Love Your Story: Stories and discussions about personal growth, mindset and living with intention

Welcome to the LYS Podcast. Let’s talk about road maps! Ever wished you had a road map to help life go a little smoother?

How many every-day situations do we just barge our way through? For most of us - that would be almost all of them. We head to a family party only to leave having gotten in a fight with a sibling because we got caught up in a reactive situation. We go on a walk with a friend and feel frustrated that the conversation was so focused on their bad relationship. We head into a client meeting and come out feeling like that could have gone better and we should have gotten more accomplished.

It’s a simple question: How could this experience have gone better if I’d clarified ahead of time what I wanted out of this interaction. Stay tuned because this tool changes everything.

This simple idea today is about checking in with yourself before you head into any situation, to see what you really hope it holds for you. This is SOOO simple, but so powerful. #LIFEHACK

Setting a clear intention before entering in to an interaction is a tool that shapes the dynamics of human interaction. It shapes your stress levels. It shapes what you allow to bother you and what you let slide. It shapes what you talk about and what you don’t talk about. It shapes what you focus on. It shapes your energy. In summary - it provides a simple road map for you, for the interaction, guiding your thoughts, words and actions.

This proactive approach fosters first - clarity for you and second, greater success in getting what you want from the situation. 

When you are clear with yourself, about what you want to get out of an interaction you are much more likely to get that outcome-

Let me show you what I mean: I’m taking my boys skiing. If I identify before hand that my purpose with this outing is to build relationships with them, then I can clarify ahead of time that it’s not about doing the hardest runs I can find, it’s not about penny pinching by heading to the car at lunch to eat PB & Js. It’s about relationship building. Once I know that I can forgo my own desire to hit the hardest trails, if they don’t want to go on those same trails and it’s not a big deal. There is no struggle on the hill and I’ve already decided I’m not going to go shooting off to do my own runs. I already know that it’s about spending time with them and enjoying the runs they want to do. I can also choose to splurge on a lunch because they are young men who love a big juicy burger - I’ve identified before hand that t’s not about the money, it’s about the time with them. We can sit around the table and talk and enjoy ski lodge burgers. 

Example #2 - Before a client meeting I might identify with myself that despite a huge list of things I need to cover with my clients, that this meeting is all about helping them understand the process involved in buying a home so they are clear on what to expect. It’s not about getting paperwork signed, or overwhelming them with all the dotted i’s and crossed t’s - even though those things are in my mind. When I stop and pin point what I really want from this meeting I can direct it, stay on point, not get discouraged that everything doesn’t get done, not force too much on them. Again, this pre determination allows me to proceed smoothly and unemotionally through the process of what I want to accomplish in this interaction and let all the other factors fall away for now.

One of the things I personally love about this is how much peace it brings to me in my interactions. It’s a great tool to help manage emotions. Interactions with family, friends, bosses, clients, etc. can all be very complex.. I have hot buttons and money issues. I have expectations and reactions to a myriad of things. This compass allows me, and YOU,  to know ahead of time exactly what we want out of this and it helps us take better control of our emotions and reactions when they don’t align with the outcome we want.

 Try it. You may feel like you already know ahead of time, but as you start practicing it you will find that there are usually a lot of other ideas mixed in with it - like a little resentments, or past expectations, or messages your tempted to throw out that are unhelpful, or selfish intentions, money concerns - real or imagined …..lots of things get mixed in with our interactions, so when I take the time before hand to get clear on my intention for that experience, every time they go more smoothly. Every time I let go of the things I need to let go of before I engage.

Whether the intention is to foster collaboration or resolve conflict or build a relationship or convey information, —having your intention clear in your own mind aids you in structuring your thoughts and approach. It allows you to let go of unneeded expectations, it allows you to be assertive where needed and laid back when appropriate. 

This road map, this compass allows you to steer yourself, the conversation, the interaction in the desired direction. 

Wayne Dyer said, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

I think this quote encapsulates the whole Love Your Story podcast, but today it is a reminder that when we stop, check in with ourself about what we hope to get or create in an upcoming situation, gathering, meeting, party, a communication, that it changes how we approach it and you will find it WILL change how you interpret it as it is unfolding. You will see it differently and you will have a map that shows you what matters in that moment and what doesn’t.

I hope this quick chat about taking a moment to Know Your Intention will change things for you. Simple, but powerful. USE IT PEOPLE! USE IT!

Join us in 2 weeks for my interview with Sohale Sizar and the texts that remind you to think about what you’re grateful for. 

Welcome to the Love Your Story podcast. I’m your host Lori Lee.

