Giving Your Best Life

Have you ever had to make a life-changing decision that went against the advice of your loved ones? Join me, Stephanie, as I share my journey of leaving a career in law enforcement and choosing not to return to corporate America after a layoff, all in pursuit of following Jesus. Reflecting on Luke 15:25-27, we'll explore the emotional and relational costs of true discipleship and discuss why prioritizing our commitment to Christ over the approval of our family and friends is crucial, even when it leads to discomfort and tension.

In the second half of the episode, we’ll dive into 2 Timothy 1:7 and uncover the empowering truth that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, not fear. I'll share how this scripture has encouraged me to overcome my own fears and step out in faith. We’ll talk about identifying and confronting the fears and challenges that hold us back, whether they lead to anxiety, depression, or physical health issues. Through personal insights and supportive coaching, I aim to inspire you to embrace the strength God provides and live your best life.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Have you ever wondered how to support a friend when distance separates you? In episode 119 of "Giving Your Best Life," I share the heartfelt journey of staying connected and providing meaningful support to loved ones who are far away.

Then switching gears, get ready to be inspired by an unforgettable trip to Montana, where personal growth met breathtaking landscapes. Accompanied by my husband and niece, I embarked on rigorous hikes in Glacier National Park, learned to fish, and embraced the beauty of nature. Stepping out of our comfort zones brought accountability, new skills, and deeper connections. This chapter is a testament to the joy of encouraging others and taking time to absorb the serene surroundings, even if it means wading through freezing glacier water for a perfect moment of tranquility.

Finally, let's talk about the importance of recognizing personal limits and the lessons that come from facing them head-on. During a challenging hike, I experienced heat exhaustion, leading to a profound realization about prioritizing safety over perseverance. Through this ordeal, I learned there’s no need to prove anything to anyone. Plus, hear a touching story about my husband's sudden illness before a significant event and the power of prayer and community support that helped us through. This episode is a powerful reminder how we can support friends and they can support us, embracing new adventures, taking risks, and understanding when to let go.

Note: NLT Reflections Bible (Hardcover Cloth, Ocean Blue): The Bible for Journaling Hardcover

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Can you truly define success in a way that aligns with both your faith and business aspirations? Join us on the Giving Your Best Life Podcast as Stephanie and Zach Lloyd, Sustainable Anti-Diet Coach, share their personal journey of navigating these two worlds. Discover how they've struggled yet persevered in finding validation beyond worldly measures like income and social media engagement, all while trying to stay true to their Christian values. Zach has taken the bold step to completely ignore social media metrics, whereas Stephanie continues to see them as a way to serve others. Together, they discuss the ongoing challenge of determining what is truly "enough" in life.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to align your personal and professional goals with your faith.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Imagine the transformative power of movement on mental health. Join us on this enlightening episode of Giving Your Best Life Podcast, where Stephanie and Zach Lloyd delve into the profound connection between physical activity and mental wellness. Hear Stephanie’s touching story about a friend's triumph over depression and anxiety through consistent exercise. Supported by Zach’s detailed scientific insights, discover how even a 10-minute burst of vigorous activity can significantly improve your mood. From aerobics to resistance training and mind-body exercises, learn about the various forms of movement that act as natural antidepressants.

But that’s not all—we’re also bringing you practical, everyday strategies to incorporate these beneficial habits into your life seamlessly. They share a personal to-do list system that includes prayer, gratitude, and simple exercises like 10 push-ups to keep procrastination at bay. Stephanie highlights the importance of small, manageable actions, including her own routine of using a trampoline to elevate her mood. Together, they provide a roadmap for integrating movement and mental health practices into your daily routine, empowering you to give your best life every day. Don't miss this episode filled with actionable advice and inspiring stories!

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Ready to make the most out of summer? Learn how intentional planning and a "summer dream list" can transform your season from mundane to magical. Stephanie dives into her tactical approach to seizing sunny days in Northwest Indiana, a region where winters are notoriously long and dreary. By categorizing summer activities—whether it's home projects, physical fun, or quality time with loved ones—you can ensure every day is filled with joy and purpose. From hiking multiple state parks in one day to pizza and watching the sunset, Stephanie shares practical, often free or low-cost, ideas to inspire your own summer dream list.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Have you ever felt paralyzed by worry, unable to seize new opportunities? Reflecting on a heartfelt conversation with a close friend, Stephanie uncovers how worry and anxiety can become a major distraction in our lives. 

In this episode of Giving Your Best Life, we delve into the power of prayer and gratitude as tools to combat anxiety. Inspired by a specific Bible verse, we emphasize the importance of bringing all our concerns to God. By sharing practices such as maintaining a prayer and gratitude journal, we build a close relationship with Christ and tackle common worries through faith. I also address the deceptive nature of worry and the importance of resisting the devil by staying strong in faith. 

Join me in building a strong foundation in faith, overcoming life's challenges, and experiencing the transformative power of collective prayer. Let’s stand together and cast all our anxieties on God.

Bible verses mentioned: Matthew 6:25-34, 1 Peter 5:7, and Philippians 4:67

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Get ready to debunk some fitness myths and learn effective exercise strategies with our special guest, Zach Lloyd, a Sustainable Anti-Diet Coach. Have you ever wondered why walking with small weights seems ineffective? Zach explains how minimal weights like one-pound dumbbells quickly become part of your body weight, losing their effectiveness. We'll also break down the benefits and risks of rucking, a weight-bearing exercise that can significantly ramp up your calorie burn and endurance. But moderation is key—Zach will guide you on avoiding overloading your joints and tissues. And if you’ve ever struggled with carrying heavy loads during daily activities, we discuss innovative solutions like the "front pack" for better comfort and posture. This episode is packed with practical advice to optimize your fitness routine while keeping you injury-free and performing at your best. Don't miss out on these expert tips to give your best life!

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Have you ever wondered how delegating responsibilities can transform not just your leadership but also the lives of those around you? On Episode 113 of Giving Your Best Life, I share a heartfelt personal story about missing a cherished annual event and the surprising growth that came from letting a volunteer step up in my absence. Learn how this decision not only provided the volunteer with invaluable experience but also underscored the critical need for preparation and support when entrusting others with new roles. We’ll also explore the fine line between beneficial opportunities and mere distractions, and how being open to new possibilities can elevate your leadership game.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

What if achieving your goals meant sacrificing your weekends or rethinking your daily routines? In this episode of Giving Your Best Life, Stephanie and Zach tackle the often-overlooked concept of trade-offs in goal setting. From the substantial time commitments needed for marathon training to the potential strains on personal relationships, we shed light on the intricate balancing act required to pursue significant goals without disrupting the other facets of your life. Listen as Zach shares his personal journey of contemplating a triathlon sprint, illustrating the importance of thoughtful planning and realistic expectations to mitigate the risk of failure.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Have you ever felt sidetracked by well-meaning people, even when you're trying to stay true to the calling God has for your life? Join me, Stephanie, on this powerful episode of the "Giving Your Best Life" podcast as we wrap up our distraction series by focusing on the often-overlooked topic of people who divert us from our path. I'll share personal stories about my own struggles with staying on track.

Together, we'll explore the challenges of prioritizing God's calling over the demands and expectations of others, using insights from Matthew 6:24 and Galatians 5:16. Learn how to strengthen your prayer life and seek daily guidance to remain steadfast against distractions, no matter how well-intentioned they may be.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal