heart and use them as a tool for growth and let go of the stuff that doesn’t serve you.
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
I’ll see you right back here on Tuesday.
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever gotten halfway through a project or new endeavor and thought, “Dang I wished I knew that before I started?”
Have you ever gotten a chance to sit with someone you admire, but your mind froze, and you couldn’t think of anything intelligent to say?
Or worse, have you ever been around a successful person and just shot your mouth off and later thought, “What was I thinking?”
It’s time for #8 of our 10 Sure Fire Ways to Stay Stuck! There’s so much to learn to get to where we want to go, but there’s one thing that’ll stop you in your tracks if you don’t understand how to do it well.
- So today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of being stuck, not knowing what to do next.
- If you desire more for your life than you’re living right now.
- If you are ready to go to another level in fulfilling your God-given purpose.
8 Sure-Fire Way to Stay Stuck – Never Ask Questions
Have you ever met a know-it-all? Oh, they drive me crazy!
Never asking questions is your quickest way to get stuck and stay stuck. You’re only left with your thoughts, opinions and perspectives. And let’s face it; no one knows everything.
Sure-Fire Way to Succeed – Ask Thoughtful Questions
Asking questions helps you:
- Gain new knowledge and perspectives
- Clarify your thoughts and feelings
- Challenge existing beliefs
- Identify areas of uncertainty or confusion
- Achieve new insights and breakthroughs
- Expand your understanding and broadens your horizons
- Demonstrates curiosity which stimulates creativity and innovation
- Develop unique solutions to problems
- Willingness to learn and adapt
Questions foster personal growth, helping you become your best self. When you’re your best self, you’re more equipped to fulfill your God-given purpose.
Mentors can provide valuable guidance and support as you grow and develop new skills. Andy Andrews calls his mentors his advisory board. And they don’t even have to know they’re on it.
Let’s discuss what questions are good to ask mentors and those you want to learn from.
It’s important to prepare questions that’ll elicit insightful and meaningful responses.
Here are some great questions to ask:
-
How did you get started, and what inspired you to pursue this career or endeavor?
-
What were some challenging situations you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
-
What do you consider as your key attributes or strengths in reaching success?
-
What are some valuable lessons you’ve learned throughout your journey?
-
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps? Or what do you wish you’d known when you started your journey?
-
Who are your role models, and what impact have they had on your life’s direction?
-
Can you provide tips on balancing work, family, and personal life?
-
What skill sets are essential for your industry’s success, and how can one acquire them?
-
What are some common mistakes people make when pursuing a similar path, and how can they avoid them?
-
What’s the next big goal you’re working towards, and how are you planning to achieve it?
Bonus: What’s one thing I should be asking you that I didn’t think to ask?
Ask great questions and get great answers.
If you’ve been enjoying this podcast, can you do me a favor and share it with a friend you think could use help getting unstuck?
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Remember, I’ll see you right back here on Thursday.
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you somedays feel like giving up or aren’t sure if you’ve got enough strength on your own to make it?
Have you ever shared an issue with someone, and they gave you a solution that never occurred to you?
Do you feel stuck in the same ole’ life with no new opportunities on your horizon?
It’s time for #7 of our 10 Sure Fire Ways to Stay Stuck, and it’s the one that got me unstuck and keeps me going when I don’t think I have the strength to do it.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of going it alone.
- If you desire new opportunities, new experiences and new perspectives.
- If you’re ready to go from stuck to supported so you can grow into your best self, living your best life.
This next surefire way to stay stuck is a big one, my friend, and I sometimes find myself slipping back into myself because I don’t want to be a bother. But it always leads me to get stuck.
7 Sure-Fire Way to Stay Stuck – Go Solo
Some days it may feel easier to go it solo. Some of us struggle because we don’t want to be a bother or tou may have been hurt.
When you’re alone, you have only yourself to support you and only your perspective to view life. There’s no one to bounce ideas off or laugh at your jokes.
Sure-Fire Way to Succeed – Don’t Go It Alone
Connections, Mentors, Friends & Accountability Partners oh my… Building a strong network of connections can help you grow personally and professionally.
Not going it alone can serve as a catalyst for personal growth.
Here are five ways where “not going it alone” can help you grow:
- Learning Opportunities
You can learn new things and acquire knowledge from others when surrounded by others.
Listening to others’ perspectives and experiences can help you understand things from a different point of view, which broadens your perspective.
- Inner Strength
Knowing others are supporting you helps strengthen your inner resolve and instills confidence to take on new challenges you might not have done without this support.
It helps build your resilience and cultivates courage.
- Expands Your Horizons
Support from different backgrounds, experiences and expertise broadens your horizons.
When you don’t go it alone, you can discover new opportunities or ventures that can lead to new inspirations.
- Mutual Support
Your support network and being a part of a community or family build a sense of belonging.
You also get to be there for others. Win-win.
- Accountability
Support holds you responsible and doesn’t let you get away with being less than you truly are.
Your support system keeps you motivated to continue pushing forward; no room for giving up. They help you become your best self.
A strong support system of family and friends can be a powerful tool for personal growth. It encourages learning, broadens perspectives, and strengthens inner resilience while providing invaluable growth opportunities.
All of this leads to a healthier emotional and mental state, greater satisfaction and better stress management.
Please don’t risk it by going it alone! And it’s way more fun!
If you’ve been enjoying this podcast, can you do me a favor and rate and review it? Your generosity helps others find this podcast so they can get unstuck and live their God-given purpose too.
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
I’ll see you right back here on Tuesday!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever felt so tired you wanted to give up?
Do you have time for everyone’s needs but nothing left in your tank?
Ever feel like a maid, taxi driver and butler all rolled into one, and now you’re starting to resent the very people you’re helping?
There are so many ways to stay stuck, but if we do, we’ll miss out on what Father’s got in store for us to experience. Today we’re talking about the #6 surefire way to stay stuck. And you may know what it is, but are you doing what you know to do?
Today is for you if...
If you’re tired of being tired with no energy to pursue your hobbies, goals or dreams.
If you desire to fulfill your God-given purpose but seem you have too much day and not enough time.
If you’re ready to learn the growth secret that every successful person not just knows but does religiously.
I want to talk about a surefire way to stay stuck that seems rampant, especially among women.
#6 Sure-Fire Way to Stay Stuck – Take Care of Everyone Else First
Are you taking care of everyone else and leaving yourself for last? This is a surefire way to stay stuck.
Jesus told us to “love our neighbor as ourselves.” We can’t love others until we love ourselves. And even Jesus went away by himself to pray and rejuvenate.
If you’re too worn out, played out or burnt out, you’ll never be able to fulfill what Father’s called you to do. You’ll stay stuck, stunt your growth and feel resentful to the very people you’re caring for.
Sure-Fire Way to Succeed – Take Care of Yourself First
Self-care is essential to personal growth; it enables you to prioritize your physical, emotional and mental health.
Here are five ways self-care can help personal growth:
- Self-Care Reduce Stress
Stress is one of the significant obstacles to personal growth. Self-care activities can help you reduce stress, manage anxiety and depression, and enhance your overall well-being.
Breathing, meditation and stretching are my favorites.
- Self-Care Promotes Self-awareness
Self-care helps individuals to take time to reflect and gain insight into what they need and want. By listening to your body, emotions and mind, you can discover effective strategies to care for yourself and support others.
- Self-Care Fosters a Positive Mindset
Positive self-talk, self-affirmations and emotional regulation strategies, and taking good care of oneself help build a healthy and positive mindset. This mindset allows you to approach challenges confidently and explore new passions and creative outlets.
- Self-Care Enhances Your Health
Physical self-care, such as getting enough sleep, healthy eating habits and regular exercise, helps promote a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining good physical health improves mental and emotional well-being, promoting growth and development.
- Self-Care Improves Your Relationships
Self-care ensures that you maintain a healthy relationship with yourself and boosts your self-esteem and relationships with others. Because you realize…baby, you’re worth it!
Find things that make you happy.
Self-care is vital to personal growth, supporting a positive mindset and mental, physical and emotional health, leading to a better quality of life and increased opportunities for growth and development.
When you put your oxygen mask on first, you’re juiced up and ready to help those around you!
If you’ve been enjoying this podcast, can you do me a favor and share it with a friend you think could help you get unstuck?
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Remember, I’ll see you right back here on Thursday.
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever felt stuck in life, going nowhere toward your dreams fast?
Have you ever made goals and promptly forgotten about them?
What do you think are the steps to fulfill your God-given purpose? Are you doing them?
It’s time for #5 in our sure-fire ways to stay stuck…let me ask you…how are those goals coming you made in January? Did you just think, “Oh shoot!”? You’re not alone, my friend.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of each year flying by with nothing to show for it.
- If you desire to fulfill your God-given purpose but don’t seem to be getting anywhere fast.
- If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mistakes and start making progress on your dreams.
5 Sure-Fire Way to Stay Stuck – Never Look at Your Goals
If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.
The same is true: if you write your goals and never look at them, you’ll hit nothing every time.
Goals are the stepping stones to our dreams. But if you set goals and never look at them, it ends up the same as if you never set the goal. It adds an extra layer of guilt or shame because you know what you should do but aren’t doing it.
Sure-Fire Way to Succeed – Evaluate Your Goals
Now, I’m not going into how to make goals in this episode. I covered that in Podcast Episode 90 - Set SMARTER goals to reach your dreams. I’ll leave a link in the show notes.
What we are going to focus on is evaluating the progress of your goals.
Here are several steps on how to evaluate your goals:
- Review Your Goals
Ensure that they still align with your values and passions.
- Assess Your Progress
Identify what you’ve accomplished and what’s still pending, and evaluate what worked for you and what did not.
- Determine if the Goals Are Still Relevant
Assess whether your goals are still relevant to your life and if they still matter to you.
We go through different seasons in life, and it’s okay to pivot or drop goals altogether if it doesn’t fit your life and purpose in a particular season.
- Identify Potential Obstacles
Identifying any potential obstacles, such as personal or external factors that initially barred you from achieving your goals, can help you find creative ways to overcome them.
- Adjust the Goals
Based on your assessment, make any necessary adjustments to your goals.
- Create Actionable Steps
After making a few changes, create new action steps toward achieving your goals.
- Stay Accountable
This’ll help you to stay focused on achieving your goals.
- Celebrate Your Achievements Along the Way
Celebrate your small wins when you make progress towards your goals.
Regularly evaluating your goals will ensure you’re on track and keep stepping toward your God-given purpose.
“A goal is not about what you accomplish. It’s about what you become.” ––Michael Hyatt
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Resources
Podcast Episode 090 - Set SMARTER goals to reach your dreams
https://bit.ly/43O54g0
Your Best Year Ever: A 5-step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals by Michael Hyatt*: https://amzn.to/41AmL0I
Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff*: https://amzn.to/3KMQEnJ
This one will keep you moving forward when you want to quit on your goals.
*Amazon affiliate link; I will receive a small commission if you purchase through this link.
Is it hard to stay positive with all the negativity around you?
How do the people around you make you feel, think and act?
Do they have a positive or negative influence on you?
We’re continuing our series on 10 Sure Fire Ways to Stay Stuck…next up–people. People are a key, sure-fire way to stay stuck if you’re not careful.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of being dragged down by the naysayers around you.
If you desire to enjoy your life on the way to where you’re going.
If you’re ready to choose your future instead of it being chosen for you.
4 Sure-Fire Way to Stay Stuck – Hang Out with Negative People Going Nowhere
Have you ever noticed that being positive is hard if you’re around negativity for too long? Why does this matter.
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” –Jim Rohn
So is your average getting you to your dreams? Or are you stuck in the group lowering the curve?
Sure-Fire Way to Succeed – Surround Yourself with Positive People
Spend time with people who inspire and motivate you to be your best self. Positive energy is contagious; being around positive people can help you grow.
Here are five ways to surround yourself with more positive people:
- Join Clubs and Groups
Join clubs or groups of people who share similar interests as you. You’re more likely to find like-minded positive people who share your passions and values in these settings.
- Attend Workshops and Events
Attend workshops, seminars or events on topics that interest you, such as personal development, wellness, or volunteering. These events are great opportunities to meet people interested in personal growth, positivity and building networks.
- Listen, Read and Watch Positive Content
Who you listen to, read and watch also affects you positively or negatively. These people affect you, too, even if you don’t know them personally.
- Be Positive and Attract Positivity
Positivity attracts positivity. Look in the mirror. Are you the kind of person a positive person, would want to hang out with?
Your positivity attracts like-minded individuals into your life, or you can repel them. Practice kindness, supportiveness and empathy towards others, which tend to attract similar people into your life.
- Cut Toxic People Out of Your Life
Identify toxic people in your life and distance yourself from them. People who are constantly negative, pessimistic, or critical can drain you of your positive energy and hinder your personal growth.
Set boundaries, prioritize your well-being to keep a positive mindset, and hang out with people who’ll uplift and support you. If they’re family, you may not be able to cut them out entirely, but you can learn to set boundaries.
If you need help with boundaries, Dr. Henry Cloud has several books on boundaries. I’ll put a link in the show notes.
Think of it this way…Hang out with the people who make you forget to look at your phone.
The bottom line is you can’t change people, but you can change the people you hang out with.
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Resources:
Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud and John Townsend*: https://amzn.to/3mOYO79
Women of Audacious Faith Business Community (Free community): https://www.facebook.com/groups/wafcommunity
*Amazon affiliate link; I will receive a small commission if you purchase through this link.
How do you feel about failure?
Do you embrace failure, fear it or loathe it entirely?
Is “failure is not an option” your war cry?
We’re continuing our series on 10 Sure Fire Ways to Stay Stuck, and it’s time to tackle failure. Why? Because if you’re attempting to do anything great, living your life of significance, and embracing your God-given purpose, you’re going to come head-to-head with this bad boy. What’s your plan when you do?
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of failure holding you’re face to the ground, pressuring you to cry “uncle.”
- If you desire to push past life’s failures and make something of yourself.
- If you’re ready to welcome the enemy and discover the freedom that comes with it.
3 Sure-Fire Way to Stay Stuck – Failure Isn’t an Option
The idea of never failing can drive us to strive for excellence, but it can be a double-edged sword that causes a fear of failure and stops us from trying new things. It can also reduce our chances of success and affect our mental health.
Is there another way to look at failure? Yes; we can welcome it as a way to succeed.
Sure-Fire Way to Succeed – Welcome Failure
Yes, really! Failure is not only okay; it’s vital to your growth and learning process.
If we embrace it as a learning opportunity and view it with curiosity, we can gain valuable knowledge and progress faster than we could without failure.
So let’s talk about five reasons why you shouldn’t fear failure but welcome it:
- Failure Provides Valuable Feedback
When we fail or make mistakes, we learn what not to do and gain feedback on how to do things differently. This feedback is valuable in helping us better understand ourselves and our environment.
- Failure Highlights Areas That Need Improvement
By embracing failures, you can identify areas where you need to improve, learn new skills or gain more experience to continue personal growth.
- Failure Boosts Resilience
Failure can improve our resilience when we welcome it with open arms. You realize you’re okay even though you failed…like it didn’t kill you.
Now failure can strengthen your character and mental toughness for the next opportunity.
- Failure Leads to Innovation
Failure opens the door to new and innovative ideas, which wouldn’t have been discovered without the lessons learned from experience.
- Failure is Part of the Learning Process
Learning requires humility and the ability to learn from our failures and mistakes. If you embrace failures, it provides opportunities to expand your knowledge, skills and relationships.
1 Peter 5:5 and James 4:6 NKJV
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”
If you’re proud, you won’t be open to learning from your failures. You’ll most likely lean toward hiding them.
Also, realize that failures aren’t a measure of who you are or your worthiness; instead, it is simply a natural process of growth and development.
Don’t be afraid of failure. Accept that mistakes and failures are a natural and necessary part of growth and provide valuable learning experiences. Embracing and learning from failures will make you stronger, more resilient, and more likely to achieve greater success in the future. Accept failures as lessons to guide you toward more significant growth and success.
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you have a dream in your heart, but when you step out, you get scared and retreat?
How big is your comfort zone?
Are you afraid to step out of your comfort zone because of the disaster the last time you tried?
We’re continuing our series on 10 Sure Fire Ways to Stay Stuck. Let’s talk about our oh, so-comfy comfort zone today. It’s that place that makes us feel safe and certain. But is our comfort zone sabotaging our dreams? Is your need for peace, safety or certainty causing you to miss out on your God-given purpose?
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of feeling like a bird in a cage of fear.
- If you desire to become more.
- If you’re ready to get comfortable being uncomfortable so you can live your life with purpose and on purpose.
2 Sure-Fire Way to Stay Stuck – Stay in Your Comfort Zone
Your comfort zone is the place you feel safe and, many times, certain. Nothing of significance happens in your comfort zone.
And I get it; the comfort zone is COMFORTABLE! That’s why I stayed in my oh-so-comfy comfort zone for decades!
But do you want to fulfill your God-given purpose? You must leave your comfort zone and stretch into your uncomfortable zone.
Stretch Into Your UnComfortable Zone:
- Set small, achievable goals:
Start by setting small goals that are just beyond your comfort zone. These smaller achievements can help build confidence and motivation to take bigger steps.
- Change Your Routine
Shake up your routine by trying something new or doing it differently. Breaking away from doing things the same way every day helps infuse spontaneity and excitement into your life, allowing you to build the confidence muscle you need to tackle new things.
- Embrace Uncertainty
You can never be sure of the outcome, and that’s okay. Rather than focusing on the result of your decision or action, focus on the growth potential that comes with the challenge. Be ready to accept whatever comes your way and learn from it.
- Practice Positive Self-talk
Developing positive self-talk can help change your mindset and reduce the fear of stepping out of your comfort zone.
Positive self-talk and mantras can help build confidence and overcome self-doubt. You’re also not giving yourself an escape hatch.
- Seek Support
Having people to share your experience and thoughts, where you can ask for advice and receive constructive feedback, is a fantastic motivator to help you step out of your comfort zone–and stretch into your UnComfortable Zone.
You also get to celebrate all your awesome wins with your supporters …FYI, a win is any forward movement outside your comfort zone. So be sure to celebrate it all!!
Getting out of your comfort zone is a process. When you stretch consistently stretch into your uncomfortable zone, you’ll start getting comfortable being uncomfortable. Now you’re expanding your comfort zone to new territory.
Next, it’s time to tackle new areas you can grow and stretch into, so you can continually keep fulfilling your purpose.
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you ever feel stuck in life or business and aren’t sure how to get moving again?
Do you feel like you’re stagnant and not growing?
How is your conversation? Dull and boring or vibrant and full of new revelations?
Fulfilling our God-given purpose requires us to grow in all areas of our life. It’s easy to get stuck when pursuing your dreams or just getting caught up in life—ten surefire ways to keep you stuck. Over the next two weeks, we’ll unpack these cherry pitfalls that will keep you from your purpose and what you can do to get unstuck and moving again.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of where you’re at in your life or business.
If you need help getting unstuck or a new perspective to avoiding the molasses swamps in life.
If you’re ready to go to the next level in life so you can fulfill your God-given purpose.
Have you ever made a cake, and something went horribly wrong? Or, maybe you tried to make homemade bread for the first time, and it came out hard as the rock of Gibraltar?
Life can work the same way. If we don’t follow the recipes or principles of life and growth, our life doesn’t turn out as it could have.
Over the next two weeks, I’ll unpack ten sure-fire ways to keep you stuck with a life that’s not working and then give you the real secret ingredients to get your life’s recipe working again.
1 Stop Learning
If plants don’t grow, they’re dying. They can’t produce fruit and live out their purpose.
It works the same for us. If you’re not growing, your purpose is dying.
You’ll feel stagnant and unfulfilled.
Learn New Things:
The Old saying “you learn something new everyday,” isn’t always true. You learn new things every day, but if you don’t purpose to learn, you’ll miss out on learning the new things that will help you grow in the right direction.
Here are five ways to help you learn new things:
- Implement Active Learning:
An active learning approach to learning involves engaging in the learning process actively.
Active learning methods include:
- Asking questions
- Taking notes
- Participating in discussions
- Experimenting
-
Problem-solving
-
Practice:
“Practice makes perfect” is only true if you practice correctly. You’re never good at anything the first time, so keep trying.
But you also need to make sure you’re practicing it correctly.
Practice, evaluate, refine and repeat is a better recipe for successful learning.
-
Find a Cohort:
-
Learning together with a cohort can help hold you both accountable. You have someone waiting on you and visa versa.
- Cohorts create a little competition.
- Cohorts make learning more fun.
-
You can celebrate your wins, progress together and laugh about your mistakes along the way.
-
Use Different Resources:
Everyone learns differently.
To learn effectively, you may need to use various resources such as books, online courses, workshops, videos or podcasts to gain a deeper understanding of the topic you want to learn. Maybe you need in-person instead of online or hands instead of theory only.
Think of how you learn best. Are you an auditory, visual or kinesthetic (hands-on) learner? Do what works best for you.
- Make It Fun:
Incorporate creativity, fun and enjoyment into your learning process.
You’ll be more motivated to learn and will retain the information better.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
When you were a kid, did you hate when your mom said, “Because I said so”?
Now that you’re an adult, do you find that new office policy ludicrous, so you’re not doing it?
Do you get bogged down in the details because you just need a bit more information to make a decision?
If you answer yes to most of these questions, you might be a Questioner! We’ve been talking about the 4 Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. It’s how we meet internal and external expectations.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of people getting frustrated with your questioning.
If you desire to communicate more efficiently to get the info you need.
If you’re ready to stop getting hung up, needing more information and start making decisions faster.
Here are five ways to help you understand yourself better and communicate like a champ if you’re a Questioner.
- Questioners Need More Information
A Questioner is a tendency that might appear to be a Rebel at first blush because they don’t always go with everyone’s expectations.
However, in reality, they just need more information.
- If An Expectation Makes Sense, Questions Will Go With It
And, if that expectation doesn’t make sense to them, they won’t do it. So, that ridiculous new policy at work, yea, there’s no way a questioner will go along willingly with that one.
It’s okay to ask why, but be sure to ask without sarcasm or contempt.
- Questioners Meet External Expectations After Turning Them Into Internal Expectations
Questioners question ALL expectations. The ones they make for themselves make sense, so they do it. So really, they only meet internal expectations and only meet external expectations after they’ve turned them into internal expectations.
Be sure when you’re sticking it to the man; it’s worth it or for the right reason. Sometimes you may need to choose to do something even if it doesn’t make sense because you trust the person asking you to do it.
- Get Past Analysis-Paralysis With Deadlines
You always want more information. But, sometimes, we must make decisions when we don’t have all the information. At a certain point, it’s no longer efficient to keep gathering information.
- Explain Why You’re Questioning
You can pre-empt the resistance to your questions by explaining why you need that information. People will appreciate knowing that you’re not just trying to get under their skin and are more likely to give you what you need with minimal fuss.
Communicating With a Questioner:
- Give the WHY
When making a request of a Questioner, be sure to include lots of explanations such as, “We have to get the car inspected or risk a big fine.”
“Because I said so,” or “because that’s what the they told me we had to do,” will never cut it with a Questioner. They need the “why.”
- Give Them More Information
Suppose you have a child that is a Questioner. You might get tired of all the questions. Questioner children, like their adult counter-part, need more information to make an informed decision. They, too, want to be efficient and don’t do it just because.
As you learn these 4 Tendencies, you’ll begin to understand yourself better and can give yourself more grace knowing why you think and react the way you do to expectations. You’ll also grow into your best self, whatever tendency you are.
Not only will you better your life through studying these 4 Tendencies, but you’ll also be able to learn to “speak another tendency’s language.” This enhanced communication also helps your relationships flourish because you don’t expect them to think or respond like you.
Homework
If you’re a Questioner, what is one way you’ll implement to stop the analysis of paralysis and make a decision faster?
For us non-Questioners, what’s one thing you can change in how you approach a Questioner in your life now?
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you accomplish those monthly reports with no problem while keeping up with your daily exercise routine and even tracking it?
Are you that person that determines to write a book or accomplish a new goal, and you make it happen?
Do people secretly envy your ability to keep a routine?
We’ve been talking about the Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. So far, we’ve learned about the Obliger and the Rebel. Today, in part 4, it’s time to talk–Upholder—those people who get all the expectations.
Today is for you if…
- If you find yourself making your rules tighter and tighter.
- If you’re close to an Upholder and get your feelings hurt when they choose themselves over you…like all the time.
- If you’re an Upholder ready to let loose and enjoy life a little.
Oh, Upholder, how we envy you…That new client proposal–done! Exercise consistently every day while tracking all your food–check!
How do Upholders meet inner and outer expectations?
The Upholder meets both inner and outer expectations with little fuss. They’re self-direct, and they keep their promises. These kids wake up on their own, make their bed, get ready for school on their own, and do their homework without continual reminders.
- Upholders Embrace Routine
Upholders may struggle to adjust their schedule suddenly and can sometimes appear ridge or judgmental.
It may be hard for them to understand why everyone can’t “get it done” like they can without drama or struggle.
Understand everyone is not an Upholder, and that’s okay. Allow for differences in people, situations and opinions.
- Upholders Are Prone To Tightening
Most tendencies will start an expectation strong and then weaken over time.
Upholders, on the other hand, can experience “tightening.”
Once you start an expectation, you can’t let it go. You might even continue making your “rules” more stringent. “It’s on my to-do list and now it’s never coming off.”
Here’s an example of “tightening:”
Gretchen Rubin, the author of The Four Tendencies, is an Upholder. She’s chosen a low-carb lifestyle. She said when she started this routine, she was not very strict. But, over time, she has “tightened” her regimen and is now very strict with it.
Allow yourself some wiggle room. Not all of life is lived in Black & White, all or nothing. And that’s okay.
Ask yourself questions to be sure this tightening is necessary for your goals, dreams or health. Then make a conscious choice if you will tighten or loosen your “rule.”
Feel free to let loose and have a little fun. It really won’t kill you.
- Upholders Tend to Commit to Inner Expectations Over External Expectations
Upholders can be very committed to meeting inner expectations, even when inconvenient for someone else.
“I know it’s your birthday darling, but we can’t go out until I go for my 12 mile run for that half marathon I’m running in two weeks.” This makes you seem cold no matter how you intend it to sound.
Again, question yourself. Consciously decide whether the external expectation is better than your inner expectation.
If you still choose your inner expectation and it’s someone close to you, like a spouse, child or best friend, be sure to give your WHY. It helps people accept your decision.
Knowing your loved one is an Upholder can help you navigate situations that might otherwise bother you. Awareness is half the battle.
Knowing you’re an Upholder can help you keep from unconsciously tightening up on yourself too much. It can also help you navigate relationships so you don’t alienate your loved ones.
Homework:
If you’re an Upholder, how can you keep yourself from “tightening” up on your expectations too much?
For the rest of us, knowing a loved one is an Upholder; how can this knowledge help you navigate your relationship better?
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Let me ask you, does someone “telling” you what to do, make you want to run the other way?
What about when you’re friend insists you should read “such and such” book?
Do you purpose never to pick it up if it killed you?
If your spouse asks you to do something more than once, do you label it as nagging?
Over the last two episodes, we’ve been talking about how we meet expectations, internal and external. We’re continuing with part 3 - Rebel Without a Cause.
Today is for you if…
- If you answered yes to any or all of these, you, my friend, you just might be a rebel.
- If you’re thinking, “You can’t call me a rebel!” Well, you’re most likely a rebel.
- If you’re ready to really get what you want in life instead of repel it.
So, let’s talk Rebels.
Rebels will rebel against both outer and inner expectations. Yes, even internal expectations.
How can you make your Rebel Tendency work for you if you’re a Rebel?
-
Give Yourself Choices
-
Rebels like to choose their own path.
- Rebels want to express themselves in their own way.
-
Rebels need freedom.
-
Remind Yourself of the Consequences
-
Weigh the consequences to help you make good choices.
- Try listing the positives and negatives of your choice.
- Or, try asking yourself, “What pain will each cause me if I don’t do it? What results do I want?” “Which would be easier?”
An example might be, “Do I sleep in and feel lethargic for the rest of the day, or do I get up early, exercise and then feel fully awake to take on the day?”
Communicating with a Rebel:
First, if you’re married to a Rebel or have a Rebel child, don’t take their rebel tendency personally. It has nothing to do with you.
- Rebels Need Choices
The key to communicating with a rebel is choices. If you back them into a corner with “should’s, have to’s and must do’s,” they’ll naturally go the opposite direction. But it’s not personal; they still can love you.
- Lure a Rebel in With Curiosity
Use curiosity to intrigue them into wanting to do what you want them to do. Now, be careful you don’t do this to manipulate your Rebel to get what you want for selfish purposes.
Curiosity wins a rebel over faster than needs, musts and should. And it still gives them a choice to do something or not.
-
Rebels Need Consequences––Then Leave Them to Choose
-
State the consequences of their actions and then drop it.
- Leave them to choose.
- They’ll decide if the consequence is worth it or not.
Rebel Strengths:
- Rebels take action because they choose to do it, unlike the Obliger, who tends to do something out of obligation.
- Rebels can choose to do the right thing because they love the person they’re doing it for.
- Rebels aren’t afraid of saying “no.” So, their calendar usually only has on it what they want to have on it. They typically don’t get as overwhelmed with external expectations because of this practice.
- Rebels revel in and enjoy their individuality.
- Rebels also gravitate towards challenges and choose to face them head-on, and they’ll do it in their own unique way.
As a Rebel, knowing your tendency can help you accomplish your internal and external expectations more effectively. And for us non-rebels, we now have some tools to communicate more effectively with our Rebel friends.
Next up, we’ll explore the uniqueness of the Upholder tendency. Gretchen Rubin, the author of The Four Tendencies, is an Upholder.
Homework:
If you’re a Rebel, I have a question for you. You can answer it if you want or leave us in the dark; we’re good either way. Just curious, how can non-rebels communicate more effectively with Rebels? Email me if you want to at hello@heatherbunch.com.
For us Non-Rebels, what’s one thing you can try to communicate with the Rebel in your life better?
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever called yourself lazy or undisciplined because you can’t ever seem to get your goals accomplished?
Do you ever feel like you have time to help everyone else, but when it’s time to invest in yourself, there’s no time left?
How about those New Year’s Resolutions? Did you give up on them years ago, knowing you’ll never do them?
It’s time for part 2 of Revolutionize Your Life With These 4 Tendencies. Let’s talk about Obligers and how to get those internal expectations working for you instead of against you. And if you’re not an Obliger, how can you support those reaching for their dreams?
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of beating yourself up for not getting it done…again.
If you desire to fulfill your God-given purpose but struggle to make progress.
If you need the key to keep you on the right path to accomplishing your goals.
Now, let’s tackle each tendency individually. You’ll understand yourself better and how your tendency relates to others. This will help you fully express who you are, engage more effectively with others and ultimately help you fulfill the life Father’s called you to.
Let’s talk Obliger.
Obligers never seem to accomplish their personal goals, yet always get that report to their boss on time. The kids can count on them to get them to their sporting event, even though they originally planned to have some “you time.”
If any of this hits home, you, my friend, might just be an Obliger. Obligers are great at meeting external expectations but not internal ones.
As Obligers, we must create EXTERNAL accountability to achieve those internal expectations.
Knowing this is freeing. You can now create a game plan to help yourself meet those internal expectations that you’ve been putting off for years!
- Enlist Accountability Partner(s)
In her book, The 4 Tendencies, Gretchen shared an excellent example of how two Obligers managed to be each other’s accountability partners to work out at the gym. They would each exchange a shoe when they left the gym. Now they must show up, or their friend can’t work out. Brilliant!! Cut, print, check the gate!
Get creative and find those accountability partners to help you meet those internal expectations.
- Employ Apps to Hold You Accountable
I use the Lose It app to track my weight and exercise. It helps me make better food choices. I know if I’m maintaining my weight and can take immediate action if I’m not. The app holds me accountable because I will gain weight if I don’t use it.
- Use a Planner to Hold You Accountable for Your Goals and Tasks
It can be paper or virtual, or a hybrid of both. I do a hybrid of my digital calendar and paper planner.
Use whatever works, but try something.
How can others help an Obliger?
- Don’t take advantage of an Obliger
It can be so easy to continually go to the Obliger for help because you know they’ll say, “yes.” Please don’t take advantage of their helpful Obliger nature.
- Watch out for Obliger Rebellion
Obliger rebellion is when Obligers have had enough and rebel against the external expectations coming at them. It may look like it’s coming out of now where, but it’s been building my friends. So, please be sensitive to not push your Obliger friends to the point of Obliger rebellion.
To my Obliger friends, you can watch out for this by learning to say “no.”
- Ask how you can help the Obliger to help them meet their internal expectation.
Ask–don’t tell.
Next time, we’re going to delve into the Rebel!
Homework:
If you’re an Obliger, what’s the best way you’ve found to employ external accountability to get done your internal expectations? Or, what will you use now to hold you accountable?
For non-Obligers, what’s one way you think you could help your fellow Obligers with accountability?
Still need to take the quiz: https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
How do you meet expectations?
Do you find it easy to meet that deadline for that proposal at work but can’t ever seem to get the house clean until you’ve got dinner guests coming?
Maybe you get annoyed by expectations like New Year’s Resolutions.
On the other hand, are you the one we all envy because you always get it done?
Or are you thinking, “I don’t care what they need me to do, I’m doing my own thing!”
Expectations; we all have them. Day in and day out, we’re fulfilling whether we created them ourselves or others are counting on us to do something. Today we’re starting a series on expectations.
Today is for you if…
If you struggle to fulfill your God-given purpose but manage to do everything for everyone else.
If you desire to understand others better so you can communicate more effectively.
If you’re ready to find solutions to what’s holding you back.
For decades I called myself lazy and envied everyone who set and achieved goals. What was wrong with me?
I want to introduce you to something that revolutionized Bob and my marriage and parenting. It’s called the Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. As Gretchen studied she saw four patterns of people’s tendencies and out of it created the Four Tendencies.
Each tendency has different ways of meeting expectations both internal and external expectations.
How we handle expectations is vital for communication and fulfilling our God-given purpose.
Let me give you an overview of each tendency, and then over the next four episodes, we’ll delve into each one deeper.
- Obliger
Obligers place a high value on meeting other’s people expectations. We excel at meeting outer expectations.
When someone counts on an Obliger, we’ll get it done. But we’re naturally lousy at meeting personal or internal expectations.
If you’re an Obliger, never fear; I’ve got a trick up my sleeve that’ll help you get those internal expectations done so you can do what God put in your heart to do.
- Upholder
Upholders meet both inner and outer expectations. They’re self-direct.
Upholders embrace routine.
But they can struggle if they have to adjust their schedule suddenly.
If they’re not self-aware, Upholders can be judgmental because they don’t get it when others can’t just “get it done” as they do.
Upholding is incredible; however, it can cause you to miss out on the beauty in spontaneity and joy available in the moment.
- Questioner
Questioners need more information before deciding whether to meet an expectation.
They place a high value on research, reason, and efficiency.
They can suffer from “analysis of paralysis.”
Questioning is excellent, but there are many times you can miss out on what God has for you because you have waited too long with all your questioning.
- Rebel
Then we have the Rebel.
Rebels place a high value on freedom, choice, and self-expression.
These are the people who resist being told what to do.
Rebels fight back with repetitive tasks, schedules, and routines.
Life has to be on the Rebel’s terms in their timing.
But if you’re a rebel, it can stop you from fully stepping into Father’s call on your life and cause severe rifts between those you love. If you’re willing to grow through your rebellious tendency, you can get what you want in life.
The 4 Tendencies are designed to show you the box you put yourself in and help you better understand yourself and your needs. And help you communicate more effectively with different tendencies. It’s kind of like learning to speak another person’s language.
Are you curious now about which tendency you might be? Click the link to take the quiz. https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/
Over the next four episodes, we’ll dig into each tendency and how you can use your tendency to your advantage and how to use the tendencies to communicate more effectively with others.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever felt like something was missing in your walk with Christ?
Do you feel like you’ve been given so much and want a way to give back the blessings you’ve received?
Would you like to know a trick to the mind of your pain and gain perspective?
It’s Good Friday! Now, all Fridays are pretty awesome, but as a believer, this one is extra special to us. It’s the moment Jesus gave up His life for us. It was the ultimate service to humanity. His death and resurrection changed everything for us. I want to share a way to show your gratitude for His gift.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of feeling stuck in your own circumstances.
If you desire to deeply impact those around you and your world.
If you’re ready to live a fuller life of significance.
During the Easter season, we’re reminded of the importance of serving others. There is power in serving others. By volunteering our time or donating to a charitable cause, we live out the message of love and grace that’s the heart of the Easter story.
I think of the disciples and how they volunteered for Jesus, which eventually became their full-time job. That small band of outcasts changed the known world, and we still preach the gospel because of what they’ve done. That’s a life of significance, don’t you think?
Here are three ways you can serve others:
- Volunteer
Find an organization that aligns with your interests and values and donate your time. Volunteering is a great way to give back to others, whether it’s serving meals at a local shelter, cleaning up a park, or working with your church or a nonprofit organization.
It doesn’t have to look one way, either. I’ve volunteered at conferences, cleaned a friend’s house, and just spent time with someone who needed encouragement. You can even get the kids involved.
My husband and I are celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary next weekend and are getting a hotel locally. My kids are staying with my parents. Mom called me and had forgotten they’re going to be volunteering at the animal shelter with a team of their church volunteers when they’re going to be watching my kids and asked if it was okay for them to come too. When I told my kids, they were super excited to get to help the animals.
- Practice Small Acts of Kindness
There are many small things you can do every day to help others.
For example, holding the door open for someone, paying for someone’s coffee in line, or offering to help carry someone’s groceries. These small acts of kindness can make someone’s day and spread positivity and kindness.
My kids and I were at Taco Bell a couple of weeks ago and waited forty-five minutes for our food. Many other people were waiting, too, and we heard all the comments. I shifted our kids’ thoughts to think about the poor employees who were clearly working hard but were short-handed.
As we left, my kids called out, “Thank you… I’m giving you five stars! You’re all awesome!” They all replied thank you! I’ll bet none of them heard anything of the sort that day. At that moment, my kids showed a small act of kindness that went a long way in making several people’s day.
- Donate
Whether donating money to a charity, clothes to a shelter, or supplies to a school, donating is another excellent way to serve others.
I used to have a cash envelope where I put $5 to $10 to give something whenever I felt led to help. I need to start that back up again now that we have a good spending plan.
You can research different organizations that you are passionate about and see how you can make a significant impact.
Serving others can also look like sharing life-giving messages they may need now. So, if this podcast has been life-giving to you, please share it with a friend or two or three.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Happy Easter!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Has anyone hurt you, and it’s still haunting you?
Do you feel a surge of resentment when a particular person or event is mentioned?
Do you find the person you struggle to forgive most is yourself?
It’s Easter week, part 4. Today, we’re talking about what Easter means for us, not just humanity but also for us individually.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of reliving the pain and hurt regularly.
If you desire to be free of your offender’s grasp on you.
If you’re ready, live the life of grace Father’s designed for you.
Another way to receive this amazing grace of the cross is through forgiveness.
As we reflect on the Easter story, we’re reminded of Jesus’s ultimate forgiveness to those who persecuted him. “Father forgive them because they do not know what they do.” That’s a lot of grace that I don’t inherently have.
By learning to forgive and let go of grudges, we can experience greater peace and cultivate more compassion in our relationships. Forgiveness frees us up to live the life of grace Father calls us to.
Here are three ways to forgive:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings
Forgiveness is often difficult because it requires confronting our hurt and pain. However, it’s essential to acknowledge and accept these feelings if we want to move forward.
Take the time to understand the emotions you’re experiencing, and acknowledge that it’s okay to feel hurt or angry.
Stuffing your feelings never leads to anything good except usually a volcanic explosion.
- Practice Empathy
Try to understand the other person’s perspective and acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes.
Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and consider why they may have acted the way they did. Hurting people hurt people.
And just because you’re practicing empathy doesn’t mean you’re saying what they did wasn’t wrong or didn’t hurt. It also doesn’t mean you have to reconcile that relationship. We’re called to forgive just as the Lord forgave us, but you don’t have to hang out with the offender. What you are doing is practicing giving the same grace God gave you.
Empathy helps make step three easier.
- Let Go of Resentment
Forgiveness often involves letting go of resentment and bitterness toward the other person. This can be a difficult process, but it’s an important step if you want to move forward.
Resentment is like an infectious disease that doesn’t just hurt you but also the innocent people around you.
I imagine myself holding the hurt and resentment in my hands and offering it to Father. I speak out my mouth, “I forgive…so-and-so for such-and-such.” Let Him take your hurt and pain.
1 Peter 5:7 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].
Focus on the positive aspects of the situation, and consider the lessons you’ve learned from the experience. Practicing gratitude can also help shift your focus away from negative emotions and toward a more positive perspective.
Again, you’re not saying what the other person did was okay; you’re not justifying them. You’re releasing yourself and permitting yourself to move forward into a better life. You’re practicing giving the same grace God gave you.
This includes forgiving yourself. Some of us…me included. We have an easier time forgiving others than ourselves. Use these same principles to forgive yourself and give yourself grace. Jesus does, so we need to also.
If you know someone that needs more grace in their lives, can you do me a favor and please share this podcast with them?
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
What do you think of when you think of grace?
When you see the world, is it a dark place or a beautiful place full of possibilities?
Are you thankful for what you have, or do you find yourself pining for something just out of your reach?
It's Easter week, part 3 - What Easter means to you and Jesus + Nothing = Your Freedom. Today, let’s talk about the key to receiving God’s grace that he gave us through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of feeling like the other shoes will drop any minute.
- If you need some encouragement.
- If you’re ready to put on a new lens to see your world as Father intended you to.
Easter is a time of reflection, renewal, and rebirth. As we contemplate the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us, we remind ourselves of the power of grace in our lives.
Grace is God’s favor; it’s Him leaning toward us to give us His best offer.
One of the quickest ways to receive this amazing grace is by focusing on the gifts that we’ve been given. Often, it can be easy to take our blessings for granted and overlook them.
By adopting a daily gratitude practice, we can see the world through a lens of abundance and appreciate the small things in life. We get more of what we focus on.
Here are five ways to cultivate gratitude:
- Gratitude Journaling
Spend a few minutes daily writing down a few things you’re grateful for. This simple practice can help shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right in your life.
- Express Appreciation
Take the time to thank someone who has done something kind for you or supported you somehow. Whether it’s a simple thank you note, a text, or a phone call, expressing appreciation can help cultivate a sense of gratitude.
- Mindful Living
Cultivate a habit of mindful living by paying attention to the present moment rather than worrying about the past or future. We’re more likely to notice the small things we’re grateful for when living in the moment.
- Volunteer or Give Back
Giving back to others can help us develop a sense of gratitude for the blessings we have in our lives. Volunteer at a local church or charity or donate to a cause you care about.
- Practice Positive Self-Talk
Don’t forget yourself! Show yourself gratitude by practicing positive self-talk.
Instead of criticizing yourself for what you haven’t achieved, focus on what you have accomplished and are grateful for.
How can you find more gratitude? What’s one thing you can do today to cultivate gratitude for the good stuff in your life?
If you’re grateful for this podcast, can you do me a favor and please share it with a friend that could use some encouragement?
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you ever feel like you’re not enough?
Have you thought, “if only I could get this Christianity thing right? I always seem to fall short.”
It’s Easter week; are you excited about it or prepped to feel like a miserable sinner?
Today is for you if...
- If you desire to grow closer to God.
- If you’re tired of doing life in your own strength.
- If you’re ready to enjoy freedom in Christ like He meant for you to live.
I’ve got the Waffle House voice going on today. My kids were worried about me. “It’s okay, just allergies,” I told them. This isn’t my real voice. It’s just temporarily altered my voice. It’ll go back to my original soon, but it made me think we can look at what we do and feel; that’s who I am, my identity.
We can think, I’m not good enough, don’t read my Bible enough, don’t pray enough, or I always make the same mistakes and then feel guilty.
But Father says something different about our identity.
It’s Easter week and how many times will you hear, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Or worse, some will listen to, “You’re just a sinner in the hands of an angry God.”
Many believe we’re broken sinners, and that’s what we’ll always be. Yes, they believe in Jesus and that He died on the cross, but they’ve somehow got to live up to a certain standard to be righteous all the time. There’s more to be done and keep doing to keep the sinful nature at bay.
It’s not about what we do but what Jesus did.
“Jesus + nothing = My Freedom.”
This is the gospel! My righteousness is based on Jesus and Jesus alone!! This is the “good news”!!
Romans 10:4 NRSVA
“Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes”
Galatians 3:1-3 NASB
You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Paul clarifies the believer’s relationship to the law:
“The law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.” — Galatians 3:24–25
Galatians 3:26–27 Mirror Study Bible
26 What Jesus Christ believes to be true about you is the final confirmation of mankind’s redeemed sonship. His faith is the only valid reference to your belief!
27 Whoever is immersed in Christ is fully clothed with him! He is your brand new wardrobe confirming your sonship!
Question 1: How were you saved?
-
by observing the spiritual to-do list?
-
by believing what Jesus did for you?
Paul is urging Christians to continue like we began our relationship with Father by faith. We started by believing and by opening ourselves up to the Spirit’s work in us. Salvation had nothing to do with the law. Likewise, we achieve growth in Christ through our human effort either.
Colossians 2:6 NASB
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
You received Jesus by faith, so walk in Him by this same faith.
Growth comes from abiding in the Vine (John 15), not by human effort. The Spirit produces fruit in us.
Question 2: How can you rest in Jesus and what He did for you on the cross today?
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
It's Easter week, Holy Week, Passion week.
We're supposed to be reflecting ahead on what this week means to us, but I’m better at reflecting in reverse than ahead.
Today I reflect on Easter and what it means to me, past and present.
I’d love for you to spend a little time journaling and ask yourself, “What does Easter mean to me?”
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Has anyone ever asked you, “what’s wrong” and you weren’t sure how they knew you were hurting? You thought it masked it so well.
Have you experienced trauma, big or small, that you need healing from, but others say you’ll never overcome your past?
Would you like to know how you can become the best parent, spouse, friend and leader you can be?
It’s the final episode of our series on lessons I learned from my pets. We’ve got one more wild place to find wisdom. Today is 5 Lessons I Learned From My Horse.
Today is for you if…
- If you need a safe space to grow.
- If you desire to be a great leader or make a difference in this world.
- If you’re ready to do what’s necessary for permanent growth.
Here are five lessons I learned from my horse:
Your Body Language Reveals What You’re Really Thinking
Horses can read body language and emotions. Even the slightest movements. They can also communicate feelings back to you. Your face and body are saying more than your words are.
University of Texas study said that face-to-face communication is: 55% nonverbal, 38% vocal, and 7% words only.
What you’re thinking and feeling seeps into your body language. What are you communicating?
Vanessa Van Edwards has a fascinating book on body language and vocal cues called to...wait for it…Cues; the link is below.
Consistency is the Key to Progress
I must consistently train my horse, or we’d lose momentum.
In life, consistency is your key to progress. Where do you need to be consistent?
Use reminders, accountability partners, coaches, therapists, tools and apps. It’s okay if you can’t be consistent alone.
Walk by Their Side to Lead Others
You don’t walk in front or behind when you walk a horse. You walk alongside, shoulder to shoulder.
The highest level of leadership is relational leadership. People aren’t just worker bees to get stuff done; you’re not just telling people what to do, but walking alongside and showing others what to do.
You Can Recover From Trauma / Stress / Anxiety
Horses bond with people and other horses; they’re even used in trauma and disability therapy. My horse was my happy place.
If you’ve been through trauma or are continually stressed out or anxious., that’s not Father’s plan for you. He desires healing and wholeness for you. That’s what eternal life means; Zoe life is health and wholeness both here and now and in the future. It’s both physical and spiritual wholeness.
Get help when you need help. A great book I love on trauma is Try Softer by Aundi Kolber; the link is below.
Play Matters
Have you noticed every animal we’ve talked about plays? I’m pretty sure every mammal on this planet plays in some way, shape or form. Horses are no exception.
Play is excellent for your physical fitness, and it reduces stress.
What can you play can you incorporate that will also give you some physical exercise?
Miniature golf or Top Golf, Bowling, Horseback riding, bike riding, hiking, etc.
Follow these five lessons; we’ll be someone others want to follow, just like our stable sidekicks.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate or review it or share it with a friend.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Resources
Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards*: https://amzn.to/3K92LMO
Try Softer by Aundi Kolber*: https://amzn.to/42Dt453
The Try Softer Guided Journey (workbook)*: https://amzn.to/3TLc0WK
*I will receive an Amazon affiliate commission if you purchase a book through this link.
Have you ever felt silenced or like your voice doesn’t matter?
Do you ever get uncomfortable being in your own skin?
Would you like to know what can make you feel and look better?
Continuing our series on lessons I learned from my pets. We’re still finding wisdom in the darnedest places. Today I’ll share 5 Lessons I Learned From My Bunny.
Today is for you if…
If you need a safe space to be yourself.
If you’re tired of feeling lonely.
If you’re ready to grow deeper relationships that thrive instead of survive.
Here are five lessons I learned from my bunny rabbit:
Even the Silent Have a Voice
Bunnies don’t bark, chirp or purr, but they still have a voice that matters.
Here’s the thing, we need to start using our voice. You’re voice matters. Your voice matters even if you feel invisible, left out or overlooked. It won’t be easy if you’ve never spoken out for yourself or if it’s been a long time. But you can do it.
If you struggle speaking up, try these tips:
- Start by asking the person you trust the most for help. Say that you need a safe place to practice using your voice and sharing your needs, desires or opinions.
- Practice using your voice in this safe space.
- Then you can move out of your comfort zone a little more and try it with another safe space.
- Keep working your way to using your voice until you can even speak up in a not-safe space.
- The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll be with being uncomfortable.
Eat Your Veggies
Bunnies eat veggies. Think of Peter Rabbit stealing from Mr. McGregor’s garden.
