Welcome to the pod the very first guest, Chelsea! She is a fellow cozy, slow living, city loving, entrepreneur, and business owner! Join us as we chat all things slow living, business, communication, relationships in business!

Follow Chelsea!!

www.thesolecircle.com

https://www.instagram.com/the.solecircle

https://www.tiktok.com/@thesolecircle

Spotify subscription: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/cozyandthriving/subscribe

🎧Listen to the Podcasts:

Cozy & Thriving Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ch3840Dg13JZp1cIFPYEs?si=f93bd65781f4412b

Cozy & Thriving Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cozy-and-thriving/id1792078853

Socially Mikayla: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FlZnWrCQCydDMUjvQLemz?si=U3nOxFjPS46p17VxsSGyOQ

📲 Follow Us:

Mikayla IG - https://www.instagram.com/mikaylaebarnes

Mikayla TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaylaebarnes

10.08 IG - https://www.instagram.com/1008creations

10.08 TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@1008creations

🎧Listen to the Podcasts:

Cozy & Thriving Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ch3840Dg13JZp1cIFPYEs?si=f93bd65781f4412b

Cozy & Thriving Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cozy-and-thriving/id1792078853

Socially Mikayla: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FlZnWrCQCydDMUjvQLemz?si=U3nOxFjPS46p17VxsSGyOQ

📲 Follow Us:

Mikayla IG - https://www.instagram.com/mikaylaebarnes

Mikayla TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaylaebarnes

10.08 IG - https://www.instagram.com/1008creations

10.08 TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@1008creations

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! We made it through! Today, we are talking about slowing down. Last year was fun, and we tried, but this year we need to slow down even more. We need to be present where we are, and we need to not stress over the little things! Let's talk about it!

To join Spotify subscription, go to the latest locked episode, from there you should see something that says get access. If you have any questions please reach out! XO

🎧Listen to the Podcasts:

Cozy & Thriving Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ch3840Dg13JZp1cIFPYEs?si=f93bd65781f4412b

Cozy & Thriving Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cozy-and-thriving/id1792078853

Socially Mikayla: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FlZnWrCQCydDMUjvQLemz?si=U3nOxFjPS46p17VxsSGyOQ📲

Follow Us:

Mikayla IG - https://www.instagram.com/mikaylaebarnes

Mikayla TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaylaebarnes

10.08 IG - https://www.instagram.com/1008creations

10.08 TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@1008creations

Today, I get honest about overcoming burnout, setting boundaries, and letting go of perfectionism. This episode dives into the realities of hustle culture, the importance of rest, and how to audit your priorities as the year ends.Follow for more episodes on mindful living, self-care, and personal growth!

🔗 ALL COZY THINGSwww.itsmikaylabarnes.com

🎧Listen to the Podcasts:Cozy & Thriving Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ch3840Dg13JZp1cIFPYEs?si=f93bd65781f4412bCozy & Thriving Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cozy-and-thriving/id1792078853Socially Mikayla: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FlZnWrCQCydDMUjvQLemz?si=U3nOxFjPS46p17VxsSGyOQ

📲 Follow Us:Mikayla IG - https://www.instagram.com/mikaylaebarnesMikayla TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaylaebarnes10.08 IG - https://www.instagram.com/1008creations10.08 TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@1008creations

girls, let's chat. I need to just rant..

Happy Sunday! Getting to our dream life and future selves can be overwhelming. But we can create systems that not only make it easier for us to get there, but also easy for our future selves to live out the future we want for her!

What We Cover:

• Why systems matter so much for our dream lives.
• What building systems actually do for us.
• Learning how to build those systems so they don't burn us out.
• What the difference between hard systems & soft systems!

Webinar, November 21 @ 12PM EST: https://shop.beacons.ai/itsmikaylabarnes/9bb52e19-1757-4098-a25b-ff28fe980f73

Instagram: @itsmikaylabarnes | @1008creations

TikTok: @itsmikaylabarnes

Learn more: itsmikaylabarnes.com

Work with me: www.1008creations.com

Timestamps:

00:00 - Start02:34 - Why Do Systems Matter for Your "Future You"?11:50 - Two Kinds of Systems EVERYONE Should Have16:06 - Systems That Will Save Time & Energy25:54 - Systems for Creatives & Entreprenuers30:01 - Episode Recap

In this episode, I open up about how a month filled with joy, celebration, and growth also brought exhaustion and overwhelm. I share what it looks like to show up when motivation disappears, and how small, intentional choices today are really acts of love for your future self.

This isn’t about hustling harder, it’s about soft consistency, sustainable effort, and remembering that showing up now frees you later.

