This is the second episode in season 3, and it is a short. Season 3 we are talking about fear from all different angles, and on the shorts this season I asked follow podcast friends to record about a three min episode of a time they felt fear and how they managed that fear. Each recording I received was so different, but well articulated, interesting, and relatable. 

Let me introduce to Emily. Emily is so sweet, kind, and encouraging, and she is from the mid-west like me. She is a mom, a podcast manager, and wife. Emily went from being an MRI Technologist to being a podcast manager. It was a big step, and she was fearful, but getting through her fear allowed her to have a whole new career she absolutely loves. Emily still had fear while going through the process of changing careers, but she worked through each step, getting past the fear. 

Even while feeling fear Emily got past the fear by just taking the next step. One step after another until she moved to a new career, and she talks about this in this episode of the podcast.

GUEST INFORMATION: Emily Gonzalez

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This is our third episode in season 3, and we are discussion what life looks like on the other side of fear. My guest is Ann Okafor, who is determined to make a difference in guiding anyone is who is interested in construction or STEM disciplines.

What does it look like on the other side of fear? Well in this episode you will learn you will see and have more freedom on the other side of fear. Anne talks about her great fear of the dentist, and how she had to work through the fear for the good of her health. Anne says fear has held her back, and been a barrier from opportunities. 

Anne touched on something in this episode I don't think is mentioned often, and that is how tiresome fear can be to have. She touches on how she didn't realize how tiring until she was on the other side of her dental phobia. She was always anxious about what people would think, turning down opportunities to speak, or smiling. All of the anxiety was impacting her health. Anne, "So you, when you're in that moment of fear, you're apprehensive, you're nervous. You've got emotional feelings, but sometimes very physical, symptoms of your fears as well. You know, it can make you physically ill. You can give you a sore tummy, it can, almost shut you down sometimes.".

In this episode we talk about how, like Anne, can take one step at a time to get up close to your fear, confront your fear, and move to the other side of fear. This doesn't mean you will not still have some fear, but by taking control of how that fear impacts your life has large benefits. It took a larger goal of wanting to succeed in her carrier that made Anne confront her dental phobia. She had to first look at her fear to help understand where the fear was coming up. She then had something larger as a goal that helped her look at, and move towards that fear. She took things one step at a time. She had a plan, and then she decided as hard as it was she would work on that plan. You will hear her talk about how great she felt on the other side of that fear after putting in the work.

Doesn't the other side of fear sound like where you want to be? I think Anne gives a good way to break up the heavy burden of managing fear into steps to work to the other side of fear. I personally think the key to doing this is finding that one thing that will help you stay determined to a plan to work through your fear. What that one thing could be for you could be anything, it's different for everyone. Just decide what that thing is and hold onto. Maybe it's wanting to live overseas as an example, but you have the fear of leaving the life you have now to start something new. I mean, that's a, that's a lot that's overwhelming. It seems. And it does seem scary. So start looking at your fear, start pulling back the various types of fear you have that overlay, the fear of leaving, pull those back with a plan. And when you're working on that plan, make sure you consider options available to you that seem a bit out of scope or odd at firs. This was hypnosis for Anne and I would've never thought about that, but you know, in itself there is fear in looking to get help. Anne said to help you develop and stay with a plan, find sympathetic support. So important, isn't it! Support that is healthy and genuine, support that can help you define your fear layers. 

You know, the other side of fear can allow for a life you never thought of, you've ever imagined, and getting there can be in your control.

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GUEST INFORMATION: Anne Okafor

This is the second episode in season 3, and it is a short. Season 3 we are talking about fear from all different angles, and on the shorts this season I asked follow podcast friends to record about a three min episode of a time they felt fear and how they managed that fear. Each recording I received was so different, but well articulated, interesting, and relatable. 

In this episode you will hear a voice you have heard from my second season, Jeff Aikn. Jeff is an advocate and a proven leadership coach. I have to say when I first heard Jeff's recording I was surprised Jeff's fear was fear of success. Jeff of course found a way to include a Star Trek quote. I mean his podcast is all about leadership from the perspective of Star Trek. Meaning he will review an episode of Star Trek and related it leadership, and his insights are well thought out and informative. 

When the thing happens are we too afraid of what we will have to maintain to keep that success? Listen to what Jeff has to say about this.

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www.itripoverflatsurfaces.com

GUEST INFORMATION:

I cannot believe it has been a year since the podcast launched. So much has happened over the year, and I am very thankful to have you here with me! Season 3 starts today, and in this season we are talking about fear. Fear can manifest in many forms, and this season we will explore some of those forms. In this episode you will meet Phyllis Ginsberg, M.A., MFT. Phyllis is the author of Brain Makeover - A Weekly Guide to a Happier, Healthier, and more Abundant Life, and Tired and Hungry Not More.  