A diet rich in various veggies lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. It helps with digestive issues and positively affects our blood sugar, just to name a few. Oh, and it fills you up, so there’s less room for sweets and salty snacks.
It’s good for our health in so many ways, and a healthy you is a much happier you.
Friendship Matters
Bunnies are social creatures. We are too, but so often, we’re too busy to stuff; we lose track of what matters.
We weren’t meant to do life alone. Socializing helps ward off loneliness. It increases a sense of happiness and well-being. It may even help you live longer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Who can you connect with today? Can you do a play date or a dinner party? Girls’ night out, anyone.
Embrace Your Uniqueness
A pair of bunnies can reproduce nearly 4 million bunnies in four years. They are prey animals, so it’s all about volume.
However, even with so many bunnies hopping through the forest, each has a unique personality.
You are a unique individual. No one is like you down to your DNA. In a world that pushes us to conform, conform to their standards, beliefs, fashion, and culture, Father’s called us to stand out.
Stand out, stand up and share it.
Play Matters
Take Time to Explore with friends and family. Great for our emotional well-being. It helps us make friends or grow deeper friendships.
Follow these five lessons; we’ll be healthy and happier like our bunny buddies.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate or review it or share it with a friend.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Are there little things that get under your skin and make you want to pull your hair out?
Could you use a little or a lotta’ more joy in your life right now?
Would you like to know what can make you feel fresh and alive again?
Continuing our series on lessons I learned from my pets. We’re finding wisdom in the darnedest places. I’m going to share with you today 5 Lessons I Learned From My Bird.
Today is for you if…
- If you need a different perspective today.
- If you could use some more joy or feel refreshed and alive again.
- If you’re ready to apply wisdom to become your best self.
Here are five lessons I learned from my cockatiel bird:
Perch Yourself Where You Can See Clearly
Birds love to perch themselves up high to see.
When you perch or position yourself where you can see clearly, you gain a perspective you might not have otherwise seen. Perspective is everything.
Singing Brings Joy
Birds sing.
Have you ever noticed that you feel happier when you sing, hum or whistle? King’s College London research shows bird sounds can make you feel better for up to eight hours.
Proverbs 17:22 NKJV
A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
Sometimes You Need to Block Out the World to Rest
I covered my bird’s cage at night to sleep, or he’d keep talking and singing.
Have you ever gotten overstimulated by everything happening around you at once? Sometimes you need to shut out the noise and rest purposefully. Rest mentally, physically or emotionally.
Try taking social media, TV or phone breaks. If you’re always going, going, going, try to stay home for a set amount of time. You don’t always have to be doing something.
Imitation is Powerful
Does Polly want a cracker? Birds imitate your words, voice and actions.
You become like you hang around.
“You cannot hang out with negative people and expect to live a positive life.” -Darren Hardy.
Choose people who will lift you up and challenge you to become your best self.
Imitation goes both ways too. Are you the kind of person you want others to imitate? Or do you live your life like do what I say, not what I do?
Examine yourself and those you hang with and see if you need to make changes to become your best self and help others do the same.
Play Matters
Birds are playful.
Play promotes discovery and improves your creativity and imagination.
These qualities help us create beautiful work, problem solve and keep us feeling fresh and alive.
Try painting, pottery, or planning parties. Knit, crochet or sew. Write, sing or play an instrument. Go to the museum, a play or a concert.
Follow these five lessons; we’ll be someone who enjoys life more, just like our feathered friends.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Resources
Andy Andrews trilogy on Perspective:
The Noticer: Sometimes, All a Person Needs Is a Little Perspective*: https://amzn.to/3zciPXI
The Noticer Returns: Sometimes You Find Perspective, and Sometimes Perspective Finds You*: https://amzn.to/3zb5ijq
Just Jones: Sometimes a Thing Is Impossible . . . Until It Is Actually Done (A Noticer Book)*: https://amzn.to/42GL0vA
*I will receive an Amazon affiliate commission if you purchase a book through this link.
Have you ever encountered a problem because you didn’t stop to think about it before you jumped into something?
Are you struggling to find a solution to a big problem you have?
Would you like to know how to become smarter?
Continuing our series on lessons I learned from my pets. You can find wisdom in the darnedest places. It’s time for 5 Lessons I Learned From My Cat.
Today is for you if…
- If you desire more wisdom, know how to navigate life’s sticky situations.
- If you struggle with acting first and then thinking later.
- If you’re ready to apply what you’re learning so you can enjoy life more.
Today is National respect your cat day. Shout out to my sister-in-law’s cat Sky, aka, Skywalker. We’re a Disney nerd family at its best.
Here are five lessons I learned from my cats:
Look Before You Leap
They say that cats always land on their feet, but if you watch them, they’re looking before they take the leap.
Proverbs 13:16 TLB
A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t and even brags about it!
Proverbs 21:20 TLB
The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.
Save, invest and plan where you can. This can be financial and also with your day-to-day tasks. Ask for advice from trusted friends, colleagues and mentors.
You’ll avoid so many issues by taking the time to look before you leap.
It’s Okay to Test People to Be Sure They’re Trustworthy
Cats can be suspicious and timid until they know and trust you.
Proverbs 13:20 NIV
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Someone might be nice, but they may not be trustworthy.
You might also be able to trust them in one area, like keeping their word, but you might not be able to trust their financial or Biblical advice.
Sleep is important
You’ve heard of cat naps. Cats sleep 12 - 16 hours a day.
During sleep, your body regenerates new cells. It’s supporting you physically and mentally.
Not enough sleep for long periods raises your risk for long-term or chronic health issues. You’re not giving your body enough time to and healing itself. The stress puts your body into fight and flight mode.
Curiosity is Key
Curiosity killed the cat, they say. But really, curiosity is a marvelous thing.
Not all new things are welcome, and change can be challenging. Curiosity can help you turn something difficult into something you can learn from.
Come at anything new with curiosity will open more doors to understanding.
Keeps your mind open to solutions instead of focusing on the problem.
The best way to be curious is to ask questions. Jesus asked a lot of questions. He even answered a question with a question.
Play Still Matters
Cats love to play. My cat used to wrestle with my 100-pound lab mix and win. It looked like David and Goliath. We named my cat Goliath because of the funny contrast between a small cat and a huge dog.
Play improves your cognitive well-being. In other words, it makes you smarter and improves your problem-solving skills. You learn how things work and explore new possibilities.
Following these five lessons, we’ll be wiser like our feline friends.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Would you like more support in your life?
Could you use a little more relaxation and a lot less worry?
How about more fun in your life?
Starting a new series on lessons I learned from my pets. You can find wisdom in the darnedest places. I’m going to share with you today 5 Lessons I Learned From My Dog.
Today is for you if…
- If you desire to enjoy your life more.
- If you get lost in all the business of life too often.
- If you’re ready to glean wisdom that you can apply to create a better life for yourself and your family.
Here are five lessons I learned from my dog, Yoshi:
Loyalty
Dogs are known for being loyal. Yoshi is 100% for his family.
Loyalty is the support you always give to someone you love.
John 15:13 NIV
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Loyalty goes both ways. Sometimes it is easier to be loyal to someone, but you don’t allow them to support you back.
Reach out to someone today and love on them.
Relax a Little (or a Lot)
Dogs are fantastic at relaxing. Yoshi sleeps a lot, but he also hangs and just stares out the window watching the world go by.
We underestimate the value of relaxing. It refreshes us physically, mentally and emotionally.
Make a list of ways you love to relax, and pick one to do today, if you can or this week.
Don’t Worry Be Happy
Dogs are just happy creatures almost all the time. As a whole, they don’t hang on to problems for long or spend hours worrying.
Philippians 4:6 NLT
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
I don’t have to pretend you’re not anxious. Listen to what it’s trying to tell you and then bring that to Father.
Pack First–AKA Family First
Dogs are pack animals. They hang with their pack. Yoshi is happiest when the whole pack is together (aka everyone is home).
We can get busy with all the doing or the doing for the family that we forget to spend time with the ones we’re doing it for.
Try Play dates, read together, games nights, movie nights w/snacks, walks, etc.
Also, don’t forget: pray together, talk out problems, forgive, etc.
This isn’t just for the kids, do this with your spouse too. If you’re single, spend some time with extended family. If not family, your closest friends can be your family.
Play Matters
Dogs love to play. They love playing with each other, with their family and even by themselves. Yoshi will throw around his own toys and run after them. Dogs are known for the evening Zoomies, where they just start sprinting around the house.
Psalm 118:24 NKJV
This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Have fun! In this day and age, you may need to plan for fun, so plan for it.
Dance, go out, or stay in if you’re always out. But have some fun!
Be playful when talking with your spouse, kids or friends.
Follow these five lessons, we’ll be someone you would want to hang around with, just like our canine companions.
If enjoying the podcast, please share it with a friend who could use encouragement today; that could be your way of supporting and being loyal to someone today that needs it.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
- Do you have big dreams, or are you like I was and struggle to dream big?
- What’s holding you back?
- Or maybe you used to dream but gave up when you grew up and your dreams and reality didn’t match?
Tip 5 to live your divine life. It’s time for tip 5 – dreaming, dreaming big and dreaming again.
Today’s is for you if…
- If you need to learn to dream.
- If you’re ready to dream again.
- If it’s time for you to go to the next level of your dreaming and dream big.
Today is podcast episode 200. I never dreamed back in September 2022 that I could have created a five-day-a-week podcast, and now I’m at episode 200!
I’m joined by Becky Michel and Kat Schudel, my Enneagram 7 Enthusiastic Visionary friends and co-hosts for our podcast Your Fearless Journey with Becky, Kat & Heather
These ladies help us learn how to dream and dream again.
If you enjoyed today, check out Your Fearless Journey Podcast with Becky, Kat and Heather. Find it on almost all podcast platforms, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio.
Becky Michel – Fearless Growth Strategist
Becky helps hurt and broken people-pleasers change their Beliefs, Actions, and Mindset to transform into who they were born to be. I do this through my signature system, Fearless Growth©️, by first learning their identity and then walking through the Shame, Fears, and Limitations that keep women from living a life of freedom.
For speaking, workshops, booking or more information, contact Becky at: www.GrowWithBecky.com or FearlessGrowth@gmail.com.
Find Becky’s Books on Amazon by searching Becky Michel or clicking the link: https://bit.ly/3GFeykl.
Kat Schudel – The Mission-Minded Mentor
Kat is a mentor, morning show DJ, writer and speaker who helps women find their hidden gems to discover and be who they were truly created to be. She does this through individual and group mentoring programs that walk you through finding your confidence to step into your Wildly Inspired Life so you can 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗕𝗜𝗚, 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣 𝗢𝗨𝗧 and 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘!
You can reach Kat by emailing kats@livewildlyinspired.com
Visiting www.livewildlyinspired.com,
Do you feel worthy of your divine life?
Have you looked for your worth in yourself and come up short?
Are you trying to find it in others and only find rejection?
Today we’re continuing five tips to live your divine life - Tip Four is - You are worthy. You’re worthy of your divine life.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of trying to fulfill your purpose but feeling you don’t deserve it.
If you desire to live your divine life with confidence.
If you’re ready to shed the unworthiness and believe you deserve the divine life Father’s calling you to.
Fear came in like a vengeance when I started stepping into my divine life. My fear stemmed from feeling unworthy and not-enough-ness.
“There are many ways in which people try to make themselves feel important and show that they matter, but all such efforts have one thing in common: They look to the individual for self-worth...believing that you determine your own worth actually has the effect of making you more insecure!”- Kong Hee.
It’s funny how the very thing we want, knowing we’re worth something, becomes unattainable when we look to ourselves to make it happen.
I felt unworthy because I was looking to myself for my worthiness.
But, when we look to our Heavenly Father for our self-worth because He loves us unconditionally, we realize our worth is priceless.
Isaiah 43:4
Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you.
We are precious in our Father’s eyes, and He loves us!
- YOU are PRECIOUS in your Father’s eyes, and He LOVES YOU!!
- You’re the apple of His eye–just as you are.
- Worth is what someone is willing to pay for something.
- Our Heavenly Father paid for us with the life of His son Jesus!
- And Jesus even had a choice in the matter too…
Hebrews 12:2b NKJV
…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The joy in front of Him kept Him going when He knew what He was doing was more than any man had endured, not just physically, but being separated from the Father and taking on the sins of the world, defeating, death, hell and the grave. But, He kept the end in mine.
What was the joy set before Him that kept Him going? It was YOU!
Our worth isn’t about what we’ve accomplished or haven’t accomplished. It’s not how much we have or don’t have. It’s not about who we know or what we wear. It’s not about who our family is and whether we had a good childhood or a bad one.
You’re worth the life of Jesus Christ, God’s son! You are worthy!
Journal with Father and ask Him to show you how worthy you are through Jesus. Thank Him.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Resources:
Women of Audacious Faith: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wafcommunity
Do you always respond to life the way you desire?
What gets your goat?
Is there anyone that pushes your buttons?
As we continue our series Five Tips to Live Your Divine Life, we’re going to taking about triggers; we’re talking about button pushers.
Today is going to be for you if…
- If you need to discover your triggers.
- If you desire to eliminate the buttons.
- If you’re ready to enjoy your divine life the way God intended.
Triggers cause reaction or response. Usually, we’re triggered by circumstances or by people.
My big triggers are my kids fighting or any fighting.
Another thing that pushes my buttons is feeling invisible.
This is how we get triggered. We have this image of what life should look like and how people should respond. And then, when it doesn’t happen, we’re disappointed. The more significant the gap between our reality and what we envisioned, the bigger the disappointment.
Guess what? Somebody else may be pushing our buttons, but we can remove the button or triggers. We can’t control people. But we can decide whether that’s going to bother us or not.
So I’m going to talk about how to remove the buttons and how to remove triggers.
- See the trigger.
What triggers you? What are the buttons that your circumstances are pushing and causing you to react or overreact?
One of the best ways to see your triggers is to journal. Look back and think through situations.
How did you respond to the situation?
How did they respond?
Think through what happened right before it happened. Maybe there’s information that will help.
- Observe the trigger in real-time.
What patterns do you see? Where’s it come from? What’s really what’s going on?
Once you start observing it in real-time, you’re allowing yourself to pause at that moment. There’s power in the pause. This is the moment you can make a different choice. It’s the moment we have between the stimulus on the outside and our brain triggering and the reaction.
That’s the thing I need you to see–you have a choice.
The problem is we have been doing these reactions for so long they’re automatic. But you can make a change by practicing the power of that pause.
- Uncover your trigger’s root issue
Getting angry at my kids for fighting is not the root. My house must be at 100% peace level to be in harmony. That’s the root issue because that means that I’m a victim and will never be able to be at peace.
What’s your root issue?
- Plan for the Triggers
You need an escape plan, like when you did fire drills in school, and you knew exactly where to go and what to do if a fire happened.
What are you going to do when the situation arises?
My first plan of action is to breathe. That helps me stop and use the power of the pause before I deal with the situation.
I use mantras like, “when I engage with conflict, good things happen.”
Then I engage with the conflict, but I’m in a better frame of mind to deal with it.
You’ll get better over time and eventually remove that button/trigger.
In the meantime, celebrate your progress to celebrate your progress. You may not be where you want to be, but you’re not where you started.
I want to ask a favor. If this podcast helps you, please share it with a friend or on social media. And together, we can make this world a better place.
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Podcast Episode 197 - Five Tips to Live Your Divine Life - Tip Two - Love You
Do you want to live your divine life of significance yet feel like you’re not enough?
Have you ever given grace and love to someone else when they made a mistake but beat yourself up when you did the same thing?
How do you talk to yourself? Would you say the same things to a best friend?
We’re continuing our series on living our divine life. Today, I’m sharing a key that will fuel your divine life and help you enjoy your life more as you pursue your divine life.
Today is for you if…
- If you invest in and love others, but it’s a challenge to give that same love to yourself because of all your flaws.
- If you need fuel to live your life of significance but aren’t sure what might be missing.
- If you’re ready to start enjoying being with the one person, you’re with more than anyone–YOU.
But we must do new things to pursue our divine life. So tip one, we had a special guest Grace Bunch to help us learn how to try new things. What better person to show us that than a seven-year-old child? As kids, we constantly did new things, eating, crawling, walking, school, reading, writing, and making new friends every school year.
As adults, it’s easy to back off and become scared to do new things. Remember, as Grace shared, it’s up to you whether doing something new has to be scary. Doing something new doesn’t have to be scary. You get to choose your perspective.
Tip two to Live Your Divine Life is to Love You.
Loving you is the fuel that keeps you moving forward. It’s the fuel that allows you to enjoy where you’re at on the way to where you’re going. This power helps you let go of the need for perfection and love yourself in all your imperfections.
Courage is loving yourself as much as you love others.
Mark 12:31a NIV
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Jesus is implying you love yourself to love your neighbor. If we don’t love ourselves, can we fully love others well?
But what if it’s easy for you to love others, and you struggle to love yourself?
Just strike that verse and reverse it. Think, “love yourself like you love your neighbor.”
Two things to remember to love yourself:
- Father loves you so much that He gave Jesus.
You’re worth the price of Jesus!
- Love yourself like you would love a friend or your child.
Consider how you treat a friend or child and give yourself that same love and grace.
That includes how you talk to yourself. Words in your head count as talking to yourself too.
If you don’t love yourself, you won’t be able to step into your divine life fully. You’ll pull back anytime you make a mistake, or you’ll never step out in the first place thinking you’re not worthy.
Homework:
Spend 5 minutes journaling why you struggle to love yourself.
Now spend 5 minutes journaling what loving yourself could look like.
What’s one thing you can do today to love yourself? Do that.
I would love to hear how you’re implementing these lessons. Please email me at hello@heatherbunch.com and share! This fuels me and lets me know I’m helping in some way.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever been trying to live your life of purpose, and there are obstacles in your way? You don't have enough money, you don't know what the next steps are, etc.
Are you the kind of person that likes change? Or you’re like me, and you struggle to change?
Are you afraid of making a mistake? Going to do it wrong, you're gonna fail?
I'm excited because today, we are going to give you five tips to live your divine life. So there's a lifetime where you're not hiding anything. Really showing up fully yourself. In all your beautiful quirkiness with your gifts and your talents. And then you're fulfilling your God-given purpose you're using those gifts and talents. To make this world a better place.
Here’s an abbreviated (edited) version of our interview:
Today, I have a special guest with me, and we're going to be talking about overcoming obstacles. So if you would please welcome Grace Bunch. Thank you so much for coming.
Go to heatherbunch.com for the interview notes:
Homework:
I want you to think of one thing that you can do that moves you toward your dreams and
Come up with a way to do it. May it find a YouTube video on it? Or somebody wrote a blog post on how to do it. Look outside the box;
Don’t look at it the same way you’ve always looked at it before. “I don't have enough money to do it.” “I don't have enough time to do it,” etc. Remove the obstacles.
You can do this if you want to do this. You can find a way.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever had a great day followed by a crappy day? Life can feel up and down.
Today I’m sharing scriptures to give us strength in the down days or in the middle of the storm.
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
"The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." Ephesians 6:10
"For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory." Deuteronomy 20:4
"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2
Find more scriptures and quotes at: https://heatherbunch.com/
Are you struggling with cray circumstances right now? Me too! When I’m in a bind and feel pulled down by everything happening around me, I remember the Father Factor.
"For nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:37
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
"And Jesus answered them, 'Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.' " Matthew 21:21-22
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Hebrews 11:6
Faith (pistis) = God-given persuasion; He births His faith into us.
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
"And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:22-24
"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:8-9
"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy," Colossians 1:11
"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you." Psalm 5:11
“And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you.” Luke 17:6
Faith (pistis) = God-given persuasion
Mustard seed = was the smallest seed in farming at that time. Grew to where birds could nest in it and receive shade and protection.
God plants the seed, but we need to use our faith by watering it so it can grow.
Speak it, then rest in the Father Factor so you can believe it and receive it.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Could you use a little encouragement right now? Me too! How about hope? Do you need some hope?
When I’m feeling down and discouraged, I go to Father for encouragement and to hold me when things are hard. I want to bring that same hope to you today.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people," Ephesians 1:13
"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:3
"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
"I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5
"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:5
Day Two - Peace
Would you like more peace? I’m always looking for peace. But many times, I look in the wrong places, like trying to make others happy, so there’s no conflict with them.
shālôm – properly, wholeness, peace – preeminently, God's gift of wholeness, bringing His wellness and prosperity (internally, externally); sound because complete, at peace, in a state of wholeness; "perfect" because whole.
Shalom means wholeness and healing. Zoe means something very similar, which is the word used for eternal life in the New Testament.
“The past of least resistance is rarely the path toward true shalom peace.” True peace brings healing and wholeness to those touched by it.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."John 14:27
"The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12
"But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1
"I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." Psalm 94:19
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," Galatians 5:22
"Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory," 1 Peter 1:8
"So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." John 16:22
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11
"For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5
“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How many of you have ever had a down day things that go wrong? Days we feel blah? Moments you feel like quitting?Me too! I had one of those moments this weekend. But God‘s got us!So today I want to just encourage you with scripture. And for the next week I’m going to share encouraging words with you so that we can keep moving forward, knowing we’re fully loved!
Do you ever feel blah and aren’t sure why?
Is it possible to pull yourself out of the blasés?
Would you like to continually have something to look forward to that makes you happy?
We’re closing out this series with a trick I learned to create happiness while going through a multiple-year depression.
Today is for you if…
- If you want even more happiness.
- If you’re tired of that blah feeling clinging to you day after day.
- If you’re ready to create the happy life you need and deserve.
We’ve been exploring how to live a happy life in a not-so-happy world.
You’ve learned:
- There are two kinds of happiness: happiness you experience right now and happiness that makes your life meaningful, and we need both.
- We broke down some myths of happiness, and you discovered your own myths and the truth.
- Next, we discovered that relationships are the #1 key to happiness, and we chose to set priorities, be intentional and be consistent will help us nurture that relationship.
- Then we learned how we could create happiness instantly using Happy Triggers.
I want to share one more powerful ingredient to living a happy life.
When I was going through a multiple-year depression ten years ago, I started a practice that was a key to help me pull out of it.
5 Questions that will change your life. #5 was
What five things am I looking forward to in the next seven days?
This is powerful because it gave me something to look forward to.
Give yourself something to look forward to.
When you have something you’re aiming for, it energizes you and creates happiness.
Like when you're going on vacation. Time seems to go faster. You enjoy the planning and the vacation itself and get more done at work leading up to vacation, etc.
Make a 100 Dream list
It pushes you to dream about the big and the small
- Countries to visit
- Cruises
- Classes to take
- Home decor or improvements
- Self-care
- Local Family adventures, one-on-one adventures with each child
- Ride a horse
- Learn a skill
- Photoshoot
- Career or work-related
- Write a book
- Start a blog or speak
- Teach people a hobby or craft you love
- Read 100 books in your lifetime
- Take up cycling, scuba diving, or cross-fit
- Have a baby, adopt or foster parent
- Wine tasting tour or take a class on it
- Gardening
- Join a choir, a book club, bible study or toastmasters
- Give to the charity of your choice or start a charity
- Run a race
- Buy fresh flowers each week or month just because you’re worth it
Break them out into seasons too:
- Strawberry picking, plant tulips for spring or better yet, visit holland or Tulip Town in Mount Vernon, WA
- Go to the lake or beach in the summer
- Apple picking or pumpkin patch in the fall
- Christmas lights in the winter, skiing trip…or Harbin, China ice festival
It can also break out into categories like travel, family, spouse, personal, etc
Now, go create some happiness and share it with others!
Today is the last day to sign up for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop tomorrow, Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
Registration is only $47.
So If you’re ready to learn tools to help you live your best life with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Are you waiting for happiness to come to you, but it seldom knocks on your door?
Do people ever randomly ask you if you’re okay, and you can’t figure out why they asked that?
Did you know you have more power to experience happiness than you may have realized?
Time for episode 4 of how to live a happy life in a not-so-happy world. As you go about your life, it’s easy to get caught up in all the to-dos and forget to be happy.
Today is for you if…
- If you want happiness to knock on your door more often.
- If you’re tired of life, feeling like all work and no play makes you a dull girl.
- If you’re ready to discover the secret to creating happiness anytime you want to.
There’s a secret to happiness; if you can get a hold of it, it will change your mood forever.
You’re circumstances don’t dictate your happiness–you do. You dictate your happiness!
It may not feel like it right now, but you have the power to create happiness whenever and where ever you want with Happy Triggers.
Triggers: sets off an action or response.
You’re purposefully creating a happy response by finding what sets off happiness in your life.
Happy Triggers TRIGGER a happy response.
Happy Triggers can be thoughts or actions that make you laugh or smile.
What can you THINK about that makes you laugh or smile?
What can you DO that brings you happiness?
Homework:
Figure out 3 to 5 Happy Triggers.
Then write them on a 3x5 card or sticky notes and stitch them where you can see them regularly.
Anytime you need it, whip out a Happy Trigger and create more happiness.
Here are a couple of Triggers to get you started:
Smile - Have you ever noticed it’s hard to think about something negative when smiling? Try it.
Thankfulness: Thankfulness is one of the quickest ways to experience happiness.
When you wake up, write down five things you’re thankful for, or start a daily gratitude journal.
Here are a few more ideas:
- Pull out family photos
- Hug the dog
- Watch a movie you love that’s fun, romantic or inspires you
- Phone or text a friend or go out together if you can
- Read an entertaining book
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen or your church
- Play games
- Take a walk in nature - stop and smell the roses
- Drive somewhere and make a game out of it. (I have a friend flip a coin, and heads it was left and tails it was right)
- If Disney World is also one of your happy triggers, you can click here to watch our channel.
So go choose what triggers your happiness now and trigger it anytime you need for a quick pick me up.
Today and tomorrow are the last days to sign up for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
Registration is only $47.
So If you’re ready to learn tools to help you live your best life with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’sFather’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
What’s the one thing that brings you the most joy?
Do you ever want to spend more time with loved ones, but life seems to get in the way?
What’s the most important thing on this earth to you?
We’re talking about how to live a happy life in a not-so-happy world.
In part one, episode 186, you asked yourself, “What do you enjoy right now?” And “What or who makes your life meaningful in the long term?”
Next, you dug into myths of happiness and what’s the truth. You also decided what myths about happiness you might be hanging onto.
Today we’re talking about the #1 thing that will significantly impact your happiness.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re ready to be happier and continue to get happier as time goes by.
- If you desire to bring happiness to others too.
- If you want to enjoy your life on the way to fulfilling your God-given purpose.
Stats show as most people, as they get older, actually get happier. You would think that it would be the other way around as you get closer to your mortality date.
Why? Age can give you a perspective that helps you shift your priorities to what you care about the most.
In episode 186, I shared with you about the Harvard Study of Adult Development that began in 1938 and is still going strong. “For over eight decades, this study has tracked the same individuals and their families, asking thousands of questions and taking hundreds of measurements—from brain scans to blood work—with the goal of discovering what really makes for a good life.”
Through all the years of studying these lives, strong relationships stand out because of their impact on physical health, mental health, and longevity.
Waldinger and Schulz, the current director and assistant director of the Harvard study, boil it down to: “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”
So if relationships are the key to happiness, then it makes sense that your priorities should be your relationships. What do you think?
- Set priorities
You get to choose your priorities. If you don’t, someone will choose them for you.
- Be Intentional
We’re all busy, but if we’re not intentional, time will slip away from us, and then we’ll only have our regrets to live with.
You must intentionally set aside time to spend time with the people you love the most and develop new relationships. Please put it on your calendar.
- Be consistent
Do something every day to reach out to others. I have on my planner, “reach out to today.” And I pick people I will text, call or email.”
Consistency will feed and nurture your relationships.
Ideas to nurture relationships to get you started:
- Text your spouse a word of encouragement
- Call or text a friend
- Set a lunch date with someone
- Write a card and mail it!
- Read to your kids at night
- Family dinner
Homework:
Set Priorities:
Where do you need to shift your priorities?
Be Intentional:
How do you want to invest in your relationship?
Be Consistent:
What’s the first step you can take today to make that shift?
How can you be consistent? Do you need to set a reminder in the calendar or alarm on your phone?
There are only two more days to sign up for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
Registration is only $47.
So If you’re ready to learn tools to help you live your best life with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
When you finish scrolling through social media, do you feel happier or a twinge of jealousy?
What do you believe is missing that will make you happy?
How often do you think you should be happy?
It’s part 2 of How to Live a Happy Life in a Not-So-Happy World. Today we’re discussing happiness myths and uncovering the truth to live happier lives.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re suffering from envy-itis.
- If you desire to be happier.
- If you’re ready to shed anything that could hold you back from more happiness.
We’re bombarded all day with messages telling us what will make us happy. There are ads that tell us this kind of gum will make you sexy, to this kind of car will make you a conscientious consumer to this vacation will bring you the peace you’ve been looking for. Much of social media gives us snapshots of people’s lives and businesses that create feelings of happiness envy, but of course, they only show the good parts.
What you think makes you happy doesn’t always make you happier.
Myth: Being rich or famous will make you happy.
A 2007 survey of millennials asked about their most important life goals.
76% said becoming rich was their #1 goal.
50% said a primary goal was to become famous.
A decade after the millennial survey, as they got some more time being an adult, they were asked the same questions. Famous was now lower on the list, but money was still one of the top goals, along with a successful career and becoming debt-free.
Truth: Pursuing something bigger than yourself brings more happiness
90% of people on their deathbeds have regret, and it wasn’t not being rich and famous.
You may not want to be rich or famous, but are you suffering from happiness envy? Do you see others have what you want, like relationships, vacations, time, family, perfect home decor, etc.?
If you’ve felt this way, There’s an old saying, “Don’t compare your insides to other people’s outsides.”
One of the top deathbed regrets is, “I wish I’d had the COURAGE to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.” Another top one is regret about missed relationships.
You’ll never experience happiness envying others, but you may regret not enjoying fully being yourself, pursuing something bigger than yourself or missing out on important relationships if you’re not careful.
Myth: You can be happy 100% of the time if you do everything right.
We all face challenges, and it’s unrealistic to think you’ll always be happy. It sets your expectations up for failure.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
Truth: Happiness comes when you meet and face challenges.
When you meet the stressors and challenges of life, it makes you stronger, happier and more satisfied with your life.
You’ll surprise yourself when you see what’s possible for you. You’re stronger than you think.
Homework:
Write down anything you believe is keeping you from being happy.
Pray for Father to show you the truth.
Then journal about what you discover.
Now, shed the shoulds’.
There are only three more days to sign up for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
Registration is only $47.
So If you’re ready to learn tools to help you live your best life with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever felt like a heavy cloud was following you? Think Eeyore.
Do you think happiness is a fleeting specter, floating in and out of your life, but you can't count on it?
Do you try to be happy, but the weight of the world or responsibilities squishes your happiness out of you?
We're starting a new series on Happiness–How to live a happy life in a not-so-happy world.
Today is for you if…
- If you could use a little or a lot more happiness in your life.
- If you desire not just to live a life of significance, you want to enjoy your life more.
- If you're ready to experience life as it's meant to be instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop.
What is happiness?
Do you call it joy or happiness or good life, the best life?
I believe true happiness isn't always based on your circumstances. But don't discount your happy circumstances either.
I remember when I first went full-time in my business and shared with my husband that I was not feeling successful and wasn't really happy. He asked what would make you happy. I declared a paying client.
Well, a few weeks later, I had a paying client, and you know what…it didn't make me feel happier.
I didn't really understand what made me happy in that area of my life.
To be clear, I'm not talking about toxic positivity where you can't face up to the challenges of life or just cover over them like slapping a coat of paint on a rusty car.
We're talking about real happiness, enjoying and living your best life.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development started a study in 1938. They followed the same individuals and family, some of which are still alive and in the 90s and even 100s, to see what makes a good life. What really makes people happy? They're now in the second generation to study the effect of childhood experience on midlife health.
They came up with two kinds of happiness or well-being. I'm going to put their fancy terms in everyday language, though.
Two kinds of happiness:
- I'm having fun right now
Happiness in the short term.
Moment-to-moment happiness.
- I'm living a meaningful life
Happiness in the long term.
You're giving yourself to something greater than yourself.
Happiness creates a more meaningful and satisfying life.
However, happiness is in the eye of the beholder.
What does happiness look like to you?
I feel like my happiness is a mix of both.
My happy place is Disney World, yet investing in others' lives brings me deep joy and satisfaction. I've also learned that I'm happiest when I'm moving forward. I'm working towards my goals even if I haven't achieved them. It's both kinds of happiness for me.
And both short-term and long-term happiness comes down to relationships. It's not just the stuff I do that makes me happy but who I do it with or impact.
Now, the happy, best life is different for everyone.
Homework:
So what does happiness look like to you? Define it for yourself.
What do you enjoy right now?
What or who makes your life meaningful in the long term?
It's the last week to sign up for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
Registration is only $47.
So If you're ready to learn tools to help you live your best life, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father's got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you know what you’re afraid of but aren’t sure how to move forward?
Is your fear living your life for you while you sit in the backseat of life?
Do you feel alone in this journey to live your dreams and overcome fear?
We’ve been discovering what’s stopping you from your goals and dreams or getting what you want. So far, you’ve dug down to your root fear and questioned that fear to see if it’s true, helpful and kind to you. When you see this fear isn’t serving you, it’s time to start generating courage so you can overcome fear.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re done with waiting for life to come to you.
- If your heart is to live your life of significance, but you aren’t sure what to do with this fear holding you back.
- If you’re ready to generate courage, live the life you’re meant to live.
I’m writing a book right now, and it scares me!! But that’s not the root fear. I fear my voice matters enough to share my story with the world. It scares me that it might cause disconnection because people may disagree with or not like my writing. That’s the root fear.
The root fear is at the helm of what stops us from moving forward. It keeps us hiding and not showing up fully ourselves. It keeps us from our dreams.
You discovered your root fear, and we questioned our root fear in the last episode.
I uncovered my root fear is not true, kind or helpful. How about you?
When our fear isn’t serving us and only stopping us from our dreams, it’s time to generate the courage to overcome this fear.
How do you generate courage?
Know Your Why
Why do you want to overcome this fear?
Pick both an internal and external reason.
Make it compelling. It needs to be strong enough to get you through the messy middle.
Get Help
If you need help, get help.
No one knows everything.
And you don’t know what you don’t know because you don’t know.
Where can you find help?
- Phone a friend
- Join a community doing the same thing,
- Get a book
- Follow a podcast
- Buy a course or attend a conference or workshop
- Get an accountability partner
- Hire a coach
I hired a book coach to walk me through the complex parts and understand the ins and outs I don’t know.
Now, Do it Afraid
Courage is a choice.
You generate courage when you do it afraid.
“We can choose comfort or we can choose courage, but we can’t have both – not at the same time.” –Brene Brown.
Use the 5-Second Rule triggers a change.
All you need to do is count down - 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Go.
It helps you take action before your brain gets to thinking of all the reasons you can’t or shouldn’t do that scary thing or make the change.
If you need help overcoming that fear that gets in the way of what you want in life, we’re here for you. Join me and my podcast friends, Becky Michel and Kat Schudel, for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
Registration is only $47.
So if you’re ready to conquer your fears with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Are you trying to live a life of purpose, but fear stops you?
What did you do when you backed off from doing that scary thing you knew you needed to do? Do you keep moving forward, do something easier or hide in a corner?
How do you feel about yourself? Ashamed or like a loser?
What do you say to yourself? Call yourself names or encourage yourself?
In the last episode, I took you through the Levels of Why to discover your root fear. Because what's stopping us from being all we can be goes so much deeper than the surface issues.
Today is for you if…
- If you're so over tearing yourself down when fear stops you.
- If you desperately want to live a life of significance but fear you're not enough.
- If you're ready to let go of the shame, pain and bad advice, you've been giving yourself for years.
You used the Levels of Why tool in the last episode to discover your root fear. How did that go?
My Example of Levels of Why:
I'm writing a book right now and it scares me!! But that’s not the root fear. It's my voice matter enough to share my story with the world. It scares me that it might cause disconnection because people may disagree with or not like my writing. That's the root fear.
The root fear is at the helm of what stops us from moving forward. It keeps us hiding and not showing up fully ourselves. It keeps us from our dreams.
Once you find your root fear, now what?
Question Your Fear
Questioning Your Fear is a tool to see if this fear is helping or hurting you.
It gives you perspective so you can make a conscious decision about what you'll do with this fear.
Ask these three questions:
Is my fear true?
Well, it's what I feel like, but is it true if I don't do an excellent job on my book that, people will be upset with me?
It could be, or they could just move on.
But what's not true is the feeling, "I don't have something worth sharing." I have a gift worth giving, and I need to give it.
Is my fear helpful?
No, this fear causes me to go blank or avoid writing altogether.
Is my fear kind?
No, it's not kind to me. It's harmful.
If I stay on this track, it will cause me to withdraw. And then people will miss out on the message God put in my heart to share.
And I'll be miserable because I missed out on sharing it.
Homework:
Take your root fear and question it. Is it true, helpful and kind? Write down your answers.
Tomorrow, I'll give you tools to generate the courage to overcome that root fear.
If you need help overcoming that fear that gets in the way of what you want in life, we're here for you. Join me and my podcast friends, Becky Michel and Kat Schudel, for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
You'll walk away with more tools like this that will get you unstuck and overcome the fear holding you back so you can live your life courageously and wildly inspired!
Registration is only $47.
You're meant for more. Don't let fear stand in your way from living your life on purpose with courage.
So if you're ready to conquer your fears with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father's got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever tried to do something new but found yourself returning to what you know?
Do you work on being consistent, yet you can only say you’re consistent at being inconsistent?
What’s stopping you?
No, really. What is stopping you? Let’s get to the root so you can do that in your heart.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of not living the life you know you’re meant for.
- If you desire to keep growing beyond what you’ve thought possible in the past.
- If you’re ready to fly out of your cage into a bigger, brighter future.
I’ve been talking to you about living a life of consistency and how this helps you get what you want. Yesterday, I shared that sometimes you need to DSD – do something different – when you’re not getting the results you’re looking for.
But trying something new can be scary. Fear creeps in and stops you.
Sometimes that fear is so sneaky you don’t even realize what’s it doing.
It might show up as procrastination, business, or even other good things that pop up.
But what’s really stopping you? What’s the real fear?
Here is one of my favorite tools to start working on your fears so you can get you moving again.
1. Discover the Root Fear
What’s the real fear? Use the Levels of Why tool to discover the root.
Keep asking Why until you get a gut or emotional reaction.
This helps indicate if you hit the root.
It’s like when the dentist hits the root, and the pain radiates through your body.
Example of Levels of Why:
I’m writing a book right now. It’s a DSD. It’s something new I’m doing.
But it scares me!!
Why does writing a book scare me?
It’s new, and doing new things scares me.
I worry that what I say doesn’t matter as much as some big name.
Why does doing new things scare me?
I’m unsure what I’m doing, and it might fail or not be what people are hoping for.
It would just confirm my feeling that my voice doesn’t matter.
Why does failing or not knowing what people are hoping for scare me?
If I fail, I’m failing other people if they don’t find value in it.
Why does failing other people scare me?
I’m not too fond of confrontation with people. It feels like conflict. I like keeping the peace.
And, if they don’t find value in it, I fear they don’t think I’m valuable.
Why don’t I like conflict?
I fear that conflict equals disconnection from people.
Why do you fear disconnection?
My biggest fear is disconnection from others. I’m all about connection. That makes me feel like I’m in harmony and at peace. It makes me feel like I matter.
Tomorrow we'll work through what we need to do next with this root fear so we can keep moving forward.
If you need help overcoming that fear that gets in the way of what you want in life, we’re here for you. Join me and my podcast friends, Becky Michel and Kat Schudel, for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
You’ll walk away with tools like this that will get you unstuck and overcome the fear holding you back so you can live your life courageously and wildly inspired!
Registration is only $47.
You’re meant for more. Don’t let fear stand in your way from living your life on purpose with courage.
So if you’re ready to conquer your fears with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you ever feel stuck in a rut? In life or your work or business?
Are you comfortable where you’re at? Like you stopped pushing yourself to grow or improve?
Is what you’re doing stopped working, but you keep doing it anyway, hoping things will change?
We're going to use DSD to get unstuck, become more effective, and create more enjoyment in your life.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of what you’re doing not working.
- If you desire more in life but are unsure how to change the results you’re getting now.
- If you’re ready to push yourself beyond what you’re currently doing to create the life of your dreams.
Yesterday I talked about consistency as a key to getting what you want. And it is. Slow and steady is how you’ll keep moving forward toward your dreams.
But sometimes, you have to shake things up. Sometimes, you must mix up the routine, push yourself out of your comfort zone, or energize your life.
Sometimes you have to…DSD – Do Something Different
I thrive in routine. I like to know what to expect. I enjoy creature comforts. But that doesn’t always get me what I want in life.
I need to DSD to push out of my comfort zone and change my results.
Signs You Need to DSD:
- Stuck in a rut
- Doing the same thing but not working–missing ingredient
- Going through the motions
- Lack of energy, life or enjoyment
What do you need to do differently?
Examples:
- Start planning your week on Sundays or have a day where you do nothing on a schedule.
- Networking - in-person or virtual
- Create a routine or have a block of time to do whatever you want.
- Take a course, buy a book, or hire a coach.
- Change a belief that serves you better.
- Put yourself out there - social media, podcast, blog, book, videos, etc.
- Go out with friends or stay home.
Effects of DSD:
- Get moving again
- Create new solutions
- Energize self
- Grow self
Homework:
Where do you need to DSD in your personal life?
Where do you need to DSD in your career or business?
One last thing…You can explore DSD without commitment. Test it out and see if it works. If not, DSD until you find what works.
Fear will try to stop you from being DSD. It can be scary to step out and try something different.
If you need help overcoming that fear that gets in the way of what you want in life, join me and my podcast friends, Becky Michel and Kat Schudel, for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
You’ll walk away with awesome tools to put in your Wonder Woman tool belt that will get you unstuck and overcome the fear holding you back so you can live your life courageously and wildly inspired!
Registration is only $47.
So if you’re ready to conquer your fears with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you have a dream in your heart, but it feels like you're moving through molasses to get there?
Ever wished you were more disciplined to do it?
Or do you look around you and think, "everyone is so much further along in life than me?"
We're discussing the key to getting more of what you want in life.
Today is for you if…
- If you're tired of looking at everyone else's progress or wins and wish you had some of your own.
- If you desire, become more disciplined to do what you know you need to do.
- If you're ready for the secret to achieving your goals and fulfilling your dreams.
I have a dream to help women overcome fear and fulfill their purpose. Somedays, it feels like it's a million miles away. I feel like I'm slow at everything. I look at others, and if I'm not careful, I'll get into comparison mode, thinking everyone is much ahead of me.
It reminds me of a story - The Hare & the Tortoise
The moral of this story is: The race is not always to the swift. Or slow and steady win the race.
When I feel like my progress is so s.l.o.w., I remind myself the tortoise wins the race.
So did Paul…
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB
…26 Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; 27 but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Paul lived his life in a way to fulfill his God-given calling.
What's the key?
Every person I've seen fulfilling their purpose has this in common…consistency.
Here are five steps to creating more consistency in your life.
- Where are you consistent now?
Are you consistent at being inconsistent?
Are you consistent with scrolling social media?
We say we're not disciplined, but we're really just consistent at the wrong thing most of the time.
Knowing this also shifts your mindset from I'm not consistent to I need to be consistent at the right thing.
- Where do you need to be consistent?
List where you need to be consistent in your life.
- Physically?
- Emotionally?
- Mentally?
- Spiritually?
- Family?
-
Career/Business?
-
Pick one thing.
Pick one thing to get consistent at to start.
You'll get overwhelmed and quit if you try to do everything at once.
Add on as you get consistent with that one thing.
- Do something
Do something towards that one thing every day.
"We can't do everything at once, but by God, we can do something at once!" – Andy Andrews, The Seven Decisions: Understanding the Keys to Personal Success
- Schedule Consistency
Make room on your calendar for consistency.
You'll never do it if you don't plan on doing it.
Slow and steady win the race!!
Fear comes up on our journey and tries to stop us from being consistent.
So if you're ready to conquer your fears with confidence and courage, join me, Becky and Kat at the Your Fearless Journey workshop Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
Registration is only $47.
For more details and to sign up, go to yfjpodcast.com.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father's got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
What do you do when a close friend or spouse shares what they need? Embrace and love unconditionally? Or, Dismiss and get defensive?
Have you ever struggled with what someone else needed when it conflicted with what you needed?
Do your closest friends' and family’s personalities rub you the wrong way?
I’ve been discussing what you need with those closest to you. But what happens when the tables are turned, and your spouse or friend needs to share with you what they need or have that difficult convo? What do you do? How do you respond? Let’s break it down.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of simple conversations turning into something bigger than they should.
- If you desire closer, honest relationships.
- If you’re ready to embrace what makes your friends and loved ones different.
Communication is a two-way street.
We must share what we need with those closest to us. We talked about that in episodes 178 & 179. But what about when our loved one needs to share what they need with us? Or if they need to have a difficult conversation with you?
How you respond to their needs determines whether that conversation goes well or terribly wrong.
Proverbs 15:1 AMP
A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, but harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger.
Listen
Listen with an open heart and don’t get defensive.
Walls block relationships and make people feel unappreciated.
See their side
Step into Their Shoes
More arguments could be avoided with this one.
There are always three sides to every story. Your side, my side and the truth somewhere in the middle.
It’s okay to meet in the middle.
Accept and Appreciate
What you need and someone else needs most likely will be different because we’re all different.
There’s a variety of personalities and nuances of those personalities.
Remember what you appreciated in your spouse or friend when you started hanging out?
- Is that the thing that bothers you now?
- Why?
- Were you secretly hoping to change them?
If you’re having difficulty accepting what they need, ask yourself why.
- Is it triggering something from the past?
- Is it something you think you can’t do?
- Is it can’t or won’t?
- Do you have any unforgiveness towards them you need to let go of?
Fear is one of the biggest blocks when it comes to knowing ourselves, communicating that with others and receiving what others have to say.
If you struggle with overcoming fear in any area of your life, My friends Becky Michel and Kat Schudel and I created a workshop just for you.
The Your Fearless Journey workshop is Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
You’ll walk away with real-world tools to get you unstuck and overcome the fear holding you back so you can live your life courageously and wildly inspired!
We’re offering it for only $47.
So if you’re ready to conquer your fears with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Are your relationships thriving, surveying or dying?
Have you ever struggled to share your thoughts, opinions or needs with those closest to you?
Do you feel others should know what you need, and it bothers you that they don’t get it?
Communication is the lifeblood of relationships, and it determines whether relationships thrive, survive or die. In the last episode, you learned that you must know yourself first to that communicate with others. Today, I’m sharing how you can communicate what you need.
Today is for you if…
- If you struggle communicating what you really want, need or feel.
- If you’re tired of feeling resentful when those closest to you don’t get you.
- If you’re ready to speak up instead of continuing on the stuff-it program.
Communication is the lifeblood of every relationship you’ll experience.
It’s time to communicate your needs to others.
No one is a mind reader. You must speak up and express what you need.
James 4:2 says, “You have not because you ask not.”
“Hello, my name is Heather, and I’m a stuffaholic.”
No, I’m not a hoarder, although I live my life in piles.
I’ve struggled to speak up for myself and share my thoughts, opinions and needs.
The problem with stuffing it is I built up resentments through the years with many of my closest relationships. This strains the relationship and builds an unseen wall that keeps us from getting closer.
It wasn’t until we were at the point of bankruptcy that I finally freed myself of this stuff-it addiction.
I finally shared my real feelings about the financial decisions. And then, I shared I need a safe space to help me be open and honest.
Over the next few years, I’ve worked through my fears and now share what I need when I need it.
Five guidelines to help you share what you need:
Be Brave
Do it afraid. It gets easier the more you do it.
Be Honest
First, share that you need a safe space to share. Then, share what you need.
Be Clear
Don’t beat around the bush. Say it clearly so the other person understands.
Be Respectful
You can be honest and straightforward and not a jerk. Watch your tone and body language.
Be Open
Be open to hearing what the other person needs. It’s very likely the opposite of you.
If they don’t respond as you’d hoped, don’t get defensive; that will only heat up the conversation. Stay open to seeing their side and receive what they may need.
These guidelines work for any difficult conversation you need to have.
Remember, communication is the lifeblood of your relationship. If you want healthy, thriving ones, you’ve got to nurture those relationships through healthy communication.
Homework:
Decide what difficult conversation you need to have, and then go have it.
Fear is one of the biggest blocks when it comes to knowing ourselves and communicating that with others.
If you struggle with overcoming fear in any area of your life, join me at The Your Fearless Journey workshop is Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
You’ll walk away with real-world tools to get you unstuck and overcome the fear holding you back so you can live your life courageously and wildly inspired!
We’re offering it’s only $47.
So if you’re ready to conquer your fears with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Are your closest relationships thriving, surveying or dying?
Have you had a seemingly simple conversation go south and turn into world war 3?
Do you wish your spouse or best friends knew what you needed and communicated that to you?
We're beginning a new series on communication. Communication affects every relationship and determines whether it thrives, survives or dies.
Today is for you if…
- If you struggle communicating what you really want, need or feel.
- If you're tired of your close relationships ending in a fight or silence.
- If you're ready to enjoy, a relationship like God intended you to.
Stats say most divorce is over Sex and Money. I believe that communication or lack of communication around sex and money is really at the root.
Think about any disagreement you've had.
Think about the most beautiful moments with others you've had.
What is the common denominator? Communication or lack of it.
Communication is the lifeblood of every relationship you'll experience.
To communicate with others in a healthy way, we need first to know ourselves.
A couple of weeks ago, my husband, Bob, asked if I was ok. Was anything bothering me?
I was quieter, and he knew I was contemplating.
I sat for a moment and thought about what I was experiencing.
I'd been watching a Tony Robbins event for the last two days. Over three hours of content each day.
I realized a pattern.
