She Who Wins

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E149: A messy, unedited, imperfect return.

Manifest the life that you want! Join me today as I sit down with my remarkable friend, Jenny Taylor, and talk about overcoming challenges and becoming the hero of your own story. Jenny’s journey from domestic violence, bankruptcy, and addiction to thriving as the owner of Jenny Taylor Boudoir Photography will leave you inspired and motivated to chase your dreams!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

Unleashing the hero of your own story

Personal growth, relationships, and financial stability

Taking ownership of relationships and finding the golden key to freedom

How to define your own financial success

The importance of valuing yourself

 

Episode Highlights:

[04:18] Unleashing the Hero Within

Everyone has a story. If you are going through something terrible or horrible, it doesn’t mean it needs to hold you back from living your best life. Let the hero of your own story live inside of you because we all have that hero that lives inside of us. However, we’re the only ones to unleash that because nobody else is going to do that for us.

[11:37] Defining Your Own Financial Success

Jenny, a late starter at 41, emphasized the importance of not letting others dictate her path. Despite facing bankruptcy and significant debt, she took a job at Bed Bath and Beyond earning $9 an hour. Instead of dwelling on her low income, Jenny focused on providing exceptional customer service and practiced gratitude. She understood that the desire for more exists at every income level. Therefore, it’s crucial for us to reflect on what truly matters in life and truly define financial success for ourselves.

[22:18] The Importance of Valuing Yourself

Valuing yourself means not looking for worth from external factors, but having inner confidence regardless of your circumstances. This allows you to surround yourself with people who genuinely support your growth rather than settle for less than you deserve. Jenny’s story shows that when you value yourself, you are able to achieve much more in life and attract healthier relationships. Her message encourages listeners to find the strength within to respect themselves unconditionally.

Resources Mentioned:

Jenny Taylor’s Instagram: @everythingjennytaylor

Jenny Taylor Boudoir Photography

The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days.

If you’re looking to strengthen your sense of empowerment and presence as a woman, I highly recommend listening to this episode. Deborah Kagan, author of the upcoming book “Undressed: An Invitation to Claim Your Erotic Nature,” challenges limiting beliefs around sexuality and spirituality, offering a path to well-rounded personal and professional development. Listen in and learn how to claim your inherent sensual nature without shame.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

The definition of being fully expressed

The importance of sexual energy

The power of women’s circles

Episode Highlights:

[04:16] What Being Fully Expressed Means

Fully expressed means embracing your authentic self without any holds barred or limitations. Some key aspects of what it means to be fully expressed include wearing what you want without worrying if it’s “appropriate” or might upset others, saying what you want, and expressing yourself freely. It’s about being your truest self without shrinking yourself or hiding parts of who you are. Essentially fully expressed is a state of being where you fully and unapologetically embrace your true self without any internal or external restrictions on how you express your identity and personality.

[10:31] The Importance of Sexual Energy: Exploring the Connection to Lifeforce and Pleasure

Sexual energy plays a vital role in our lives, not just in terms of physical intercourse, but also in connecting with our own life force and pleasure. It’s important to clarify that sex is more than just the act itself; it encompasses the profound connection to our sexual energy. This energy, often referred to as Mojo, prana, chi, or lifeforce, holds immense power and potential. Your connection to your sexual energy is what truly matters. It can be activated and cultivated independently, without the need for sexual acts. So, while sex holds importance, it pales in comparison to the significance of nurturing and harnessing your own sexual energy.

[26:24] The Power of Women’s Circles: Growth, Connection, and Self-Acceptance

In my experience of participating in and leading women’s circles, I have discovered a profound truth. When women gather and share their stories, something magical happens. Through hearing the experiences of other women, we are able to grow, shed shame, and cultivate self-acceptance. Women learn from each other through osmosis, absorbing wisdom and strength. Whether it’s in retreats, programs, or simple gatherings, the power of women’s circles lies in the transformative effect they have on us. By coming together, we create a safe space where growth and connection can flourish, empowering each other along the way.

Resources Mentioned:

www.undressedbook.com

If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days.

In a world where women are constantly bombarded with messages about dieting and striving for a smaller size, it’s easy to fall into the trap of equating self-worth with weight loss. If you’ve ever struggled with your weight, had a complicated relationship with food, or battled negative body image, this episode is a must-listen.

