As You Are

In this episode, Whit and Lisa delve into the themes of winter solstice, exploring its symbolic meaning, rituals, and how we can align ourselves with the natural rhythms of the season. Together, they reflect on the importance of honoring rest, darkness, and the slow return to light. Whit shares her personal solstice traditions—family meals, sparkly clothes, candlelit evenings, and rituals of letting go—while Lisa reflects on the stark contrasts between her upbringing in sunny Australia and her current life in Finland's deep winter darkness.

The hosts emphasize embracing the cyclical nature of life, drawing inspiration from ancient solstice traditions, and rejecting the societal pressure to always be productive. They invite listeners to reflect, let go lovingly, and honour this season of rest and transformation.

This is a call to rethink the way we engage with the material world and to connect with what truly matters: meaningful experiences, intentional choices, and nurturing our planet.

In this heartfelt episode, Whit and Lisa delve into the complex relationship we have with consumerism, especially during the holiday season. They explore the emotional weight of "stuff," the joy (or lack thereof) in purchases, and how societal expectations influence our buying habits. From childhood memories of gifts to the practical challenges of living intentionally, this conversation is an invitation to pause and reflect. What truly brings us joy and fulfillment? How can we shift toward conscious consumption while embracing imperfection and shedding guilt?

In this episode of As You Are, we dive into the concept of time—its mystery, its societal constructs, and how our relationship with it affects our lives. From questioning the rigidity of calendars to examining how productivity has become a measure of worth, we explore why so many of us feel like there’s never enough time. We challenge these beliefs by embracing natural rhythms, rethinking the double burden on women, and shifting our mindset to prioritise presence over busyness. Join us as we uncover how to redefine time in a way that feels expansive, intentional, and aligned with how we truly want to live.

In this episode of As You Are, Whit and Lisa explore the often overwhelming emotions and societal expectations surrounding the holiday season. They discuss how to approach the holidays with grace, intention, and mindfulness while prioritising personal well-being and joy. Drawing from personal experiences and challenges, they offer practical insights on setting boundaries, embracing simplicity, and redefining traditions to align with individual values.

In this episode, Lisa and Whit explore how women can cultivate inner calm and empowerment during turbulent times, particularly when overwhelmed by global challenges and fear-driven narratives. They discuss the transformative impact of stepping away from media and devices, processing emotions, and creating intentional, mindful practices to ground oneself. By prioritizing personal well-being and making thoughtful choices, women can shift from fear to empowerment and contribute to collective transformation. This conversation highlights the power of small, consistent steps to foster calm, connection, and positive change.

Key Points:

* Navigating Chaos: The importance of pausing, reflecting, and processing emotions like fear and anger without repression.

* Disconnecting Intentionally: Stepping away from constant media and device usage to reduce fear-driven overwhelm and cultivate presence.

* Practical Tools: Small, actionable steps like turning off notifications, journaling, spending time in nature, or limiting news consumption.

* Choosing Empowerment: Shifting from consuming fear-based narratives to focusing on intentional, positive actions and connections.

* Collective Impact: Personal practices, like prioritising well-being and sharing positivity, ripple outward to create larger global shifts.

* Radical Acts of Calm: Embracing calm, love, and connection as powerful, transformative responses to a divided world.

Resources

Byron Katie “The Work”

Download Lisa’s guide to finding more presence here.

Whit Stewart

You can find Whit online at Madrona Coaching, on Substack at madronajournals.substack.com or on Instagram @madronacoaching

Offline, when she’s escaped the city, you'll find her in the woods or on the shore.

Lisa Bolin

You can connect with Lisa at Flourish Mind and Body, on Substack Flucking Flourishing and Northern Notes, and on Instagram @lisabolin-flourish

Offline, she’s connecting with nature, taking a dip, or reading a good book.