When I am in learning mode and trying to absorb a lot of content, I need extra energy to process it all. When that happens, it sucks the energy from me, so I look like I'm down or sad.
I shared this pattern with Bob, and he completely understood.
Knowing myself and communicating that with my husband saved us from some crazy cycle of Bob thinking I was mad at him and me trying to convince him otherwise.
What do you need to flourish?
When you're stressed, how can your spouse or friend help?
What's really bothering you?
I want to use the Enneagram to help you uncover what you may need to communicate so your relationships can go from surviving or dying to thriving:
To get the break down of what each Enneagram type needs, head over to https://heatherbunch.com/blog/2023/2/22/podcast-episode-178-to-communicate-or-not-to-communicate-pt-1-know-yourself
Homework:
Look through the nine types and see if they align with who you are and what you need.
Write down what you need communication to look like to thrive in a relationship. It may be what I've said here, something you figure out yourself, or a combination of both.
There's no right or wrong answer here. You just need to be honest with yourself.
Now, next episode, we'll talk about how to communicate your needs to others.
Fear is one of the biggest blocks when it comes to knowing ourselves and communicating that with others.
If you struggle with overcoming fear in any area of your life, My friends Becky Michel and Kat Schudel and I created a workshop just for you.
The Your Fearless Journey workshop is Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
You'll walk away with real-world tools that will get you unstuck and overcome the fear holding you back so you can live your life courageously and wildly inspired!
It's only $47.
So if you're ready to conquer your fears with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father's got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you want to live a life of significance?
Are you ready to make a difference?
Do you desire to leave this world better than you found it?
When we started this personal growth series, I shared we must master the skills and gain experience. To do that, you learned six keys to personal growth so you can fulfill your destiny. Today it’s time to talk about your destiny.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of living a mediocre life.
- If you desire to live a life of service to others in whatever way you’re called to do.
- If you’re willing to continually invest in yourself growing so you can live this life of significance.
“Your beliefs become
Your thoughts.
Your thoughts become
Your words.
Your words become
Your actions.
Your actions become
Your habits.
Your habits become
Your values.
Your values become
Your destiny.”
–Mahatma Gandhi
Destiny is a grand-sounding word.
What does destiny mean?
Some think destiny is:
- Chance or fate.
- Fixed and unchangeable.
- One big thing.
What is our destiny?
It’s our God-given purpose.
What is God calling you to do?
If you’re not sure, here are some questions to help you get the process going:
What mess have you overcome or are you overcoming in life that you can bring to others?
Many times our destiny comes out of our mess.
What do you love to do?
What lights you up and makes you feel fulfilled?
Here are two podcasts that can help you discover your destiny:
Podcast Episode 091 - Six Questions to Discover Your Zone of Genius
https://heatherbunch.com/blog/2022/10/24/podcast-episode-091-six-questions-to-discover-your-zone-of-genius?rq=zone
Podcast Episodes 138 to 140
https://heatherbunch.com/blog/2022/12/28/podcast-episode-138-whats-your-biggest-wish-for-the-new-year
Your Destiny is More than a Destination.
Our God-given purpose is also a journey, not just a destination.
It’s what we do and who we become on the way to where we’re going.
“It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.” –Tony Robbins.
Our moments are made up of our beliefs, thoughts, words, actions, habits and values.
“Whatever you consistently think about and focus upon you move toward.” –Tony Robbins.
As you move in your destiny, continually manage your beliefs, thoughts, words, actions, habits and values.
That will keep you on the right track, and you’ll enjoy the journey on the way to where you’re going.
Fear comes up on our journey and tries to stop us. Fear can even show up as procrastination.
So if you’re ready to conquer your fears with confidence and courage, join me, Becky and Kat at the Your Fearless Journey workshop Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.
You’ll walk away with real-world tools that will get you unstuck and overcome the fear holding you back so you can live your life courageously and wildly inspired!
Registration is only $47.
For more details and to sign up, go to yfjpodcast.com.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
If you were standing before God, what would you tell Him what’s important to you?
Do you value love, generosity, joy or gratitude? Or maybe it’s hard work, integrity, belonging or community?
Whatever you value, are you living out those values in your everyday life?
Your beliefs are connected to your thoughts, words, actions, and habits. And our habits become or reveal our values and what we stand for.
Today is for you if…
- If you want to live the life you say you stand for.
- If you desire to fulfill your destiny.
- If you’re ready to do what, it takes your life to the next level.
“Your beliefs become
Your thoughts.
Your thoughts become
Your words.
Your words become
Your actions.
Your actions become
Your habits.
Your habits become
Your values.
Your values become
Your destiny.”
–Mahatma Gandhi
Your habits reveal your values and what really matters to you.
Your values are what you stand for.
There was a time when I said I valued love, but my habit showed that I was holding unforgiveness and wouldn’t deal with it because I really valued keeping the peace and avoiding conflict at all costs.
Look at values and ask yourself:
Am I living out these values with my beliefs, thoughts, words, actions and habits?
Will my values lead me to the destiny I want? Will my values help me become the kind of person that can sustain and support that destiny?
If you answered no, what values would lead you to the destiny you want and become someone who can sustain and support that destiny?
Pick ten values that stand out to you.
You can also pick a value I didn’t list at heatherbunch.com/blog, podcast episode 176, or create your own.
Now, narrow down your values to your top 5
Write a statement that you can keep in front of you.
Here’s mine as an example:
I am a loving, gracious, clever, joyful and courageous woman of God.
I’ve listed the entire list at heatherbunch.com/blog. Then, click on podcast episode 176.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you ever struggle with making or keeping good habits?
Do you want to make a difference?
Do you consistently live the life that will move you toward your dreams?
Today is for you if…
- If you want to live your dreams, but it seems like you can’t for some unknown reason.
- If you desire to create a better life on a daily basis, yet old habits seem to get in the way.
- If you’re ready to shed what’s holding you back and exchange it for something that will serve you and your dreams.
“Your beliefs become
Your thoughts.
Your thoughts become
Your words.
Your words become
Your actions.
Your actions become
Your habits.
Your habits become
Your values.
Your values become
Your destiny.”
–Mahatma Gandhi
Do an action long enough, and it becomes a habit.
Habits are acquired behavior patterns regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary.
My old habits…
Snooze button
Eat too much
Habit can be:
- Physical
- Mental
- Emotional
- Spiritual
Your life is made up of habits.
Habits will make or break us. Serve us or hold us back.
Decide On a New Habit
What habits do you need to create that bring you closer to your destiny?
What habit will help you become the person you need to be to get you closer to your destiny or enjoy the journey more?
I want to read more.
Decide On an Old Habit to Eliminate
What habits do you need to eliminate that are holding you back or hurting you?
I deleted a game on my phone that I had won over 4000 levels. It wasn’t bad for me, but it was sucking my time.
Know Your Why
Make sure it means something to you.
Your why keeps you going when it gets tough, and you want to quit.
Replace an Old Habit With a New Habit
Law of exchange.
Be Consistent
The turtle wins the race.
Small steps make a big difference over time.
Never Give Up
Miss a day, keep going.
You’re not starting over. The progress you’ve made is still encoded in you.
Give yourself compassion
Don’t give up, but most importantly, don’t beat yourself up when you mess up.
Fear is one of the biggest obstacles to creating good habits, taking action, and changing our beliefs, thoughts and words. If you’ve been making excuses for years, isn’t it time you live fearlessly free? Get my three habits to live fearlessly free and jumpstart your courageous life today.
heatherbunch.com/courage
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you have a dream in your heart but going anywhere fast?
Have you been saying, “someday I’ll…” Write a book, change careers, start a family, learn a new skill…but some days never seem to come?
Do you know what to do to make your purpose a reality but freeze up instead of moving forward?
Today is part 4 of our personal growth series. You’ve learned fulfilling your destiny all starts with your beliefs. Your beliefs affect your thoughts, and your thoughts determine your words. Well, your words produce something that moves the ball down the field toward your dreams.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of saying “someday” to your dreams.
- If you need help removing the block holding you back from progress.
- If you’re ready to take action that will produce the results you desire instead all the stuff you don’t.
About ten years ago, I finally started to have a dream. If anyone ever asked me what I wanted during that time, I would say, “I’m going to write Bible Studies one day.”
Except for one day never came…until I read The Seven Decisions by Andy Andrews. The Deathbed exercise brought me back to reality. I was saying one day but never took any action.
“Your beliefs become
Your thoughts.
Your thoughts become
Your words.
Your words become
Your actions…
–Mahatma Gandhi
Your Words create your Actions.
Belief creates> Thoughts create > Words create > Actions
Here are three steps to creating the actions that fulfill your destiny–your God-given purpose.
Examine Current Actions
Are your actions leading you to the life you desire or not?
You’ve got to know where you’re starting to get to where you want to go.
If you’re getting up every day watching Netflix and scrolling social media, those actions won’t get you anywhere near your dream.
Pick a New Action
What new Actions do I need to take to get me to the right destiny?
Maybe, you dream of sharing your story or the message God gave you, and you want to do that through speaking.
Example: What action can you take right now toward that dream?
- Take a course on speaking.
- Make connections with event planners or people who know event planners
- Create your talk
- Test out your story or message on social media posts or lives.
If you are unsure of the right path or purpose, check out the podcast series starting with “Episode138 - What’s your biggest wish for the new year” to get you started.
Also, you don’t have to have 50 new actions…start with one or two that get you moving and move the ball down the field.
Reverse Engineer the New Action
Reverse Engineer the action to produce the results you desire
Belief > Thoughts > Words > Actions
What new Words do I need to speak to create the action?
What new Thoughts do I need to think to create the new Words?
What new Beliefs do I need to embrace to create the right thoughts?
The new beliefs, thoughts and words are the FUEL to actually do the new actions.
Fear is one of the biggest obstacles to taking action and changing our beliefs, thoughts and words. If you’ve been making excuses for years, isn’t it time you live fearlessly free? Get my three habits to live fearlessly free and jumpstart your courageous life today.
heatherbunch.com/courage
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Would you say you’re more positive or negative?
Have you ever automatically called yourself a dummy or idiot after making a mistake?
When you’re in a group of people, and they start complaining, have you ever joined in without even thinking about it?
In part 3 of our personal growth series, we’re unpacking the key to personal growth that many people underestimate and miss out on the power it provides.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re sick of feeling bad about yourself.
- If you desire to enjoy your life more on the way to where you’re going.
- If you’re ready to break away from the crowd and harness the incredible power, God gave you to change your life.
We’ve learned personal growth is about growing ourselves so we can serve at a higher level. We’ll also be able to enjoy our life more on the way to where we’re going.
To grow into our best selves, we must also harness the power of our words.
“Your beliefs become
Your thoughts.
Your thoughts become
Your words.
Your words become
Your actions.
Your actions become
Your habits.
Your habits become
Your values.
Your values become
Your destiny.”
–Mahatma Gandhi
Your thoughts become your words.
Whatever you think about or dwell on comes out of your mouth.
There’s power in our words.
Words can create or words destroy.
We choose whether we bring life or death with our words.
1 Peter 3:10 NASB
The one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
Evil = inwardly foul or rotten (poisoned).
Deceit = bait used to hook people, especially those festering in excessive, emotional pain (brought on by themselves).
When I made a mistake, I was relentless with my negative self-talk–poisoning me.
Do you know what else I did? I spoke deceit. First, those words are not what God says about me, so I’m deceiving myself.
Second, I would stuff my hurt and pain and tell people I’m okay not to hurt someone else’s feelings. That’s also deceit.
My words matched my thoughts and beliefs that I wasn’t enough and that my voice didn’t matter.
As we grow and change our beliefs and thoughts, our words don’t automatically align with our beliefs and thoughts. Why?
Autopilot.
We’ve been saying these negative things about ourselves or others for so long; it’s a habit.
You see negative words used everywhere. Just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t mean we have to live that way.
We need to get our words working for us instead of against us, just like we do with our thoughts.
Steps to swap out our autopilot:
- Choose Your Words
Start with the words you proactively chose to change your thoughts.
- Use the Law of Exchange
Now, exchange the negative words for the positive ones.
Say them out your mouth…There’s power in hearing yourself speak life.
- Rinse and Repeat
You didn’t create your negative word autopilot overnight, and you won’t swap it out for your positive autopilot overnight, either.
It takes time and consistency.
As you harness the power of our words, you’re growing, and you’ll find that you’re naturally encouraging others with your words too.
If you know someone, this podcast will help. Would you please share it with them?
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
What do you think about most often?
Where do your thoughts go when you struggle to believe the best about yourself? Negative or positive?
Are your thoughts serving you or dragging you down?
Welcome to part 2 of the personal growth series. Yesterday we learned the power of our beliefs to change our destiny. I gave you the steps to change your beliefs. Next, we’ll learn we have more power than just changing our beliefs. We can change our thoughts too.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of life feeling like a rollercoaster. One minute you’re having fun, and the next, you’re in a crazy corkscrew hollering, “Get me off this crazy thing called life!”
- If you dream of enjoying your life instead of tolerating it.
- If you’re ready to discover your power to change your destiny.
Our beliefs BECOME our thoughts.
We Think > We Feel > We choose
Our thoughts are powerful!
And we average 25K thoughts per day. Many of which are repeats from yesterday. That can be good or bad depending on the thoughts we’re choosing.
“I become what I think about most of the time.” – Earl Nightingale.
We must direct our thoughts…our imaginations to work for us instead of against us if we’re going to fulfill the destiny Father’s laid out for us.
And you’ll enjoy life more while you’re on the road.
Choose Your Thoughts
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
The Amplified version of the Bible says, “…think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
Why does Paul tell us what we should be thinking?
Why should we be fixing our minds on what’s lovely, excellent and praiseworthy?
Because our thoughts are POWERFUL.
God won’t make us exercise this power over our thoughts, just as He won’t make us exercise physically.
- Proactively choose what you’re going to think about.
- Our lives are made up of patterns.
- You know a lot of the crappy circumstances that come up.
- So look back and find the patterns.
- Then decide what you want to think about instead when the crap hits the fan.
Watch Out for Negative Thoughts
Remember, thoughts are powerful, and there are no neutral thoughts. They’re either positive or negative. They’re either serving you or not.
We become what we think about the most.
“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results.” – Willie Nelson
Once you realize your negative thoughts, go back to Choose Your Thoughts and proactively pick new thoughts that will create the results you want.
Feed Your Thoughts
The mind moves in the direction of our currently dominant thoughts. – Earl Nightingale
If we want a great life, we must feed our thoughts great stuff.
What are you consuming?
- Shows
- Podcasts
- Books
Who are you hanging out with?
- Friends
- Social media
These will affect the quality of your thoughts.
We Think > We Feel > We Choose
So what we think will directly affect how we feel, say, and act.
Next episode, we’ll dive into the power of our words!
If you have a friend who needs a thought upgrade or is struggling, please share this series of podcasts with them. You’re helping them discover the power God gave them to live a better life.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you want to live a life of significance?
Do you want to make a difference?
Do you desire to leave this world better than you found it?
If we want to help others, we must master the skills and gain experience. To do that, we must invest in our personal growth. We’ll focus on the keys to personal growth to be our best and help others at a higher level over the next several episodes.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of living a mediocre life.
- If you desire to live a life of service to others in whatever way you’re called to do.
- If you’re ready and willing to invest in growing yourself so you can gain the skills necessary to live this life of significance.
I used to be jealous of others’ success. I thought they were lucky.
What I believed affected my destiny. I believed I didn’t get the lucky gene and lost out on the success lottery.
But, I was not doing the work to grow myself. I wasn’t willing to invest in myself.
More willing you are to invest in yourself, the more effort you’ll put in, and the greater your reach and effectiveness.
“Your beliefs become
Your thoughts.
Your thoughts become
Your words.
Your words become
Your actions.
Your actions become
Your habits.
Your habits become
Your values.
Your values become
Your destiny.”
–Mahatma Gandhi
Beliefs are the feeling of absolute certainty of what something means.
Belief is the way we define ourselves.
Our beliefs create, and our beliefs destroy.
Somewhere along the way, we created a belief that holds us back from living our life of significance in certain areas.
You may be thriving in one area, be average in another and dismal in yet another.
What makes the difference, whether we’re surviving or thriving? Belief.
Key #1 is to Change Our Beliefs.
We must change our beliefs holding us back if we’re going to grow into our best selves and help others to the level we desire.
Steps to change your beliefs:
- Discover the belief
What do you believe about…
- Money?
- Family? Any unspoken rules?
- The world around you? Safe, scary, it’s against you?
- Your motives? Other’s motives?
See your belief for what it is with no judgment.
- Know your Why
Ask yourself, “Why do you want to change the belief?”
Our why makes it worth the effort to change.
When you can make it about something bigger than yourself, the self-doubt becomes a lot smaller.
- Challenge Yourself
Make yourself do things you didn’t think you could do.
“If I say I can’t do something then I must.” – Jim Rohn.
- Exchange Your Beliefs
Every time that old belief tries to stop remind yourself of the truth. Exchange the old belief for the new one.
Then repeat step 3 – Make yourself do things you didn’t think you could do.
When you’ve done that thing enough that you thought you couldn’t do, you realize there’s more in you.
You’ll think, “If I can do that? What else can I do?”
When changing beliefs, fear can crop up. It can be scary to change whole belief systems. If you need help overcoming that fear, get the Habits to Live Fearlessly Free worksheet at heatherbunch.com; this worksheet will give you three habits that will continue to counteract that fear and change your beliefs so you can help others at that higher level.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you still feel like something’s blocking you from really getting close to God?
Do you also struggle with letting other people into your life?
Have you ever shut out someone that was trying to help you?
It’s time for growing closer to God, part 5! We’ve discovered the lens we see God affects our ability to grow closer to God. We’ve also learned how to rest. Rest in His Love, His Grace and His Presence.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re still struggling to let Father in like something is blocking you from getting close.
- If you’re tired of it all feeling like work.
- If you’re ready to let go of the past and step into a closer relationship with God.
The biggest block I’ve seen that keeps people from growing closer to God is…Fear
And fear can show up in all kinds of ways.
Fear of…
- Looking stupid or incompetent.
- Being vulnerable or taken advantage of.
- Rejection.
- Not good enough or perfect.
- You don’t matter.
- Your needs don’t matter.
- Abandonment or won’t be taken care of.
- What other people will think.
Fear usually comes from our past hurts.
Fear thinks its job is to keep us “safe.”
But fear causes us to withdraw and puts a wall up to keep us safe from getting hurt again. The bigger the hurt, the bigger the wall.
However, that wall keeps us from our beautiful, close intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father and people.
How do we remove the block and break down the wall of fear?
1 John 4:18 NASB
…perfect love casts out fear…
Perfect in this scripture means: mature from passing through the necessary stages to reach the end goal.
It’s like a sailor’s telescope. For a telescope to work, each stage opens up one at a time until it’s fully extended until you can see further than you could with your naked eye.
Perfect love means we go through each growth stage to understand God’s, incredible love.
The next part of 1 John 4:18 says, “…because fear involves punishment.”
Punishment means torment from living in the dread of impending judgment.
We get punished and judged by people all the time. We might fear God’s judging us too.
The great news is Jesus took any punishment we would have received from us through his death and resurrection.
Ephesians 2:8 NIV
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
We don’t have to earn it–He earned it for us! Remember, rest in His Grace.
As 1 John says, as we’re perfected or matured in divine love, it casts out fear.
We’re not going to let fear block us from growing closer to God.
As you take steps to mature in this love of God, it removes the fear and tears down the wall so you can enjoy this intimate relationship with Father.
Homework–Your Courageous Moment:
Continue to meditate on your Heavenly Father’s perfect love for you!
Go back through this series if you need to.
If you want to grow closer to God and would love someone to come alongside you, check out the Courageous Club. Find out all the details at courageous.club.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever been afraid to come to God?
Some days do you want to crawl under a rug and hide from the hurt and pain in your life or the world?
Do you need a place to get refreshed, where your heart feels full?
Today, I’m sharing secret #3 so you can grow closer to God.
So today is for you if.
- If you’re tired of being tired, whether physically, emotionally or spiritually.
- If you desire to follow God better but aren’t sure how.
- If you’re ready to feel full and satisfied with your relationship with God and life.
Secret 3: Rest in Father’s Presence
When you know, you’re loved and freely receive Father’s grace; you can finally rest in His presence.
There’s nothing between you to hinder the relationship.
Resting in Father’s Presence isn’t a one-time in-the-morning gig. It’s continual and throughout the day.
John 14:16-17 NASB
1 John 4:15-16 Mirror Study Bible
15 For anyone to see and to say that Jesus is the Son of God is to awaken to the awareness that we are continuously, seamlessly joined in oneness.
16 And thus we have come to know and believe the love that God has unveiled within us. God is love. Love is who God is; to live in this place of conscious, constant love, is to live immersed in God and to feel perfectly at home in his indwelling.
John gives us the key to resting in Father’s presence in John 15.
John 15:1-11 NASB
Resting in Father’s presence is abiding in the Vine.
Have you ever gone out to coffee or lunch with a great friend, and your conversation was effortless? When you’re done, your heart feels so full!
Resting in Father’s presence is like sitting down and having a cup of coffee and a piece of pie with a best friend.
Effortless, and your heart feels so full!
Why? Because you understand how loved you are just as you are and God’s grace has got you, now you can rest and be yourself with your Abba Daddy!
Homework:
- Take time today to meditate on how loved you are. Allow Father to love you.
- Embrace and thank Father for his all-encompassing grace.
- Now, hang with Father throughout the day. Chat, share, be vulnerable, and lay it all out there.
- Anytime you’re feeling less than. Go back to Love and Grace, sit in His presence, and get filled up.
As you abide and rest in Father’s presence, you build your life’s foundation so you can finally stop hiding the real you, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose–courageously.
If you want to grow closer to God and would love someone to come alongside you, check out the Courageous Club. Find out all the details at courageous.club.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
What do you do when you make a mistake? Do you run to God or run away and hide?
Do you see God as the Sovereign in the sky waiting to swat you with His Heavenly flyswatter when you need to learn a lesson?
Do you struggle with feeling shame when you’re in church or praying? Or does it keep you from praying?
It’s time for part 2, Growing Closer to God. Yesterday we talked about Father’s love and learning to rest in it, knowing you’re loved for who you are just as you are. Today, I want to share secret #2 to Growing Closer to God.
So today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of carrying around a backpack full of shame.
- If you’re ready to embrace God’s best in your life.
- If you desire to grow closer to God this year than ever.
Secret 2: Rest in Father’s Grace.
I’m not sure what God looked like to you growing up. Some people have an image of God on His giant thrown in Heaven with a fly swatter ready to smack you when you make a mistake.
In episode 166, I talked about the lens we use to see God will shape our experience of God.
- Punishing God; you’ll struggle to get close
- Performance God; you’ll never feel like you’re enough
- Strict God; you’ll strive to be perfect
But that’s not who Father is…Remember, God is love. He doesn’t just have love; He IS love.
One of the ways Father shows us love is through grace.
Grace in the Bible means freely extending favor. He’s leaning towards you to share His best offer.
- Give you favor with your family, friends, co-workers or clients.
- Expand your dreams and share new ideas with you.
- Help you overcome any obstacle in your path to fulfilling your purpose.
- Pick you up when you fall, lovingly brush you off and STILL give you His incredible benefits!
Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
It’s not about what you get right; it’s about what God did right through Jesus.
1 John 4:17 Mirror Study Bible
So now, with us awakening to our full inclusion in this love union, everything is perfect! Its completeness is not compromised in contradiction. Our confident conversation echoes this fellowship even in the face of crisis; because, as he is, so are we in this world - our lives are mirrored in him. We are as blameless in this life as Jesus is! This perfect love union is the source of our confidence whenever we face the scrutiny of contradiction.
Now, it’s not just enough to know about Father’s Grace.
You must receive His Grace. It’s a gift like salvation.
What do you do when you get a gift at Christmas or a birthday? Do you say, “No thanks, I’m good,” or do you take the gift and say, “Thank you”?
You rest in Father’s Grace by accepting the gift and saying, “Thank you Father for your Grace in this situation,” then share the situation with Him.
Rest and receive Father’s grace knowing you’re fully loved just as you are.
If you’re enjoying this show, please do me a favor. Rate and review the show if you haven’t already. This also helps others find it so they can grow closer to God too!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you ever struggle to receive love? Or maybe you don't feel lovable?
When you think of God, do you feel like He's waiting to punish you?
Do you run to Him or away from Him when you make a mistake?
It's part 2 of Growing Closer to God. Today, we're learning Secret 1 to grow closer to God.
So, today is for you if…
- If you ever feel unloveable.
- If you struggle to think, you have to earn God's love.
- If your heart desires to crawl up in your Heavenly Father's lap, but religion makes you feel like you're not worthy.
Secret 1 to grow closer to God: Rest in Father's Love.
To rest in your Heavenly Father's love, you must know how fully loved you are just as you are.
Ephesians 3:17-19 NASB
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Growing up, I felt like I had to earn God's love. Now, consciously I would tell you, of course, you don't have to earn God's love. It's a gift, right?
But my actions showed I believed I had to earn it.
I had to learn to rest in God's love, knowing I'm fully loved just as I am.
If you have to earn love, it's conditional love, which is not love at all.
1 John 4:7-10; 18-19 Mirror Study Bible
7 Beloved, love always includes others since love springs from God; its source is found in the fellowship of the Father, Spirit and Son. Everyone who encounters love immediately knows that they too are born of the same source! It is not possible to fully participate in love without discovering God. To love is to know God; to know God is to love.
8 Not to love, is not to know God. There is nothing in love that distracts from who God is. Love is who God is - they are inseparable.
9 The love of God is unveiled within us in the Son; he was begotten of the Father in the flesh and sent into the world that we might live because of him. Our lives are mirrored and defined in him. Both his birth in the flesh as well as his commission into the world were entirely God's doing.
10 Love is not defined by our love for God, but by his love for us! It is not our response to God that attracts his attention; we have always had his undivided affection as declared in the prophetic promise and finally demonstrated in his Son's commission and work of atonement for our sins.
18 Fear cannot co-exist in this love realm. The perfect love union that we are talking about expels fear. Fear holds on to an expectation of crisis and judgment [which brings separation] and interprets it as due punishment [a form of karma!] It echoes torment and only registers in someone who does not yet realize the completeness of their love union. [With the Father, Son and Spirit and with one another.]
19 We love because he loved us first!
We did not invent this fellowship; we are invited into the fellowship of the Father and the Son!
Homework:
Read John 4:7-10 and 18-19 in the Mirror Study Bible translation… I'll put it on my website under episode 167.
Soak in it.
Now write out what it means to you.
Each day when you pray to Father, just thank Him for His love.
You can also journal to Father about His love. Write down all the ways you see His love showing up in your life.
If you would, email me what you're Father's showing you about His love for you at hello@heatherbunch.com. I would love to celebrate with you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father's got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you do all the Christian things, pray, read Bible, and go to church, yet you don’t feel close to God?
When you approach God, do you feel not enough? Not good enough, haven’t done enough, not holy enough? Not as good as so-and-so?
Or do you feel like you’re too much for God to love you? Too much sin? Too many issues? Too many mistakes? Too much drama?
We’re starting a new series–Growing closer to God. As Christians, that’s our goal, right? But how many of you feel like you’re doing all the things but still feel far from Him most days?
Today is for you if…
- If you desire a closer relationship with God but aren’t sure how.
- If you’re tired of trying everything you’re supposed to do as a Christian, but it’s not creating that intimacy with God you desperately crave.
- If you’re ready to finally enjoy your relationship with God instead of feeling like not enough or too much.
I grew up in church…born on Friday in church on Sunday.
But I didn’t actually feel close to God until my 40s.
Why?
I knew God in my head. I had the head knowledge. I did all the things you’re supposed to do.
But I hadn’t experienced Him intimately first-hand.
How about you?
For many of us, the biggest hindrance to experiencing God first-hand is the lens through which we view Him.
Did you ever own a pair of glasses or sunglasses that were colored?
The first pair of glasses I got as a kid were rose-tinted. Everything I saw looked rosy.
The lens you view God through will determine how you see Him and experience Him.
That’s good or bad, depending on how you see him…
- If you see Him as a punishing God, you’ll struggle to get close
- If you see Him as a performance God, you’ll never feel like you’re enough
- If you see Him as a Strict God, you’ll strive to be perfect
When anything happens to us, because we see God as punishing, performance-based or whatever, we interpret that it’s God doing that to us.
But what happens if we change our lens?
- If you see Him as Love, you’ll experience rest in knowing you’re enough
- If you see Him as Abba-Daddy, your experience when you fall and scrap your knee is to run into his arms for comfort
- If you see Him as Protector, you’ll experience Him as a protector and can hide under the shadow of His wings
- If you see His humor, you’ll experience Him as fun God
Homework:
Discover the lens you’re viewing Father through.
It may be multiple lenses... a mix of good and bad.
Next, decide what lens you want to view Father in. In what way do you want to grow closer to Him?
Over the next episode, we’ll explore the three secrets to growing closer to God. This will help you change the lens you view God so you can experience Him first-hand.
If you’re enjoying this show, please do me a favor. Rate and review the show if you haven’t already. This also helps others find it so they can grow closer to God too!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Who are you?
Or better yet, who do you want to be?
Do you dream of more than what you're currently experiencing?
Do you ever fear you'll never reach those dreams?
We're wrapping up our Identity Upgrade series with how to Create Your Compelling Future.
Because…If you want an extraordinary level of life, then you must upgrade your identity. To make it worth it, you must create a compelling future.
So, today is for you if…
If you're tired of settling for less than your God-given purpose.
If you desire to experience the life you're meant to live.
If you're ready to push yourself to be your best self.
Recap…
- Identity shapes your life…for the good or bad.
- Identity is made up of our beliefs about ourselves.
- You answered who you are and named who you want to be.
- I showed you the identity you want is already in you. It's just been hiding because of the fears and hurts throughout your life.
- Then you learned to call out these best parts of yourself like you would train a puppy to obey.
- Next, we discovered how our state, or the state of mind, affects how we see ourselves!
- So I gave you ways to change your state so you could move from a negative state to a positive one. This helps you keep looking at yourself positively instead of falling back into the negative talk.
- We learned our identity has a comfort zone and how we can use it to our advantage.
We must upgrade our identity if we want to be all God's called us to be.
It's time to do what you think you can't do.
"If I say I can't do something than I must." – Jim Rohn
When you do what you thought you couldn't do enough time, you'll realize there is so much more in you than you imagined!
"If I can do that, what else can I do?"
I shared with you I fainted before my first networking event and then every month or two for the following year.
I desperately wanted to do all God called me to, so I studied to overcome this setback. I learned to call my best self out and do it afraid.
Why did I push through the pain and the fear?
I had a compelling future. I had something big I was aiming at.
Create a compelling future that gives you a reason to push yourself out of your identity's comfort zone.
The more you push yourself out of your identity's comfort zone, the more comfortable you get with being uncomfortable.
And then, in this place, you begin to change your identity permanently. You raise your identity's comfort zone. You can push yourself to become all those things you said you wanted to become.
You stop hiding and start living courageously!
Homework:
Brainstorm a compelling future.
Envision the kind of future that would make it worth it to push yourself out of your identity comfort zone.
Write down your compelling future and hold it before you!
If you need help and know you don't want to do this alone, let me come alongside you and guide you on your identity upgrade.
That's why I created the Courageous Club. A safe place where you can Live Fearlessly Free so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose–courageously and where you're not alone!
Get all the details at courageous.club
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
What do you believe about yourself?
Are you convinced you’re not enough or are more than enough because Jesus in you is enough?
What do you do when you’re identity is put to the test? Do you fall back to the level of your belief, or do you rise to the challenge?
Did you know your identity has a comfort zone? I learned that one the hard way! I’m going to help you avoid the pain of not knowing that one!
So, today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of trying to do or be better but always seem to miss the mark.
- If you’re ready to upgrade your identity so you can raise your identity to meet the challenges of life head-on.
- If you know you’re missing out on becoming all God’s called you to be.
Our identity is what we believe about ourselves and what we believe we’re capable of.
Did you know your identity has a comfort zone?
Our identity’s comfort zone is where we live most of the time and where we return to when we wander from it.
Think of your identity’s comfort zone like a thermostat.
What happens if the thermostat is set at 72° (my favorite temp!) and the temperature in the room goes up to 76°?
Right, the a/c kicks on and drops it to 72°.
When we push ourselves outside our identity’s comfort zone, to say 78°, what happens?
We unconsciously think, “Hey, what are you doing? You’re not capable of 78°, you’re a 72° remember?”
And we self-sabotage until we get back to 72° identity zone.
Why? Because our identity is convinced we’re not capable of being a 78° kind of person.
Those are called upper-limiting beliefs. They’re limiting our ability to go up higher!
To do the things that someone who is a 78°, an 88° or 98° would do, you have to upgrade your identity!
Otherwise, you’ll push yourself back down to your comfort identity zone every time you try to escape it.
Continue to name who you are and call out the true you until you believe and embody it.
Train your identity that you’re really a 78°, an 88° or 98° through constant self-talk.
As we do this, we’re upgrading our identity!
What happens if we upgrade our thermostat to 78° and the room gets colder, and the temp drops to 72°?
You got it; the heat kicks in and raises the temperature to 78°!
It works the same for our identity.
When we learn to upgrade our identity’s comfort zone to 78° and then we do something that drops below our identity’s comfort zone, we’ll be like, “Hey, what are you doing? You’re a 78° kind of person! You got this!”
And that heat, our true identity, kicks in and pulls us back up to who we are and what we’re capable of.
Ok, my friends, homework…I want you to start noticing when you’re out of your comfort zone.
What happens when you’re challenged to do or be more? How do you react, feel or think?
Also, notice if there are times when you’re challenged to do more, and you meet the challenge. How do you react, feel or think?
If you need extra help reminding yourself who you really are, get over 50 scriptures on who God says you are at heatherbunch.com, click episode 164. Now you can continually upgrade your identity’s comfort zone!
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Who are you really? Who do you want to be?
Have you ever made a mistake and called yourself names because of it?
What do you do when you do something great? Do you praise or reward yourself?
It’s time for part three of identity upgrade…today, we’re talking bout how our state affects our identity.
So today is for you if…
- If you call yourself names when you’re down or make a mistake, like I did.
- If you desire to feel better about yourself.
- If you’re ready to upgrade your identity and step into more of who you believe you’re called to be.
In the last episode, we learned how to call out our identity by name, just like we were training a puppy or my giant 112-pound golden doodle, Yoshi, to sit or lie down. We’re training ourselves to believe the best of who we are and stepping into our identity.
And it’s not name-it-and-claim-it.
You’re calling out the true part of yourself that’s always been there but has been hidden for years under the hurts and pains of life.
Some days are easier to name and call out your true identity than others, so today, I’m going to show you a trick to overcome those days.
Let’s answer the question, “who am I?,” again.
But wait…first, I want you to think of a time when you were in some type of negative space or state.
Now, answer the question, “who am I?”
Were your answers anything like mine?
Dumby, idiot, slow, failure or not good enough?
Now answer the question again, but think of a time when you were in some type of happy space or positive state.
“Who am I?”
Were your answers more positive?
Crazy right?!
Our state or the state of mind affects how we see ourselves!
When we’re in a low energy or negative state, that’s what we think about ourselves.
When we’re in a high-energy or positive state, it’s so much easier to think positively about ourselves.
Remember that when you’re in a bad or down mood and start beating yourself up, it doesn’t make those statements about yourself magically true. You’re just in a negative state.
Change your state, and you’ll change how you talk about and to yourself.
How do you change your state?
Change your physiology – or make a change in your body.
Here are some ideas to create positive energy in your body:
- Sing
- Hum
- Laugh
- Walk
- Dance
Changing your state is a tool you can use anytime you’re feeling down and then get down on yourself.
Instead of saying you’re such an idiot, stop and do something that changes your state, like laugh or throw a 30-second dance party.
Now call out the best parts of yourself.
You’re putting yourself in the right frame of mind to think clearly and believe in who God created you to be. You also love yourself as Father loves you.
Our words create beliefs, so it’s vital we watch what we say about ourselves to ourselves.
When you change your state, you support yourself to upgrade your identity continually.
If you need extra help reminding yourself who you really are, get over 50 scriptures on who God says you are at heatherbunch.com, episode 163. Now you can continually call out those parts of yourself.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
What do you believe about yourself? Good, bad, ugly? Or mix?
Do you want to believe good things about yourself but struggle to see that good things?
Do you ever feel like a charlatan or liar when you say good things about yourself because you don’t believe them?
We’re continuing our identity upgrade series with part 2. It’s time to learn to call out the best parts of yourself.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of beating yourself up.
- If you desire to believe better things about yourself.
- If you’re ready to live the life God’s planned for you.
Yesterday, we talked about our identity.
Our identity is made up of our beliefs about ourselves.
And our beliefs are that feeling of absolute certainty about what something means.
That’s good or not so good, depending on our beliefs.
I asked you to answer the questions: “Who am I?” and “What do I want to believe about myself?”
How do we shift our identity from who we believe we are to who we want it to be?
The other day, I told my 112-pound golden doodle to come and lay down next to me. Yoshi immediately came over and lay down.
Grace, my 7-year-old daughter, expressed her amazement at how quickly Yoshi obeyed. “Why won’t he do that for me?!,” was her question.
I explained she had to command the dog. She had to talk to him like she meant it, and the dog will obey.
It works the same way with us.
Who you want to be is already in you. Our Heavenly Father put it there. We were knit together in our mother’s womb and are fearfully and wonderfully made.
But the pressures, hurts, fears, rejections, and wrong thinking throughout life have hidden those beautiful parts of us.
I want you to name who you want to be, call out the best parts of yourselves, like I did with my 112-pound golden doodle, and mean it. And those parts will come.
We need to act as if…because that’s really who we are... we’ve just hidden it. And we may not have demanded that of ourselves before now.
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
Now faith is the substance (or confidence) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Yoshi is over a year old now, and he’s well-trained, but when he was a puppy, it took time and patience to pull out the best parts of him. I had to tell him down and wait patiently. Sometimes I had to gently help him down so he was reminded of what I was telling him to do. Then I’d reward him with a treat or praise.
It’s called training.
Believing the truth about who you really are works the same way…time, patience and praise.
But when you’re consistent with calling out who you are, the truth, what Father says about you, your true identity will come out time and shine.
Now some days are easier to do this than others, so tomorrow, I’m going to show you a trick to overcome those days.
I’m going to create a pdf of all the scriptures from episode 159 for you and put it in the show notes on heatherbunch.com. Then you can continually call out those parts of yourself.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Who are you really?
What do you believe about yourself? Good, bad, ugly? Or mix?
Do you believe good things about yourself but feel like there’s another level you want to get to?
Are you fully living the life God planned for you to live yet?
We’re starting a new series on identity. We’ll unpack what we believe about ourselves and how we can upgrade that image.
Today is for you if...
- If you struggle to believe the best about yourself.
- If you need an identity upgrade.
- If you’re ready to shed the beliefs holding you back in life.
Why identity?
Identity is what shapes your life.
If you want to change your life, you must change or upgrade your identity.
We must upgrade our identity if we want to stop hiding, show up fully, and fulfill our God-given purpose.
What is identity?
Our identity is made up of our beliefs about ourselves.
Our beliefs are a feeling of absolute certainty of what something means.
That can be good or not good depending on our beliefs.
I shared with you my belief that I struggle with is “my voice doesn’t matter.” That belief changes how I show up and what I think I can and should do.
I attached the meaning that no one really wants to hear what I have to say. I’m invisible.
What happens when I think, “Oh, that’s good, I should share that on social media!”?
Yep, “who would want to hear that?” So I don’t share it.
But is that the truth?
If I want to change my life, I must upgrade my identity.
So, how about you? “Who do you believe you are?”
Let’s answer the question, “who am I?”
Write down everything that comes to mind.
How do you see yourself?
What are you capable of?
“Beliefs create and beliefs destroy.” – Tony Robbins.
We get to choose what we believe about ourselves.
Let me ask you another question…
What is life?
Take a moment and answer that.
Is it a battle? A test? A crap shoot?
If we believe life is a battle, we’ll approach life and the people we encounter like we’re at war or it’s a constant struggle.
If we believe life is a test, we’ll think life is a pass and fail or like we’re being judged. We’ll most likely be afraid to fail because then we’re failing life.
But what if we believe life is a dance, a gift, or sacred?
Take a moment and answer, “what lens you would see life if it was a gift?”
We’ll live our life as if it’s special, it matters, beautiful, and meant to be given away.
Our identity works the same way.
Your words shape your belief about yourself.
What you believe about yourself shapes what you think you’re capable of.
You’re capable of so much more, but you won’t believe that if you believe your dumb, slow or not enough.
Homework:
Take some time and write down what you want to believe about yourself.
Who do you want to be?
You don’t have to believe it right now. We’ll keep working on upgrading ourselves throughout this series, but for now, get a picture of who you do want to become.
Also, if you didn’t get a chance while listening to the podcast, start by answering the question, “who am I?”
If you’re up for it, I would love you to email me the answers to “who are you” and “who do you want to be?” hello@heatherbunch.com
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever needed to escape from reality?
Have you ever seen a friend who needed a break, and you stepped in to help make that happen?
Some days we need an escape from the pressures of life.
We need friendships and fun.
We need a break.
Today is for you if…
If you need a break and maybe you're not very good at taking it.
If you've got a friend or loved one you see, they need an escape but haven't taken it themselves.
Another friend and I have a friend that needs a break. Our other friend is having some trouble taking time for herself. So we've concocted a plan to kidnap her and help her get away from the pressures of life and have fun.
We had a super fun time escaping the day-to-day pressures of life.
We kidnapped our friend to celebrate her birthday and give her time away from the pressure and responsibilities, but I realized I needed an escape too!
We all need an escape. It refreshes us, energizes us and allows us to let pressures go.
And hey, it gives us time to have fun.
Sometimes we get so busy we forget that fun is actually essential.
So, I want you to take some time to escape, even if it's just a bath, a coffee shop, or walking around window shopping.
If you struggle to escape by yourself, grab a friend and have fun together!
When you come back from escaping, you'll have the energy and capacity to be a better mom, wife and friend. And you'll be more efficient with all that other stuff on your to-do list too!
Can I ask a favor? If you enjoy this podcast, would you please rate and review the show? It will also help others find the show and be encouraged too! And you get to be a part of their transformation too! Win-win-win!
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever struggled with seeing you’re true identity?
When people say nice things about you, do you deflect it or don’t believe it?
Maybe people said hurtful means things to you, and you believed them.
Today is a little different podcast. I want to share what God says about you from scripture.
Today is for you if…
If you deflect or don’t believe the compliments, people try to give you.
If you continually think…I’m not enough, stupid me; I can’t do it; if I were only like so and so, then I could fulfill my God-given purpose.
If you’re ready to truly discover who you are or just need a pick-me-up because you’re feeling down, today is your day, my friend.
You can find the scriptures and the references on my website, heatherbunch.com. Click here to go right to the page.
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Resources
Need a place to help you discover your true identity? Do you need a place where others help come alongside you, believing in you and holding space while you learn to believe in yourself too?
Courageous Club is a safe place to stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose. Check out all the details at Courageous.club.
Do you struggle to push past the fear to reach your goals?
Do you feel like you're stuck, or is life today the same as ten years ago?
Have you stopped pursuing changing or growing yourself because of medical, physical or emotional challenges from your past?
Today is for you if…
If you desire a greater life of significance than you're living now.
If you're open to seeing the limitations you may have placed on yourself that are holding you back.
If you're ready to stop making excuses to change because of your past challenges.
We've been looking at invisible dog fences for Yoshi, our one-year-old 112-pound Goldendoodle.
If you’re not familiar with an invisible fence, it’s where you put a boundary of wire underground around your yard. Then the dog has a special collar that vibrates or beeps at them when they get close to the invisible fence line.
Over time, it trains the dog to stay away from the fence line.
I've seen dogs that are so well-trained that they don't even need the electronic collar anymore. They just stay within the boundaries.
We all have challenges throughout our lives:
- Mean words said over us
- Rejections
- Hurts
- Abuse
- Medical, Physical or Emotional challenges
These challenges train us to stop trying, not move forward or not pursue our dreams if we allow them.
They become an invisible fence in our mind that says….you can't; who do you think you are? You don't have what it takes…
But here's the kicker; we have to admit to ourselves…
When we say, "I can't;" we're really saying, "I won't."
Changing how we believe about ourselves and what we're capable of is a choice.
Not allowing the challenges to stop us and courageously stepping out into our purpose is a choice.
It's us saying, "I can and I will."
"The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." –Socrates
We have to focus on creating new habits to change the old ones.
- Choose a new habit
What habit do you want to create?
- Know your will
Your will gives you the power to change.
It's really, "why the heck do you want to make this change to begin with?"
- Know your way
You have to break down how you'll incorporate this new habit. What are the steps we’ll take?
- It's all about tiny changes
Jerry Seinfeld's mantra is, "Never break the chain.” That keeps him writing jokes every day.
- Celebrate progress along the way
Celebrate yourself, the tiny wins and any forward movement…even if it's one step forward and two steps back.
This works for any area of change.
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Resources
*Atomic Habits by James Clear is the best one I've read on habits. https://amzn.to/3DgoYEF
Need a place to help you keep moving forward toward your dreams? Do you need a place where others help pick you up when you fall and celebrate with you when you have wins?
Courageous Club is a safe place to stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose. Check out all the details at Courageous.club.
*Book is an Amazon affiliate link; if you purchase through this link, I’ll receive a small commission.
Have you ever had a problem you were so angry or stressed about you couldn't think clearly?
If someone irritates or hurts you, do you worry that if you let it go, it means they're right, and you're wrong?
Have you ever had a reaction that escalated the more you talked about it?
Today is for you if…
- If you're tired of overreacting.
- If you want to handle issues in a healthier way.
- If you're ready to short-circuit that potentially negative reaction.
By catching negativity early, you keep yourself in a resourceful state of mind, giving yourself the best shot at effectively solving problems, dealing with stress and overcoming challenges.
Our thoughts are like boiling a pot of water. When they go negative, they can get hot. How do we stop them from boiling over?
We could put ice in the pot, but that's only temporary.
We must remove the heat source to get the water to stop boiling permanently.
So it goes with our thoughts. Sometimes we must remove ourselves from the heat source so our thoughts stop boiling.
Then went we chill out, we can deal with this issue in a productive, calm manner.
A practical way to remove the heat source on that hot thought is to schedule a later time to deal with the issue.
Once it's scheduled, then it's easier to drop that hot thought because you know mentally you'll get back to it.
Many times you won't even need to deal with it later as it naturally resolves itself.
Now dropping the thought and rescheduling it for later doesn't mean that someone else is right and you're wrong. It DOES short-circuit the potentially negative reaction and keeps it from escalating.
If the issue merits revisiting, you can go back once the hotness wears off and deal with it calmly and proactively.
Do you need a place where you're affirmed? A place where people help pick you up when you fall and celebrate with you when you have wins?
Courageous Club is a safe place to stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose. Check out all the details at Courageous.club.
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
What do you do when you fail? How do you treat yourself?
How do you handle it when you make a mistake? Beat yourself up? Or pick yourself up and keep going?
Do you know how to pull yourself out of the mulligrubs, or do you stay stuck, sinking deeper?
We all make mistakes, but what we do afterward matters. It determines if we pick ourselves up and keep moving forward or if we sink into a downward spiral that makes us feel terrible and holds us back.
Today is for you if…
- If you need a hand up when you fall.
- If you’re unsure how to keep the emotional spiral at bay when you make a mistake.
- If you’re tired of beating yourself up for the same issues.
I made a mistake this week in our finances that are causing my husband more work on top of the 10-12 hours he’s already pulling. Ouch! I felt horrible and found myself spiraling into the “How could you do this again” abyss.
When I’m in that mood, it’s hard to keep moving and do what I know I want and need to do.
How about you? What do you do when you make a mistake?
Beat yourself up? Sink into the whoa-is-me abyss? Stop trying?
Do you feel, “If you’re not perfect, you’re not worthy?”
We may not say that one out loud, but how many of you have felt this way?
Here are two keys that will help you stop giving up on yourself.
- Receive Father’s Grace
It’s by grace we’re saved…it’s a gift.
You see, we miss it at times, but grace is receiving something we don’t deserve.
Sin in Greek means to miss the mark. It’s that same word as if an archer were to miss the bullseye.
We miss the bullseye regularly.
But here’s the exciting part!
Jesus is interceding for us…now that doesn’t mean He’s praying for us.
In Greek, intercede means to hit the mark.
Jesus is continually hitting the mark for us. He’s hitting the bullseye for us, so we don’t have to!
We can see this in the lives of King David and Peter.
If I don’t receive God’s grace, it’s like me saying, “What Jesus did on the cross wasn’t good enough for me.” Yikes!
Receive God’s grace; it’s a free gift.
- Give yourself compassion
When you receive God’s grace, it’s easier to give yourself compassion.
“If God forgave me, then who am I not to forgive myself?”
I like to pre-prep my affirmations so that when I make a mistake, I know what I’ll say to myself to keep that spiral at bay.
Here are some ideas:
- I’m in process.
- One step at a time
- Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s ok.
- What do I do when I make mistakes? Keep moving forward.
- I’m still loved.
So this week, create some statements that you can use to love yourself when you make a mistake.
Do you need a place where you’re affirmed? A place where people help pick you up when you fall and celebrate with you when you have wins?
Courageous Club is a safe place to stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose. Check out all the details at Courageous.club.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever done something and thought, “why did I do that?”
Do you struggle to understand others, and maybe yourself, at times?
Today is for you if…
- If you’d like to avoid those “what was I thinking moments?!”
- If you desire to become your best self.
Our motivation is the reason we act or behave a particular way.
What is an Unconscious Motivation?
Our unconscious motivations, then, are the motivations that drive us, and we’re not aware of them.
It’s us responding to our deepest concerns, and it’s one of the ways we adapt and stay safe in the world.
