As we set for a life of fulfillment and joy, we often find that as we are in search for something bigger and better.  In this process, we sometimes recognize that what we are searching for is with us all along.  You've heard the verse, "Where your treasure is, there you will find their heart."  In life, where we place value and importance says a lot about how we find happiness. 

Today I'm chatting with Amanda Owen who shares her heart and the importance of "riding the wave" to your island of life and finding joy in the journey. 

Amanda is the Executive Director of Puzzle Pieces in Owensboro, KY, a non-profit organization that she founded in 2012.  Puzzle Pieces serves individuals with intellectual disabilities by creating skills and an environment for them to flourish.  After leaving a career as a special education teacher, Amanda knew that she was meant to do more.  She had a passion for helping people and she wanted to create a place where individuals like her brother could thrive which didn't exist at the time.  She asked, "Why can't that be me?"  So, she created it. 

Amanda and I read a book together last year, Pivot & Go.  There was one chapter in the book that hits home with this message.  If you look at your life as an island, a lot of times, we are paddling or sailing our boat towards the island and we are so focused on getting there, that we don't take time to enjoy the waves and the warm sunshine along the way.  Or, we don't take time to drop an anchor and enjoy being still and celebrating how far we've come. 

Amanda reminds us that when you're riding the wave, bring others on your boat, because it's also about taking others with you along the journey and creating community.  You're going to need people to cheer you on and to help you keep your sights on what's ahead. 

As you set sail on life, I hope you take time to ride the wave and enjoy the journey.  Embrace each moment and recognize that each wave no matter how big or small is a part of your story.  Maybe you need to ride out some waves and maybe some waves are meant to take you in a different direction.  And that's ok. Each pivot is a new opportunity for more.  It's important to not be so focused on your island that you forget to enjoy the journey along the way.  Enjoy riding the wave!

Books mentioned in this episode are linked below.
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
Pivot & Go, by David Nurse

To learn more about Amanda and her journey, head on over to Puzzle Pieces or find her on Instagram at Piecesofmebyamanda.  For more ways to bloom in between episodes, head on over to Liveyourlifeinbloom on Instagram! 

For more ways to bloom in between episodes, follow along at @bloomwithbridget on instagram or head on over to www.bloomwithbridget.com to keep growing with me.

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To explore the Bloom Box, you can find both boxes by checking out the Bloom Box on the website.

How we do anything, is how we do everything and if you want to change your life, you have to change your habits.  If you love a good routine, this episode is for you!  I had the privilege of chatting with my friend Jennifer and she talks all things around why culitvating good habits and routines will set you up for success.  

Putting in the work, day in and day out is not easy.  It gets old real quick and it's not attractive.  BUT, if you stay consistent and dig deep to find that grit and determination, you can cultivate a life of structure and productivity to take control of your day.    

Developing healthy habits and routines benefit more than just your health.  It spills over into other areas such as your mind, body and spirit.  

Some things to keep in mind when getting started: 

1. Do what works for you - your life is not a one size fits all approach
2. Write it down, speak it out loud and make it happen
3. Try not to focus on the task itself,  but who you will become in the process
4. Start small and build 
5. Consistency builds progress
6. Give yourself some grace when you fall off the horse.  It's about progress, not perfection 
7. Find someone to hold you accountable 

You are in the drivers seat and have control.  It's up to you.  And, I'm rooting for you! 

Some of the books mentioned in today's episode that can help you develop a better routine and create solid habits are: 

•  Atomic Habits, by James Clear 
• 12 Week Year, By Brian Moran and Michael Lennington
• Extreme Ownership, by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• The 5 a.m. club, by Robin Sharma 
• The Miracle Morning, by Hal Elrod 

Podcast recommendations:
Ed Mylett
Style Your Mind
Own Your Joy
Girl Water Your Grass 

To connect in between episodes, hop on over to @liveyourlifeinbloom on Instagram.  

For more ways to bloom in between episodes, follow along at @bloomwithbridget on instagram or head on over to www.bloomwithbridget.com to keep growing with me.

*NEW!!! Sign up for weekly growth texts from Bloom at 833-761-1714.

Be sure to leave a review about this podcast or share it with someone who you think would love it!

To explore the Bloom Box, you can find both boxes by checking out the Bloom Box on the website.

In life, you are either being impacted or you are creating impact.  Impact can be big or it can be small.  You can go at it alone, or link arms with others for a bigger result.  The important thing to remember, is that you realize it starts with you. 

In this episode, I'm chatting with Lauren Patton - a married, mom of four who finds ways to intentionally create impact in her life and the lives of those around her. 

Lauren is always the first to step up and help others without being asked and in her role as the manager of the Charitable Trust Foundation at Independence Bank, she oversees the dollars that are reinvested back into the community so she certainly plays a role in impacting the lives of others.   

Lauren shares her thoughts on how she chooses to ensure that while she's out making a difference that her committments align with her bigger why so that she doesn't get depleted.  She explains why boundaries are important and how you can tap into additional resources to create an even bigger impact. 

By the time this episode is over, I hope you walk away with ideas of your own and it inspires you to take action and create impact in your life and in the lives of those around you. 

