Slow Living | Creating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle Driven World

see all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes

Today we are going to talk about meditating and how in order to be highly productive, you need to learn how to slow your brain down and the best way to do so is to sit and meditate.

 I know.

 I may have lost you just now —

 YES. The secret sauce to being “productive” is meditation.

 who would’ve thought??

Listen in as I explain and walk you through my * own * meditation and yoga process — but the best way to meditate is the way that feels best FOR YOU.

 I wanted to record this because I think sometimes people have a certain image in mind when they think of meditating and that it needs to look a certain way.

 It does not.

 it is exactly what works and feels the best for you —

 –> that said, I have some tips & tricks up my (robe!) sleeve and want to make sure you know how to do this and these exercises whenever and wherever.

Download the guided daily journaling worksheet at stephanieodea.com/daily

I hope you enjoy this episode — and AS ALWAYS — if you have any questions or comments, shoot me an email or tag me @stephanieodea

 on Instagram or Facebook or record a voicemail question.

I love helping listeners embark upon their own journey to Slow Down, and live the life they’ve always dreamt about: one filled with peace, purpose, and abundance.

I understand how you’re feeling when you are rushing around trying to do “all the things,” always playing catch up and finding time to get things done.

I know because I’m a mom too.

It’s okay to stop and breathe. My philosophy isn’t about cramming more and more into an already over-packed schedule, instead I offer realistic tips and plans to get things done quickly and efficiently so you can do things you want to do.

Simple Shortcuts to Peace - https://stephanieodea.com/peace

New You - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou

Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/

Simple Shortcuts to Peace - https://stephanieodea.com/peace/

Website - https://stephanieodea.com

Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/

Podcast Page - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast

Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/

Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/

Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

I know what it feels like to want to live a calm, peaceful, and harmonious life but you feel like you can’t because there is simply too much to do. I believe that if we are lucky, life is long. You are not behind, and you don’t need to rush around, trying to catch up. My philosophy isn’t about cramming more and more into an already over-packed schedule.

Instead, I want to you to stop. Breathe. It’s all going to be okay.

I want you to live out the life you’ve always dreamt about — the one that gets you excited to get up in the morning and puts a goofy grin on your face.

Because the laundry, chores, soccer practice, meal planning, and litter box scooping? That’s not WHO you are; that’s not your identity. Those are the things you HAVE TO do.

So let’s make a realistic plan to get them over & done with, quickly & efficiently so you can finally be the person you’ve always wanted to be, and do the things you actually WANT TO do.

I am here to support you.

Website: https://www.shipitstudios.com

Podcast Page - https://www.shipitstudios.com/slowliving

Podcast Network - https://www.shipitstudios.com/podcast-network

Description: We are Cinephiles. We are Gamers. We are Marks. We are Ultras. We are the 12th Man. We are Ship It Studios.

It's become our mission to seek out the most fun and creative ways to revisit your favorite fandoms. Join us as we revisit all of our favorite things through live coverage, reviews, debates, power rankings, and fantasy drafts.

see all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes

Today’s podcast episode is about the “WoMom” —

which is the woman behind the mom.

WHO ARE YOU deep down inside?

What makes you tick, what lights you up, and what keeps you excited and motivated?

do you know?

If you don’t remember, you are not alone.

 Becoming the parent to a teeny tiny baby human is all-encompassing and completely changes who you are.

 Forever.

But it’s not your whole entire entity.

 You still need to do things that are JUST FOR YOU.

 because if you don’t, you will crack.

 it’s inevitable.

 So for today — do something for yourself, and yourself only.

Coaching can be very helpful when it comes to doing something for you and you only. You can learn more at stephanieodea.com/coaching or consider enrolling in the Peace Course at stephanieodea.com/peace

I love helping listeners embark upon their own journey to Slow Down, and live the life they’ve always dreamt about: one filled with peace, purpose, and abundance.

I understand how you’re feeling when you are rushing around trying to do “all the things,” always playing catch up and finding time to get things done.

I know because I’m a mom too.

It’s okay to stop and breathe. My philosophy isn’t about cramming more and more into an already over-packed schedule, instead I offer realistic tips and plans to get things done quickly and efficiently so you can do things you want to do.

