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Weekly topics covering life‘s challenges with a positive spin and a new perspective. It‘s time to connect, learn, and grow!
Episodes
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
SHOW NOTES:
On this show… we are truly looking into the mirror as we come face to face with a needed shift in perspective, nurturing our body to build a loving partnership. Do you treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would a loved one? We can all shake our heads yes but let’s be honest, what you think about yourself in the privacy of your own mind you would never say out loud to a friend. We often compare ourselves to others, especially in the age of social media where idealized images are prevalent. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism. Negative experiences, such as bullying or criticism, can contribute to low self-esteem and a negative body image. These experiences can linger and influence how we see ourselves. Enough is enough. You were assigned this body for better or worse. Depending on your beliefs your soul may live forever but this body has an expiration date. It’s time to appreciate your body for all it does for you. Focus on its strengths and abilities rather than perceived flaws to create a true partnership.
This topic has surfaced for me recently as I’ve been dealing with my own health and the breakdown of my body. My husband told me that he listens to his body, is in tune, and in fact, has created a partnership with is body. One body and mind….literally. This was kind of a revelation for me since it shifted my perspective. I hadn’t considered this kind of closeness or comradery with my body before. Oh sure, it has served me well over the years but it has also provided a few disappointments, some valid and some not.
Let’s start with the positive…I’ve had three beautiful children. I wasn’t able to have natural childbirth but we completed the job all the same. I was a dancer for many years and at one point, taught aerobics, managed a gym, and was a personal trainer.
Ok …now some of the disappointments. Unlike Stretch Armstrong, my body didn’t always bounce back like elastic but instead left a few unsightly scars. The vertebrae in my back proved to be rather weak and for some reason didn’t stand up to a desk job tied to a computer.
Oh and age … Well, let’s not even go there right now.
The point is, that I need a new attitude and a stronger and healthier relationship with my body. And guess what, a shift in perspective is the fastest way to get it so hang in there, let’s get to work.
Alexa from The Living Well shares her story on How To Heal: Shifting Your Perspective on Health
Shifting your body image from vanity to health involves changing your perspective and priorities. Here are some strategies to help you make this shift:
- Focus on Functionality: Instead of obsessing over how your body looks, focus on what it can do. Appreciate your body for its strength, agility, and resilience.
- Set Health Goals: Instead of setting goals based on appearance, such as losing weight or achieving a certain body shape, set goals that prioritize your health and well-being, such as improving cardiovascular fitness or increasing flexibility.
- Practice Mindfulness: Be present in your body and listen to its cues. Pay attention to how different foods, activities, and behaviors make you feel, and make choices that support your overall health and vitality.
- Diversify Your Self-Worth: Cultivate a sense of self-worth that is not solely based on your appearance. Recognize and celebrate your talents, skills, and qualities that have nothing to do with how you look.
- Challenge Societal Norms: Recognize that societal beauty standards are often unrealistic and unattainable. Challenge these norms and redefine beauty based on diversity, inclusivity, and individuality.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and treat yourself with the same care and compassion that you would a loved one. Acknowledge that your worth is not determined by your appearance.
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you. Seek out communities or groups that promote body positivity and self-acceptance.
- Seek Professional Help: If you struggle to shift your body image or it negatively impacts your mental health, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who can help you work through these issues.
CHALLENGE: Focus on your health and well-being rather than your appearance, to help cultivate a more positive and sustainable body image that will be rooted in self-care and self-compassion. By doing this, you will build a loving partnership grounded in mutual respect and acceptance.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…our goal is to dig deep and find the resilience within as we aim to navigate healing with a positive mindset. It is a fact of neurology that the brain cannot be in a state of appreciation and a state of fear at the same time. The two states may alternate but are mutually exclusive. But how can you find gratitude and positivity when facing the fear of the unknown? Whether you’ve been delivered an unwelcomed diagnosis, struggling to transition to a healthier lifestyle, or facing the inevitable aging process, research suggests that a positive mindset can have tangible effects on physical health and healing. But breaking down is hard and upsetting and why common sentiments for Get Well Soon cards include patience, looking at the brighter side, and a speedy recovery. With any process though, there are always ups and downs and an ample supply of setbacks which can certainly test your resolve. So hang in there! Our goal is to connect some of these thoughts to let you know, you aren’t alone and to give you some strategies that might illuminate the dark spots and give you motivation to move forward when you feel stuck.