Can we agree that our thought habits basically build our worlds? How small we stay, how big we become, what we allow, what we don’t allow, how much we sacrifice, how hard money is to come by, etc. etc. these type of thought habits are the spaces we function from. In today’s show we are talking about thought habits, with the expert Amy Kemp, author of “I See You.”

Stay tuned for my in-depth conversation with this certified Habit Finder coach who has worked with literally hundreds to help people see how our habits impact our lives and how we can replace unhealthy thought habits with more healthy ones.

Amy Kemp not only coaches, but she also gives workshops, speaks on stage, and has now released her new book:  I See You.  I’m excited to sit with Amy to learn and share as we talk about this powerful piece of our lives - our habits. So let’s hop right in.

Amy, Welcome to the show.

Please join us on the audio program to hear our discussion about the following:

At the start of your book you share this wonderful story of meeting with a woman for the first time, a woman who, as you had coffee shared her career path, her accolades, her successes. A woman who looked to have everything together. When she asked why you had asked her to lunch, you said, “Because I see you. Because I really see you.” Which brought the woman to tears.  - WHAT DID YOU MEAN BY “I REALLY SEE YOU?’

What does a certified Habit Finder Coach do?

What are some of the most oft seen habits you see that do not serve people?

What habits do you replace those with?

Boundaries - Let’s talk about thought habits and boundaries.  (Let her speak)  In your book you quote Prentis Hemphill and her definition, “Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously.”

In your book you ask a questions, “Wht if everything we want and are trying to create depends on only 1 thing: how connected we are to the source from which all things come?

Do you believe this and why?

Let’s get back to habits - If you had one tool that you have seen really make a difference in helping people realize which habits are holding them back what would it be?

How do we change unhealthy habit? Tell us the story of “Respect the mile.)

Share with us what you have to offer: your coaching, your book, where listeners can find you.

How to find Amy Kemp and the Habit Finder Tool:

Website: Amylynnkemp.com

Insta: @amykempinc

Email: [email protected]

Often times our habits are something we aren’t even aware of. I certainly do not believe I am aware of all of mine. In fact I am aware of very few of mine. I hope our conversation with Amy Kemp, today, has given you a gentle awareness - a reminder of how important it is to understand the habits - THE AUTOPILOT - we are allowing to run our lives, to create our worlds. To live intentionally - which is what this show is all about - is to be aware, and to make choices, actively.

Blessings to you and yours. May you see your habits as they truly are and use your power to shift what you wish to shift, to respect the mile you are currently running. Until the next show - Live beautifully and with heart. See you in two weeks. 

Welcome to the LYS Podcast. These quick chats are written around an idea that stands out to me that I want to chat with you about. Something that we can discuss in under 15 minutes that will hopefully be as interesting to you as it was to me.

Todays is about how our lives are not one big story, they are made up of a bunch of smaller stories - lots of beginnings, middles, and ends. And I especially want to talk a little about the messy middles.

Tune into the audio for this quick chat that I hope will give a little reprieve if you’re stuck in a messy middle, some hope if you’re at the end of something you didn’t want to end, and maybe some excitement at what new beginnings may be around the corner.

This week I read an email from Mary Alice Arthur, a story practitioner that I had on the show on episode 217 where we talked about “What is the most important story in the world.” Her email really hit home with me and I wanted to share it with you.

Today we’re talking about how we like to think of life as one big story, but in reality life is made up of a bunch of shorter stories - There are new beginnings, new adventures, new experiences, new starts. And there are other stories in our lives that are ending - the end of a project, the end of a job or a relationship, the death of someone or something.  But the part I want to talk most about is the MESSY MIDDLE. The messy middle strikes me right now because it’s such an uncomfortable place where we often don’t know what is going to happen next. How will we find our way through? There is a lot of unknown.

One of the ways you can tell you’re in the Messy Middle, Mary Alice says, is that things don’t make sense any more. What you used to do isn’t working. Things feel out of control.

This was comforting to me to acknowledge that confusion may be part of the process of living because I must be in the messy middle of a lot of things. Menopause is upon me and the “me” I used to know is no longer the “me” that is here. My body is weaker, my skin is less resilient, my energy and drive have abandoned me. I’ve been really struggling with not recognizing who I am. Really struggling. So when I read her ideas on the middle, I thought, “Oh, I’m in the messy middle. I don’t know how this is going to turn out because I don’t have it figured out yet. I haven’t figured out hormone adjustments. I haven’t come to grips with a slower self. I haven’t relaxed into acceptance yet. Perhaps it’s not the end of the world as I know it, it’s just the messy middle.”

I’m also at a loss as how to deal with my adult children who are struggling with depression and existential crisis. Nothing I do helps them. I’m at a complete loss and it’s painful.     I must be in the messy middle. 