Phyllis and I talk about why we fear, and how we disguise fear. We even touch on how we teach fear, or pass it to others. We all have some type of fear, and I think there are different ways we can deal with or manage fear; however, there are times we just need to continue on in life while still feeling fear. Phyllis says this about fear, "Fear is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. When I look back at the 30 plus years that I have been working with individuals of all walks of life as a therapist, as a person who has expertise in high conflict, divorce, child abuse, and domestic violence the common factor is these people have been in fear. So it got me started thinking about what is it in our brain that actually creates that fear response and how come we get so stuck in fear to where it can be debilitating or that's all we're focused on is that one problem or a whole array of problems rather than being able to shift to something else."

We talk about how fear comes in many layers or forms, such as self-sabotage, negative self-talk, embarrassment, dread, and even laziness and procrastination. Phyllis believes most of us grew up in households where you didn't talk about anything that really mattered; or we grew up in a household where there was a lot of conflict. Fear of conflict is huge, and most people will avoid it at all costs. Phyllis points out that we first need to start having conversations like this podcast episode to discuss fear and how it impacts our lives. That we first need to peel back those layers to get to the bottom of why we are feeling the fear so then we can work on those individual reasons. Phyllis has a simple but impactful method to reason out just how much fear we have in our daily life and how much it controls our decisions. She starts off by asking, "What percentage of decisions do you think you make out of fear". She then goes on to uncover some of the layers by asking about the decisions made around fears for loyalty to friends and family, fear related to fitting in or belonging, fear of being physically or emotionally hurt, and fear related to staying within your comfort zone. When Phyllis asked me these questions my original response had to be updated based on her more specific questions. My guess is yours would as well.

Understanding the layers or variations of fear can allow us to understand why we make some of the decisions we do. This can help us look deeper in ourselves to try and determine the root of that fear, and stepping in the right direction to work through the fear. To do this we will have to start working to make a change to our thoughts.  Phyllis's motto for living life with fear is, ". If you want something different, you have to do something different on purpose."

Very special thanks to Jake for my new podcast music!

GUEST INFORMATION: Phyllis Ginsberg

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I Trip Over Flat Surfaces is a podcast that encourages you; teaches you that you can control the thoughts in your head; and how those thoughts can be a positive impact on yourself and your life. This is a Mind Space Rental Place short about having an Eeyore and donkey welfare.

Eeyore was a character that I found comfort from when I was a child. I was alone a lot, horrifically shy, and I had a hard time making friends. I always wanted an Eeyore, and for many years kept a small stuffed Eeyore toy, even into my adulthood.

One morning I was reminded that I now have my own Eeyore. My very sweet mini donkey Capri is my Eeyore. I have companions that are there for me when I am not feeling my best; when I need some attention and love; and to remind me I am not alone.

My donkeys and horse are sweet, wonderful, beautiful souls that feed my spirit, and bring me so much love and joy. These creatures, as well as all equines deserve to be recognized, honored, and cared for property. So will you consider giving some of the rental space in your mind to the positive welfare of all donkey’s and horses…

Please rate and review the podcast, as it ensures people know there is something of value and worth the time to listen. You can also connect through Facebook at www.facebook.com/itofspodcast; Instagram at @itofspodcast; or check out the website and subscribe to the podcast emails, or check out the merchandise www.itripoverflatsurfaces.com. Purchasing podcast merchandise helps to support the message of encouragement, and keeps the podcast going.

Thank you for your support!

I Trip Over Flat Surfaces is a podcast that encourages you; teaches you that you can control the thoughts in your head; and how those thoughts can be a positive impact on yourself and your life.

In this episode health and wellness coach Leigh Saner joins me. Leigh Saner is the owner of Define You, LLC, and a national board certified health and wellness coach with a master’s degree in public health. Leigh specializes in stress management and helping you find the energy and consistency to make healthier choices to be more confident, more in control, and to feel better. Through her expertise, Leigh helps you find the root cause of why you have not been able to sustain the health changes you have tried to make in the past.

One piece of advice that Leigh gives is to keep a joy journal. I think this is a great partner along with a gratitude journal or in place of. Leigh talks about her joy journal in this episode.

We also talk about the fact you do not have to feel bad or give excuses for things you need to do to care for yourself, such as a doctor’s appointment or mental health day. Even taking a lunch is ok! Doing these things for yourself ensures you are able to be at your best for yourself and your family.

Sometimes we set expectations that we are willing to not take time off or not take a lunch that it can be hard to reverse those behaviors to find a better balance. Leigh says shifting these behaviors in small amounts at first is the best way to ensure success in developing positive boundaries. Setting boundaries at work is a way to communicate with your employer. One step at a time claiming and setting those boundaries will help you get to a place where you feel ok to take time off or take your lunch.

Today are talking about the fact not everything that happens, or that you communicate, or do needs an explanation. We also get into the last party I plan to attend, what really matters at the end of our life, and what legacy do we want to leave behind.

