How can you actually live a life beyond your wildest dreams?

In this episode, I share three lessons in living a life beyond your wildest dreams. Why now? Well, I haven't done a solo episode yet, and it just so happens that my birthday is April 15. It's the perfect opportunity to share some wisdom from my own experiences - the reminder of taking another trip around the sun. If you know me, you know that I love everything related to science, health, and wellness. However, today's episode will not be about nerdy science stuff. Instead, it's lessons that I have learned on my journey.

First, you need to know that the life that you are living right now has so many things for you to be grateful for. Plus, you need a vision for exactly where you want to go. That doesn't mean that the path will unfold as you think it will, but you need to have a direction. Make sure you spend time with immense gratitude. However, always have a vision for what you want to do next. I give this advice and more on how to live a life beyond your wildest dreams.

In This Episode:

• You must fully accept and be grateful for where you are [ 6:40 ]
• Aligned actions create aligned outcomes [ 13:25 ]
• You must have supportive soul sisters on your journey [ 19:15 ]

Quotes:

• “We are the expert in our own experiences.”
• “We must fully accept and be grateful for where we are.”
• “Aligned actions create aligned outcomes.”
• “Figure out what it is that really lights you up.”
• “Find out who you really are.”

Links Mentioned: 

• Attend a Rewild Retreat: https://www.leapickard.com/retreats
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea.pickard
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pickard

How can you heal yourself with your mind?

Molly Hamill is a certified life coach, yoga and meditation instructor (200-hour Kundalini and 200-hour Hatha), and a Reiki Master Teacher. Additionally, she is certified in tapping (EFT), EQi 2.0 (emotional intelligence), and Situational Leadership II®. Molly is a Predictive Index Analyst® and holds an M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. She also has completed the Spirit Junkie Masterclass® Level 1 & 2 (totally life-changing experiences, by the way!).

You are your own medicine woman. Molly talks about her struggle with Hashimoto's and how she managed to turn her adversity into something positive. Eventually, Molly realized that she could heal herself. Experiencing Hashimoto's and thyroid disease actually taught Molly how to live a happier life. In fact, Molly considers herself healed. However, many people say that you cannot heal from Hashimoto's. Molly says that treating symptoms and healing your life are two different things.

Later, we chat about the importance of surrendering, trusting, and believing on your journey. As women, we hold so much power, but there is also great power in receiving. There has to be a balance between your inner achiever and your inner receiver. It's critical to take a step back and remember that the weight of the world is not on your shoulders. Let your receiver lead your life! It will be a total game-changer. Tune in as we chat about why you may be creating unnecessary struggles in your life and how to turn that around and live a happier + more joy-filled life.

In This Episode:

• Molly Hamill opens up about her struggles with Hashimoto’s [ 6:30 ]
• After healing herself, Molly felt so much more joy [ 18:30 ]
• The importance of surrendering, trusting, and believing [ 23:50 ]
• What it means to be magnetic [ 38:15 ]
• Why it’s time to remove or reframe [ 42:20 ]
• How to listen to your body as a woman [ 47:00 ]
• It’s time to reconnect with your body + get clear on your needs [ 50:10 ]
• Stop focusing on your wants + start focusing on nourishment [ 56:45 ]

Quotes:

• “Where are you creating unnecessary struggle in your life?”
• “Let's build a foundation of a lifestyle that isn't constantly pulling you out of your flow.”
• “I say that Hashimoto’s healed me.”
• “Treating symptoms and healing your life are two different things.”
• “Build a lifestyle of effortless receiving.”

Links Mentioned: 

• Molly’s Website: https://www.mollyhamill.com/
• Molly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyhamill/
• Molly on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mollyhamill
• Molly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mollyhamillferguson
• Attend a Rewild Retreat: https://www.leapickard.com/retreats
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea.pickard
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pickard

Do you sometimes wish you could just grow your own food?

