Shine First Today

1:35 Meditation Starts – Recommend 3 – 4 times a day for a quick stress relief meditation exercise. This is based on the Heart-Mind Coherence Meditation that I learned from Gregg Braden at a Celebrate Your Life spiritual conference.

This is perfect if you're feeling stressed out and need just a moment to gather yourself together. You can watch the relaxing video or sit with your eyes closed and just listen.

You do not need to know how to meditate – this is for any level, and perfect for beginners.

The concept is to sync our heart waves with our brain waves, and we'll instantly feel relaxed and centered. In the beginning of the meditation, I talk about doing this exercise for a friend in a restaurant, her heart rate went from 92bpm to 59bpm.

Fall Asleep Fast- FREE Mini-Course:

When we're stressed out and overwhelmed, one of the things that's hard to do is falling asleep at night. I put together a list of tips and tricks to help you create a "Sleepy Time" schedule that will help you Fall Asleep Fast.

Click here to sign up for our FREE mini course "Fall Asleep Fast": https://shinefirsttoday.mykajabi.com/offers/cAvKBojr

Danette Lowe and Shine First Today

Want to learn more about reducing stress and anxiety? Achieving Work-Life Balance? Or Skyrocketing Your Productivity?

Visit us at: https://www.shinefirsttoday.com

Do you like to JOURNAL? We just launched our 5th Journal "Healing Hearts" – You can purchase them now on Amazon. Here's a link:

https://www.amazon.com/author/danettelowe

Productivity Partner Links – If you purchase a plan from one of our partners after using this link, we will receive a commission, which helps to support this channel. Thank you very much for considering using one of our partners!

DESCRIPT – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Descript

Amazing productivity tool – record audio instructions and edit audio and video in a word document style. Great for creators, but also for creating Processes, Procedures and Workflows to streamline your organization.

RIVERSIDE.FM – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Riverside

This syncs with Descript. Imagine having a team meeting, everyone calls in and then you sync the meeting to Descript, copy the transcript into ChatGPT and it creates an actionable summary.

KAJABI – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Kajabi

The platform we use for creating online courses, membership, coaching. It has capability for email, website, and podcast hosting. This is rapidly becoming a must have tool for all small business owners.

PRINTFUL - https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Printful

If you're interested in creating unique gifts or logo items, this is the place. Really cool customization.

Download your FREE guide: 3 Steps to Build Self-Care into a Busy Schedule

https://bit.ly/3-ways-self-care

Check out our Live and Online Courses:

https://shinefirsttoday.com/courses

Discover the power of embracing change and learn valuable strategies to reduce stress and anxiety in our latest episode of Shine First Today.

I reveal five essential tips that will empower you to embrace change and unlock your true potential. Embracing change becomes a catalyst for personal growth, propelling you towards a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Gain insights into the art of resilience and learn how to bounce back from adversity with newfound strength. Discover the importance of self-awareness and aligning your values with the changes happening in your life. By seeking support from loved ones, community, and professionals, you'll find the guidance and encouragement necessary to navigate through challenging times.

If you're ready to embark on a journey of personal growth, resilience, and embracing transformation, this episode is your guide. Join me on Shine First Today as we explore the extraordinary benefits of embracing change and empower ourselves to thrive amidst life's uncertainties.

Together, let's embrace change, unlock our potential, and create lives filled with purpose and fulfillment.

Danette Lowe and Shine First Today

Want to learn more about reducing stress and anxiety? Achieving Work-Life Balance? Or Skyrocketing Your Productivity?

Visit us at: https://www.shinefirsttoday.com

Do you like to JOURNAL? We just launched our 5th Journal "Healing Hearts" – You can purchase them now on Amazon. Here's a link:

https://www.amazon.com/author/danettelowe

Productivity Partner Links – If you purchase a plan from one of our partners after using this link, we will receive a commission, which helps to support this channel. Thank you very much for considering using one of our partners!