✨ In This Episode

-The truth about losing motivation (even when you love what you do)

-How to redefine “showing up” for your future self

-Gentle ways to move forward when you feel drained

-Why your future self doesn’t need perfection, just presence

-A cozy reminder that even slow progress still counts

🤍 Key Takeaway

Showing up now, even in small, imperfect ways, is how you take care of your future self.

You’re not falling behind; you’re building quietly.

🌿 Cozy Reflection

Ask yourself this week:

What does “showing up” look like when I’m low on energy?

How can I make life a little easier for my future self today?

What small win would help me feel proud right now?

☕️ Cozy & Thriving Coffee of the Week

The Peppermint Mocha Brown Sugar Latte

You’ll need:

-2 shots of espresso

-Milk of choice (I love oat milk for this one)

-1/4 tsp peppermint extract

-1 tbsp brown sugar

-1/4 tsp 100% cocoa powder

How to make it:

1. Brew your espresso.

2. In a separate cup, mix the brown sugar, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract.

3. Pour in your espresso and stir until smooth.

4. Add your milk of choice and froth (hot or iced — your call).

🎧 Listen to the SeriesThis episode is part of The Art of Showing Up, a 6-part journey to help you reconnect with your routines, your mindset, and your future self.

Next up: Building Systems That Support Your Future You.

🔗 ALL COZY THINGS[www.itsmikaylabarnes.com](http://www.itsmikaylabarnes.com/)---🎧 COZY AND THRIVING PODSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ch3840Dg13JZp1cIFPYEs?si=cf200162adb04528Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cozy-and-thriving/id1792078853YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe1hYgU5uUbEzKAiYJyuKIVXCweobqFCE&si=R7jFgfSrnPbsKzCf---📲 CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmikaylabarnesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsmikaylabarnes?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsmikaylabarnes

--

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start00:20 - Intro01:06 - Biggest Lesson To Learn02:05 - Being Cozy Just About Anywhere02:49 - The "Myth" of Motivation04:43 - The Secret To Success05:47 - Showing Up Now Will Free Up Your Future You11:48 - Practical Tips to Help Ground You When Motivation is Gone17:32 - Your Mindset is Really The Only Thing That Keeps You Going21:56 - Announcements

We’ve all been told that *consistency is the key…* post every week, never miss an upload, stay in the algorithm.

But what if that version of consistency is the very thing draining your creativity?

In this episode, I unpack what consistency *really* means for creators and podcasters. I share how redefining consistency changed my relationship with content creation and how you can build a rhythm that feels good instead of forced.

You’ll walk away with a new definition of consistency, a few gentle mindset shifts, and a mini “cozy creator audit” you can use to find your own creative flow.

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This Episode

- The pressure creators feel to “stay consistent” (and why it’s burning us out)

- Why consistency isn’t about *how often* you show up — but *how* you show up

- The difference between structure and rigidity

- How to rebuild your creative rhythm around what feels sustainable

- Three reflection questions to help you find *your* version of consistency

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Takeaways

-Consistency doesn’t mean constant.

-It means intentional.

-Your audience doesn’t need *more* of you, they need the *real* you.

---

Cozy Creator Reflection

Take a few minutes to reflect on these prompts after you listen:

1. When do I feel *good* showing up?

2. What parts of creating feel forced or heavy?

3. If I stopped following the rules, what rhythm would feel right for me?

Download your free **Cozy Creator Audit** to dig deeper and define your sustainable creative flow.👉 https://itsmikaylabarnes.com/shop/836d5d99-ac33-4e8f-9139-984c6db93d73

---

Listen to the full series: *The Art of Showing Up*

This 6-part series explores what it really means to show up — in your creativity, your business, and your life.

Next week: *When You Don’t Feel Like Showing Up (But Still Care Deeply)* 💛

--🔗 ALL COZY THINGS[www.itsmikaylabarnes.com](http://www.itsmikaylabarnes.com/)

---

🎧 COZY AND THRIVING POD

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ch3840Dg13JZp1cIFPYEs?si=cf200162adb04528

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cozy-and-thriving/id1792078853

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe1hYgU5uUbEzKAiYJyuKIVXCweobqFCE&si=R7jFgfSrnPbsKzCf-

--

📲 CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmikaylabarnes

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsmikaylabarnes?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsmikaylabarnes

What if business growth didn’t have to feel like constant motion? In this episode, I share my cozy, non-hustle approach to running and growing my business, without burnout, pressure, or chaos!!I take you behind the scenes of how I plans my weeks with soft and hard systems, balance client work with her own creative projects, and honors her energy instead of fighting against it.If you’ve been craving slower success, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to hustle to build something sustainable!