For more ways to bloom in between episodes, follow me on Instagram at liveyourlifeinbloom

For more ways to bloom in between episodes, follow along at @bloomwithbridget on instagram or head on over to www.bloomwithbridget.com to keep growing with me.

*NEW!!! Sign up for weekly growth texts from Bloom at 833-761-1714.

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To explore the Bloom Box, you can find both boxes by checking out the Bloom Box on the website.

We are so much more than a title, more than somebody's mom, spouse or next door neighbor.  Yes, we may be these things, but we must understand that we exist beyond the labels we create for ourselves and those given to us.

In this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing my husband, Jacob.  Jacob talks about the various roles he plays in his life at work as President of Independence Bank, outside of work enjoying the outdoors and at home as dad, what he considers his most important title.  

We can be many things in life, but when we realize that our titles don't define us, but rather our character - one can no longer be placed in a box.  On the flip side of that, what happens when a definition of who we are is no longer a part of our present day?  I used to run track.  I used to be a cheerleader.  I used to fill propane tanks and drive a 26' box truck for my job.  Learning how to step into who we are outside of what we do on the day to day is so important to know deep down who we are and what makes you, you.  If not, we may spend the rest of our lives searching for our true selves. 

I hope this episode leaves you curious to discover your own self and seek out the true character of others rather than creating a fixed stereotype of them.   It's then, that we can open the door to something beautiful. 

https://www.instagram.com/liveyourlifeinbloom/

For more ways to bloom in between episodes, follow along at @bloomwithbridget on instagram or head on over to www.bloomwithbridget.com to keep growing with me.

*NEW!!! Sign up for weekly growth texts from Bloom at 833-761-1714.

Be sure to leave a review about this podcast or share it with someone who you think would love it!

To explore the Bloom Box, you can find both boxes by checking out the Bloom Box on the website.

When I think about the significance of a table, I'm reminded  how it brings people together.  The tables in our lives have history and tell stories.  They are a place to gather and belong.  The people around those tables are shaping you and you them.  Whether you know it or not, who you surround yourself has a direct impact on your life, your attitude, your mindset and your potential. 

Who's at your table, who are you surrounding yourself with?  Are they individuals that foster growth and opportunity?  Or, are they individuals that keep you safe and small?  Is it time to find a new table or time to pull up more chairs?

I've always been someone who believes that there is always room for more at the table and I've been intentional about making sure those sitting across from me are building Bridget and pushing me to be better. 

"Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people."              - Eleanor Roosevelt.   

We are all different.  And we're all unique with something to offer. We need to celebrate the beauty of others.   Variety is what makes our gardens beautiful.  So get a bigger table, open the doors and let others in!  

Take a listen to the song Crowded Table that I reference on the show.  You will want to play it on repeat!  And hop on over to Live Your Life In Bloom on instagram for more in between episodes.  Thank you so much for being here! 

For more ways to bloom in between episodes, follow along at @bloomwithbridget on instagram or head on over to www.bloomwithbridget.com to keep growing with me.

*NEW!!! Sign up for weekly growth texts from Bloom at 833-761-1714.

Be sure to leave a review about this podcast or share it with someone who you think would love it!

To explore the Bloom Box, you can find both boxes by checking out the Bloom Box on the website.

I love a good list!  I like to write everything down on paper and get nothing but sheer satisfaction when I get to cross through it knowing that's it done and complete.  It creates order and keeps me in control.  

After loosing my father, and realizing that in this life - I'm not in control, my lists took on a different meaning.  I continued to write things down and create my task lists, but it didn't bring me fulfillment.  I could feel myself going through the motions and shifting from what I that was so important, to realizing that it really wasn't.  

I decided to take my "To Do" lists and turn them into "To Live" lists that were about creating impact and how I wanted to live out my life rather than simply checking things off as complete and moving on the next thing.  I wanted to really live a full, abundant life and leave a mark long after I'm gone.  

How are you living your life?  How are you telling your story?  Are you living a life that's in motion or is it simply written down on a piece of paper.  

No one is promised tomorrow so let's choose to live our life to the fullest TODAY! 

https://www.instagram.com/liveyourlifeinbloom/

For more ways to bloom in between episodes, follow along at @bloomwithbridget on instagram or head on over to www.bloomwithbridget.com to keep growing with me.

*NEW!!! Sign up for weekly growth texts from Bloom at 833-761-1714.

Be sure to leave a review about this podcast or share it with someone who you think would love it!

To explore the Bloom Box, you can find both boxes by checking out the Bloom Box on the website.

Do you ever think that the more you love others, the more you will be loved?  I used to think that the more I gave of myself, the more I would get in return.  What I'm finding out, is that the real work starts within first.  The more I focus on "building Bridget," the more I'm able to pour out into others.  This applies to all areas of my life and I think you'll find it to be true for you also. 

There was a sentence from a book I recently read, that said, "We can only love each other as much as we love ourselves."  I was taken aback.  Then, I did the next hard thing.  I started reflecting on how much I love my family and those around me and then I thought, could I love them more, if I loved myself more? I'm guilty. I pick myself apart.   I'm sabotaging my own self worth so how can others see value in me, if I don't even see value in myself? 