Simple Shortcuts to Peace - https://stephanieodea.com/peace

New You - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou

Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/

Simple Shortcuts to Peace - https://stephanieodea.com/peace/

Website - https://stephanieodea.com

Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/

Podcast Page - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast

Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/

Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/

Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

I know what it feels like to want to live a calm, peaceful, and harmonious life but you feel like you can’t because there is simply too much to do. I believe that if we are lucky, life is long. You are not behind, and you don’t need to rush around, trying to catch up. My philosophy isn’t about cramming more and more into an already over-packed schedule.

Instead, I want to you to stop. Breathe. It’s all going to be okay.

I want you to live out the life you’ve always dreamt about — the one that gets you excited to get up in the morning and puts a goofy grin on your face.

Because the laundry, chores, soccer practice, meal planning, and litter box scooping? That’s not WHO you are; that’s not your identity. Those are the things you HAVE TO do.

So let’s make a realistic plan to get them over & done with, quickly & efficiently so you can finally be the person you’ve always wanted to be, and do the things you actually WANT TO do.

I am here to support you.

Website: https://www.shipitstudios.com

Podcast Page - https://www.shipitstudios.com/slowliving

Podcast Network - https://www.shipitstudios.com/podcast-network

Description: We are Cinephiles. We are Gamers. We are Marks. We are Ultras. We are the 12th Man. We are Ship It Studios.

It's become our mission to seek out the most fun and creative ways to revisit your favorite fandoms. Join us as we revisit all of our favorite things through live coverage, reviews, debates, power rankings, and fantasy drafts.

see all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes

Do you ever make things more complicated than they need to be?

Probably. Most of us do.

Sometimes we over-complicate things because we want to be better than our coworker, more sophisticated than our neighbor, or because we assume our particular situation is so unique that nobody else could possibly understand what we're going through.

But chances are, someone has been there before.

In this episode, Stephanie talks about not reinventing the wheel and looking for people who have already figured out how to navigate the obstacle you're facing.

You don't have to copy someone else's life or follow their exact path. But you can learn from people who have been where you are, tried things, made mistakes, and figured out what works for them.

Sometimes the slower, simpler approach is simply to stop insisting that you have to figure everything out by yourself.

• Why we make simple things more complicated than they need to be
• How comparison can lead us to overcomplicate our lives
• Why your personal situation may not be as unique as you think
• How to find people who have already navigated a challenge you're facing
• Why you don't have to reinvent the wheel
• How learning from others can help you move forward with less stress and effort

I hope you enjoy this episode — and AS ALWAYS — if you have any questions or comments, shoot me an email or tag me @stephanieodea on Instagram or Facebook or record a voicemail question.

📖 Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World

Get the book on Amazon

Website: stephanieodea.com

Podcast: stephanieodea.com/podcast

Blog: stephanieodea.com/blog/

Speaking: stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Find all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes

Have a question you'd like Stephanie to cover, or a Slow Living Story of your own you'd like to share? Leave a voicemail.

see all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes

Today’s podcast episode wraps up our multiple-part series of interviews with REAL PEOPLE sharing their own Slow Down stories.

Meredith is an author and blogger who writes the Perfection Pending website, and this is such a good conversation about what it actually looks like to parent imperfectly.

In this episode, we talk about “toxic positivity,” parenting in a way that feels real and authentic, and how we can raise children who eventually become self-sufficient adults.

We also talk about “reaching for a better-feeling thought” and how to work with big feelings instead of pretending everything is fine when it isn't.

And if you have an issue with yelling or anxious lash-outs, I think you’ll really enjoy our conversation. 🙂

We also bring up the Kimochi chart for feelings, which can be a helpful visual tool for putting words to emotions.

Meredith has a book called The Mother Load: Surviving the Daily Grind Without Losing Your Ever-Loving Mind. You can purchase it from Amazon here.

• Why perfect parenting isn't the goal
• What “toxic positivity” can look like in everyday life
• How to parent in a way that feels more real and authentic
• What it means to reach for a better-feeling thought
• How understanding feelings can help with yelling and anxious reactions
• Why raising self-sufficient adults starts long before they leave home

I hope you enjoy this episode — and AS ALWAYS — if you have any questions or comments, shoot me an email or tag me @stephanieodea on Instagram or Facebook or record a voicemail question.

