Today, it’s just me! We’ve all had an incredibly heavy past few weeks and a lot of us are in need of some levity at the moment. So often, we fall into the pattern of blaming ourselves that we aren’t being productive in times of crisis but we need to remember that our systems are recovering from overdrive right now, so this is a time to reflect. 

Taking accountability is something I fully believe in and preach to my clients. I believe in adopting a mindset of radical responsibility and understanding the root cause of an issue. In this episode, I discuss journaling techniques that have helped me through personal issues, how Covid-19 has impacted our ability to take responsibility, and ways we can break our patterns and adjust to change. 

To hear more on how we can learn to stay balanced in times of distress, tune in to Episode 9 of Joyful-Souls! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Why we need to indulge in moments of levity at the moment (1:10)
• How we have started to blame isolation for more in our lives (4:01)
• How our routines are being affected by Covid-19 & How we apply meaning in times of distress (6:38)
• Why we should start taking ‘radical responsibility’ (8:46)
• Why journaling is beneficial in finding the root cause of an issue (9:31)
• How journaling helped me solve a recurring issue my Husband and I had (12:14)
• How events in our childhood have affected us in our adult lives and translated into relationship issues (17:06)
• Ways we can break our patterns & What techniques help me personally (23:00)

Let’s Connect!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Email 

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The events that have undergone in the US these past few weeks have had an effect globally. Since the death of George Floyd, protestors worldwide have stood in solidarity with the black community and been led by prominent members of Indigenous and Native groups. 

This episode is going to address the racial injustices that are running rampant throughout our country, and bring awareness to a topic that has been ignored for far too long. As a white woman, it’s my responsibility to use my privilege to amplify underrepresented voices and help others to understand why these issues are so important.   

For real change to happen, we all must band together and use our strengths in the right ways. Our power is palpable and we are all capable of making an impact, we just need to put in the effort.   

If you’re interested to hear more about this conversation and learn how we can support this cause, then tune in to Episode 8 of Joyful Souls! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• The effect George Floyd’s death has had globally & My perspective on my own privilege as a white woman (1:10)
• The reality of the protests going on in the US (6:10)
• The understanding that other marginalized groups still experience prejudice in other ways & Why we all need to band together right now (8:09)
• Why we need to stop being complacent and address the broken systems that run rampant throughout the US (9:06)
• Why I feel anger towards myself and other white individuals (12:18)
• My opinion on where prejudice towards minorities stems from (15:17)
• Why we need to be making the effort to be better allies (16:51)

Connect With Tracey Benson:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Email

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m a big believer in routines. Throughout my life, I’ve experienced feelings of stress, anxiety and there’s often been times where I’ve felt overwhelmed with the idea of how many things are on my plate. Structuring a daily practice that fit the needs of my lifestyle and catered to both my work and personal life has been an essential part of controlling my stress management. 

In this episode, I discuss the importance of routines and why they are so beneficial to our well being, tips for reducing our stressors and how we can put them into perspective, as well as sharing a few of my own nighttime rituals. 

Our minds and bodies deserve to be treated with respect and it’s sometimes hard to remember to take time for ourselves. Building a solid routine is the first step in ensuring that we are putting in the effort to better our own lives and make ourselves a priority. Creating consistent daily habits is something we will need to work on, but the payoff is so, so worth it! 

If you’re interested to learn more and hear some advice that I share with my own clients on this topic, then tune in to Episode 7 of Joyful-Souls! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• How having a daily routine has helped me (1:54)
• Why I tell my clients to practice gratitude (4:02)
• The importance of incorporating physical activity into your morning routine (4:54)
• Some of Tony Robbins’ daily exercises and how I’ve applied them to my life (5:44)
• Why you should be actively listening to resources such as audiobooks and guided meditations (7:36)
• Suggested nighttime rituals to ensure you sleep well (8:22) 
• My advice for minimizing stress & What to do when you feel yourself becoming agitated (10:32)
• How our stressors can affect those around us & Ways to control those emotions (12:28)
• My personal nighttime routine (16:59)

Connect With Tracey Benson:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Email 

Resources:

• Article - “What is Priming?”, Tony Robbins
• Youtube Video - “Devi Prayer”

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My life has been a rollercoaster of emotions and learning experiences. One of the hardest things I’ve had to come to terms with over the years in order to become my most authentic self, was learning how to let go of my own limiting beliefs and change the rules I’d placed upon my life. 