One of my dearest friends and a beautiful ray of sunshine Jane Oliver Dickson joins the show. In this inspirational episode, we talk about following your dreams. It's not uncommon to move through different jobs and experiences in search of who you are. Jane says that it's essential to keep trying because eventually, you will figure it out. For Jane, she began to practice yoga. Finally, Jane started to love her body and her breath. It opened Jane up at her core. Later, she found herself sitting in yoga teacher trainer – it was the best gift that she could give herself. Jane completely woke up, and she understood what it was like to surround herself with supportive people. 

We also chat about what it's like to live on a farm. There is nothing quite like growing your own food. Living in nature can completely change your life, and Jane is here to explain how it changed hers. Sometimes, nature can be the best medicine. However, making a massive change can lead to a lot of fear and doubts. Luckily, there are ways to manifest significant life changes in order to feel complete confidence in your decisions. So, if you've been thinking about saying yes to something, but you feel like you aren’t quite brave enough yet – this will be the podcast for you. Tune in as we dive deep into community agriculture, tapping into our creativity, and lessons from farm life. 

In This Episode:

• About Jane Oliver Dickson and her journey [ 3:55 ]
• There is nothing like growing your own food [ 10:25 ]
• How to manifest changes in your life [ 20:45 ]
• Following your dream + starting a farm [ 27:25 ]
• Community-supported agriculture [ 38:55 ]
• Tapping into creativity through nature [ 45:25 ]
• Life lessons from the farm [ 58:10 ]

Quotes:

• “Find people who support you and who are doing really good things in the world.” 
• “We made a lot of small steps that led to this big change.”
• “What do you want your dream life to look like?”
• “Observing, listening, and acting accordingly is so important.”
• “Life is what you make of it.”

Links Mentioned: 

• Alali Farm: https://alali.farm/
• Alali Farm on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alali.farm/
• Alali Farm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjncLCNRJnm-e1DxRQXl2dQ
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea.pickard
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pickard

Do you journal as a self-discovery tool?

Shakira Hemphill is a fourth-generation Washingtonian raised in Ward 8 and the proud mother to her King Elijah, a thirteen-year-old exceptional learner. Shakira Hemphill is an educator and community member. Shakira has more than 14 years of progressive expertise in education, curriculum and instruction, policy, and process development with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Spelman College and a Master's of Science in Project Management from George Washington University. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Shakira's career continues in education, where she currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Talent for one of the top-performing charter schools in Washington, DC.

We jump right into the importance of finding our joy. Sometimes, we work so hard to be something else versus who we are. When this happens, that imposter syndrome will hit hard! Then, we miss out on the opportunity to really show up and be our true and genuine selves. For Shakira, her joy comes from truly operating in her purpose. If you're still struggling with finding your ultimate purpose, then you're listening to the right episode. Shakira is here on earth to empower women + help them live out their purpose unapologetically. Sadly, women apologize so much more than we invite people to accept. So, Shakira explains why we need to stop apologizing and start accepting.

Then, we chat all about what our birthright is. From the beginning of time, this is who you are, this is how it was supposed to be, and this is how you will show up. We as women especially are taught to water down who we are in order to get ahead. Plus, society teaches women to be mindful of what they say because it could offend someone. However, Shakira believes that when you operate in your purpose, and you give yourself grace, then you will be in your highest vibration. There are so many ways that you can move into your purpose. One of the most powerful tools on your journey to finding purpose is journaling. Tune in as we chat about the importance of writing down your thoughts, spirituality, and authenticity.

In This Episode:

• About Shakira’s joy factor [ 4:55 ]
• How to move into your purpose  [ 11:30 ]
• The role that pain plays in your life [ 22:00 ]
• Shakira speaks about how God helps define her purpose [ 30:40 ]
• Why journaling matters [ 40:50 ]
• The importance of putting yourself first [ 48:40 ]

Quotes:

• “Journaling literally is all about you.”
• “Have space for gratitude.”
• “Support is a beautiful thing; vulnerability is a beautiful thing. The reason we want to do it by ourselves is because we don't want people to see that we need help.”
• “Journaling gives me a chance to put me first.”
• “At this point, you cannot even operate your purpose without putting yourself first.”

