All Things Relax with Sandi D.

Show Notes

In this episode, Sandi D. reads two poems from her book, Dragonfly Dances: Poetic Musings on Life, scheduled for release this week on Amazon. Dragonfly Dances is a collection of poems that flows from English then into French after she moved to the French Riviera last year. 

The collection covers themes ranging from family, memories, nature, society, and cultural adjustment. Sandi explains this book is the first of many to come. When you hear the poem, Dragonfly, you will understand the inspiration and connection to the book title. 

Sandi’s poetry reading ends on a light note with the poem, Les Agrumes (Citrus Fruit) in French. 

Special thanks to Shona Bramble for her workshop, Your Next Chapter, at Sandi D’s Soleil Retreat and the amazing women who attended. 

Immense gratitude and thanks go to Simona and Radu at Riviera Pictures for their creative support. It takes a village to birth a book!! 

Order your copy of Dragonfly Dances: Poetic Musings on Life today on Amazon. 

This episode is dedicated to Sandi D’s mom, Betsy Meyer who passed away on Ascension Day (May 18) after a long, brave battle with cancer. 

Learn more at: Peonies & Prose

Production Credits
Produced By: G at G Wright Coaching
Voice Overs & Promotional Spots: Sandi D & G
Music Licensed by Soundstripe: Fantoms, Solo (ASCAP)

Show Notes

In this episode, Sandi D. talks about finding your purpose and identifying your personal values. 

Your purpose can change over time, so it’s good to check in with yourself to see if you need redirection. You’ll want to take out your journal, sit back, relax, and reflect. 

Finding a supportive community where you can freely share your stories and help others is a great way to explore and maybe redirect your purpose.

Sandi D will be hosting her Soleil Retreat on the French Riviera in October. A small group of 12 women will work on unlocking their creative zen and share their stories. 

We have some amazing guest speakers lined up for the Soleil Retreat plus fun activities and excursions to ignite the FIRE within and light your creative spark. 

Feel free to DM Sandi D. on IG @queenofpodcastzen if you’d like more information about her Soleil Retreat.

Sandi D. would love to hear from you. Connect with her on IG or LinkedIn.

This episode is dedicated to Sandi D’s mom, Betsy Meyer. Sandi D’s mom passed on Ascension Day (May 18) after a long, brave battle with cancer. 

All Things Relax Studios
Soleil Retreat
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Website
LinkedIn
Rock Star Speakers Training 

Production Credits
Produced By: G at All Things Relax Studios
Voice Overs & Promotional Spots: Sandi D & G
Music Licensed by Soundstripe: Fantoms, Four Trees, Solo (ASCAP)
All Things Relax Studios

Show Notes

In this episode, Sandi D. shares her author’s journey. She opens up about finally deciding to remove the time pressure to complete one of her memoirs and give herself space to adjust to living in a new country (France). 

After experiencing writer’s block and resistance to continuing with the first memoir, Sandi D. suddenly felt the pull to start another memoir about a different phase of life and not feel guilty about setting aside the other memoir. 

She also has a collection of poems in English and in French – some written during more trying times that she’ll work on she feels called to do so. Sandi D. even experienced a poetry download this winter.

Now if you’re on a deadline, of course, there are book coaches, accountability programs, and other tools to get there faster, that’s fine. Sandi D. though has decided to enjoy the process of writing and creating her books/poems. 

Recently traveling by a very long train ride to attend a staff retreat for the 9-5 gave her some time to write. Traveling light without a laptop, Sandi D. just whipped out her cellphone and poured a ‘download’ of reflections into a Google doc! 

Last, she shares how much she loves to read and how reading quality books help with the writing process. Sandi D. shares about finally having the time to read contemporary French fiction during the trip from Nice to Nantes.

“Not fighting it when you’re not feeling it” is Sandi D.’s advice when it comes to creative energy and flow. 

Are you working on a book, poetry, screenplay, or other creative projects? Sandi D. would love to hear from you. Connect with her on IG or LinkedIn.

All Things Relax Studios
Instagram
Website
LinkedIn
Rock Star Speakers Training 

Production Credits
Produced By: G at All Things Relax Studios
Voice Overs & Promotional Spots: Sandi D & G
Music Licensed: Soundstripe: Fantoms (ASCAP) & Hunter Parks (BUMA/STEMRA)
All Things Relax Studios

Show Notes

In this episode, Sandi D. talks about the similarities between actors and speakers after hearing Rock Star speaker Mike Stevenson, a motivational speaker for over 25 years, state that ‘speaking is like theatre.’ 

After reflecting on Mike’s statement, Sandi D. shares her thoughts and perspective as a Rock Star Speakers coach.