DESCRIPT – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Descript

Amazing productivity tool – record audio instructions and edit audio and video in a word document style. Great for creators, but also for creating Processes, Procedures and Workflows to streamline your organization.

RIVERSIDE.FM – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Riverside

This syncs with Descript. Imagine having a team meeting, everyone calls in and then you sync the meeting to Descript, copy the transcript into ChatGPT and it creates an actionable summary.

KAJABI – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Kajabi

The platform we use for creating online courses, membership, coaching. It has capability for email, website, and podcast hosting. This is rapidly becoming a must have tool for all small business owners.

PRINTFUL - https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Printful

If you're interested in creating unique gifts or logo items, this is the place. Really cool customization.

Download your FREE guide: 3 Steps to Build Self-Care into a Busy Schedule

https://bit.ly/3-ways-self-care

Check out our Live and Online Courses:

https://shinefirsttoday.com/courses

Inspired Thinking and the New C.A.L.M. Method Explained

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of Inspired Thinking and the four-step C.A.L.M. Method. I share my personal journey of overcoming anxiety and panic attacks by tapping into my heart-centered internal guidance system. Through Inspired Thinking, I discovered a remarkable approach to decision-making that brings clarity, balance, and freedom.

Introducing "Inspired Thinking" and the 4 Step C.A.L.M. Method

Clarify the Issue, Ask for Help, Look and Listen for Signs and Signals, and Make a Decision. Each step plays a crucial role in connecting with our internal guidance and accessing optimal solutions. By focusing on one issue at a time, asking for help, paying attention to signs, and taking inspired action, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and embrace a balanced and purpose-driven existence.

Join us on this enlightening episode as we delve into the power of Inspired Thinking. Discover how this process can help you overcome anxiety, make confident decisions, and create a life filled with harmony and fulfillment. Get ready to unlock the secrets of Inspired Thinking and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Want to learn more about reducing stress and anxiety? Achieving Work-Life Balance? Or Skyrocketing Your Productivity?

Visit Danette at: https://www.shinefirsttoday.com

Check out our new link in bio: https://linktr.ee/shinefirsttoday

Do you like to JOURNAL? We just launched our 5th Journal "Healing Hearts" – You can purchase them now on Amazon. Here's a link:

https://www.amazon.com/author/danettelowe

Productivity Partner Links – If you purchase a plan from one of our partners after using this link, we will receive a commission, which helps to support this channel. Thank you very much for considering using one of our partners!

CANVA – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Canva

Perfect for creating a Digital Vision Board, Social Posts & Any Graphics you can imagine.

DESCRIPT – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Descript

Amazing productivity tool – record audio instructions and edit audio and video in a word document style. Great for creators, but also for creating Processes, Procedures and Workflows to streamline your organization.

RIVERSIDE.FM – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Riverside

This syncs with Descript. Imagine having a team meeting, everyone calls in and then you sync the meeting to Descript, copy the transcript into ChatGPT and it creates an actionable summary.

KAJABI – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Kajabi

The platform we use for creating online courses, membership, coaching. It has capability for email, website, and podcast hosting.

PRINTFUL - https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Printful

If you're interested in creating unique gifts or logo items, this is the place. Really cool customization.

Are you ready to revolutionize your life with a game-changing habit? In this episode we explore the incredible benefits of cultivating a habit of.…

Check out our FREE GUIDE:

3 Ways to Build Self-Care into a BUSY Schedule:

Click here to download your FREE copy: https://bit.ly/3-ways-self-care

Are you ready to revolutionize your life with a game-changing habit? In this episode we explore the incredible benefits of cultivating a habit of GRATITUDE:

Imagine waking up feeling happier, more positive, and mentally healthier. That's what practicing gratitude can do for you!

Gratitude can increase happiness, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve overall life satisfaction. By training your brain to look for the good in your life, you'll develop a more positive outlook that will transform your life.