Links Mentioned: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanofworth/
• My Why Journal: https://shakira-hemphill.myshopify.com/
• Script My Life: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/script-my-life-masterclass-tickets-144135642587
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea.pickard
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pickard

Are you looking to regain your health + fitness through all the challenges that motherhood presents?

Jenine Dilts Bayman is the Founder of the Mums With Bubs Fitness classes, the New Mama Lifestyle online membership program, and this website, formally known as Mums With Bubs Fitness. She is a mother of two, a personal trainer, and a fitness enthusiast.

Hey, all the moms out there – this episode is for you! When you have a kiddo, you suddenly are a shell of your former self, and you no longer recognize who you used to be. My guest, Jenine Dilts Bayman, helps mamas maintain and regain their health and fitness. There are all sorts of challenges that motherhood presents; however, Janine is ready to inspire and motivate. We talk all about functional fitness. Did you know that functional fitness actually helps us live our lives to the fullest? Plus, it gives us more energy to have joy in what we do as human beings on this earth. It's time that we start looking more holistically at our health and wellness.

When we become mothers, our definition of health can absolutely change. Before motherhood, often we are worried about what our body looks like and how we can change our appearance. When we think like this, it's disrespectful to ourselves. Sadly, we don't really appreciate what our bodies can give us. After having kids, we need to stay strong to chase them around, carry them, and give them our full attention. So, adding movement into your life will be critical in terms of hormones, mindset, and overall wellbeing. Tune in as Jenine gives all sorts of tips and tricks on how moms can regain their health and enjoy all that life has to offer! 

In This Episode:

• What health means to Jenine [ 5:00 ]
• The benefits of adding movement into your life [ 8:00 ]
• Jenine speaks about the accident that changed her perspective [ 11:30 ]
• Why you need to let go of your limiting beliefs [ 19:00 ]
• Find a place where you no longer feel depleted [ 25:30 ]
• How moms can take better care of themselves [ 28:30 ]
• Why your kids need to see you enjoying movement [ 37:00 ]
• Remember – it’s okay to have a bad day [ 44:45 ]
• Think about how movement is affecting your body [ 57:00 ]

Quotes:

• “I never realized how much I needed to be in nature every day, to really get those creative juices flowing.”
• “Take a real deep breath, and appreciate what's around you.”
• “You think you don't have time to take care of yourself, and then something will happen, and you have to.”
• “Play with your children through movement.”
• “Prep food when you get a chance.”

Links Mentioned: 

• Website: https://www.jeninediltsbayman.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeninediltsbayman/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenineDB/
• Mums With Bubs: https://www.facebook.com/MumsWithBubsFitnessHub/
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea.pickard
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pickard

How can you make your relationship flourish through joy?

Allison Villa is a Registered Psychotherapist who specializes in keeping couples’ thriving throughout parenthood. As a wife and mother, she understands how raising a family affects the romantic relationship and the challenges that modern parents face. With Allison’s virtual therapy practice, online courses, retreats, and monthly membership program, this keepin-it-real-mama teaches busy couples to live with intention & to use simple time-efficient strategies to connect with each other. When she’s not living ocean-side in Mexico, you can find Allison cycling around Toronto, enjoying day-dates with her husband, or busting out in family dance parties.

In this episode, we jump right into connected relationships. A connected relationship looks like two people who have a strong sense of self. They support each other in being individuals first, then they're able to come together in their relationship to be their best selves. That means being there for each other, celebrating each other, and growing together. The relationship should feel so amazing. Plus, a connected couple will also be there for their children and families. Self-care is at the foundation of connected couples – we chat all about self-care tips for thriving relationships.

