Welcome back to the September Sunday Shot series! This week, we're exploring the link between self-trust and self-connection.

Have you ever found yourself stuck at a crossroads, second-guessing every decision, big or small? What about standing at the edge of an opportunity that you just can’t seem to step into? So many of us struggle with trusting our own instincts or abilities, and it keeps us from moving toward the things that matter to us. It also puts up stubborn barriers against us getting fully connected with ourselves.

In this episode, we take a look at why trusting ourselves is a key part of getting self-connected, and how a lack of self-trust can keep us stuck in our tracks, unable to move forward and claim the parts of us that make us who we are.

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

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PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

In this episode of my "Sunday Shot Series on Self-Connection," we’re taking a look at regret – because sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. 

We'll talk through the sometimes painful but always transformative journey of self-forgiveness, but also how regrets can end up being the reasons for our growth and development. We’ll also dig into why forgiving ourselves is essential for emotional healing, letting go of the past, and moving forward.

We'll cover:

If you’ve been struggling with regret or finding it hard to forgive yourself for past decisions, this episode is for you. We’ll cover words of encouragement and insights you can take action on as you start your own journey toward healing and self-compassion.

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

This episode of From Lemons to Limoncello is part of my September Sunday Shot series on the most important relationship we have — the one with ourselves. Last week, we talked about accepting all the parts of who you are, from the things you love to the things you’re working on. This week, we’re chatting about the many ways you can show yourself love by valuing yourself and practicing self-care. But I'm not just talking about bubble baths and massages — I'm talking about deeper practices with a bigger impact that feed your soul, protect your well-being, and foster your inner peace.

If you’ve ever struggled to understand what you need and deserve in life or found yourself settling for less — less “you" time, less respect, less joy — this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

Showing yourself love should never be a one-off event that's saved for weekends and special occasions; it’s a practice. The 10 suggestions I share in today’s episode might be small steps but they have a big impact on building a foundation of self-care that honors your worth. By valuing yourself and making these practices part of your daily routine, you won't just cultivate a deeper connection with yourself — you’ll also create a life that's filled with more joy, peace, and fulfillment. So tune in, take notes, and start embracing the love and value that’s already in you.

See you there. Cheers!

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

In this special September series of "From Lemons to Limoncello," we're taking a look at the most important relationship you'll ever have—the one with yourself. As a writer, corporate storyteller, and mindset mentor, I've always believed that meaningful connections are the foundation of a fulfilling life. So this month, we're switching up our usual mix of solo episodes and interviews to do a Sunday Shot-only series on getting better connected with ourselves.

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of self-acceptance and how it plays a crucial role in personal growth and breaking unhealthy cycles. We'll discuss why accepting your flaws is just as important as embracing your strengths and how true self-love involves honoring every part of your journey—especially the messy, unpolished bits.

We talk about the struggle between self-acceptance and wanting to change, and how these two can actually work hand in hand. We’ll unpack why it’s okay to not have all the answers, why vulnerability is a strength, and why you don’t need to be perfect to be lovable or worthy.

Key takeaways include:

If you're on a journey of self-discovery, struggling with insecurities, or just want to deepen your self-connection, this episode is for you. Tune in so we can turn your lemons into limoncello together.

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Kim Builta hadn't thought about her battle with stage 3B cancer for years, when she was blindsided by a cancer diagnosis for both her father and her husband on the same day — and the news that her own cancer had metastasized. After losing her father, her husband, AND her hip, it would have been understandable for Kim to give in and give up. Instead, she leaned into her faith; learned to use her leg, despite new limitations in movement; and lifted herself over the emotional and physical hurdles that life had thrown at her.

In this episode, we chat about battling life-threatening illness, the power of taking small steps when a problem seems overwhelming, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a community of good people. We also talk about honoring the memory of loved ones we've lost by following our curiosity, treating ourselves to adventures, and finding things as often as we can that remind us that life is meant to be lived.

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Let’s face it, it's painful when the people we’re supposed to be able to trust end up hurting us instead. When that betrayal comes from family, friends, or coworkers, it’s especially shocking. Still, we can be so hard on ourselves that we’ll blame ourselves for not seeing it coming. Our first instincts? To shut down completely, build internal walls so high and thick that no one can ever get near us, and to never trust anyone again. 

But here’s the thing: That approach may solve one problem, but it usually ends up causing us more pain in the long run.

So how do we learn to trust people again — and ourselves — after we’ve been hurt so badly? In this episode, we talk about licking our wounds when someone’s betrayed us, building your trust muscle after you’ve been hurt, and finding a balance between protecting ourselves and staying open to all the amazing relationships meant for our lives — the ones we already have and the new ones that are just waiting to find us. 

*This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an actor? Or maybe wanted to be one? In this episode, I talk with my friend, actor and student of the human experience, John Fico about this and so much more.

John is an exceptional actor, but he’s also a truly mindful and kind human being who's mastered something we all struggle with: finding a balance between meeting our responsibilities and still loving our day-to-day existence. In this funny and candid chat, we talk about that balance, stereotypes around acting as a profession, and the two really important things non-actors can learn from performers. He also proves that falling in love with your life is like going on vacation every single day. 