I wanted to cover this topic as I continue to dig deep to fuel my own resilience. Before I share my own struggles, let me put things into perspective, I am beyond blessed. Besides three surgeries to bring my wonderful children into the world and one surgery to end that era, I have been extremely healthy my whole life. Besides two vitamin gummies a day, I’m fortunate not to be in need of any medication. I rarely get sick and am almost always in a good mood. Very blessed.
For 15 years though, I have dealt with back and neck issues. Now, I wish I had an incredible story to go along with these injuries like fighting crime and saving the world but I don’t. I have sat myself to death. Once a dancer, outside sales rep, and even a personal trainer, since 2002 I’ve sat at a desk doing software sales, marketing, and management. Technology is so convenient, bringing the word to you, where you sit but no one really thought of the damage it could do to your body by not forcing you to go out and get it. A complete breakdown in your foundational structure, your spine.
Humans are built to stand upright. Your heart and cardiovascular system work more effectively that way. Around 82% of all workers spend the majority of their working day seated. For the average desk worker, this is often 9 hours or more. 65% of these people develop musculoskeletal (MSK) issues like back pain.
And I’m not sure how related your vertebrae are, I mean they sit so close together, and for some, bone on bone. But I’m sure they talk because when one has a problem, it doesn’t take long before others are catching on.
Let’s start unpacking these ideas starting with the elephant in the room, Planning for positivity: Finding the bright side when you’re dealing with a chronic condition found at optum.com
By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can navigate the healing process with a positive mindset, empowering yourself to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side.
- Acceptance: Acknowledge your current situation and accept it without judgment. Recognize that healing is a process and setbacks are normal
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Celebrate small victories and progress, no matter how incremental. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.
- Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding during the healing process. Be gentle with yourself and avoid self-criticism.
- Optimistic Outlook: Cultivate a hopeful and optimistic attitude. Believe in your ability to heal and overcome challenges.
- Mindfulness and Presence: Practice mindfulness to stay present in the moment and avoid dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
- Surround Yourself with Support: Seek out a supportive network of friends, family, or professionals who can provide encouragement and assistance when needed.
- Healthy Habits: Take care of your physical and mental well-being by maintaining healthy habits such as exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate sleep.
- Gratitude: Focus on the things you are grateful for, even during difficult times. Gratitude can help shift your perspective and promote a positive mindset.
- Visualization and Affirmations: Use visualization techniques and positive affirmations to envision your healing journey and reinforce your belief in a positive outcome.
- Seek Professional Help: Don't hesitate to seek professional support if needed, whether it's therapy, counseling, or medical treatment. A trained
CHALLENGE: Finding resilience and staying positive during the healing process is essential for promoting overall well-being, facilitating physical and emotional recovery, and empowering you to overcome adversity and thrive in the face of challenges.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are unveiling the dual nature of habits. How habits can boost your success or block your growth. What is your habitual power play? Striking a balance and cultivating self-awareness can help you leverage the positive aspects of your habits while addressing those that may be holding you back. Let’s face it, we all have habits and routines that guide us throughout our lives. But let’s be clear: A habit is a behavior done with little or no thought, while a routine is a series of actions regularly followed. Both can straighten out the twists and curves of a day or leave us in a mindless rut…the line can be very thin. While habits can be powerful tools for success, it's essential to be mindful of negative habits that may hinder progress.
Who doesn’t love a good morning shower brainstorm? This would be a routine that I see as beneficial. Warm water and a mindless routine that provides a distraction-free meeting of the mind. Now….if you could just take notes that would be super helpful. I usually have endless great ideas that I can hardly remember after the toweling-off process. What about you? Do you have a morning routine that you relish? Sugar-free vanilla or better yet, pumpkin spice creamer would be the habit that isn’t contributing in a positive way.
As we proceed, think about your daily routines and habits to explore what might need further evaluation.