Type 1 - Strict Perfectionist (or Improver)
Need to protect self, others and the world; to be right and avoid fault or blame.
Type 2 - Considerate Helper
The need to be liked and meet the needs of others is their strategy to secure appreciation and love.
Type 3 - Competitive Achiever
Need to succeed, to appear successful and avoid failure
Type 4 - Intense Creative
Need to be seen, belong and recover wholeness.
Type 5 - Quiet Specialist (or Investigator)
The need to know and understand everything.
Type 6 - Loyal Sceptic
Need to feel safe, secure and supported.
Type 7 - Enthusiastic Visionary
Avoid experiencing unpleasant, psychologically or emotionally painful or distressing feelings.
Type 8 - Active Controller
Deny and mask weakness and vulnerability; assert strength.
Type 9 - Adaptive Peacemaker
Need to connect with others, keep the inner and outer peace or harmony, avoid conflict at all costs
Why change our unconscious motivation?
It’s like our unconscious motivation took over while we’ve been asleep at the steering wheel.
We’ve got to wake up so we can take our control back.
When you develop yourself, you change your world.
So what do you do with this unconscious motivation?
EMCA tool to help develop yourself.
- Example
Think of a time when you had a negative action or reaction.
-
Fight with your spouse, late for work, struggled to step into something new or start and stop your goals.
-
Motivation
What motivated this behavior, or what were your intentions?
This is you uncovering your unconscious motivation at work.
- Consequence
See how your unconscious motivation affects you and others.
What were the results of acting that way? Good? Bad?
How is this behavior working for you?
Is it helping or hinder you from become your best self and fulfill your God-given purpose?
- Alternative
What alternative behaviors would have supported your intentions better?
Or what could you have done that would have led to better results?
When you walk yourself through this process, it brings your unconscious motivation to light.
When we’re conscious of why we do what we do, that’s when we can make changes.
When we develop ourselves, we change our world.
Do you need a safe place you can develop yourself?
A place where you can learn (and practice) to uncover your unconscious motivations and wake up so you can take the steering wheel back.
Courageous Club is a safe place to stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose. Check out all the details at Courageous.club.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you get down on yourself when you make a mistake?
Can you celebrate yourself when you win?
What would it take to make you happy with yourself?
Almost all of us have struggled with believing in ourselves and our abilities at some point. So today, I want to share how you can shift your belief in yourself, five sentences at a time.
So, today is for you if…
- If you can celebrate others and struggle to do the same for you.
- If you’re tired of being unhappy with yourself.
- If you’re ready to believe in yourself – maybe for the first time.
“What would it take to make you happy?”
That’s what my husband Bob asked me after I was down on myself…again.
“I want a paying curriculum client,” I touted.
A few weeks later, a potential client said she was ready to get started! Woohoo!
Think I was happy?
Nope.
My issue was I didn’t believe I was doing enough, so I couldn’t be happy with myself.
Fast-forward to today. I ran into an issue with our cell bill. After that issue was worked out, I realized how much I’d grown. Generally, in a situation involving money, I panic, get frazzled and usually cry.
I made the calls and worked through it this time without panicking.
Why do I mention my cell bill?
I was celebrating my progress!! Not panicking over money issues was a serious win for me!
One of the best ways I learn to do that is with ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
Acknowledgments are sentences you write out, acknowledging yourself for your forward movement…ANY forward movement.
It’s celebrating our wins!
But each day you acknowledge yourself for forward movement, aka celebrate yourself, it will compound and make a massive difference over time.
It’s like compound interest. It’s tiny at first, but overtime is a powerful force.
Here’s what else Acknowledgements will do for you:
- You’re practicing celebrating your wins.
It’s easy to celebrate someone else, but we must practice celebrating ourselves.
- When you notice wins, you see more wins.
You put your RAS - reticular activating system to work for you. You’re telling your brain your wins are important to you, and you’ll start seeing more.
For more on the RAS, see the resources below.
- It shifts your belief in yourself overtime.
You’ll shift from “I can’t” to “I can”…overtime.
Compound interest, baby!
Here are the Guidelines for Create Acknowledgements:
- Write at least five a day.
- Celebrate any forward movement, no matter how small.
- Structure your sentence like this: I acknowledge myself for…
Enjoy and celebrate you! As you do, you’ll begin shifting your belief in yourself.
Resources
Courageous Club is a 12-month coaching membership where you can learn (and practice) to stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose. Check out all the details at Courageous.club.
Your Fearless Journey with Becky, Kat and Heather episode 21 - It’s all about the RAS. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4YTEzcvyTUBjjjfQffuCdU?si=ac8a86e999854886
*The Compound Effect: Jumpstart Your Income, Your Life, Your Success by Darren Hardy
https://amzn.to/3ksLROS
*Book is an Amazon affiliate link; if you purchase through any of these links, I will receive a small commission.
What do you do when you’re stuck in an anxiety loop?
Do you hide, crawl in a corner, go into flight or fight?
Is anxiety holding you back from your dreams or stepping out and living a courageous life?
Do you have a plan for when the anxiety comes and rears its ugly head?
We’re continuing our series on how to jump off the anxiety rollercoaster. I’ll give you some practical tools and ways to release anxiety and feel better quickly.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of the constant drain anxiety creates in your life.
- If you’re ready to learn keys to feel better…anytime.
- If you need help creating a plan when anxiety shows up.
Today, I’m giving you a toolbox, a Batman utility belt, so you know what you’re going to do when the anxiety comes.
Physical Releases:
- Walking, dancing, stretching, yoga, etc. – exercise helps us release the anxiety.
- Practicing good sleep habits.
- Take a nap.
- Finding healthy outlets for stress, such as art, music, or hobbies. I love a good 30-second dance party to let it all go!
- Getting enough sunlight or taking vitamin D supplements.
- Sounds and smells that relax you.
Mental/Emotional Releases:
- Practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to focus on the present moment and calm the mind - I talked about deep breathing in episode 152.
- Talking to a therapist or counselor. This helps you get to the root of the real reason you’re anxious!
- Keeping a journal to process thoughts, feelings and actions.
- Phone a friend.
- Read a good fiction book that you can lose yourself in the story.
Spiritual Releases:
These spiritual practices will help you rest in Father’s presence, knowing He loves you and has you in his hands. In that safe place, we can let go of anxiety.
- Meditation - guided or not. Jackie Trottmann is my favorite for Christian-guided meditations. Click here to get her meditations. https://joyandflowstore.com/collections/meditations
- Prayer - enjoy Father like you’re sitting down with a friend having a cup of coffee and a piece of pie.
- Sit in silence - let the sounds of the world drop away.
You can also use the scripture, “Be still and know that I am God,” as sit-in-silence practice. I shared how in podcast episode 97.
Remember that everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experimenting with different strategies to find what works best for you might be helpful.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Resources
Courageous Club is a 12-month coaching membership where you can learn (and practice) to stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose. Check out all the details at Courageous.club.
Anxiety Rx: A New Prescription for Anxiety Relief from the Doctor Who Created It by Dr. Russell Kennedy: https://amzn.to/3QIIn6U
Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode–and into a Life of Connection and Joy by Aundi Kolber: https://amzn.to/3QJzeen
The Try Softer Guided Journey: A Soulful Companion to Healing: https://amzn.to/3ksldFy
(Workbook to go along with Try Softer book)
*Books are Amazon affiliate links; if you purchase through any of these links, I will receive a small commission.
Does anxiety ever hit you out of nowhere?
When you're trying new things, do you feel super anxious?
When you feel anxious, does it permeate your whole body, and you're unsure what to do?
When we're in overthinking mode, it can feel like a one-loop rollercoaster. And overthinking doesn't just stay in our heads…anxiety can get trapped in our bodies!
So today is for you if…
- If you want to live, your dreams and anxiety are hindering you.
- If you need tools to overcome the anxiety that hits your body.
- If you're ready to jump off the rollercoaster of anxiety and stay off.
When I started fainting from fear, I noticed that my body would react too. My chest got tight, my face got hot, oh, and my ears felt like fire. Then I felt heat radiate my entire body, and down I went.
I fainted every month or two for the following year. I noticed that my body would trigger when I walked into certain rooms.
I began studying the mind-body connection and discovered the trauma I was experiencing got trapped in my body. That's why I could walk into a room and be triggered even before my mind kicked in. It was like an alarm in my body went off saying, "something is wrong in here!" Yikes!
I could work through this body trigger or alarm when I learned the ABCs of anxiety. (These concepts come from Dr. Russell Kennedy's book Anxiety RX)
A – Awareness:
Become aware of being aware.
Ask yourself where the alarm in your body is.
- Stomach
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Nneck tightening
- Legs hurt
Where does the alarm show up in your body? Name it.
B – Body:
Hold your hand on the place of alarm in your body.
Now…Breathe…breathe through it and let the alarm melt away.
It slows down your heart rate and relaxes your muscles.
It also gets you out of your head and grounds you in your body in the present moment.
C – Connection:
Connect with yourself and love yourself through the alarm.
Give yourself grace because God does too.
Now, let's go a step further with D & E.
D – Discipline:
Practice the ABCs consistently.
This will constantly keep you working through the alarm and releasing that anxiety out of your body.
E – Ego:
Our ego will try and keep us from being vulnerable and trying again.
I can't let the fear of fainting again keep me from what God's called me to do.
The same goes for you.
When you use the ABCs plus DEs, you can release that anxiety and jump off the anxiety rollercoaster.
One more thing…this advice is not to replace the need for a counselor or therapist.
If you need help, please see a therapist or counselor, especially one that can help you with bodywork.
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Anxiety Rx: A New Prescription for Anxiety Relief from the Doctor Who Created It by Dr. Russell Kennedy: https://amzn.to/3QIIn6U
Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode--and into a Life of Connection and Joy by Aundi Kolber: https://amzn.to/3QJzeen
The Try Softer Guided Journey: A Soulful Companion to Healing: https://amzn.to/3ksldFy
(Workbook to go along with Try Softer book)
*Amazon affiliate links, and I'll receive a small commission if you purchase through these links.
Do you have anxiety on speed dial?
Have you ever felt like you're on a one-loop roller coaster of fear?
Do the "what if's" have you trapped in the worry spin-cycle?
We all experience anxiety. It can feel like we're on a one-loop rollercoaster with no way out. But there is a way out.
So, today is for you if…
- If you know anxiety is holding you back from the life you're meant to live.
- If you desire a joy-filled life instead of a stress-free life.
- If you're ready to stop using anxiety as an excuse so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose–courageously.
I grew up in a culture of achievement, but we've flip-flopped. We are in a worry/fear-based culture. Even our kids are experiencing anxiety like never before.
More people are on anxiety meds than ever before. It's become a normal part of life.
When God said, "I know the plans I have for you," I don't think that anxiety was a part of that plan. I believe God wants us to experience life differently.
Worry is like the what if…
What if a spider comes after me in the middle of the night?
Fear is when that issue is right there in your presence.
That spider would be right there.
This definition of anxiety comes from Sissy Goff, a therapist and author of Raising Worry-Free Girls.
Anxiety is an overestimation of the problem and an underestimation of yourself.
What are you anxious about that you're overestimating the problem and underestimating yourself?
Not only is anxiety an underestimation of ourselves, but it's also an underestimation of our God and how capable He is of handling your problem.
Ask these two questions to help jump off that anxiety rollercoaster:
First, think about one thing you're anxious about. Now, ask yourself:
1. Do you have control to make a change in this situation?
If you say no–give it to God.
Then He gives you peace.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
If you say yes, you have control or some control to make a change; ask yourself…
2. What would I do if I did know what to do?
Just pretend for a second and answer that question.
Then do that!
Most of the time, we know what to do but are too afraid or underestimate ourselves.
Go back to, there is more in you than you thought possible and that our God is so much bigger than our problem!
So many times when we're on the spiral anxiety loop, we forget just how big our God is.
Put that problem in perspective.
Put yourself in perspective.
Put your God in perspective.
We serve a big God and can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us!
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Resources:
Courageous Club is a 12-month coaching membership where you can learn (and practice) to stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose. Check out all the details at Courageous.club.
*Raising Worry-Free Girls: Helping Your Daughter Feel Braver, Stronger, and Smarter in an Anxious World by Sissy Goff: https://amzn.to/3koWsdK
What do you do when pursuing your purpose and the going gets tough?
Do you crawl into the corner in the fetal position?
Do you get frantic or panic?
Do you lash out in stress or anger?
We're closing out this five-part series on Quick Pick Me Ups When the Going Gets Tough by discovering what we need when we're in the middle of these challenging moments.
Today is for you if…
- If you're ready to get unstuck.
- If you need help moving forward and keep moving forward.
- If maybe you lost hope in pursuing your dreams, and it's only thirteen days into January.
I ran into challenges as I was on my journey to fulfilling my God-given purpose. I didn't know what to do, felt alone, had low self-esteem, and had a multiple-year depression. But the big one was when I tried to move out of my comfort zone; I would faint.
You need to know what you need so you're ready when the challenges come and keep moving forward toward pursuing your God-given purpose.
Here are three questions to help you think through what you need when the tough times come your way:
- What do you need to get unstuck?
I needed someone to hold space for me and believe in me until I could believe in myself.
I need to know Father believed in me and wasn’t disappointed in me.
- What do you need to keep moving forward?
Here’s what I needed:
Tools I can pull out at any time, like breathing through fear so I can release it.
Accountability to do what I want to do for myself.
Guide who has been where I want to be.
- What attitude or mindset do you need to succeed at achieving your goals that help you reach your dreams and your purpose?
The attitudes and mindsets I needed to adopt were:
Grace
Perspective – Andy Andrews helped me see, "I can't do everything, but I can do something."
Positive attitude
Hope - Hope is a confident expectation.
Courageous mindset - I can do it afraid.
What do you need?
What do you need so you can get unstuck and keep moving? What attitude or mindset do you need to adopt to achieve your dreams and fulfill your God-given purpose?
Maybe you need a guide that holds space for you and believes in you until you can believe in yourself.
Do you need a safe place so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given?
Do you need someone to hold you accountable to accomplish your goals so you can move forward toward your dreams?
Do you need a place where you're loved, supported and celebrated?
That's why I created the Courageous Club!
Doors are NOW OPEN to join the Courageous Club. For more information and to join, head over to Courageous.club
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
I want you to think about your dreams and goals right now.
Do you struggle with perfectionism, which keeps you from putting yourself out there?
Are you afraid to step out because you don’t have the entire plan figured out yet? If you don’t, something could go wrong, right?!
Let me ask you; are you still in research mode, and it’s been 6 or 12 months? Or you’ve been saying you’re going to do this for three years and haven’t started yet?
Challenges come when we pursue our dreams. We need some pick-me-ups to keep us going when the going gets tough.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of being in constant planning mode.
- If you feel paralyzed by the need to be perfect.
- If you’re ready to shift from research mode to go mode so you can actually reach those dreams you’ve had for years.
When we’re growing, there’s so much we need to learn, but there is also something we need to let go of to achieve our dreams and do what God put in our hearts to do.
So here are three things we need to let go of to fulfill our God-given purpose:
1. You don’t need to be PERFECT…You just need to be CONSISTENT
We will never be perfect. It’s impossible. And if you’re waiting to put yourself or your work out into the world until it’s perfect, you’ll be waiting a long time.
Only God is perfect, and He doesn’t expect us to be perfect either…p.s. that scripture that says, “Be perfect as I am perfect,” means to grow in stages.
If God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, why do we put that on ourselves?
Ask yourself, why do I really need to be perfect?
- Am I afraid of failure?
- Will I be seen as incompetent?
- I’m not good enough if it’s not perfect.
- Will I be rejected?
Just show up, be consistent, and keep moving forward. I promise you’ll make progress.
2. You don’t need to HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT…You just need to TAKE THE NEXT STEP
If you’re a planner, this one may be your Achilles’ heel.
Plans don’t always go as you planned.
Don’t let the need to have a plan all figured out hold you captive from moving forward.
Just take the next step.
3. You don’t need to KNOW EVERYTHING…You just need to USE WHAT YOU DO KNOW
If you’re stuck in research mode, you might feel like people will think you’re incompetent if you don’t know enough.
We really get stuck in research mode because of fear.
Remember the little boy in the Bible that gave Jesus his five loaves of bread and two fishes? That little boy gave what he had, and Jesus turned it.
We don’t have to know everything to fulfill our God-given purpose.
All of these things we don’t need are forms of fear. They’re keeping us stuck and preventing us from fulfilling our God-given purpose.
God has a beautiful, special plan for you. But it’s not going to just drop in our lap. God gives us the tools, wisdom, legs, mouth and hands to make things happen.
We don’t have to make it happen alone. God’s with us. He also brings people on our path to guide and support us. Do you have someone to come aside you to help you fulfill your God-given purpose?
That’s why I’m offering the Courageous Club. It’s opening up tomorrow…Friday, January 13th!
It’s for you if you’re like I was, and you’re a bird in a cage with the door open but are too afraid to fly out. But, you’re tired of living that way…Courageous Club just might be for you.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you struggle with believing in yourself?
Do you beat yourself up when you make a mistake or miss a deadline?
Do you doubt you have a calling or question you can fulfill it?
It’s part 3 of Quick Pick Me Ups When the Going Gets Tough. When we’re reaching for our dreams, and it challenges, what do you do when the obstacle to fulfilling your dreams is yourself?
So today is for you if…
- If you’re tired of beating yourself down.
- If you desire to let go of what’s holding you back from purpose.
- If you’re ready to believe in yourself and the gifts, God gave you.
You need to know who you are in the middle of a struggle. That will pick you up and help you keep going in the tough situation.
When I started my journey to fulfill my dreams and fulfill my God-given purpose and hit a challenge, I would say things to myself like…
- I’m not enough
- I’m not like so and so
- I’m not the right personality
- Yah da, yah da, yah da
I was getting in my own dang way and got stuck right there at that moment.
But that’s not what God says about me. That’s not really who I am.
If God has called you to fulfill your dreams (and He has), you need to see yourself as He sees you.
Some people say, “Fake it till you make it.”
God says, “Faith it till you make it.”
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
We must shift the way we see ourselves (our identity).
Instead of saying, “I can’t, I’m not, I’m….”
Say, “I’m the kind of person who….”
You could say things like:
- I’m the kind of person who finishes what I start.
- I’m the kind of person who does what I say
- I’m the kind of person who tracks my progress
- I’m the kind of person who stays accountable.
- I’m the kind of person who chooses to take the scary steps.
- I’m the kind of person who generates courage by doing it afraid.
- I’m the kind of person who stops hiding and shows up fully myself.
- I’m the kind of person who fulfills my God-given purpose.
Today, I want you to take some time and think through what you say about yourself when the challenges come. It gets tough when you’re trying to fulfill your dreams.
What do you say to yourself about yourself? Write that down.
Now, create a new statement that says, “I’m the kind of person who….” And then fill in the blank.
When you want to say a negative comment to yourself, shift your identity and say, “I’m the kind of person who….”
It will help pick you up when the going gets tough.
Now, if you’re someone with a dream in your heart and you’re on the journey, but you’re stuck; if fear is holding you back from moving forward again, then maybe the Courageous Club is for you. Doors open Friday, January 13th. Keep an eye out for more info to see if this might be your next step to get you unstuck.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever shared a dream only to be rejected? Or laughed at?
Do you feel alone pursuing your dreams?
Have you ever been stabbed in the back by someone you thought had your back?
We’re continuing our podcast series Quick Pick Me Ups When the Going Gets Tough because, let’s face it, when we’re pursuing our God-given purpose, it gets tough. What do you do when the challenges come? We’re going to talk about that. Today is all about the people has your back that help you do that thing you’re called to do.
So, I’m talking to you today if…
- If you desire a safe place to grow and be yourself.
- If you want life-giving friendships that also support your dreams.
- If you’re tired of trying to fulfill your God-given purpose alone.
Today I want to ask…do you know who’s got your back?
I grew up thinking everyone had my back…until the 6th grade when my best friend of three years turned on me. From there that point the wall went up.
I was afraid from that point to let someone have my back because I thought I’d get stabbed in the back again.
Until life coach Leisa Jenkins showed me there are people in this world who will believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself–yet.
Then the Women of Audacious Faith community reinforced that belief and helped me tear down the wall that kept people out for so long.
You know someone has your back when…
1. You can be yourself around them.
Do you feel safe around them or not?
Feeling safe allows you to come out of your shell and show up fully yourself.
2. You can say the hard things to help each other grow.
It’s not comfortable to say hard things to each other. But we must to grow.
It’s like a rose bush. You have to prune the bush for it to flourish. When you prune it right, that rose bush grows stronger and more beautiful.
You know you have each other’s back when you can say and receive the hard things that will let us grow back stronger and more beautiful than ever.
3. You can celebrate wins together without competition.
Comparing ourselves is unwise and never helps us be our best selves.
You need to be able to share your wins and also celebrate their wins without feeling bad.
There’s enough awesome to go around. So you can freely celebrate one another.
If you’re a businesswoman looking for a community of like-minded women like I was talking bout, here’s a link to Women of Audacious Faith Business Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wafcommunity
If you’ve got a dream in your heart, but you’re stuck, the Courageous Club might be that missing piece to help you be yourself, hear and say the hard things to each other and celebrate each other’s wins, so you can pursue your God-given calling–with people who have your back!
So get ready; doors will open Friday, January 13th…yep, Friday the 13th. It’s God’s day, so we don’t have to go by superstitious mumbo jumbo to live our Life Fearlessly Free.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you have a dream or a goal, and you have lost your navigation already?
Do you feel like quitting when the going gets tough?
When you’re in the messy middle, do you ever wonder if it’s worth it all?
We’re starting a new series called Quick Pick Me Ups When the Going Gets Tough.
It isn’t always smooth sailing when working towards our dreams to live our God-given purpose.
It isn’t just a make-a-plan, and then it’s a straight path from A to Z to fulfilling it. No! It’s all over the place.
It usually doesn’t happen like you thought it would.
Today is for you if…
- If you’re new to aching goals/dreams and need extra help getting there.
- If you’re MO is quoting when the going gets tough. (I get that…I could have had the domain professionalquitter.com too).
- If you’re ready for this year to be different from all the other times you tried and gave up, then today is your day, my friend!
The first quick pick me up that is the key to getting through the messy middle of achieving our dreams is:
Know Your Why.
My why is my girls. It started when my oldest daughter was two years old. I remember crying out to God in the hallway because I wasn’t sure how to parent my strong-willed daughter.
God shared that fulfilling my dreams will help me pave the way for my girls and show them what’s possible. That’s my why!
We must know why we’re doing this or when the going gets tough, we’ll quit.
Your why needs to pull on your heartstrings. It needs to move you.
The best way to discover your why is to go to God and ask Him to reveal it.
“Father, here’s the dream in my heart.”
“Why do I need to accomplish this? What’s my why, my anchor?”
Simon Sinek has a great book called Start With Why. That can also help you discover your why.
Knowing your why helps you through the messy middle.
Keep going back to your why when it gets challenging or boring to keep you moving forward.
Knowing your why reminds you of the bigger picture.
It helps you pull back from this snapshot in time to see the bigger picture.
You can use your why like Suzy Welsh uses her 10/10/10 rule.
- How will I feel about this in 10 minutes?
- How will I feel about this in 10 months?
- How will I feel about this 10 years from now?
Knowing your why keeps you focused on what you need to do
Knowing your why keeps you focused on what you need to do to move forward instead of on the issue, struggle or feeling trying to get you to quit.
If you need some help getting through the messing middle to fulfill your dreams, the Courageous Club might just be the missing piece.
So get ready; doors will open Friday, January 13th…yep, Friday the 13th. It’s God’s day, so we don’t have to go by superstitious mumbo jumbo to live our Life Fearlessly Free.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you been working on developing your mindset, discipline and courage, but you still feel like something's missing?
Do you want to fulfill your dreams and goals but still find yourself hiding?
Do you ever feel alone on your journey?
Today is for you if:
- If you're ready to stop hiding.
- If you need accountability to get done what you want to do for yourself.
- If you are tired of doing this journeying alone and need support and encouragement to keep going.
Today we're talking about the final key that binds together everything that we've learned over the last four episodes so we can overcome fear, so we can stop hiding, show up fully ourselves and fulfill our God-given purpose.
We can't be fearless alone. We need people. This gives us power.
Here are three ways that people give us the power to overcome fears.
- Power of Friendship
Friends encourage us.
They say the hard things we need to hear to grow.
- Power of Accountability
You can't hide!
It helps you take the steps you need to take to reach your dreams because someone is waiting on you, holding you accountable.
- Power of Community
You know you're not alone.
You support each other when you fall.
You celebrate each other's wins.
Listen, we never do better by beating ourselves up.
Here's the thing–I didn't become The Courageous Coach alone!
I have a team supporting me in my journey!
• People who believe in me, the call on my life and the gifts I bring to the table.
• People who tell me the hard things and push me out of my comfort zone when I want to sit back and let life happen instead of going for my dreams.
• People who love me when I fall, help pick me up, dust me off and get me moving forward again.
I would never be where I'm today and continue this journey without my support team.
So how about you?
- Are you ready to have a team support you on your Courageous journey?
- Do you need a guide to come alongside you and walk you through all the scary "what ifs" so you can live out your dreams?
- Someone whose not just been there but is continually working on this Courageous process.
Maybe the Courageous Club is the missing puzzle piece you need to finally stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
Look out for the Courageous Club doors opening up next week.
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you freeze when you think about your dreams or goals?
Do you feel like you're not courageous enough to make them happen?
Do you look at others making it happen and think, "How in the heck are they doing it?!" "What's wrong with me?!"
Today is for you if:
- If you desire to fulfill your dreams but are still scared.
- If you struggle or avoid doing what you need to do to achieve your dreams.
- If you're ready to develop your courage so you can finally stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose… it's your day, my friend!!
We're all going to use our imagination. But we get to decide if it will work for us or against us.
Today we're focusing on the third step in directing your imagination–Develop Your Courage!
Courage is not the absence of fear… it's doing that thing you're afraid of anyway.
Developing courage is like working out.
As you work your muscles, you break them down, but then they get stronger and stronger.
The same goes for courage. As we do it afraid and step out courageously, we develop more courage.
How do we do that?
Here are three steps to developing your courage:
- Ask your fear, "what are you trying to tell me?"
Fear is trying to keep us safe. That's its job. But it doesn't mean it's right.
Maybe your fear is thinking:
- You'll fail.
- You need more information before you can move forward.
- If you share, you'll cause conflict.
- You won't be able to get it perfect the first time.
You're bringing the real root issue to the surface, and now you know what's really going on.
- Create Proactive Actions
You know fears coming when you step out into the unknown; you'll see the patterns of fear in your life. But we must know what to do when fear comes, so it doesn't stop us.
It's like your batman utility belt you can pull out anytime fear comes knocking.
Here are a few proactive action ideas:
- Breathe
- Call a friend
- Pray
- Journal
- Walk
Breathing is actually a huge one! When we're in fear, we tend to take short, shallow breaths, tighten up, and then our brain gets less oxygen and can't think clearly–and when we need it the most!
Try breathing for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, breathe out for 8 seconds and hold for 2 seconds. Then repeat the pattern.
- Generate Courage
Courage is like a power plant.
Power plants don't have energy; they generate energy.
It's already in us…but we need to generate it!
We must take the action steps–make the call, send the email, join the networking group, or start that business.
So what do you need to do? Do that–afraid!
As we take the steps, we generate more courage. And as we generate more courage, we gain confidence knowing we've done it in the past so that we can do it again.
If you know, you really struggle with fear, but you have a big thing in your heart to do…want to write, speak, coach, or create a business. But it's been decades, and you're nowhere closer. Or you started but got stuck in fear or are playing small.
The Courageous Club might just be the missing piece you need to overcome fear, get unstuck and finally move toward your dreams.
So get ready; doors will open tomorrow–January 6, 2023.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
When you try and achieve your dreams or goals, do you get stuck in a fear or anxiety spiral?
Do you feel like others are against you or your dreams? You can't do what you're called to because nobody believes in you.
Do you question your purpose with "Can I really do this?"
Today is for you if:
- If you're not sure how to escape those fear spirals.
- If you want to believe the best and not the worst about yourself and your purpose.
- If you're ready to live an abundant life, God's calling you too…and I'm not just talking financially but emotionally, relationally and mentally too!
The Second Law of Thermodynamics says everything goes from a state of order to disorder.
Think cleaning your house or decluttering. It's clean one minute, and the next month, week or next day, it's back to the way it was.
We must discipline our mindset, or we'll go right back to the messy mind we had before.
Discipline means to train. We are training our mindset to serve us and keep our imagination working for us instead of reverting to working against us…again.
Here are three ways to discipline your mindset:
1. Create habits that support your mindset
It's any habit that keeps your mind in a state of order instead of reverting to a state of disorder…again.
- Gratitudes
- Acknowledgments
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Etc.
We need to support our thoughts so we can become and do who God's called us to do and be.
2. Watch Your Inputs
We're like sponges. We soak up all the inputs around us.
"We become like what we think about most." – Earl Nightingale
Everything we do, see or hear and the people we hang out with are inputs feeding our imaginations.
Feed yourself the inputs that will support your imagination to work for you instead of against you.
3. Choose Life
Just because a thought comes doesn't mean you have to keep it.
Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV
…I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…
We Think > We Feel > We Choose – Dr. Caroline Leaf
Our thoughts are a direct link to the choices we make.
We must continually examine our thoughts to ensure they will lead us to make choices…most of the time.
Examine your thoughts.
Are they true?
Are they helpful?
Are they kind?
Discipline your thought life so you can make the right choices…choices that bring you life!
I was a bird in a cage with the door open but was too afraid to fly out…for decades.
When I finally got this final lesson that God taught me in the Live Fearlessly Free system, I could get my imagination working for me and fly out of the cage into my bigger, brighter future.
You have a call and a purpose. But if fear is still stopping you…
I've created something special just for you…
It's called the Courageous Club.
So check out this episode and the next few to see if Courageous Club is that missing piece you need to finally stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
In the meantime, ask yourself, "am I ready to fly free out of my cage?"
Resources
For help with journaling and meditation, check out Jackie's fantastic awesomeness at https://www.jackietrottmann.com/
Do you fall into the Not Enough Mindset when you think about your dreams?
How about the Coulda–Woulda–Shoulda Mindset?
Or the Who Am I to Do X Mindset?
We’re breaking down how to Direct Your Imagination to work for you instead of against you. The first step is to develop the right mindset.
So today is for you if:
- If you’re tired of being stuck.
- If you feel powerless to change.
- If you’re ready to shift your mindset from Can’t to Can.
Mindset is the habitual mental attitude that determines how you interpret and respond to life.
It’s the filter we look through when opportunities come our way. It reveals what we think we’re capable of.
To get our imagination working for us instead of against us where it’s holding us back from what God’s called us to do, we must Develop Our Mindset.
1. It all starts with a thought
Our thoughts are powerful!
We Think > We Feel > We Act > We Become
We think a thought that leads to specific feelings. Then we act on those feelings. When we act the same long enough, that’s who we become.
But what if we use this formula to get our imagination working for us instead of against us?
Now we can become whoever we want to become! But it’s up to us. And it all starts with a thought.
Who do you want to become?
2. You’re not a victim of your thoughts
Just because the thought comes doesn’t mean you have to keep it, and doesn’t make it true, either.
We get to choose our thoughts.
Philippians 4:8 NIV…think about such things.
Paul wouldn’t have told us to think about these awesome fabulouso things if we couldn’t.
We get to choose what stays and what goes.
3. Change your thought to change your future
If you want a mindset of I CAN, you’ve got to swap out that thought of I CAN’T to I CAN…do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
It takes time and work to change your thoughts, and it takes even longer for positive thoughts to be automatic if you’ve been stuck in a negative thought rut for years.
But you can do it!
Change your thoughts to change your future.
When you develop your mindset, then you’ll interpret and respond to life in faith instead of fear.
Now, when the opportunities, we can say, “I got this–and Father’s got me!”
Next episode, I’ll share how you need to Develop Your Discipline, so you can keep your imagination working for you.
Your mess gets to become your message. But maybe fear is still holding you back. Maybe you tried and failed or are too afraid to step out and try.
No more! It’s time to shift so you can do that thing in your heart!
If that’s you, I’ve created something special… it’s called the Courageous Club.
Over the next couple of episodes, I’ll share what the Courageous Club is and see if it’s that missing puzzle piece you need to finally stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
In the meantime, reflect on your mindset. What is it? Become aware of your mindset and whether your thoughts are serving you.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you have a dream or want to live a life of significance? Me too!
Do you want to fulfill your God-given purpose and long to hear, “well done my good and faithful servant”?
Are you stuck at the starting gate, or maybe you stepped out and froze with fear? I hear ya on that one!
This week I’m focusing on overcoming the fear that stops us from fulfilling our dreams. Today, I’m sharing the three facets of Live Fearlessly Free so you can finally fulfill your dreams.
Today is for you if:
- If you need the courage to step out into the unknown, called your dreams.
- If you’re unsure, you can really do what God put in your heart to do.
- If you’re ready for 2023 to be different from last year or a decade or two.
God has called you to a life of purpose – a life of significance.
Fear is the biggest obstacle to fulfilling your dreams – living your life significance –.
Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of rejection, fear of being an inconvenience if I did what I wanted to do, fear of disconnection, fear of conflict, fear of…
God taught me three lessons to help me overcome fear and finally start Living Fearlessly Free, so I could stop hiding, show up fully myself and fulfill His purpose for my life.
- Delight in an intimate relationship with God
Rest in Father’s Love–know how fully loved you are just as you are.
Rest in Father’s Grace–know that Father is leaning toward you to give you His best.
Rest in Father’s Presence–knowing you’re loved and receiving His grace; you can finally rest in His presence.
Now that you’re delighting in an intimate relationship with Father, you can stop hiding, and it opens you up to discover your true identity.
- Discover your true identity
When you embrace your true identity, you can show up fully yourself.
Discover Your Story–dig up the old story that isn’t serving you.
Discover Your Self–remove the crude hiding our true selves and embrace who we are.
Discover Your Gifts–now that we changed our story and seen our true selves, we can discover our gifts so we can give them to the world.
Once you start stepping out into your calling, guess what pops up?! You guessed it! FEAR.
Now what? Do we give up? How do we overcome fear?
- Direct your imagination to work for you
Fear uses our imagination to work against us. But we need to learn how to get it working for us.
Develop Your Mindset – learn how powerful your mind is and how it affects us for good or not so good.
Develop Your Discipline – put the habits in place that support our imagination to keep working for us.
Develop Your Courage–learn how to generate the courage to keep going and do that thing we’re afraid of anyway.
These three areas will help you Live Fearlessly Free, so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
You are a gift to the world, but you must give it. But if you’re in fear, you won’t give it.
So over the next three episodes, we’ll unpack how to get your imagination working for you instead of against you.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever made goals and never finished them? Me too!
Do you do good at some goals and maybe not others? Yea, me too!
Or have you written your goals down and promptly forgotten them? Oh, wait, me too!
I’m excited because today, I’m giving you four steps to accomplish your goals that will help you move toward your dreams!
So today is for you if:
- If you need help finishing your goals.
- If you struggle to feel motivated to work on your goals.
- If you’re ready to become someone who is a finisher instead of just a starter.
I’ve never been the type to just crush my goals. I always either lost steam or made goals and immediately forgot about them.
We can write goals all day long, but if we never do them, we’ll never accomplish what God’s called us to do and be.
Every day we have a chance to strip off all the junk holding us back so we can see our dreams come true.
But if we never keep going, we won’t live our life of significance.
These four steps will keep moving and doing your goals and micro goals.
1. Write it down in a planner
It can be digital or physical.
It can be a legal pad or a note on your phone. It doesn’t have to be fancy.
Remember, you can’t manage what you don’t measure.
1) Track your goals somewhere
Here are a few fancier planner ideas:
- Michael Hyatt Full Focus Planner
- Brenden Burchard High-Performance Planner
- Erin Condren
- Plum Paper Planner
2) Review goals weekly
Compare what you planned and what you actually did. Then make needed changes.
3) Do
Do the goals.
2. Set up accountability
Accountability is the biggest key to achieving my goals and reaching for my dreams!
So who do you need help from to keep moving forward with your goals?
- Friend
- Co-worker
- Colleague
- Coach
If you don’t have anyone like that, pray and ask God.
3. Shift your mindset to “do it anyway”
You don’t have to feel like doing your goals to do them.
Try using a timer. Anyone can do something you don’t want to do for 15 minutes.
4. Shift Your Identity to “I’m the kind of person who….”
So many times when we do something difficult or scary, we think:
I’m not good enough, capable enough, smart enough, have enough energy…
Speak over yourself, “I’m the kind of person who….figures it out…finishes what I start…writes the book…makes the call…etc.
And, it’s not fake it til’ you make it either.
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
You believe God that you are this person because He’s called you to a life of significance, so you are that person.
Happy New Year! I’ll see you in 2023!
Have you ever had a wish or a dream come true? Or they never do.
Do you struggle to make your dreams come true?
When you think about your goals, do you freeze? Or never start?
Today’s podcast focuses on putting some legs to your wish and dreams so they can finally come true.
So, today is for you if:
- If you’re tired of dreams, just being dreams.
- If you want this coming year to really mean something, do something of significance, or grow in a specific way.
- If you’re ready to step more into your purpose this year, whether it’s getting started or growing to another level, this is your day, my friend!
We’ve been talking about making your biggest wish come true for the new year.
But we need to create a plan to make it happen. That’s where goals come in.
Goals are the plans to make your dreams come true.
Before we make some goals, here are a couple of tips if you’re new to goals or never seem to achieve your goals when you do make them:
- Pick one to three to start
Unless you’re good at making and keeping goals, you’re setting yourself up for failure if you pick twelve goals.
- Scale habit goals
Start with one, get consistent and then add another one in. When you get consistent with the second one, you can add a third one.
And no one said you had to start all your goals on January 1st. Breaking them up and starting them at different times is perfectly ok and super effective.
Here’s the SMARTER goal framework for effective goal creation from Michael Hyatt’s book, The Best Year Ever.
S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Actionable
R: Reasonable or Risky
T: Time-bound
E: Exciting
Check out podcast episode 90 for more details: https://www.heatherlbunch.com/blog/2022/10/21/podcast-episode-090-set-smarter-goals-to-reach-your-dreams
Let’s turn those dreams into goals so we can put some legs to those dreams, shall we?!
- Start with your dream
Look at your dream or wish; maybe it’s becoming an author, creating a successful business, or becoming financially independent.
Writing a book and publishing it in 2023 is my dream but not my goal. It’s too big. I need to break it down into goals to accomplish it.
- Create a goal
Goals create the path, the plan, to achieve dreams.
My goal lays out the plan to write that book I want.
Goals to write a book could be:
- Write a book by April 1st.
- Edit the book by June 30th.
- Format the book by August 15th.
Remember to use the SMARTER framework.
- Break down your goal with Micro goals
Examples of micro goals for my Book goal:
- Sign up for a book course (which I did) by January 4th.
- Attend weekly book coaching sessions.
- Write 30 minutes a day, 5 days per week.
Your micro goals are the daily actions you can take. They always support the bigger goal. And the bigger goal supports your dreams…get those legs moving towards making your dreams a reality.
Resources:
Book Coach Betty Norlin (she edits and formats books, too!): https://bettynorlin.com/editing/
Best Year Ever book by Michael Hyatt*: https://amzn.to/3Ij9fYK
Finish book by Jon Acuff*: https://amzn.to/3YUGQhM
All it takes is a goal podcast with Jon Acuff: https://open.spotify.com/show/4eMV8D1xUxqfSM6VR7kzjT?si=4b296795a6a6460f
*I will receive an Amazon affiliate commission if you purchase a book through this link.
Do you look back at this last year and think, “ugh!”?
Do you have a dream for this new year?
Or do you struggle with dreaming or even thinking this year can be different or better?
We’re talking about what you want your new year to look like so we can create something different.
Today is for you if:
- If you desire to be better this year than last.
- If you want to push past the fear to achieve dreams.
- If you’re ready to allow yourself to dream of a better life…maybe for the first time.
Before we get to goal creation, we need to open our minds up to the possibilities of a new and better year.
We need to dream.
Now some of you are terrific dreamers, and others struggle with dreaming because you don’t think you can do it or deserve it.
Then others are daydreaming, just waiting for life to happen to you and the good stuff to drop into your lap. That was me, but life doesn’t work that way, my friend.
A quick reminder on the rules to dream:
Rule #1 Give yourself grace because God does
Rule #2 Give yourself self-compassion
So, let’s get to dreaming, shall we?!
- What message does Father have for me in the new year (2023)?
Put on some inspiring music. Then sit in a posture of thankfulness for a few moments.
Now, ask Father what message does He have for you?
In a notebook or journal, start righting. Yes, just start writing what comes to your heart. Don’t think about it too much–just write. That’s Father talking to you through your pen.
Psalms 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He’ll give you the desires of your heart.
-
What’s your biggest wish for the new year (2023)?
-
Who do I need to become to achieve my biggest dream?
If we stay the same, we’ll get the same thing as last year.
We must grow and remove the stuff holding us back from becoming our best selves.
- What risks can I take in the face of fear?
Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s doing what you’re afraid to do anyway.
So, what do you need to do afraid to create your best year?
- How can I add more of my true self into my life or business?
People need the real you, who God’s created you to be. That’s what will reach people with the message He’s given you.
- What do my life and business want that I’m not currently giving them?
It might be yourself, or it could be resources.
- What advice would my future self give me?
Think about where you’ll be a year from now if you fulfill your dreams for this year. What would that future self say to you now?
What message does God want to give you that you need to get out into the world? Discover that and dig into what it will take to step into your purpose and dreams for this year.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you have a dream, but each new year looks the same and leaves you never reaching your dream?
Have you ever set resolutions only to fail the first month out? Yea, me too!
Do you have a purpose but feel stuck?
Over the next few days, we’ll discuss ways to create your best new year. We’re starting by reflecting on our previous year to glean the lessons that will help us grow in the coming year.
So, today is for you if:
- If you’re tired of every year looking the same.
- If you need prompts to get your noggin’ thinking about the past productively.
- If you’re ready to move into the new year with purpose.
By looking at the past, we can discover the lessons that will help us grow, move forward and make it a better new year. If we don’t learn from our past, we’ll keep making the same mistakes.
Personally, I need prompts to help me productivity dig into my past. So, I’m going to share with you the ones I’ve been using for the last couple of years.
But before I share the reflection questions, I have two rules for you to make this reflection session pleasant and productive instead of a beat-yourself-up session.
Rule #1 Give yourself grace because God does
God doesn’t condemn us for our mistakes, so we shouldn’t either.
Rule #2 Give yourself self-compassion
Grace is how God deals with our mistakes. Self-compassion is giving ourselves grace for our mistakes.
We all make mistakes, but it doesn’t help us if we beat ourselves up.
Self-compassion allows you to move forward and learn from your mistakes instead of letting your mistakes hold you hostage, to your past.
So here are seven reflection questions to help you dig into last year and learn the lessons you can take into your new year.
- What did I want this past year to look like?
You need to know what you wanted in the first place to reflect on how things went.
-
Where am I settling?
-
What skills or talents am I not using?
People miss out when we don’t use the gifts God gave us.
- What have I been avoiding out of fear?
Fear keeps us from showing up fully ourselves and fulfilling our God-given purpose.
- Who can I forgive?
When we forgive, it frees us to move into our future without all the baggage.
That also includes forgiving yourself.
- What missed opportunities can I let go of and move on?
Let go of the past so that you can move into the future.
- What went right this past year?
This year may have been super crappy for you, but I promise there’s always something that went well.
Look for the patterns and ask:
What are the lessons I need to take into my next year so I can grow and be my best self?
If you’re enjoying this show, can you please do me a favor? Rate and review the show if you haven’t already.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever had a holiday not go as planned?
Well, have you ever had a holiday actually go as planned?! LOL
Today I want to have a conversation about what happens when your holidays don’t go as planned and how you can grow through it and make it better next time.
Most of us probably had some kind of plan or idea of how we wanted this Christmas to go, but have you noticed how it didn’t look anything like what we planned for most of us? Yea, me too!
I had everything planned out…not to the T because that’s not how I roll, but most of it was planned out. But life threw us some loops.
The biggest one was my dad got sick.
So the first thing we need to do is this:
- Roll with the punches
We can’t plan everything out, especially when it involves other people. Stuff changes, people get sick, or someone changes the plan. Anything is up for grabs.
So, since we can’t change most of what pops up, just roll with the punches and adjust the plan.
We FaceTimed my dad in so he could watch the kids open gifts, and my husband brought him brunch so he could enjoy what we were having. Not ideal, but better than nothing, right?!
I almost missed out on the enjoyment of Evan’s water baptism because of some last minutes changes. I had to talk myself through being present in the moment, so I didn’t miss the moment. I shifted, rolled with the punches and enjoyed the moment.
- Reflect and see what you can change to make it better (or more enjoyable)
I thought I’d simplified over the years, but when I was so exhausted by Christmas Eve evening that I couldn’t fully be present and enjoy the people, I realized I needed to simplify even more.
So I reflected on my cookie-making and decided to buy cookies next year at Grandma’s Cookies in downtown St. Charles instead of making them. My kids like those sugar cookies better anyways, and it’s less work. Plus, we can still create an experience by all going together and picking out the cookies.
What can you do to simplify so you can enjoy the holidays more?
Keep what you love and energize you, and adjust or change what drains you.
Are you doing all things for others to get accolades or boost your identity? If it’s for our identity, that’s an area we need to work on.
- Mine for treasure
Dig for the golden moments that are beautiful and memorable moments.
There are always gold moments we can discover in all the craziness, but we must hunt for them.
My son declared, “This is the best Christmas Eve ever!!”
I asked why, thinking he’d say something about presents or family, and he said, “I got water baptized!”
That was a golden moment for me!! How precious!!
Dig for the treasure. Discover the gold in all the moments. It’s in there if you look for it.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you have a favorite Christmas family tradition?
What gets you excited about the holidays?
Do you wish you had something that brought you closer together?
Today I want to talk to you about building up your family using family traditions.
So, I’m talking to you if:
If you need some excitement back in your family.
If your family has forgotten how to interact without a device.
If you desire to create memories that last a lifetime.
Do you remember the days without smartphones and holidays? As much as I love my phone and it’s soooo convenient, I kinda miss those days.
I remember as a kid drinking Tom & Jerry’s (eggnogISH drink from the 1800s) in the coolest ceramic Santa and Mrs. Clause mugs at my grandmother’s house every Christmas Eve. We loved them so much that I’ve brought those back and use those original mugs from my grandmother! So much fun!
Another thing we did was cut down a real Christmas tree at a Christmas tree farm. You know, like the Griswald’s walking into the forest to cut down the perfect tree and forgetting the saw and the tree being too big for the living room…yea, that.
Family traditions are a great way to get people off their phones and having fun again–together.
Here are three ways family traditions build up your family.
- Build anticipation
They give you something to look forward to.
- Create memories
My brothers and I still talk about Tom & Jerry’s and cutting down the trees.
If you’re reading this, be sure to listen to the podcast to hear what my three kids have to say about their favorite family traditions.
- Bonds people together
People put down their phones and gather around during tradition moments.
So, what family traditions do you want to create or add to build up your family?
If you’re unsure what to do, start thinking about your childhood to get ideas.
Was there anything you enjoyed?
We added the Tom & Jerry drinks as a tradition from my childhood. This is our third year running. My little brother even asked if we could add them to our Thanksgiving traditions because he doesn’t make it up our way for Christmas.
Was there anything you wished you’d done? Try it out now.
We’re adding bingo this year (with my grandma’s bingo game - the same grandmother that had the Santa mugs) with two dollar bills for the winners. If we love it, we’ll start a new tradition.
And, if you’re thinking, I don’t have family or don’t hang with my family. Keep in mind family doesn’t have to mean blood. You can create traditions with friends too!
Have a Merry Christmas!!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Are you already tired of the holidays, and they’re just getting started?
Do you feel like the challenges of the season are overwhelming, and you don’t have any juice left to handle them with grace?
Are you a parent, and your patience has already waned, and the school break is only a day or two in?
Let’s face it; holidays are challenging shopping, cleaning, cooking, baking, kids running around hyped up on sugar, money flying out the window, regular bills still coming in strong and people…lots and lots of people.
It can feel overwhelming, challenging and downright tiring.
In today’s podcast episode, I’m giving you a secret ingredient to help you handle all the challenges and handle them with grace.
Today is defiantly for you if:
- If you take care of everyone else, but you’re last on your list.
- If you’re struggling through challenges and setbacks of this season or life and need some help.
- If you’re ready to relax and recharge so you can become more resilient when difficulties come your way.
Have you ever noticed when we’re tired, we don’t always respond as our best selves? It can compound over the holidays as they can be hard on us all, but hopefully, there’s some joy in there too.
It may look different for each of us.
- Irritation
- Yelling
- Signing
- Crying
- Taking it out on the kids, the dog, etc.
The secret ingredient to handling the challenges of the season and life is: Self-Care
Self-care recharges your batteries and allows you to handle life with more grace.
If you’re exhausted, you’re depleted of what you need to respond correctly.
Remember how the flight attendant always reminds us in case of an emergency to put on our oxygen masks first before the kids?
That’s what you do when you take care of yourself…first.
Here are three ways you can re-juice or recharge:
- Rest
Yes, rest. Get enough sleep. You can’t burn the candle at both ends and think you will be at your best.
Our bodies heal and recharge when we’re sleeping. But your body can’t fix itself if you don’t get enough sleep.
- Eat well or eat in moderation
I know it’s the holidays! I’m a foodie; I get it. So I’m not saying, “don’t enjoy the fruits of the season.” I’m saying, “eat them in moderation.”
If you usually eat five cookies, try eating two instead. You still enjoy the cookies, but they give your stomach a bit of a reprieve.
Have you ever eaten so much you felt horrible?! Yay, me too.