📖 Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World

Get the book on Amazon

Website: stephanieodea.com

Podcast: stephanieodea.com/podcast

Blog: stephanieodea.com/blog/

Speaking: stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Find all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes

Have a question you'd like Stephanie to cover, or a Slow Living Story of your own you'd like to share? Leave a voicemail.

see all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes

Let's talk GETTING THINGS DONE today.

I am so honored to share an amazing interview with Megan Sumrell from the Work & Life Harmony podcast and the owner of The Pink Bee, a planner company.

Megan is a productivity and organization expert, and in this episode we talk about getting things done without sacrificing your health, sanity, or well-being.

Megan and I chat candidly about what self-care looks like in REAL LIFE — spoiler alert: it's not basic hygiene! 😉

We talk about getting up to your breaking point — and how, if you don't actively take the time to SLOW down, your body will choose it for you.

So think about this today as you are going throughout your day helping and serving others —

What do you do for YOU and only you?

• How to get things done without sacrificing your health or well-being
• What self-care actually looks like in real life
• Why productivity doesn't have to mean constantly pushing yourself
• How to recognize when you're approaching your breaking point
• Why slowing down can be an important part of getting things done
• How to make space for yourself when you're busy taking care of everyone else

I hope you enjoy this episode — and AS ALWAYS — if you have any questions or comments, shoot me an email or tag me @stephanieodea on Instagram or Facebook or record a voicemail question.

Slow Living Book:

https://stephanieodea.com/book

Simple Shortcuts to Peace:

https://stephanieodea.com/peace

Website:

https://stephanieodea.com

Blog:

https://stephanieodea.com/blog/

Podcast Page:

https://stephanieodea.com/podcast

Podcast Notes:

https://stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes

Speaking Opportunities:

https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/

How do you make simple habits actually stick?

In this episode, I talk with Lisa Lizotte of the Habits and Home website and podcast about sustainable habits, simple living, and creating routines that make everyday life easier.

Because the thing is — when you have habits in place, you no longer need to think about them.

They just happen.

In our house, we do the Daily 7.

In Lisa's house, she does the Daily Reset.

There's no more thinking — just actioning.

And not in a frantic or hustley way.

We are only interested in doing things that feel good, are simple, and are actually sustainable.

Lisa shares how she had to clean out her parents' home after they passed away suddenly, and how that experience changed the way she thought about possessions and led her toward a more minimalist lifestyle.

In fact, she went so far as to sell their 2,000-square-foot home and move into an RV with her three kids!

She is the first to admit that this is extreme.

But you don't have to sell your house and move into an RV to benefit from what she learned.

Listen in as Lisa shares practical things you can do right now to begin creating a simpler, more sustainable life — one habit at a time.

• Why sustainable habits can make everyday life feel easier
• How simple routines can eliminate decision fatigue
• The difference between doing more and creating systems that simply happen
• How cleaning out a parent's home can change the way you think about your own belongings
• Why minimalism doesn't have to mean living with almost nothing
• How Lisa's Daily Reset works
• Small ways to begin simplifying your home and your life
• Why consistency matters more than perfection

If you've been feeling overwhelmed by your home, your stuff, or everything you have to remember each day, this conversation is a good reminder that simple doesn't have to mean extreme.

Start with one habit.

Then another.

And let the systems do some of the work for you.

I hope you enjoy this episode!

And AS ALWAYS — if you have any questions or comments, shoot me an email or tag me @stephanieodea on Instagram or Facebook, or record a voicemail question.

I love helping listeners embark upon their own journey to Slow Down and live the life they've always dreamt about — one filled with peace, purpose, and abundance.

I understand how you're feeling when you're rushing around trying to do "all the things," always playing catch-up and finding time to get things done.

I know because I'm a mom too.

It's okay to stop and breathe.

My philosophy isn't about cramming more and more into an already over-packed schedule. Instead, I offer realistic tips and plans to get things done quickly and efficiently so you can do the things you actually want to do.

Simple Shortcuts to Peace:

https://stephanieodea.com/peace

New You:

https://stephanieodea.com/newyou

Masterclass:

https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/

Website:

https://stephanieodea.com

Blog:

https://stephanieodea.com/blog/

Podcast Page:

https://stephanieodea.com/podcast

Speaking Opportunities:

https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Coaching Opportunities:

https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/

Courses:

https://stephanieodea.com/courses/

Contact:

https://my.captivate.fm/stephanieodea.com/contact/

I know what it feels like to want to live a calm, peaceful, and harmonious life but feel like you can't because there is simply too much to do.