Did you know that gratitude can also Improve Your Relationships and help you easily navigate conflicts? Plus, gratitude encourages empathy and understanding, making it easier to approach difficult conversations.

Practicing gratitude can have a positive impact on your physical health, too. People who regularly practice gratitude experience better sleep, lower levels of inflammation, and a stronger immune system.

So, how can you incorporate gratitude into your daily life? Keeping a gratitude journal is one simple and effective way. By taking a few minutes each day to write down things you're grateful for, you'll start noticing even the smallest things that bring you joy and appreciation.

Start your gratitude practice today and feel the difference it can make in your life!

Danette Lowe and Shine First Today

Want to learn more about reducing stress and anxiety? Achieving Work-Life Balance? Or Skyrocketing Your Productivity?

Visit us at: https://shinefirsttoday.com

Do you like to JOURNAL?

Check out our collection of super-fun journals, they are 6x9 and 120 pages. Here's the link on AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3IHNoZP

Fall Asleep Fast Journal: https://a.co/d/2XiKTVZ

Dump Truck Journal: https://a.co/d/akpizsD

Gratitude Journal: https://a.co/d/h0B8avp

Sea Turtle Journal: https://a.co/d/1su9Fdq

Productivity Partner Links – If you purchase a plan from one of our partners after using this link, we will receive a commission, which helps to support this channel. Thank you very much for considering using one of our partners!

CANVA – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Canva

Perfect for creating a Digital Vision Board, Social Posts & Any Graphics you can imagine.

DESCRIPT – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Descript

Amazing productivity tool – record audio instructions and edit audio and video in a word document style. Great for creators, but also for creating Processes, Procedures and Workflows to streamline your organization.

RIVERSIDE.FM – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Riverside

This syncs with Descript. Imagine having a team meeting, everyone calls in and then you sync the meeting to Descript, copy the transcript into ChatGPT and it creates an actionable summary.

KAJABI – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Kajabi

The platform we use for creating online courses, membership, coaching. It has capability for email, website, and podcast hosting.

PRINTFUL - https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Printful

If you're interested in creating unique gifts or logo items, this is the place. Really cool customization.

From Stress to Success: Learn about the benefits of adding CREATIVITY into your daily life and how this simple exercise can SOLVE…

Check out our FREE GUIDE:

3 Ways to Build Self-Care into a BUSY Schedule:

Click here to download your FREE copy: https://bit.ly/3-ways-self-care

Shine First Today Podcast: Episode 8

From Stress to Success: Learn about the benefits of adding CREATIVITY into your daily life and how this simple exercise can SOLVE any problem without stress, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed.

Creativity can help us be more productive, boost our mood, and improve our relationships. It can also help us come up with original solutions to our problems and reduce stress and anxiety.

Danette suggests trying a new hobby or activity to get started with incorporating creativity. She also recommends using creativity to solve problems by spending some time doing something creative, then brainstorming possible solutions and picking one that stands out.

Overall, incorporating creativity into our routine can have a profound impact on our well-being and problem-solving ability. So why not give it a try?

Danette Lowe and Shine First Today

Want to learn more about reducing stress and anxiety? Achieving Work-Life Balance? Or Skyrocketing Your Productivity?

Visit us at: https://shinefirsttoday.com

Do you like to JOURNAL? Check out our collection of super-fun journals, they are 6x9 and 120 pages. Here's the link on AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3IHNoZP

Fall Asleep Fast Journal: https://a.co/d/2XiKTVZ

Dump Truck Journal: https://a.co/d/akpizsD

Gratitude Journal: https://a.co/d/h0B8avp

Sea Turtle Journal: https://a.co/d/1su9Fdq

Productivity Partner Links – If you purchase a plan from one of our partners after using this link, we will receive a commission, which helps to support this channel. Thank you very much for considering using one of our partners!

CANVA – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Canva

Perfect for creating a Digital Vision Board, Social Posts & Any Graphics you can imagine.