You can learn more about Leigh, her cute dog Bernie, and book a consult with Leigh by going to her website. The consult is free, and you can also sign up for her newsletter/blog. She has some good recipes on her site, check them out. https://www.defineyoullc.com

Please rate and review the podcast, as it ensures people know there is something of value and worth the time to listen. You can also connect through Facebook at www.facebook.com/itofspodcst, and Instagram at @itofspodcast. You can also check out the podcast website, www.itripoverflatsurfaces subscribe to emails, or even check out a cool podcast product. Purchasing podcast merchandise helps to support the message of encouragement, and keeps the podcast going. 

Thank you so much for your support!

I Trip Over Flat Surfaces is a podcast that encourages you; teaches you that you can control the thoughts in your head; and how those thoughts can be a positive impact on yourself and your life. This is a Mind Space Rental Place short about a donkey’s most recognizable trait, their ears.

How amazing are donkey ears? Would you say it is the one thing you without a doubt you see and recognize most about a donkey? Well those ears make them good listeners, and well shouldn’t we also be redonkulous about listening?

Please rate and review the podcast, as it ensures people know there is something of value and worth the time to listen. You can also connect through Facebook at www.facebook.com/itofspodcast; Instagram at @itofspodcast; or check out the website and subscribe to the podcast emails, or check out the merchandise www.itripoverflatsurfaces.com. Purchasing podcast merchandise helps to support the message of encouragement, and keeps the podcast going.

Thank you for your support!

I Trip Over Flat Surfaces is a podcast that encourages you; teaches you that you can control the thoughts in your head; and how those thoughts can be a positive impact on yourself and your life.

Let me introduce you to my horse Sahara. Sahara is a rescue horse, and we have been learning from each other since we met. I talk about some of the major life lessons Sahara has helped me learn, and why it took this horse for me to want to learn them.

I talk about the things I have learned since Sahara came into my life. Sahara is a rescue that came to me with baggage, and a lot of that was the same as mine. We both had to learn, and grow through the process of dealing with our baggage; and I am very grateful for the life lessons she has taught me.

Learning about my horse or someone else and not viewing them through another’s eyes, but developing my own relationship with them. Being present and still while taking in the things around me and listening. Taking the time it takes to learn, process, grow, and just being open to where I am at this time in my life. Loving and trusting to allow myself experience’s I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Sahara has shown me and continues to show me what I have to work on, and controlling the thoughts in my head and therefore my emotions, and working to be open to what I might be able to accomplish by doing so has taken me to a place that has made all of my relationships better, my work performance/work-life better, and has helped bring me to doing this podcast.

Horses are quite amazing, and my Sahara is my heart horse!

Please rate and review the podcast, as it ensures people know there is something of value and worth the time to listen. You can also connect through Facebook at www.facebook.com/itofspodcast; Instagram at @itofspodcast; or check out the website and subscribe to the podcast emails, or check out the merchandise www.itripoverflatsurfaces.com. Purchasing podcast merchandise helps to support the message of encouragement, and keeps the podcast going.

Thank you for your support!

I Trip Over Flat Surfaces is a podcast that encourages you; teaches you that you can control the thoughts in your head; and how those thoughts can be a positive impact on yourself and your life. This is a Mind Space Rental Place short about how we have leaned on donkeys.

Well, I do it again, and I put myself out there singing again. Quick, but being redonkulous about fighting my fear, I try again to sing for you. 

Donkeys are seen all throughout different cultures and history, as playing an important role. Can we say the same about our history, and how we have had the same positive impact?

Please rate and review the podcast, as it ensures people know there is something of value and worth the time to listen. You can also connect through Facebook at www.facebook.com/itofspodcast; Instagram at @itofspodcast; or check out the website and subscribe to the podcast emails, or check out the merchandise www.itripoverflatsurfaces.com. Purchasing podcast merchandise helps to support the message of encouragement, and keeps the podcast going.

Thank you for your support!

I Trip Over Flat Surfaces is a podcast that encourages you; teaches you that you can control the thoughts in your head; and how those thoughts can be a positive impact on yourself and your life.

In this episode I really put myself out there and expose something that happened in our family when I was a very small child. You get a little glimpse into the environment I was raised; learn some things about my parents and myself; and understand that it can take years before we are able to face north and take a step. Meaning, to understand that something that happened to us as a kid really has impacted us into adulthood, and to move on we have to understand what happened, and that we need to address those thoughts and feelings and find the way to move on.

This is about learning about myself, accepting things about myself, understanding the unforgiveness I have towards my mother, healing, and stepping onto the path of forgiveness.

Please rate and review the podcast, as it ensures people know there is something of value and worth the time to listen. You can also connect through Facebook at www.facebook.com/itofspodcast; Instagram at @itofspodcast; or check out the website and subscribe to the podcast emails, or check out the merchandise www.itripoverflatsurfaces.com. Purchasing podcast merchandise helps to support the message of encouragement, and keeps the podcast going.

Thank you for your support!