I remind myself of that yucky feeling to help me make better food (or portion choices).
- Do something for you
Recharge yourself with something you love to do.
Bubble bath
Read
Sit and relax while doing nothing
Walk the dog
Whatever you enjoy, do something for yourself.
This is especially for you if you take care of everyone else and you’re last on your list. Or maybe you never even make it on the list.
You’ll have more to give if you take care of yourself first.
If you’re enjoying this show, can you do me a favor and share it with someone…that can be my gift from you. And, it will be a gift to your friend, too, so they can be all God’s called them to be.
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
What do you dread when you’re heading to that family shindig?
Aunt Matilda’s constant advice?
Or how Great Uncle Bill always seems to take charge even though it’s not his house?
Or, maybe you love when Granny Smith tells her fantastical stories, and you’re glued to your seat over every delightful detail.
In today’s podcast episode, we’re talking about how knowing others’ communication styles can help you get along…or even just not get so annoyed or tolerate people better.
Today is for you if:
- If you find yourself dreading the family, friends or work get-togethers.
- If you desire to understand the people who frustrate you the most.
- If you want to grow in your ability to communicate better with others.
I’m using the Enneagram today to help you understand yourself and others better.
Understanding people helps us accept them, love them where they’re at and sometimes just tolerate them better.
Focus of attention:
Our focus of attention is our filter that determines what we will and will not notice or focus on as we go about the world.
What we notice or look for when we walk into a room.
Talk or Communication Style:
The general style we use to communicate with others. How we talk and how others hear us.
Type 1: Strict Perfectionist or Improver
Focus of Attention: Mistakes - What’s wrong?
Talk Style: teaching (can sound preachy)
Type 2: Considerate Helper
Focus of Attention: How are you feeling or doing? What do you need? What can I do to address these needs?
Talk Style: Help and advice
Type 3: Competitive Achiever
Focus of Attention: How am I doing?
Talk Style: Promotion or sales
Type 4: Intense Creative
Focus of Attention: What’s missing at this moment? Focus feelings inward
Talk Style: Lament
Type 5: Quiet Specialist
Focus of Attention: Potential demands or intrusions of their time, space or energy; analyze what’s already happened
Talk Style: Symposium. It’s well thought out but can feel impersonal
Type 6: Loyal Sceptic
Focus of Attention: Migrates to what could go wrong
Talk Style: Catastrophizing, skeptical or questioning
Type 7: Enthusiastic Visionary
Focus of Attention: Fascinating ideas and interesting people, plans or projects
Talk Style: Storytelling
Type 8: Active Controller
Focus of Attention: Who’s in charge? Who has the power? Can I trust that person?
Talk Style: Authority
Type 9: Adaptive Peacemaker
Focus of Attention: What does the group want? What’s the agenda I need to get on board with?
Talk Style: Epic saga; master rabbit trailers
If you need a guide to help you develop into your best self through the lens of the Enneagram, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form for a complimentary discovery session with me.
Let’s see if we’re a great fit to work together so you can discover your path to transformation so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you feel like you're under pressure to get it right? Especially during the holidays.
Are you the kind of person that obsesses over every detail?
When was the last time you actually enjoyed the holidays? No really enjoyed it!
In today's podcast episode, I'll give you three questions to release that perfectionist pressure valve.
Today is for you if:
- If you're tired of the pressure of being perfect.
- If you desire to release the pressure to people-pleaser or the fear of judgment.
- If you're ready to enjoy the holidays and family again.
I used to put so much pressure on myself to make the perfect desserts and all from scratch, of course. I made my pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin I baked, and I even hand-carved leaves to create the edging.
The pressure would lead me to blow up if something went wrong, like the crust got too browned.
No one is perfect!
God doesn't expect us to be perfect, either.
We’re a work in progress, and that’s okay.
So here are three questions that will help you release that perfectionism pressure valve.
- Why
Ask yourself, "why do I think it has to be perfect?"
What's the root issue?
- Fear the judgment of others?
- Need to put off a particular image or outshine others?
- Need to feel loved?
- People-pleasing?
- Have to do the "right thing"?
-
Want someone to be proud of you?
-
Would my family/friends want it to be perfect, or do they want me present?
I'll give you a hint…they want you present.
My grandma on my mom's side was the first perfectionist I knew. We had to take our shoes off but couldn't take our socks off because the oil on our feet would hurt the carpet. And that was just to get into the door of her house.
My other grandma, however, had a clean but comfortable apartment that was kid friendly and always welcoming.
One guess where I wanted to hang out.
My guess is that your family and friends would rather have you present instead of all the perfectness.
- How can I make this "good enough"?
AKA - how can you simplify?
Canned pumpkin and pinched edges crust edges are now good enough for me.
This year the kids and I are making cut-out sugar cookies so they can decorate them. I bought a can of frosting and am going to run it through my kitchen aid mixer, and it will double or triple in size, making it taste closer to homemade…thanks Pinterest! And it's good enough.
How about you? How can you make your holidays and life "good enough"?
When you do, it releases that perfectionism pressure value. You can also be more present with your family and friends.
And hey, you'll have more time and space to enjoy what really matters most–your family and friends!
If you need more help releasing the perfectionism and becoming your best self in 2023, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form for a discovery session with me.
Let's see if we're a great fit to work together so you can discover your path to transformation so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
You got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Ever get annoyed with family or friends?
Wonder why people do what they do?
Have you ever thought, “why can’t they be more like me?”
We’re talking about people today and how to enjoy them more even when you don’t know why they do what they do.
So today is for you if:
- If you want to enjoy people more, especially those you’re around the most.
- If you’re ready to let go of the criticism or judgment, you’re thinking about others.
- If you desire to release the stress of all the get-togethers…especially as we’re approaching Christmas.
My seven-year-old daughter Grace played “babysitter” with her nine-year-old sister Aubrey. After some time, Aubrey comes to me and asks me to rescue her. She said she asked her sister, “Can I be done?” But Grace told her, “no.”
I released Aubrey from the grip of her sibling and proceeded to have a talk with Grace. I explained that she loved to be with people 24/7, but her sister liked to be with people sometimes and sometimes needed to be alone.
Then I told her the crucial lesson….” We’re all different, and that’s okay.”
Grace exclaimed, “Why can’t Aubrey be more like me?!”
How many of us get frustrated at other people because they’re not like us?
I know I have.
I do a podcast with two friends called Your Fearless Journey with Becky, Kat and Heather. We seriously have a blast hosting our show together! But when we first started hanging out as accountability partners, it wasn’t always easy for me.
Becky and Kat are both Enneagram type 7s. What that means is they’re Enthusiastic Visionaries! They love to have fun and are continually looking for the next great thing. That means they’re always doing something on their way to doing something.
So when we got on our weekly Zoom calls, I would set aside time just to do our calls and focus on that one thing. On the other hand, my friends were always driving somewhere, cleaning something, or working on something, all while on the call.
It used to frustrate me that they wouldn’t set aside time as I did. I thought if they didn’t do our call like me, they didn’t respect me. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I didn’t accept that they were different from me, and that’s okay.
But the good news is that everything changed when I accepted that they’re different, and that’s okay. My stressing over our call stopped, and I enjoyed my friends for who they were.
How about you? Who do you need to accept that’s different from you and know that’s okay?
When you head to that family or friend shin-dig, remember that, and you let that stress go.
Just love them where they’re at.
You can’t change them, so why stress over that?
It’s okay… we’re all different.
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate and review it.
Share if you know someone that can benefit from it.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Ever had a good day turn into a bad day?
Have you ever planned a special day and missed out on all the fun because of your bad mood?
When you plan something that matters, and you’re excited about it beforehand, but when the day comes, are you expecting the worst, the other shoes going to drop or are you expecting it to be a great day?
I’m talking about how to turn a good day into a great one. Let’s be honest; most of us have had good days turn into bad days.
So today is for you if:
- If you want to enjoy your day, especially those special days you plan, instead of your mood ruining it.
- If you desire to take a good day to a great day and not a good day to a bad day.
- If you’re ready for life to work for you instead of feeling like it’s against you.
Yesterday we had a date day planned. It had been two months since our last one, so we were really looking forward to this special day.
When I was about to get ready, I realized my mood was sinking lower and lower. The funny thing is I woke up that morning thinking, “what if something happens to ruin the day.”
I had a choice at that moment. I could choose to continue down the mulligrubs trail, or I could shift my mood.
This leads me to the first way you can turn a good day into a great one.
- You are in control of you
Yes, you are in control of yourself…that includes your mood.
Our mind–our thoughts–controls our brain, and our brain controls our body.
We can use this to our advantage.
Dr. Caroline Leaf, a neuroscientist, says, “You Think > You Feel > You Choose.”
I choose to shift my mood by changing my thoughts and playing some happy music.
That changed everything, and my sullen mood lifted.
- Pre-prep your mindset
One of the best ways to help you choose the right thoughts so you can enjoy your day to the fullest is to predetermine what could go wrong and how you will handle it if it does.
Ask: What could trip me up today?
Then ask: How would my best self deal with that?
- Expect a great day
Sometimes we’re afraid to look forward to something because we assume something will go wrong.
“If I don’t get excited, then I won’t get disappointed.”
But you’re starting out disappointed!
You’re afraid of what MIGHT happen. But it might NOT.
Allow yourself to expect a great day.
- Roll with the punches
Yes, stuff will happen. But choose to roll the punches and believe for good to come out of it.
Roll with the punches and believe God that good is going to come out of it (Romans 8:28).
You can turn a good day into a great day instead of letting a good day turn into a bad day.
If you need more help getting your imagination to work for you, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Don’t have a good day–have a GREAT day!
Do you ever feel shame?
Have you ever said, “what’s wrong with me!”?
Or “I’m broken!” I know I have!
We’re talking about getting rid of shame with a key ingredient.
So, today is for you if:
- If you’re ready to stop feeling broken.
- If you’re ready to release the shame.
- If you desire to step into your true identity, but shame is holding you back.
Most of us have messed up somewhere along the way and felt bad about it. That’s guilt.
Guilt says, “dang, I messed up. I can make a change.”
The other day I missed a scheduled networking call. I realized it wasn’t on my calendar, which was a failure on my part. I felt guilty. I apologized, was able to reschedule it, and all was well.
But shame is a whole other monkey.
Shame says, “there’s something wrong with me.” “I’m broken.”
When I went through a divorce in my 20s, I felt shame.
Here I was, “the good little Christian girl,” and I couldn’t make my marriage work and felt deep shame. Something must be seriously wrong with me…broken beyond repair.
How about you? Do you feel shame?
That leads me to the first step to releasing shame.
- Expose the shame
You have to lay it all out on the table and expose it.
- See the shame for what it is.
- Look at how it shows up.
- Face it head-on.
When I exposed my shame, I realized I thought I was better than divorce. Really I had pride and low self-esteem that made me ashamed of my divorce.
- Wipe away the shame with grace
Grace is the key ingredient to removing shame.
Grace is your shammy that comes in and wipes away the shame.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Grace is greater than your shame.
Receive Father’s grace. Allow His grace to come in and wipe away your shame.
- Rinse and repeat with thankfulness
Shame will come back up because we’ve programmed our minds and body to hold onto the shame.
But we can release it from our bodies and reprogram our minds by thanking God for His grace.
Thank Him that His grace is greater than your shame.
Every time shame tries to come up and take you back down into that black hole of shame, thank God you’re forgiven, and His grace wipes away your shame.
If you need more help overcoming shame, check out Your Fearless Journey podcast with Becky, Kat and Heather. Click here to check it out. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oD7dncfnjH89lxIPcvk2J?si=rNFpN5tGSGaPWAtwikdq8Q
We created a three-part series on shame, including shame we put on ourselves, shame others try to put on us and more tools to help you overcome shame.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Are you hiding your real self?
Do you think, “if they see the real me, they’ll reject me”?
Are you trying to fit into the mold? You know, feeling like a square peg in a round hole.
Today we’re talking about how we can stop hiding so we can actually show up fully ourselves.
- So, I’m talking to you today if you’re ready to stop hiding and desire to show up fully yourself.
- If you want to feel comfortable in your own skin, I’m talking to you too.
- And, if you’re tired of being the chameleon, this is your day, my friend.
I was a professional chameleon throughout my childhood and a couple of decades of my adult years.
If I was with an outgoing, fun and crazy group of people, I was fun and loud.
If I was with more reserved or book-smart people, I was quieter and reserved and miraculously became more intelligent.
I hid so much; for so long, I forgot who I was and even had to figure out what kind of eggs and pizza I liked. I was like whoever I was around.
It wasn’t until I learned to get comfortable in my own skin that I changed my chameleon ways by stopping hiding and showing up fully myself. Only then could I start stepping into my God-given purpose.
How about you? Are you hiding? Have you forgotten who you really are?
Who are you really?
- Fun and infectious?
- Vibrant and bold?
- Calm and commanding?
Whatever it is, we need to learn to show up as ourselves. God doesn’t need another Heather, and He doesn’t need another you.
He just needs you to be fully you.
Are you ready to get comfortable in your own skin?
Here are a couple of ways to start the process so you can stop hiding and show up fully.
- Find your people
Maybe you haven’t found your people yet. Those people that you fit with and get you. Those people you can learn to be yourself around, knowing you’re still loved and accepted.
My people don’t always get my humor or movie quotes, but I can still show up as myself, knowing they still love me.
- Practice showing up as yourself
You don’t have to go from zero-fully hiding to 100% yourself. Start small. Get comfortable. Dip your toe in the water.
Most of us have been hiding so long it’s really uncomfortable being ourselves. Hiding has become natural.
It takes practice to show up yourself.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. And it will get easier over time.
When you’re with your people, this makes practicing being you easier because you’ve got a safe place to practice.
Remember, you rob the world of your brilliance when you hide your true self.
Your authentic self is absolutely incredible. Nobody is like you, and we need you to stop hiding and show up fully yourself so you can fulfill your God-given purpose and reach those only you can reach.
We will change the world when we stop hiding, show up fully ourselves and fulfill our God-given purpose.
If you need more help, stop hiding and showing up yourself so you can fulfill your God-given purpose, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you ever get tired of the holiday season?
Have you ever felt like God was distant? Even during this Christmas time when you think you should be closest to God, right?!
Do you feel like all the to-do's of Christmas are weighing you down? Shopping, cooking, errands, parties, plays, etc.
Today is for you if:
- If you're ready to get the joy of the season back.
- If you desire to grow closer to God.
- If you need a new perspective on this Christmas time.
I was watching Garfield Christmas with my kids the other day…one of my absolute favorite Christmas classics from the 80s. The first scene is about John giving Garfield a machine that gives you whatever you can think of, and Garfield can think of a lot! The gift that "keeps on giving."
He shouts, "Christmas means presents, lots and lots of presents."
My kids chime in and say that's not what Christmas is all about. It's about Jesus. It's His birthday.
We can get so caught up in all that we need to do for Christmas to make it special we miss out on the true meaning of it all.
Now there's a word we hear in Christian circles at Christmas time: Advent. Advent means in Latin "to come to."
Advent is God coming to us.
He came to us when He walked with Adam and Evan in the garden in the cool of the day.
He came to us many times in the Old Testament with people like Enoch, Moses, Joshua, Daniel and the prophets.
But Christmas is God coming to us permanently.
Matthew 1:23 NKJV
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
How do we get our Christmas joy back?
- Where are you focusing?
Are you focusing on all the to-do's, the tasks, the food or the presents?
Or are you focusing on God with us?
There was one year I only had $5 to spend on presents. But, even in that, we still enjoyed our Christmas together because it was about God with us and not our circumstances.
Christmas is about remembering God with us. That's how we get our joy back.
- Spend time with God
It's easy for me to get caught up in all I need to do and skip my time with God in the morning.
I just did that over Thanksgiving when my little brother came into town. I not only get tired and more irritable without my time with God, but I'm also missing out on His presence which fills me and brings me joy.
Spend time with the one who came to be with us. Focus on Who matters most. It's about God with us.
And it's not just about God with us during Christmas time… it's God with us all year long. That's where our joy comes from.
Nehemiah 8:10b NIV
For the joy of the Lord is your strength!
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review and share it if you haven't already.
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
What stresses you out?
Are you a “go with the flow” or a “dot the i’s cross the t’s and” kind of person?
What do you really want out of life? Stress-free or enjoy the journey?
Today is going to be for you if:
- If you’re ready to enjoy more of your life more often.
- If you’re tired of feeling stressed out regularly.
- If you need help gaining a different perspective so you can enjoy your journey.
Stress…we all experience it.
The other day we had three extra kids in the house beyond our own three. I’m going to admit that stresses me out. I’m on constant vigilance watch, ensuring everyone is good and no one is fighting.
Most of the time, kids can be loud, especially when you get a bunch of them together, all trying to be the leader or options clashing.
Then throw a 112.5-pound Goldendoodle who almost loses his mind out of excitement when new people come over on top of all that chaos.
“I love the chaos!”
No, really; I want harmony.
If I lived my life harmoniously and in line with what I thought it should be, I would miss out on life. And my kids would miss out, and so would anyone else in my life.
So many times, we live our lives stressed out because life differs from what we think it should be.
You see, someone else could be in my same chaotic situation, and it wouldn’t bother them a bit.
What causes you stress? How are you viewing the world?
Stress often stems from learned behavior, which we create as little people to keep ourselves safe.
But when we take that self-defense mechanism, that thought pattern, into adulthood, it stops serving us and causes us unneeded stress.
Examine your stresses and see if learned behaviors cause them.
If they are, guess what? That means you can change it!
Have you ever said to yourself:
- I’ve always been this way.
- I’m just _________________.
- I’ve got _________________ (ADHD, OCD, etc.).
A lot of what we think we are is a learned behavior. It’s not our personality but a mask we put on to put on a face and keep ourselves safe.
Look at your stress and ask:
How can I engage with this stress?
I swapped “I need harmony to have peace” to “I love the chaos” because my kids were having fun and learning how to navigate friendships.
I used to say, “conflict equals disconnection,” to “when I engage with conflict good things happen.”
When I do that, I can release that self-created stress and enjoy the moment.
How can you engage with this stress to defuse it and shift your perspective?
“When I engage with…fill in the blank”
When you shift your perspective, the stress dissipates, and you will enjoy life more. We’re also going to grow as a person.
Is the cross of Jesus not bigger than our issues?
Sometimes we act like the issue will always be that way without questioning. But so much of the stress we think can’t change can…when we learn to engage with it.
Are you ready to shift your perspective so you can enjoy your journey?
If you need more help shifting your perspective to enjoy your life more, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you ever question your worth?
Do you fall into the comparison trap often?
Have you ever felt like giving up? Like maybe it's not worth the hassle or pain?
Today is for you if:
- If you desire to realize your true value.
- If you're tired of feeling like you don't measure up.
- If you're ready to embrace life to the fullest.
We're finishing up our series on what we can learn from classic Christmas movies with one of the originals–It's a Wonderful Life–and what it can teach us about our value.
George Bailey’s life in Bedford Falls didn't go anything like he thought it would. He had dreams of traveling, but one thing after another prevented him from leaving Bedford and living his dream.
Poor George hits one disaster after another and comes to the point of wanting to end it all.
"You've been given a great gift. A chance to see what world would be like without you." - Clarence Oddbody, Angel 2nd class
This leads us to the first lesson we can learn about our value.
- Your life and your gifts are unique
George looked at everyone's life and longed for a different one. That's called comparison, which robs us of enjoying what we have.
He hit the point of suicide until Clarence Oddbody, Angel 2nd class, came to his rescue.
Our life and gifts are different. But when we get caught up in comparing ourselves or our lives with others, we lose our joy and miss out on what we're called to do.
- You're more valuable than you realize
"Strange isn't it? Each man's (or woman's) life touches so many other lives; when he isn't around he (she) leaves an awful hole." - Clarence Odbody, Angel 2nd class.
George didn't see his actual value until he saw what life looked like if he'd never been born.
George finally saw his value and realized what he would miss out on if he left this world early.
What's your value or worth? Do you see it?
You're God's masterpiece. A masterpiece is an artist's greatest work of art.
Masterpieces are worth what someone is willing to pay for them.
Jesus paid for you with His life. That's what you're worth–Jesus' life!
Realize you're more valuable than you might think!
- Treat yourself and your life like a gift
George’s life turned out pretty awesome in the end, but things could have gone differently.
George was a doormat. He only gave out to others and didn't ever stop to care for himself.
If George had cared for himself, he would have actually had more to give to others instead of hitting burnout to the point of wishing he'd never been born.
When we don't care for ourselves and fill up regularly, we risk burnout. We can't give to others what we don't have.
Yes, care for others, but stop to take care of yourself first. Then you'll have more to give out to others.
If you need more help overcoming what's trying to hold you back from understanding your value, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you have a dream, calling or purpose that God gave you?
How badly do you want it?
Do people make fun of it?
What do you do to reach your dreams? Do you go after it? Wait for it? Wait for it to drop in your lap?
We're continuing our series on what my favorite Christmas Movies can teach us. Today, we'll learn what the Christmas Story can teach us about our dreams.
Today is for you if:
If you have a dream in your heart that you want to fulfill.
If you've been waiting patiently for your dream to come to pass.
If you want to prove those naysayers wrong.
- Dream Big
We begin the Christmas Story in Indiana in the 1940s, and 9-year-old Ralphie had a dream of getting a Red Ryder Carbon-Action 200 shot range model air rifle.
God's called us to something greater than ourselves. But you have to dream it first. So dream big.
- Don't let the naysayers stop you from dreaming
Ralphie had naysayers continually remind him when he shared his dream of a Red Ryder BB gun, "You'll shoot your eye out!"
Listen, you'll have people disagree with your dream, mock your plan or say you can't do it. Maybe that naysayer is you.
I know I've been my worst naysayer over the years.
But we can't let them stop us.
We must keep dreaming. Keep reaching. Keep going.
- Get creative
Ralphie got super creative, trying to convince the adults around him that he should get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.
He put an ad in his parents' morning magazine.
He wrote his themed school paper about it.
He brought a giant fruit basket to sweeten up his teacher.
He went to the department store Santa to ask him directly.
It will take creativity to walk out our dreams and overcome the obstacles in our way.
If you're stuck, ask Holy Spirit for wisdom on what to do next.
- Savor your dream
After finally getting his dream Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, not before getting the worst pink bunny PJs from his aunt, he runs outside to shoot his dream come true. His shot ricochets, and Ralphie thinks he really shot his eye out.
But that moment doesn't stop him from savoring his dream; the movie ends with him cradling his dream as he drifts off to sleep.
We need to savor our dream. Enjoy it. And not just reaching our objective either. We need to savor the journey on the way to our dream.
Bonus Lesson: Roll with the punches
Before the movie ends, we see a disaster strike. The neighbor's dogs ran into the home and ate the Christmas turkey. Ralphie's dad's favorite thing of all! So they end up at the only restaurant open on Christmas Day, the Chinese food restaurant. They brought out the Christmas duck, head, and all, while the wait staff sang Christmas carols to the family in broken English.
Listen, crap will happen when you're trying to fulfill your dream. But we can't let that stop us, either. We can roll with the punches and turn lemons into lemonade.
Your dream is worth the work, but you've got to work it!
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you struggle with feeling down during the holidays?
Do you ever struggle feeling down or unhappy the rest of the year?
What is your source of happiness?
There’s so much we can learn from Charlie Brown’s Christmas, but I want to focus on three lessons I learned about happiness.
Today is for you if:
- If you’re ready to feel happy not just during Christmas but 365 days per year.
- If you need help feeling happy more often.
- If you’re tired of feeling happy only to have the next thought rob you of it.
When we look at Charlie Brown in his Christmas special, we see someone who lost the meaning of Christmas. He knows he should be happy during Christmas but can’t figure out why he isn’t.
I totally relate to Charlie Brown. Everything he does falls apart as the other shoe drops.
Charlie Brown goes on a quest to find happiness, and everywhere he turns, he runs into different people that seem to have found it.
He goes to Lucy, who says he needs involvement and asks to be the director of their play.
He sees his dog Snoopy decorating for a Christmas decoration competition and shakes his head in disbelief.
He runs into his sister Sally writing a letter to Santa. “All I want is my fair share.”
He’s ignored as he tries to direct the play.
He gets a Christmas tree for the play, thinking it will make it all better. But again, he can’t even do that right.
Frustrated, he declares, “doesn’t anybody know what Christmas is all about.”
Linus, “I know what Christmas is about Charlie Brown.”
Linus shares the scripture of the angel in the fields, declaring joy and good tidings to the shepherds.
- Happiness is a choice
Charlie Brown tries to find happiness outside himself through the people, the play and the tree.
We don’t find happiness in all the to-do’s of Christmas…presents, family, food, etc.
It’s a choice that’s not dependent on our circumstances.
Linus gave us our next lesson.
- Happiness is found in Jesus
Jesus is our true source of happiness.
We get caught up in the trappings of Christmas and the day-to-day throughout the year and forget it’s about Jesus. It’s about what He came and did for us. Born of a virgin, he died on a cross and rose from the dead. Created us in Christ, redeemed, and now we can have a relationship with Father and enjoy the finished work of Christ... which includes happiness and wholeness.
When we fully embrace that, we can choose to be happy.
We also deserve happiness because we are in Christ, and He’s our source of happiness.
But we have to do lesson #3.
- Happiness is cultivated
We have to stir up joy and cultivate happiness.
We can do that through the following:
- Cultivate my thoughts - focus on what’s going right instead of what’s going wrong.
- Cultivate thankfulness - remember what we’re thankful for.
- Cultivate by removing our upper limiting beliefs - the other shoe doesn’t have to drop.
I have three episodes (#92, #93, & #94) you can check out to help you dig in and root out your upper limiting beliefs.
You deserve happiness!
You can enjoy happiness not just during Christmas but every day of the year by choosing joy, remembering the source is Jesus and cultivating happiness through our thoughts, thankfulness and removing upper limiting beliefs.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you hate Christmas, and you don’t know quite the reason?
Or do you obsess about the Christmas season going overboard, over budget and over-stressed?
Or maybe you go with the flow to avoid the Christmas conflict?
Today we’re continuing our Christmas movie series, and we’re talking about what the Grinch Who Stole Christmas can teach us about out relationships.
So, I’m talking to you today if:
- If you’re ready to discover the true joy of Christmas…and life.
- If you’re ready to let go of the stress and strains of the Christmas seasons…and life.
- If you want to enjoy life for yourself.
Today is all about relationships. So we’re going to be pulling out the Grinch.
Surprisingly Dr. Suess based the Grinch character on himself. It was the day after Christmas, and saw his grinch face in the mirror. You know, sour, cranky and unhappy. He’d lost the spirit of Christmas and decided to get it back, which inspired The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
I want to show you how four characters took a journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas and life.
Christmas and life are all about relationships–our relationship with God, family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc.
Rich relationships make for a rich life.
- Grinch
Grinch hated Christmas because he’d been hurt as a young child. He lost connection with others and then hid himself to keep himself safe.
How about you? Have you put up a wall to keep yourself safe?
To have connections, you must first work through the hurt.
Then you need to show yourself friendly. Be the first to reach out.
- Who’s
The Who’s liked Christmas a lot…busy with competitions, shopping, eating and the trappings of commercialism. But they lost the meaning of Christmas–relationships.
True relationships get vulnerable and deep.
When you’re the first to be open and vulnerable, you create a safe space for others to do the same.
Now you can go deep into relationships and really enjoy what matters.
- Max the dog
He’s Grinch’s loyal companion, ready and willing to help. But Max is a doormat.
Are you, like me, afraid of conflict? Do you just go with the flow to keep the peace?
That’s no way to live…under someone’s feet.
We need to set boundaries to tell people how they are allowed to treat us.
I know it’s hard, so if you need help with that, * check out Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend.
https://amzn.to/3P4vEKK
- Cindy Lou Who
Cindy lost her love of Christmas and didn’t know why. She was searching for her first love.
When Cindy started searching, she discovered the potential in others, including the Grinch.
She helped him see what he could be instead of what he currently was.
And through all that, she literally saved Christmas and help each person develop deeper relationships with one another.
So who are you, and what do you need to do to grow deeper in your relationship and discover the true meaning of Christmas and life?
Rich relationships make for a rich life.
If you need more help overcoming fear trying to hold you back from growing deeper in relationships, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
- Affiliate link, I will receive a small commission if you purchase this book through this link.
Have you ever watched a movie and gotten a lesson from it that you needed for your life?
Thank about 2023. What do you want your life to look like?
What do you want to change from 2022 to 2023?
Today I want to talk to you about the movie the Christmas Carol and what it teaches us about your life.
So, I'm talking to you today:
- If you're ready for 2023 to be your best year.
- If you're looking at 2022 and see things you want to leave behind.
- If you want to create a better life for yourself and go to the next level in your life.
Scrooge, from The Christmas Carol, was a miserly old man that doesn't care about anyone else around him or how his actions affect others.
He had an experience that changed him when the ghost of Christmas past, present and future took him through a journey of what was, what could be and what will be if he doesn't change. And we can learn from it too.
Ghost of Christmas Past
Scrooge had to face his past. He saw that his old story said he would be valued if he earned more money. Scrooge missed out on connections that mattered. Now he could finally see the hurt and pain and how he was trying to keep himself safe.
Your old story is shaping your present and future.
What in your past do you need to face? When you face it, it will change anything.
Ghost of Christmas Present
Scrooge saw what Christmas was all about and the value of it all. He saw what he’d been missing and how others viewed him.
He began to desire what he was missing.
When we see what could be, it opens the door to change.
What do you need to see so you can become that?
What's possible if you change your old story to a new story?
Ghost of Christmas Future
Scrooge had to come to terms with the stark reality of where his journey was taking him if he didn't change and how it would affect others like Tiny Tim. He saw how the business community saw him differently than he thought, and it wasn't good.
That was his turning point.
Scrooge committed to being generous and thinking about people, which changed everything for him, Tiny Tim, and so many others.
Look at the path you're on now, and if nothing else changes, what would your future look like?
- Would it be what God designed it to be? Or would I be missing out?
- What do you need to change?
- List out what needs to change.
- What will you commit to change?
- But you can't do it all at once. So, pick one or two things to change right now.
- Then as you grow, commit to another thing to change.
You get to pick your future.
Is your future going to be what you want it to be, or are you and others going to miss out because you didn't commit to change?
If you need more help overcoming fear trying to hold you back from your future, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear so you can persistently fulfill your God-given purpose–courageously!
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you struggle with believing in yourself?
Do you have a friend who sticks closer than a “brother,” or do you feel like a lone wolf?
Do you have a dream but going nowhere fast?
Today is for you:
- If you desire to live life to the full!
- If you need help believing in yourself.
- If you feel alone and need a friend…or two or three.
Friends, we all need them. We weren’t meant to do life alone.
However, I struggled with friendships for years, and years, and years because of a betrayal. I built a wall to keep myself safe that took over three decades to tear down.
Over that last decade, friends have helped me tear down that wall of protection.
My life is not only better with them, but I’m also stepping more into what God’s called me to do because of their friendship. I couldn’t do life without my friends and wouldn’t want to.
Friends bring so much value to our lives that it’s worth working through the pain and breaking down the wall.
Here’s the A, B, C’s plus D, E, and F’s of friendship:
Accountability:
We hold each other accountable to our dreams, purpose, priorities and character.
Belief:
True friends see gifts and potential in us even if we struggle to see them in ourselves. If this is you, borrow their belief until you believe in yourself.
You also get to believe in your friends and hold space for them to learn how to believe in themselves and what God’s called them to do.
Camaraderie:
We gain mutual trust and friendship as we spend a lot of time together. It’s quality, but it’s also quantity.
We can’t get to know someone once a month in the lobby at church. We need to spend time together to cultivate Camaraderie and trust.
Dedication:
Friends stick it out through thick and thin. They’re like the dogs in our lives that can’t wait to see us walk through the door again, even if we only walk out to the mailbox.
Encouragement:
As friends, we pick each other up when we’re down, celebrate the wins and speak life over each other.
Foster:
According to many studies, including by the Mayo Clinic, friendships foster a sense of well-being and even reduce health risks.
How about you? Do you have friends like that? The kind of friends who help you be yourself, reach your goals and be your best self?
I know that’s God’s best for you if you don’t. No matter what you’ve been through, quality friends are waiting. Next Podcast, we’ll talk about how to find these friends.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Resources:
Women of Audacious Faith: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wafcommunity
Your Fearless Journey with Becky, Kat and Heather podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CQ86kt7skJ7cIIMq2pIhv?si=1467b0d458104856
Have you ever felt hopeless, and nothing will ever change?
When you look at your weakness, do you think, “It’s not so bad”?
Do your dreams feel like they’ll never happen?
Today we’re talking about the reality distortions that keep us from our dreams.
So, this is your day:
If you’re ready to remove the filters and lenses holding you back from your dreams.
If you’re ready to take the limits off.
If you’re ready to develop to your full potential, holding nothing back.
There are two reality distortions I’m going to share with you today. It’s faking good and faking bad.
I hadn’t heard about these until I was introduced to the Enneagram.
We can have reality distortions that change how we see ourselves and keep us from changing and becoming our best selves.
Here are two reality distortions holding us back:
Faking Good:
It’s a pattern of defense that protects you from facing your anxiety or weaknesses.
Faking good looks like, “I’m fine, everything is great; I don’t need to change.”
Faking Bad:
It’s a pattern of hopelessness that avoids having to change. It believes, “I’m bad. Nobody accepts me and nothing will ever change so why bother.”
We’re all a blend of potential and limitations, a blend of strengths and weaknesses. So neither faking good nor faking bad can be true. They are reality distortions.
Now reality distortions keep us from seeing ourselves as others see us.
What faking good or bad does is hold us back from the changes we need to make to fulfill our dreams.
So, Ask yourself these questions to see if you’re faking good or bad.
- Where are you faking good or faking bad in your life?
Are you saying, “I don’t need to change here because it’s all good?” Or, are you feeling hopeless when you think of your dreams, and you can’t change, so why bother?
- How does faking good or faking bad show up in your life?
Be specific. Get honest about how it shows up. This way, you can start seeing patterns that keep you from changing.
- Catch yourself in the act
As you become more self-aware, you can catch yourself in the act of faking good or bad.
This is where you can start making shifts.
- Ask yourself these questions to change:
Is what I think really true?
Is it really hopeless? Am I really ok where I’m at? Is it really fear of changing?
Is that thought pattern helpful?
If it’s holding you back, it’s not helping you it’s hindering you. Change it.
Is it kind to me?
If it’s holding you back from your dreams, it’s not kind to you.
Be kind to yourself and start making the changes necessary to become your best self and fulfill your God-given purpose.
If you need more help overcoming the fear so you can fully speak freely, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear so you can fulfill your God-given purpose–courageously!
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Is your life full of stress and overwhelm?
Or do you feel fulfilled and growing?
Or are you feeling bored or stagnant?
Where are you on that spectrum?
We're talking about stressing versus flourishing to feel fulfilled and fulfill our God-given purpose.
Today is for you:
- If you want to avoid burnout.
- If you want to prevent boredom and stagnation.
- If you're ready to live a life of contribution and significance.
Life can be a mixed bag of stress and flourishing.
God has called us to live in a state of flourishing.
Flourishing is continually growing, developing, being fulfilled and making a contribution. It's showing up fully ourselves so we can fulfill our God given-purpose.
Now not all stress is bad. There is a good kind of stress that can push you to become your best self and keep you from rusting out and missing out.
Stress can also be harmful because it is exhausting and pushes you into burnout.
Here are three questions to ask yourself to see if you're flourishing or stressing and striving. It will also help you see if the stress you are experiencing is good for you or hurting you.
- Are you flourishing or stressing?
Look at each area of your life and decide if you're flourishing or stressing.
Look at your finances, family, friends, career, environment, etc.
If you're flourishing, great! Keep it up!
If you're stressed, ask yourself question #2.
- Is this stress good or bad?
Is that stress causing me to grow and push myself?
Or am I heading toward exhaustion and burnout?
Keep the good stress. Good stress pushes you to develop, grow and make a contribution.
If it's pushing you to overwhelm and you're not flourishing, you need to evaluate that stress so you can change it.
- What do I need to do about that stress?
Do I need to let it go?
For instance, letting go of the need to control, be perfect or meet everyone else's needs before my own.
Do I need to keep it?
If it's a springboard to help me grow, keep it.
Do I need to push myself?
Maybe you're going through life easy peasy, and you're in danger of rusting out and stagnating.
You're missing out on being all God's called you to be in this state. You might need this stress to keep me pushing yourself. Create deadlines and priorities to help you grow and be your best self.
God has called us to flourish! We need to grow and develop into our best selves continually. When we live a life of contribution and fulfill our calling, not only does it bless others, it blesses us.
And when we're in a state of flourishing, we're also able to handle that bad stress better and keep that good stress so we can keep growing and pushing ourselves.
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review and share it if you haven't already.
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you ever feel insecure?
Have you ever been triggered and aren’t sure why you reacted like that?
Do you feel more insecure around certain people?
Today is for you:
- If insecurity is holding you back from being your best self.
- If you’re tired of feeling insecure.
- If you’re ready to become secure so you can do and be all God’s called you to do and be.
Insecurity holds us back and makes us feel anxious, uncomfortable and stressed out.
We can’t be ourselves when we’re insecure, and it keeps us hiding and stops us from being our authentic selves.
Here are four steps to go from feeling insecure to secure:
- See It
You have to see the insecurity. And if you can see it in real-time, even better.
- Own It
You must own your part of the insecurity. You have to be willing to own it so you can fix it.
- Root It
Get to the root and dig it up.
Most of our insecurities came from our childhood. Discover where it came from. Expose it for what it is, and then you can dig it up.
Like weeds, if you pull them at the root, you can get rid of them. If you just pluck off the part you can see, it comes back with a vengeance.
- Replace It
What is the truth about yourself or the situation? Replace the insecurity with the truth.
And keep pulling up the root and replacing it with the truth until you believe it. When you do that, you’re pulling out the insecurity and replacing it with security in who God’s called you to be.
If you need a guide to help you become your best self in 2023, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form for a discovery session with me.
Let’s see if we’re a great fit to work together so you can discover your path to transformation so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you ever struggle with changing?
Maybe you tried to change a habit but felt powerless to change it.
Have you ever thought if you don't change this "thing," God will be upset or unhappy with you?
Today I'm going to share with you the secret ingredient to change.
So today is for you:
If you want to be your best self but struggle to change.
If you tried to change but only felt like you took one step forward and two steps back.
If you need extra power behind you to make permanent changes.
“God always entices you through love.
You were probably taught that God would love you if and when you changed. In fact, God loves you so that you can change. What empowers change, what makes you desirous of change, is the experience of love and acceptance itself. This is the engine of change.” – Richard Rohr in Yes, And…
So LOVE is the secret ingredient to change!
Here are three steps to apply this secret ingredient to change because it's not what you know but what you apply and receive that transforms you.
- Look through the lens of love.
John 14 and Hebrews 1 talk about Jesus is the expressed image of the Father.
So when we see Jesus, we see the Father.
We see Jesus loving on the undesirable and unloveable according to society's standards of the day. If this is how Jesus loves, then we know that's how Father God loves too.
So when you study scripture, look through the lens of love and see how unconditionally it really is.
- Receive God's love with no strings attached.
Love isn't love if you have to do something to earn it.
The religious people of Jesus day would like to make you think God loves with strings attached. But again, we see Jesus loving no matter what someone has done or hasn't done.
Receive Father's, unconditional love.
When we do, the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) will come as a by-product of us abiding in God and His love for us.
- Give His love with no strings attached.
Now that you know and have received Father God's love for you, you can love yourself and others unconditionally with no strings attached.
If you can’t, go back to steps one and two.
The Holy Spirit empowers you to change and become your best self when you receive God’s love.
If you need a guide to help you become your best self in 2023, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form for a discovery session with me.
Let's see if we're a great fit to work together so you can discover your path to transformation so you can, stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
You got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do the holidays stress you out?
Do you run from one event to another?
When someone asks you, “How are you doing?” Do you answer, “Crazy busy!”
I’m talking about how you can put the Holly Jolly back in the holidays.
Today is for you if you want to enjoy Christmas again.
If you want to learn how to slow down, I’m talking to you.
If your holidays are so jam-packed you’re continually exhausted, I’m definitely talking to you today.
Over the years, the holidays have gotten so busy we have lost sight of the meaning of Christmas. We’re also so busy we can’t enjoy and savor the moment.
But we can put the holly jolly back into Christmas by following these steps.
- Set your priorities
What really matters to you and your family?
What budget do you want to stick with?
What do you want to remember?
When you set your priorities, you have a baseline or framework to make the right decisions when all those invites and events you have to do come your way.
- Say no to the good stuff
You can do many good things, but you can’t do everything.
Say no to the good stuff so you can do the next step…
- Say yes to the right stuff
Say yes to the stuff that matters to you.
You can do that now that you’ve said no to the good stuff and given yourself margin in your month.
- Savor the moments
Now that you’ve set your priorities so you can say no to the good stuff and yes to the right stuff, you’ll have time and energy to savor the moment and enjoy your holidays again.
This holiday season can be the most joyous or the most draining...you get to choose that.
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review and share it if you haven’t already.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!
Today is Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving; I really do. It’s like the unsung hero of, you know, the big three holidays, Halloween, you got Thanksgiving, you got Christmas, and Thanksgiving kind of gets passed over.
It’s one of my favorites because it’s the one time my entire family is together a year.
I get this picture of how it will be in my head.
And it’s, it’s grandiose, it’s, you know, everything’s going to go right. We’ll be sitting there having fun together, you know, maybe we’re going to play a game. We’re all interacting, having deep, meaningful conversations, sitting around the dinner table, enjoying each other’s company and having fun.
And inevitably, it never works out exactly like that. Ever.
And disappointment comes when there is a gap between what we idealize, what we dream about, what we think it will look like, and reality. And the more significant the gap, the bigger the disappointment. And I’ve had some big disappointments over the years.
And I had to realize that life doesn’t always work exactly how I dream in my head, how I think it should be, or how I want it to be; it doesn’t always work out that way. Because you know what, there are other people involved. And they have their idea of how everything should go. And so you’ve got all these people with how they got it in their head, how it should go.
The more I have learned to roll with the punches over the years, the more I can sit there, relax, and enjoy what happens. I can enjoy just being in the moment. And not putting these unrealistic expectations on people, not only unrealistic expectations but also expectations they don’t even know I’m putting on them.
So be present with the people that you’re with if you’re with people this Thanksgiving. And if you’re not, if you’re alone, find something you love to do that you don’t even usually get to do.
Enjoy what is instead of what you think should be.
Roll with the punches, release what Thanksgiving should look like, release what a holiday should look like, give it to God, and enjoy it.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
How do you feel most days? Good, bad, terrible?
How often do you laugh?
Or say thank you to your spouse or kids?
Today we’re continuing our conversation about thankfulness and how it’s good for what ales you.
Today is for you:
- If you want the secret to feeling good.
- If you need the secret sauce to a healthier you.
- If you want to feel more connected with others.
Thankfulness is good for so many things…including ourselves.
1. Thankfulness feels good.
We feel good when we’re thankful. It gives us warm fuzzies.
2. Thankfulness keeps us healthy
“Gratitude research is beginning to suggest that feelings of thankfulness have tremendous positive value in helping people cope with daily problems, especially stress,”
– UC Davis psychology professor, Robert Emmons
It also boosts our immune system helping us ward off sickness and disease.
Countless people have laughed their way to cancer-free because laughter boosts your body’s natural ability to kill cancer cells.
Even in the worst circumstances, Laughing shows you’re focusing on what’s going right instead of what’s going wrong.
3. Thankfulness is good for relationships
People go where they’re appreciated, not tolerated.
When you’re thankful, you show people they’re wanted and valued. This improves your relationships.
Thankfulness is good for whatever ales you!
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review and share it if you haven’t already.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do the holidays ever get you down?
Does negativity leave you feeling down in the dumps?
Do you ever get jealous of what others have or experience?
We’re continuing our conversation on thankfulness.
Today is for you:
- If you want more joy.
- If you desire to learn contentment.
- If you want to be a catalyst for change.
Thankfulness does so much for us and affects not only us but others.
- Thankfulness creates contentment
Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
Contentment means being self-sufficient and satisfied by living in God’s content (fullness).
Paul shares he is content regardless of his circumstances, good, bad or indifferent.
We can too.
Verse 13 says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I love that Christ has made it possible for us to live content in the fullness of the life God gave us.
It brings us contentment when we’re thankful for what we do have instead of what we don’t have.
- Thankfulness is contagious
Just as negativity can permeate a room, thankfulness is contagious. You can be a fatality for change by being a grateful person.
- Thankfulness brings joy
Again, you enjoy your life more when you’re thankful for what you do have instead of focusing on what you don’t have.
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review and share it if you haven’t already.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
With the holiday’s coming, do you feel excited or nervous?
Can’t wait or wish it was already over?
How can you enjoy this time more?
We’re talking about thankfulness this week and all the ways it helps us, including enjoying life more.
Today is for you:
If you get caught up in the day, forget to be thankful for others.
If you’re tired of waking up unhappy.
If you’re ready to enjoy life more.
Gratitude helps us in every area of life.
A navy pilot, Charles Plumb, flew 76 missions in the Vietnam war before being shot out of the sky over enemy lines. After six years in a Vietnamese prison camp, he became a speaker sharing what he learned from surviving.
One day he ran into another sailor that had also been deployed on the same aircraft carrier. This sailor had packed his parachute. But Charles didn’t know this man. He was a pilot, and this man was a lowly sailor, invisible to him. But Charles wouldn’t have survived without this invisible man’s work.
Who’s packing your parachute?
We all rely on others to make it through the day. We all need others.
So many times, we don’t even realize what others do for us.
Write down five names of invisible people who’ve been packing your parachute, helping you survive either mentally, emotionally, spiritually or physically.
If you can, thank them in person or by text, card, phone or email.
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review and share it if you haven’t already.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you ever get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to enjoy the beautiful moments?
Does your life feel like one big chore or to-do list?
Have you ever felt like the world is against you?
Today, we’re talking about the key to enjoying a life full of joy and freedom.
Today is for you:
- If your days, weeks, and months go by, but you’re not enjoying them.
- If you quickly forget about the good in your life or struggle to see it.
- If you get caught up in all the jobs, tasks, to-dos and chores, the endless things to do, and you stop enjoying life.
My daughter Aubrey came home yesterday with a paper chain. I thought, “it’s a bit early for Christmas.”
“It’s a Thanksgiving chain,” She exclaimed.
“It’s a what? Aubrey, tell me about that.”
She showed me that each chain had something she was thankful for.
Aubrey listed: books, colors, my body, hot air balloons, teachers, plushy (aka stuffed animals), cousins, my aunt, friends, family, my room, my life and Jesus.
Wow! My nine-year-old got it. She was so full of joy sharing what she was thankfulness!
It hit me, “how many of us as adults remember to be thankful for the big things but forget to be thankful for small things?”
Thankfulness is vital for your joy.
It shifts your perspective by telling your mind what’s important. When you notice the good, you see more good.
When I bought my first car, a white VW Fox, at 18 years old, it was only $9,000 for a new vehicle…those were the days…LOL!
What was interesting is I started noticing VW Foxes all over the place. White ones, red ones and black ones…it was a basic car. That’s what you get for 9K, right?!
Why did I see them all over the place?
I was focused on a VW Fox. It told my mind that’s what’s important to me. So it started seeing them all over.
Thankfulness works the same way.
When you focus on things to be thankful for, you’ll see more things to be grateful for.
Here are three types of things I want you to be thankful for.
- Big Things
What are the big things in your life you can be thankful for?
- Small Things
What are the small things in your life you can be thankful for?
- Forgotten Things
What are the forgotten things in your life you can be thankful for?
- You can write down what you’re thankful for.
- You can make a thanksgiving paper chain and put it somewhere you can see it. You only need paper, a stapler or tape, crayons, or colored pens. Each chain of thanksgiving brings you freedom and joy.
- You could also put the things you’re thankful for in a jar and pick one out daily to remind yourself to be grateful.
When you focus on the good in your life, you get more of it and notice more of it!
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review and share it if you haven’t already.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do the holidays stress you out?
Does your peace fly out the window when you think of Thanksgiving (or any holiday) get-together?
Are you worried about the conversations around the table or the ones that should happen and don’t?
Today we’re talking about bringing more peace into the holidays.
Today is for you:
- If you want to feel peace this holiday season.
- If you’re tired of the inevitable stress of the hustle and bustle.
- If you’re ready for this year to be different.
I used to get massively stressed out over the holidays. It was my baking. That’s my jam, but if anything went wrong, I was a stressed-out basket-case. Poor Bob…he’s put up with so much time over the years. Thanks for loving me through it all!
One year it hit me. I was so stressed because I was hoping my baking would bring me accolades from my family and more attention. And if anything went wrong, it would rob me of that and cause massive stress.
What’s causing you stress? How can we get more peace during this holiday season?
Isaiah 26:3 Berean Standard Bible
You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast mind because he trusts in you.
Let’s break this down.
Steadfast = rest/support/lean on
Mind = purpose/intent
Keep = guard/exercise great care and vigilance to keep intact
Perfect Peace = Peace is wholeness, bringing wellness and prosperity (internally and externally)
There are two peace written in this verse, so God’s giving us a double portion of peace. On top of that, an added emphasis means it’s not just a little peace but an incredible, GINORMOUS amount of peace!!
So let me sum all those definitions up:
Our purpose and intent are to lean on God, who will exercise great care and vigilance to keep our peace intact. And not just a little peace but a MASSIVE amount of peace!!
Why? Because you’re relying on your Father God with your whole weight.
Don’t try to get something from your family that’s not theirs to give.
So where is your trust? Are you relying on your family to bring you peace, or what need? Or are you relying on God to give you the peace you crave?
Rest your whole weight on your Father God because He is entirely trustworthy to rest the entire weight of your life on…and double peace is on its way!