To learn more about Mike, listen to his interview on G’s Backstage Pass over on YouTube. His super power is challenging listeners to find creative solutions. Mike’s word of the year is ‘Audacity.’ 

If your company or organization is interested in bringing Mike Stevenson in as a motivational speaker, connect with him on LinkedIn. 

All Things Relax Studios
Instagram
Website
LinkedIn
Rock Star Media Training 

Production Credits
Produced By: G at All Things Relax Studios
Voice Overs & Promotional Spots: Sandi D & G
Music Licensed: Soundstripe: Fantoms (ASCAP) & Hunter Parks (BUMA/STEMRA)
All Things Relax Studios

Show Notes

In this episode, Sandi D. talks about Wayne Dyer’s book, The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-Create Your World Your Way.

She has an ‘ah-ha’ moment when she reads Dyer’s statement, “Feelings are clues about your destiny and potential and they’re seeking the full expression of life through you.” (p. 37)

Dyer discusses the 7 faces to connect with intention. They include:

1. Be creative. 
2. Be kind.
3. Be love.
4. Be beauty.
5. Be ever-expansive.
6. Be abundant.
7. Be receptive.

Dyer talks about the obstacles to connecting to intention and discusses examining your inner speech, your energy level, and your self importance. 

Sandi D. focuses on Dyer’s discussion of your level of energy (pp. 68-81)

Dyer says operating at a higher frequency to raise your vibrational level to reach the highest frequency – that of the spirit of intention itself. 

Dyer’s 5 levels of energy include these ‘worlds’:

1. Material. 
2. Sound.
3. Light. 
4. Thought.
5. Spirit. 

After describing these different worlds, he then provides a mini-program for raising your energy vibrations. Sandi D. recommends reading the book for further guidance.

In this episode:
Dyer, Wayne. The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-Create Your World Your Way. 

Learn more about Lorrine Patterson’s nonprofit, Show Up & Love. 

All Things Relax Studios
Instagram
Website
LinkedIn
Rock Star Speakers Program 

Production Credits
Produced By: G at All Things Relax Studios
Voice Overs & Promotional Spots: Sandi D & G
Music Licensed: Soundstripe: Fantoms (ASCAP) & Hunter Parks (BUMA/STEMRA)
All Things Relax Studios

Show Notes

In this episode, Sandi D. talks about finding your je ne sais quoi or x-factor–what makes you unique and stand out. 

She shares a few questions you can reflect on – journal or just think about - to help you find your je ne sais quoi. 

Your ‘je ne sais quoi’ is about identifying your strengths and passions. It’s all about ease & simplicity, not over complicating life because you are born with this je ne sais quoi. 

Your je ne sais quoi is what gives you swagger or pep to your step–like Michael Jackson in his moon boots back in the day.

When you find your je ne sais quoi you follow ‘the call’ and are on ‘the path’ (you can have more than one path or purpose in a lifetime).

Figuring out your ‘je ne sais quoi is about slowing down, focusing, breathing. Observe others, but don’t copy them. Adapt what works and ‘do you.’

All Things Relax Studios
Instagram
Website
LinkedIn
Rock Star Media Training 

Production Credits
Produced By: G at All Things Relax Studios
Voice Overs & Promotional Spots: Sandi D & G
Music Licensed: Soundstripe: Fantoms (ASCAP) & Hunter Parks (BUMA/STEMRA)
All Things Relax Studios

Show Notes

In this episode, Sandi D. leads a guided meditation to help you relax and recharge for the holiday season. 

If you need more support to help you start the day, check out Sandi D.’s ‘Ignite the Fire Within’ digital bundle. 

Ignite the FIRE Within includes:

• FIRE audio affirmations (Fearless, Inspire, Radiate, Empowered)
• FIRE affirmation cards (digital download)
• Ignite the FIRE Within: Step into Your Power (digital journal)
• Bonus: Building Your Self-Care Toolkit
• Bonus: Guided Meditations

All Things Relax Studios
Instagram
Website
LinkedIn
Rock Star Media Training 

Production Credits
Produced By: G at All Things Relax Studios
Voice Overs & Promotional Spots: Sandi D & G
Music Licensed: Soundstripe: Fantoms & Shimmer (ASCAP) & Hunter Parks (BUMA/STEMRA),
All Things Relax Studios

Show Notes

In this episode, Sandi D. shares an important update on moving to France, creating new traditions, and a reminder this holiday season to ‘just say no.’

She shares how the vision board she created with G included photos of France and how a job in Nice, France landed in her path. Sandi D. reflects on the importance of purpose, whether it’s in the 9-5 or while building a business. 

