Hi Reader,
Well, it certainly wasn't my intention to announce the end of Season 1 and then become a ghost in all my social and communication channels, but my life has really been life-ing lately.
A huge part of my decision to call it a season was to be able to take a break and the universe agreed. But instead of the "break" I thought I needed to take which included annual planning for 2025, finishing all the books on my list, making lots of changes to the podcast for season 2, working on a certification I've been putting off, working on starting a new partnership, etc...it decided I REALLY needed to take a break and sent me Shingles. On my face. Which I didn't even know was possible.
So, after I threw myself a big pity party, (and went to the doctor 4 times in 5 days) I snapped out of it and took some time to nap, rest, think and reflect. And now I'm sharing the 5 ways I'm choosing to frame this 'setback'.
1. Embrace the Unexpected Pause
Sometimes, life forces us to slow down when we least expect it. Instead of resisting (which is my initial response), lean into it. Ask yourself, “What can I gain from this downtime?” Whether it’s rest, reflection, or just permission to stop doing, use the pause as an opportunity to recharge. And remember, if it's a health issue that is suggesting a pause, and you don't take it...your body will "suggest" one again and it will be at a much more inconvenient time. Trust me:)
2. Focus on the Essentials
When your carefully laid plans go off track, simplify. Prioritize the absolute essentials and let go of everything else temporarily. What truly needs your attention right now? Give yourself grace to let the rest wait.
I have to admit - this one is hard for me - just ask Nick. My priority list sometimes looks horizontal instead of vertical. You know, every single thing is priority #1. This week, I cancelled everything that isn't essential. One meeting that was on my calendar, I can't get rescheduled until March. Does that make me want to scream, "Nevermind, I can do it now!"? Yes. Should I? No. If it's not essential, it can wait.
3. Practice Gratitude in the Chaos
It might not feel natural when it feels like things are working against you, but looking for small wins or things to be grateful for can shift your perspective. Maybe it’s appreciating your body for signaling a need for rest or the people who show up to support you when you’re down. I firmly believe that the mindset shift you make when practicing gratitude will actually help you feel better physically too. I am grateful for a friend who is *forcing* me to accept her help this week. And I want to share something that Nick says to me often: "What if everything is working FOR you?". Sometimes you have to be grateful for what's not going your way as it's making way for greater things. He's so wise. Don't tell him I said that 😂
4. Set Micro-Goals
This one has been huge for me since this is happening right before Christmas when I'm trying to create Christmas magic for my family/toddler and prep for a trip to visit family. When you’re not operating at full capacity, trying to tackle big plans can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on small, manageable steps. Celebrate little wins, like getting Christmas cards addressed, ordering groceries, pivoting on teacher Christmas gifts, etc, to regain a sense of progress. This feels much easier to me since I've already removed everything that isn't critical this week. So there's definitely a compounding effect.
5. Remember, This Is Temporary
When life throws you off course, it can feel like you’ll never get back on track. Remind yourself that this phase is temporary, and trust that when the time is right, you’ll pick up the pieces and move forward with renewed energy! I know this will be true for me and it excites me. So, for now, I'll rest.
Have a great week before Christmas! Wishing all of you some wonderful magic this season. ❤️
P.S. If you’ve still looking for a great last minute gift, or the perfect planner, you can still get the Life Intended Journal and Planner delivered in time for Christmas!
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE:
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube
I know it's a busy time of year, so if you haven't been able to listen yet, here's a list of all the takeaways with links to their full episodes! Let me know which one you learned the most from!
1. Trusting Your Gut
Lindsay Vestola’s advice from Episode #1 At What Cost? Listening to Your Gut, Doing Hard Things and Taking Action with Lindsay Vastola was so good, and something that came up over and over in many Season 1 episodes. Lindsay talked about the importance of tuning into your intuition and taking bold actions. Intuition aligns your actions with your values and fosters intentional living.
Actionable Tip: Ask yourself, “What decision have I been avoiding because it feels hard?” or "What do I want?" Take time to listen to see what you learn and take one small step toward that decision today.