In this episode, Lisa and Whit openly explore the challenges and transitions of menopause, sharing personal experiences and frustrations with the limited medical support and societal understanding of this phase. They discuss common symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, and joint pain, along with the emotional toll menopause can take. The conversation emphasizes the importance of acceptance, open discussions, and self-compassion while also highlighting practices for navigating menopause, including mindfulness, consistent self-care habits, and lifestyle adjustments. The hosts advocate for celebrating menopause as a time of wisdom and self-discovery, encouraging listeners to normalize these conversations and prepare for this significant life transition.

* Limited Medical Support: Frustration with the lack of menopause research and understanding from the medical field.

* Symptom Onset and Range: Symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, and joint pain can start in the late 30s and vary widely.

* Social Stigma: Youth-focused culture often leaves menopause undiscussed and misunderstood.

* Generational Knowledge Gap: Many women received little information from older generations; advocating for early education for younger women.

* Acceptance and Self-Compassion: Emphasizing acceptance and grace; using mindfulness and self-care to manage the transition.

* Holistic Approaches: Exploring natural and complementary practices like cold water therapy, supplements (e.g., CoQ10), and Epsom salt soaks.

* Celebrating Menopause: Shifting to view menopause as a phase of wisdom, freedom, and empowerment.

* Open Communication: Encouraging honest discussions with partners about physical changes and intimacy adjustments.

Resources

Magnificent Midlife—Rachel Lankester

My Menopause Transformation—Dr Wendy Sweet

Whit Stewart

You can find Whit online at Madrona Coaching, on Substack at madronajournals.substack.com or on Instagram @madronacoaching

Offline, when she’s escaped the city, you'll find her in the woods or on the shore.

Lisa Bolin

You can connect with Lisa at Flourish Mind and Body, on Substack Flucking Flourishing and Northern Notes, and on Instagram@lisabolin-flourish

Offline, she’s connecting with nature, exploring or reading a good book.

Whit Stewart: You can find Whit online at Madrona Coaching, on Substack at madronajournals.substack.com or on Instagram @madronacoaching

Offline, when she’s escaped the city, you'll find her in the woods or on the shore.

Lisa Bolin: You can connect with Lisa at Flourish Mind and Body, on Substack Flucking Flourishing and Northern Notes, and on Instagram @lisabolin-flourish

Offline, she’s connecting with nature, taking a dip, or reading a good book.

In this episode, hosts Whit and Lisa dive into the topic of life’s constant transitions and the ways we can navigate these inevitable changes with grace, self-compassion, and resilience. They discuss societal expectations, personal growth, and the challenges of adapting to different stages in life, from career shifts and parenting to accepting physical changes and finding self-worth.

Key Points:

* Embracing Life's Transitions

* Life is a series of transitions, and accepting change as a constant can help alleviate fear and resistance. Whit and Lisa discuss letting go of finish lines and moving from goal-oriented thinking to living with intention.

* Releasing Societal Expectations

* Many women feel pressured to meet certain life milestones, which can lead to guilt and self-doubt. They discuss redefining success based on personal values rather than societal norms.

* Managing Uncomfortable Feelings

* Rather than avoiding discomfort, the hosts encourage tuning into the body to understand where discomfort is felt and what it signifies. Describing sensations and removing judgment can foster acceptance.

* Supporting Community and Mentorship

* Whit and Lisa highlight the value of supportive communities, especially for women, and the role of mentorship in navigating transitions.

* Self-Compassion and Talking to Yourself as a Friend

* Practicing self-compassion, especially during difficult transitions, and using gentle self-talk can help build resilience and emotional well-being.

* Listening to the Body’s Wisdom

* They emphasize the importance of tuning into physical sensations, understanding the body’s signals, and finding healing practices that resonate personally.

* Setting Intentions for Daily Life

* By setting daily intentions, women can reclaim control over their lives and find purpose in simplicity and presence, even amid change.

Whit Stewart

You can find Whit online at Madrona Coaching, on Substack at madronajournals.substack.com or on Instagram @madronacoaching

Offline, when she’s escaped the city, you'll find her in the woods or on the shore.