I believe that if we're lucky, life is long.

You are not behind, and you don't need to rush around trying to catch up.

My philosophy isn't about cramming more and more into an already over-packed schedule.

Instead, I want you to stop.

Breathe.

It's all going to be okay.

I want you to live out the life you've always dreamt about — the one that gets you excited to get up in the morning and puts a goofy grin on your face.

Because the laundry, chores, soccer practice, meal planning, and litter box scooping?

That's not WHO you are.

That's not your identity.

Those are the things you HAVE TO do.

So let's make a realistic plan to get them over and done with, quickly and efficiently, so you can finally be the person you've always wanted to be and do the things you actually WANT TO do.

I am here to support you.

How does someone get pulled into an MLM—and how do you get yourself back out?

In this episode, Stephanie O'Dea talks with Emily Lynn Paulson, author of Hey Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing, about her experience getting involved in the online MLM world and eventually leaving it.

Emily shares a candid look at what drew her into the industry, what kept her there, and what finally helped her get out.

She also talks about the powerful sense of community that can surround MLMs and why these businesses can be especially appealing during seasons of life when people are feeling isolated or looking for connection, purpose, flexibility, or a way to make money.

Stephanie admits that she initially had a hard time understanding how an educated woman with a strong family and upbringing could get caught up in something she viewed as a scam.

But that's part of what makes this conversation so important.

It can happen to people.

Slick marketing is designed to make us want things, believe things, and take action—and none of us are completely immune to it.

Emily shares research, personal experiences, and stories that help explain the psychology and marketing behind the MLM world and what can make it so difficult to recognize what's happening while you're inside it.

• How Emily got involved in the MLM world
• What made the opportunity appealing in the first place
• Why MLMs can be especially attractive during isolating seasons of life
• How community and belonging can influence business decisions
• Why intelligent, educated people can still be vulnerable to persuasive marketing
• Some of the red flags to watch for when evaluating an online business opportunity
• What helped Emily recognize that she needed to leave
• What she learned after getting out
• How to become a more thoughtful and skeptical consumer

One of the lessons in this conversation goes far beyond MLMs.

Pay attention to the marketing.

Whenever someone is trying very hard to convince you that you need something, should buy something, or could completely transform your life if you just take this one opportunity, it's okay to slow down.

You don't have to make a decision immediately.

You don't have to prove anything.

You can step back, ask questions, do your own research, and give yourself time to think.

Because sometimes the most Slow Living thing you can do is simply pause before you buy.

Emily Lynn Paulson is the author of Hey Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing, a candid examination of her experience in the MLM industry and the culture surrounding it.

📖 Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World

Get the book on Amazon

Website: stephanieodea.com

Podcast: stephanieodea.com/podcast

Blog: stephanieodea.com/blog/

Speaking: stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Find all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes

Have a question you'd like Stephanie to cover, or a Slow Living Story of your own you'd like to share? Leave a voicemail.

What is the thing you've been saying you'll do someday?

In this episode, Stephanie welcomes Ruth Bush, who used the slower pace of the pandemic to finally write the novel she'd been carrying around in her head for more than twenty years.

When Ruth was in college, a palm reader told her that she had a novel inside of her.

Ruth agreed.

But then life happened.

Years passed. The idea stayed with her, occasionally resurfacing but never quite making it to the top of the list.

Then the pandemic created an unexpected pause.

Ruth decided to finally go for it. She began writing the story that had been percolating in her mind for all those years and figured out how to structure her days so she could make time for her writing.

Her story is about more than writing a book. It's about that little voice inside you that keeps nudging you toward something you've been putting off.

Maybe your "something" is a book. Maybe it's a creative project, a business, a trip, a garden, a class, or simply something you've always wanted to learn.

Whatever it is, it's very easy to keep shelving it.

This conversation is your reminder that you don't have to wait for the perfect time.

• How Ruth finally started writing the novel she'd been carrying for more than twenty years
• Why life can make it so easy to keep putting your dreams on hold
• How slowing down can create room for something you've been wanting to do
• How Ruth structured her days to make time for writing
• Why you don't need to have everything figured out before you begin
• How to identify the "something" you've been putting off
• Why it's never too late to start

Ruth's novel, Waves on the Potomac, is now available.

