Blooming Voices Podcast

Following our intuition can lead to great things! How often do you go with your gut?

Takeaways

• We tend to make things bigger in our mind than they really are.  
• Social media culture can make us feel inferior and get us stuck in comparison mind traps.
• Sometimes what makes sense and what looks good/right, isn’t what’s actually right for you. 
• Starting over takes time, in a new job, a new city, etc.
• Work/study abroad programs are not all fun and games.
• Listen to your intuition and honor your inner guidance system. 
• Before you make a decision, get clear with your intentions and pay attention to how that makes you feel. 
• A calling is something deep inside that doesn’t go away, even if you or others think it’s unrealistic.
• If you feel a calling but can’t imagine yourself in the “normal” version of that job, maybe it’s meant to be a different form of that thing. For example, not teaching in a classroom but teaching in an acting class. Stay open.
• Our souls speak to us by guiding us to the next step in our lives through these callings.
• Get curious about your life and explore different opportunities. You never know what doors will open up for you.
• Say yes to you. Just be and go with the flow of your life. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
• Release self-judgement and let go of what you think others are thinking about you. 

Links

• TAPIF Program - https://frenchhighereducation.org/teaching-assistant-program
• How to Honor Your Calling: https://www.purposefairy.com/87782/honor-your-calling/
• 10 Intuition-Honoring Leaders - https://dailylife.com/article/intuitive-leaders
• https://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/oprah-on-honoring-your-calling-video
• https://usveteransmagazine.com/2019/12/texas-man-making-canes-veterans-donated-christmas-trees/

Social Media

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bloomingvoicespodcast/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/VoicesBlooming
• Email - [email protected]
• Website - https://www.bloomingvoices.com/

Why is it so easy to do things for others rather than ourselves?

Takeaways

• Accountability only works if you do the work.  
• What will it take to light your fire and get you moving in the direction of your dreams?
• Trick your mind into pursuing your dreams with a sense of urgency.  
• If you are deep into your own comfort zone, doing the things you aren’t used to in order to achieve your goals becomes difficult.
• If you don’t respect yourself, you won’t hold yourself accountable to yourself.
• Sometimes your work isn’t “doing” anything. It’s simply to become self-aware of your thoughts and beliefs that cause the resistance in you from doing the “other” work.
• Are you procrastinating because you’re really tired or because you don’t feel worthy or deserving of the thing?
• Get curious about why you have self-limiting beliefs or why you engage in negative self-talk. 
• Start creating affirmations or new beliefs and repeat them to yourself until you believe them.  (Pro tip: Commit to yourself right now that you want to reprogram those thoughts and stick with it. Repeat affirmations daily and often. Repetition is the key)
• Someone else’s formula for success may not work for you; just take the parts that do and create something of your own.
• Plan relaxation time in your schedule. Self-care is not selfish!

Links

• https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/10-things-you-need-commit-yourself-you-have-low-self-esteem.html
• https://www.nextstepu.com/make-a-commitment-to-yourself.art#.YWc4kFXMIdU
• https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/353685
• https://medium.com/thrive-global/7-commitments-you-must-make-to-yourself-to-succeed-552a15fa7af7
• Warren Buffet’s 2 List Strategy -  https://jamesclear.com/buffett-focus
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTW9bK4aglM
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuNLNeIorJw

Socials

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bloomingvoicespodcast/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/VoicesBlooming
• Email - [email protected]
• Website - https://www.bloomingvoices.com/

Society tends to inform our beliefs and thoughts about what we should and should not be doing.  It’s okay to question those from time to time.