Joining us today is Alana Van Der Sluys, a certified intuitive eating counselor, author, speaker, and eating disorder survivor. Through her platform, Freedom with Food and Fitness, she empowers individuals to heal their relationship with food, weight, and their bodies through intuitive eating and mindset work. Her upcoming book, “Freedom with Food and Fitness,” is set to be released in the spring of 2023.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

The misconception that weightlifting will make you smaller

What is intuitive eating and how to start

How to determine your natural weight

The holistic approach to health beyond food

The four types of hunger

Alana has a brand new book that is now available for pre-order! Grab your copy now:

Order Freedom with Food and Fitness on Amazon: https://a.co/d/22m0Rdr

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/freedom-with-food-and-fitness-alana-van-der-sluys/1143836390

Sign up for $250 in bonuses for preordering: Www.freedomwithfoodandfitness.com/preorder

Sign up for my street team and earn $450 in exclusive offers and coaching: https://www.freedomwithfoodandfitness.com/streetteam

 

Episode Highlights:

[09:37] What is Intuitive Eating and How to Start

Intuitive eating is an anti-diet philosophy that focuses on honoring your body’s hunger cues and removing restrictive rules around food. Alana emphasizes the importance of removing all diet mindset influences. This includes getting rid of calorie-counting apps, stopping social media followings of diet gurus, and avoiding conversations about “good” and “bad” foods. She also recommends starting by paying attention to true hunger and fullness signals rather than waiting for late-stage hunger. Over just one week, a person can experiment with listening to their body, eating when truly hungry, and stopping when full to gain self-awareness. Intuitive eating is a process that takes mindfulness. It’s about challenging diet culture conditioning and reframing one’s relationship with food as nourishment rather than an enemy.

[19:49] The Holistic Approach to Health Beyond Food

In our quest for longevity, it’s important to remember that there’s more to health than just biohacking and obsessing over our diets. While it’s great to prioritize our well-being, it’s not a moral obligation. The journey towards health encompasses various aspects, including mental health, quality sleep, proper hydration, managing stress levels, maintaining an active lifestyle, and understanding our genetics. Surprisingly, genetics play a significant role, with about 80% of our body shape and size being determined by them. So, let’s embrace a holistic approach to health, recognizing that it goes beyond food and includes all these vital factors for a truly balanced and fulfilling life.

[24:56] The Four Types of Hunger

* Biological hunger – True physical hunger where the body needs energy. Signs include tingling extremities, brain fog, lightheadedness, and nausea.

It’s time to level up and create the life you’ve always dreamed of! In this episode, I’m sitting down with hairstylist turned rockstar podcaster/entrepreneur, Jessica Burgio. Jess shares her inspiring story of walking away from her successful career as a hairdresser to pursue her passion for podcasting and entrepreneurship. She reveals the secrets to unlocking your full potential as an entrepreneur. From finding joy and clarity to gaining confidence, Jess offers invaluable insights for new and aspiring business owners. Be ready to take on the world!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

Her journey to becoming a coach

The shift from scripted to unscripted

Pivoting your podcast into something broader

Dealing with hard-knocks

The importance of having a network

Episode Highlights:

[09:55] The Freedom to Explore Beyond Boundaries

Jess, a seasoned hairstylist coach, embarked on a transformative journey in her career. Inspired by diverse mastermind groups and coaching entrepreneurs from various backgrounds, she expanded her coaching beyond hairstyling in January 2023. Incorporating her expertise and embracing an unscripted communication style, Jess finds joy in engaging in conversations that foster meaningful connections. Drawing from a wealth of perspectives gained from listening to others, she is an endless source of content ideas. Regardless of background or qualifications, Jess believes in the power of pivoting and transforming skills into something new. She encourages individuals to break free from limitations and explore different avenues, nurturing curiosity and embarking on unique journeys of growth and fulfillment.

[15:00] Shifting Perspectives and Embracing Life’s Setbacks

In life, we always have a choice in how we react or respond to situations. Whether you’re an athlete or a parent, you understand that winning isn’t guaranteed and setbacks are part of the journey. These setbacks can be seen as failures but often they are just redirections. Taking life personally is not productive. Things are not just happening to you, it’s happening to everyone. It’s all about deciding how we choose to feel about it. Delve into personal development. Surround yourself with people who are also actively working on personal growth. Read books, listen to podcasts, attend workshops, and engage in mastermind groups – all in the effort of letting go of things that no longer serve you. The beliefs and conditioning ingrained in us during childhood become our responsibility to change as adults, whether it’s related to money mindset or self-worth.

