We are in the season of Advent.  A season of waiting.  And as I'm reflecting on the anticipation of the birth of Jesus, I'm also reflecting on what I'm waiting on and how I respond during those seasons. 

All of us are waiting on something and we all experience seasons of waiting.  And [insert the Jeopardy theme here] but it can feel like FOREVER when you're waiting.  It can feel anxious, it can feel confusing, it can feel scary and we can feel empty.  Waiting is hard.  And I think it's even harder today, because  we have been conditioned to want it now.  We want it yesterday.   So waiting can feel like an eternity. 

When viewed this way, we often miss the lesson during these periods of waiting.  It's in those moments that we are being strengthened.  That our roots are being deepened and built.  We can't rush the process, but we try everything in our power to do so.  Waiting seasons teach us something.  They are preparing you for the next.  So don't rush them, seek out what you can gain from these waiting periods rather than feeling weighed down by them.

In addition to learning from them, know that instead of waiting "for," we can wait "with."  We don't have to wait and it be empty, we can lean on others, we can lean on our faith and not go at it alone.  And that feels a lot better than doing it by yourself. 

Whatever you're waiting on, know that you're not alone.  Know that there is a lesson to be learned.  Slow down and look for it.  And in that, you just might find your answer. 


As promised, here is my recipe for streak free floors!
Go Clean Co. Floor Cleaning Solution
1 gallon of hot water
1/3 cup of bleach 
1/4 tsp of powdered tide 
You're welcome! 

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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As we enter into this holiday season, we need to remember that we get to decide what that looks like.  It doesn’t have to be stressful or fast, it can be joyful and enjoyable.   

This week, I share some practical ways to keep you in the moment this holiday season so you can make the most of it to take you from overwhelmed to overjoyed.  I hope you enjoy! 

Be sure to follow @bloomwithbridget on Instagram for more!

www.bloomwithbridget.com

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.

The good ones are always dirty.  That's how you know they've been used. 

I said this to a friend who was sharing a favorite recipe with me for my Thanksgiving contribution dish and not only is it true about recipes, it's true about our life. 

But so often, we shy away from the dirty.  We hide our messy.  We apologize for it.  But what if instead of feeling embarrassed about it, we embraced it?   In this episode, I'm going to encourage you to look for ways to not be afraid of the mess as we are about to head into this Christmas Season.  It looks different to think about doing something and actually doing it.  Don't be worried about rolling up your sleeves and getting dirty for the benefit of someone else.  Take action to seek out opportunities to serve. 

For all of you orange juice cake fans, here's the recipe:

Orange Juice Cake
1 box yellow cake mix
1 large box vanilla pudding
4 eggs
1 cup of orange juice
1/2 cup of oil

Beat ingredients together and baked in a greased bundt pan at 350 degrees for 30-45 min.  Remove from oven and poke holes throughout cake with a fork for icing to seep in.

Icing
1 stick of butter
1 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of orange juice

Boil 2-3 minutes and pour over cake. and let sit and cool before serving.  Enjoy!  

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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Being grateful and thankful isn’t something we feel all the time.  Sometimes, we need to be reminded that we are making a difference.  We need to be reminded that what we do matters.  That it’s important to continue to show up, even when it feels like no one is watching.  That we are loved even when we feel lonely.  And that this world is brighter, because we’re in it. 

What are you collecting in life that reminds you of your blessings?  When I need to be reminded. I go to my thankful drawer.  It's full of notes, letters, drawings and words of encouragement that remind me that this work is important. 

Tune in to hear more. 

Share your favorite gratitude practices with me @bloomwithbridget on Instagram and don't forget about the November Gratitude Challenge on social too!  

I'm so grateful you're here!

Bridget 

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.

Fall is a great reminder to let go.  As the leaves fall this time of year, take time to think about some of those things you can shed and say "no" to in order to make room for more of the things that bring you joy and fill you up.  This can be people, places or things. 

In this episode, I'm going through my list of "NO"vember and also sharing a few of the things I'm saying yes to.  Take time this week to jot down your thoughts as we go into the last two months of the year.  Think about what a difference this could make and help to set you up for success going into the new year. 