If you enjoy this podcast, please share this episode with a friend who needs it.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Have you ever found it difficult to forgive? You tried to let it go, but you find yourself thinking about that incident–again…rolling it over and over in your mind.
I know it can be hard to forgive.
Sometimes I find it easier to change when I know what happens if we don’t.
Hebrews 12:15 AMP
See to it that no one falls short of God’s grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it, many be defiled;
Resentment comes when we let unforgiveness go to the next level and don’t let it go.
And unforgiveness doesn’t just affect us; it affects MANY people.
Look at the second part of the verse: “many be defiled...”
Many in this scripture mean a significant number, and because of the emphasis added it means not just many but a TREMENDOUS amount.
When we hold onto unforgiveness, it turns into resentment, and it doesn’t just affect a few people but a TREMENDOUS amount of people. Ouch!
Now when we let unforgiveness take root in our lives, the scripture says it “causes trouble.”
It causes trouble means a tumultuous crowd– a mob; vex someone with the force of a raging mob (a mighty momentum carrying someone along).
Picture it–unforgiveness VEXES others with a force of a RAGING mob!
Like the crowd, after their soccer team wins (or loses) and flips over cars, sets fires, loots…It’s total mayhem.
Our unforgiveness mobs others, robbing them, flipping their lives upside down, and setting fire to the things they love. No one is ever the same.
Defile in Greek means to stain (with paint or dye); figuratively, it means to stain (defile) the soul.
Our unforgiveness not only mobs it stains others' souls.
It reminds me of the color run. By-standers throw paint on those that run by staining them with a rainbow of colors.
That paint comes off relatively easily, but it doesn’t come out so quickly when we allow our unforgiveness to stain someone’s soul.
Now what?
- Ask forgiveness and choose to let it go.
But, realize the damage has been done, and others have been defiled/polluted/stained by our choice to allow the root of bitterness to grow.
- Go to the person you have an issue with and make it right.
If you cannot go to the person directly, say a prayer of forgiveness. Put your foot down and say no more. You choose to forgive and let it go.
Ask forgiveness when you go to anyone that’s been “stained” in your unforgiveness wake. It helps them forgive and clean off the “paint” that’s stained them.
I want to leave you with one more thought.
- Prevention is the best medicine…
Start by pulling unforgiveness up when it’s small before those roots grow deep.
Still, having a hard time forgiving?
The easiest way to forgive is to remember how much God forgave us. It was God’s grace that saved us, not because we earned it.
Offer the same grace God offers you, and you’ll find it so much easier to let it go.
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review and share it if you haven’t already.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Have you ever had a bad day?
Do you feel heavy or sad?
Ever had a day that didn't go as planned?
Today for you:
- If you've had a bad day but don't want it to have you.
- If your day didn't go as planned and you don't want to repeat it.
- If you're struggling with heaviness, sadness or just plain down and need help feeling better.
Yesterday I had a hard conversation, and my heart was so heavy.
I woke up to our first snow. It was beautiful!
I enjoyed a beautiful conversation with my daughter Aubrey as we stared out the window as the newly fallen snow blanketed the naked trees and cold ground.
I realized three lessons today that helped me get a fresh start today and they will help you too!
1. Don't let your feelings hold you hostage.
Feelings aren't THE truth.
They are real. They are feelings, but we don't have to let them keep us down.
We Think > We Feel > We Choose
We get to choose to change our feelings by choosing our thoughts.
As I shared that beautiful conversation with my daughter, the heaviness began to melt away.
2. Enjoy the moment.
This morning as I took our 112.5-pound Goldendoodle out for his morning walk, he frock-licked, eating the snow along the way. He loves the snow… the best doggie day ever!
I smiled and enjoyed the moment as my giant puppy enjoyed the moment. Again, the heaviness kept melting away.
I know crap happens, and every moment isn't awesome. We can choose to enjoy the hidden moments around us, though. Look for them.
3. Tap into the power God gave you.
God has given us more power than we realize or have tapped into. If we did, our lives would look drastically different.
That's not condemnation; we're just a work in progress.
Father's given us authority over our lives and health. He has wisdom ready and waiting for those who ask.
He's given us His grace which is a divine favor.
Let's tap into that to change our lives and give ourselves a fresh start.
If you enjoy this podcast, please rate, review and share it if you haven't already.
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you have a dream in your heart yet struggle to make it happen?
Are there steps on your journey that you're clueless about how to do it?
Have you tried and failed and now don't feel like trying again?
Today I'm sharing three lessons I learned from my 14-year-old son about persistence.
So today is for you:
- If you ever feel like you can't do it.
- If you don't know how to do it.
- If you're not sure, you can make it happen.
Persistence is that thing that keeps us going regardless of the obstacles that come our way.
Last night my mom ran into the room and proclaimed, "I did it!! It works!!"
You see, my son has been trying for months to create a working boomerang. He had failure after failure, but last night he made a version that actually works!! Go, Evan!
Evan was persistent. He never gave up, even though it took him months to get it to spin and return to him. His persistence finally paid off, and he couldn't have been more proud of himself!
As his mom, I was incredibly proud of him too. So much so that I asked him if I could talk about him on the podcast. He said yes and told me how he kept going even though it took him so long to get a boomerang to work.
Yes, because God's called us to something greater than ourselves, and we must be persistent to make it happen.
- It will take persistence to get past the obstacle in our way.
- It's going to take persistence when we have to figure out how to do things we don't know how to do.
- It will take persistence not to give up when we get tired of failing.
So, here are three lessons on persistence that I learned from my fourteen-year-old son, Evan:
- Talk to yourself.
Evan encouraged himself every time his experiment failed.
Talk to yourself when you hit that wall.
"I can do this! I can figure this out!"
- Get help.
Evan tried things on his own, but he also got help from YouTubing videos on how to make a boomerang.
We don't know everything and what God's called us to is bigger than ourselves, so get help. Watch videos, listen to podcasts, and read books and blogs. Find others who've been where we want to be and ask questions.
- Pick yourself up and try again and again and again.
Evan never gave up. He picked himself up, learned from his failures and tried again and again and again and again.
How long did he try? Until it worked.
Now, he didn't just keep trying the same version hoping for different results. That's the definition of insanity, so I'm told.
No, he tried something, learned what worked and what didn't, created a different version and tried again. Each version was slightly different.
But the biggest key was he kept trying until it worked.
You must develop persistence if you're going to do what God's called you to do. And the beautiful thing is who you're becoming on the journey as you're persistent!
Because our dreams aren't just a one-time destination… it's who we become on the way to where we're going.
Now, the biggest obstacle to persistence is fear. Fear of failure, embarrassment, incompetence, weakness, burdening others, etc.
So, if you need more help overcoming fear trying to hold you back from your dreams, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear so you can persistently fulfill your God-given purpose–courageously!
You've got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
We’re talking about triggers today. Triggers are pre-conditioned behavior brought on by an external event, experience or person that activates your blindspot and causes you to protect your idealized self.
I'm going to share triggers through the lens of the Enneagram. Now you don't need to know your Enneagram type to see your trigger. Just look for the ones that make you go…ugh, yuck or oh, man, that's me.
Click here to view a more extensive list of triggers.
Type: 1 - Improver
Trigger: Being criticized
Type: 2 - Helper
Trigger: Being taken for granted
Type: 3 - Achiever
Trigger: Being set up for failure
Type: 4 - Creative
Trigger: Being ignored or slighted
Type: 5 - Investigator
Trigger: Being overwhelmed or surprised
Type: 6 - Loyalist
Trigger: Being under external pressure
Type: 7 - Visionary
Trigger: Being confined and restricted
Type: 8 - Controller
Trigger: Being controlled
Type: 9 - Peacemaker
Trigger: Being in conflict
Which triggers resonate with you?
How do we remove the triggers and choose a different response?
"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is the power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." - Victor Frankl (author of Man's Search for Meaning)
It's in the space we can change our pre-conditioned response to our trigger into an intentional response that will serve us well.
Here are nine contemplative questions that can help lengthen the pause.
Type 1: How is not feeling perfect enough making me angry at myself?
Type 2: Why is appreciation important to me?
Type 3: What about appearing successful is so important to me?
Type 4: What is the story I create when I feel I could be missing out?
Type 5: Why do I believe I have limited energy to deal with unplanned situations?
Type 6: Why do my fearful projections paralyze me?
Type 7: What discomfort am I trying to avoid by escaping my commitments?
Type 8: What vulnerability do I feel when I don't get my way?
Type 9: Can I see the disruptions I create by avoiding standing up for myself?
You can also ask yourself any question that will help you create a new response.
If you need a guide to help you develop into your best self through the lens of the Enneagram, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form for a discovery session with me.
Let's see if we're a great fit to work together so you can discover your path to transformation so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
You got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Blindspots are the parts of our personality that we subconsciously choose to ignore. It's areas of avoidance.
We must be willing to work at our deepest fundamental level to create real, sustainable change. If not, change won't be lasting if we don't get to the root.
I'm going to share our blindspots through the lens of the Enneagram. You don't have to know the Enneagram to figure out your blindspots. Just pick the one or two that jump out to you to work on.
- First, I'll share the Enneagram types idealized self-image–what we would like to believe about ourselves.
- Next, I'll share that Enneagram types' blindspot–the unconscious area we're avoiding.
- Then, I'll share each types' trigger–the external event or situation that triggered a response in us and exposed our blindspot and hurt our idealized self-image.
Type: 1 - Strict Perfectionist or Improver
Idealized Self-Image: I am good, right and perfect
Blindspot: Feeling like a bad person
Trigger: Being criticized
Type: 2 - Considerate Helper
Idealized Self-Image: I am giving, helpful and generous
Blindspot: Felling worthless and not needed
Trigger: Being taken for granted
Type: 3 - Competitive Achiever
Idealized Self-Image: I am efficient, industrious, successful and competent
Blindspot: Failing or being incapable
Trigger: Being set up for failure
Type: 4 - Intense Creative
Idealized Self-Image: I am authentic, original and create beauty in the world
Blindspot: Being Ordinary
Trigger: Being ignored or slighted
Type: 5 - Quiet Specialist or Investigator
Idealized Self-Image: I am perceptive, I understand, and I am wise
Blindspot: Not having enough resources or being foolish
Trigger: Being overwhelmed or surprised
Type: 6 - Loyal Sceptic
Idealized Self-Image: I am loyal, obedient, and faithful, and I do what I ought to do
Blindspot: Being unprepared for threats or danger
Trigger: Being under external pressure
Type: 7 - Enthusiastic Visionary
Idealized Self-Image: I am okay
Blindspot: Discomfort and limitation
Trigger: Being confined and restricted
Type: 8 - Active Controller
Idealized Self-Image: I can do; I am powerful
Blindspot: Feeling weak or vulnerable
Trigger: Being controlled
Type: 9 - Adaptive Peacemaker
Idealized Self-Image: I am settled, agreeable and peaceful
Blindspot: Being in conflict
Trigger: Being in conflict or feeling invisible
Which one makes you go, "Ugh… that's me?!"
Admitting our blindspots can be hard…after all, we hid them for a reason.
Three steps to remove blindspots:
1. Objectively look at your patterns
When you're triggered, watch yourself in real-time and find the patterns.
2. Ask yourself, "What change to my self-image am I resisting?"
Dig to the root.
3. Practice self-compassion
God gives you grace, so give it to yourself.
Don't think of uncovering and removing your blindspots like right or wrong and good or bad. It's about growing into your best self and releasing the parts of yourself that aren't serving you anymore.
If you need a guide to help you remove the blocks and develop into your best self, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form for a discovery session with me.
You got this, and Father's got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Ever felt lost or hopeless on your road to fulfilling your God-given purpose?
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why do I always make the same mistakes?”
Do you own your mistakes when they happen and fix them?
Today we’re talking about the path to becoming our best selves.
Today is for you:
- If you’re tired of falling into the same holes.
- If you desire to grow more.
- If you’re ready to step into your best self so you can live your best life.
In this podcast, I read the poem “There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk” by Portia Nelson. Click here to read it.
There are five stages of awareness that will help with our self-development so we can be our best selves.
No Awareness: You fall in the hole, but it’s not your fault. You’re a victim who takes forever to get out of the hole.
Low Awareness: You see the hole but pretend it’s not there. You fall in and struggle to get out because you’re blind spots prevent you from seeing you made your own problems.
Moderate Awareness: You see the hole but fall in out of habit. You see the patterns so you can get out of the hole quickly.
High Awareness: You see the hole, make a different choice, and you go around the hole.
Very High Awareness: You take a different path entirely.
How can we use these stages of awareness to grow and become our best selves?
1. Become aware you have a choice
You’re not a victim. Take your power of choice back.
2. Uncover your blind spots
Blindspots prevent us from seeing how we make our own messes.
Just because we don’t see blindspots doesn’t mean others don’t see them. So if you’re unsure what those are, ask a friend for help.
3. Notice the patterns of your thinking, feeling and behaving
We take responsibility for our habits and then make a different choice to get out of the hole.
4. See the choice before you have to make a choice
When we become highly aware, we’ll see the hole and make a different choice to walk around the hole instead of falling in again.
5. Choose to walk a different path
When we’ve worked on ourselves, we get to the point where we just go down a different road entirely, avoiding the hole in the first place.
This takes the highest level of awareness and responsibility to reach this point.
Taking a journey of awareness, discovering our blindspots, taking responsibility and getting to the point we take a different path entirely, we become our best selves. This helps us stay on the path to living our best life, fulfilling our God-given calling.
If you need a guide to help you develop into your best self, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form to have a discovery session with me.
Let’s see if we’re a great fit to work together so you can discover your path to transformation so you can, stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Ever had a morning that left you anxious and on edge?
Where do you feel your anxiety in your body? Gut? Chest? Shoulders?
What do you do when anxiety feels overwhelming?
Today is for you:
- If you struggle with anxiety.
- If you’re tired of feeling like anxiety is running your life.
- If you want to experience more peace in your life.
Today was a perfect storm. I woke up to the dog barking at 4:30 am. He needed to go to the restroom, and it wasn’t pretty. Next, I heard my daughter up at 4:45 am coughing. Then I remembered it was voting day, and I hadn’t looked up the ballot and candidates yet…ugh.
My anxiety started in my gut and radiated throughout my body, feeling like hot flashes.
The anxiety was stealing my peace and robbing me of enjoying life.
What do you do at that moment? How do you get past the anxiety?
Here’s the thing; we carry anxiety in our bodies. The body actually gives us an alarm to let us know what’s happening.
Also, our body remembers how we feel when we’re anxious.
Here are six tips to release anxiety faster to experience more peace.
1. Recognize the alarm in the body
Where does anxiety show up in your body?
- Does your gut turn over and over?
- Does your chest feel tight?
- Do your shoulders get tight?
- Does your head feel fuzzy?
Recognize it. Where does it show up? What does it feel like?
2. Put your hand on the place of the alarm
Yep, stick your hand on your heart, over your stomach, shoulders, or wherever the alarm happens.
3. Pray or speak a mantra
Sometimes I pray or speak out a mantra depending on the situation.
This morning I prayed for the dog and Grace.
I also reminded myself that I’ve been through this before I’ll get through this again.
When I get anxious about my health, I say, “I’m healed, whole and healthy.”
You can say things like: I’m safe, loved and whole.
Whatever means something to you, speak it out.
- Breathe through the feeling
This allows your body to release it and let go.
Don’t condemn yourself for feeling this way; it only grips you tighter when you do.
Take deep cleansing breaths and picture your body releasing that anxious feeling.
5. Thank your heavenly Father you’re safe
Father is always there for us. Thank Him for helping you through this moment.
6. Repeat as needed
Repeat this process every time anxiety comes up.
The more you do it, the faster you’ll release it.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate and review it if you haven’t already! Thank you to those of you who have reviewed the podcast already!!
Also, if this episode will help a friend, please share it with them!
You got this! And Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Are you afraid to speak up?
Have you been scared to share the message God gave you?
Do you ever get intimidated and shrink back from situations or people?
Today is for you:
- If you’re tired of running from your message.
- If you desire boldness to speak the truth.
- If you’re ready to stand up for yourself and what God’s called you to do.
We’re talking about fear today, especially as it relates to your calling, you’re God-given purpose.
Fear comes against us, all of us, and it tries to keep us from doing what God’s called us to do and speaking what He’s called us to do.
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (disciple).
Paul told Timothy not to be afraid because of all the persecution but to be bold and do what God called Timothy to do. You see, Paul was in prison writing this and Timothy must have gotten intimidated and started to shrink back from his calling.
Fear here means timidity or reticence.
Reticence is reserved, especially concerning speaking freely.
How many of us have been afraid to speak freely? Yea, me too.
God gave us three things to help us overcome the fear that would cause us to shrink back and be afraid to speak freely, doing what He’s called us to do.
1. Power
Power is dynamis in Greek. It means the ability to perform.
It’s the same word used for Holy Spirit’s power in us.
God’s given us the power to speak the message in our hearts, overcome obstacles, and fulfill our calling using the Holy Spirit’s power.
2. Love
Love here is agape, a divine love; love focused on preference. God prefers us.
The more we understand God’s love, resting and walking in that, the more we can walk in who God’s called us to be. We can walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Disciple
Disciple in Greek is safe-minded or prudent behavior that correctly fits a situation.
We can speak freely about the message God’s given us, but it’s not an excuse to be a jerk about it.
God’s always called us to walk in love no matter our purpose.
Your behavior and speech should always line up with love. When it does, you’ll speak the right thing at the right time in the right way.
God hasn’t given us a spirit that calls us to shrink back, but He’s given us a spirit of power, the ability to perform our purpose with the Holy Spirit’s power.
He loves us unconditionally, and that love empowers us to be fully ourselves.
And we have the wisdom to speak the right thing at the right time and in the right way…always in love.
If you need more help overcoming the fear so you can fully speak freely, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear so you can fulfill your God-given purpose–courageously!
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Did you ever have an idea and weren’t sure what to do with it?
Or maybe you had an idea and were afraid to put it out there? What would people think?
Have you ever had an idea but were afraid you couldn’t do it?
Today is for you:
- If you want to fulfill your God-given purpose and have ideas to fulfill those dreams, you’re afraid or unsure of what to do with the idea.
- If you think you’re not capable of bringing that idea to fruition.
- If you’re afraid of what people will think of your idea.
Today is episode 100!!! Holy Cow!!! Can you believe it?!
I’m so excited to record this episode because it’s the first time I’ve been this consistent with an idea!
The funny thing is I had the idea to do a podcast years ago, but it was too big…too daunting…too expensive.
But…the idea came back to me! Then I nurtured the idea and created Live Fearlessly Free with Heather Bunch.
You have ideas you’ve had for years that you’ve sat on, were afraid to do it, didn’t think you could do it, or were fearful of what people would think or say.
You, my friend, are called to change the world. Your idea that keeps coming back up that you try and shoo away… is from God. God gave you that idea to do something with it.
You need to care for it, feed it, play with it and nurture it. Then your idea will change from being here to there to being everywhere.
God’s called you to live a fearlessly free life so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself, and fulfill your God-given purpose, and you’re going to do it through the idea God gave you.
“What do you do with an idea…You change the world!” - What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada.
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening! It's an honor serving you with my idea–this podcast!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
*Book Links:
What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom: https://amzn.to/3T3dyJu
What You Do Matters by Kobi Yamada illustrated by Mae Besom box set: https://amzn.to/3fDprbr
What You Do Matters box set includes:
- What Do You Do With an Idea?
- What Do You Do With a Chance?
- What Do You Do With a Problem?
*These are Amazon affiliate links; I will receive a small commission by purchasing a book through one of these links.
Do you desire to grow closer to God?
Have you ever found yourself overreacting to situations?
Does your mind go a million miles a minute?
We’re concluding our series on practicing the presence of God with meditation.
Today is for you:
- If you want to grow closer to God.
- If you need a way to slow down your overthinking mind.
- If you want to turn your over-reacting into godly responding.
“Prayer is talking to God. Meditation is listening to God.” – Jackie Trottmann.
You’re consciously contacting your Heavenly Father when you meditate.
Meditation helps you train your brain to slow down and focus. Your brain is like a muscle, and it gets used to doing whatever we allow it to.
If your brain is used to you, allowing it to think about anything and everything, that’s what it will continue to do.
If you practice corralling your mind with meditation, your mind will learn to focus and quiet itself.
Here are three kinds of meditation you can try.
Music Only
You can play soft music and meditate on God.
Bible Verse or Phrase
You can pick a verse or phrase that means something to you. Pick something you can say by heart, so you’re not having to keep looking up to read it.
The Power in the Now practice I gave you in episode #97 is a version of this type of meditation where we used
“Be still and know that I am God” as our basis of focus.
Guided Meditation
Guided meditation is where someone guides you on your journey as you’re meditating. This is my favorite kind because I need help practicing corralling my mind and not falling asleep…LOL.
Meditation will help you realize God’s presence and that He’s always with you.
It helps you focus your thoughts and learn to respond instead of reacting.
Now, if your mind starts to wonder–and it will–just lovingly bring it back. Apply grace all over this process, my friend!!
If you want some beautiful Christian guided meditation, check out my friend Jackie Trottmann’s collection:
- Be Still…and know that I am God (start here if you’ve never meditated before. She has instructions for you too.)
- Let Go…let God
- Trust…in the Lord with all your heart
Here’s a link that will take you right to all her meditations: https://joyandflowstore.com/collections/meditation-digital-downloads
You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Have you ever been praying, and your mind starts wandering? Yea, me too!
Do you want to grow closer to God?
Have you ever forgotten how God came through for you in the past and worried He won’t this time?
We’re continuing our series on practicing the presence of God so you can not just know about God, but you can experience Him on a deep and intimate level.
So today is for you:
- If you want to add to your tool belt to practice God’s presence.
- If you need help corralling your mind to the present moment.
- If you deeply desire to know God, not just about Him.
Journaling is a fantastic way to connect deeply with God.
King David was a master journaler. Did you know that? Think about the book of Psalms.
I love that David wasn’t afraid to share the good, the bad, and the ugly. But he didn’t stop there. He also celebrated and praised God for his faithfulness and goodness.
God said David was a man after His own heart. I know God didn’t say that because David was perfect. Far from it…hello Bathsheba. But David was always honest and open with God–as we can see in the Psalms.
You can also use journaling to grow your relationship with God.
1. Journal your prayers
Share your heart’s desires through journaling them to God.
Dear God…
2. Journal your moments
Share your beautiful moments with God too. Celebrate together.
3. Journal your hurts to healing
Keep pouring out your hurt onto paper until the healing starts to pour out too.
Tips for journaling:
1. You don’t have to journal every day.
This is a guilt-free zone here.
Journaling only when you need it is just fine if that’s the way you work.
2. Keep journaling past the anger, anxiousness or angst until you start feeling peace.
3. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling.
Journaling is for you and your Heavenly Father alone.
And He’s not judging you, so let it go.
If you want to learn more about journaling, my friend Jackie Trottmann has a fabulous self-study course on journaling for only $47. You can also go through her class live for only $97.
Self-Paced: https://www.jackietrottmann.com/journal-class-self-guided/
Live: https://www.jackietrottmann.com/journal-class/
Bonus–you get her Be Present with God course – Four Spiritual Practices.
Jackie is who I learned Lectio Divina through and grew in my journaling skills.
You got this–And Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Have you ever spent time praying or reading the Bible yet felt like something was missing?
Do you enjoy your time with God, or does it ever feel like a chore?
Does life leave you feeling unfilled or dissatisfied?
Today we’re continuing our conversation about practicing the presence of God.
Today is for you:
- If you want to experience God firsthand.
- If you want to enjoy life to the fullest.
- If you’re tired of feeling unfilled or something is missing.
We experience God in the now. He’s always in this moment–in the now.
Everything we need is right here and right now.
- We experience God now.
- We taste God now.
- We enjoy God now.
Enjoy now because the next moment will have its own taste and enjoyment for us to experience.
When we don’t taste and enjoy the now moments in His presence, we’ll never feel fulfilled or like we never have enough or are enough.
Use Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God,” to practice His presence.
You’ll speak out loud or to yourself each segment of the scripture and sit in that moment with it. Roll it over in your mind. Enjoy and savor Father’s presence with you.
Be still and know that I am God.
Then say to yourself –
Be still and know that I am.
Now, say –
Be still and know.
Then say –
Be still.
Finally say –
Be.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. – Psalms 34:8
Use this anytime to practice being in the now. The more you do it, the more you’ll enjoy God’s presence right now and the more you’ll enjoy where you’re at on the way to where you’re going.
You got this…and Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!
Do you desire to feel close to God?
Have you ever thought, “I do all the things I’m suppose to do, but something is missing from my relationship with my Heavenly Father.”
Do you read your Bible and you’re learning but wonder if there’s more to it?
Today we’re talking about how to grow your relationship with God and practice His presence.
Today is for you:
- If you’re ready to go to another level with God.
- If you desire to feel closer to your Heavenly Father.
- If you want to hear God’s voice speaking to you.
Over the next few episodes, I want to share practices that will help you go deeper with Father and crack the code of hearing His voice.
Our first practice is Lectio Divina.
It means divine reading. It’s a process of meditating on scripture.
Meditation means to chew the cud, like a cow chewing its cud.
Have you ever seen a cow out in the field sitting down, chewing, chewing, chewing?
You see, a cow eats grass which is super tough. It gets it all moistened up and swallows the grass into the first section of its four-part stomach. Now it brings it back up and chews on it some more, breaking the cud down even further. Each time the cow swallows, it brings it back up and chews some more; the more it breaks down the nutrients so it can nourish itself.
With Lectio Divina, we’re going to do the same thing. We’ll think about that scripture over and over, getting all the nutrients out of it, God intended.
The first thing to do is pick a short passage of scripture.
This process works best for single passages or short sections but not whole chapters.
1. Lectio – READ
Read the passage.
When you do, keep an open heart and ear. What words or phrases jump out to you?
Write down what speaks to you.
2. Meditatio – REFLECT
Reread the passage.
Reflect on what God’s speaking to you.
What touches your heart and speaks to you personally?
Write it down.
3. Oratio – RESPOND
Read the passage again. Yep, again.
Ask yourself, “How is Father asking me to respond?”
How is He inviting you to do or be?
How is it inviting you to change?
Again, write down what God's inviting you to do or be.
4. Contemplatio – REST
Read one last time and then rest.
Sit quietly in Father’s presence. Rest in His unconditional loving presence.
Wait, listen, rest.
Write down anything that Father speaks to you in this moment.
He’s always ready and willing to talk, but we need to listen. When we tune into God like we’re tuning into a radio station, we will begin to hear His voice. Lectio Divina is one way to help you tune into Father’s voice.
I learned this practice from my friend, Jackie Trottmann, of joyandflow.com. For more on meditation or spiritual practices, check out Jackie’s website.
You’ve got this! And Father’s got you!
Thanks a Bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever been so busy getting things done that you forgot to have fun?
Do you feel like you’re just going through the motions in life?
Or, is your life a never-ending to-do list?
Today we’re talking about putting more fun into our day!
- So today is for you if you can’t remember the last time you truly had fun.
- I’m talking to you, too, if you want to feel alive instead of going through the motions.
- And if you desire more connection with others, today is also your day, my friend.
Did you know that fun is not only good for us, but it also allows us to let go of our inner critic while we’re engaging in fun?
Real fun consists of three elements:
1. Playfulness
Playfulness is a quality of lightheartedness that allows us to enjoy life for the pleasure of it.
2. Connection
Connection is about special shared experiences. Not only do we have fun in those moments, but we also create memories that bond us together with others.
3. Flow
When we’re in flow, we’re engaged and focused. We even lose track of time in flow.
Now, having fun is an active flow. It’s not that junky flow we get when we’re endlessly scrolling social media or binging the latest series on Netflix.
We need all three–Playfulness, Connection and Flow–to experience real fun where we can authentically be ourselves and feel alive.
So how do we experience more fun?
1. Discover your definition of fun
We all have different definitions of fun.
I love Disney World, dance parties and movie quotes with my husband. What’s fun for you?
Think of three times when you had real fun, where you were playful, connected and in a flow.
- What were you doing?
- Who were you with?
- What made that experience so fun?
Use this to guide you so you can add more fun to your life.
2. Put fun on your calendar
We must make fun a priority, or life will flow by, and we’ll miss it.
3. Find fun in everyday life
Can you call a friend instead of texting?
Maybe you can learn a new hobby? Better yet, learn a new hobby with your family or friends!
There are moments in life we can have fun by being playful, connected and in the flow if we look for it!
Fun also had the added benefit of helping us manage stress better, produces more energy and enjoy life on the way to where we’re going.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate and review it if you haven’t already! Thank you to those of you who have reviewed the podcast already!!
Also, if this episode will help a friend, please share it with them!
You got this!
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Are you experiencing invisible blocks stopping you from your dreams?
What do you do?
How do you remove these upper limiting beliefs holding you back?
- Today is for you if you're ready to experience more of the life you're meant to live.
- I'm also talking to you if you're tired of being stuck.
- If you're willing to do what's necessary to remove the upper limiting beliefs, this is your day!
God's called us to live in our Zone of Genius, where we're using our unique gifts to serve at the highest level. When we live and work out of our Zone of Genius, we receive the highest level of abundance and satisfaction in our lives.
When we step into our Zone of Genius, we experience upper limiting beliefs. These beliefs limit the level we can go to. They stop us from being who all God's called us to do and be.
Here's a quick refresher on the four common upper-limiting beliefs:
- Fear you're fundamentally flawed
- Fear success will cause you to be disloyal or leave people behind
- Fear that greater success brings bigger burdens
- Fear of outshining others
First, we need to shine a light on the upper limiting beliefs so we can see them for what they are–beliefs limiting us from being our best selves and living in our Zone of Genius.
Once we shine a light on the upper limiting beliefs, we need to be willing to change that.
- Willing to want different
- Willing to think different
- Willing to feel different
- Willing to do different
Check out episodes 91 - 93 to check up if you missed it.
Once we're willing to remove the upper limiting beliefs, how do we do it?
1. Need to know WHOSE we are
We must discover how fully loved we are by our Heavenly Father.
We love because He first loved us.
The disciple John especially understood this love. He called himself "the disciple who Jesus loved."
2. Need to know WHO we are
We need to know our true identity. Not what we show people on the outside, but who Father says we are in Christ.
Ephesians shares all about how IN-CHRIST we are
Check out episode 24 to dive deeper into your in-Christ-ness.
When you understand WHOSE, and WHO you are, it allows you to combat the lies- the upper limiting beliefs holding you back from your God-given purpose.
Continue to renew your mind to the truth that God says about you.
In episode 40, I give you a 5-step process to renew your mind.
If this series on the Zone of Genius and upper limiting beliefs have been helping you and you know someone it could benefit from, please share it with them.
You got this, my friend!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever tried to change something about yourself and failed?
Do you struggle to fulfill your God-given purpose? Like you start and stop over and over?
Have you wondered if it’s worth all the effort or pain to live a different life?
- Today is for you if you see you have upper limiting beliefs holding you back but aren’t sure what to do next.
- I’m also talking to you if you want to live a different life.
- If you desire to remove the limits you’ve placed on yourself but aren’t sure how I’m talking to you today too!
As a reminder, in the last episode, I shared four upper limiting beliefs holding you back from living in your Zone of Genius and fulfilling your God-given purpose.
Here’s a quick refresher:
1. Fear you’re fundamentally flawed
2. Fear success will cause you to be disloyal or leave people behind
3. Fear that greater success brings bigger burdens
4. Fear of outshining others
The first step is to shine a light on your upper limiting belief. See it for what it is.
Now what?
We need to prep ourselves to remove the upper limiting beliefs.
1. Be willing to want different.
You need to be willing to want a different life. Be willing to want different than you have right now.
2. Be willing to think different.
We think > we feel > we choose.
Your thoughts have brought you to the place you are now. If you’re not where you want to be, then you have to be willing to change your thoughts.
3. Be willing to feel different.
Again, we think > we feel > we choose.
Are you addicted to the drama of life? Are you willing to be happy instead of living in the mulligrubs?
4. Be willing to do different.
You get to choose how you’re going to live your life.
Are you willing to do something different?
Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone to live your dreams, knowing it’s going to get uncomfortable?
We must start the process of removing our limiting beliefs by being willing to change.
Next episode, we’ll get to removing those upper limiting beliefs holding us back!
You got this!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Check out these resources:
Zone of Genius worksheet: Six questions to uncover your Zone of Genius
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/genius
There’s enough awesome to go around merch:
Get your pillows, t-shirts, mugs and water bottles with “enough awesome to go around.”
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store?category=Enough+Awesome
Book: Big Leap by Gay Hendricks *
https://amzn.to/3PRvKVi
*affiliate link - I will receive a small commission by purchasing this book through this link.
Does it ever seem like something happens to bring you back down when you have a big success? Maybe you fought with your spouse, got sick out of nowhere or just felt down?
Have you ever felt like reaching for your dreams feels like walking through molasses? Like you're going nowhere fast.
Do you ever struggle to share your great news when you get a win? You don't want people to think you're bragging or looking down on them.
In the last episode, I talked about your Zone of Genius. That zone we need to work out is where we get the highest ratio of abundance and satisfaction. It's our win-win zone. But, when we step into that zone, something happens…invisible blocks try to hold us back.
This episode is for you…
- If you have ever struggled to reach your potential.
- If you feel like something invisible is holding you back.
- If you want to really do what God's put in your heart to do instead of just talking about it.
When trying to reach our full potential, there's a block–an upper limiting belief.
What's an upper limiting belief?
A belief that limits what level of success and enjoyment you can reach.
It limits the amount of success and joy we can experience.
Let's explore the four common fears that cause these upper-limiting beliefs.
1. Fear you're fundamentally flawed
You can't expand to your potential because something is wrong with you or you're fundamentally bad.
How can you expand to your full creative potential if you believe you're flawed?
This is one of my upper limiting beliefs. I shared about in episode 24–How in-Christness are you– so if you struggle with this belief, listen to that episode.
2. Fear success will cause you to be disloyal or leave people behind
You feel like you're breaking a family rule or it's taboo to be successful.
- We don't do that…
- We're not like those people…
- We'll never have…
Really you're breaking new ground for a family legacy.
3. Fear that greater success brings bigger burdens
You think success brings more stress, more burden on the family or less time for relationships.
If I'm pursuing my dream, my family must pick up the slack for me, and they may resent me.
4. Fear of outshining others
Hold yourself back because you secretly or unconsciously fear outshining someone else.
I also struggle with this one.
How do we overcome these upper-limiting beliefs?
The first way to deal with this kind of fear is to shine a light on it.
- Expose it for what it is–the lie trying to stop you from living your best life God's called you to.
- Ask Why? Like, where did that come from?
- Did someone impose that rule or thought on me growing up? Or did I impose it on myself?
You are created for greatness…shine a light on your fear and remove the upper limiting belief so you can break through to greater success and joy.
You got this!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Check out these resources:
Zone of Genius worksheet: Six questions to uncover your Zone of Genius
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/genius
Get your pillows, t-shirts, mugs and water bottles with "enough awesome to go around."
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store?category=Enough+Awesome
Book: Big Leap by Gay Hendricks *
https://amzn.to/3PRvKVi
*affiliate link - I will receive a small commission by purchasing this book through this link.
Do you ever feel like your work is sucking the life out of you?
Are you great at what you do but don't feel fulfilled?
Have you ever wondered, "what am I really good at?"
- Today is for you; if you've ever thought, I'm not sure I have gifts that bring real value to others.
- I'm also talking to you today if you want to discover the key to going to the next level in your contribution or your purpose.
- Or maybe you are great at what you do, but you don't feel satisfied and wonder if there's more to life…this episode is for you too.
That was me. I was stuck doing admin stuff most of my life–it drains me.
When I discovered my Zone of Genius, it changed everything for me.
Our Creator uniquely designed you with a Zone of Genius.
What is the Zone of Genius, you ask?
Being a Speaker, accountant, teacher, businesswoman, entrepreneur or mother is something we DO.
Our Zone of Genius is what makes us unique in HOW we accomplish those tasks.
4 Zones work and live out of:
Zone of Incompetence: You're NOT good at this.
Zone of Competence: You're okay at it, but many others can do it better than you.
Zone of Excellence: You're really good at this and get lots of accolades. It's not that area that brings you the most satisfaction and fulfillment, though.
Zone of Genius: This is the area you get the most satisfaction, and it's your greatest calling. You can do it for long periods, and it doesn't feel like work.
We want to live in the Zone of Genius as much as possible.
How do you discover Zone of Genius?
It's like those Russian nesting dolls. Each layer of yourself you crack open gives you clarity to your Zone of Genius.
Answer these Q's to discover your Zone of Genius:
-
When you were five years old, what was your favorite activity to do? Why?
-
What was your favorite thing to do when you were 12 years old? Why?
-
What is your favorite thing(s) to do now, and can you do it for long periods without getting bored?
4. What work or past work experience do you do that doesn't feel like work?
You feel a spark or energy.
- What produces the highest abundance, satisfaction and fulfillment ratio for YOU in your life?
Now, look at the answers to all your questions. Look for the patterns.
- What is your unique ability (Your Zone of Genius)?
Schedule time to use your Zone of Genius to serve you and others–even this week.
The more you work in your Zone of Genius, the more fulfilled you'll feel in stepping into your God-given purpose.
If you'd like that worksheet with the six questions to discover your Zone of Genius, head over to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/genius and sign up.
Now, I know once we start living more in our Zone of Genius and reaching for our dreams, we hit fears and roadblocks.
Next episode, I'll pack the biggest limits that hold us back from living in our Zone of Genius.
You got this!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Here is a framework to make sure you have goals you can truly run with:
SMARTER Goal Framework by Michael Hyatt
Specific:
Specifically, identify the goal, so it's clear what you're trying to achieve.
i.e., Write a book, start a podcast, declutter my home, etc.
Measurable:
Quantify your results so you can be sure you're on track.
i.e., Write a book three days per week for 30 minutes.
In this example, notice you can measure progress by days of the week and time spent on writing.
Actionable:
Start with an action verb instead of a "to be" verb. i.e., run, drink, quit, finish versus am, be, have.
In our previous example, write the train the trainer manual three days a week for 60 minutes–write is the action word used.
Risky:
Risky goals should stretch and challenge you but shouldn't be unrealistic. Set yourself up for success instead of failure.
i.e., Declutter my home in a day sets me up for failure. Decluttering a room in a day is risky.
Time-Bound:
Put a specific time frame with each commitment.
i.e., four times per week, daily, monthly, etc.
Exciting:
The commitment must inspire you, or you're not likely to follow through. Internal motivation is more powerful than "have to" motivation. Your reason for this goal is what helps you get through the messy middle.
Relevant:
Your commitments will look different for different seasons of your life.
i.e., a mom with young kids will have less discretionary time than someone who's an empty nester, doesn't have kids or is single.
Once you create your goals, follow these steps to get those goals done:
1. Write down your goals somewhere you can see them regularly
If they're shoved in a drawer, you'll forget about them; out of sight, out of mind.
2. Chunk down your goals into doable steps
Break down your goals into daily small baby steps
Each day do one small thing that moves you towards your goal.
3. Review your goals daily or weekly
Again, out of sight, out of mind.
See where you're at with your goal—Prep the next week with those small doable steps.
You're moving towards your God-given purpose when you take those doable daily steps.
Always give yourself grace. Fall down one day or two weeks? Pick yourself back up and keep moving forward.
You got this!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Resources:
Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals by Michael Hyatt
https://amzn.to/3ghELul This gives you the goal framework.
All It Takes Is A Goal podcast - by Jon Acuff
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-it-takes-is-a-goal/id1547078080
Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff
https://amzn.to/3DdMdjm
Get this one if you struggle to get to the goal finish line!!
How do you get what you want?
How do you achieve your dreams when they seem soooo big?!
Have you ever made goals but never finished them? Yea, me too!
Over the last two podcast episodes, you learned who you are and what you want.
Now, today I'm talking about how to get what you want.
Today is for you if you need help creating a plan to achieve your dreams.
I'm talking to you if you struggle to make or keep goals.
"I've never met a goal I couldn't ignore. That was me for years."
Here are three ways to achieve your goals. Next episode, we'll actually create the goals.
1. Pray for guidance
Ask Father for wisdom.
Pray for which goals to do and which ones not to do.
James 1:5 NASB
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Proverbs 16:13 NASB
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
We don't want just to achieve goals, but we want to aim for something that changes lives and us in the process.
2. Start Small
Start with 1 to 3 goals max if you've struggled to make and keep goals.
Goals are really baby steps to keep you on the path, so you end up where you planned for your life to go.
3. Discover and Remove the Blocks
Seven years ago, I lost 40 pounds. I have tried that before but always failed. Why did I do it this time and couldn't do it all the other times I tried?
What stopped me the other times? I had a block. I didn't realize that food equals family, and if I say no to food, I'm saying no to family.
When I removed the block, I accomplished the goal.
Blocks are wrong mindsets that we need to rewrite.
What is really blocking you from achieving your goals? What's the real issue?
Dig out and discover the block. Then remove it. Rewrite it.
- Do you think you're undisciplined? Rewrite it so that you just need accountability to get done what you want to do for yourself.
- Do you rebel against goals? Rewrite that goal, so you bake in options for yourself.
- Do you procrastinate? Rewrite that goal so that it doesn't have to be perfect.
Don't forget to give yourself grace when you fall or don't do what you said you would do.
So, what's one baby step you can start today that will bring you closer to your big picture?
Tomorrow I'll talk about how to craft your goals with a framework, so you make your goals more effective.
If you want more help on goals, here are two books that were amazingly helpful for me.
Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals by Michael Hyatt
Click here if you need help crafting goals.
Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff
Click here if you struggle to get to the goal finish line!!
You got this!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you know what you want in life?
Are you clear about your goals or dreams?
Do you know what you’re passionate about?
Today is for you if you want to live a life of significance.
I’m also talking to you if you’re unclear about your dreams but you want to be.
Here are three questions that will clarify your calling:
1. What makes you angry?
What injustices get your hackles up? What do you want to make right in the world?
2. What makes your heart break?
Where are people hurting that you want to heal or help?
3. What do you love doing that you could do for hours and doesn’t feel like work?
Notice where you sense energy or a spark.
Now, look at your answers to these questions and find the through-line–the common denominator.
Then try it out. See if you still love it or if it’s not your thing.
If you need some help exploring your calling, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form to have a discovery session with me.
Let’s see if we’re a great fit to work together so you can discover what you want in life so you can, stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
You got this!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Who are you?
What do you stand for?
Do you know your strengths?
Are you aware of your weaknesses?
- Today is for you if you desire to be all God’s called you to be.
- I’m also talking to you if you struggle to realize your strengths. Like you think you got left holding the empty bag when the gifts got handed out.
- And, if you’re avoiding facing up to your weaknesses as I did, I’m also talking to you today.
Knowing who we are is key to fulfilling our God-given purpose. Our identity comprises many things, but today I want to talk to you about three areas.
1. What are your values?
What do you stand for?
Excellence?
Freedom?
Honesty?
Family?
List 5 to 10 of your top values.
I value:
- Courage
- Love
- Grace
- Clever
- Joy
2. What are your strengths?
Yes, you have strengths. What are they? List them out.
If we think we don’t have any gifts or talents, it’s really a form of false humility to think God left us out.
I am a courageous, loving, gracious, clever, joyful woman of God.
Who are you?
3. What are your weaknesses?
We all have them. We shouldn’t condemn ourselves, and we also need to face them.
We need to choose to work on them and not let them be an excuse to stay where we are.
“That’s who I am; deal with it,” shouldn’t be in our vocabulary.
Dealing with my weaknesses allows me to show up as my best self!
When you embrace these areas, you can work towards being your best self, and it allows you to step into all God’s called you to.
If you’re enjoying the podcast and know someone who can benefit from it, please share it with a friend.
You got this!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
What do you do to grow?
How do you become your best self?
Have you ever had someone recommend a book to you that changed your life?
Today is for you if you love personal development and are on a journey to grow.
I’m also talking to you if you’re at a point you need some more ideas on good books to read.
Maybe you want to grow but are unsure where to start looking; I’m especially talking to you.
How I read a book:
-
Glean what are God’s principles and what I need
-
Thing I don’t know if they’re right, I shelf for a moment and research to see if I want to implement or let it go
-
Let go of what I don’t believe or don’t feel is right for me
*Find all links here: https://www.heatherlbunch.com/blog/2022/9/23/books-that-changed-my-life-and-can-change-yours-too
Personal & Professional Development Books:
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins
Take Control of your Life: How to Silence Fear and Win the Mental Game by Mel Robbins
Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson & Ken Blanchard
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
Captivate: The science of succeeding with people by Vanessa Van Edwards
Cues: Master the secret language of charismatic communication by Vanessa Van Edwards
The Seven Decisions: Understanding the keys to personal success by Andy Andrews
The Bottom of the Pool: Thinking beyond your boundaries to achieve extraordinary results by Andy Andrews
Finish: Give yourself the gift of done by Jon Acuff
Your Best Year Ever: A 5-step plan for achieving your most important goals by Michael Hyatt
Living Forward: A proven plan to stop drifting and get the life you want by Michael Hyatt & Daniel Harkavy
The Compound Effect: Jumpstart your income, your life, your success by Darren Hardy
Personality Typing Books:
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
The 4 Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
The Road Back to You by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile (start here if you don’t know the Enneagram or beginning your journey)
The Story of You by Ian Cron (Do this one 2nd or start here if you already know your Enneagram type)
The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth by Christopher Heuertz
Fear, Anxiety & Mindset Books:
The 4:8 Principle: The secret to a joy-filled life by Tommy Newberry
Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff
Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf
Clean Up Your Mental Mess by Dr. Caroline Leaf
Fearless Living by Rhonda Britten
Try Softer: A fresh approach to move us out of anxiety, stress, and survival mode–and into a life of connection and joy by Aundi Kolber
Anxiety Rx: A New Prescription for Anxiety Relief from the Doctor Who Created It by Dr. Russell Kennedy
Spiritual Books:
Grace Revolution by Joseph Prince
The Shack: Where tragedy confronts eternity by WM. Paul Young (Fiction book that opens your mind to the beauty of the trinity)
Uninvited: Living Loved when you feel less than, left out and lonely by Lisa TerKerurst
Sit, Walk, Stand: The process of Christian Maturity by Watchman Nee
Yes, And: Daily meditations by Richard Rohr
Fiction Books:
The Travelers Gift by Andy Andrews
Heartmender by Andy Andrews
The Noticer Series by Andy Andrews - my favorite is #3 Just Jones
Tales from Sawyerton Springs by Andy Andrews
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (get the audio version with Jeremy Irons!)
You got this!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
Do you quit when it gets hard?
Do you quit when you can’t win?
Do you quit when it’s not perfect?
Do you quit when it stops being fun?
- Today is for you if you have a dream but find you’re getting nowhere fast.
- It’s also for you if you have a habit of quitting.
- And I’m especially talking to you if you feel like you’re taking one step forward and two steps back.
I’m not just a professional hider; I’m also a professional quitter since my childhood. I’ve missed out on all kinds of things for decades.
Quitting gets us nowhere fast, and we can never fulfill God’s call on our life if we keep giving up.
“When confronted with a challenge, the committed heart will search for a solution. The undecided heart searches for an escape.” - Andy Andrews in the Seven Decisions.
Here are three simple steps to go from professional quitter to professional committer:
1. Never Give Up–Never Surrender
Keep moving forward even if you don’t feel like it, even if you’re afraid, and even if it gets hard.
2. Go for No
Commit to doing the journey no matter whether you win or not. Keep moving forward, no matter the results. Do that thing anyway, even if it’s not perfect.
3. Debunk the Excuses
Fear is really a pretty package wrapped in an excuse.
Unwrap the fear, expose it for what it is and how it’s stopping you.
Then do steps one and two:
Never Give Up–Never Surrender
Go for No
Commit to fulfilling your dreams, and you'll discover the solutions to move you forward no matter what.
You’ll never regret trying and failing, but you’ll always regret not trying and escaping.
If you need help overcoming the fear that’s been wrapped in those excuses, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back from fulfilling your dreams.
You got this!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you ever feel like you never do enough, or I’ll celebrate when I get that big one done?
Have you ever struggled to feel ashamed to share a win? Will they think I’m bragging?
Do you hear others share wins and feel left out?
Do you feel a twinge of jealousy when others win?
Today is for you if:
- You struggle to acknowledge yourself for the good you do.
- Want to learn to celebrate yourself as others do.
- You want to stop jealousy when others do better things than you.
I shared with my friends when I hit 500 plays in this podcast and celebrated that small win! It felt awesome!!
Celebrate the small wins
When we celebrate our wins, it helps us enjoy life. It helps us appreciate ourselves more.
Celebrate any forward movement
Celebrating forward movement also keeps us moving toward our goals.
Celebrate other’s wins
When we can celebrate others, it makes their day and ours.
Wins are forward movement toward your calling.
So what can you celebrate?
Celebrating your wins and others’ wins brings everyone up and keeps us moving toward our God-given purpose.
If you’re a businesswoman or entrepreneur looking for other businesswomen who love God and are like-minded, I want to invite you to check out Woman of Audacious Faith. This group of ladies is where I learned to celebrate myself and celebrate others’ wins. They’ll help you too if you need that!
We have a free Facebook group where we can ask questions, help others and celebrate with each other. We also meet on Zoom on the first Friday of the month for encouragement, connection and growth in our faith and business.
Click here to find the group on Facebook and https://www.facebook.com/groups/wafcommunity, then click JOIN to sign-up.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free.
How do you handle conflict?
Do you shy away? Hit it head-on? Mediate? Give in?
Do you say, “what conflict”?
- Today is for you if you want to learn how to deal with conflict in a healthy way.
- I’m also talking to you about how conflict can bring you closer together.
- I’m especially talking to you if you want to stop being a doormat. Or if you’re the one pushing others to be the doormat.
We all deal with conflict in different ways.
- Some people are aggressive and seek out conflict.