Takeaways

• How do you honor your callings without falling into debt? Think outside the box.
• Your path doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s to be successful.  
• Hold the thoughts of your dreams and desires and filter out the negative commentary.
• You’ll know the difference between a calling and wish/desire because a calling gives you a sense of urgency to act.
• Do you feel pressured by society to work harder than you can?
• If you really want to do a thing, hold onto that initial thought and let it grow into a deep belief until it becomes ingrained in your subconscious mind.
• We glamorize the hustle and grind and overworking while the rest of the world shows us it’s possible to be successful and prosperous without doing that.
• What if we adopted a more European way of life with more breaks throughout the day?
• Do you agree that the one who puts in the most hours into their work, wins? 
• The win/lose mentality society creates can sometimes clash with what’s best for you.
• Challenge yourself when you come up against your own limiting beliefs or insecurities. Ask:  Why do I think this about me? Why do I feel this way? 
• Being attached to artificial deadlines you put on yourself can cause more stress and anxiety.  This leads to the disappointment of unmet expectations and reaffirms your self-limiting beliefs.
• Take control of your thoughts, beliefs, and direction of your life.  Blaming past circumstances for your current situation will only keep you going in circles.
• Remember: You are the one who decides what you think about yourself.  What everyone else says or thinks, is a reflection of them, not you.
• Whatever you are pursuing or considering, you will always be met with one of three answers:  Yes, not now, or something better. 
• As long as you hear your voice in your decision, you’ll be fine.

Links

• Ruth Chang’s Ted Talk on Making Hard Choices - https://www.ted.com/talks/ruth_chang_how_to_make_hard_choices?language=en
• https://www.businessinsider.com/europe-us-culture-differences-abroad-2019-6#regulations-that-hurt-consumers-5 
• https://medium.com/@ryanengelstad/how-to-question-your-beliefs-and-why-you-should-1de405c25d4b
• https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/02/religion-workism-making-americans-miserable/583441/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8oGEK2BXpM

Social Media

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bloomingvoicespodcast/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/VoicesBlooming
• Email - [email protected]
• Website - https://www.bloomingvoices.com/

Why did he get promoted and not me?? Yep, we’re going there in today’s episode! We’re talking about jealousy and envy in life or business. What can we do about it? 

Takeaways

• Am I as excited for myself in my career or life as I am for other people?
• It’s normal to feel a little envious of those that you aspire to be like. Let that drive you to keep trying.
• We are all on our own journey and it’s perfectly timed for us.  
• A lot of entrepreneurs have full-time jobs; you’re not alone.
• As a creative business, you need to be the business person before the artist.
• We get to choose what we believe.  
• What beliefs do you have about yourself that are hurting you rather than propelling you forward?
• Treat yourself with the value you deserve. 
• Sometimes we have to dig deep to get to the core truth about what really motivates us or stops us from moving forward.
• Do what feels comfortable to you, but experiment as well. Think of marketing like “can Sally come out to play?”
• Marketing is a numbers game: the more you do, the more chance of getting something back.
• Marketing yourself or your product can be difficult if you aren’t the aggressive type or don’t like talking to strangers! Do what feels comfortable to you, but experiment as well. Think of marketing like “can Sally come out to play?”
• Focus on what is in front of you. You don’t need to race against others. 
• Believe whatever is meant for you will come to you easily.
• Do what you love in the way you love doing it. You don’t have to constantly talk or post about it or prove it to anyone else.
• “Jealousy is when you count someone else’s blessings instead of your own.”
• Remember: Shine your own light while cheering others doing the same.
• A creative mindset is one of abundance and limitless possibilities. A competitive mindset implies lack or scarcity.  Which one will you choose?  

Links

• https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803125333955
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5609545/
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/putting-psyche-back-psychotherapy/201504/envys-higher-purpose
• https://www.urbanette.com/jealousy/

Social Media

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bloomingvoicespodcast/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/VoicesBlooming
• Email - [email protected]
• Website - https://www.bloomingvoices.com/

Is failure bad? Fail as often as possible! We bloom and grow through the lessons we learn. 

--- Takeaways ---

• If you can follow your passions, even if they seem impractical, do it.  It’s never a waste of time because there is always something you can learn or gain from new experiences.
• There is no such thing as wrong when you are trying to figure out your life. There is easy and then there is challenging.
•  You can only make decisions from the place you are at. Embrace it and be gentle with yourself. If you feel regret for your choices, find the lesson in it. That’s how we grow and evolve.
• That inner voice you hear is your higher self guiding you.  Follow the impulse that it is communicating with you.
• Not everything is a big, loud action. A quiet hobby can be just as meaningful.
• Sometimes the impulse is to engage in a new hobby or even just go for a walk.  We can gain clarity or an understanding of what to do next when we pay attention to that voice.
•  Sometimes change means getting out of your comfort zone.  
• My favorite expression is: Everything happens for me, not to me. I am not the victim of my own story. I am the hero. That’s how you empower yourself.
• We hardly get things right the first time.  No one is perfect because perfect doesn’t exist.
•  if you’ve ever failed at something, great; you’re human. You took a risk and tried.
• Even someone with natural talent needs to cultivate it or be trained.
• When we fail, we succeed. Think of Thomas Edison. We see the finished product, but we don’t know how many times the creator failed to reach it.
• We don’t make mistakes. Even seemingly wrong choices are learning opportunities. Nothing happens by accident.
• Point of views are meant to change and evolve as we do.   