In this episode, I talk about how I’ve redefined my definition of success, how I’ve learned to live simpler, and what led me to discover my inner fulfillment and feelings of contentment. My life opened up exponentially by simply becoming aware of the things that were holding me back.

As people, we are forever growing and changing to the environment around us and it’s essential that we tap into our internal thought patterns so that we can best approach life in a balanced way. It’s a challenging road ahead, but with the right tools and an optimistic outlook, anyone is capable of change.  

If you’re interested to learn more and want to challenge your own set of beliefs, then tune in to Episode 6 of Joyful Souls! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• How my way of thinking has changed since early on in life (1:10)
• How working with a Life Coach was a wake-up call in finding my inner joy (4:02)
• Advice for those that place too many rules and regulations on themselves (6:52)
• What success means to me now (10:56)
• My personal take on perfectionism (12:52)
• Why striving to be perfect in every facet of life was never truly fulfilling (16:14)
• Ways we can help ourselves when using negative self-talk (19:40)

Connect With Tracey Benson:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Email

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the children have left home, empty nesters can feel disengaged and irrelevant. The role of being a parent, suddenly not as needed, can lead to much confusion and disorientation, leading to feelings that they no longer matter.

Today I’m joined by two of my absolute favorite people, Michelle Lee and Mark O’Toole - self-proclaimed ‘Dream Architects’ helping others in the same age bracket rediscover their passions and joy for life. 

Mark and Michelle, empty nesters themselves, are on a mission to help thousands of empty nesters to engage fully with life through deeper and more meaningful Experiences, unconditional Contribution, and evolving and consistent Growth. Known as The Dream Architects, the lifestyle and nutrition coaches, co-create with their clients to help them re-ignite their dreams, and engage in healthy choices, through programs like My Dream Matters and My Body Matters. When clients raise their ECG Life pulse and truly embrace self-love, they ultimately feel like they do matter.

In this episode, they share their journey to becoming a couple and starting a business together, what ‘ECG’ means at The Dream Architects and how their classes benefit attendees moving forward into the next phase of their lives.

It’s wonderful that this kind of work is being done and seeing what success has come out of their programs, there is definitely a huge audience in need of the support and motivation. Rather than feeling like the next chapter is a burden, these two make the transition feel like a welcome and exciting addition to life. 

If you’d like to hear more about Michelle and Mark’s story of becoming who they are today, then tune in to Episode 5 of Joyful-Souls! 

Some Questions I Ask:

• Michelle, how did you meet Mark and what were you doing before the business took off? (3:48)
• Mark, where were you before you met Michelle, and how did life change after becoming a couple? (7:34)
• What is the focus in the groups you run & what do guests have to look forward to when they connect with you? (18:27)
• How is physical fitness incorporated in your classes? (24:55)
• What’s next for you two? (31:43)
• What is one tip you would give to your younger self for getting to the extraordinary life you have now, faster? (35:18)

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Background on Mark and Michelle and the story of how they met (3:00)
• How ‘The Dream Architects’ came to be and insights from Mark and Michelle on deciding to work together as a couple (10:42)
• What the concept of ECG means at ‘The Dream Architects’ (14:25) 
• How Michelle and Mark’s programs operate (18:42)
• What ECG Expeditions are (28:08)

Connect With Mark O’Toole & Michelle Lee:

• Facebook 
• Instagram
• The Dream Architects - Website
• The Awakening Empty Nester - Podcast 
• Email

Resources: 

• Fitness Program - “WildFit”

Let’s connect!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Email 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quarantine is starting to take its toll on all of us, particularly those living in close proximity with their spouses and other family members. 

In today’s episode, I cover a few tips and strategies that you can apply to your living situation to help ease the tension that is bubbling to the surface. It’s such an uncertain time right now and for many of us, we’re starting to take our emotions out on the people closest to us. We shouldn’t be beating ourselves up over it, but it’s important to recognize and take action when we feel these moments coming on. 

This is the time for us to be making the effort with each other and to be considerate of those around us, because we all need the support right now. 