We’re looking at a variety of financial investments. The pieces aren’t coming together as fast as I’d like. It’s dragging on. I guess we’re in the messy middle.

Mary Alice asks the question: What do you do when you’re in the messy middle? She suggests that sometimes the best thing to do is simply make a move. Get your hands dirty. 

I think this is great advice. I probably like it so much because it gives us power. I have a number of thought quotes at my desk. They say things like: “Yes…and” This saying reminds me that when something happens the best move is simply to acknowledge it and then decide the next best move.

The next sticky note thought on my desk says, “Get curious about new ways of doing things.”  The next one says, “Follow your intuition.”

The pattern here is that all these reminders are about taking action. We won’t get any where - we’ll stay exactly where we are if we don’t push on the gas. So push on the gas and steer as corners come up, but just sitting there isn’t going to change anything. Even when you don’t know where you’re going, putting the car in motion is a great start.

As I end this quick chat I want to point out the over-used but true quip that when one door closes another opens. If you’re in an ending, it’s not the end of everything, there will be new beginnings. And sometimes a thing has to end to bring you the next new and wonderful beginning. 

If you’re at a beginning there can be so much excitement and possibility. Great things still to be experienced.

I’ll use me as an example: I’m at the end of a youthful body and the energy that went with it, but I’m at the beginning of a recreation of what the last part of my life can look like. I am at a place of exploration and that can be very exciting to recreate, to be curious about what I want now. What needs to shift, what gets to be different. What is good for 54 year-old me.

Beginning, Messy Middle, End = they are all necessary and part of the process of living. Make the best of each one by being aware of the story you are telling yourself during the process. It’s always about mindset.

Blessings to you as you navigate your new starts, your messy unknowns where you just take action to keep moving through the story the best you can, and the endings where things get tied up and make a lot more sense, or goodbyes bring emotions, new outlooks, new beginnings.

It’s all part of life. We signed up for all of it. Good luck in your navigation. 

See you in two weeks for the next episode of the LYS podcast and please share this with someone who might need a quick bit of inspiration.

Also, please note that the Love Your Story podcast will be taking a leave from publishing at the end of 2024. Please let me know how the podcast has made a difference in your life. Thanks for being a part of our audience.

How to get a Seat on your Adult Kids’ Board of Directors.

Welcome to the Love Your Story podcast! I’m your host Lori Lee and today we are talking about the complexity and balance of interacting with and influencing our adult children.

My guests today are Emily and Erik Orton, You’ll remember them from Episode 133 - Seven at Sea, where we talked about the year they took their 5 kids and lived on a sail boat.This was one of my all-time favorite episodes because I so loved the things Erik and Emily shared.

I’m very excited to have them back on the show! But I’m also excited because I’m personally having a hard time getting on the board of directors for my adult kids - or in other words, I’m not having a great deal of success having any influence with my adult children. How do they still think I have nothing to share with them….???? What am I doing wrong?

Stay tuned as we get to talk shop with Erik and Emily as they share their expertise they have developed and share through their business The Awesome Factory.

Erik + Emily Orton - Erik is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. Emily is an educator, author and public speaker. Their life design framework mutes fear and accelerates growth. They are parents to five kids raised in Manhattan, where Erik worked on such shows as Wicked, Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. When their kids were 6-16 years old, Erik and Emily bootstrapped life aboard a fixer upper sailboat in the Caribbean. They sailed as a family from St. Martin back to New York City. Their memoir about the experience (Seven at Sea) is a New York Times Top 10 Travel book. After life on the boat, they continued to travel the world with their children through Europe, the South Pacific, Africa, and across North and South America in planes, trains, boats and vans. They are the co-founders of The Awesome Factory, a coaching and travel adventure company that leads retreats and sailing adventures all over the world.

Emily and Erik - Welcome back to Love Your Story!

TUNE INTO THE AUDIO DISCUSSION TO HEAR THE THOUGHTS ON THESE AND OTHER IDEAS:

1. Lets start with your story. That introduction gave everyone a super quick look at the adventures of your past decade, but I’d love to have you share some of the highlights you’ve had with your family - particularly those that have helped you build relationship with them in a way that they now give you a place on their board of directors.
2. You coach and direct a great deal regarding empty nesters and dealing with adult children. How did you metamorphose into this space of expertise?
3. Let’s jump right in - I attended an entire evening presentation on this topic, with you, so I know there is lots to talk about. How do we get on our adult kids’ board of directors?
4. What kinds of things do you have coming up and where can people find you?

Finding the Ortons:

Here is the link to The 100 Year Grid: 

https://www.theawesomefactory.nyc/100

They tell all about how to use it in episode 18 of their podcast - What Could Go Right?

