This is a special episode for you (and for me) to revisit anytime big, scary things are happening in the news or in our neighborhoods.

We want to help. We want to respond. But sometimes we feel overwhelmed, guilty, unsure, frozen, or just tapped the F out.

Here’s the thing: every one of us has a natural response style.

The key is naming it, owning it, and practicing it in ways that feel steady, sustainable, and meaningful. #onherterms style.

That’s what this mini audio field guide can help you do.

What’s covered in this episode:

• How events can be not just devastating, but catalytic
• Why your response doesn’t have to be “all or nothing” to matter
• How to ditch disaster-response perfectionism and find your natural response style
• Two key lenses for response: when you show up + how you show up
• What to do if you’d like help creating your personal response plan

In short: this is about finding your natural response style — the one that lets you show up without burning out or checking out. An inner scaffolding that helps you feel steady and generous even when life throws curveballs.

I hope it helps you find a way to respond that feels doable, meaningful, and yours.

This is certainly an interesting time to be alive with internet access, and I appreciate you doing your part from your corner of the world.

Sending lots of love and aloha from here. Talk soon. 💞

📮 Thoughts? Qs? Requests? Share with me here in the comment box >> onherterms.com/convo

❤️ Loving this episode? Tap the menu to share with a friend or three!

📱 Are we connected on IG? Join me there @nikkielledgebrown and tag me in a screenshot as you listen.

👑 Want my pro support in bringing your ideas to life while valuing your fam and your well-being? Click here to tell me more.

🎧 This private pod magic is made possible by Hello Audio.

(I'm obsessed. And an affiliate. >> nikkielledgebrown.com/helloaudio. 10/10 recommend.)

What does it look like to show up for your day-to-day work when it sometimes feels like we're livestreaming Earth: The Final Season?

What are we doing here, fam? 🙃

This fresh episode is part palette cleanse, part context-setting.

Before we round out our first 100 On Her Terms® episodes, I want to acknowledge the bigness of what we're witnessing and co-creating on the world stage right now (and for the foreseeable future).

The weather is extreme -- literally, socially, financially -- and it’s up to us as humanity’s current class of grownups (!) to learn to navigate business as UNUSUAL (which is clearly now just... the usual) with resilience and curiosity.

Whether you’re currently showing up out of duty, desire, or a blend of both, it makes sense if you’re feeling some dissonance or hesitation.

This episode isn’t about opting out.

It’s about staying in the game without losing your rhythm, your values, or yourself.

How do we hold awareness of the “big stuff” without minimizing the “little stuff” that strengthens our ability to carry it? ❤️

What are the capacity-building practices and tools that actually WORK - for us, for our kids, for our communities - and how can we make them second-nature? 👀

Join me to consider:

• 👓 The bifocal lens that helps me hold the both/and
• 🗓️ Why your calendar is actually your base camp, not a distraction
• 🎯 The myth of waiting for the “right" time to share your work
• ♻️ What I’m seeing (and sensing) from the women I’m here to support
• ⚡️ A reminder that your work still matters *especially* now

(If you like eavesdropping on real-time meaning-making, you’ll like this one.)

Hopeful these messy musings can spark real conversation on staying grounded, creative, and response-able in uncertain times.

🎧 Press play and let’s talk about it. 🎧

📮 Thoughts? Qs? Requests? Share with me here in the comment box >> onherterms.com/convo

❤️ Loving this episode? Tap the menu to share with a friend or three!

📱 Are we connected on IG? Join me there @nikkielledgebrown and tag me in a screenshot as you listen.

👑 Want my pro support in bringing your ideas to life while valuing your fam and your well-being? Click here to tell me more.

🎧 This private pod magic is made possible by Hello Audio.

(I'm obsessed. And an affiliate. >> nikkielledgebrown.com/helloaudio. 10/10 recommend.)

As a fun, #onherterms-y way to celebrate my upcoming 40th bday, I've been inviting friends, fam, classmates, clients, and colleagues to join me for a series of 40 real-time reconnection calls - the sparky 40 project. 🎂 (I see each convo as lighting a candle on the cake!)

I've managed to host about 30 convos so far, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour or two, total free for alls, mini coaching sessions, epic catchup sessions.

I'm extending my timeline to mid-August to wrap the final 10 as school gets out and scheduling gets a bit trickier, but I'm absolutely going to continue - to 40 and beyond.