John has appeared on screen in such recognizable series as Law and Order and Inventing Anna; on stages in London, Edinburgh and New York City; and he's toured the United States playing a variety of roles in both plays and musicals. 

More About John:

Visit John’s website to view his demos, resume, and bio.

View John’s IMDb profile to see his film credits.

John's Bio:

John Fico stars in the solo short film Democracy Sucks by Off-Broadway playwright Monica Bauer, which has won ten film festival awards and was recorded and produced entirely by remote with director John D. FitzGibbon during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. John has also won the 2017 Planet Connections Theatre Festivity Award for "Outstanding Featured Actor in a Comedy" for his role in Anne Rank In The Gaza Strip after several years of festival engagements in Made for Each Other (NYC: East-to-Edinburgh, EAT’s One Man Talking, United Solo, Left Out, Planet Connections 2010 [Nominated: Outstanding Actor in a Solo Show], Edinburgh Fringe, Orlando Fringe, Boulder Fringe, Tucson Solo) both also written by Monica Bauer. Notable NYC credits: As I Lay Dying (Live Source) A. R. Gurney’s Screen Play (Flea Theater), Iron Curtain (Prospect Theatre, Off Broadway), The Most Ridiculous Thing You Ever Hoid (2010 NYMF winner Outstanding Ensemble Performance), A Stoop On Orchard Street (Mazur Theater), The Higher Education Of Khalid Amir (2008 MITF, Nominated Outstanding Supporting Actor), Pink Elephants - The Musical (Slipper Room), & several editions of Sticky! (Bowery Poetry Club). TV & Web Series: The Last O.G., Inventing Anna, Uncoupled, The Blacklist, I Love You But I Lied, The Outs. He lives and coaches in NYC.

NOTE: During the episode, John and I talk about “The Artist’s Way,” a book by Julia Cameron (who used to be married to Martin Scorsese, by the way). It’s an amazing book designed to get the reader closer to the creativity we were all born with. Barnes and Noble’s website has this to say about the book: 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

We all want to be successful in life, but what does that mean, really? Is it always about money and fame? Do all cultures define success the same way? Should I have to sacrifice things to be considered successful and, if the answer is yes, does my definition of success need to change? 

In this solo episode — a super-short Sunday Shot — I share my thoughts on these questions — and an alternative to the type of lifestyle society says we should be working for if we want to be considered "successful." 

After you tune in, I’d love to hear from you: What’s your definition of success? Do you need to make adjustments? Have your goals changed as your life has evolved and have you found the courage to change direction when they have? Find me at www.lisamarieconnections.com and send me a message to let me know!

*This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

What happens when you succeed in your career — when you have all the things society says are supposed to make you happy — but, instead, you find yourself feeling unfulfilled, uneasy, and UNhappy?

Paula Schuster had it all: She'd worked her way up to a leadership position at a multinational financial services company. She was respected, making great money, and was even being eyed for a promotion. She was living a personal life that was worthy of a successful executive, too, complete with all of the material things that come with the position.

She was also completely miserable.

Success didn't bring Paula the happiness she thought she'd feel; instead, it left her feeling stressed, anxious, unhappy and unfulfilled. Tied down by her financial obligations and the life she'd built for herself, she couldn't' see any way out of her predicament — until a trip with a friend changed everything. In fact, it had changed her completely.

In this episode, we talk about Paula's amazing transformation from a high-power, high-stress corporate career into the world of wellness and personal development. We also talk about:

More about Paula:

Paula Schuster spent over 25 years in a corporate positions, leading organizations and developing and optimizing business strategies, models and processes. Today, she’s a mother, a wife, a Reiki master and a transformational coach who helps clients cultivate self-love, believe in themselves, uncover their life purpose, and embrace their authentic selves, while reconnecting with their intuition. 

Visit Paula's Website: www.reikiflowmn.com

Find Paula on Facebook and Instagram

Listen to Paul's podcast, Scared as F*CK and Doing it Anyway!

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, send her a message, connect with her on social, or subscribe for more content, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com.

*During this episode, Lisa Marie mentioned Bonnie Tarantino. Visit Bonnie's website at: www.bonnietarantino.com/

AFTER THE EPISODE:

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Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

Want to reach out to Lisa Marie, suggest a podcast topic, or know a guest she should interview?

Connect with her, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

When we’re sad, it’s so tempting to shut down and protect ourselves against more pain. Or we might want to feel better so badly that we’ll try to distract ourselves, numb our feelings, and avoid the sadness altogether.

In my experience, both of these responses only lead to more heartache. 

In this episode we talk about sadness as a teacher in our lives and why it plays such an important role in helping us become better versions of ourselves in the long run. 

After listening, I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences about dealing with sadness: Has sadness taught you anything? Has it redirected your life in positive ways in the long run? How have you found a balance between sitting with your sadness and not wallowing in it? Please share your comments here in the comments section of the podcast, or connect with me at www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect.

*This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.