Within the first week in France, G was invited to speak at the Nice Speakers Club. Sandi talks about not cooking this Thanksgiving and instead accompanying students on a dinner. She briefly reflects on another nontraditional Thanksgiving meal she spent in a Japanese dōjō! 

Managing stress and setting boundaries is particularly important during the holiday season. Saying no might disappoint others, but it opens up time to do things you truly want to do. When you say no, don’t feel pressured to justify your reason. Just say no, can’t do that. No, thank you. 

Cut yourself some slack and ditch the perfectionism. New traditions could include agreeing to scale back or asking others to pitch in. 

Sandi D also challenges listeners to take even just 10 minutes a day to do something for themselves. 

Happy Holidays from Nice, France!

All Things Relax Studios
Instagram
Website
LinkedIn
Rock Star Media Training 

Production Credits
Produced By: G at All Things Relax Studios
Voice Overs & Promotional Spots: Sandi D & G
Music Licensed: Soundstripe: Fantoms (ASCAP) & Hunter Parks (BUMA/STEMRA),
All Things Relax Studios

Show Notes

In this episode, Sandi speaks with Holly Frances, Author & Rare Illness Advocate based in Canada. She raises awareness about Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 2 out of every 100,000 people.

Holly shares her powerful and inspiring story about how she was suddenly stricken with GBS not long after giving birth to her daughter. 

She lost the ability to lose her legs and arms quickly – within 72 hours she was unable to walk and even lost the ability to breath on her own. Holly was in the ICU for several months. She describes the emotional pain of being separated from her newborn daughter 3 weeks after giving birth.

After two months her condition started to slowly improve. Holly describes how meeting a GBS survivor was a turning point in helping her pull through during her healing journey. 

GBS commonly is triggered by something that causes an autoimmune response, e.g., food poisoning, surgery, flu, after child birth, or other stress. 

Holly shares that post-recovery flare ups can include fatigue, nerve pain and a little bit of weakness when she’s really tired. Stress, not getting enough sleep, or taking on too much work can lead to flare ups. Recognizing her body’s signals has been the key to managing and often preventing additional flare ups. 

We talk about the book writing process. Holly recommends the book, Seven Drafts. She says it helps when writing an emotional memoir to ring a bell when you start writing and when done, ring the bell again to release those emotions. Some people may take a shower instead after writing to clear their energy. 

Holly will be re-releasing her memoir later this year. The upcoming book will be titled Life Support. Once it’s been released, we’ll update the Show Notes! 

Holly Frances
Website
Instagram
YouTube
GBS CIDP Foundation International

All Things Relax Studios
Instagram
Website
LinkedIn
Rock Star Media Training 

Production Credits
Produced By: G at All Things Relax Studios
Voice Overs & Promotional Spots: Sandi D & G
Music Licensed: Soundstripe: Fantoms (ASCAP) & Hunter Parks (BUMA/STEMRA),
All Things Relax Studios

Show Notes

In this episode, Sandi speaks with Kim Marsh, Founder of The Open Book Company & Writing / Book Coach.

Kim shifted from corporate life as a VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Communications to found her company. Kim talks about the ‘beautiful no’s’ that led her to the ah-ha moment when she decided to start her company. She first started as a freelance writer as a side gig while working full-time. 

Kim shares that when people told her she was finally living her dream, that didn’t quite resonate with her. Kim shares that she realized:

“It’s not that I’m living my dream, but now I get to dream.” 

Kim had people ask her to help them with career writing (LinkedIn bios, resumes, articles, and books). Her clients held a mirror up to her to where she was adding value. 

In Kim’s coaching and writing circles authors, coaches, entrepreneurs, inspirational speakers, and "but-I'm-not-really-a-writer" writers learn how to find, hone, and use their voice. Kim coaches clients through mindset issues and has created a safe space where they can share (or choose not to share) work.

The top two challenges she sees with many clients are 1) carving out time to write and 2) imposter syndrome and related mindset issues. 

Tune in to the episode to learn more about her supportive community. 

Mentioned during this episode:
Playing Big, Tara Mohr. 

Upcoming client’s book release (January 2023):
Are We Free Yet, the Black Queer Guide to Divorcing America, Tina Strawn

Kim Marsh
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

All Things Relax Studios
Instagram
Website
LinkedIn
Rock Star Media Training 

Production Credits
Produced By: G at All Things Relax Studios
Voice Overs & Promotional Spots: Sandi D & G
Music Licensed: Soundstripe: Fantoms (ASCAP) & Hunter Parks (BUMA/STEMRA),
All Things Relax Studios