--- Links ---

• https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/fear-of-failure.htm
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/vanessaloder/2014/10/30/how-to-move-beyond-the-fear-of-failure-5-proven-strategies/?sh=602eea961b78
• https://interestingengineering.com/9-influential-inventors-who-failed-multiple-times-before-reaching-success
• https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/simple-yet-effective-methods-for-overcoming-fear-of-failure/

--- Social ---

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bloomingvoicespodcast/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/VoicesBlooming
• Email - [email protected]
• Website - https://www.bloomingvoices.com/

Jordan opens up about what it’s like moving abroad during a pandemic and the experience of coming back home. 

Takeaways:

• Getting to know people takes time. 
• It’s easy to be in your comfort zone but it can be really rewarding to venture outside of it. 
• There will always be an adjustment period when you change environments. 
• Twins are used to a very close relationship, so making new friends is sometimes challenging.
• Sometimes twins can be jealous of the other twin’s non-shared friends, until they get to know them.
• Be gentle with yourself while you adjust and try to look for the similarities rather than the differences.
• Like Jordan shared, sometimes when you think you’re ready for an experience, life says not now. She applied to a program, didn’t get it, then reapplied years later and was accepted. She now appreciates that she had this experience later in life.
• Analyze any opportunity in a big picture setting, using pros and cons, before making a decision.
• People are just people. Society rules and expectations can make you feel different but keeping in mind our common humanity can help you adapt to new surroundings.
• Get out there and explore the world.  Open yourself to new experiences and new ways of doing things.
• If you want to travel, get creative.  There are lots of ways to have affordable travel experiences.
• Try  new foods you’ve never eaten before - you won’t know if you’ll like it or hate it before you eat it.

Links

• https://www.goabroad.com/articles/jobs-abroad/best-way-to-work-abroad
• https://www.remoteyear.com/
• https://www.bordersofadventure.com/travel-resources/
• TAPIF - https://frenchhighereducation.org/teaching-assistant-program
• AirBnb - https://www.airbnb.com/
• Couchsurfing - http://www.couchsurfing.com
• Jordan’s France blog - https://www.jdtravelblog.com

Social Media

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bloomingvoicespodcast/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/VoicesBlooming
• Email - [email protected]
• Website - https://www.bloomingvoices.com/

Mirror Mirror on the wall…. Do you find yourself comparing your looks, life, journey, work, results to other people? Let’s have an honest chat about what we call the “fairest of them all” syndrome and what we can do to navigate around the negative feelings that may come up as a result.

Takeaways

• Comparing the start of your journey to someone’s middle or end is a recipe for stress and heartache.
• The best artists are not necessarily “the best artists” - they know how to sell themselves!
• Are you surviving in life, or are you living? Comparing yourself to others keeps us in survival mode or the “lack” mindset.
• Don’t get stuck in the not doing. Just start. Women more than men tend to put off starting.
• Have faith and trust the process.  
• We aren’t born with a negative mindset. We learn negative thought patterns. Interrupt a negative thought with a positive one.
• Your life is perfectly timed for where you’re at right now.
• You never know what another person had to do or experience to get where they’re at so comparing yourself to their journey is counterproductive.
• Taking up some type of spiritual, mindfulness, or physical practice to get you out of your head/ego can help ground you in the present and give you clarity of mind.
• We are energetic beings having a physical experience.
• Reframing thoughts by using positive affirmations such as: “I AM” statements are powerful especially when they are repeated daily. Try writing them out and see what happens.
• “I am manifesting extraordinary experiences and I have the Midas touch.” - Dalia’s affirmation
• Trusting the process means everything always happens for you not to you.
• To help with jealousy in others’ accomplishments, believe that you helped them to reach it, however small.
• Believe in everyone getting what they want. You’ll have yours too, in time.
• “You don’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, you’ll get what you need.”
• The answer is never “no” even if it feels like no.  It is going to be “Yes”, “not now”, or “something better”.  

