It's my pleasure to introduce my absolute favorite podcast guest of all time, my very own 10-year-old-daughter, Emma!

In this episode she goes by her favorite self-acclaimed identity, "E.J. Babin" as you'll hear in the episode.

E.J. has gone through a lot of ups and downs in her life and she shares with us a solid, real, and no-fluff strategy to doing hard things.

After three nerve-wracking talent show performances, and a lot of tough situations at home and at school, E.J. teaches us some mindset strategies she uses as well as her favorite calming techniques she's learned from her school counselor.

I have to say, this 10-year-old is wise beyond her years! Her confidence in herself, her assurance in her techniques, and her willingness to face her fears and call them something different is inspiring!

Tune in to hear more and be ready to laugh because this girl, much like her momma, is not lacking in the personality department!

Hey there, Sparkly Sisters!

It's your host, Brandi Babin, back with another episode of "Shattered To Unbreakable." Today, we're addressing the thing we all do and nobody wants to... yelling. Yep, I used to be quite the yeller, especially after becoming a mom to a toddler. But hey, who knew kids could bring out the best (and loudest) in us?

I discovered some pretty nifty tricks for taming those fiery emotions without resorting to a full-on shouting match in therapy and psychology studies. Let me tell you, it's been a game-changer for my relationship with my kiddos and dealing with those not-so-friendly faces out there in the world.

Growing up, yelling was just the norm amongst my siblings. If you weren't being heard, you just cranked up the volume until someone paid attention. But you know what's cooler than yelling? Learning to hear yourself. It's a common theme in our Reclaim Strategy as you may have noticed.

Deep breaths are always a winner, but sometimes you're so fired up, you forget to breathe. Been there, done that. Instead, I opt for a slow, non-emotional breath in and out. And sometimes I have to take multiples. The kids know when I'm taking these breaths that it is time to be quiet and see who just got in trouble and might be doing pushups when they get home.

And let's not forget the power of words. Instead of letting those emotions boil over into a full-blown yellfest, I've learned to express myself out loud so that my kids know that not only are emotions real, they are ok. It's how you handle them that makes all the difference.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect. There are still times when I lose my cool. But here's the kicker: after the storm passes, I gather the kiddos around and own up to my outburst. It's all about teaching them that it's okay to mess up, as long as you're willing to make it right.

And let me tell you, sweet sister, this whole journey of self-discovery and emotional intelligence? It's not just for me. It's for the whole family. From the littlest munchkin to the grumpy pre-teen, we're all learning and growing together.

But it's not just about yelling at home, oh no. I've had my fair share of run-ins with some less-than-friendly faces out there in the wild. Like this one time, I met a real-life mean girl who could give Regina George a run for her money. But hey, I didn't let her negativity rain on my parade. Nope, I set my boundaries and strutted away like the boss lady I am.

So, next time you feel that urge to let out a primal scream, remember: there's a better way. Take a deep breath, find your calm, and remember, you're in control. Until next time, stay sparkly, sweet sisters!

Today's Thursday short is all about not falling for the hype - I'm talking about "Don't Believe Everything You Hear."

Let's dive into the deep end of the fear pool, shall we? Fear sells like hotcakes, and it's been the golden ticket in marketing for eons. Companies love to dangle the fear carrot in front of us, making us think we can't survive without their miracle products. But guess what? I'm onto their game, and it's about time you were too.

From TV ads to social media and even the news, fear-mongering is everywhere. The media loves to serve up a feast of controversy and extremism, leaving us emotionally stuffed but not in a good way. And don't even get me started on clickbait! Those sneaky headlines are like candy for your curiosity, but remember, just because you click doesn't mean it's true. It's like a game of Russian roulette with facts.

So, what's my advice? Question everything, my friends. Don't swallow the pill of fear without a healthy dose of skepticism. I recently watched a documentary that had more hidden agendas than a spy thriller. Can't a girl get some unbiased reporting these days?