Later, Allison explains why your relationship is like a flower. When you get really busy with life, your attention gets pulled away from the flower. The flower is still getting lots of sun. However, the soil is dry. Eventually, the flowers start to wilt. Quickly, you give the flower more water. Again, things get busy and the flower starts to die. Well, consistency will be the most critical aspect for the flower to grow and thrive – it is the same way for your relationship. Couple’s need small moments of quality time that you intentionally build into your daily life. Tune in as we chat about the four relationship seasons, the importance of therapy, and showing up in the community after Covid.

In This Episode:

• About Allison Villa + what’s lighting her up now [ 2:00 ]
• What a connected relationship looks like [ 7:30 ]
• How we can practice self-care as women [ 10:45 ]
• Why you should think about your relationships like flowers [ 20:40 ]
• All about the four relationship seasons [ 24:50 ]
• How to create your family’s vision as a couple [ 44:40 ]
• Exploring your intimacy vision as a couple [ 48:50 ]
• Therapy can be preventative work for your relationship [ 60:00 ]
• How we want to show up in our community after Covid [ 64:20 ]

Quotes:

• “Taking care of yourself as an individual will allow you to show up as who you really are.”
• “Your relationship needs consistent care - small moments of quality time that you intentionally build into your daily life.”
• “I think it's important as a couple to understand the relationship seasons because then you can name where you are.”
• “It’s not about wrong or right or having to convince each other; we can have different views and still have love and respect - they can exist together.”
• “Stand firmly in yourself.”

Links Mentioned: 

• Allison Villa: https://www.allisonvilla.com/
• House and Hook: https://www.houseandhook.com/
• Couple’s Sandbox: https://www.allisonvilla.com/couples-sandbox
• Listen to Allison’s Podcast: https://www.allisonvilla.com/podcast
• Allison on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllisonVillaPsychotherapy/
• Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__villa/
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea.pickard
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pickard

How can you feel empowered as you approach the most meaningful event of your life?

Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins is a board-certified, practicing OB/GYN, wife, mom, podcast host, and course creator, here to help you have your most beautiful pregnancy and birth experience. Born into a family of educators, Dr. Nicole felt the pull to medical school the day she looked in the mirror and saw a vision of herself in a white coat. And get this… it happened while she was studying to be an engineer. But that vision has led her to deliver more than 1,000 babies and demystify childbirth for thousands of more women.

I am blessed to have Dr. Nicole with me. If you haven’t guessed, she is incredibly passionate about childbirth. Dr. Nicole believes that women should be at the center of their birthing experience. You are going to love this podcast episode and the wisdom that she brings to it. We end up talking a lot about the idea of women wanting a natural birth. However, most women don't know that they desire an empowered birth. Women want to be in control of things to stay open and surrender to the birthing process.

Overall, the birthing journey's outcome is what women really remember - whether it was an empowered journey or not. This episode is an excellent way for you to dive into the birthing process. You will get so much information about creating a birth that reflects the wisdom that women have within them. We can choose what is right for us and our birthing experience. Tune in as we chat about how we can change our birthing system, the background behind twilight sleep, and the elements of a safe birthing space.

In This Episode:

• About Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins [ 1:30 ]
• What drew Dr. Nicole to this profession [ 5:00 ]
• What’s wrong with the birthing system in the United States [ 11:50 ]
• Knowledge is power when it comes to birth [ 15:30 ]
• Why women need to be at the center of their birth [ 23:30 ]
• About twilight sleep [ 25:50 ]
• The elements of a safe birthing space [ 32:20 ]
• Why you may want to consider having a doula [ 39:40 ]
• Practicing deep breathing for the birthing process [ 50:50 ]
• What different hospital cultures might mean for the birthing experience [ 67:10 ]

Quotes:

• “Women should be at the center of their birth experience.”
• “Ultimately, what makes women satisfied with their birth experience is that they felt listened to.”
• “All I do is deliver babies; I couldn't imagine doing anything else. It is what I was made to do.”
• “Women don't realize how much power they have, not just in birth, but in their in their lives.”
• “The fastest way that our system is going to change is for women to demand it.”