The 100 Year Grid – How to Visualize Your Whole Life on 1 Sheet of Paper

https://youtu.be/YWYKl6Y7-E4?si=Ay4x3aXw9Cs_WJNx

Their Podcast: What Could Go Right

Their Website: https://www.theawesomefactory.nyc

Thanks for being with us today. Please share this episode with someone who has adult kids and let’s share the love of helping one another navigate the tough stuff. Join us in two weeks for our Quick Chat - one inspirational idea in 15 minutes or less and have a great week creating your life with intention.

Welcome to the LYS podcast. Today is a Quick Chat  - 1 inspirational idea in 15 minutes or less. We are talking about I AM Statements and being creators.  (insert applause reel)

The other day I was listening to Oprah’s Super Soul podcast and her interview with pastor Joel Osteen a pastor from Houston, TX that is a very popular up and coming pastor. It aired on Sept 20 2022 if you want to catch it.

They were talking about how you become what you believe. And, what we believe is what we tell ourselves - so the whole show was about the power of the statement “I AM”  

And of course, this is the same thing as…..what story am I telling myself about myself. Today we’re talking about I AM statements, stay tuned and let’s reprogram any mean lingering voices.

People - IT COMES DOWN TO THE SIMPLE THINGS.

My son and I think about the world differently. He tries to unwind the mysteries of the universe. The other day he was incredibly excited because he found a scientific video showing how eternal life could happen scientifically. He showed it to all of us - thrilled to have found something that made sense to him, but it wasn’t striking home for me.  I thought about our different approaches to life. As we’ve discussed things over the past year, I’ve realized that complication drives him, but for me when I am trying to learn or comprehend or progress, I love simple. I have found that in my religion, in my way of being, in my growth patterns I love simple tools or simple concepts to focus on..

For example. Instead of looking at the entire doctrinal cannon of my church and feeling frustrated that I’m not good at all of it. I love just working on love. Sometimes I’m good at it and sometimes I’m not, but I know if I get that down or even make progress on it, that it’s one of the things God tells us is most important. And, love really bleeds into everything, forgiveness, healthy self-love, charity, service, etc. So there is plenty to do, but instead of living in overwhelm I work on love.

So, I mention this because the “I AM” statements are such a simple way to realize how you are setting the tone for your life.

It starts when you wake up in the morning. 

Start with gratitude - I am grateful for…..there is always something - hot water, a warm bed, health, a good friend, my dog, a great sweater, my kids……  Train yourself. Open your eyes and say thank you or I’ve got this, or I AM confident, I am creative, I am disciplined, I am focused.

What is the difference in the start of your day if you start with: 

I’m fat, I’m not attractive, I’m unlucky, I’m a bad parent, I’m not enough, I’m so tired, I’m not worthy….vs.  I’m grateful, I’m all over this, I’m excited to see what happens today, I’m making this a great day, I am going to have some great interactions today. I’m getting healthier everyday.

For me - those two create completely different days! Completely different.

Paster Joel say, “Whatever follows “I Am” will come looking for you.” - What do you think of that idea? If you get to choose what chases you down in the world - well, then I’m inspired to put some good things out there because that’s what I want chasing me. 

Your life is how you see it - that is a fact.  So talk a second and thing about what follows “I AM” for you?

If you want to know where you’ll be in 5 years, stop and pay attention to what follows “I AM” in your own mind….

So let’s talk about how we shift these….

You don’t have to go to the extreme when changing these. Oprah shared an example of a day she was really tired. As she kept saying “I’m so tired” she got more and more tired. Then she caught herself and she knew she couldn’t say “I’m energized” because she wasn’t, but she could say “I’m looking forward to getting my second wind.”  

We can’t lie to ourselves, because well….we know we are lying, but we don’t have to go from one extreme to another. Let’s just swap the direction we’re looking  - do a 180, and take steps toward the light - toward the more supportive I AM.

When you say “I’m beautiful” you invite a beauty mindset in. It’s not magic, but our words change our self image.

When we spend all day saying, “I am confident, I am focused, I am creative, I’m disciplined, I’m blessed, I’m talented, I’m valuable….that’s doing something on the inside of us.

When we hear ourselves saying that and we begin thinking it, we empower ourselves to shift into much more positive energy. And that positive energy changes everything. Powerful truths here - it not only changes our self perception but it changes what we attract, it changes how we show up in the world. And that dominoes our success our relationships our progress what we attract into our world. Drop the Mic!!

Even when we are in dark spots….instead of focusing on the dark, focus on the sun that’s above the clouds. The sun is still there and I’ll see it again.