[27:32] Embracing Change: Trusting Your Intuition and Exploring New Paths

When contemplating change, surround yourself with supportive people who won’t dismiss your ideas. Sharing your decision with accomplished people in your industry or even your own mother may elicit disbelief or labels like boredom. But deep down, you know it’s not about being bored; it’s about a profound sense of knowingness and intuition. Others may want you to stay where you are, but only you truly understand your thoughts. Take the time to explore what this future holds without feeling the need to abandon everything at once.

Resources Mentioned:

www.jessicaburgio.com

Unscripted Podcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessicaburgio

If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript...

“There is a fierce woman inside you fighting to get out. She’s daring. She’s heroic. She’s opinionated. She takes up space. She’s uncompromising in her dreams. She is YOU! It’s time to get reacquainted with She Who Wins.”

In today’s episode, I share the story behind my newly published book, She Who Wins which is officially out in the world! After years of writing and rewriting – including over 100 rejections from literary agents – I’m thrilled to share my personal stories and lessons learned. I also read the introduction so you can get a taste. Sharing my most vulnerable moments in She Who Wins was challenging but so rewarding. I hope my story helps even one person feel less alone. Listen to learn how I went from an idea to a traditional book deal.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

My passion for writing since I was a kid and how I lost it along the way as an adult

Getting 113 rejections for my mystery novel

My desire to write a personal development book

The power of a platform for nonfiction books to sell

From getting the book deal to writing the book itself

The story behind the book

A sneak peek into my book

Episode Highlights:

[04:48] A Journey of Writing and Building a Platform

During my second divorce, I found solace in writing a mystery novel set in 1900 New Haven. Determined to take the traditional route, I set out to find a literary agent and faced 113 rejections. Each rejection felt like a personal blow, until one day I received an email offering representation for a different mystery novel I had written. This experience opened the door to a new world of possibilities. Inspired, I decided to write a personal development book that would stand out from the rest. I wanted it to be a blend of storytelling and self-help, relatable to readers. However, my agent pointed out that I needed a platform for nonfiction books to sell. This led me on a journey of creating podcasts, building a social media presence, and exploring other avenues to establish my platform.

[08:41] The Journey of Finding Its Home

The book I aspired to write is not limited to those who have reached the end of a relationship. It is for any woman who finds herself questioning her life, seeking more fulfillment, dissatisfied with her job, afraid to take risks, or hesitant to start a business. Everyone faces struggles in their lives.  Who doesn’t? Despite facing numerous rejections from publishers who claimed the market was oversaturated or failed to see its unique place, we persevered. I held onto the belief that the book would find its rightful home. In a secluded corner of a resort, I received a call informing me that we had successfully sold the book. However, the journey was far from over. Now, the real challenge lies ahead – actually writing the book we had sold the idea of.

[13:29] The Story Behind a Book

It’s disheartening when books are used solely for self-promotion without any emotional connection to the content. Picture attending an event and encountering a talented speaker on a tour for their upcoming book. However, you sense their lack of personal attachment, suspecting it may have been ghostwritten. Your suspicions are confirmed when you read a few chapters and realize the author’s voice is absent. As a writer, this is offensive. Writers pour their passion into their work and every book reveals fragments of their souls. Writing requires immense effort and vulnerability. That’s why I’m so proud to put this book into the world because of how every word has been meticulously woven with an ounce of vulnerability.

Resources Mentioned:

If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.

Join us in this episode as we delve into the intriguing world of publishing. Whether you’re a curious listener or someone unfamiliar with the intricacies of the publishing process, this conversation is for you. Our special guest, Lydia Stevens from Urano Publishing, sheds light on the journey from manuscript to bookshelf. And of course, we’ll also be discussing the exciting new release of my book, She Who Wins.Tune in to gain insights and get a glimpse behind the scenes of this captivating industry.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

The process of publishing a book

My process of writing the book

The power of the voice

The complexities and collaborations of navigating cover design

Why you should pick the book, She Who Wins

Episode Highlights:

[02:04] The Process of Publishing a Book

The process of publishing a book begins with literary agents or authors submitting their book proposal or full manuscript. As a publisher, I review the proposal, pitch, and materials to determine if it aligns with our publishing line. After making an offer and finalizing the terms through negotiations and signing a contract, the editing process begins. For completed manuscripts, developmental editing starts immediately, addressing big-picture elements like chapter structure, repetition, and content flow. Following developmental edits, the manuscript undergoes line editing, focusing on grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. These detailed copy edits refine the manuscript to ensure its quality and polish.