- Some of you are assertive; you don’t seek it out, but it doesn’t bother you to engage with it.
- Others of you are compliant and go with the flow.
- Then there are those of us that run away from conflict. That was me!
Here are six tips for creating healthy conflict:
1. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes
How do they see it? They may not see it how you do.
This changes your perspective.
2. Talk respectfully
Treat each other how you want to be treated.
Remember that Golden Rule? It still applies.
3. Be honest with others
Don’t hide what you’re feeling or thinking. Be honest. Be open and vulnerable.
Don’t forget that part about talking respectfully to each other.
4. Be honest with yourself
If you’re the issue, be honest and admit that.
If you’re bothered by something because it’s a trigger, admit that story.
Own your part and ask forgiveness.
5. Stick it out
Finished the conversation, forgive and let it go.
Keep your slate clean, so the conflicts don’t keep building and building and cause more issues.
6. Take a break if you need it, and come back and finish the conversation
Sometimes you do need to walk away or process before finishing the conversation.
But here’s the key: Admit what you need and ask for the space.
Then come back and resolve the conversation.
As you work through conflict in healthy ways, your relationship goes deeper.
If you need help overcoming the fear of conflict, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear of conflict so you can create deeper relationships.
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever thought after some incident you’re not proud of, “WHAT WAS I THINKING?!”
Do you want to fulfill your purpose and know there’s something blocking you but aren’t sure what?
Do you find yourself missing out on moments because your mind is somewhere else?
In this episode, I’m going to show you how to use mindfulness to become your best self.
- Today is for you if you want to improve you, improve your relationship and improve your life.
- I’m also talking to you if you want to remove what’a blocking your ability to change.
- And, I’m especially talking to you today if you want to be your best self and stop the judgement and blame that's keeping you stuck.
Here’s the thing; we can’t fix what we know is an issue. Mindfulness puts us in a state so we can see what is and allows us to see what needs to change and what needs to go.
What is mindfulness exactly?
Here’s the ABCs of mindfulness
A - Awareness
See what is
B - Be Present
Be in the moment instead of in your head, in the past or in the future.
C - Compassionate Self-Awareness
You’re not judgmental and you don’t let yourself off the hook. You just admit your issue without the inner critic.
Now, here’s the thing. Once we’re become aware what needs to change in us, then we can do something about it.
How?
1. Capture
Capture in the moment and see the patterns and blindspots so you can look at them. Why do you do what you do?
2. Challenge
Challenge your behavior or feelings.
Challenge your thoughts that led to this behavior.
Ask yourself:
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it helpful?
3. Choose
Choose a new thought, feeling and action.
We have the power to change because we think, we feel and we choose.
It’s in our control.
When you change your thoughts, you change your future. But first you need to become aware through mindfulness what’s really going on.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate and review it if you haven’t already! Thank you to those of you who have reviewed the podcast already!!
Also, if this episode will help a friend, please share it with them!
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever had bad things that happen to you? Yea, me too.
Do these things prevent you from moving forward?
Is it possible to view issues in life another way?
- I’m talking to you today if you’re tired of issues in life holding you back.
- Today is for you if you feel like a victim but it’s got you stuck.
- Today is especially for you if you need more power in your court to fulfill your calling.
Life happens. We all have terrible, crappy things that happen in our lives.
Do we let those things be a period in our lives or a comma?
- Commas give you pause, and then you move forward.
- Periods stop you in your tracks.
You get to decide how you view what happens to you.
Are you going to pause and learn from that problem and then move forward?
Or will you let that thing stop you from doing what God’s called you to do?
You can decide if that circumstance is a comma in your life or a period.
I want you to look at the periods in your life and the events that have held you back. Then ask God to show you how you can turn this issue into a comma, how you can pause, learn and move forward.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate and review it if you haven’t already! Thank you to those of you who have reviewed the podcast already!!
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Resources:
A Joy-Filled Life Online Course: Learning to Live Beyond Your Circumstances $47: https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store/a-joy-filled-life-course
The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life by Tommy Newberry *: https://amzn.to/3fX3YKk
40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life: Living the 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry *: https://amzn.to/3SOqG6c
*Books are an Amazon affiliate link; I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through this link.
Have you ever had one of those days?
You know, the kind where you just feel off.
How can you pull out of that quickly and not let it drag on?
Is there a way to change your mood even when you’re unsure what’s wrong?
Today I’m talking about two simple words that can instantly change your mood.
Today is for you if:
- If you’ve ever woken up on the wrong side of the bed, but you’re not sure why.
- You’re tired of just not feeling yourself. Like it happens way too often.
- You’re ready to enjoy life more.
I remember when I got in an off mood, it would sometimes take me hours or even days to get back to normal.
But I discovered two words that changed everything; two words that instantly changed my mood.
Happy Triggers.
What are Happy Triggers, you ask?
A trigger is something that sets off an action or response.
So, Happy Triggers create a happy response.
How do you create Happy Triggers?
Just think of some things in your life that make you smile when you think of them.
So, what triggers a happy response when you think of it?
My happy triggers are:
- Movie quotes with my husband.
- “never give up, never surrender.”
- “I don’t think that word means what you think it means.”
- Nerdy backpack and Mickey ears collection
- Disney World.
- Remembering all the fun times we’ve had there always brings me joy.
So, what are your Happy Triggers?
Come up with 3 - 5 triggers.
Then pull them out when you’re feeling down for a quick pick me up.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Does your dog do something cute when you give her a treat, and you smile every time you think of it?
- How about your kids? Do they do anything that makes you smile?
- Maybe there’s a movie that always makes you laugh.
- Or that “dad joke” your husband always pulls out to make your kids cringe.
You might be thinking, “This is too simple! How could Happy Triggers possibly work?”
Happy Triggers work because we can’t think a negative thought and a positive thought at the same time. Your dominant thought will push the other thought out of your head.
Our mind is so powerful. God designed us to feel what we’re thinking. So when we choose thoughts that make us smile and bring joy to our lives, we will also begin to feel happier.
We’re not victims of our thoughts–we’re the designers of it.
So, let’s choose to use that power and bring more joy into our lives.
“First we make choices and then our choices make us.” - Andy Andrews in the 7 Decisions.
So, come up with 3 - 5 happy triggers and watch your mood lift.
You got this!
If you’ve got a friend that this podcast can help, please share it with them.
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you want to do something significant, but fear holds you back?
Are you waiting to feel brave so you can step out?
How’s that working for you? Yea, it didn’t work for me either.
Today is for you if you need some help being brave.
If you’re unsure or doubt yourself, I’m talking to you too.
If you’re tired of waiting for your life of significance to come to you, today is your day!
Courage isn’t the absence of fear–it’s doing it afraid anyway.
So how do you do it afraid anyway?
Courage is like a power plant.
Power plants don’t have energy; they generate energy.
We don’t have courage–we generate it!
Here are four steps to generate courage:
1. Name it
What do you want to do that you need courage for? Name it.
You must feel strongly about what you want, or you won’t bother to do what’s necessary to push past the fear.
2. Take it to God
Ask for wisdom, clarity and favor.
Proverbs 21:31 NIV
The horse is made ready for battle, but victory rests with the Lord.
3. Make a Plan
Think steps, not leaps. What are the small steps you can take toward your dream?
4. Go for it
Take the steps.
You generate courage as you go for it.
Each time you step out, you generate more courage for the next step.
As you take more steps, your courage builds and builds.
Each step moves you closer to your life of significance.
If you need more help generating courage, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back so you can live your life of significance.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you get triggered at the drop of a hat?
Do you overreact to situations or people?
How do you respond when life doesn’t go like you thought it would?
In this episode, I will show you how to turn your triggers upside down so you can go from overreacting to responding in a healthy way.
- Today is for you if you want to learn how to respond instead of reacting.
- I will also be talking to you if you’re tired of overreacting.
- Or, if your family is tired of your overreacting, today is especially for you.
We all have expectations of how we think life should happen or people should be.
When our reality and expectations don’t match, we get triggered.
The bigger the gap, the more we’re triggered.
First, you need to know you can’t control others or your circumstances, but you can control yourself and how you respond.
Here are four questions to turn those triggers upside down and learn to respond instead of reacting.
1. What’s the trigger?
Is it when the kids fight?
The car breaks down?
There is more month than money left?
You probably have more than one trigger. What are they? Write those down.
2. What’s the pattern?
How do you respond?
Yell? Stress? Fear? Overbearing?
3. What’s the real problem?
What is the root?
My root is I think life should be 100% peaceful. So when peace or harmony is broken, like when the kids fight, I yell and stress out on them.
But, life won’t be 100% harmonious, so my expectation is unrealistic.
4. How can I respond differently?
When I turned my expectation that life has to be 100% harmonious to, life will not always be peaceful; I can respond calmly and actually get to keep my peace in the end.
Pre-determine your new responses will help you respond instead of reacting on autopilot.
When you change your triggers, you change your life.
You got this!
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate and review it!
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
I’m wondering, have you been rewriting your story, but you got stuck?
What is my new story supposed to look like?
Maybe you’re struggling to dream or dream at all.
Today is for you if:
- You’re trying to dream but feel stuck.
- You want to live out your purpose but don’t know what it looks like.
- You don’t know how to find this purpose but want to.
I struggled to discover my dream. It took me years to uncover it and move into my dream.
I want to give you some of the steps I took to uncover my purpose so you can find yours too.
1. Build awareness
Become aware of what you don’t like, what you only find is okay and what lights you up.
2. Explore without commitment
Try on dreams like new clothes. See if it fits. If it doesn’t, put it in the discard pile. If you love it, keep it.
3. Do more of what lights you up and drop what you don’t prefer
God says He’ll give you the desires of your heart, but you have to discover them, try them on, and see if they fit. Then you’ll get to do more of what lights you up.
Keep exploring and trying things on. Then do more of what lights you up. These are like puzzle pieces that, when put together, will make up your life of purpose.
If you need some help exploring your purpose, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form to have a discovery session with me.
Let’s see if we’re a great fit to work together so you can discover your path to transformation so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever walked into a room full of people and still felt alone?
Does your marriage feel more like roommates or a transaction?
Is your relationship with God a to-do list, but you rarely feel close to Him?
Today is for you if you’re tired of feeling lonely or disconnected from friends, your spouse or God.
“Intimacy is our capacity for closeness and tenderness towards others.” – Richard Rohr.
Intimacy is what opens the door to closeness. It dissipates the loneliness.
Intimacy changes everything, including the way you live, love and communicate.
How do we achieve intimacy?
1. Let yourself out
Start with your relationship with God. It’s the safest place to start.
Intimacy is risky self-disclosure.
Sit with Father like you’re having a cup of coffee and a piece of pie with a friend.
As you do, you’ll get more comfortable.
2. Let others in
You have to let the wall down to let others in too.
Again, start with letting Father in. When you know how loved you are by your Heavenly Father; you can receive His love and give it to others.
You got this! You can do this!! And, you’re not doing it alone; your Father is with you every step of the way!
If this podcast is helping you, can you share it with a friend that needs it, please?
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you want to live a life of significance, yet something is blocking you?
Do you ever feel like you’re too young or too old?
Maybe you think you’re not creative enough or smart enough to do something great.
Have you ever thought that stepping into your God-given purpose will cause more stress, not less, or you might be a burden on your family?
Today is for you if
- You’ve worked on writing a new story for your life, but something is still blocking you from doing it.
- You’re tired of fear holding you back.
- You’re ready to stop hiding, ready to show up fully yourself, and ready to fulfill your God-given purpose.
How do we get rid of the blocks holding us back?
First, blocks are really excuses. They’re reasons we give not to push ourselves past the fears and do what we’re called to do.
1. Shine a light on the excuses
When you shine a light on the excuses, you can see them for what they are.
Maybe they look like:
- I’m too young, too old, too many mistakes or too slow.
- I’m not enough, not smart, not networked, not creative, not worthy, not enough money, or not enough time.
- Or, it will cause more problems, more stress or become a burden on the family.
2. Rewrite the excuses
If you think I don’t have enough time, you could rewrite that excuse as “Where do I have pockets of time.” Then use that.
Too old could be “I have a lot of experience to pull from.”
Not enough money could be “what can I do that is free or inexpensive?”
Turn those excuses on their head. Flip them. Make them work for you.
3. Do the next right thing
You must push past the excuses and step toward your dreams.
You got this! You can do this!!
If this podcast is helping you, can you share it with a friend that needs it, please?
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
What’s your old story?
- Do you have to outshine others?
- Do you have to be perfect?
- Do you have to be the strong one?
- Do you have to keep the peace?
How’s that story working out for you?
Are you ready to rewrite your story?
Today is for you if:
- You’re tired of your old story holding you back.
- You want to create a new brighter future.
- You’re ready to release the habits dragging you down and step into actions that give life to your story.
Over the last few episodes, we figured out the old story holding us back. We’ve learned how to own it and take responsibility for our part in the story, and own our strengths that helped us survive in our story.
Today it’s time to rewrite your story.
1. Pray
Go to God first. He’s there to give you wisdom and clarity to rewrite your story.
2. Rename the story
First, name your old story. What movie title or book title would you give your old story?
For me, it was Invisible Girl.
Then name your new story.
My new story name is I’ve got a golden ticket.
Because I used to feel like Charlie Bucket staring in the candy store window, he got the golden ticket and got to go to the Wonka factory. But, my favorite part is Charlie won the grand prize by being himself.
3. Write your new story
What do you want? What legacy do you want to leave?
What would your life of significance look like?
Brainstorm your story.
You can write it down or record it as a voice memo. Whatever works for you.
You may need to go back to it and keep tweaking it. Over time you’ll create a beautiful story you want to step into.
4. Do the next right action
Live in your new story, one step at a time.
Do the next right thing.
If your old story says to hide, then take the step to shine.
If your old story says no one wants to hear your voice, speak up.
If your old story tries to keep you living in shame, then speak the truth that you are the righteousness of God in CHRIST JESUS and show up fully you.
Do that thing you’re afraid to do and do it every day. Do the next right action. As you do, you’re stepping into your new story creating a bigger, brighter future one step at a time.
If you need help or want someone to come alongside you to help you rewrite your story so you can fulfill your God-given purpose, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form to have a discovery session with me.
Let’s see if we’re a great fit to work together so you can discover your new story so you can, stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
When you look at your old story, can you only see the bad?
Is it possible there’s good in your old story?
Could there be any gifts your old story gave you?
Today is for you if you feel broken or unworthy because of your old story.
Maybe you can’t see any positive in your old story, and it’s keeping you from seeing what good can come in your future. I’m talking to you today.
Last episode, #72, We owned our old story. We took responsibility where we needed to and didn’t take responsibility that wasn’t ours to own. We also owned the cost of staying in our old story.
But it’s not all bad!
We need to own the GOOD.
Here are three ways to own the good in your old story.
1. What are your strengths?
You have strengths that you used in your old story. Where were you strong?
I am a moderator, a mediator. I can see all sides and bring people together.
2. How did those strengths show up in your old story? Where in your childhood and adulthood?
In my childhood, I always rescued my little brother from my older brother. I was also the mediator between my parents.
In my adulthood, being a mediator and seeing all the sides allowed me to see my part in my first marriage’s failure. I could see my former husband’s side of the story.
I used my strength for good to help others.
How about you?
3. What are the gifts your old story gave you?
Acknowledge those gifts.
The gift of learning to be a mediator helps me be a peacemaker with others and bring people together that have different views and beliefs. That’s a gift my old story gave me.
That is a part of my old story I want to take into my new story.
How about you? What are the gifts in your old story, and what do you want to take into your new story?
You got this!
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate and review it!
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
What’s your old story? Is it serving you?
Does your old story keep you stuck?
What is it costing you?
Does your old story keep you the victim?
Today is for you if:
- You feel like the world is against you.
- You aren’t growing like you want or feel stuck.
- You can’t see a better future for yourself.
First, we need to discover our old story, that story we created in childhood, to keep ourselves safe.
If you want some help pulling out that old story, check out episode 70: Is your old story holding you back?
Once we know our old story, we need to create a new one–rewrite our story.
The first thing we need to do to rewrite our old story is to OWN IT!
We must own our old story in three areas:
1. Own your responsibility
What’s your part in the story?
Own that.
2. Don’t own other people’s responsibility
Own your part, but don’t own someone else’s part in the story.
3. Own the cost
What is it costing you to hang on to this old story?
- What does it cost your relationships?
- How about your finances? Debt?
- What does it cost your body? Stress? Aches, pains, diseases?
- What does it cost your dreams? Is it keeping you stuck?
- Did you give up on your dreams? Are you settling for less than God’s best?
When you own your old story, you take your power back.
When you own your old story, it allows you to move on so you can rewrite your story.
If you want help overcoming the old story holding you back because fear is gripping you, please get my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/. Sign up, and I’ll get you those habits that will change your life!
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back and help you rewrite a new story that opens the door to a bigger, brighter future.
You’ve got this!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Do you have a case of the NEVERs?
- I’ll never have…
- I’ll never do…
- I’ll never be…
Today is for you if:
- You have a dream, but the Nevers are holding you back.
- You want a dream but don’t.
- You had a dream but lost it.
I’ve experienced all of the above! Fear held me back for decades.
I will share with you three steps to fulfill your God-given purpose. I’ve personally walked through these steps and continue to use them to keep dreaming and living my life of significance.
1. Want it
You have to want it bad enough so you can move out of your comfort zone.
You’ll stay in your comfy comfort zone if you don’t want it enough.
Ask yourself, “why do I want to fulfill my dreams?”
2. Do it afraid
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. You don’t have to wait to do it until you’re not afraid anymore. Do it afraid anyway. That’s the definition of courage.
Every time stretch out of your comfort zone, it gets a little bit easier, and you gain confidence.
Keep doing it, afraid!!
3. Keep moving towards it
Keep moving forward. Give yourself grace and self-compassion when you fail, fall or never step out.
Pick yourself back up and keep moving towards your dreams.
Don’t give up.
Every day you keep moving forward, you’re living your life of significance!
If you need help kicking fear to the curb, get up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/. Sign up, and I’ll get you those habits that will change your life!
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back and keep you walking toward your dreams and living your life of significance.
You’ve got this!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Is there a story holding you back from being your best self?
Are there any you've experienced when you were younger that still affect you today?
Do you have any fears?
Rejection? I’m not good enough. It’s not okay to be angry. I have to keep the peace.
Today is for you if:
- You feel like something is holding you back.
- You hit a wall when you try and step out of your comfort zone.
- Your past affects how you show up now and how you think your future will turn out.
The story in our mind becomes the story in our lives.
When I saw the patterns in my old story, I could see what was holding me back from being fully me and stepping into all God’s called me to.
What’s your story?
1. Write your old story down.
Set a timer for 20 - 30 minutes and start writing the major (or minor) events in your life that affected you–good and bad.
Try to come up with at least five good and five negative events.
Who are the people who helped you, and who are the people who hindered or hurt you?
2. Look for patterns.
Look for the themes or patterns in your story.
For me, my issues came down to imagination (fear of getting hurt), intimacy (fear of rejection), and identity (fear of never measuring up).
3. Interrogate your story.
Have these patterns affected you through the years?
How have they kept you safe or helped you?
How have they hurt you or held you back?
You can't fix what you don't know is an issue. So uncover that story.
Next episode, we’ll learn how to rewrite our stories so we can overcome what’s holding us back and change our future.
You got this!
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate and review it!
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
*Resources:
-
The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile: https://amzn.to/3r242e9
-
The Road Back to You Study Guide: https://amzn.to/3Uzc2Rj
-
The Story of You: An Enneagram Journey to Becoming Your True Self by Ian Cron: https://amzn.to/3LAlIHr
-
The Story of You Workbook: An Enneagram Guide to Becoming Your True Self: https://amzn.to/3dxvrlj
*Amazon affiliate link - I will receive a small commission if you purchase through this link
Have you ever had a bad moment that stole your joy and turned your good day into a bad day?
Does it ever feel like your bad day had babies? Like the bad day turned into a bad week, month and year.
Do other people's moods, drama or issues affect you and how your day goes?
Today is for you if:
- You get swayed by the moods, drama and issues of those around you.
- You wake up feeling bad and then think it means it's going to be a bad day.
- You're tired of the constant string of bad days and are ready for some good ones to come your way.
Three ways to turn your bad day into a good day:
1. Good days are a choice.
It's your choice.
We get to choose if that bad moment will mean we have a bad day.
2. Good days aren't dictated by others' choices.
Bad days are not bad days. They're bad moments.
We don't let others people's moods, issues or drama affect if we're going to have a good day.
People can't steal your joy unless you give them that right. Don't give them that right.
3. Good days start on the inside.
My friend, coach, author and spiritual director, Jackie Trottmann, says this: Joy is an inside job.
It starts with our thoughts and what we choose to think about the day.
We think > We feel > We choose
It's not a bad day; it's a bad moment. Keep it a moment.
You get to choose to have a good day. Don't have to care what anyone else says.
If you need help getting your imagination working for you instead of against you, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help strengthen your thoughts so you can choose a good day over that bad moment. It will help you overcome the fear that may be keeping you stuck.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
What do you do when you don’t get what you want?
How do you react when something doesn’t go as planned?
How do you cope when things don’t go your way?
Today is for you if:
- You get unemotional, logical or efficient when there’s an issue to fix.
- You’re over dramatic, defensive or confrontational when you run into conflict.
- You escape conflict by looking for the good in others, searching for the silver lining no matter what happens, or going along to get along.
What do you handle when you don’t get what you want?
There are three conflict styles–three ways we act when we don’t get what we want.
1. Competency Style
Put their emotions aside to focus on addressing the issue in efficient ways.
These are the calm, cool and collected people.
2. Reactive Style
All about emotional realness, and they value authentic emotional expression.
Their reactions can be so strong that others feel they’re blaming or targeting them.
It shows up with drama, defensiveness or being confrontational.
3. Positive Outlook Style
Doesn’t that sound fabulous?
No, it’s really escaping, avoiding, denying or distracting yourself from the situation.
They’re always looking for the good in others even if they’ve been hurt, looking for the silver lining or trying to keep the harmony by being a door mat.
Which conflict style do you think you are?
What do you do now that you know? We should balance the conflict styles, pulling on the strengths of what you’re missing.
1. If you’re a Competency Conflict Style:
Connecting to the other styles will allow you to connect with others and what they’re feeling about this issue, problem or crisis. This keeps you more thoughtful instead of saying things like, “just calm down!” Which never helps…LOL.
You can access the reactive and positive styles’ energy and optimism while efficiently taking care of the problem.
2. If you’re a Reactive Conflict Style:
The competency style helps you focus on the resolution instead of moving into “WHY” reaction mode.
The Positive Outlook style gives you a perspective of what’s possible and positive.
3. If you’re a Positive Outlook Conflict Style:
Pulling on the Competency Style helps you stop avoiding the problem and deal with it productively.
Try facing the challenge without reframing or distracting yourself.
Use the power of the Reactive Style by acknowledging what you’re really feeling or thinking.
When you use the positive power of each conflict style, you can resolve issues in effective ways that help you be present at the moment and look towards a positive outcome.
In this episode, I used the Enneagram to break down the Conflict Styles allowing us to deal with conflict in the healthiest way possible.
If you want to discover how the Enneagram can help you be your best self, create deeper connections and live life the way God meant us to, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form to have a discovery session with me.
Let’s see if we’re a great fit to work together so you can discover your path to transformation so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
How do you deal with a problem?
Do you jump into action?
Do you go straight to your head - stuck in the analysis of paralyze?
Or, maybe you go straight to your heart - How will this affect other people?
Today is for you if you:
- You struggle with “fire, ready, aim,” or act before you think.
- You go straight to your head and get stuck overthinking.
- You over-feel, and when problems come, you’re more worried about what others are feeling, and it causes you not to act or not think before you act.
We all have three brains, three centers of intelligence or expression.
- Head - Thinking center
- Heart - Feeling center
- Gut - Action center
Are you think, feel or act first?
Our goal is to balance all three.
- If you usually think first, try acting or feeling first.
- If you typically move or act first, try thinking or feeling first.
- If you normally feel first, try moving or thinking first.
Try one of these options to help you stretch to the opposite:
- If you need to act more: walk, dance break, move your body, stretch or do yoga, or scream.
- If you need to think more: meditate, journal, get it out of your head, and brain dump.
- If you need to Feel more: connect with a friend or spouse and share what you’re feeling, journal what you’re feeling, or meditate.
When we balance our centers of intelligence, we get unstuck. We can solve problems more effectively, connect better with people and do what we need to even when we don’t want to.
In this episode, I used the Enneagram to break down the centers of intelligence/centers of expression to solve problems and get unstuck.
If you want to discover how the Enneagram can help you grow your relationship with God, yourself and others, get unstuck and fulfill your God-given purpose, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form to have a discovery session with me.
Let’s see if we’re a great fit to work together so you can discover your path to transformation so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
What do you think of when you think of God?
Do you think of someone sitting high in the sky with His majestic fly swatter ready to come down on you when you make a mistake?
Or, do you see Him as a loving Father ready to scoop His beloved in His strong arms when you fall?
How about names? What do you call God?
God? Lord? Exalted One? Supreme Being? Alpha and Omega?
Today is for you is:
Have an image of God as a punisher, judge or authoritarian upon His great white throne.
Struggle with feeling close to God or are afraid to come to Him with anything and everything.
Want a deep intimate relationship with God but feel like something is blocking you.
The name you associate with someone reveals a lot about your relationship with that person.
We tend to relate to God the Father how we relate to our earthly fathers. That can be good or bad, depending on your dad.
I want you to know that our Heavenly Father is NOT your earthly father.
Whether you had an incredible father, a mediocre one or a horrendous one, we must realize that our Heavenly Father is infinitely greater, unbelievably more loving and well–perfect.
His love for us surpasses our current understanding of love. His love was so great that He gave up His son, Jesus, so we could have a relationship with Him.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world…
But, there's a name that's even more intimate than Father–it's Daddy.
Romans 8:15b NKJV…you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
Abba in Greek means "Father," it's the term of tender endearment used by a beloved child in an affectionate, dependent relationship with their father as "daddy" ("Papa").
Cry out in the original language means to cry out loudly with an urgent scream or shriek, using "inarticulate shouts that express deep emotion."
Even Jesus in Mark 14:36, He sweated blood as he CRIED out Abba as He was in the Garden of Gethsemane when He knew the cross was near.
"Everyone has experienced pain or disappointments. Everyone has known loneliness. Knowing that God is your Abba Father breathes life into your soul, life which pours out onto the people around you like a river." - Kong Hee
When you're in the middle of pain, disappointment, or hurt. Cry out to your Daddy.
Express to Him how deeply you're feeling.
- Allow your Abba Father to breathe life into your soul.
- Let your Daddy's love for you fill you to overflowing.
- This allows you to experience your Daddy on an intimate level.
- Learning to be cherished by Him,
- resting in His love for you and
- healing your heart.
Then, what's amazing is His love spills out of you onto others like a refreshing river filling their souls too.
I love calling God–Father because he's my loving dad. How do you like to (or want to) imagine your Heavenly Father, your Daddy?
Resources:
Sit, Walk, Stand by Watchman Nee *
Is God The Ultimate Scrooge? blog post by Heather L Bunch
Have you ever had thoughts like this?
I’m not good enough.
I’ll never have enough.
I’m not good at ____________.
Today is for you if:
- Want to stop the negative thinking dragging you down.
- You’re tired of beating yourself up.
- You’re ready to turn your overthinking into a superpower.
How do we break the negative thinking patterns holding us back and stealing our joy?
- Rewrite
Take that negative thought and flip it into a positive thought.
Be sure the new thought is a true thought. And a true thought can be true even if you don’t see it in your life…YET.
- Replace
Use the law of replacement and swap out that negative thought for your new positive thought.
- Rinse and Repeat
Do step 2 over and over until your new positive thought becomes your new pattern…your new overthinking…your superpower.
You got this!
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate and review it!
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
Are you an overthinker?
Do you wait for the other shoe to drop when something good happens?
Are there areas in your life that bring you more fears?
Today I’m sharing with you about overthinking and what we do with it.
Today is for you if:
- You struggle with overthinking, and it keeps you stuck or causes stress or fear.
- You can’t enjoy where you are now because you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop.
- You know there are areas you have more fear in than others.
I’m the courageous coach because I’ve had to work through so much fear.
The wrong thinking pattern I’m working on now is: There’s never enough.
What’s the wrong thought that’s keeping you stuck?
Where did it come from?
Take your thought through these questions to see if you should keep them or change them.
-
Is this thought true?
-
Is this thought helpful?
-
Is this thought kind?
When you believe God and think Phil. 4:8 thoughts…good, worthy and lovely thoughts…you change how you show up in the world. You enjoy the present moment instead of getting stuck in fear of the future.
Next episode, I’ll share how to break these thought patterns.
You got this!
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate and review it!
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
Do you have habits that you wish you could stop?
Have you ever been in the middle of something and thought, “I should stop,” but you kept doing it?
Do you ever have habits that aren’t wholly bad, but they’re keeping you from being all God’s called you to be?
Last episode, #62, we talked about how to keep yourself on the good habitism train. Today we’ll learn how to jump off the bad habitism train.
Today for you if:
- You struggle with habits you want to stop.
- Find yourself in the middle of a habit without even realizing it.
- Know that there are habits that aren’t helping you live the life God’s called you to.
My son coined the term Habitisms.
Habitisms are the practice of habits. It’s receptive behaviors that we adopt, a state of being.
It’s not always just eating, drinking or drug habits.
I had a bad habit of calling myself an idiot when I messed up.
I also walked out of the room when the conflict happened.
Thoughts and behaviors can be habits too.
How do you get rid of bad habits?
1. Why do I do this habit?
When in the middle> ask yourself, “why am I doing this?”
What’s the root:
- Numbing?
- Escaping?
- Bolstering your self-esteem?
- Are you trying to fit in?
2. Replace with a good habitism
Use the law of exchange.
Then, use the trigger that caused the bad habit to trigger a good habit.
- If you usually eat dessert after dinner, make a cup of tea.
- Pick up a game, pick up a book or take a walk.
- Hit the snooze > move phone to another room so have to get up.
What good habitism can you replace the old one with?
3. Give Yourself Grace
- You are the righteousness of God in CHRIST JESUS.
- When we are weak, He is strong.
- Lean on Him.
Even if you jumped back on the bad habitism train…you can get back off again.
One day doesn’t mean you ruined it all.
Bad habitism keep us from living the whole life God’s called us to.
But, when we jump off the bad habitism train, we can jump onto the good habitism train and enjoy life to the fullest!
You got this!
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate and review it!
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
How do you handle good habits? Those things you want to do for your own good?
Do you like them? Embrace them?
Avoid them like the plague? Rebel against them?
Today is for you if:
- You struggle to make good habits or stick to them
- Habits feel like a prison
- Ever called yourself lazy or undisciplined
Growing up, I always called myself lazy and undisciplined because I never seemed to keep up with the good habits I wanted to.
My son Evan calls habits–Habitisms.
So if you struggle with keeping good habits, how do you keep yourself on the habitism train?
1. Know why
Why do you want to form or keep this habit? Discover why it matters to you.
2. Know yourself
My husband is a rebel.
I need accountability
Accountability?
Have people or habit tracking help you or both.
Flexibility?
My husband schedules a calendar with - I can do this or that.
Who says it has to look one way?
3. Give Yourself Grace
One day doesn’t mean you ruined it all.
Even if you fall off the train - get back on.
When you stay on the habit train, you can use it over time to help you fulfill what God’s called you to do.
You got this!
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment and rate and review it!
Thanks a bunch for listening!!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
Resources:
The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People’s Lives Better, Too) by Gretchen Rubin
*Click here to check out the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LeLDnF
*Amazon affiliate link - I will receive a small commission if you purchase through this link
Are you a professional quitter?
When the going gets tough, do you throw in the towel?
Are you afraid you can't do what God's called you to do and want to curl up in a ball instead?
Today I'm going to give you three steps to stop quitting so you can do that hard thing.
1. Decide to get up
Get back on the horse. It's a decision to try again.
2. Get support
You can't do this hard thing alone. Let your friends or spouse know you need their love and support to keep going.
3. Keep moving forward
When it gets tough, keep moving forward. Do it afraid.
If you need to take a moment to regroup, do it. Then, get back on that horse and keep moving forward.
If you want to kick fear to the curb, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back and walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
Have you ever worried that God will come through on His promise?
What if He doesn’t this time?
After all, this one’s “the big one!”
Today we’re talking about the faithfulness of God and whether He will come through when we need Him the most.
Today is for you if:
- Going through a crisis and not sure what to do.
- Struggle to believe God will pull through for you.
- Desperately need God to come through for you, or else you don’t know what you’ll do.
“Experience with God gives us experience with His faithfulness.”
The more we experience God’s goodness, the more we reflect on what He’s done for us in the past. Reflecting gives us confidence He will be faithful with what we’re experiencing now.
Psalm 37:3-5 NKJV
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
Trust here in the Hebrew is to trust, be confident or sure:—be bold (confident, secure, sure), put confidence.
We’re to put our confidence in our Heavenly Father and feed on His faithfulness. He will bring it to pass!
Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
If God was faithful in the past, He’ll be faithful today. If He’s faithful today, He’ll be faithful in our future. We can count on that.
So how can we avoid spiritual amnesia?
1. Thankfulness Journal
Start a journal where you can make notes of anytime God’s been faithful in your life. Write it down, whether it’s big or small.
When you hit a rough patch in your life, sit down and read over your journal and remember.
2. Read Stories Of God’s Faithfulness To Others
Find stories of others who have endured tough times and how God came through.
Some of my favorites:
Joseph: Starting in Genesis 37
Daniel: Daniel 1 - 6
Esther: Book of Esther
Paul: Starting in Acts 8
Try biographies and mémoires too.
You’re not alone. There are many more stories of God’s faithfulness to others throughout history and even today. Look for them, read about them, and be encouraged.
Remember, God doesn’t play favorites.
He’s the same yesterday, today and forever! Believe and rest in that!
Action Step:
Remind yourself of a story of God’s faithfulness in your life, and then share it with someone. You’ll both be encouraged!
If you want to discover more about the faithfulness of God, check out Mirror Moments - a 99-day devotional to inspire and heal a woman’s heart. I had the privilege to co-write it with friends Sharon Fletcher and Donna McDaniel.
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store/mirror-moments-book
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
Are you in the middle of a storm right now?
Does the trial of life have you down?
Today we’re concluding our three-part series on navigating life’s storms.
Today is for you if:
- You’ve ever been through storms and trials in life.
- Or, maybe you’re right in the middle of one right now?
- Over the last few episodes, we’ve been talking about how to believe God that we’re really going to make it to the “other side” during these storms.
If you missed the first two parts, check out episodes 57 and 58.
Today, we’ll explore “Listening” skills to birth God’s faith in us to help us through the hard places in life.
2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…
We have to walk through the trial. But, we don’t have to win the battle. Jesus already has done it for us!
When we focus on the vastness of our Savior instead of the vastness of our trials, we’ll notice more of our precious Jesus instead of the problems.
Here are four “Listening” tools to help us focus on the vastness of our Savior:
Contemplate
Dwell on His nature–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control.
Galatians 5:22 - 23 AMP, 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is…
Think about what Jesus did for us by His death and resurrection.
There’s so much more that He’s given us than just a ticket to Heaven.
See John 10:10b
Spend time in Psalms.
It’s a great place to see God’s nature.
Read About Jesus’ Life
See Hebrews 1:3a
When we see Jesus healing the sick and loving the broken and rejected, we see our Father’s heart.
Communicate
Stay connected to your Heavenly Father by talking to Him continually throughout our day.
Saturate
Try memorizing one scripture a week or even one per month. Then think about it throughout the day.
Personalize scripture with personal pronouns, I and (your name).
Meditate (think on over and over) on His word.
Some good chapters to start with are Psalm 23 & 91 or John 15 (one of my personal favorites).
Appreciate
Go on a gratitude spree.
Record even the smallest thing you’re grateful to God for.
Digital gal? Try the Grateful app.
Look back and remind yourself of His love, blessings and faithfulness.
These skills will build up your “listening” skill, and God’s faith and persuasion will be birthed in you.
So, when those hard times come, and they do, you will be able to “get to the other side” with confidence knowing Jesus is at your side all the way.
Which four tools would you like to incorporate more in your life? Why does that particular tool stand out to you?
If you want to live a life free of fear, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back and walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
Are you experiencing any challenges right now?
How do you handle it when nothing seems to be going right?
Do you feel like you’re walking through the “valley of the shadow of death” right now?
Andy Andrews says it best, “We’re all either in a crisis, coming out of a crisis, or heading for a crisis. That’s just part of being with us on this planet.”
So, if you’re one of these people on the planet, I’m talking to you today.
But, in the last episode, we learned through the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41. Jesus doesn’t want us to die during the storm and teaches us that we can “get to the other side.”
How can we walk through the “valley of the shadow of death”?
How can we “get to the other side” when it looks like the storm will take us out?
FAITH
Faith in Greek is pístis = persuasion. It’s God-given persuasion.
We receive this faith–this God-given persuasion when we “listen.”
How to develop our “listening” skills:
Ask Questions
Asking great questions will help you extract great answers, understand the material you’re trying to grasp and get you thinking in ways you might otherwise overlook.
As you read God’s Word, here are some great questions to get you started:
- What does that word mean?
Pick words in the scripture you’re reading that jump out to you and look up what they really mean in the original language they were written in.
I’m going to link a couple of blog posts I wrote on how to study the Bible that show you how.
The true meaning brings clarity.
- What is Jesus saying to me that I need to “Listen” so God can give me His faith (persuasion)?
Sit and listen.
Re-read.
Sit and listen some more.
The Holy Spirit illuminates God’s Word to you, birthing faith into you.
- How can I apply what I’ve learned to my daily life?
It’s transformation, not information, that changes us…so do something with what you’re learning.
What’s one Question you’d like to explore to develop your “listening” skills this week?
If you want to live a life free of fear, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back and walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
Links:
How To Study The Bible In 5 Simple Steps
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/blog/2017/10/7/how-to-study-the-bible-in-five-simple-steps
How To Dig Deeper Into Your Bible Study - Three Tools To Change Your Life
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/blog/2017/10/16/how-to-dig-deeper-into-your-bible-study-three-tools-to-change-your-life
Are you struggling through a trial right now?
When you think of the challenge before you, does it make your heart sink?
How can we overcome even when it feels like all hell is breaking loose?
Today we’re talking about how you can navigate the storms of life. This will be a three-part series.
Now today is for you if:
If you’re in a trial, coming out of a trial or heading into a trial.
Challenges are just shadows.
Psalms 23:4 “even though I walk through the valley of the SHADOW of death, I will fear no evil.”
Jesus defeated death, hell and the grave (Colossians 2:15). They can’t ultimately hurt us.
We all encounter scary shadows walking toward us, threatening to take us down.
We have powerful tools to help us through.
To help us understand today’s tool, let’s go to an incident–a serious life-threatening situation–that Jesus and His disciples went through.
READ Mark 4:35-41 NASB - Jesus calms the storm
Why did Jesus rebuke them for being afraid?
This incident came right after a day of Jesus talking to the crowd in parables (Mark 4:1-34).
Mark 4:3,” Listen to this! Behold, the sower….”
Listen in Greek means to hear God’s voice, which is part of Him birthing faith within.
Jesus tells everyone to really listen to hear God’s voice because he’s going to birth faith in them.
Later Jesus says,” If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Hear is the exact same Greek word–listen.
Jesus explained each parable to His disciples because he wanted them to grasp something.
Jesus said, “let’s go over to the other side.”
Then, after Jesus calms the storm, He asks His disciples, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Faith means God giving His persuasion.
We can see from the disciples’ reaction to the storm they weren’t entirely persuaded that what Jesus said would happen, and they missed out on what Jesus wanted to do in and through them.
How do I get this Faith–God-given persuasion?
- Listen
Listen to hear and let God birth faith in you.
Romans 10:17 NKJV
So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
Spend time in God’s word listening–actively reading in a way that we’re listening to what God wants to show us.
As we develop this “Listening” skill, God births His Faith or persuasion in us. It’s this faith that takes us through the valley of the shadow of death.
Action Step:
What’s one way you “Listen” when you’re in the middle of the “Valley of the Shadow of death”?
Next episode, we’re going to develop some strategic “Listening skills” to develop this Faith–God-given persuasion.
If you want to live a life free of fear, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back and help you stop the negative conditioning.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
What do when you feel discouragement, trouble, or hopelessness?
Who’s there for you when you are going through the muck?
Do you need encouragement, but it’s not coming?
In the Last episode, we talked about how we can encourage others. Today we’re talking about one more person that needs encouragement…You.
Today is for you if:
- Your going through hell and back and don’t know where to turn.
- You’re hopeless, and no one seems to be there for you.
- Even if you answered you have no one to help you through the muck, you could still find the encouragement you need.
In the Psalms, David showed us how to encourage ourselves.
Read Psalm 103:1-5 NASB
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name…
Notice “O my soul.” David is talking to himself. “Hey soul, pay attention to this”!
David is reminding himself of how good God is.
We lose heart when we feel like drowning in painful circumstances or treading water in the daily grind.
We need to encourage ourselves daily that:
- Our Heavenly Father is good.
- Being In Christ can change our lives.
- What we see is not all there is to life.
Here are some ways we can encourage ourselves:
- Remind
When you’re in those moments of discouragement, remind yourself of something God has done for you in the past. Here are some Scriptures to remind you how good God is to us.
John 3:16
2 Corinthians 5:19
2 Corinthians 5:21
Ephesians 1:6
- Journal
When you experience something wonderful, no matter how small, please write it down then you can go back to it again and again.
- Music
Music fills our souls and lifts our spirits.
Most of the Psalms came straight from David, creating music to lift his soul.
Find your favorites and put them in playlists for easy access.
- Read
Read the Psalms or the gospels in your Bible. Engaging with the life of Jesus encourages you.
Philippians is full of more scriptures on joy, and Paul was in prison when he wrote it.
You can also read a book to encourage yourself.
Try The 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry. It’s all about our thought life; by choosing our thoughts, we can experience a state of joy beyond our circumstances.
And, hey, you don’t have to be down to encourage yourself. You can use encouragement to enjoy your life that much more.
Take Action:
What is one way you’re going to encourage yourself this week?
Or, what is another way you like to encourage yourself that you can share with us?
Let me give you one way if you need an idea to encourage yourself. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Journaling is a way to heal and gain clarity, peace and joy, all while connecting you more deeply with God.
Want to learn more? Jackie Trottman has two new Journal classes coming up in mid-September 2022.
Jackie has a Wednesday lunch and learns and a Saturday morning class options.
https://www.jackietrottmann.com/journal-class/
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free.
God created us for deep, nourishing friendships.
But do you ever shy away from these relationships?
How do you even have life-giving friendships?
Today, I’d like to share one way to develop how we can be “a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)
Today is for you if:
- You want a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
- You want to be a better friend.
- You want deeper friendships.
Most of us aren’t taught how to be good friends.
- If you want a friend, you must show yourself friendly.
- If you want deep friendships, you must be willing to go deep.
- If you want encouragement, you have to give it.
Hebrews 10:25 NLT
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another...
This scripture doesn’t just remind you to go to church. It’s also about encouraging other believers.
Time
Nothing says love like time. We’re not alone in this journey; it allows you the room to have those deeper conversations, shows you care and gives you, well, time to connect.
Ask Questions
Find out what they need. Please don’t assume. Our assumptions aren’t always correct.
Here are some ideas:
- What would be truly helpful to you at this moment?
- Is there anything I can pray with you about?
And then pray for them at that moment.
Remind
Remind each other of the goodness of God.
Share scriptures.
Share encouraging stories, podcasts, books, etc.
Send a text or call to say, “I was thinking about you.”
Be Sensitive
Romans 12:15 ESV
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
I love how this scripture doesn’t say to help those weeping rejoice.
Sometimes, what people need is time to release the pain.
Crying can be just that. It’s a physical way to let go of the pain.
When I had my second miscarriage, I allowed myself to cry. Others cried with me. Healing came.
If someone had come to me and tried to cheer me up with thoughts like, “your baby is with Jesus now.” It wouldn’t have helped at that moment.
That thought brings me great comfort now. But that’s not what I needed in the morning process.
When we encourage others, we need to be sensitive to the timing. Sometimes, they need a hug and know you’re there for them if they need it.
Sometimes, just a simple text letting them know you’re thinking about them and praying for them can hit the spot.
You don’t have to have all the answers.
A hug or a shoulder to cry on can be powerful healing tools.
If you’re a businesswoman looking for other businesswomen who love God and are like-minded, I want to invite you to check out Woman of Audacious Faith.
We have a free Facebook group where we can ask questions, help others and celebrate each other. We also meet on Zoom on the first Friday of the month for encouragement, connection and growth in our faith and business.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wafcommunity
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free.
Do you have a huge to-do list when it comes to your Christianity?
Have you ever struggled to believe God loves you but have no problem believing God loves others?
Do you feel you’ve done too many bad things for God to forgive you?
Or, He can forgive you for this but not for that?
Today is for you if:
- You want to go deeper in your relationship with God.
- You want to let go of the feeling you’re not good enough for a holy God or as good as other believers you see.
- You desire freedom from all the burdens you feel walking out your faith.
John 15:9 says that Jesus loves us with that same love God loves Him with.
If you’re anything like me, you have two main reasons why this is hard to believe.
#1 I need to DO something to be loved.
We live in a performance-based society and bring that over into our relationship with God.
#2 I’m not worthy of being loved.
Our guilt over past mistakes makes us feel like we’re not worthy of being loved.
Wrong Belief #1: I need to do something to earn this love
Right Belief: God’s Love is unearned
We’re not loved because of what we do–We’re loved because of what He did!
Wrong Belief # 2: I’m not worthy of being loved like this
Right Belief: Jesus made us worthy
1 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
We have right standing with God because of what Jesus did, not because of what we did.
How do we turn this “Conditional” love back into Unconditional Love?
#1 Believe
We need to believe what God says in His word is THE TRUTH.
We will “know the truth and the truth will set us free.” John 8:32 NKJV
When those thoughts say that we’re not worthy or haven’t done enough today to be loved, go back to His Word.
Let His truth grow in your heart until you believe it.
#2 Receive
Next, you just need to receive His love. It’s a gift.
Do you pay for a gift? No.
Receive His gift of love and say, “Thank you.”
As we experience God’s love for us through believing and receiving, we shed the guilt and condemnation that we’ve been living with for so long, and we’ll start to walk in this Divine love, both for ourselves and those around us.
Take a moment and answer these questions:
-
What belief do you hold that made God’s love for you conditional?
-
What are you planning to do to change it back to unconditional love?
It can either be one of my top two or something God’s been showing you in your life.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please do me a favor and rate it and write a review.
It helps us reach more people so they too can Live Fearlessly Free.
Do you like your birthday?
How does it affect you turning older?
What are the lessons that you’ve learned?
Today I’m sharing with you my reflections on turning 48.
If you’d like to check out a new podcast, Your fearless journey with Becky, Kat and Heather, that I am a part of that I mentioned, go to this link:
https://anchor.fm/your-fearless-journey
What lens do you view your world through? Does the world jade you? Do you see the world as a place of endless possibilities or a scary place that’s not safe?
Today for you if: You know you’re not fully engaging with the world. Struggle to have a healthy view of the world around you. Want to make a difference in your world?
What lens do you view your world through?
- Old Lens: I must make the world a better place. The world is imperfect, and I can work towards improving it and improving myself.
New Lens: Serenity Accept the world as it is and stop seeing it’s your job to fix everything.
- Old Lens: People are dependent on me for help. I have worth and am worth loving because others I help like and need me.
New Lens: Humility Let pride give way to humility by acknowledging your limits, recognizing your needs, and asking for help.
- Old Lens: The world values only winners, so I must win and avoid failure at all costs.
New Lens: Hope When you connect to hope, you can begin to believe the world is generous and can support you without having to earn it all.
- Old Lens: I see I’m not like others. There is something different about me. I need to strive for my true identity.
New Lens: Equanimity Equanimity allows you to equally see your positive and negative qualities, not just focus on the negative. This allows you to stop comparing yourself to others and feeling like the only outsider.
- Old Lens: The world invades my privacy; I must protect my resources and energy.
New Lens: Non-attachment You’re learning to participate in the world while living with an open hand, knowing there’s more where that came from.
- Old Lens: The world is a scary and unsafe place. I must test and question so I can feel safe.
New Lens: Faith Having faith that the world isn’t all bad. You step into courage when you realize your fears are primarily self-conceived.
- Old Lens: The world is full of exciting possibilities, ideas and experiences; I need to explore as much of it as possible.
New Lens: Sobriety Sobriety tempers the gluttonous hunger for stimulation. You experience a quality of life instead of just quantity.
- Old Lens: The world is a brutal and unjust place; Only the strong survive. Good things happen to those who control.
New Lens: Innocence It allows you to become more open-hearted, to appreciate and experience life without judgment or being jaded by experiences.
- Old Lens: People need to treat others with respect. I can see that the world is not a harmonious place, so I can’t fully assert myself.
New Lens: Right Action Move out of inertia, discover your own purpose, and then act on it. When you discover your voice matters in this world, you will live life more fully, and others will be blessed by what you bring to the table.
When you change the lens you see the world; you will change your world.
In this episode, I used the Enneagram to break down the lens we view our world and how we can change our world when we change those lenses.
If you want to discover how the Enneagram can help you uncover your true identity and be fully you, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching. Please fill out the online form to schedule a discovery session with me.
Let me help you discover your path to transformation so you can, stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
Do you ever struggle with feeling close to God?
Has the way you see God altered your relationship with Him?
Do you desire a closer relationship with your Heavenly Father?
Today’s episode is for you if:
- Want a deep intimate relationship with God but aren’t sure how?
- Do you want to see God as He is and not how you imagined Him or others have said He is?
- Are you tired of striving, stressing and achieving perfection?