How much do you love yourself?  I mean really love yourself?

Two of the most common fears in life are:

1.  The fear of not being enough
2.  The fear of not being loved

We all want to be loved and belong and know that we are enough just the way we are.  Most of us will spend our whole life seeking approval so that we can  fit in and belong.    We need to be living our lives seeking the approval from an audience of one - ourselves.  It's not up for someone else to decide. 

As Maya Angelou once said, "You belong no place and every place and no place at all.  The price is high, the reward is great."

When one can understand the powerful message behind her words, only then will you be free. 

Below you will find the link to the conversation deck, we use with our kids as well as the Instagram page for Bloom with Bridget.  Be sure to follow along and keep in touch!

Big Life Journal Conversation Deck

@liveyourlifeinbloom

For more ways to bloom in between episodes, follow along at @bloomwithbridget on instagram or head on over to www.bloomwithbridget.com to keep growing with me.

*NEW!!! Sign up for weekly growth texts from Bloom at 833-761-1714.

Be sure to leave a review about this podcast or share it with someone who you think would love it!

To explore the Bloom Box, you can find both boxes by checking out the Bloom Box on the website.

The essentials in life are few.  The challenge is keeping a multitude of non essentials from taking their place.

Oftentimes, on the outside  we look tidy and all put together but on the inside we can be a big ol' mess.  We overstuff our lives and our thoughts with non essentials that cultivate and environment geared toward order and growth. 

In this episode, I talk about how this life of excess can take up too much space in our internal environment of our minds and our external environment around us so we can clear the clutter and make room for what is essential to live a life on purpose rather than by default and being intentional not to accept the chaos. 

Thanks for being here and choosing to BLOOM.  You can plug in in between episodes on Instagram @liveyourlifeinbloom 

For more ways to bloom in between episodes, follow along at @bloomwithbridget on instagram or head on over to www.bloomwithbridget.com to keep growing with me.

*NEW!!! Sign up for weekly growth texts from Bloom at 833-761-1714.

Be sure to leave a review about this podcast or share it with someone who you think would love it!

To explore the Bloom Box, you can find both boxes by checking out the Bloom Box on the website.

When was the last time you had fun?  I mean, really had fun?  Most of us really have to think long and hard because it's not happening often enough!  

In last weeks episode, we talked about planting seeds of happiness and looking for ways to choose happiness on purpose and find the joy in life.  This week, I thought it would be fun to share some of the things that put me in the best mood and maybe you adopt or create your own and share with me.  

1. Friday Night Dance Party
2. School Drop Hip Hop
3. Be a Kid Again
4. Go On More Dates
5. Daughter Date Night
6. Laugh At Yourself

Let loose!  Don't worry about what everyone else is going to think about while you're having fun.  You're going to look silly at times and it's not going to be perfect, but it shouldn't be.  That's fake fun.  Be like a kid again, see life as an adventure not a chore.  And most of all, don't forget to laugh at yourself!  If you're not laughing at yourself from time to time, you're too serious! 

It's a new week.  Let's bring back the FUN! 

For more ways to bloom in between episodes, follow along at @bloomwithbridget on instagram or head on over to www.bloomwithbridget.com to keep growing with me.

*NEW!!! Sign up for weekly growth texts from Bloom at 833-761-1714.

Be sure to leave a review about this podcast or share it with someone who you think would love it!

To explore the Bloom Box, you can find both boxes by checking out the Bloom Box on the website.

Happiness is more than a mood, it's a mindset.  It's a daily choice we must make and decide that no matter what comes our way, we choose happiness first.

Is it easy?  Not always.  Somedays it will be simple and other days, there will be rain.  But when,  we choose to search for rainbows, we start to see life differently. 

While we are out there creating our own happy, we have to watch out for the energy vampires  who will drain your energy and keep you low.  Remember, you have two choices when it comes to your interaction with them:

1. Don't be around them
2. Influence them with your positivity

Oftentimes, we think we've really got it hard but in reality, it's not so bad.  It's all about our perspective.  I'm learning that perspective is not something we have, but something we do.  And it's something I have to "do" every single day, multiple times throughout the day.  Look for the sliver lining, it's there, keep searching!

Practice "Give Me Five" with your family.  Seriously, start tonight! Go around at the dinner table and share five things each of you are thankful for.  It will change your heart, I promise.

Here's a link to the book I reference, Chasing The Bright Side and she also has a podcast called, Business on the Bright Side.  Check it out!  Jess has an incredible story and is a legit optimist.  She's truly awesome.  

Remember, you have a choice.  How will you incorporate happiness into your day?  

Keep blooming my friends! 

For more ways to bloom in between episodes, follow along at @bloomwithbridget on instagram or head on over to www.bloomwithbridget.com to keep growing with me.

*NEW!!! Sign up for weekly growth texts from Bloom at 833-761-1714.

Be sure to leave a review about this podcast or share it with someone who you think would love it!

To explore the Bloom Box, you can find both boxes by checking out the Bloom Box on the website.