[06:30] The Power of The Voice

Lydia discusses how important the author’s “voice” was in deciding to acquire my book based just on the proposal. Lydia said my voice came through powerfully in the proposal, just as it does in the finished book. Having a compelling and authentic author voice is key to engaging readers and standing out from other self-help books. Lydia was able to get a sense of my powerful and motivating message just from my writing style in the proposal. This shows that developing a unique voice as a writer is important to connect with readers and publishers from the very beginning of the publishing process.

[11:51] The Complexities and Collaborations of Navigating Cover Design

Navigating cover design can be a challenging task for publishers, as authors often have a personal vision in mind. Unlike self-publishing, where authors have full control over their cover, traditional publishing gives the publisher the final say. This can create complexities when collaborating with cover designers, authors, and agents, as marketability needs to be considered. However, it is important to trust the expertise of graphic designers, who possess the necessary skills and knowledge to create covers that sell well in the market. Ultimately, the process involves amalgamating everyone’s ideas to produce a cover that is both aesthetically pleasing and commercially viable.

[24:25] Why You Should Read She Who Wins

She Who Wins is a must-read book for women who often prioritize others over themselves. It addresses the struggles many women face and reminds them of the importance of self-care and putting themselves first. The book delivers a powerful message that happiness and well-being are essential for being able to support and help others. It emphasizes that winning in life is possible for every woman, encouraging them to take charge of their physical, mental, and emotional health. If you’re looking for a book that empowers and motivates, She Who Wins is the perfect choice.

Resources Mentioned:

She Who Wins

Freedom with Food and Fitness by Alana van der Sluys

Today, Elicia Strazzeri joins this great conversation about being creative, exposing our soul, being truth-tellers through our work, and all of the scariness that goes along with that. Elicia’s book, titled, All That You Are, is a deeply personal and honest exploration of healing from infidelity. In the process of sending it to publishers, Elicia had to confront her own actions and delve into the depths of her emotions and motivations.

The book aims to provide guidance, inspiration, and resources for those who have experienced similar situations or struggle with self-worth and shame. Elicia’s intention is to challenge the notion that infidelity defines a person and instead offer a path toward healing and making different choices. It fills a gap in available resources for individuals seeking understanding and growth after cheating.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

The process of writing her book and the vulnerability that comes with it

Following the call: Embracing honesty and authenticity

The power of sharing your story from an unhealed place

Embracing the joy of creativity

Elicia’s book-writing process

The power of sharing your story

 

Episode Highlights:

[08:10] Following the Call: Embracing Honesty and Authenticity

Elicia believes that when you feel a calling to do something, it is important to follow it wholeheartedly. She trusts that there is ultimately good that comes from following that call. In writing her book, Elicia remains committed to honesty and authenticity, ensuring that everything she puts into it is true. She reflects on the fear she sometimes feels about telling the truth and wonders why it feels so daunting when it is simply sharing what is real. There’s power in sharing the story from the unhealed place.

[10:18] Embracing the Unhealed: Empowering Individual Journeys of Healing

There’s power in sharing the story from the unhealed place. It empowers other people to be okay with where they are in the process, instead of thinking that they have to do something because it’s what everyone else is doing, and they have to do it in a certain order in a certain timeframe. Everybody’s journey to unpacking really serious traumas is on their own timeline. It doesn’t need to be anybody else’s.

[15:00] Embracing the Joy of Creativity: Debunking the Side Hustle Myth

Creativity is an innate part of being human. It exists within each and every one of us, waiting to be discovered and expressed. Unfortunately, many of us have been led astray by a prevailing misconception that if our creativity doesn’t lead to financial gain or a successful side hustle, then it holds no value. This harmful belief has discouraged countless individuals from pursuing their creative passions simply for the sake of enjoyment. The purpose of creativity goes far beyond monetary gains or societal expectations. It is a gateway to self-expression, personal growth, and the exploration of our unique perspectives. The pressure to monetize our creative endeavors can drain the joy and spontaneity out of them, turning something once pleasurable into a chore. It is crucial to remember that creativity is not solely about external validation or profit; it is about cultivating a sense of fulfillment and finding solace in the act of creation itself.

Resources Mentioned:

If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days.