DESCRIPT – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Descript

Amazing productivity tool – record audio instructions and edit audio and video in a word document style. Great for creators, but also for creating Processes, Procedures and Workflows to streamline your organization.

RIVERSIDE.FM – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Riverside

This syncs with Descript. Imagine having a team meeting, everyone calls in and then you sync the meeting to Descript, copy the transcript into ChatGPT and it creates an actionable summary.

KAJABI – https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Kajabi

The platform we use for creating online courses, membership, coaching. It has capability for email, website, and podcast hosting.

PRINTFUL - https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Printful

If you're interested in creating unique gifts or logo items, this is the place. Really cool customization.

Danette admits that it's not easy to focus on our own positive traits as we tend to think about what other people like about us. However, taking a minute to write down what we love about ourselves can be so impactful in checking in with our relationship to ourselves.

When Danette did the exercise, she found it easy to think about what other people liked about her. But when she started writing down things, she loved about herself, she felt a bit embarrassed and awkward. She encourages listeners to take caution and focus only on the positive.

Danette suggests that we concentrate on our strengths, the things we're good at and that we love about ourselves. She cites the book Now, Discover Your Strengths 2.0, which offers an exercise to help readers identify their top strengths. The theory behind this is that we should focus on our strengths rather than our weaknesses, as we'll never be good at the things we don't enjoy doing.

Danette shares her own five things that she loves about herself, which include how she shows up in the world, her confidence to point out the beauty in others, and her ability to create her own reality using her imagination and spirit.

She encourages listeners to write down their five things in the comments section and share how they felt about doing the exercise. Danette hopes that listeners will have a wonderful day and invites them to visit the Shine First Today website for more resources and support.

Click here for more information about: Dougall Fraser:

Amazon – Journals

Quick way to see the latest episodes and journals that we have created on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IHNoZP

Partner Links

Canva – Perfect for creating a Digital Vision Board, Social Posts & Any Graphics you can imagine: https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Canva

Descript – Amazing productivity tool – record audio instructions and edit audio and video in a word document style. Great for creators, but also for creating Processes, Procedures and Workflows to streamline your organization:

https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Descript

Riverside.fm – For Podcasters who recording and interviewing guests. This syncs with Descript. Imagine having a team meeting, everyone calls in and then you sync the meeting to Descript, copy the transcript into ChatGPT and it creates an actionable summary:

https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Riverside

Kajabi - The platform we use for creating online courses, membership, coaching. It has capability for email, website and podcast hosting:

https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Kajabi

Printful – If you're interested in creating unique gifts or logo items, this is the place. Really cool customization. I made a pair of pants from a digital drawing my granddaughter made, just love it:

https://bit.ly/ShineFirst-Printful

"The world is run on the backs of women without boundaries." In this episode, we discuss what boundaries are, how to maintain them and why we also need to respect boundaries put up by others.

You can't expect someone else to enforce your boundaries. That gives them undue power over your life. Today we'll discuss boundaries, why they're necessary, how to set them, and why you need to honor your own boundaries (and not expect others to conform to them).

In this episode, you'll hear:

• What are boundaries, and why we need them
• You must honor your own boundaries, not expect others to remember our needs
• Tips and tech that will help you budget your schedule effectively!

Must-listen moments:

[04:33] Expecting others to conform to our rules gives those other people power over us they don't deserve.

[09:04] Write down the things that are important for you, and stick to it.

[13:30] It's up to us to create and enforce our own boundaries.

Resources mentioned:

Calendly.com

Episode mentioned- EP 5: 3 Ways to build self-care into a busy schedule

https://youtu.be/kRYQTZAD80k?si=6US5ZQR9pnq9jEiu

Thank you for listening! Please share this episode with 2 friends you think need to hear it!