But fear not (pun intended), because I believe in us. We're smarter than the fear-merchants give us credit for. Let's band together, ask the tough questions, and show the world that we won't be duped by fear-driven narratives.

So, stay curious, stay informed, and above all, stay sparkly, sweet sisters. Until next time, Brandi out.

In this episode of "Shattered to Unbreakable," I delve into the exciting topic of advancing in your career. Let's face it, navigating the workplace can be tough, especially for us ladies. We're expected to find that perfect balance between being assertive and approachable, like trying to walk a tightrope in stilettos!

I've got some nuggets of wisdom to share based on my own journey. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or running your own show, I've learned a thing or two that might just help you level up.

First things first, it's all about mindset. Picture yourself as the CEO of your own career, even if you're not the one signing the checks. When you start thinking like a business owner, you'll see things differently—processes, goals, budgets, you name it. It's like putting on a new pair of glasses and suddenly everything becomes clearer.

One of my top tips? Do your homework. Know your company inside and out, from its mission to its leadership. And don't be afraid to expand your skill set. I'm talking YouTube tutorials, online courses—get your learn on! When I found myself in roles where I had to learn on the fly, I dove headfirst into resources like QuickBooks and Excel, and let me tell you, it paid off big time.

But it's not just about what you know, it's also about who you know. Understanding the personalities of your coworkers and bosses can be a game-changer. Ever heard of the DISC personality test? It's like a cheat code for communication. Once you crack the code on how people tick, you'll be speaking their language in no time.

And let's not forget about self-care and task management. I'm all about that organized life, whether it's color-coded spreadsheets or scheduled "jam sessions" to tackle my to-do list. Plus, a little humor goes a long way in making those mundane tasks a bit more bearable. Trust me, I've mastered the art of making Excel spreadsheets fun(ny).

In a nutshell, keep learning, keep growing, and don't forget to laugh along the way. The road to success might have a few bumps, but with the right mindset and a sprinkle of humor, you'll be unstoppable. Stay Sparkly, Sweet Sisters!

In this episode of the Shattered to Unbreakable Podcast, I dove even deeper into forgiveness, to dig up what I call "forgiveness elevated."

There has been an interesting sequence of events in the last few weeks that include chance sermons, new releases of book titles, a death of someone close, and old issues coming right back up to the surface.

I opened up about my struggles with holding onto grudges, including one that lasted eight years. I reflected on the dangers of holding onto resentment while acknowledging the challenge of truly forgetting past hurts.

I shared powerful stories that have shaped my perspective, including the story of a mother who forgave her daughter's killer. These stories highlight the transformative nature of forgiveness, even in the face of unimaginable pain.

Reflecting on my own experiences, especially in dealing with post-separation abuse, I stressed the importance of setting boundaries while still approaching others with compassion. Forgiveness, I realized, doesn't mean excusing harmful behavior but rather releasing bitterness and judgment.

As the episode wrapped up, I encourage you to embrace the concept of forgiveness elevated, finding healing and peace in its wake. By letting go of grudges and extending empathy, we can embark on a journey toward emotional freedom and inner peace, while still enforcing healthy boundaries for our own healing and protection.

Stay Sparkly, Sweet Sisters! :)

Hey Sparkly Sisters, it's Brandi Babin here, and welcome back to another episode of "Shattered to Unbreakable." Today, we're diving deep into a topic that's been on my mind lately: how we treat each other as women.

We've talked a lot about self-love and comparison, but now I want to shift the focus to how we view and treat other women. It all started at this event I attended where the speaker, Heidi Calmus of Dude Dad @heidicalmus on Instagram discussed the power of community and how we perceive ourselves and others.

It got me thinking. When asked how we feel walking into a room full of women, many of us admit to feeling insecure or inadequate. But here's the kicker: when asked how we view other women in the same room, the responses were eye-opening. Some women were quick to judge, criticizing appearances or making assumptions about personalities.

