She Breathes

The amazing Lana Jones joins me on today's episode. She's also been my best friend since seventh grade. You can't help but feel the authentic connection she and I share. My gratitude for her is boundless. During our conversation, we offer a glimpse into our friendship and explore a few deep and lighthearted topics. I plan to have her join me in future episodes where we'll dig further into some of the topics we touch on today. Since we're focusing on The Wheel Life during the month of March, today's episode highlights the Friends & Family spoke. I think we can all agree that friends, whether new or old, are an integral component of a full, meaningful life.

In 2013-2014, I experienced a series of severe migraines and ear infections. I was kind of shocked when we drilled down to why the headaches and infections were happening. Once we discovered the origin of the dis-ease, I made a couple of significant changes that truly impacted my life. Since then, I've made additional health and wellness adjustments. On today's episode, I share 13 of those with you (see below). This is not an all-inclusive list. In fact, I didn't even include exercise, but any kind of movement is obviously wonderful for the human body.

1. Rid your home of toxins. 

2. Entertain the thought of essential oils. 

3. Be careful with alcohol. 

4. Utilize breath work. 

5. Be cautious of social media. 

6. Go outside when things feel off. 

7. Limit caffeine after 11 a.m. 

8. Prioritize sleep. 

9. Eliminate foods that put your body in fight or flight mode. 

10. Time chunk your day. 

11. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. 

12. Remember your vitamin D 

13. Go inward.

In 2019 I published a children's book called The Jolt Around the World. Since then, numerous people have asked about the process of writing and publishing a book. It would be impossible for me to sit down with each individual and explain how to write a children's book, so I decided to share the information through a podcast episode. If there is anyone out there who has a dream of bringing their idea to life, I want to help make that happen. In today's episode, I offer a little about my own writing and publishing journey as well as the 10 principles of picture book writing, created by Ann Whitford Paul, author of Writing Picture Books: A Hands-on Guide From Story Creation to Publication. During the month of March we are focusing on The Wheel of Life, a diagnostic tool meant to help people harmonize the six core areas of our lives: health, relationships, spiritual/personal development, career, family and friends, and money/finances. If one of your career goals is to publish a children's book, I hope you find this episode to be a great resource and motivator. 

P.S. At the very end, I share the secret ingredient to make amazing pasta salad.

I don't like the phrase "life balance." It implies that all aspects of our lives have to be in equilibrium, which is simply impossible. Instead, I've begun to think of my existence in terms of "life harmony." To me, this feels more fluid and attainable. In today's episode, I introduce something called The Wheel of Life, created by Paul J. Meyer, which focuses on the six core areas of our lives: health, relationships, spiritual/personal development, career, family and friends, and money/finances. I offer an easy self-assessment exercise to help you figure out which area(s) of your life need the most immediate attention. I also talk about the concept of being our own muse, of using our past accomplishments, experiences, and emotions as momentum and inspiration for where we want to be now or in the future. I really hope you take some time in the next few days to work on your own Wheel of Life. As they say, knowledge is power, especially when you put the knowledge to work.

Wow, February flew by much quicker than January! With today being the last day of the month, I share five things that made me smile in February (in no particular order). This is a practice I started many years ago when I was blogging three times a week on my blog, Zealous Mom. No matter the mood I'm in, simply focusing on five things that made me smile during the month instantly shifts my energy. After listening to my list, I encourage you to do the same. You'll be so happy you did.

We live in a world obsessed with self-help. Whether it's books, podcasts, TED talks, apps, workout regimens, eating plans, supplements, or life coaches, we try all kinds of strategies to feel empowered, energized, and happy. Sometimes, however, it's the things we do for others that truly make the difference. And the irony is that when we work to support other people, we gain so much in return. In today's episode, I offer five ways to help lift others in a seemingly selfish world. I also share something I am taking on (instead of giving up) for Lent.

In relationships, it's the little things that often matter the most. It's the common knowledge and connections that create a meaningful and authentic partnership. It's feeling truly known and seen by the other person that feels so comforting. On today's episode, I welcome a very special guest. The two of us answer surprise questions with the goal of getting to know one another better. It's a fun activity that strengthens all relationships. P.S. There is a lot of giggling on this episode.

Did you know skin hunger is an actual thing? When we have't been touched or haven't touched others in a while, we deplete the oxytocin in our brains which affects many aspects of our lives. On today's episode, I talk about what skin hunger or touch deprivation is and how we can make sure it doesn't negatively impact our lives or the lives of those we love.

Feng shui is an ancient philosophy that focuses on the energy (chi) flowing through the spaces in which we work, play, and live. It's a really cool topic to explore. Many of us already do things that would fall under the umbrella of "creating good feng shui," such as decluttering, having plants, creating balance in rooms, etc. In today's episode, I talk specifically about the feng shui of a bedroom. I offer tips to help you create a bedroom that's more conducive to love, romance, and connection. I'm not a feng shui expert, but I am having a lot of fun learning about it and experimenting with the principles.

I had so much fun recording this episode with my dear friend, Jessi Stone. She is a writer, former journalist, holistic wellness coach and yoga instructor. Our plan was to talk about moon circles, which we did but as always tends to happen with my episodes, we spun into some deeper topics and figured out what all women need. Regarding the moon circles, our bodies are made of 75% water so if the moon affects the tides, how can it now affect our bodies as well? Jessi talks about the full moon vs. the new moon and how we can use the moon's cycle to live more fully and at peace. From there we discuss other ways women can come together to grow and heal. Finally, we talk about REST and how women are so terrible at it but why it's so important. To connect with Jessi and learn more from her, visit www.jessistone.com.