Connect with Danette:

www.shinefirsttoday.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shinefirsttoday

Instagram: www.instagram.com/danettelowe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danette-lowe-cfp%C2%AE-9b7bb716/

Whether you use a digital app or old school pen and paper, journaling can have amazing benefits when it comes to stress.

Writing uninterrupted can allow you the time and space to process what's on your mind, both good and bad, and help you figure out where you might need extra help.

In this episode, I share a simple 3-step exercise for journaling that will help you reduce stress and anxiety.

3 Step Journaling Exercise:

1-Brain Dump: Write down all of the thoughts in your head on paper for 15 to 20 minutes until you run out of things to write. You can start by recapping your day, what you've done in the last 24 hours, just be sure to continuously write. Declutter your mind.

2-Create a Task Called Gratitude. Write down at least 3 things you're grateful for. Add to the list daily and read it each day.

3-Make Associations. Think about an issue that's troubling you and give it a nickname. Write down "Dear Universe, help me solve this problem." Look for signs and information that can help you with an optimal solution.

I hope you find a way to incorporate journaling to reduce your stress and anxiety.

In this episode, you'll also hear:

• Decluttering your mind to make space for gratitude
• How gratitude offsets negativity
• Asking your internal guidance system for support

Must-listen moments:

[00:08:30] It's important to offset all of the negativity we hear from other sources.

[00:12:15] Give your situation a nickname, two to three words, no more than that, so that you can work on the issue a little bit objectively, a little bit outside of the issue itself.

[00:21:57] Ask your internal guidance system for help with the problem by giving the problem a nickname and not wasting time thinking about it and replaying it, because when we replay the stressful thing that's causing us anxiety, then that creates more anxiety by replaying it in our minds.

Thank you for listening! Please share this episode with 2 friends you think need to hear it!

Resources Mentioned:

Nebo - https://www.nebo.app/

GoodNotes 5 - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goodnotes-5/id1444383602

Gratitude Journal-Reduce Stress by Journaling Daily https://a.co/d/gN7gqnM

How an Art Class Can Change Your Life EP 4: https://youtu.be/lQTlGnsjowc?si=_z549ljj1_BuHt6M

Connect with Danette:

www.shinefirsttoday.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shinefirsttoday

Instagram: www.instagram.com/danettelowe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danette-lowe-cfp%C2%AE-9b7bb716/

A few years ago, I signed up for an art class after I struggled to capture the beautiful visions I wanted to remember from my guided meditation class.

Although my intention was to learn "Drawing 101", I realized the class taught me so much more about myself and life than just how to sketch.

In this episode, I share the 7 life lessons I gained from taking an art class and how taking any class you enjoy can have a profoundly positive impact on your life.

7 Life Lessons from Taking an Art Class

1-Carving Out Time to Do Something You Enjoy. Finding a time that works for you and keeping a commitment to complete a course can be rewarding. You'll be grateful you protected this time to do what you want for yourself.

2-You Can Raise the Energy in a Room. Bring your most positive energetic self to the room. Smile, ask questions, and engage with other people around you and watch the energy rise!

3-Lifetime Learner. When I think about my purpose in life, I've realized I'm here to learn and to teach. We first have to learn how to do something and then after we learn how to do it, then we can start teaching. I get so much enjoyment and pleasure from the learning process.

4-Drawing from Observation is Incredibly Relaxing. The act of drawing something from observation is so meditative, relaxing, and enjoyable, and it's something you can do anytime, especially if you're feeling stressed out. You can draw anything like a simple object or the room you're sitting in.

5-Meeting People With Different Viewpoints is Incredibly Valuable. It's important to hear about people's opinions who are different from ours. Taking a class like I did with such a wide variety of ages and a wide variety of viewpoints is really healthy for you and your brain.

6-Art Applies to Everyday Life. Art is something we use in every single aspect of our lives. Everything we do from getting dressed in the morning to putting makeup on, to choosing colors for branding a business, comes back to art.