I Am Statements -   It’s a simple idea  - like I said, I like simple. But not only is it simple, it’s true, it’s powerful, and it’s about creating. It’s about you being a creator of your life. God is a creator, you are a creator in training.

 I AM statements are the magic words for creating the mindset that creates the energy that creates the YOU.

Thanks for being here today for this quick chat. I challenge you to start paying attention to the I AM statements going on in your mind and shift them one at a time.

Share this episode with one person you love - because we all need to be doing this work. And we’ll see you in two weeks for the next episode of the Love Your Story podcast.

Welcome to the Love Your Story podcast. I’m your host Lori Lee.

Last year one of the favorite episodes was my interview with Dr. Amanda the money doctor. Money is a really big part of our lives, so of course people want to learn and de-mistify how to get it, how to grow it, how to remove blocks to it.

So 2024 delivers as well. Today Kristen Wonch, a wizard with numbers and one of a handful of women to land a highly coveted role of structuring multi million dollar deals as a commodities trader, is here on the show to talk with us about choosing with intention the life we want and then building the numbers around it. Her Money Mastery Method  is the world’s first to teach women to master the art of earning efficiently, spending smart and investing intentionally, while rewiring subconscious money beliefs from the ground up. That’s all big stuff. So, stay tuned and get richer.

Kristien - Welcome to the LYS Podcast

Join us on the audio to listen to our discussion on topics like:

1. You went from $100,000 in debt to being a global money coach. Can we start with your story about how you turned that around?
2. Let’s talk about creating our life on purpose - money is often a big part of that. How do you coach someone through this process?
3. What about this process where you determine the life you desire and then build the numbers around it?
4. What is an unbudget?
5. Let’s talk money blocks. How do you figure out if you have money blocks and what they are?
6. What do you do with them once you’ve identified them?
7. What are the top 3 things you advise women to do in their financial lives?

Find Kristen Wonch at:

Free Investor Secrets Revealed Workshop:

https://www.kristenwonch.com/investor-secrets

[email protected]

1.📈 Book your free Breakthrough Call

2.💰 Get my Financial Freedom Checklist

3.🎙 Listen to The Wealth Equation Podcast

If you enjoyed this podcast you’ll love the book I wrote - It’s called LIFE - Living Intentional and Fearless Everyday. A guide with 21 challenges that help you create connection, possibility and self care in your life. It’s all about a guide to helping you live bigger. Grab your coy on Amazon and maybe even pick up a copy for a friend and do the challenges together.

I hope you found something fabulous to take into your life in today’s show. Join us in two weeks for our next episode and keep living YOUR life YOUR way.

Welcome to the Love Your Story podcast. I’m your host Lori Lee and today you are here for a Quick Chat - that’s one inspirational idea in 15 minutes or less.

Today chat is: Every Problem is a thought problem. 

It’s a bold statement. But a true one. And one that sets us free. One that puts us in control, most of the time.

So stay tuned as we discuss how much power ACTUALLY have, and how to solve the problems.

Since you are a listener of the Love Your Story podcast I’m going to make the assumption that we are on the same page on the topic of taking responsibility for the pivotal role our thoughts play in shaping our realities. Basically - our thoughts OR stories that we create in our minds create our realities - are we on the same page there? There are 7 Billion realities going on out there…

Ok. With that said, I want to start out with the quote by Byron Katie. She says, “It’s not the problem that causes our suffering; it’s our thinking about the problem.”

In other words, “Every problem is a thought problem.”

Let’s put me in the hot seat. 2023 was a rough year for Realtors and lenders. The higher interest rates meant that for a great many of us the clients buying and selling slowed down. I primarily blamed my slow year on this situation, but here’s another angle - a slower year allowed me to travel more. It gave me more time to reach out and renew and develop relationships with my data base - my past clients. Which part do I want to focus on? Was it a problem or an opportunity?  Problems don’t have to stay problems, they can become opportunities if we choose to shift our thoughts.

In the realm of personal development and self reflection this idea invites us to scrutinize the nature of our challenges by recognizing the subjective nature of them. By understanding and claiming that situations and ideas only hold the power we allow them to hold. 

Another example - if I come from a family where being a part of a certain religion is tantamount to being right with God and the world,  then if I step away from that religion my social construct - family, friends, and members of that congregation may collapse around me, or cause people pain. On the other hand, if there is an acceptance among those people that everyone find their own way in the world, in a way that each individual feels is best for them, then the suffering ceases to happen. 

Or, if respect is really important to me, as it is to most type A personalities and I am disrespected, I will/can feel a lot of resentment, anger, frustration, maybe even embarrassment about this, whereas someone for whom that is not an important thing may hardly notice it, or may not feel disrespected in a similar situation.  In other words - situations are subjective. Problems are subjective.