Habits, while often beneficial, can also pose challenges and hinder personal growth in various ways. Here are some ways in which habits can block growth:
- Comfort Zone Trap: Habits create comfort, and when they become too ingrained, they can create a comfort zone that resists change. Growth often requires stepping out of this zone and embracing new challenges.
- Resistance to Change: Habits resist change by their very nature. When growth necessitates adapting to new circumstances or acquiring new skills, rigid habits may hinder the flexibility needed for personal development.
- Negative Habits: Unhealthy or counterproductive habits can have detrimental effects on personal growth. Habits such as procrastination, self-doubt, or excessive self-criticism can impede progress and hinder the pursuit of goals.
- Stagnation: Habits, if not regularly reassessed, can lead to a sense of stagnation. Growth requires a continuous process of learning, adapting, and evolving, which may be hindered by sticking to the same routines.
- Limiting Beliefs: Habits can reinforce limiting beliefs about one's capabilities. If habits are formed based on past experiences or self-perceptions, they may create barriers to exploring new possibilities and realizing untapped potential.
- Lack of Exploration: Being too tied to existing habits might prevent individuals from exploring new interests, industries, or perspectives. Growth often involves stepping into the unknown and embracing unfamiliar experiences.
- Mindless Habits: Engaging in habits mindlessly without reflection can lead to missed opportunities for growth. Being unaware of the impact of habits on personal development may result in missed chances for improvement.
- Failure to Adapt: In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is a crucial trait for growth. Habits that resist change may hinder an individual's ability to adapt to new circumstances and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
CHALLENGE: Regularly assess and adjust your habits, especially when pursuing personal or professional growth. Remember, developing a growth mindset means being open to change, and consciously cultivating habits that align with your growth objectives.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are rising strong by overcoming disappointment and embracing resilience for a brighter tomorrow. Do you believe this is within your power? Can you simply stand against the feelings of disappointment, rewriting your today and tomorrow? The way forward starts with one step. But sometimes this can feel like a large leap of faith. How do you deal with disappointment? For some, it stops them in their track, and finding a way through it can be challenging. Developing the ability to handle disappointments can lead to a more optimistic outlook on life. It helps you focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, fostering a positive and forward-thinking mindset.
I hate to be in a bad mood. And besides a good blue binge-worthy day in bed, I enjoy being upbeat. Because of this, I have the ability to quickly move to problem-solving. This may look like I don’t have deep emotions or go through painful times and that isn’t true but brooding and ruminating is a choice and when you can’t change the past, I don’t see any reason to hang out there. As with everything it seems it comes down to shifting your perspective.
Maggie Wooll offers 5 proven ways to deal with disappointment found at betterup.com
Luka informs us that Not Having Expectations Is a Trap found at mindfulled.com
Arlin Cuncic helps us understand How to Embrace Radical Acceptance found at verywellmind.com
Getting over disappointment can be a challenging but essential process for personal growth and well-being. Remember:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: Allow yourself to feel the disappointment rather than suppressing it. Recognize and validate your emotions.
- Acceptance: Understand that disappointment is a natural part of life. Accept that things don't always go as planned and that it's okay to experience setbacks.
- Perspective Shift: Try to see the bigger picture. Consider whether the situation will matter in the long run and whether there might be hidden opportunities or lessons.
- Learn from the Experience: Reflect on the disappointment and identify any lessons you can take away from it. Use it as an opportunity for personal and emotional growth.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Evaluate whether your expectations were realistic. Adjusting your expectations can help prevent future disappointments.
- Talk About It: Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Sometimes, expressing your emotions can provide relief and valuable insights.
- Focus on What You Can Control: Concentrate on aspects of the situation that you have control over. Shifting your focus to actionable steps can empower you.
- Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that everyone experiences disappointment, and it doesn't define your worth or abilities.
- Engage in Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
- Look Forward: Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, focus on the future. Set new goals and make plans that align with your values and aspirations.