7-How My View on Constructive Criticism is Changed for the Better. Criticism doesn't have to be harsh. You can practice finding the positive in every situation and practice putting yourself in the other person's shoes before you say something negative.

In this episode, you'll also hear:

• The benefit of doing something just for you
• How the energy you bring impacts others
• Finding the positive no matter the effort given

Must-listen moments:

[00:09:22] One of the things I noticed is that my excitement for being there, which really was just pure joy to be there even though I knew nothing about drawing and I was just so open to this experience, sort of rubbed off on the other students in the room.

[00:19:33] Getting to know other people's opinions that are different from ours really helps our brain and really helps us to think of things in a new way.

[00:30:14] As we approach things that aren't going the way we want to, maybe if we take a step back and say, what's the silver lining? What's the good in that situation?

Thank you for listening! Please share this episode with 2 friends you think need to hear it!

Connect with Danette:

www.shinefirsttoday.com

10X Your Time Strategies to Utilize Time and Technology

Shine First Today Episode 3: 3 Ways to Build Self-Care Into a Busy Schedule: https://youtu.be/kRYQTZAD80k?si=00CNsMquNXOZINc7

Free Guidebook to Create Your Own Plan for Self-Care: https://shinefirsttoday.com/me-time-3-ways-to-build-self-care-into-a-busy-schedule/

E-mail: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shinefirsttoday

Instagram: www.instagram.com/danettelowe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danette-lowe-cfp%C2%AE-9b7bb716/

Taking care of yourself is the first step to achieving work life balance.

However, between work, family and social obligations, it's not always easy to prioritize yourself.

In this episode, I highlight three simple ways to build time for self-care into your busy schedule to bring more joy and balance to your life.

3 Ways to Build Time for Self-Care into a Busy Schedule:

1-Create a morning ritual. As you slowly wake up, start to love yourself. Tell yourself wonderful things. Use phrases like "I am amazing. I am hardworking. I am beautiful." Focus only on yourself and compliment yourself.

2-Take a class in a hobby or interest you have. Take time to explore something you enjoy. Build time in your schedule to make it a firm commitment and you will experience increased joy and creativity. If you can't afford a class, try using YouTube as a free resource to learn anything you want!

3-Sunday Mindset. Take a short 5-10 minute walk and let your thoughts settle. Clear your mind instead of trying to solve any problems. Let your thoughts soften, think of something funny and something you're grateful for, and have patience with yourself to help create balance.

Remember, self-care isn't selfish and it's important to build into your weekly schedule.

In this episode, you'll also hear:

• Starting your day with self-love
• Creating time for things you enjoy
• Letting your mind settle to create more balance

Must-listen moments:

[00:14:30] Avoid thinking about the stresses and problems of work while you are thinking about nice things for yourself. You're going to shift some of the thoughts that might be thoughts of worry about other things or other people, and instead, just in the morning, you are going to focus on yourself.

[00:21:43] Taking a class and taking that time to explore something that you have an interest in is a really lovely type of self-care.

[00:28:44] What you're looking for is maybe the space in between to where you can settle your mind down from the craziness of what you have been dealing with, and not quite being meditative, but at least have your thoughts soften and slow down.

Thank you for listening! Please share this episode with 2 friends you think need to hear it!

Connect with Danette:

www.shinefirsttoday.com

10X Your Time Strategies to Utilize Time and Technology https://shinefirsttoday.com/courses/

Shine First Today Episode 2: Patience https://youtu.be/RcMcjKpxBd0?si=-QjlESrJIj2ry72R

Free Guidebook to Create Your Own Plan for Self-Care https://shinefirsttoday.com/me-time-3-ways-to-build-self-care-into-a-busy-schedule/

Me Time: 3 Ways to Build Self-Care into a Busy Schedule https://shinefirsttoday.com/me-time/

E-mail: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shinefirsttoday

Instagram: www.instagram.com/danettelowe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danette-lowe-cfp%C2%AE-9b7bb716/