My mother used to get really upset when her family parties didn’t unfold as she had expected - her expectations weren’t met and she’d often cry before the night was through - she learned to let go of those expectations and go with the flow as the years went by, but this is a good example of a person creating pain for themselves and then learning how to adjust their thoughts in a way that created less pain for them.

Now let’s combine this with the idea that “everything happens for me, not to me.”  With the combination of these two ideas a powerful shift occurs. A shift that can redefine the way we navigate life’s complexities.

Katie’s assertion is that our thoughts about our circumstances themselves contribute more to our issues than do the circumstances themselves.

This is an important thing to realize because when we internalize the belief that problems are, at their core, rooted in thought patterns, then we gain agency over our responses which helps us with resiliency and adaptability. And when we get good at recognizing the stories we have naturally created about an event, and we transition into looking at other ways we could interpret or shift that story or thought, then we become powerful! We become the thought shifters that move us toward our own happiness. 

When/if you adopt the idea that the things that happen in our lives are happening for our well being - happening “for” us, not “to” us,  we start embracing a narrative tool that allows us to view challenges as opportunities for self-discover, for growth, for development, rather than being a victim.

P O W E R F U L 

This is the mindset that allows us to step out of victimhood. 

Jeffry R. Holland, apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints said, “To anybody struggling today, I say: Be hopeful, be happy and smile. Remember that God is on your side. He is not an angry, vicious God trying to trip you. He is for you - not against you. He is your Father. He is anxious to do everything possible to bless you.”

When I started my graduate work back in 2013 I was biting off a lot. I was working full time, driving an hour and a half up to Utah State University to teach every day and to take my own classes. I was grading student papers and was a single mom of 2 teenagers. I was very determined and excited, and I remember on my drive up, the first day of class, the thoughts that were crossing my mind were very distrustful of God. After a while of fearful thoughts like “he’s just waiting for me to make a mistake,” I realized what I was doing. I don’t know why my thoughts naturally went to a god who was waiting to make things hard on me, but I remember the exact moment when the thought pushed through - he is for you, not against you. He is your cheerleader. He’ll help you succeed in the ways you want to succeed. He’ll help you do this. At that thought my entire body changed. The tension left, the relief flooded in. The moment was very profound for me.

Two tools I want to leave with you today:

1. All problems are thought problems, so when you’re having a difficult time with something, take a minute to look at the stories (not that your stories are wrong, they are just creating your reality and your emotion around things.) and consider what you can shift or let go of that will change that suffering, that will allow you to proceed in peace.
2. When you embrace the idea that things are happening for me - you gain the powerful, supportive mindset that challenges are intricately woven into the fabric of personal evolution and we can extract meaning and growth from all these spaces.  This mindset transcends the dichotomy of positive and negative experiences, weaving a narrative where each moment - good and bad, contributes to the tapestry - the intricate and beautiful design of our lives.

Let me also add, that in practice, embracing this idea also plants seeds for gratitude. It plants seeds of resilience during hard times because we can find solace and purpose in the adversity. 

As we close up this quick chat I invite you - I challenge you,  to examine the role of your thoughts in regard to your suffering, in regard to your subjective interpretation of the world around you, in regard to your challenges. See if you’re feeling like a victim and what needs to change so you can take responsibily for your own role in your suffering.

I hear you…your saying….but he did cheat on me, that’s a fact, and under no circumstances is that ok. All true, perhaps. But if you stay in the victim role about how you were done wrong so you have an excuse for no functioning well, for being bitter, then you’ve missed your own power. Those things can be true, but you can focus on the fact that now that person who wasn’t doing right by you is out of your life, or you can tune into the understanding you have of others who have gone through this. You can learn about yourself and what part you played, she what’s behind that door…. 

But my dad didn’t make me feel loved so I have every right to ignore him, cop an attitude, be disrespectful. Dads are “supposed” to do XYZ. Well, take that apart. Your shoving him away isn’t helping build a relationship. Did you try to communicate with him in loving ways? What did you do to try and build relationship? Love begets love.  Let’s problem solve here instead of blaming and wallowing.

Then, take the “everything happens FOR me” mindset and insert it into these spaces and see what shifts for you. Try this over and over. It will change your world.

How is the challenge before you FOR you?  

The other day I was digging my heels in about letting a couple people into my life that I have no desire to be around. I try to stay in a space of higher vibe people, I try to put up boundaries to people I feel are unhealthy. Well, these folks that I needed to forgive and consider softening toward were right in my face and I wanted nothing to do with it, but I was writing this and so I went to HOW IS THIS FOR ME?  It was easy - this was an opportunity for me to learn to love better. This was an opportunity for me to work on forgiving, letting go, kindness. Still working it through, but it definitely changes the mindset.

