A Little Light Podcast

In this episode, I discuss the power of adjusting as we have reached halfway through the quarter. I reflect on my own goals, acknowledging the challenges in balancing priorities. I share the ways I am making changes including planning my week, incorporating, rest, and reviving creative activities.

I’d love to hear from you and there are a couple of ways you can do that.

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In this episode, I discuss why I find it challenging to dream bigger. Is it fear of failure or wondering what people think? I also discuss how we can align our vision and identity with who we are and who we are becoming. I believe in the self-fulfilling prophecy and it’s proven we are what we say we are. Imagine a world of limitless possibilities.

How are you going to challenge your limiting beliefs today?

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Did you know that 91% of people fail to complete their New Year resolutions? Why is that?

In this episode, we revisit the principles of planning that work. Quarterly planning has become a huge hit on TikTok, but it works! I want to ask you, what are your goals for this year? How do you plan on achieving them? What does success look like to you?

Resources:

* The 12 Week Year audiobook - free on YouTube

* Atomic Habits - visit James Clear’s website

* “Goals Toolkit: How to Set & Achieve Your Goals”- Huberman Lab

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Follow your host: @laurenn.jessica

Around this time, in mid-December, I am between “Wow, I cannot wait for the New Year” and “Wait, the year is not over yet”. Regardless, I think the next few days present a great opportunity for both feelings. In this episode, I provide a few ways we can wrap up this year while setting a foundation for the next.

In this week’s episode, I share the excitement of my recent move to a new apartment and discuss the challenges of a busy work schedule, highlighting the importance of relying on faith during hectic times. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking reflection, prompting listeners to consider their own seasons, adapt their routines accordingly, and identify non-negotiable habits while embracing flexibility.

Leave a comment on Substack or Instagram (@oflove.and.light) if you want to reflect on any of the questions asked!

Hi, welcome to a little light, a podcast that starts your week off with a dose of encouragement.

This episode: "Just do it era" is about my journey of self-expression and self-improvement. I discuss my reasons for starting the podcast, including my desire to build a community, share my experiences, and encourage others with grace. The podcast will explore a variety of topics in a friendly space, and will always end with something for listeners to take away. Join me in my "Just do it era"! Things don't have to be perfect to get started.

Let me know what you think!

Hello!

The first day of spring is twenty-one days away. Though the start of spring doesn't mean the temperature becomes instantly warmer, it is something to look forward to. It's a signal of hope, showing the darkest days are behind us. It only gets brighter from here. The weather has given us a glance at what is to come, with a warm 68-degree day. Yet, cold rain and snow flurries shortly followed. I'm looking forward to the days when the cherry blossoms open their pink and white flowers and color the streets. There is much joy in the air as the sun breaks the cold. The waterfront trail, packed with runners, walkers, bikers, outdoor yoga, casual dates, and families with dogs, is given a new life that extends throughout the summer. The barren landscape, which seems almost lifeless, transforms into vibrant colors, just waiting for the right environment to grow. I'm looking forward to the days lingering a bit longer, leaving more room for activity.

This month I'm looking forward to the progression of brighter and slightly warmer days (if you couldn't tell). January and February were exciting months, and I wasn't necessarily focused on showing up consistently here (and that's okay). Now, I want to focus on creating systems that work for me right now, which have changed from the last time I thought about them at the beginning of the year. 

The systems I'm putting in place:

* Google Calendar!

For the most part, I've planned my weekends through May. It gives me peace of mind knowing what's coming up, allowing ease to plan around it. 

* Weekly planning for work  

Recently, I've found it helps to start with a large running list. Then, I’ll narrow it down to the items I'd like to accomplish by the end of the week. If there are any time-sensitive items, those will have a note with a day next to them. I struggle with feeling unproductive, which is usually a product of a lack of direction. But, with a list, I'm focused and have a record of my work.  

* Using work from home Fridays :)

Fridays are the day to tidy up in my free moments. When I can pick up in small doses, I prevent the weekend from being a chore. I want effortless weekends, which means I have to do more throughout the week. 

*  Maximizing my evenings with one task

Similarly to #2, I can choose one day or two a week to focus on a task on my personal list when I get home from work. I'll add that to my google calendar to get a reminder of what I'll be working on. Consistency is key, so I'd like to try my hardest to keep the tasks the same week by week. i.e., Wednesday is a writing day.

* Readjusting my mornings

On January 1st, I was determined to wake up a 6 am and have an active morning routine. It was a bit ambitious for me, and I struggled to reach that goal. I'm scaling it back to a later start, with a smaller goal of just 15 mins of devotion or journaling before getting the day started. The goal of having an unrushed start to my day remains from the new year. 

What are you looking forward to? Is there a small dose of hope in the near or far future? Having something to look forward to is a good reminder that we are moving forward. Are you aligned with the systems you've put in place, or is it time to change? We don't want to go against the grain, creating unnecessary difficulty. 

Have a great week!

Some of my favorite moments are those that are slow. Stillness in a place - a park, a cafe, my apartment building - watching the world interact around me. It's turning and noticing the couple meeting for the first time, the child playing with the stranger's dog, or the cars just passing by.

The beauty of being. Existing, with breath in our lungs. Alive and human in a world that's much larger than ourselves. It's a blessing not to be taken for granted.

There's beauty in the mundane.

Hello to a random passerby. A glance at a person who’s also looking at the same thing as you are. An acknowledgment that in some way you’re connected by just existing at the same time at the same place. Solidarity in a sense.

“A meaningful life isn't how often you can saturate your senses, but how you grow to think of even the simplest, most unassuming daily things... Do the things that are effortless. Let them be effortless. Find love that's effortless.” - Brianna Wiest

Overthinking leads to a complexity of emotions blocking the potential of an experience. The occasion becomes convoluted instead of considered effortless.

“Well, what will they think?”

"What does the future hold?"

"How can I move foward?"

One step in front of the other.

There are some things far beyond our control. A chain of reactions, we’ll sometimes never see the beginning of. What we can do, is live in the moment that we are experiencing right now.