I hope you enjoy!
~ Bridget

If you haven't already, head on over to bloomwithbridget on Instagram to check out the gratitude challenge this month. 

I have also added a submission form on my website podcast page for you to submit feedback and share content ideas of what you want to hear more about as well as speakers you think would be great guests on the show.  So please share your thoughts! 

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.

It’s Halloween and in this week's episode, it’s all about the different masks we wear.  The ones that mask our feelings, our personality and our own self image.  When we pretend to be something that we’re not, we cover up our best parts. 

Only you can be the main character of your life.  No one else can dress the part but you. It’s time to remove those masks that hide the light that shines within us.

Don't forget to head on over to bloomwithbridget on Instagram to enter the Bloom Box giveaway! Drawing ends 11/1, good luck!

I mentioned The Growth Deck by my good friend Jessica Boarman, you can snag yours here on her site jessicaboarman.com/shop

Or, to snag your very own, you may do so at bloomwithbridget.com 

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.

How much time, energy and effort do we put into running someone else's race rather than our own?  For me, it's more than I'd like to admit.   

We think we should be going at a faster pace or the same distance that someone else is going because that's what they're doing.  That's not always true. 

We are called to run the race marked for us.  Our race.  Not anyone else's.  For me, I don't always do this because I'm trying to make up for what I'm lacking.  But what if it's in those weaknesses of our own, that those are really opportunities to grow closer and depend on God?  You know, the one who actually mapped out our course and knows exactly the race, the pace we should be running?!

Instead, think about shifting your mindset to focus straight ahead.  Not who's heels your chasing or who is running close behind you, but ahead to your race.  No one else's. 

This life isn't a competitive sport.  It's a solo sport and there's only your race to run. 

bloomwithbridget.com

bloomwithbridget on Instagram

Atlas of the Heart, Brene Brown referenced in this episode.  

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.

Authentic: Of undisputed origin; genuine.  adjective.

Being authentic means being true to who you are.  Not wavering your truths, core beliefs or mindset.  Not allowing the influence of others, your environment or society to shape you into something you're not.  

In this episode, I talk through the thought behind trying to chase a better version of ourselves and how this competes with authenticity.  How it can become this elusive thought of being never enough and diminishes where we are at the present moment.  

When we allow ourselves to be authentic, we become free.  Free from striving.  Free from performing.  Free from pleasing and perfecting.  We allow ourselves to just be who we were designed to be.    

In pursuit of trying to better myself, sometimes I forget that I’m already good.  That where I'm at, is where I'm supposed to be so that I can gather the tools necessary to equip me for the upcoming season.  

We forget to take in those gorgeous views at the top of that mountain and give gratitude for the hard work and effort that got us there before we walk down and prepare for the next summit.  

Stop trying to chase a version of “best.”   Trust the process and know that what God has in store for you is above what we or anyone else says it is.  So, the pressure is off.  You don't have to chase the next version of yourself, you can enjoy freedom right where you are and experience the joy of being authentic. 

www.bloomwithbridget.com

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.

Knowledge is power.  But without action, it's wasted.  If we just absorb what we hear and do nothing with it, what good is it doing us or those around us if we're not applying it and sharing it?

This week's episode is to encourage you to be someone who takes that knowledge to the next level.  You may not be the smartest person in the room, but by diving in, figuring things out and gaining experience, you are becoming an expert. 

You are an investment that is worth being cultivated, stretched and grown.  Take time to apply what you are learning.  Put it to use and make it work for you. 

Be a doer.  Make knowledge work for you. 

www.bloomwithbridget.com

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.

Until we understand what we're trading our life for, we don't understand what we're trading our time for.  What are you trading your time for?

Time is valuable, but are you placing value and priority on the time you have making the most of it?  If not, let's dive into this episode to and start making your time work with you, not against you. 

How we spend our days is how we spend our life.  Don't waste your time.  Make each day count, make each moment count. 

For more growth in between epsisodes, head over to bloomwithbridget on Instagram or bloomwithbridget.com

XO, 
Bridget

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.