Thanks for tuning in for this quick chat about one very powerful idea. I hope you’ll use it as you  embrace your power over your own reality.  

Please share this episode with at least one person you love and have a great couple weeks creating your life on purpose and creating a story you love. See you soon for the next episode of the Love Your Story podcast.

Welcome to the Love Your Story podcast, I’m your host Lori Lee.

Have you ever met someone that brimmed with confidence? I can tell you that there is an energy behind confidence. There is a way you hold yourself, a mindset of expectation that doors will open for you, a presence that actually opens those doors.

There are so many powerful concepts - gratitude, love, allowing, accountability - but today we’re talking about confidence. I’m excited about this because we haven’t talked about confidence before, been coached in confidence before and WE DON’T WANT TO SHORT CHANGE THIS INCREDIBLE MINDSET.

Today I have Chrstina Lecuyer on the show - Voted one of the top Confidence coaches, this former professional golfer and TV host now works with an extensive ist of cientele from around the world. .

Tune into the audio program for a little coaching.

What does confidence look like?

How do we get it if we don’t have it?

Where do we start and how do we use it?

Confidence is defined as a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities.

Our guest today - Christina, battled low self-confidence, an eating disorder, and tying her worth to external validation, Christina was able to turn her life around to create her dream life and a multi six figure business. She uses the same tools she used for herself to help hundreds of clients to create their own profit and success. Through her signature “Decision, Faith & Action” framework clients have not only brought their own dream life into reality, but many have gone on to create multi six and seven figure businesses in the process.  I guess we can tie confidence in ourselves to success in business, but I think it propeturates success in all areas of our lives.

Let’s see what Christina says. Join the audio to hear our conversation about:

1. Christina's story: Who were you when you were battling with this low self-esteem and what caused the eating disorder, and how did you evolve and transition out of that?
2. Let’s talk about why confidence is important.
3. Isn’t this a topic almost everyone could use a little coaching in?
4. If you don’t feel confident in yourself? If you’re one of those who hugs the walls, or doesn’t risk, or prays nothing bad will happen because you may crumble under it….how do you start to step into more confidence?  Maybe give us a little coaching here:                                               
5. What are some of the stories of people you’ve coached, some of the transformations you’ve seen?

To find Christina:

[email protected]

www.christinalecuyer.com

1 on 1 Confidence coaching - You're One Decision Away from the Life of your Dreams.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.”

I share this quote because if you haven’t stopped to consider all the tough stuff you’ve navigated, do. Stop and think about it, and realize that when the tough stuff comes along, you make it through. You’ve done it before, you can do it again. This recognition builds confidence in our resiliency, which helps us live with less fear.

And one more quote: Dale Carnegie said, “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”

I share this one because of it’s truth also - when we step outside our comfort zone, our comfort zone expands. It expands because we are engaging with life, we are making things happen, we are learning that we can step out and do.

I hope as you go about your day that you’ll stand a little taller, shoulders back, that you’ll call on 20 seconds of bravery and push your comfort zone when you come up against those walls. Know that you are unique, beautiful, and your belief in yourself will be the vehicle that moves your world.

Please share this episode with someone you love….or even like a little. We’ll see you in two weeks for a Quick Chat.

Bridle Up Hope

Every once in awhile I run across a story with lots of miracles. Stories, where for some reason, God, the Universe, Fate seems to really be backing up a person or a project. Today we are looking at one of those. We’re going to sit around this technological camp fire and listen to a story about how a young girl passing away from depression created a program that’s backed by miracles.

We’re talking with Nicole Holgreen, the executive director of Bridal Up Hope out of Alpine, Utah, a Rachel Covey Foundation.  

Tune into the audio to hear how this foundation that was created after Rachel Covey’s suicide, to support the mental health of girls and women through equine assisted learning - yes - hanging out with horses - how this program finds itself in “ a tidal wave of miracles.”  

This is a story of depression and support. It’s a story about the bond between a girl and her horse and it’s a story about hope, healing scars, transformation and miracles in a time when we sorely need them.  

Nicole Holgreen is the Executive Director of Bridle Up Hope. She has led an incredible team to expand this organization and its mission to 13 locations worldwide. Nicole oversees the Alpine, Utah Headquarters and the 100 weekly lessons for women and girls here. Nicole is devoted to Bridle Up Hopes's mission to inspire hope, confidence, and resilience through equestrian training and The 7 Habits written by Stephen Covey. Nicole is a Provo, UT.  girl and she and her husband Jared have four children and one grandson.