Links

https://tinybuddha.com/blog/13-things-instead-comparing-others/

“The Inner Game of Tennis” - https://theinnergame.com/inner-game-books/the-inner-game-of-tennis/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2020/11/24/how-to-stop-comparing-yourself-to-others/?sh=616627256473

Jack Canfield - https://www.jackcanfield.com/blog/daily-affirmations/

Jen Sincero “You Are A Bad Ass” - https://jensincero.com/shop/

Contact Info

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bloomingvoicespodcast/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/VoicesBlooming

Email - [email protected]

Website - https://www.bloomingvoices.com/

“Take nothing personal.” We hear that all the time, but what does that mean and how do we do it? We’re all human after all and emotions can affect how we interpret a specific situation. Tune in and find out our thoughts on how we deal with a situation that feels “personal.”

Takeaways

- An observation is just that, an observation. It’s neutral.
- Ditch the labels. We keep labelling things good and bad because as humans, we need to categorize everything. 
- Pay attention to your stories.  Are they ones about scarcity and lack? Or abundance?
- Opinions are just that. No need to take them personally.  
- Nothing creates more misunderstandings than trying to speak to someone who isn’t in the mindset to listen.
- Am I about to react (impulsive feeling) or respond (thoughtful)?
- You can accept people or situations for what they are without letting it affect you personally. Therapy helps to get things in perspective, if you can’t help taking things personally.
- Be proud of your accomplishments, even if “anybody can do it.”
- “Our eyes are not only viewers, but also projectors that are running a second story over the picture we see in front of us all the time.  Usually, fear is writing that script.” - Jim Carrey
- Release judgement and you’ll start to see a different reality.
- When making affirmations to yourself, use I, not you. Write down your “I am” statements and set an intention for your day.
- If you’re going to tell yourself a story, why not make it a good one?
- “Acceptance is simply love in practice. When you love, you accept, when you lack love, you judge.”

Links

The Four Agreements - https://www.miguelruiz.com/the-four-agreements

Anthem - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/667.Anthem

It's not About the Nail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4EDhdAHrOg

Jim Carrey’s speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V80-gPkpH6M

Headspace - https://www.headspace.com/about-us?gclid=CjwKCAjwvuGJBhB1EiwACU1AiaoS1bgxfONcKkkKGMuWZb_pqcKfhOBSJBiyfjxdqeBqGUcyWn7-zxoCNtwQAvD_BwE

Calm - https://blog.calm.com/about

Tune in as we discuss some funny twin facts and myths....from the perspective of actual twins!

Takeaways

- We forget we’re twins sometimes! You wonder why people are staring…
- People treat twins as abnormal, indivisible
- We twins really are individuals - take the time to get to know us both, don’t be lazy by using “hey twin” or something
- Both twins in the pair don’t always like the same thing (clothes, food, etc), just like normal siblings
- Assumed fragility - we CAN be apart and you can spend more time with one than the other! You can celebrate one and not the other for their accomplishments
- We don’t literally feel the other’s pain; it’s more like empathy and imagination combined
- It’s understandable people want to differentiate twins, “who’s smarter, who’s the evil twin, who’s the funnier one,”  but let’s try to avoid judgy comparisons
- You wouldn’t ask your normal brother or sister to stand in for you in your job or for a joke, so we don’t either. They have their own lives!
- What are your thoughts on birth order theory?
- Just treat twins like normal siblings!

Links

New Understandings of Twin Relationships - https://www.estrangedtwins.com/
More on Dr. Barbara Klein - http://drbarbaraklein.squarespace.com/

How do we confront others without sounding confrontational? Tune in as we discuss this important topic and how we can honor our own truths despite the “worst case scenario” fear.

~ Takeaways ~

- Stand up to people when they wrong you, especially if you’re not used to it

- Hear all sides to an issue

- Make a list of people who would stand up for you if you think someone else will put you down

- Who are you making a priority in your life, and are they making you one back? Why do you need to please them so much if they aren’t?

- Are we truly looking at the person in front of us, just as they are?

- At what point do we stop blaming our parents and become responsible for our own thoughts and feelings?

- Try to assume the best case scenario rather than the worst as a practice