Reactivating my real-life network has been a gift in more ways than I can count or name in just one episode, so let's consider this the meta / overview and plan to circle back for more insights.

A round-up of musings from this episode:

• Real-time human connection is a premium. As valuable as ever, if not moreso.
• Your social connections are also your kids' social connections. Relationships are a valuable form of generational wealth.
• and HEALTH! strong social connections are key to our longevity - physically, mentally, emotionally...
• Think of all the folks who used to be part of your daily life, but those connections have gone dormant. NORMAL. No shame. And yet... wouldn't it be fun to hear how they're doing? from them, not the newsfeed?
• In a world of texting and DMs, it's worth the initial discomfort of saying YES to a real-time convo!
• REACH OUT to the person you're thinking of when you listen to this ep. Share the ep and pretend I dared you to do it if needed ;)
• Whether it's a big bday, Mother's Day, a TUESDAY....take ownership of your own life celebrations vs. waiting for anyone else to read your mind and make your day. Make your OWN day and let anyone else's contributions be bonus sprinkles / confetti.
• Happy birthday :) to you. to me.

Every day is a gift if we choose to see it that way. I'm grateful to be on the planet the same time as you.

• Would love to hear from you - what's been one of your favorite bday celebrations? who will you reach out to as a result of this convo? TELL ME. I'm nosy.

📮 Thoughts? Qs? Requests? Share with me here in the comment box >> onherterms.com/convo

❤️ Loving this episode? Tap the menu to share with a friend or three!

📱 Are we connected on IG? Join me there @nikkielledgebrown and tag me in a screenshot as you listen.

👑 Want my pro support in bringing your ideas to life while valuing your fam and your well-being? Click here to tell me more.

🎧 This private pod magic is made possible by Hello Audio.

(I'm obsessed. And an affiliate. >> nikkielledgebrown.com/helloaudio. 10/10 recommend.)

NOTE: This episode was originally recorded as a video to share time-sensitive context about the live *BODY on her terms* workshop I hosted in May 2025, part of The On Her Terms® Mutual Inspiration Society. I'm keeping it here in the archive because it's full of divine breadcrumbs that help paint a picture of what's in progress over here.

If you're thinking of joining us (but haven't yet), this context will help you decide.

WELL worth it if you're picking up what I'm putting down lately and would love to feel more physically (and mentally!) energized and connected -- without doing anything extreme or out of character.

Click on through to tune in while living life today.

NOTE: If you're listening to this in the future (after May 7) and want to learn more about my current offers, just reply to your latest email or tap a link below to reach out.

We're just getting warmed up!

📮 Thoughts? Qs? Requests? Share with me here in the comment box >> onherterms.com/convo

❤️ Loving this episode? Tap the menu to share with a friend or three!

📱 Are we connected on IG? Join me there @nikkielledgebrown and tag me in a screenshot as you listen.

👑 Want my pro support in bringing your ideas to life while valuing your fam and your well-being? Click here to tell me more.

🎧 This private pod magic is made possible by Hello Audio.

(I'm obsessed. And an affiliate. >> nikkielledgebrown.com/helloaudio. 10/10 recommend.)

Ever had something you know you want to do… and yet, you just can't seem to start?

The longer you wait, the heavier it feels.

Then, when you DO finally start, it turns into an endless game of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (one task triggering five more until you're buried in steps you never meant to take on, questioning major life decisions and fighting the urge to check your IG reels)?

Just me? 🐭🍪

Nah. We're in good company.

I'm startaing to appreciate that resistance is one thing that still differentiates us from AI.

It's endearing. And, if we choose: temporary.

That's why I hit record last night to break through my own resistance in real time and share my latest creativity-for-humans trick with you.

Inside this episode:

🎯 Why we resist the things we actually want to do (and how to outsmart the mental loop)

🏋️‍♀️ The weightlifting metaphor that will change how you approach creative habits (hint: take some dang weight off)

⚡ How to separate the core action from the unnecessary energy drain so you can actually ENJOY the thing instead of dreading what comes after

If you’ve been feeling creatively blocked, procrastinating something that should be easy, or just waiting for the perfect moment to start… this one’s for you.

• Hit play and let’s clear the mental clutter so you can get back in (loco?)motion with me. 🚂

📮 Thoughts? Qs? Requests? Share with me here in the comment box >> onherterms.com/convo

❤️ Loving this episode? Tap the menu to share with a friend or three!

📱 Are we connected on IG? Join me there @nikkielledgebrown and tag me in a screenshot as you listen.