CHALLENGE: Learning to handle disappointments is not just about coping with the negative emotions that arise from setbacks; it's about developing a set of skills and attitudes that contribute to overall personal development and well-being. Learn more, loosen your grip, and let go.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we become keenly aware of how our lenses may be tinted as we navigate the impact personal experiences can have on our perspectives. Which tint are you viewing your world through; rose, violet, jaded, or mirrored? Maybe you aren’t even aware that the lines you draw in the sand were actually started and passed down by someone else. Not unlike limiting beliefs, our perception of any situation is subject to ideas we formulated long before challenges arose. The good news is, as we accumulate more experiences, our perspective can evolve. And if we’re open to digging into the discovery process to identify the level of “tint” we’re dealing with we have the opportunity to push back on outdated beliefs and embrace new ideas and opinions.
So whether your head is stuck in the sand, in the clouds, or between a rock and a hard place, there is always wiggle room. What typically stands in our way? Of course, ourselves. We tend to defend beliefs, taking opposing ideas to the mat. Why is that…. age-old question without a clear answer? People like to be right and they generally pick through ideas, clinging to the ones that support how they feel instead of challenging what they think.
So hang in there. I’m not here to challenge you toe to toe, just ask you to be open to understanding yourself better and be curious to learn more.
Past experiences play a pivotal role in shaping our perspective of ourselves and the world around us. Here are several ways in which this happens:
- Formation of Beliefs and Values: Our past experiences contribute to the development of our belief systems and values. Positive experiences may reinforce certain beliefs, while negative experiences can challenge or alter them.
- Cognitive Filters: Past experiences act as cognitive filters through which we interpret new information. These filters influence how we perceive events, people, and situations, often leading to biased interpretations based on past encounters.
- Emotional Imprints: Emotional experiences leave imprints on our memory and influence our emotional responses to similar situations in the future. Traumatic events, for example, can create lasting emotional associations that impact our reactions.
- Self-Identity: Personal experiences contribute to the formation of our self-identity. Successes, failures, and significant life events shape how we perceive ourselves, influencing our self-esteem and self-worth.
- Cultural and Social Context: Past experiences within cultural and social contexts shape our worldview. Cultural upbringing, societal norms, and shared experiences with others contribute to the lens through which we view the world.
- Learning and Adaptation: Experiences provide opportunities for learning and adaptation. Positive experiences may reinforce certain behaviors, while negative experiences prompt adjustments in behavior to avoid similar outcomes.
- Memory Biases: Our memory is not always an accurate representation of past events. Memory biases can distort our recollection, leading to a selective and subjective interpretation of our experiences.
- Perspective Shifts Over Time: As we accumulate more experiences, our perspective can evolve. What once seemed significant or insurmountable may take on a different meaning as we gain new insights and learn from additional life events.
CHALLENGE: This is the time to explore how your past experiences have shaped your perspective, allowing you to be more aware of any biases and preconceptions that may be holding you back. Open the door to personal growth, empathy, and a more nuanced understanding of yourself and the world
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are going beyond what you may feel are your limits as we test your boundaries to reach unprecedented growth. Let’s embark on a transformative journey that equips you with the skills and mindset needed to navigate the complexities of life with resilience and confidence. Are you stuck in a rut? Hit what feels like a ceiling of potential? Or maybe year after year it feels like you are regressing instead of pushing forward and persevering. Wherever you feel trapped, reach out because there is so much more to be had. It starts with your desire for more and then your willingness to embrace new ideas that may feel unfamiliar or disagreeable. Your comfort zone might be holding you hostage and limiting your possibilities. It’s time for a breakthrough that starts with pushing back against the same-o, same-o.
"Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life."—Herbert Otto
What type of life experimentation have you seized? If you’re at the door, what are you waiting for?
Rebecca Fryer at forcebrands.com shares How to Push Your Boundaries to Achieve Big Things
CHALLENGE: Personal growth is a continuous process, and by consistently testing your boundaries, you unlock untapped potential, leading to a more resilient, adaptable, and fulfilled version of yourself.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are exploring your personal brand as we craft and cultivate your narrative. Crafting your own personal narrative involves intentionally shaping and defining the story of who you are, what you stand for, and how you present yourself to the world. It goes beyond a mere collection of facts about your life; it's about curating a compelling and authentic narrative that communicates your values, experiences, and aspirations. Do you visually and verbally represent what you find important on your daily walk? Are you living your best life? Does that sound like work? Well, anything worth doing is worth doing well.