Links Mentioned: 

• Dr. Nicole’s Website: https://drnicolerankins.com/
• Dr. Nicole’s Podcast: https://drnicolerankins.com/podcast/
• Dr. Nicole’s Birth Course: https://drnicolerankins.com/birth-course/
• Dr. Nicole’s Birth Plan: https://drnicolerankins.com/birth-plan/
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea.pickard
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pickard

Did you know it's possible to look and feel great using local products made of simple and natural ingredients?

Maria Velve is a makeup artist and a college professor by trade – an unusual combination that has made for an interesting career. She taught English in Korea, done intricate costume makeup for films, and managed a busy downtown Toronto luxury spa. Maria Velve, a certified makeup artist and green beauty expert on a mission to connect you with clean and effective products made in Canada. Plus, Maria can teach you how to use them in a way that makes you feel fresh, confident, and – most importantly – like yourself.

In this episode, we dive into everything behind green beauty. Green beauty is skincare or makeup products that take into consideration how companies create the product. There has to be some sustainability in there. Overall, it's how the creator makes a product, what it's made with, and how it impacts you. Plus, we have to think about the packaging. If the packing is not recyclable, then we can't call it green beauty!

Later, we talk all about the importance of self-care. Self-care is enormous, especially during these challenging times. Women need to take a little bit of time for their self-care every day. We need to understand that self-care is necessary; no one else can do it for us. Luckily, green beauty products can play a massive role in our self-care routines. It can be a sensory treat; you can apply beautiful products with essential oils – so relaxing! Tune in as we talk about the minimalist approach to beauty, why we need to listen to our skin, and how to get started with green beauty.

In This Episode:

• About Maria Velve [ 1:10 ]
• What green beauty actually means [ 4:20 ]
• The difference between clean beauty and green beauty [ 7:50 ]
• The importance of local beauty [ 17:15 ]
• Why green beauty matters [ 19:25 ]
• The reasons we should buy green beauty products [ 25:30 ]
• About the minimalist approach to beauty products [ 37:10 ]
• Learn to assess which products we actually need [ 50:00 ]
• The best way to switch over to green beauty [ 58:45 ]

Quotes:

• “With most green beauty products, the ingredient lists are shorter.”
• “I think the importance of self-care is huge.”
• “The number one person who should be taking care of you is YOU.”
• “Make sure that you get an oil that is great for your skin type.”
• “It's shocking to see how much conventional beauty products cost.”

Links Mentioned: 

• Green Beauty Expert: https://www.greenbeautyexpert.ca/
• Maria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenbeautycurator/
• Maria on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenBeautyCurator
• Maria on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzh2auq7ul-N64s9LvM1Sew/featured
• Email Maria: [email protected]
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea.pickard
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pickard

Are you ready to unleash your freedom and creativity?  

Janet Co. is a Dance Instructor, Performance Coach and Host and Producer of the WORK IT! TV Show. She has worked and trained in various styles with the industry’s best from Toronto, New York City, Hollywood, and London, England. Passionate about her craft and making a difference, Janet’s mission is to spread dance to as many people as possible through her WORK IT! Dance Workshops and Coaching Programs. She uses dance as a tool for inspiring others to unleash their potential and fearlessly go after their dreams. As a TV personality, she is the host and co-producer of the WORK IT! TV Show which teaches audiences how to get the moves and style of today’s leading popstars. Additional television and film appearances include being the featured judge and mentor on Much Music’s Best Dance Crew, So You Think You Can Dance, Making it Big, Latin Grammys, The Drop, Jammx Kids TV Special (Queen Latifah, Randy Jackson), Take the Lead, Honey, Disband Reality and the Toronto Show.

In this episode, we dive deep into Janet's story. She opens up by talking about why she felt the need to grow up and stop playing. Thankfully for us, she learned that playing, moving, and dancing is a way to be in the present. Plus, playing will help us embody who we are; it is a way to be ourselves, no matter our age. Luckily, we can all find this same beauty in dance and the same empowerment through dance.