👑 Want my pro support in bringing your ideas to life while valuing your fam and your well-being? Click here to tell me more.

🎧 This private pod magic is made possible by Hello Audio.

(I'm obsessed. And an affiliate. >> nikkielledgebrown.com/helloaudio. 10/10 recommend.)

Reflections from a nerd on NYE.

NOTE: The habits playlist lives at onherterms.com/spotify.

Would love to know what YOUR truth and dare challenge is!

Would also love to hear any of your answers and you scroll camera roll for your year's highlight REAL:

2024 SPEED ROUND ⚡

biggest win

favorite memory

most useful daily habit

most valuable lesson

most courageous move you made

one word or phrase to summarize your 2024

Extra credit for later consideration: What went WELL this year? What… didn’t? 🙃 What would you love to REPEAT in 2025? What would you love to do differently?

And BONUS I forgot to share (side B of the worksheet) - a forecast for the year ahead!

Write out what you would LOVE to experience in each of the months of 2025. Then answer the same Qs.

2025 SPEED ROUND ⚡

biggest win

favorite memory

most useful daily habit

most valuable lesson

most courageous move you made

one word or phrase to summarize your 2024

Extra credit for later consideration: What are you so glad you STARTED doing this year? What are you glad you STOPPED doing this year? What made you feel SPARKY and alive in 2025?

As mentioned, would happily share this doc with you for easy printing and sharing with your fam.

Just send me an email (reply to any I've sent you!) and I'll get it to you soon.

Sending lots of love from here. Looking forward to getting to know you better in 2025!

📮 Thoughts? Qs? Requests? Share with me here in the comment box >> onherterms.com/convo

❤️ Loving this episode? Tap the menu to share with a friend or three!

📱 Are we connected on IG? Join me there @nikkielledgebrown and tag me in a screenshot as you listen.

👑 Want my pro support in bringing your ideas to life while valuing your fam and your well-being? Click here to tell me more.

🎧 This private pod magic is made possible by Hello Audio.

(I'm obsessed. And an affiliate. >> nikkielledgebrown.com/helloaudio. 10/10 recommend.)

This one was inspired by a messy manicure and the reality of progress.

Perfection is not a prerequisite for progress.

But how often do we keep ourselves from moving forward because on some level, we believe it is?

Ex. If I can't write a chapter a week, I won't even write a paragraph. (I don't recommend trying this thought at home.)

That is not how that works! Logically we know this.

Like batting averages - nobody's hitting 1000 out of 1000. Not even close.

If you want to play the game, you've got to be willing to miss sometimes.

If you want to have a chance at a hit, you've got to be willing to miss sometimes.

I describe the "what we think consistency looks like" doodles - like this one.

Progress isn't linear. It's not cookie cutter. It's messy.

Consistency is about commitment and continually opting back in.

^^ That commitment and continual opt-in makes our progress as predictable as can be. Because the only way we won't get "there" is if we quit trying.

I speak to Jon Acuff's concept of "the day after perfect" - the day we show up after the day we didn't. THAT is where the magic happens. It's where we build resilience and confidence.

We get to decide what "perfection" actually looks like for us.

Messy manicures and all.

📮 Thoughts? Qs? Requests? Share with me here in the comment box >> onherterms.com/convo

❤️ Loving this episode? Tap the menu to share with a friend or three!

📱 Are we connected on IG? Join me there @nikkielledgebrown and tag me in a screenshot as you listen.

👑 Want my pro support in bringing your ideas to life while valuing your fam and your well-being? Click here to tell me more.

🎧 This private pod magic is made possible by Hello Audio.

(I'm obsessed. And an affiliate. >> nikkielledgebrown.com/helloaudio. 10/10 recommend.)

Mama said there'd be days like this. - The Shirelles

Before you give up and declare energetic bankruptcy on an unusually meh or squirrely day, give this one a listen.

Gimme 10 minutes and we'll make a practical plan so you can save your own day when you want to, whether you have five minutes, 30 minutes, or a full hour.

This strategy is like an energetic emergency kit.

Like packing snacks. Water. Bandaids. Hand sanitizer. Or your kid's fave show downloaded for use offline.

Having these ideas and options handy is a simple way to boost your own battery power and feel sparky again.

Gift yourself. 🎁

📮 Thoughts? Qs? Requests? Share with me here in the comment box >> onherterms.com/convo

❤️ Loving this episode? Tap the menu to share with a friend or three!