The lens you view God will determine how you see Him and how close you’ll let Him come in.
What lens do you see God through, like not just the one you say you see Him through, the one you really see Him through?
Here are nine lenses that negatively affect how we see God. See if you’ve adopted one or more of these lenses.
Lens 1: If you see Him as Pious God, you will strive to be perfect
Lens 2: If you see Him as a Stingy God, you will get your worth from doing for others
Lens 3: If you see Him as a Performance God, you will never feel like you’re enough
Lens 4: If you see Him as a Partial God or play favorites, you will feel left out, or something is missing in you.
Lens 5: If you see Him as an Unreasonable God, you will seek to be self-sufficient
Lens 6: If you see Him as an Untrustworthy God, you will live cautiously and doubt God’s ability to keep you safe
Lens 7: If you see Him as a Kill-joy God, you will push against Him
Lens 8: If you see Him as a Punishing or Controlling God, you will struggle to get close to Him
Lens 9: If you see Him as an Angry God, you will hide from Him
A new lens is your path to transform your relationship with your Heavenly Father.
Here are nine new lenses that can counteract our old lenses:
- If you see Him as Love, you will rest in His Grace, knowing you’re enough.
- If you see His Generous, You will learn to receive from Him and others.
- If you see Him as Abba-Daddy, you will run into His arms when you fall and scrap your knee.
- If you see Him as Good, you will believe God has good things for them and didn’t leave them out.
- If you see Him as Wise, you will trust God knows what He’s doing, and there is more where that came from.
- If you see Him as Trustworthy and All-Knowing, you will rest that you’re safe in His strong arms.
- If you see His Humor, you will have fun with Him and not have to run to the next best thing.
- If you see Him as Strong and your Protector, you will return to a state of innocence and be vulnerable with Him.
- If you see Him as Peace, you can truly be at rest and achieve genuine harmony.
Our Heavenly Father is all these things and more. His love is complete, and His Grace is endless.
Change the lens you view God and change your relationship with Him.
In this episode, I use the Enneagram to break down the lens we view God though and the new lens that will help us transform our relationship with Him.
If you want to discover how the Enneagram can help you grow in your relationship with God, yourself and others, head to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form to have a discovery session with me.
Let’s see if we’re a great fit to work together so you can discover your path to transformation so you can, stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
Have you ever woken up feeling anxious?
Maybe you were going about your day, and anxiety or worry hit you out of nowhere.
What do you do when you’re anxious? Do you continue stressing? Or do you have a process to let the anxiety go?
Today is for you if you’ve ever felt phantom anxiety. Like you’re anxious, but you can’t pinpoint why or where it’s coming from. Maybe you wake up anxious, or it hits you out of nowhere, driving down the road, watching TV, or having a conversation.
In the last episode, I gave you three simple steps to release anxiety if you missed that episode, head over to episode 49 and then join me back here.
This week I want to give you another technique to release that phantom anxiety that hits you out of nowhere. It also compliments the process you learned in the last episode of exchanging your thoughts.
The other day husband asked me if I was okay. I stopped and noticed I was feeling anxiety in my body. I could feel a heavy sensation in my heart area. So I shared with him that I was feeling anxious, but I wasn’t sure why.
Phantom anxiety.
Even after awakening and examining my thoughts, I wasn’t sure what was bothering me.
Steps to get phantom anxiety to subside:
1. Scan Your Body and Label the Sensation
Where do you feel the anxiety in your body?
- Tightness in chest
- Tightness in shoulders
- Knot or butterflies in your stomach
- Clenched jaw
- Fuzzy feeling in your head
Are you using any nervous cues?
- Holding your breath
- Biting your nails or lip
- Wringing your hands
- Stroking or twirling your hair
- Touching the suprasternal notch (the indent at the base of your neck)
- Cracking knuckles
- Rubbing your arms
Notice the emotion. What’s the underlying feeling?
- Are you angry, worried, frustrated, lonely, sad, etc.?
Notice your thoughts.
- Are they racing?
- Do you have difficulty staying focused?
2. Acknowledge the feeling or thought.
“It’s okay, I’m just feeling fear, anxious, sad, frustrated…” etc.
3. Breathe through the feeling and release it
Bodily feelings last for 90 seconds. Beyond that, we choose to keep them or not.
4. Pivot to a new thought
These physical steps help you get the phantom anxiety to subside. Use them to let go of any negativity you’re feeling in your body.
Anxiety is fear in disguise. If you want to live a life free of fear, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back and help you stop the negative thoughts causing you anxiety.
Thanks a Bunch for listening.
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free.
Do you deal with anxiety, worry or uneasiness?
Is your first reaction to the things that come against you fear or faith?
With everything going on in the world, does it continually make you anxious?
Today is for you if:
- Deal with anxiety or worry regularly
- Your first response to issues of life is fear or worry
- Know you can’t fix the world, but it still brings you anxiety
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Anxiety in Greek means dividing and fracturing a person’s being into parts. We’re literally and figuratively worrying ourselves to pieces from the inside out.
Anxiety comes when we feel out of control. We can’t control others; however, we can control ourselves.
The mind (our thoughts) is connected to the brain. The brain controls the body.
So we physically feel what we’re thinking!
Because of this, anxiety stems from anxious thoughts. When our thoughts are anxious, we physically feel the stress in our bodies.
If the anxious thoughts are making us feel anxious, how can we stop thinking anxious thoughts?
2 Corinthians 10:5b AMP
…we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ.
Jesus doesn’t bring our thoughts captive–it’s OUR job.
Here are three simple steps that will help you take your thoughts captive.
- Awaken It
Become aware of what you’re thinking and how those thoughts affect you emotionally and physically.
Try an emotional journal for one week.
For each half-hour segment of your day, track your feelings and why.
Good and bad thought patterns became apparent in no time.
Even tracking your emotions and thoughts for a day will bring more awareness.
- Examine It
Examine if the thoughts are helping or hurting you.
Use Philippians 4:8 to hold a mirror to your thoughts.
Look at the thought and ask yourself if it is true. Is it pure? Is it noble? Is it a lovely thought? Is there anything excellent or praiseworthy about that thought?
If your answer is yes, then keep the thought.
If your answer is no, then proceed to step 3.
- Exchange It
We can’t think a negative thought and a positive thought at the same time.
Take the thought captive by exchanging it.
It’s hard to come up with a positive thought when we’re in the throws of negativity or on an emotional rollercoaster. So be ready with a positive thought ahead of time.
List out the most common negative thoughts you experience regularly.
Then, write a corresponding positive thought next to each negative thought you want to exchange.
Our words are powerful, so speak out the positive thoughts too. When you hear yourself speak that positive thought, it gives you an extra mental boost.
Also, don’t forget to give yourself grace when the rough days come.
By following these steps, you will learn to take your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, let go of the anxiety, and experience more joy in your life because of it.
If you want to live a life free of fear, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back and help you stop the negative thoughts causing you anxiety.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
Have you ever thought that because it’s flu season, we naturally have to get it too?
Does something good happen, but you find yourself waiting for the other shoe to drop?
Have you ever felt your marriage looks more like roommates rather than a vibrant, life-giving relationship? But that’s ok because everyone feels like that too.
This episode for you:
- Realized you allowed yourself to be trained by everyone else’s behavior
- You don’t want to wait for the other shoe to drop
- You want a life full of all God has for you, even if you don’t see other people experience that life.
How do we change our marriages, relationships, or feelings of hopelessness?
How do we tell Murphy’s Law to take a hike? How do you walk by faith?
In the last episode, we talked about how it’s God’s will for us to be joyful! Unfortunately, this joyful decision has been conditioned out of most people.
A joy-filled life is a walk of faith even when the circumstances stink.
How do you kick Murphy’s law to the curb? How do you walk in faith when it looks like all hell is breaking loose?
1. Believe Him
I know it can be hard to believe past our circumstances to believe for something better and God’s promises.
How can you believe past what you see?
There is so much more beyond our five senses.
- Long ago, people didn’t know that atoms existed.
- Growing up, I thought electrons, neutrons and protons were the smallest things.
- Scientists are now saying quarks are the smallest thing, and not only that; they are 1,000 times smaller than the nucleus of an atom! I’m sure it won’t stop there either.
Have you ever seen an atom or a quark?
They’re way too small for the naked eye to see.
Faith or believing is the same; it believes beyond what we can see.
Faith or believing is trusting.
When we believe God’s Word is true over our circumstances, we’re trusting what God said is true even if we can’t see it with our naked eye at the moment.
Do you struggle with believing? Trusting is easier the more we know Him and see He is trustworthy, the more we trust.
Know God through His Word, the Bible, and prayer, which is spending time with God throughout the day, not just in a moment.
2. Speak It
Speak the promises of God out of our mouths.
“Who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” Romans 4:17
God spoke the world into existence (Genesis 1)
“The righteousness of faith speaks.” Romans 10: 6
Start speaking about what we want to see in our lives instead of what we have or what we don’t want.
Speak what Jesus paid for on the cross. It’s also the way we tell Murphy where he can go.
Believing and Speaking go hand in hand.
They are keys to walking in the joy God has called us to live in, get past our circumstances and kick good ole’ Murphy to the curb.
If you want to live in faith instead of fear, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back and help you stop the negative conditioning, and begin trusting more.
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free.
Blog post on The Day I Heard, “I Can’t Find A Heartbeat: https://www.heatherlbunch.com/blog/2017/1/20/the-day-i-heard-i-cant-find-a-heartbeat
Do we wake up grumpy until we get our morning coffee or sit in traffic without a smile on our faces?
Are we going through the motions at work, or are our kids constantly stressing us out?
Your answer to "How are you doing?" is always "Busy."
Are we just busy, busy, busy because that's what you do in this modern age?
Today is for you if…
- Feel like life is slowly killing us?
- Where's the Murphy's Law repellent?
- When will it change? Can it change?
It seems like one of society's favorite things to do is complain.
When was the last time you heard there would be a 70% chance of sunshine instead of a 30% chance of rain?
Did you know complaining is an activity like listening to the radio or turning on the TV? We can choose to turn on the TV, or we cannot decide to turn on TV. Likewise, we can choose to complain, or we can choose not to complain.
We often find ourselves doing things a certain way because that's what we see the majority doing or saying things a certain way. After all, that's what we see. After a while, we're "conditioned" to this way of life and don't even realize it.
Conditioning can be great if we're conditioned to the right thing. However, we must beware of poor conditioning, conditioning how the average person thinks and feels.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
It is God's will for us to be joyful! Unfortunately, this joyful decision has been conditioned out of most people.
Have we allowed ourselves to be trained by everyone else's behavior?
The joyful decision has been conditioned out of most people!
"Joy is an outward sign of inward faith in the promises of God." Tommy Newberry– The 4:8 Principle
When we choose joy over our current circumstances, we walk in faith and show God we believe what He said. And, we're standing on the promises that Jesus Himself paid for on the cross(See my blog post on The Day I Heard, "I Can't Find A Heartbeat." For an example of walking this out.).
We don't have to live hopeless like a large percentage of the population. We don't have to live by Murphy's Law. We have a Heavenly Father on our side. We have the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things. We have Jesus as our advocate (He's got our back).
So, how do we go about walking out this joy-filled life – this walk of faith in God's promises? How do we change our marriages, relationships, or feelings of hopelessness? How do we tell Murphy's Law to take a hike?
That's a great question! Hang with me until the next episode as we delve into how to live our lives with joy instead of living by Murphy's Law.
Blog post on The Day I Heard, "I Can't Find A Heartbeat: https://www.heatherlbunch.com/blog/2017/1/20/the-day-i-heard-i-cant-find-a-heartbeat
If you want to live a life free of fear, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back and help you stop the negative conditioning.
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free.
Is change easy or hard for you?
Do you find yourself doing the same thing over and over even if it’s not working or you’re miserable?
Does it scare you to think about stepping out of your comfort zone?
Do you do it anyway, or keep doing what you’ve been doing?
This episode is for you if you:
- You struggle with change.
- You find yourself doing the same thing, and you know you need to make a change.
- You wonder why the results you want are escaping you.
How often have I continued to do the same thing, “torturing” myself when there was a new way? Way too many!
Why?
- We’re creatures of habit
- It can be easier not to change
- Fear of the unknown
I naturally don’t like change.
High S on DISC - like stability
Enneagram 9 - I don’t like to rock the boat
But, I can't use that as an excuse not to change.
We’ll always have the same results if we do the same thing.
So what do you want?
Do you want what you have?
Do you want something greater?
Do you want to change, but think it takes too long to change?
“Most people think it takes a long time to change. It doesn’t. Change is immediate! Instantaneous! It may take a long time to decide to change, but change happens in a heartbeat!”
-- Andy Andrews
3 Steps to Decide to Change:
- Awareness - become aware that you’re choosing not to change
- Acknowledge - own it; acknowledge why you do what you do
- Another way - step out - Try another way
Those first two steps help you decide to change. Step three is you changing, and it happens in a moment.
So what do you want?
Do you want what you have?
Do you want something greater?
If you need more help, pick up my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free, at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
This worksheet will help you overcome the fear holding you back and help you step out of your comfort zone.
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free.
Here's the website for 1st Day School Supplies if you want to change the way you do school supplies:
https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/
Do you have a dream but find yourself saying, “I’ll do that tomorrow,” but tomorrow never comes?
Have you gotten caught up in the day-to-day of life and stopped pursuing your dreams?
Today is for you if you find yourself saying you’ll get to your dreams tomorrow.
If you’ve said I’m going to live a life of significance, but you’ve turned around, and you realize you said that a year ago, a decade ago, but haven’t done anything towards your dream, I’m talking to you too.
Twenty years from now, am I going to say:
I regret…
Or
I did it
Let this exercise be a catalyst so you can say, “I did it!”
Deathbed Exercise (from Seven Decisions by Andy Andrews):
Answer the following questions:
-
What was my life’s work about?
-
Who was affected as a result of my actions?
-
Who was made a better person because of me?
-
What are the three most significant events that happened because of me?
-
What will I be remembered for?
-
How is the world different because of me?
Write your Eulogy based on these questions–what do you want people to say about you when you’re gone?
Remember, this is a jumping-off point. You may not know all you’ll do, but start here, and you can update down the road.
The time you have left in Jelly Beans video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOksW_NabEk
Books that changed my life:
The Seven Decisions: Understanding the Keys to Personal Success by Andy Andrews*: https://amzn.to/3QU3dPw
This book contains the deathbed exercise from this video and other life-changing activities.
The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews*: https://amzn.to/3wghEFE
This is the fictional story of the seven decisions.
*These links are affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through one of these links.
When you think about your dreams or purpose, have you ever thought:
If I had gone to school, I could have...
If I only had more money, I could…
If I knew more people or lived in the right place, I could…
Today is for you if you have a dream in your heart, but things seem to get in the way of you fulfilling it.
If you've ever felt like you couldn't fulfill your purpose because you didn't have the right:
- Birth order
- Personality profile
- Money
- Education
- Experience
- Connections
Where are you saying I can't, but you really are saying I won't?
Excuses are just us saying, "I won't do it."
The real obstacle is the "I won't" mindset.
Shift your mindset from I can't to I'm willing.
When you're willing to try, it allows you to step out and take tangible steps toward your dreams.
Look at where you're saying I can't. Ask yourself if you're really saying I won't.
Now, ask yourself, "am I willing to try?"
This shift will open doors and help you step out into your dreams.
Thanks a bunch for listening.
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free.
Have you ever said, "It's such a struggle to be a Christian? I never seem to fix my issues?"
I'm supposed to bear fruit, but it feels like I go one step forward and two backward.
I do all the things but don't feel closer to God. Why?
I'm talking to you today if you ever feel distant from God or struggle to produce fruit or fix your issues.
This episode is also for you if you want to feel closer to God.
I've experienced feeling distant from God most of my teenage and adult life.
Learned to perform at an early age in church. I was the good little girl, but no one saw the struggle on the inside to feel close to God. I wouldn't let them past the mask.
However, our Heavenly Father doesn't want us to live that way. He's given us the key to growing closer to Him and provided a simple, foolproof way to bear fruit and live out our calling.
How, do you ask?
John 15:5 NLT
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing.
1. Branches, our nourishment comes directly from the vine.
What happens if the branch detaches from the vine? It withers from lack of nourishment.
It's the same for us. If we're not connected directly to the vine (Jesus) getting fed from Him, we're like the branch that withers and dies (see John 15:6).
2. Vinedresser - Father - Prunes things off of us that don't serve us.
A vinedresser knows precisely how much sun or shade a vine needs and prunes it accordingly. It removes what's not serving the vine and producing fruit.
Might need to prune:
- Wrong mindsets
- Habits
- Attitudes
- Masks
When we do, it allows us to bear more fruit.
3. Those who remain in the vine bear fruit
Remain (or abide in some translations): not to depart - to be continually present, to be held, kept.
To be held–I like to think of myself being held by my Heavenly Father; then, we will bear fruit.
Remain is in the present active tense, which means we’re to continually remain or continually being held.
Not just showing up once so we can check it off our ever-increasing "to-do list."
The active tense means the subject performs the action.
"If a man remains in me and I in him…."
Wait, there are two subjects here–Jesus and us.
As we continually remain with Jesus–He is also continually remaining with us!
Fruit is a by-product of remaining - abiding in the vine.
The goal here isn't the "bearing fruit." It's going deep in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. It's remaining with Jesus. But, because bearing fruit is a by-product of remaining, we will bear fruit.
It's time to stop striving.
It's time to stop all the doing, doing, doing.
It's time to enjoy, remain, rest, and be held by Father.
Take a moment right now and be held by your Heavenly Father.
When you feel like you're not "producing" enough.
Stop–breath–be held by your Heavenly Daddy.
REMAIN with Him, and you WILL produce fruit.
If you like this podcast, please take a moment and leave me a review.
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
Do you do all the right things and yet feel distant from God?
Or, maybe you struggle feeling like God’s mad at you for your latest screw-up?
Have you ever thought, “I’m not good enough to approach an righteous God?”
Maybe you’re like me, who struggled with feeling like you’re not good enough or haven’t done enough yet. I’m not consistent in my Bible reading. I don’t pray enough. I got mad at my kids for being too loud, again. And on and on goes our list of why we haven’t earned it yet. I’m talking to you today.
I will share something that will set you free–YOU’RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
Whoo, glad we got that over with.
It’s true; none of us are “good” enough on our own. But, I’ve got fantastic news…shall I say, “Good News”?
Today, I’m going to share a secret that will change everything.
- It’s the one word that will help you truly open up and receive God’s love.
- It will remove the barriers holding you back from going deeper with Father.
- It’s the key to delighting in an intimate relationship with your Heavenly Father.
What’s the key?
Grace
The Good News is–we don’t have to be good enough.
It’s not about what we’ve done; It’s about what Jesus accomplished on the cross for us.
It’s called the finished work of Christ. It’s what He came and died and rose again for.
It’s all summed up in GRACE.
Grace in the Bible means freely extending favor. It means He’s leaning towards you to share His benefits.
What’s your image of God growing up?
Some people have an image of God on His giant thrown in Heaven with a fly swatter ready at all times to smack you when you make a mistake.
Mine was God is not only disappointed in me, but I am a disappointment.
You will make mistakes.
You’re going to make bad decisions.
We all do.
Rest in God’s grace when you do.
Know that God loves you and forgives you no matter what.
Ephesians 2:4-7 NKJV
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Does that sound unfair? That’s what grace is–UNDESERVED, UNEARNED and UNMERITED favor.
It’s only grace when it’s one-sided.
So, even though we’re not enough on our own, with Jesus, we’re more than enough.
We can stop depending on our self-efforts to qualify for God’s presence.
When you approach God, view your Heavenly Father through the lens of grace.
Let grace change the way you see Him and yourself.
This will open the door to a deeper, intimate relationship you never thought possible.
Now you can stop thinking about everything you’ve done wrong that you’re already forgiven for.
God’s not holding it over your head, so why are you?
Run to Him instead of away when you make a mistake.
Delight in Grace and Rest in His Love for you!
Thanks a bunch for listening and…
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
Who is the initiator in our Divine relationship?
Do you ever feel like God is far away?
Have you ever thought, how do I love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength?
Have you ever felt God was disappointed when you made a big mistake?
- This episode is for you if you've heard, "just love God more, and that will fix everything."
- Today is for you; if you hear, "love God more," you do all the "things" and still don't feel closer to God.
- If you feel like there's a barrier between you and a close relationship with God, I will be talking to you.
The key that unlocks our ability to love God is to understand this:
God is the initiator in this relationship.
He is the one who seduces us into a relationship. All we need to do is respond in kind.
1 John 4:19 NASB
We love because He first loved us.
I want you to enjoy overwhelming experiences letting Father love you, His Divine love, radically accepting you.
Then find ways to love Him back, but not to earn His love; it's only to return Father's love.
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
How do you talk to yourself? Good, bad, ugly?
What do you do when you make a mistake?
Do you beat yourself up verbally?
Or, do you say, “That’s okay, I’ll get em’ next time”?
Today is for you if you have ever verbally beat yourself up over a mistake, if you regularly talk down to yourself or if you can give others a break, but don’t give yourself that same grace.
What comes out of my mouth is a by-product of what I think about myself–my identity. Our identity is key to fulfilling our God-given purpose. But, our negative self-talk will not just keep us from accomplishing what God’s called us to do and be. It means that others aren’t fed by what we bring to the table.
God didn’t create different personalities to give us an excuse not to step out of our comfort zone but to help others relate to us and be encouraged that they can do it too!
How do we stop the negative self-talk?
- Practice Self-Compassion
No one–I repeat–NO ONE is perfect except Jesus.
But, the good news is, we don’t have to be perfect. We couldn’t do it on our own. That’s why God sent Jesus.
We are not the sum of our mistakes. So, let’s give ourselves some slack!
- Stop Talking
Think, “Would I say what I’m about to say to myself to my best friend?” If you wouldn’t, don’t say it to yourself.
Sometimes, the way we talk about or to ourselves is a habit. It’s time to break it!
- Replace Negative Self-Talk With A “To Speak” List
Replace our negative talk with pre-determined positive talk about ourselves–a “To Speak” list.
Here are some samples to get you started:
I always make this mistake…
I am not the sum of my mistakes. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
I’ll never get this right…
I may not always get it right, but I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13).
“We can’t always make the right decision, but we can make every decision right.” - Andy Andrews
This always happens to me…
This may have happened to me in the past, but it doesn’t have to ruin my life. I choose to focus on what’s going well in my life. (Hebrews 12:2)
The words we use today are literally creating the world we’ll experience tomorrow!
Depending on our focus, that could be a serious problem or a fantastic opportunity!
You are treasured and loved by our Heavenly Father! You are gifted and created for such a time as this!
Talk to yourself like you are and create a beautiful opportunity for tomorrow!
To learn more about your identity, check out Mirror moments - a 99-day devotional to inspire and heal a woman’s heart. I had the privilege to co-write it with friends Sharon Fletcher and Donna McDaniel.
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store/mirror-moments-book
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Too many of us have believed the lie that “I’m broken” for far too long.
When you believe something long enough, it gets hardwired into your brain.
God made it possible for us to rewire or renew our minds so we can believe the truth (Romans 12:2).
Here’s a 5-step Nerocycle process that Dr. Caroline Leaf developed. Use this to renew your mind to God’s truth about yourself.
Dr. Leaf says our mind heals in 3 - 21 day cycles, so pick one toxic thought you want to renew and go through this process daily for 63 days.
5-Step Nerocycle:
- Gather:
Gather is the awareness stage. You are becoming aware of what you’re thinking.
Think of it as gathering fruit in a basket. No judgment or shame; just pick the fruit, the information, and put it in the basket.
Questions to gather:
My Emotions:
What are the emotional warning signs coming up? Your feelings.
Panic attack, despair, anxiety, depression, etc.?
My Body:
What are your physical/bodily responses? How is your body feeling?
Heart fluttering, chest tight, gut hurting or butterflies?
My Behaviors:
What are my behaviors or actions? What am I saying or doing?
My Perspective:
What do I think about this? What’s my perspective? Do I think this is bad, terrible, overwhelming, etc.?
- Reflect
We’re like detectives in observation mode, trying to discover why.
Look at the basket of information you just gathered from your emotions, physical body, behaviors and perspective.
Reflect on it.
What’s it trying to tell you?
What’s the origin story?
- Write
Write down your thoughts. Write to empty your brain onto paper, phone or computer.
Each day you write, you gain more and more clarity and order to help clean up your thoughts or lies you’ve believed about yourself.
- Recheck
Now you’re going to go back and look at the warning signs you wrote down earlier.
You’re looking for patterns, noticing where you can make changes or solutions, and then planning your new thoughts. You’re freeing yourself from internal negative thoughts and positively planning a way out.
- Active Reach
It’s time to practice your newly designed thoughts from stage 4. Rehearse things mentally.
Each time you rehearse a new thought, you strengthen your memory by adding energy: the more energy, the more impact on your memory.
This stage weakens the old toxic or negative thoughts and creates new thoughts in your mind.
You can study this process further in Dr. Caroline Leaf’s book, Clean Up Your Mental Mess: 5 Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking.
- https://amzn.to/3A9r1Jz
That’s renewing and renovating your mind!
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but change comes with consistency.
That will begin your renovation process–turning your mind into something astonishing.
To learn more about your identity, check out Mirror moments - a 99-day devotional to inspire and heal a woman’s heart. I had the privilege to co-write it with friends Sharon Fletcher and Donna McDaniel.
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store/mirror-moments-book
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free
*This is an affiliate link. I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using this link.
Have you ever thought, “I’m broken?”
- Or “What’s wrong with me?”
- Do you look at people and think they’re more valuable than you or have more to offer?
I’m talking to you today:
- If you’ve ever thought someone else had more value than you do.
- If you could do or be more, that would make you more valuable.
One of my biggest issues or fears is being invisible. I felt like people didn’t notice me no matter what I did. So, I’d try harder only to be disappointed.
It was a mindset issue. I thought I was invisible…I became invisible. I couldn’t see my worth, so no one else did.
You might feel similar so let me share a short story with you.
It was the 1950s in Thailand, and a group of monks discovered a clay statue was cracked. After chiseling off the clay layers, they revealed a solid gold statue worth 197 million dollars. The clay hid the gold for decades. No one could see its actual value.
You might tell yourself, “I’m broken,” or “what’s wrong with me.” You might think others are more valuable. But, you’re like the golden statue covered in layers of clay. Over the years, layers of crude have developed over you from fears, challenges, rejections, hurts and wrong thinking.
But, your true self is more valuable than you think. You are Priceless!
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
How do you chisel away the layers of crude hiding your true self?
By choosing true thoughts and believing the correct story about yourself.
- Remind yourself what your Heavenly Father says about you.
- As you do this, you reveal your authentic self, and you can see your true value–priceless.
- Take a few minutes to hang out with God.
- Ask Him to show you how valuable you are.
- Write down every great thing that comes to mind.
To learn more about your identity, check out Mirror moments - a 99-day devotional to inspire and heal a woman’s heart. I had the privilege to co-write it with friends Sharon Fletcher and Donna McDaniel.
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store/mirror-moments-book
- When you look in the mirror, who do you see?
- The cellulite, the bags? Do you see all your wrinkles and blemishes?
- Or, do you see someone beautiful inside and out?
Today is for you:
- If you’ve struggled with seeing yourself as beautiful.
- If you see all the flaws instead of the good.
- If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not enough,” or gotten stuck in the comparison trap.
When my girls were little, they loved dress-up. They would look in the mirror and, without shame, declare they’re beautiful.
How about you?
Most of us are holding back the criticism or declaring our criticism freely.
We’ve been telling ourselves the negative aspects of ourselves for so long that we believe it.
Beauty is about loving who God created us to be. It’s about seeing past the imperfections to our true selves–our fearfully and wonderfully made selves.
I want to propose an experiment.
For the next 30 days, look in the mirror and ask yourself, “who do you see?” Then answer with only positive attributes.
Write down what you say. Read it a few times each day.
This exercise helps you see yourself as He sees you.
He intricately and skillfully formed you as if He was embroidering with many colors! He’s continually thinking how amazing you are!
Then you begin to agree with Him.
Bonus:
Do this exercise with a trusted friend.
Have them look at you for 60 seconds.
Ask them, “who do you see?”
Try recording their comments so you can remember them later when you’re feeling down about yourself.
Remind yourself you are beautiful!
To learn more about your identity, check out Mirror moments - a 99-day devotional to inspire and heal a woman’s heart. I had the privilege to co-write it with friends Sharon Fletcher and Donna McDaniel.
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store/mirror-moments-book
How do you see yourself? Beautiful? Plain? Average? Ugly?
- When you read God’s Word and see, “We are His workmanship,” how does it make you feel?
- Do you feel loved and cherished?
-
Or, does your heart feel defeated like it’s not true?
-
Today is for you ever struggle with self-image.
- Maybe you’ve asked yourself, “Why did God make me like this?”
- Ever said, “I’m broken or ugly.”
Self-image is the mental image we have of ourselves. Not how others see us but how we see ourselves.
When I was a kid in the 80s, Blonde hair and blue eyes were the popular pretty people of which I wasn’t one. I felt ugly and boring with my brown hair and brown eye, and I wished I wasn’t born like that.
This self-image seeped into my adult years and affected how I showed up and the confidence I felt-lack of it.
Romans 9:20b AMP
Will the thing which is formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?”
That was me for years.
One focus of these podcasts is teaching you how to show up fully yourself so you can fulfill your God-given purpose. We can’t show up fully ourselves if we don’t like who we are.
And, we won’t be able to live a fulfilling and prosperous life filled with purpose–the purpose our Heaven Father put in our hearts to fulfill with this mindset.
Ephesians 2:10 AMP
For we are His workmanship [His own masterwork, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].
It’s so easy to see ourselves as broken creatures. We’re not perfect, but we’re God’s masterwork, a work of art.
Masterpiece is an artist’s finest, greatest work.
Mona Lisa or Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
David or Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo
That’s us! We’re God’s greatest work of art.
How do you treat a masterpiece?
Shove it in storage? Then you don’t realize your actual value
Place it on display and treat it with the love and respect it deserves.
We need to believe it and treat ourselves like we are.
How can you believe and treat yourself like the masterpiece you are?
Start with your Creator: What does He say about you?
Here are a few verses to get you started:
Jeremiah 29:11
Ephesians 2:10
1 Peter 4:10-11
Romans 8:15
2 Timothy 1:7
What is your favorite verse(s) that reveals your true self?
Write it out on a 3x5 card and read it daily.
Let’s learn to believe in and treat ourselves as who we truly are! A Masterpiece.
To learn more about your identity, check out Mirror moments - a 99-day devotional to inspire and heal a woman’s heart. I co-wrote it with my friends Sharon Fletcher and Donna McDaniel.
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store/mirror-moments-book
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Have you ever had one of those days where your joy went out the window?
This episode is for you if you want to learn to fuel your thoughts that fuel your joy.
Everything starts with our thoughts.
If you want to live a life of joy and a life of significance, you must fuel your thoughts with superior inputs.
A morning routine will fuel our day, but a solid morning routine begins the night before.
The last 15 minutes of the day are vital to your ability to live a life of joy and significance. Our subconscious guard is down and most receptive to suggestive influences. That’s why those zombies from that late-night binge show up in your dreams.
Ask yourself, “how is my evening routine supporting my morning routine and my joy-filled life of significance?”
Ideas to create a joy-filled evening routine:
-
Read a good book or the Bible
-
Journal - it’s a mental release to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper
-
Turn off electronics the last one hour before bed or turn off the blue light
-
Write three to five things you’re thankful for today
-
Surrender your subconscious to God as you drift off to sleep
-
For those married, share three things you’re thankful for or three things that went well today or share an intimate moment
-
Go to bed early enough so you can get 7-9 hours of sleep
If you struggle with an evening routine, ask yourself, “what’s your goal?” If you want a joy-filled life and a life full of significance, choose to fuel your thoughts in the evening.
If you want to discover more ways to fuel your thoughts so you can get your imagination working for you and fulfill your God-given purpose while enjoying where you’re at on the way to where you’re going, check out A Joy-Filled Life Online Course. This course is $47, but I want to give it to you for only $7.
Get your Joy-Filled Life online course at:
https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store/a-joy-filled-life-course
Discount Code: JOYFOR7
Have you ever had your emotions feel like they were running away with you?
Do you ever wake up anxious and don’t know why?
Do you find yourself stressed or worried most days?
Episode for you:
If you wish you could enjoy more of the positive emotions instead of the ones dragging you down.
If you’re tired of constantly being worried or stressed out
If you’re ready to jump off the bandwagon of bad days.
You can take charge of your emotions by changing your focus.
Emotions = biochemical carries allow us to feel what we’re thinking.
What was I focusing on when I was fainting?
What if, Can’t do, Not good enough
My emotions and then my body responded to what I was thinking on.
Mind controls Brain and Brain controls Body
Emotional strength begins with changing your focus.
Here’s a Tool or Habit to help change your focus: To think list
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
When your emotions start to run away with you, ask:
What am I thinking on? Does it line up with Paul’s list?
• Lovely
• True
• Excellent
Emotional reactions only last 90 seconds. After that, we get to choose if we keep it.
Now you can use change your emotional life by changing your focus!
This exercise is just one of the many in A Joy-Filled Life online course that will help you on your journey to living the life God’s called you to live and enjoy your life on the way to where you’re going. I’m offering it to my podcast listeners for only $7.
Get your Joy-Filled Life online course at: https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store/a-joy-filled-life-course
Discount Code: JOYFOR7
Have you ever had a thought that became your reality? Have you had a story in your mind, and it became true? What was going on?
This episode is for you if you have thoughts of feeling inferior or not enough, and you feel like that’s become your reality. I’m also going to be talking to you if you have things you want to do and feel like there’s a block and aren’t sure what it is.
You see, everything starts with a thought.
We think > We Feel > We Act > We Become
The secret thoughts in our minds don’t stay secret.
We have a thought that turns into a feeling. Then we act on that feeling and become what we think about the most.
But, we can use this equation to reverse engineer this process to become who we want to become.
Ask yourself: Who do I want to become? How would I act to become that? What do I need to feel to act that way? What thoughts do I need to feel those feelings?
You have the recipe, the power to become who you want. Use it in any area of your life to become who you want to become.
Would you like to experience more joy on the way to where you’re going? Do you need more help with your thoughts? Do you struggle with depression, anxiety or fear?
This exercise is just one of the many in A Joy-Filled Life online course that will help you on your journey to living the life God’s called you to live. Let me come along side you to help you remove what’s holding you back.
I’m offering it to my podcast listeners for only $7.
Get your Joy-Filled Life online course at: https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store/a-joy-filled-life-course
Discount Code: JOYFOR7
Do you want more joy in your life? Have you ever felt like you were on an emotional rollercoaster? Have you ever thought, “this Christianity thing is supposed to be easier?”
This episode is for you if you struggle with anxiety, fear or worry. If your emotions seem like they have a mind of their own, this episode is for you too. And, if you just want more joy in your life so you can enjoy this journey we’re on, I’m talking to you too.
What we think about is directly related to how we feel. You see, we think, we feel, we choose. We get to vote with our thoughts. Are we going to vote for negative thoughts or positive thoughts?
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 what we should be thinking on.
Here is a tool that will help you choose positive thoughts.
Five questions that will change your life: 1. What five things am I thankful for now? 2. What are five of my strengths or positive qualities? 3. What are five of my greatest achievements so far? 4. Who are the five people who love me the most? 5. What five things am I looking forward to in the next seven days?
Great questions produce great answers because our minds automatically work to find the answers. When you ask yourself these questions, you extract positive thoughts.
We get to vote which thoughts stay and which go, but we do it on purpose.
When you get your imagination working for you, you will experience more joy and less anxiety. It will help you live the life you’re called to live.
If you want more joy in your life, if you want to get your imagination working for you instead of against you, if you want to release the anxiety, worry or depression, I want to offer you my A Joy-Filled Life Online Course. This course is $47, but I want to give it to you for only $7.
Get your Joy-Filled Life online course at: https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store/a-joy-filled-life-course
Discount Code: JOYFOR7
Have you ever felt like an outsider? Do you look at people and wish you had what they had or could do what they do? Are you living a life that fulfills you? Or are you waiting for life to happen to you?
This episode is for you if you’re still waiting for your life of significance to happen.
Growing up and well into adulthood, I felt like an outsider. I was like Charlie Bucket staring in the candy store window at the kids enjoying the sweet life–literally.
Three Styles - three ways people get what they want:
Assertive Style: The assertive style knows what they want and need and goes directly after it. Assertive people meet people and obstacles head-on, push to get what they want to ensure life works to their advantage.
Compliant Style: The compliant style prefers getting what they want or need by doing things the “right way” to be “good.” They’re trying to get what they want by using time-tested approaches rather than creating new ways or strategies.
Withdrawn Style: This style sits back and waits for the world to bring them what they want or need without demanding or imposing. It’s easier to blame others instead of owning their part in the story.
Mindset shift: Is this style really working for me?
Assertive: You may get what you want but at what cost? People can struggle relating to you or may feel bullied into giving in. Try a different approach that invites reflection so you can tune into others’ needs before acting.
Compliant: Invite you to connect with your inner voice and values instead of looking to the group’s norms and standards to get what you want. God said if you lack wisdom, He will give it generously.
Withdrawn: Because we isolate ourselves, we neglect assertive and compliant ways of engaging and collaborating with others. Then miss out on opportunities to build trusting relationships.
Stretch yourself to connect to people and environments to make your voice heard. Seek out and reach for your dreams. Don’t wait for them to come to you.
Are you waiting for your life of significance to drop into your lap?
Dig up your talent and put it to work. (Matthew 25)
Don’t wait for permission to shine.
What do you want? Take a step towards it.
Get my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/ This worksheet will help you over come the fear that’s holding you back and discover the joy of the courageous life waiting for you.
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
Have you ever been afraid to say what you’re afraid of? Do you think you’re the only one whose felt this fear? What do you do when you’re afraid? Do you hide? Or do you seek help?
This episode is for you if: Afraid people will reject you or think you’re weird or weak if you reveal your fears to them. Struggle feeling like everyone else has gotten over this issue and you’re still struggling with it. Hide from people when fear hits instead of seeking out your friends.
Most leaders I’ve met share the wins but not usually the fears. They say: “It’s lonely at the top.”
Leaders afraid if you see the weakness, people won’t follow.
Opposite is true. When leaders are their authentic self, they give others the courage to do the same.
Friendship works same way.
-
Friends are Vulnerable When you are brave enough to be vulnerable, you help others do the same.
-
Friends Ask for help Ask for what you need. Support your friends when they ask for what you need.
-
Friends Celebrate each other Have fun and celebrate each others progress. It’s way more fun than comparison!
When you do these things, it’s not lonely at the top because you’re friends are right there with you as you support one another. And, hey, it’s way more fun that way too!
Need more help conquering fear? Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/
This worksheet will help you over come the fear that’s holding you back and discover the joy of the courageous life waiting for you.
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
What are you afraid of? Do you fear looking dumb? Maybe looking weak? Are you afraid of conflict?
We all have a core fear and it effects how we show up in the world and our ability to be our best self.
In this episode, I use the Enneagram to break down our core fears and our path to transformation allowing us to show up fully ourselves.
If you want to discover more about yourself and your core type through the Enneagram, head over to https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching and fill out the form to have a discovery session with me. Let’s see if we’re a great fit to work together so you can stop hiding and become your best self.
Do you have a dream in your heart that you want to fulfilling your life-time? But have you ever been afraid to take the risk and step out? What do you do with a chance?
Today is for you if you’ve ever been afraid to step out and take the risk to move towards your dreams. Or, if you’re moving towards your dreams and you get intimated by new opportunities, I’ll be talking to you today too.
We’re all faced with opportunities to move our dream forward. We can step out and take the chance, or we can run from it? You get to choose.
What do you do with a chance? You take it.
And when fear hits, you don’t have to be brave all the time, you only have to be brave for a little bit at the right time.
Book read in today’s podcast: What do you with a chance? By Kobi Yamada Illustrated by Bae Besom https://amzn.to/3PZG1il
Check me out at: HeatherLBunch.com
027 - Power outages, mindsets and the four tendencies - How I still managed to do what I didn’t want to do and how you can do it too.
Have you ever had your day planned out or a project you needed to do, and something unexpected happened, and your plans flew out the window? When something unexpected happens, do you still do that thing you planned to do, or do you quit because you don’t feel like it now?
We had a power outage this morning, and though I should have been recording a podcast, I didn’t feel like it. I thought of every excuse why it was okay to skip it this morning.
Have you ever been there?
What do you do? How do you do what you need to do even when you don’t want to do it.
Enter the Four Tendencies. In this episode, I break down the four tendencies by Gretchen Rubin and show you how I used my obliger tendency to still get this podcast recorded and out. No matter your tendency, you can accomplish your dreams and goals, even when you don’t feel like it at the moment if you know how to help yourself do it.
Find more on the 4 Tendencies on my blog at: https://www.heatherlbunch.com/
Do you ever get stuck in the comparison trap? Have you ever looked at someone else and thought, “I wish I could do what they do but I don’t have what it takes.” Maybe you even felt jealous. I know I have. Have you ever been afraid if you pursue your dreams or think good about yourself, you’ll get into pride?
If you’ve ever been on the comparison struggle bus, this episode is for you. You’ll love today if you’ve ever looked at someone else and wished you had what they had or could do what they do. If you have ever been worried you’re going to get into pride if you’re reaching for your dreams or celebrating yourself; I’m talking to you.
Another hang-up I see among believers is this concept of pride.
1 Peter 5:5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
“Toward one another” jumped out at me.
Do we “compare ourselves by ourselves”? Which scripture calls foolish.
It’s not about being better than someone else, but being who God’s created you to be and allowing others to be who God’s created them to be. Then the kingdom of God moves forward, and people are reached.
Humility is about knowing who you are in Christ. When we know who we are and Whose we are, we won’t have an issue with pride. We’ll be secure in Christ. We know what He thinks about us, and that’s what matters.
When we’re confident in who we truly are and what He’s called us to, then we can boldly walk in it. No apologies needed.
Do you want someone to come alongside you so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose, set up a discovery call to see how I can help. https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching
Does pursuing my dreams make me a bad Christian? Have you ever said, “I just want to do what the Lord wants me to do”? Or, maybe you’ve wondered, “I am being selfish if I pursue my dreams”?
If you’ve ever struggled with pursuing your dreams or whether you should do what others told you you’re supposed to do, this episode is for you. If you’ve stood still for years just waiting for God to tell you His will for your life, I’m definitely talking to you. And today is your day; if you’re like me and thought people would look at me like I was selfish if I reached for my dreams.
For years, I did whatever was asked of me with no thought to what I desired until I learned how to overcome the guilt of pursuing my dreams.
You might be asking, “but Heather shouldn’t I want what God wants?”
Psalms 37:4 NASB Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.
What does it mean to delight in the Lord? In this episode, I break down for you what that looks like. And when you learn to delight in the Lord, you will stay aligned with His will for your life, so don’t worry.
Take a moment today and let your Father know what you love about Him; delight in Him.
Next, it’s time to discover what’s in your heart?
What’s your dream? • If you’re not sure, take a step and start journaling to discover it. • If you know what you’re dream is, are you pursuing it? • If not, why? • Take one step today towards your dream. Then tomorrow, take another step. • Step by step, you’ll get closer to fulling your God-given purpose.
If you’re struggling to discover your dream, or you know your dreams and fears are holding you back, schedule a discovery session with me and let’s see if I’m a good fit to guide you on your journey to fulfill your God-given purpose.
Fill out the Discovery session form at: https://www.heatherlbunch.com/lifecoaching. Or, email directly at: HeatherHeatherLBunch.com.
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free.
When you look in the mirror, who do you see? Do you see someone worth, or do you see someone worthless? Do you ever get stuck in the comparison trap? How many of you can say you love yourself?
Welcome to Live Fearlessly Free with Heather Bunch; I’m your courageous coach, and I want to help you Live Fearlessly Free so you can stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose–courageously!
Today if you look in the mirror and see someone less than worthy or wonderful, this episode is for you. If you get stuck in the comparison trap, even for a little while, I will be talking to you today. And if you struggle loving yourself, then today is for you too.
My identity was I’m not enough. So that is how I showed up in the world.
For many of us, defining our identity has been a challenge. There are so many things in this world that we’ve learned to define ourselves by instead.
Some of us look to our careers, parenthood, friends, talents, etc., for our identity.
Our identity is not in how we feel about ourselves or what we do.
We find it IN CHRIST.
Ephesians 4:1 Mirror translation The fact that I am in prison does not in the least diminish my awareness of my “in-Christ-ness!” My complete existence is defined and confined in him. Let the detail of your day-to-day life flow from the consciousness of your true identity and worth, as defined in him.
“In-Christ-ness” is who we are–that’s our identity.
Christ is enough. We are enough because He is enough.
Go to the Bible and find all the “in Him” and “in Christ” scriptures. Write them down. Memorize them. Think about them. Believe them.
When you’re feeling not enough-ness, remember your “in-Christ-ness.”
For more on identity, check out my blog at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/ Type in identity in the search, and you’re home free.
How do you feel about yourself when you’re learning?
Do you feel on top of the world when you’re doing great?
What about when you fail? Do you dive into the depths of despair?
That was me. I would feel fantastic if I did great and beat myself up when I failed. This mindset kept me from pursuing my passion, purpose and calling.
We must shift from failure is bad to failure is learning, or we’ll stay stuck and stagnate.
In this episode, we’ll talk about three ways to embrace failure and keep growing and learning no matter what.
-
Failure is learning - if you learn from it.
-
Learn from other’s failures
The lessons can be from someone else’s failures. It will save you time, money and pain in the process.
- You need Friends to support you as your learning
You grow faster when others are growing and learning with you.
If you’re a business woman of faith looking for a group of supportive women, check out Women of Audacious Faith Business Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wafcommunity
It’s free to join. Hope to see you soon!!
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free.
Have you ever had a great night planned and something happened, emotions flew and the night was ruined? Is there anyone listening who’ve experience this one, “you were in the middle of a great day and you got a phone call that irked you and all thoughts of your good day flew out the window?” Who here has been at work, happily working on that new project when you find out the project changed and all the hard work you just put in is useless?
What do we do when our negative emotions threat to ruin our day, week, month or year?
In this episode, I’ll give you practical ways you can starve your negative emotions and experience the positive emotions that serve you and give you life.
Get my free resource, Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free at https://www.heatherlbunch.com/ This worksheet will help you over come the fear that’s holding you back and discover the joy of the courageous life waiting for you.
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
Are you afraid to make a mistake? When you get corrected, do you feel bad about yourself? Do you feel like a hot mess most of the time? In this episode, we unpack how we don’t have to let mistakes hold us back.
We can be a masterpiece and a hot mess at the same time, as my friend and mentor Lethia Owens from Game Changers Int. says. https://lethiaowens.com/
Today’s episode is sponsored by me. Check out the Live Fearlessly Free merch on https://www.heatherlbunch.com/store. Get 10% off your first order with coupon code: LIVEFEARLESSLYFREE
If you're interested in exploring meditation further and don't know where to start, check out my friend's guided meditations from Spiritual Director Jackie Trottmann. https://joyandflowstore.com/collections
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
How many of you have a dream in your heart? Or, maybe you want to have a dream but are afraid to? When you’re doing new things, who here has fear that tries to stop you? Does anyone get overwhelmed when you think of your dream and get stuck? You don’t know what to do next?
Well, in today’s episode, I give you: Simple tools to get you out of overwhelm and get moving. I will show you how to discover what’s stopping you so you can get to the next level. Oh, and you’re going to learn how to control your fear so you can do that big thing in your heart.
And, I’m going to wrap it all up in my biggest fear moments, so you can see how these tools work in the real world so that you can do it too.
If you struggle with fear and don’t want it to stop you anymore, please get my free resource, “Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free,” https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free.
How many of you thought you got left holding the empty bag when the talents were handed out? Do you find that fear prevents you from living a life of significance? Have you ever sat in a sermon on the parable of the talents and thought…I’m the one with the one talent, but I desperately want to hear “well done, my good and faithful servant.”
You have gifts in you, whether you know what they are now or not. I promise that God didn’t leave you out when He dished out the talents.
I understand your pain because I’ve been there myself. Today I share my story to discover my gifts and talents and how you can do the same.
But, it will take courage to step out and live your dreams. If you need some extra help, please get my free resource, “Three Habits to Live Fearlessly Free,” https://www.heatherlbunch.com/.
They’ll get you started on your journey to living the life God’s called you to–even if you’re afraid.
Until next time–Live Fearlessly Free.
Why do you do what you do? We all have a core motivation and the enneagram can help us discover the box we’ve put ourselves in so we can get out of the box and discover a path to transformation.
When I learned to engage with conflict, then I could go deeper in relationships instead of fulfilling my fear that conflict equals disconnection.
For more on the Enneagram: Podcasts: Ian Morgan Cron - Typology Suzanne Stabile - The Enneagram Journey
Book: The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
Have you ever been afraid to be yourself in front of people? How many of you have thought you got left holding the empty bag when the talents got handed out? Do you find that fear holds you back from living a life of significance?
I’m raising my hand to all those questions. I’ve been there. I’m a professional hider and in this episode I share how it all started in the fourth grade. Here’s the thing, just because that’s how we started life don’t mean we have to stay there.
That’s the journey of a courageous life… • Learning how loved we are by our Heavenly Father that leads to delighting in an intimate relationship with God. • Learning to discover who we are, our true identity. • Learning how to direct our imagination to work for us instead of against us.
That’’s the journey I’m going to take you on in these coming episodes.
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free.
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
Hi there,
You can click here to read this blog
You can click here to watch the video on youtube
Until next time, live fearlessly free
Heather Bunch
You can find the blog post here
You can find the video on YouTube Here
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
Heather Bunch
You can read the blog post here
You can watch the video on Youtube here
Until next time, Live Fearlessly Free
Heather Bunch