Stretching out the past episode "Comparison is the Thief of Joy", which opened up a whole new world of questions and deep thoughts this week. Routing through all the comparisons of life on the smallest and largest scales. 'Be Like the Phoenix" is to grow to your fullest potential allow yourself to enflame fall to ash and rise anew. That can be relevant in so many aspects of life. Today I touch on a few. Sharing conversations that resonated with me as I extended this topic to others.

"Pain is not tragic. Pain is Magic." ~Glennon Doyle

"There's no glory accept straight through your story" ~Glennon Doyle

Buy the Book: Untamed by Glennon Doyle

In this meaty topic I interview Hilari O'Neill a childhood friend, and we discuss how comparison is the true thief of joy! 

Follow Hilari O'Neill on:

Instagram : @sentimentsandstrings

Etsy: SentimentsAndStrings

“Comparison is the Thief of Joy”

Do not assume that any new age will yield success; do not assign unrealistic expectations to your future self under the assumption that your true self, circumstances, etc will grow and change in accordance to meeting those standards on the timeline you’re setting for yourself somewhat obliviously. Your timeline, your journey will look different compared to what you original envisioned, let alone compared to anyone else’s.Know your values (these are fully formed by the time we reach adulthood) and don’t compromise them just to give off the perception that you’re successful – but don’t cast yourself under a veil of failure if your path(s) to success end up being a winding road versus a straight, direct path. A straight path is unrealistic. Obstacles will confront you. Achieving success is not a comfortable process – which is why having and knowing your morals and values is essential.

Other’s perception of your life and success vs. your own understanding of yourself. Social media: paints a pretty picture, casts a filter (literally and figuratively) over everything, neglects too often to show the struggle/build up to the success = success is a natural inclination. This perpetuates the cycle of not sharing our most humanizing experiences that are far more unifying than successful conquests – grief, loss, failure, recovery, unexpected obstacles, getting knocked down and picking ourselves up over and over again.

"One person’s measure of success is different from anyone else’s. Success looks and feels different for everyone. You’ll get there – in your own way, on your own time, by no certain age. This is the lesson I’ve learned from my twenties. You think you know it all when it comes to yourself (we’re sometimes programmed this way), but I think we’re all simply students, perpetually. We think that once we earn our little degrees and attempt to take on adult responsibilities and set bigger goals for ourselves that we can and should have it all figured out. But we don’t, and we can’t. The key is accepting those things and building off of them." ~ Hilari O'Neill

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Interested in using the same gear as I do for the show?

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First">My Preamp 

Rockville Studio/Recording Condenser Microphone Mic w/Samsung Capacitors (RCM SR)">My Mic

Selfie Ring Light with Tripod Stand and Phone Holder LED Circle Lights Halo Lighting for Make Up Live Steaming Photo Photography Vlogging Video">My Ring Light

Nothing quite screams summertime like the smell of sunscreen! This topic was requested by a handful of subscribers and I wanted to cover it all. From tips on application, to top recommended brands, dermatologist insight, to defining certain words that we often see but don't quite understand, to tips on how to treat sunburn; just an entire collaboration on how to protect that beautiful skin of yours!

Today's episode features my girlfriend Jenny, who since quarantine has cultivated a new community between teaching Live Classes and Private Coaching via Zoom. She’s been enjoying working with her Fitness Family on achieving their goals while staying connected with them virtually. "All I want right now is to feel purposeful through this. Whether it's in sighting change or empowering body images that are more positive. It's just my heart feels full when I have that purpose, and Freeheart Fitness has given me that purpose!" ~Jenny Oehlwein

Follow Jenny Oehlwein:

Instagram: @jennyoehlwein 

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Website: freeheartfitness.com 

Email: [email protected]

For tuning in today we are offering 20% off any class with

Freeheart Fitness using code LUXURYLISTEN20

Suggested Insta Apps:

Buffer, Canva, Layout, & Preview

Funny Meditation:

F*ck That: An Honest Meditation - Jason Headley

"Laughter is the Fireworks of the Soul" ~ Josh Billings

Couldn't we all use a laugh? I know I could with my birthday coming up on Saturday, July 4th! Spreading joy and laughter with facts all about the benefits of laughter, leading into my musically gifted guest, Tom McGovern! We follow his journey through the creation of his new small business creating "jingles" and samples a couple of those. We chat about his interesting living situation during quarantine and our relationships, including intimate bathroom moments with our lovers; you've been warned. Join us for a ton of belly laughs for the Soul! *Note: This interview was recorded over a month ago and I wanted to feature it for all of you this week.

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