📱 Are we connected on IG? Join me there @nikkielledgebrown and tag me in a screenshot as you listen.

👑 Want my pro support in bringing your ideas to life while valuing your fam and your well-being? Click here to tell me more.

🎧 This private pod magic is made possible by Hello Audio.

(I'm obsessed. And an affiliate. >> nikkielledgebrown.com/helloaudio. 10/10 recommend.)

This one’s a quickie. Sharing a playful game and pattern interrupt we can use to check in with ourselves:

is this action getting me CLOSER to what I want, or further from what I want?

Closer = warmer. More fun, more fulfilling, more energizing. Faster.

Further - cooler. Seems fun in the moment but actually LESS so. Slowing us down. Making it harder.

Once you’ve identified which is true, you get to decide how to proceed from there.

Do you want to stop the “cooler” activity? Pair it with a “warmer” activity for a net gain?

(In my nighttime scroll example, stopping would mean putting the phone away and closing my eyeballs. Pairing it would mean getting up and pairing it with some steps. Or sharing whatever’s interesting or funny to me with someone I love.)

“Cooler” is a flag on the play and an opportunity to course correct.

“Warmer” is a confetti popper to celebrate and gift ourselves some dopamine.

Give yourself some time for your *Mom Brain* to step in and suggest next steps.

📮 Thoughts? Qs? Requests? Share with me here in the comment box >> onherterms.com/convo

❤️ Loving this episode? Tap the menu to share with a friend or three!

📱 Are we connected on IG? Join me there @nikkielledgebrown and tag me in a screenshot as you listen.

👑 Want my pro support in bringing your ideas to life while valuing your fam and your well-being? Click here to tell me more.

🎧 This private pod magic is made possible by Hello Audio.

(I'm obsessed. And an affiliate. >> nikkielledgebrown.com/helloaudio. 10/10 recommend.)

You want to WANT to do it, but you don’t yet. Or you’d be doing it.

On some level, you believe there’s more benefits to NOT doing it. Or you’d be doing it.

Have you ever considered the drawbacks to not doing it?

It’s like standing on a hot sidewalk barefoot. Standing still and talking about it… doesn’t help! The longer you stand there, the more damage you’re doing.

Helpful Q to actually answer:

What are you missing out on by thinking about it, and not doing it? By letting your fear dictate your actions and not stretching yourself to be brave? 

Ex. Thinking about it and beating yourself up over not doing it is likely more painful than doing the thing.

TEST IT and prove me wrong, will you? (Better yet, prove Mom Brain / your wisest self RIGHT – show yourself that taking this action is indeed worth the discomfort and effort, and once you’re going, actually feels pretty dang good.)

Give yourself a chance to try something new and TRUST yourself to take care of yourself on the other side. Twinkle toes over to the grass or some shade, at least.

This is where it is actually helpful to bake in actions we can take daily - because the automation is useful. We can relax into routines vs. switching things up every day.

***Inspired by this journal entry from 2023:

So – what are you waiting for? 

What are you afraid of? 

Have you considered the pain of resisting the thing is often more intense than DOING the thing? When has that been true?

Journaling is cool and all, but have you tried actually doing the thing? Taking the step? Moving your feet? It’s like resistance is standing on a hot sidewalk barefoot. Thinking and talking about it isn’t going to help. Moving your feet will. 

Further [yes I said that; who talks to themselves like this?! 💀] – the longer you stand there, the more pain you’ll experience, both now AND later. Bc that burn is changing your chemistry. It’s gonna require extra attention for healing vs just moving right along, knowing and acknowledging the floor is lava and keeping it moving to the next shady spot.

RELATED EPISODES

**all eps surrounding this one (the whole series on creating habits)

rebuilding trust and momentum after burnout

burnout from too little action

stuck in indecision

hesitation + the myth of the comfort zone

get out of your head

📮 Thoughts? Qs? Requests? Share with me here in the comment box >> onherterms.com/convo

❤️ Loving this episode? Tap the menu to share with a friend or three!

📱 Are we connected on IG? Join me there @nikkielledgebrown and tag me in a screenshot as you listen.

👑 Want my pro support in bringing your ideas to life while valuing your fam and your well-being? Click here to tell me more.

🎧 This private pod magic is made possible by Hello Audio.

(I'm obsessed. And an affiliate. >> nikkielledgebrown.com/helloaudio. 10/10 recommend.)