But here's the thing. We're all in this together, navigating our own insecurities and challenges. So why do we feel the need to tear each other down instead of building each other up?

I was raised by a mom who always found something positive to say about others, and it's a habit I've carried with me (thank you, Mom). I was shocked to learn that some women resort to unnecessary and over-the-top negative thoughts and judgments about other women they don't even know.

Those judgments often stem from our own insecurities projected onto others. And let me tell you, I've been guilty of it too.

You see, I've had my own share of struggles, especially after my divorce, when a smear campaign left me questioning others' perceptions of me. It made me hyper-aware of body language and quick to misinterpret intentions.

But through it all, I've learned the importance of self-reflection and healing. Because when we heal ourselves, we're less likely to project our insecurities onto others.

Imagine a world where women support and uplift each other without judgment or gossip. It's within our reach if we do the work. But it does require us to do the inner work and choose kindness over criticism.

So next time you encounter a woman, instead of focusing on flaws or differences, try to see the beauty and strength within her. And if you catch yourself thinking negatively, take a moment to reflect on where those thoughts are coming from.

Together, we can create a community of empowered, supportive women who lift each other up and shine brightly. So let's commit to being the change we wish to see in the world.

That's all for today, Sweet Sisters. Remember to stay sparkly and help others sparkle too. Until next time, take care and spread kindness wherever you go. Bye for now!

Hey there, Sweet Sisters! It's your girl Brandi Babin back at it with another episode of "Shattered to Unbreakable." Today, we're diving into one of my favorite life hacks that's been a bit under the radar until now. You ready?

So, picture this: life's throwing you curveballs left and right, and you're feeling like you're on the struggle bus with no stops in sight. Sound familiar? Well, fear not, because I've got a little something up my sleeve that packs a big punch: prayer.

I know, I know, some of you might be rolling your eyes, thinking, "Come on, Brandi, prayer? Really?" But stick with me here, folks. Prayer isn't just some mystical ritual reserved for saints and scholars. Nope, it's like having a heart-to-heart chat with the universe, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer.

Ever find yourself feeling frustrated, sad, worried, or just plain happy? Well, guess what? There's a prayer for that. Yep, you heard me right. Prayer isn't just reserved for the tough times; it's a way to connect with something bigger than ourselves no matter what we're feeling.

And here's the beauty of it: you don't need a fancy script or a laundry list of requests to pray. Nah, just speak from the heart, and trust me, the big guy upstairs is all ears. It's like having a direct line to the universe's customer service hotline, and let me tell you, the response time is impeccable.

But wait, it gets even better. You know those pre-made prayers like the Hail Mary or Saint Michael the Archangel? Well, consider them your spiritual cheat codes. They're like the friend who always knows just what to say when you're at a loss for words.

So here's the bottom line, folks: prayer isn't just some religious ritual; it's a way of life. It's like having a secret weapon in your back pocket, ready to unleash its power whenever you need it most.

Alrighty, that's a wrap for today, my lovely listeners. Remember, keep those prayers flowing, stay true to yourself, and I'll catch you on the flip side. Peace out, sweet souls!

Hey there, Sweet Sisters!

Brandi here, back at it again with another episode of "Shattered to Unbreakable."

I asked what you'd like to hear about this week and most of you wanted to focus on the overwhelm of life and master that feeling.

This is the perfect episode with the most perfect timing because I JUST dealt with overwhelm starting to creep up in my life. Luckily, because of my experience in therapy and years of research in self-development, I have the formula to recognize and combat this feeling of overwhelm and this is the episode that I share my best tools with you.

First of all, my favorite tool for all things Shattered to Unbreakable is the Reclaim Guidebook. In this episode I share how you can get yours for FREE! But you have to listen in to find out how! ;)

I use this Guidebook to help me Dump & Bump, which is the Reclaim Strategy along with positive self-talk and somatic experiencing! With these three tools you can literally conquer anything life tries to throw at you.