What is your something?

What's the thing you've been thinking about doing for years?

You don't have to know exactly how it's all going to work out. You don't need a perfect schedule or a five-year plan.

You can simply start.

Take the first tiny step toward the thing that's been sitting in the back of your mind.

Maybe this is your sign to go for it.

📖 Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World

Get the book on Amazon

Website: stephanieodea.com

Podcast: stephanieodea.com/podcast

Blog: stephanieodea.com/blog/

Speaking: stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Find all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes

Have a question you'd like Stephanie to cover, or a Slow Living Story of your own you'd like to share? Leave a voicemail.

How do you pursue big dreams while raising a family and still make room for the things that matter most?

In this episode, Stephanie talks with Denise, who lives in Germany and has built an impressive career while raising four children.

Denise shares how she earned her PhD and became Head of Global Industry Management for a large company while her children were growing up. She also talks honestly about how she learned to distinguish between what truly needed her attention and what didn't.

One of her approaches is what she calls her "messy kitchen" philosophy: accepting that some things simply don't need to be perfect in order for you to focus your time and energy on what matters more.

She also shares how she compartmentalizes her working hours and her at-home hours, creating clearer boundaries between work and family life.

Stephanie and Denise may live on opposite sides of the world, speak different languages, and have very different educational and professional backgrounds—but they discover just how much they have in common.

And that's part of the Slow Living lesson.

It's easy to focus on the differences between ourselves and other people. Instead, look for the similarities. Look for the familiarities. Look for the sameness.

And remember: it is never too late to keep moving toward your dreams.

• How Denise balanced an ambitious career with raising four children
• Why not everything in your life needs to be a priority
• The "messy kitchen" approach to deciding what can wait
• How to create clearer boundaries between work and home
• Why accepting imperfection can make room for what matters most
• How people with very different lives can still have so much in common
• Why it's never too late to keep working toward your dreams

Look for the sameness.

It's easy to spot the differences between yourself and someone else—their career, their family, their background, their circumstances, their opportunities.

Instead, look for what you share.

And when you're thinking about your own dreams, remember:

You are not too old. And it is not too late.

You don't have to know exactly how you're going to get there. Keep heading in the direction of the life you want.

📖 Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World

Get the book on Amazon

Website: stephanieodea.com

Podcast: stephanieodea.com/podcast

Blog: stephanieodea.com/blog/

Speaking: stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Find all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes

Have a question you'd like Stephanie to cover, or a Slow Living Story of your own you'd like to share? Leave a voicemail.

What does Slow Living look like when you're also a productive person who gets an awful lot done?

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with her friend Christy Thomas from the Keep Calm and Mother On podcast to talk about her own Slow Living journey.

Christy is a mom, podcaster, and all-around amazing human who has made meditation and breathwork a regular part of her life. She uses these practices to help center herself—and her children—and shares practical advice for getting started, even if you've never meditated before or aren't convinced it's for you.

But this conversation isn't about becoming less productive or giving up on accomplishing things.

Christy is someone who gets a lot done. Her Slow Living approach is about creating moments to pause, breathe, and be present throughout the day while still living a full and productive life.

Listen in as Christy shares what slowing down looks like for her, how meditation and breathwork fit into her daily routine, and how small moments of calm can change the way you move through your day.

• What Slow Living looks like in Christy's everyday life
• How meditation and breathwork can create moments of calm and presence
• Practical ways to begin meditating if you're a complete beginner
• How to incorporate moments of slowing down into a busy day
• Why Slow Living doesn't mean becoming unproductive
• How Christy uses meditation and breathwork with her children

Christy Thomas is the host of the Keep Calm and Mother On podcast and a mom who shares practical tools for navigating motherhood with more calm and connection.

Listen to Keep Calm and Mother On with Christy Thomas on Apple Podcasts.

📖 Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World

Get the book on Amazon

Website: stephanieodea.com

Podcast: stephanieodea.com/podcast

Blog: stephanieodea.com/blog/

Speaking: stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Find all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes

Have a question you'd like Stephanie to cover, or a Slow Living Story of your own you'd like to share? Leave a voicemail.