Calling all seekers of truth and healing! Meet Rebecca Szymczak, also known as Cardsy B, and join her on a transformative journey of self-discovery through Tarot and plant medicine. Also known as Cardsy B, Rebecca is a Tarot card reader, author, and intuitive healer. After hitting rock bottom, Rebecca found her calling in Tarot and plant medicine ceremonies that helped her overcome addiction and trauma. She shares how living authentically and serving others is what “winning” means to her.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

How she started using Tarot to heal

Breaking free from the good girl mentality

How to tap into your intuition

How Ayahuasca ceremonies in Costa Rica helped her heal trauma and addiction issues

The Badass Witches Tarot deck featuring iconic women

How to connect with Tarot

Episode Highlights:

[08:21] Rebecca’s Transformative Journey: Embracing the “Best Worst Part”

Rebecca’s journey over the past two years has been filled with challenges and darkness, affecting both her clients and friends. Despite this, she considers it the “best worst part” of her life. The loss of her job, marriage, money, and lifestyle stripped her down and made her vulnerable, prompting her to question her purpose and priorities. Through this soul-searching process, she discovered her true calling. If Rebecca had stayed on the path of a high-paying job, she would have remained unfulfilled and disconnected from her true desires. This transformative experience opened her up to immense joy in her current work, where she helps people access their intuition, healing through writing, and providing intuitive sessions and coaching. This career shift not only transformed her own life but also allowed her to have a greater impact on others than she ever could have in the fashion industry.

[10:12] Breaking Free from the Good Girl Mentality

The good girl mentality or programming that society ingrains in us often leads us to believe that we should just follow the rules and be grateful for them. People around us, with good intentions, reinforce this mindset, praising our external achievements and making us feel like we’re doing the right thing. However, deep down, it can be challenging to ignore the inner voice that urges us to listen to our intuition. When we fail to heed those whispers from the universe, life may present us with difficult circumstances for our own growth, even if it’s not enjoyable or easy.

[15:21] How to Tap Into Your Intuition

Tap into your intuition by acknowledging that we all possess this innate ability. Don’t let societal conditioning dismiss or downplay it, especially as women. Trust that your intuition is a valuable resource. Cultivate a sense of calm and inner knowing through meditation or quiet reflection. When those unexplainable feelings arise, honor them. Whether it’s a pause or reaching out to someone, trust those instincts. Practice active listening and surround yourself with a supportive community that validates your intuitive nature. Embrace the journey of developing a deeper connection with your inner guidance and allow your intuition to guide you towards personal growth and fulfillment.

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.cardsyb.com/

If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days.

Want to learn how rebranding your life can lead to more joy and fulfillment? Tune in to today’s episode with Stephanie Riel, a brand strategist and marketing consultant who shares her journey of rebranding her soul through energy healing and slowing down. She discusses how letting go of what no longer serves her and embracing her intuition has allowed her to shine her light more brightly. You’ll be inspired by Stephanie’s story of transformation and gain insights on how you too can rebrand your life for more peace and fulfillment.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

The power of branding

Creating emotional connections with your audience

How to get started with creating your brand

The power of color: Refreshing your brand for better customer interaction

Showing yourself authentically

The importance of slowing down and letting go

Episode Highlights:

[05:08] The Power of Branding: Creating Emotional Connections with Your Audience

Branding is all about evoking emotions, but it’s not necessarily about our own feelings. It’s about shaping how we want our audience to feel. When it comes to marketing, the focus should always be on our ideal customers. The brand serves as the core of a business, representing its mission and purpose. It forms the foundation for any marketing campaign or strategy that we deploy. Without a clear understanding of who the business truly is, we risk losing our way.

Developing a strong brand identity is crucial in staying connected to our audience and creating meaningful impact. Having a clear sense of identity and values is crucial in navigating life’s journey. Without knowing who we truly are and what we stand for, we can easily find ourselves lost, pursuing paths that don’t align with our true selves. It’s essential to recognize that everyone has a personal brand, regardless of whether they own a business or not. Our brand represents the essence of who we are and what we believe in. It serves as a guiding compass, ensuring that our choices and actions are in alignment with our authentic selves. By understanding our core being and staying true to it, we can lead a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

[10:45] The Power of Color: Refreshing Your Brand for Better Customer Interaction

As a business owner, if you have built your brand and established your favorite colors, it might be worth considering a refresh. Why? Because if you are not your ideal customer, chances are your brand won’t resonate and engage with them as effectively as you’d like. By intentionally thinking about the meaning behind those colors and how the human brain subconsciously interprets them, we can optimize our brand’s impact before any other interaction takes place.

[14:16] The Power of Authenticity: Connecting with Your Audience on a Deeper Level

Authenticity holds greater importance than simply adhering to a specific posting schedule or using a particular medium. What truly matters is staying true to yourself and your brand’s identity. The definition of authenticity varies for every business or individual, and it’s crucial to find what feels most comfortable and genuine for you. Remember, the power of authenticity goes beyond superficial metrics – it’s about forging meaningful connections that resonate with others on a profound level.

Resources Mentioned:

www.stephanieriel.com

If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days.