I share something in this episode that I have never shared before and that is my recipe for designing your Seasons of life.

This is the most effective way I have conquered overwhelm in my life, and it hasn't failed me yet.

When you feel like you're doing too much, you're right. It's time to brain dump, prioritize, schedule, and design. This episode teaches you how to do just that.

Stop on by and give it a listen to learn how to finally Master the Overwhelm of Life!

Stay Sparkly Sweet Sisters!

www.thereclaimstrategy.com

Welcome back to another captivating episode of Shattered to Unbreakable with your host, Brandi Babin! Today, I've got a tale that'll make you chuckle and ponder in equal measure. So buckle up for a story that took me on an unexpected journey to the front lines of my beliefs.

I decided to step out of my comfort zone and pray at Planned Parenthood—a decision not without controversy. Now, let me be clear—I'm pro-life, but I'm not here to judge. I believe in the sanctity of life, yet I respect individuals' choices. That's just my stance, but hey, we're all entitled to our opinions, right?

As I quietly prayed, I encountered an unexpected adversary—a lady with a sign proclaiming organized religion as a cult. She wasn't shy about letting me know her thoughts, hurling accusations and taunts my way. Despite her aggression, I chose to meet her eyes and pray aloud, which seemed to catch her off guard.

But the drama didn't stop there. Two fellow believers joined me, but instead of responding with love, they returned her hostility. It was a moment of reflection for me—wasn't our faith about compassion and understanding? So, we chose to pray for her, embracing the challenge of showing grace in the face of adversity.

Yet, her antics persisted, from blasting provocative music to hurling insults. It was a stark reminder that living your faith publicly isn't always easy. But through it all, I gained a newfound respect for those who courageously stand up for their beliefs, even in the face of hostility.

So, this episode is a tribute to all of you brave souls out there living your faith out loud. Whether it's peacefully protesting or simply praying in public, your resilience inspires us all. And for those who may be hesitant, remember, you're not alone. Together, we can face any challenge with strength, courage, and love.

As we navigate life's twists and turns, let's keep fighting the good fight and shining bright. Until next time, stay sparkly, sweet sisters!

Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of Shattered to Unbreakable with your host, Brandi Babin! Today, we're diving headfirst into a topic that's sure to spark some lively discussion: Are we born good or bad? It's a question that's been on my mind, influenced by conversations, social media, and my own journey of self-discovery.

As a Catholic, I grapple with the notion of original sin and the belief that we're born with inherent flaws. But beyond religious doctrine, I've delved into psychology and philosophy, exploring different perspectives on human nature.

From childhood, we're taught values and morals, shaping our behavior and character. But is goodness innate, or do we learn it through practice and discipline? I've always told my kids, "You're not a bad boy; you're making a bad choice," instilling the idea that behavior can be corrected and improved.

Drawing from psychology, I observe the developmental stages of childhood, where egocentrism and impulsivity reign supreme. But what about adulthood? I reflect on the disturbing Abu Ghraib trials, where seemingly good soldiers committed heinous acts in a warped environment.

Philip Zimbardo's insights shed light on the ease with which ordinary people can deviate into darkness under certain conditions. Yet, amidst the darkness, there's a glimmer of hope—a call to heroism. I'm captivated by Zimbardo's concept of "heroes in waiting," ordinary individuals poised to perform extraordinary acts.

From a subway rescue to whistleblowers exposing injustice, everyday heroes inspire us to rise above fear and apathy. It's a reminder that heroism isn't reserved for the extraordinary few but lies dormant within each of us, waiting for the right moment to emerge.

I know this episode may have taken a darker turn than usual, but I believe in the power of open dialogue and introspection. So, I invite you to share your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree. After all, it's through discussion and reflection that we grow and evolve.

So, stay tuned for more engaging conversations, sprinkled with humor and introspection. And remember, sweet sisters, you're all heroes in waiting. Until next time, stay sparkly!