2. Let Go of Perfectionism
In Episode #2, Lowering the Bar: Ditching Perfectionism and Limiting Beliefs with Sadie Wackett, Sadie shared how lowering the bar on unrealistic expectations can open creative pathways and bring joy.
Actionable Tip: Identify one task you’re overcomplicating and ask yourself, ‘What’s the simplest version of this I can do and still make progress? Then do that.
3. Leadership Through Agency and Resilience
In episode #7, Become a Better Leader: Insights on Agency, Accountability and Resilience with Nick Berry, my husband Nick emphasized the importance of agency. Leadership requires accepting responsibility for outcomes, even when situations aren’t your fault. Additionally, Nick’s perspective on removing unnecessary friction in your life really stood out as a transformative idea.
Actionable Tip: Take a moment to identify one piece of ‘friction’ in your life. It could be something small—a physical object like the rug, or a recurring situation that drains your energy. Ask yourself, ‘What can I do to remove or minimize this friction today?’ Then take action.
4. Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance
Lisa Rigoli discussed the transformative power of adopting an abundance mindset over scarcity in episode #13: From Corporate to Consultant: Lisa Rigoli on Authentic Leadership and Building Trust. Lisa highlighted how a scarcity mindset can keep you stuck in fear, preventing you from achieving your potential. Operating from an mindset of abundance creates opportunities for alignment and growth.
Actionable Tip: Identify a decision rooted in scarcity. Reimagine it through an abundant lens and take aligned action.
5. Building Relationships That Support Your Vision
In Episode #21, Writing Your Own Story: The Power of Vision and Goals with Bose Akadiri, Bose highlighted the significance of surrounding yourself with the right people who contribute positively to your vision. She introduced the concept of having the “right people on your bus,” emphasizing how your personal relationships impact your vision and joy.
Actionable Tip: Reflect on your big goals for the next year. Assess your relationships—who is helping you get there and who might be holding you back? Take steps to align your network with your vision. (This is one of those simple, but not easy steps!)
6. Advocating for Yourself
Lainie Jones shared her incredibly inspiring story as a six-time cancer survivor in Epiosde #26: The Early Detective: Lainie Jones on Advocacy, Resilience, and Living with Intention. Lainie emphasized the importance of self-advocacy, especially when navigating healthcare.
Actionable Tip: Identify one area of your life where you need to advocate for yourself. Write a plan for how you can better communicate and stand up for your needs.
7. Prioritizing Relational Health
Dr. Julie Radlauer explained how deep, meaningful connections are critical to mental and physical health in Episode # 29: The Power of Social Connection: Navigating Mental Health in a Connected World with Dr. Julie Radlauer. This is even more true in our digital age.
Actionable Tip: Reach out to someone important in your life and schedule a meaningful conversation. Focus on sharing, listening, and deepening your connection.
8. Setting Boundaries for Nervous System Regulation
In Episode #32: From Chaos to Calm: Regulating Your Nervous System with Emily Steines, Emily shared how boundaries, breathwork, and mindful practices are essential for nervous system regulation. Emily explained that our nervous systems are constantly responding to the environment, and learning to regulate them can help us stay grounded and authentic in challenging situations.
Actionable Tip: Reflect on where you feel your boundaries are being tested (e.g., with people, work, or technology). Write three actions you can take to set and maintain healthier boundaries.
9. 10 Questions for Living More Intentionally
This was one of my solo episodes where I introduced a reflective tool with questions to help my listeners identify areas for growth and alignment. Asking intentional questions can uncover your limiting beliefs, clarify your values, and spark change in your life.
Actionable Tip: Set aside 30 minutes to answer one of the 10 questions from this episode. Use your response to guide your intentional actions in the upcoming year.
10. Understanding Hormonal Health
In episode #37: Zone of Chaos: Navigating Perimenopause and Beyond with Kelley Maple, Kelly provided such valuable insights into navigating perimenopause and hormonal shifts, highlighting how these changes impact physical and emotional health.
Actionable Tip: Reflect on any recent changes in your physical or emotional health. Consider consulting a healthcare provider to explore potential hormonal imbalances and make lifestyle adjustments.