Lisa Bolin

You can connect with Lisa at Flourish Mind and Body, on Substack Flucking Flourishing and Northern Notes, and on Instagram @lisabolin-flourish

Offline, she’s connecting with nature, exploring or reading a good book.

Welcome to our first episode!

In this episode of As You Are, Whit and Lisa dive into the themes of aging, motherhood, and rediscovering identity outside of societal roles and expectations. The ten-year age difference between them adds depth to their discussion as they explore their unique but shared experiences. They talk about the societal pressures on women, especially mothers, to prioritise everyone else's well-being, often at the cost of their own. Whit reflects on the struggles of youth, feeling disconnected and lacking personal power, while Lisa offers insights into the lessons learned as a 50-year-old navigating menopause and self-reconnection. Both agree that finding community is key to overcoming these challenges. The episode highlights the importance of listening to one's inner voice, creating supportive communities for women, and embracing the different seasons of life.

Key Points:

* Seasons of Womanhood: Exploring how different life stages shape the experience of being a woman, with unique perspectives from a 40-year-old and a 50-year-old.

* Aging Gracefully: Both hosts reflect on how life often improves with age, challenging the nostalgia around youth.

* Motherhood's Unspoken Struggles: Whit shares her honest experiences with the challenges of motherhood, breaking the silence around difficult topics she wishes were talked about more.

* Letting Go of Societal Expectations: Lisa discusses the freedom that comes with getting older, especially in terms of learning to let go of external pressures and societal expectations.

* The Power of Community: Both Lisa and Whit emphasize how important it is for women to support one another through different phases of life, noting that healing often happens in community.

* Rediscovering Identity: The hosts encourage women to reconnect with themselves and their inner voice, especially after years of caregiving and putting others first.

* Embracing Your Own Path: In this episode they highlight the journey of trusting yourself and living according to your own needs rather than external expectations

Who Are We?

Lisa Bolin

For the whole of Lisa’s adult life she has been curious. With a thirst for knowledge, an open mind, and an adventurous spirit, she has travelled, tested and tried new things and new ways of being.

Originally from Australia, Lisa moved to Finland in 2017, a heart-led move. She has also lived in Canada and Germany. Lisa is passionate about supporting women who are facing big transitions (like moving country and navigating a new culture), women who are needing calm and creativity in their lives and a mentor to guide them.

Coach and mentor, owner of Flourish Mind & Body, writer, poet, occasional rock singer, mother, sister, daughter, partner, lover, wife, teacher, educator, book-lover, dog-lover, nature-nerd, traveller—Lisa is many things, wearing many hats. Because we are so much more than one thing, aren’t we?

Lisa has two publications on this platform,

Northern Notes and Flucking Flourishing. Each publication has a voice and flavour of its own and she is practicing showing up, as she is—authentic, genuine, unapologetic. You also can find Lisa on Instagram @lisabolin_flourish

Whit Stewart

Over the past 40 years, Whit has navigated deep challenges—from a family history of addiction and her own struggles with unhealthy patterns, to the joys and trials of motherhood. Through years of dedicated self-work, reflection, and practice, she has found peace by learning to truly listen to herself. Now, as a wellness and life coach, she uses her journey, knowledge, and knowing to help other women navigate their own challenges, guiding them toward greater ease and freedom.

Through honest conversations, she encourages women to explore their authenticity, take ownership of their journeys, and transform. With over 20 years of deep exploration in therapy, mindfulness, breathwork, somatics, and more, she believes that our bodies hold the wisdom for true healing and unlimited potential.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Whit now calls London home, where she continues to explore the depths of womanhood at every stage of life.

You can find Whit online at madronacoaching.co.uk, on Substack at madronajournals.substack.com or on Instagram @madronacoaching

Offline, when she’s escaped the city, you'll find her in the woods or on the shore.