Nicole - Welcome to the LYS Podcast

Join us on the audio program to hear our conversation about:

1. I want stories - when you and I were talking awhile back we filled a couple hours with stories of the miracles that have supported Bridle Up Hope in it’s opening to the world, and even that supported getting you here.
2. Nicole shares her story -  Where were you in life when you started crossing paths with Bridle Up Hope?
3. Can I get some specific miracle stories - the ones that stand out to you - that have made Bridal Up Hope possible.
4. Let’s talk about the girls and women that have come here. How many do you serve? Can you share some of your favorite success stories? How have you watched them become empowered?
5. Let’s talk about Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits. What are they and how do they help the girls and women
6. What do you see for the future of Bridle Up Hope?

If someone wants to come to you for service where do they find you OR If someone wants to open a location on their own property - help expand this 1000 barn goal, who do they contact?

Nicole Holgreen

Executive Director of Bridle Up Hope

1141 Watkins Lane

Alpine, UT. 84004

https://www.bridleuphope.org/

Mental health is maybe one of the world’s largest challenges right now. How wonderful that there are highly productive programs that save, that support, that help us navigate this devastating path during this crucial time.  This is a story of making a difference, a story of miracles and lives saved. 

If you know any women who may be  struggling with mental health issues, or if you want to be involved by opening your own Bridal Up Hope non-profit franchise, I hope you’ll share this episode and reach out.

Have a wonderful week, and remember to create your best life with full intention. Listen to back episodes for all the best tools and mind training to help you to create your best story. We’ll see you in two weeks for the next episode. Thank you dear listeners for being here.

Welcome to the Love Your Story Podcast. I’m your host Lori Lee and you’re here today for a Quick Chat. That’s one great inspirational idea in 15 minutes or less.

Today’s show is about reframing happiness.  Stay tuned for a quickie discussion with Corney McDermott, Author of Give Yourself Permisson,  as we explore the idea of shifting the way you think about happiness so we can more easily find it.

Join us in the audio program as we discuss:

In the Wizard of Oz Dorthy goes on an adventure to find her way home. She heads out on this path - the Yellow Brick Road searching, along her path she has the support of the Good Witch Glenda looking out for her, she has companions who are learning along the journey also, and in the end she finds that no one else - no wizard existed who could do it for her…. I think in a way we all take this journey. We are told  - no sold - all day long that we need this product, that promotion, this coach, this corner office and then we will be happy, but Cortney points out in her book - “if the something or someone isn’t pointing back to yourself, then it simply won’t work.” 

We talk about:

1. Where do we find happy? What is this reframing happiness you speak of?
2. In your book you say, “Aligning your ego to the divine truths in you is like a constant spontaneous enlightenment that doe snot rely on anything or anyone outside of you for its fulfillment.” Can you explain this?
3. Happiness is an inside work.
4. We are sold what happiness should be - what if our happiness doesn't align with what we are "supposed" to want?
5. Most of the time we don't question this - but what happens when you equate happiness with "all the things and all the gold stars" and you still aren't happy.
6. What if happy to me doesn't look like happy to everyone else?
7. Externalities don't solve the problems
8. The work is in your head.
9. Accept what makes YOU happy. Even if it's different.
10. You are okay with doing it YOUR way.
11. Move away from what is distracting you from your own happiness.
12. Dedicate more time to what your happiness looks like. Start small but build up your devotion to you.
13. Focus on the self enough so you can experience the most from your relationships.
14. Don't force things. Ease in and allow things to flow.
15. Cortney shares a story of her own emotional youth. She shares how important it was to learn to accept her own depth of feeling.
16. What does YOUR happiness feel like?

Thanks for being with us today. And thanks to Cortney McDermott, author of Give Yourself Permission for co-hosting the past 3 Quick Chats with me and sharing her powerful insights.

If you liked this episode - please consider sharing it with a friend. It’s all about doing good in the world and this is an easy way to share inspiration in your sphere. We’ll see you in two weeks for our next episode.

Contact Cortney or buy her book:

www.cortney mcdermott.com

email: [email protected]

Book: Give Yourself Permission

Amazon Link to purchase:

https://www.amazon.com/Give-Yourself-Permission-Development-Improvement/dp/B0C9SNG7NZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=O1BQ0ZKORWVG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8amufz-UuP5MoibMVqy9ytZAjysDYtrkrHH-n0pAurOWTAGFh4YdjC_sUVHwmq7ksKOgWsl2vK4J_Xyj5hT1-A.ASsOCz1Ig8IdvvM1x8vBiqKQUJPx8ieg2Nlsolw-ZYA&dib_tag=se&keywords=give+yourself+permission&qid=1704998197&sprefix=give+yourself+permission%2Caps%2C226&sr=8-1