If you’re in need of some resources on these subjects, then tune into Episode 4 of Joyful Souls! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Tips on easing tension between household members during quarantine (3:33)
• Insights into my experience in lockdown with my partner (9:46)
• The importance of focusing on personal projects while at home (11:07)
• Strategies for learning how to meditate (12:42) 
• How my relationship dynamics have changed over the years (14:18)
• Games for couples and families to use to keep the household harmonious (16:40)
• Why you should be taking an interest in each other’s hobbies (21:29)
• How to communicate and gain perspective while you’re still angry (24:44)

Connect With Tracey Benson:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Email 

Resources:

• Book - “Loving What Is” Author, Byron Katie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With everything that is going on, globally, I am sure that many people are dealing with the grief that results from any type of loss, ranging from losing a family member, a friend, a business, a job, or a substantial amount of money. And I know it’s not easy. I’ve been there, I’ve seen the different ways in which people cope with the grieving process and I know it takes time to overcome a tragedy.

I am deeply empathetic to those that lost someone or something in the past several months, and today, I am going to tell you a personal story that marked my childhood and my entire life, and I am going to share some pieces of advice that come from my own experience and from what I’ve learned throughout my life journey.

Listen to Episode 03 of Joyful-Souls, to learn that you are not alone. Remember, pain is inevitable but suffering is optional and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The unfortunate incident that led to one of my brother’s death. (01:49)
• How this tragedy has impacted my family, my childhood, and formed my character. (04:27)
• How regression therapy helped me recover from the panic attacks and the recurrent nightmares I had. (06:56)
• The importance of remembering the good that people leave behind after they’re gone. (14:56)
• How reaching out to other people is essential when you’re grieving. (17:55)
• How we can support the people around us that have suffered a loss of any kind. (18:18)

Let’s connect!

• Email: [email protected] 
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The quality of your life is directly in correlation with the amount of uncertainty you can tolerate.” – Tony Robbins

Think about your best day, think about the best moment of your life. I’m sure you’ve had some hiccups along the way before experiencing that amazing memory, but the choices you’ve made and the decisions you took helped you overcome those bumps in the road and find joy and peace on the other side.

What if you could have that feeling every single day of your life?

The world would definitely be so amazing if we all felt joy on a daily basis and if we were all content with knowing that we’re doing our best while accepting the things in our life that we cannot control.

Listen to Episode 02 of Joyful-Souls, where I am going to talk to you about the need people have for certainty and/or uncertainty – which is also variety - and how in many cases it’s better to just go with the flow and not fight the circumstances and things that are beyond our power to change.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How resisting uncertainty leads to negative feelings like stress, frustration, and anger. (03:42)
• The reasons why our brain runs from uncertainty. (05:25)
• How I learned to feel comfortable with the unknowns that surround me. (07:14)
• How going with the flow allows you to have more joy and peace on the other side. (09:52)
• How striving for perfection prevents you from doing what you love. (11:11)
• Why now more than ever, during COVID-19, we have to embrace uncertainty. (12:56)
• The first steps you can take to start your journey of accepting the uncertainties in your life. (18:47)
• The importance of having someone around that can help you bounce back when you get stuck. (22:48)

Let’s connect!

• Email: [email protected] 
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all have struggles and turning points in our lives - it’s just the way it is, and we cannot change what’s out of our control.

But, what we can adjust and work on is the way we roll with what goes on. Instead of wishing for the perfect life, how about using whatever happens FOR us and leverage it to move forward to a happier, joyous and more fulfilled life?

Everyone has a story to share, and today I am going to tell you mine. You will hear a little about my background, where I am now, how I got to this point, why I decided to start a podcast now, in this moment in time and where my podcast is headed.

Listen to this very first episode of Joyful-Souls and embark with me on a novel journey where you will learn to refine and live in intention, on purpose, and in true alignment with your authentic self so that you can reach the pinnacle of whatever it is you want to achieve in life – because you, my friend, deserve everything that you can dream about!

In this episode, you will learn:

• My background story that led me to this point in time. (02:17)
• Guiding your life by fewer and simpler rules can help you achieve success and joy every single day. (04:22)
• How you can live a truly fulfilled life, despite the struggles you face. (08:55)
• What drove me to start this podcast. (10:21)
• Making things happen instead of waiting for the perfect timing gets you where you want to be. (11:18)
• How to level up your already extraordinary life to a more fulfilled, joyous existence. (12:58)
• The type of guests I am going to bring to your ears. (16:41)

Let’s connect!

• Email: [email protected] 
• https://www.facebook.com/tracey.benson.501/
• https://www.facebook.com/TraceyEBenson
• https://www.instagram.com/traceyebenson

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.