Don’t leave your brand up for misinterpretation. Be clear and concise. Live it, breathe it, and walk the walk. If you stopped today, what type of story would your body of work tell? If you don’t see any compelling twists and turns, heart-warming interactions, or an inspiring outcome, you may have more work to do and investments to make. Living your best life is not coasting along, adapting yourself to get over every challenge or through every narrow pass. Start carving your own path and blazing your own trail.
Right now, you have what it takes and the only thing holding you back is you.
At brandcredential.com I found 7 Essential Personal Brand Traits to Help You Stand Out
CHALLENGE: Crafting your personal narrative is an ongoing process that involves self-discovery, refinement, and adaptation. It's a powerful tool, helping you shape how you are perceived and creating a cohesive and compelling story that reflects the essence of who you are.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are navigating the unknown of goal setting when you’re unsure of what you even want. We’ve all felt the pressure and have been questioned at the start of any new year, “What are your goals?” “What’s your plan?” “Where do you see yourself this time next year?” Whether you pull out your journal, spreadsheet, digital goal app, or the back of a used envelope, creating goals isn’t always easy. Then they have to be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. OH, the pressure! So where do you start? An easy jumping-off point is your career: where are you and where do you want to be? Your personal life: what’s important to you and what do you want to add or subtract? Personal growth: what do you need to adopt and what do you need to abandon? Soul searching is tough and because of that, hard to stay focused.
Pull out a piece of paper, grab a pen, and let’s start figuring some things out. This is the essential work before the work if you want to include another S - SUCCESSFUL.
Over at Driven Woman I found a little extra help on HOW TO SET GOALS IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
CHALLENGE: Remember, the process of figuring out what you want is ongoing. It's okay if your goals evolve over time. Be open to reassessing and adjusting your objectives as needed. Self-discovery is not one and done but a journey so settle in.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are crafting meaningful new chapters as we navigate the sadness of traditions in transition. Change is hard, no need to sugarcoat it as we do everything else around the holidays. Families grow and families shrink but what doesn’t change are the seasons. Therefore our flexibility and evolution are paramount to successfully navigate all the changes. For some, we merely adapt and roll with the punches but for others, we have to take the helm and create new memories and purpose. What each must share is an openness and willingness to embrace this ever-changing landscape with love. Most people are just doing their best. Have you ever stepped back or I should say stepped up for that kind of vantage point? On average, everyone is just trying to do their best. No one has everything figured out and everyone is going through something now, then, or yet to come so have patience and approach every situation with kindness and understanding.
With that said traditions are an important part of our development and shouldn’t be overlooked…
Dr. Kimberly Key explains Why Traditions Matter
How vacations, celebrations, and cherished routines increase health. Found at psychologytoday.com
At GR8 Relationships I found info on the 7 Stages and 8 Steps of a Blended Family
CHALLENGE: Transitioning your traditions involves open communication, a willingness to embrace change, and an understanding that creating new traditions doesn't diminish the value of the old ones but rather allows for growth and adaptation.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are tackling midlife challenges as we navigate through frustration to find fulfillment and gratitude. Whether you’re in a season of discontent, full-out frustration, or downright crisis, there is something in here for you. Crisis sounds so fatal but let’s start with a definition so we’re all on the same page: Crisis is a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger. Nothing is broken here but rather a chance to get to know yourself better as you learn what’s working and what isn’t. If life’s plan is to evolve yourself as a human being on a journey of self-discovery, then a snag or two along the way seems more than reasonable. Our brain, the powerful engine in partnership with our heart can sometimes get out of alignment. With self-awareness and a commitment to weather the storm, you can adopt new ideas and strategies to help you over the hump or humps.
So, with that in mind…
On roadtotheunknown.com I found a valuable practice The 4 A’s of Gratitude: A Comprehensive Guide
CHALLENGE: Remember that everyone's journey through a midlife crisis is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Understand that change is a natural part of life, and growth often comes from challenges. Embrace this opportunity for personal development.
I Know YOU Can Do It!