During Covid, Janet has been able to see the silver lining. Even in a pandemic, we can see what's possible and what opportunities are specifically just waiting for us. Janet is a dance teacher and a coach; she found loads of chances for connection beyond the physical during these challenging times. Plus, we talk about what can happen when we embrace our spiritual side. When we stay present, then we can empower ourselves to feel confident and feel connected. Tune in as we chat about how we can unleash our freedom and creativity through dance!

In This Episode:

• About Janet [ 1:50 ]
• What is lighting Janet up right now [ 5:10 ]
• Janet dives deep into her journey [ 9:00 ]
• The changes that occur when people start dancing [ 21:40 ]
• How dance allows freedom and creativity [ 34:10 ]
• Recommendations for unleashing our freedom [ 45:10 ]
• How dance can help us feel embodied [ 54:40 ]
• What Janet would say to people who “can’t dance” [ 64:50 ]

Quotes:

• “You have everything already in you.”
• “The way that you approach dance will be the way that you approach life.”
• “Once you live in the present moment, there are no walls.”
• “The creative process is messy; it's not perfect, and that's beautiful.”
• “Have your own dance party!”

Links Mentioned: 

• 15-Minute Dance Challenge hosted by WORK IT Janet (Feb 8-12): https://www.facebook.com/groups/15minutedancechallenge/
• Janet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workitjanet
• Janet’s Website: http://janetco.live/
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea.pickard
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pickard

Megan Clapton on Suffering, Mindfulness, and Self-Love

Are you ready for the transformative effects of mindful self-compassion?

Dr. Megan Sones Clapton is a licensed professional counselor and Mindful Therapy founder in Ridgeland, Mississippi. A Jackson native, Dr. Clapton holds B.A.s in Philosophy and Art History from the College of Charleston, a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from The Citadel, and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Mississippi College.

For over 13 years, she has worked in hospitals, non-profits, schools, and private practice, in addition to being involved in many professional organizations, including the American Counseling Association, the Mississippi Counseling Association, the Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in Counseling, and the Association for Humanistic Counseling.

In this episode, Dr. Megan blew me away! We talk about how to transform our suffering rather than living in suffering; either way, we suffer. We are currently in a period of collective trauma, and it’s time to figure out what to do and how to do it. Dr. Megan gives loads of tips, ideas, and strategies to become vulnerable and have self-compassion. Let’s give ourselves grace and remind ourselves that we need love each other.

Eventually, we will be on the other side of the pandemic. Maybe it’s time that we stop saying things will get back to “normal.” Is there ever going to be normal again? What does normal even look like anymore? Tune in as we talk about the problems with using this language to speak about Covid. It’s a robust conversation that will help us come back to ourselves and be a little more present in our daily lives – enjoy!

In This Episode:

• About Dr. Megan Sones Clapton [ 1:10 ]
• Why we need mindfulness in our lives [ 4:20 ]
• Strategies to practice meditation [ 7:20 ]
• The importance of observing our thoughts [ 10:15 ]
• Megan talks about what it feels like to not be herself [ 15:35 ]
• Why we shouldn’t go back to “normal” after the pandemic [ 24:20 ]
• How we can collectively heal and transform [ 33:45 ]
• It’s time that we lean into stillness + discomfort [ 46:20 ]
• All about the importance of self-compassion [ 56:00 ]
• Remember: we are all doing a good job! [ 68:00 ]

Quotes:

• “The longest relationship we will have is with ourselves.”
• “Give yourself a hug!”
• “We can control our moment to moment reaction.”
• “Mindfulness is a practice; you have to practice it for a reason.”
• “I can make the suffering meaningful.”

Links Mentioned: 

• Mindful Therapy: https://www.mindfultherapyms.com
• Mindful Therapy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfultherapy/
• Mindful Therapy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindfultherapyms/
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea.pickard
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pickard