What's in this episode?🎙️

~What a cozy version of success really looks like

~The difference between soft systems and hard systems)

~How to plan and work based on your energy levels

~Creative routines that flow without pressure or burnout

~A calm approach to goal setting and “slow marketing”

~How to rest without guilt while still growing your business

Key Takeaways

~Growth doesn’t have to be fast to be real.

~When you honor your limits, listen to your energy, and build soft structure into your week, your business grows with you, not against you!!

“Structure is helpful but self-awareness is essential.”

---

🔗 ALL COZY THINGS

[www.itsmikaylabarnes.com](http://www.itsmikaylabarnes.com/)

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INSIDE THAN OUT PLANNER -- https://www.insidethenout.com/?ref=itsmikaylabarnes

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🎧 COZY AND THRIVING POD

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ch3840Dg13JZp1cIFPYEs?si=cf200162adb04528

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cozy-and-thriving/id1792078853

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe1hYgU5uUbEzKAiYJyuKIVXCweobqFCE&si=R7jFgfSrnPbsKzCf

---

📲 CONNECT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmikaylabarnes

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsmikaylabarnes?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsmikaylabarnes

---

🕰️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:43 - Podcast Misconception02:54 - What does business growth look like?03:46 - The ideal business situation07:01 - Business success always starts with cozy08:14 - Not everything needs to be monetized10:24 - A Cozy Business Plan10:53 - Hard business systems14:00 - Soft Business Systems16:11 - Daily Structure18:50 - Planning and Goal Setting21:08 - Goal setting example--

🔎 SEO Keywordscozy business growth, non hustle entrepreneurship, slow marketing, creative business tips, cozy productivity, intentional business planning, business without burnout

Ambition doesn’t have to come at the cost of your peace. In today’s episode, Mikayla gets personal about what it really looks like to build your dream life without burning out. From tunnel vision and creative overwhelm to learning how to slow down, rest, and refocus — this episode is your gentle reminder that peace isn’t the opposite of ambition, it’s the foundation for it.

If you’ve ever struggled with balancing your goals and your mental space, let’s chat.

In This Episode, We Chat About:

• The trap of creative tunnel vision (and how to break out of it)
• Learning to focus on one thing at a time to make real progress
• How peace fuels creativity and prevents burnout
• Mikayla’s three rituals that help her stay grounded and inspired
• Boundaries that protect your peace (especially as a creator or business owner)

🔗 ALL COZY THINGS[www.itsmikaylabarnes.com](http://www.itsmikaylabarnes.com/)---🎧 COZY AND THRIVING PODSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ch3840Dg13JZp1cIFPYEs?si=cf200162adb04528Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cozy-and-thriving/id1792078853YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe1hYgU5uUbEzKAiYJyuKIVXCweobqFCE&si=R7jFgfSrnPbsKzCf---📲 CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmikaylabarnesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsmikaylabarnes?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsmikaylabarnes---🕰️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start03:51 - Having Tunnel Vision and Hidden Hustle Culture In It06:30 - Niching ACTUALLY Helps...08:22 - Never Feel Guilty For Resting09:07 - Creative Rest is Necessary to Grow10:28 - Proof That Rest Makes You More Creative12:41 - Three Ways you Can Maintain Peace16:34 - Setting Boundaries to Keep The Peace21:30 - Podcast Wrap Up

It's Sunday! Which means we are sitting down for another cozy chat about thriving! I don't know about you but sometimes we can get so focused on the future we forget to live in the moment. Sometimes, we are so focused on becoming the better version of ourselves that our habits can be overwhelming. Trust me, I'm right there with you! So let's do this together. One step at a time!

---🔗 ALL COZY THINGS

[www.itsmikaylabarnes.com](http://www.itsmikaylabarnes.com/)

---

🎧 COZY AND THRIVING POD

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ch3840Dg13JZp1cIFPYEs?si=cf200162adb04528

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cozy-and-thriving/id1792078853Y

ouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe1hYgU5uUbEzKAiYJyuKIVXCweobqFCE&si=R7jFgfSrnPbsKzCf

---

📲 CONNECT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmikaylabarnes

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsmikaylabarnes?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsmikaylabarnes

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🕰️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

03:54 - Why Only Picking One Habit Doesn't Always Work.

05:35 - Breaking Your Habits Down to Be More Obtainable

06:32 - Future You Stares with Making Little Choices

12:13 - Growth Can Be Slow and Intentional

16:02 - Future You is Built in The Small Moments and Changes

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#cozyandthriving #selfdevelopment #slowliving #productivity