We are throwing it back to one of our favorite episodes of the podcast, Living Out Loud, originally released in February 2021 but more relevant than ever!

We're often led to believe we need to live smaller than who we really are, to fall in line, not "make waves," "ruffle feathers" and on and on. But when we try to fit in, we can sometimes sacrifice the unique beauty and purpose of why we are here. Authenticity isn't perfection. It's messy and scary and may fill us with fear, insecurity and vulnerability.

When we pay attention to the small voice inside and see who we are, we can challenge ourselves to live from love courageously. We can push through the fear to accept our feelings of vulnerability so that we can actually learn to live out loud.

Resources mentioned:

• Liz Nielsen's Instagram
• Dr. Emily Morse on Armchair Expert
• Sex with Emily Podcast

Some key takeaways from this episode are:

• When you show up authentically and challenge people's beliefs on what "normal" looks like, you are helping them to grow. People who love you and accept you will accept that challenge, even if it takes them some time to understand.
• Once you define yourself as one thing, be prepared to have that challenged. Just like other people might box you into a label, we box ourselves into labels all the time!
• Authenticity beats fakeness every day of the week. If you have a platform or have a goal of building a platform, how do you intend to showcase and celebrate realness on that platform?

Be Powerful with Liz & Lee, formerly Hilliard Studio Podcast, is focused on helping you find your inner power and for us to share our thoughts on society, culture, and current events. As the team behind Hilliard Studio Method in Charlotte, North Carolina, we love all things wellness and will also share info on how to live your healthiest life mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Liz Hilliard is an author, motivational speaker, personal & group trainer, podcast co-host and owner & creator of Hilliard Studio Method (HSM) – an internationally-renowned, core-centric, Pilates-based workout that uses the latest techniques to get the heart rate pumping and sweat dripping – uses "Be Powerful" as a daily mantra to empower and encourage women of all generations and fitness levels to accept themselves as they are and keep moving.

Lee Kennelly is the second half of the podcast and the Director of Training at Hilliard Studio Method. She is happy to be living life unabashedly with Liz and adores her teenage children who have probably never listened to the podcast! Lee is passionate about movement and teaching and loves being on the sports fields watching her children, making her line of Love Sauce salads, or going out to dinner for date night with Liz. While behind the mic and on the screen aren't necessarily her comfort zone, she loves podcasting with Liz and has enjoyed the opportunity to share her story with the hope of inspiring others to live more joyfully.

Podcast contact info:

• Liz's Instagram
• Lee's Instagram
• Hilliard Studio Method
• HSM Facebook
• Liz & Lee's YouTube