Starlit Success

Starlit Success

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Starlit Success episodes

  • #38: Gratitude Isn't Just Counting Your Blessings (Here's What You're Missing)

    Have you ever lost something you barely thought about… only to realize how much you appreciated it once it was gone?

    We spend so much time focusing on what we want, what's missing, or what isn't going our way that we sometimes overlook the good that's already right in front of us.

    But what about the things that didn't go your way? Could there be something worth appreciating in those experiences, too?

    What if gratitude is so much more than counting your blessings?

    In this episode, I'm sharing a different perspective on gratitude and how it can change the way you experience your life, even when things aren't going according to plan.

    • What you might be taking for granted without even realizing it
    • Why I've learned to appreciate some of the shitty experiences in my life
    • How comparison can quietly steal your gratitude
    • A different way to look at how far you've come
    • How gratitude connects to manifestation and the future you're creating
    • Whether you're feeling stuck, chasing your next big goal, or simply wanting to feel happier and more fulfilled, this episode will help you rethink what it really means to practice gratitude.

      Because maybe you don't need more reasons to be grateful. Maybe you just need to notice the ones you already have.

      00:00 What Are You Taking for Granted?

      03:29 Are You Overlooking Your Daily Good?

      05:25 What Living Without Our Stuff Taught Me

      08:04 Can You Find Gratitude When Life Sucks?

      11:07 Why I'm Grateful for Feeling Stuck

      13:34 Is Comparison Stealing Your Gratitude?

      17:23 Can You Be Grateful for Something You Don't Even Have Yet?

      19:52 How to Practice Gratitude Every Day

       Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/ & https://linktr.ee/eg3productions 

      Connect with me!

      https://www.starlitsuccess.com/

      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess

      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

      22 min
    • #37: What If You're Not Too Late To Start? You're Just Finally Ready

      Have you ever thought about starting something new, chasing a dream, or making a big change in your life… only to talk yourself out of it because you think you're too old?

      Maybe you feel like you should've figured it all out by now. Or you look at other people pursuing their passions and wonder if you've already missed your chance.

      But what if you've been looking at your age all wrong?

      We spend so much time focusing on what we think we're losing as we get older that we overlook everything we've gained along the way. And what if those years of life experience are actually giving you an advantage?

      In this episode, I'm sharing why I genuinely love getting older, how my own life has changed in my 40s, and why the years you think have put you behind might actually be helping you move forward. We talk about:

      • Why feeling “too old” might have more to do with your beliefs than your actual age
      • The things you've gained with age that could become your biggest advantages
      • Why I couldn't have started Starlit Success in my 20s or even my 30s
      • What my mom's career change at 57 taught me about starting something new
      • A simple perspective shift that might completely change how you feel about the years ahead
      • Whether you're in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, if you've been feeling unfulfilled, questioning your career, dreaming of starting something new, or simply wondering what else is possible for your life, this episode is your reminder that you still have so much to explore.

        You don't need to know exactly what you want or where it's all going to lead. You just have to give yourself permission to try.

        Because you're not starting from scratch. You're starting with everything you've learned along the way.

        00:00 What If You're Not Too Late?
        02:35 What Does "Too Old" Even Mean?
        05:44 Your Age Might Be Your Biggest Advantage
        09:34 Are You Actually Starting Late?
        11:01 My Mom Started Over at 57
        12:43 Give Yourself Permission To Try
        15:39 What Would 85-Year-Old You Say?

        Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/ & https://linktr.ee/eg3productions 

        Connect with me!

        https://www.starlitsuccess.com/

        YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess

        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

        18 min
      • #36: Your Energy Changes Everything - Even If You Don't Notice

        Have you ever walked into a room and immediately picked up on someone else’s vibe?

        We notice other people’s energy all the time—but how often do we stop and think about our own?

        The truth is, your energy can affect how you show up, how people experience you, how they respond to you, and even the opportunities and experiences that come back to you.

        But it works both ways.

        The people you spend time with, the content you consume, the environments you’re in, and even the things you do every day can be influencing your energy without you realizing it.

        So in this episode, we’re talking about how your energy may be shaping your reality, what might be affecting it behind the scenes, and how to become more intentional about the energy you bring into your life.

        • The moment I realized I was unknowingly creating an experience I kept complaining about
        • Why your internal state can change the way other people respond to you
        • What “emotional contagion” tells us about how energy spreads
        • How your energy could be attracting—or repelling—people, opportunities, and experiences
        • The people, content, and everyday influences that may be draining your energy without you noticing
        • How to become more aware of your energy, shift it when needed, and protect it from things that leave you depleted
        • If you’ve ever wondered why certain people instantly lift you up while others leave you feeling completely drained - or how your own mindset, mood, and energy might be influencing your relationships and everyday experiences - this episode will give you something to pay attention to.

          Because you can’t control everyone else’s energy.

          But you can become more intentional with your own.

          00:08 What's Your Vibe?
          02:33 The Moment I Realized I Was the Problem
          06:20 Why We Instantly Feel Someone's Vibe
          09:11 Is Energy Actually Contagious?
          11:27 Can Your Energy Repel Opportunities?
          14:43 Could Discomfort Actually Help You?
          16:03 What Affects Your Energy?
          19:43 How To Charge Your Energy
          24:04 Protect Your Energy

          Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/

          Connect with me!

          https://www.starlitsuccess.com/

          YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess

          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

          26 min
        • #35: Manifestation Ain't Magic - 5 Steps to Make Sh*t Happen

          Have you ever dreamed about something you really wanted... but deep down, you didn't really believe it was possible?

          Maybe you’ve heard people talk about manifestation, visualization, affirmations, and “acting as if” - but part of you still wonders if any of this actually works or if it’s all just a little too "woo-woo".

          I used to always say, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

          But after watching things I once thought were unrealistic actually become part of my life, I’ve completely changed the way I think about manifestation.

          Because manifestation isn’t about sitting around thinking positive thoughts and waiting for the universe to magically deliver your dream life.

          You have a much bigger role in it than you might realize.

          So in this episode, I’m breaking down what I believe manifestation actually is, why your thoughts and beliefs matter, and the 5 steps I use to turn an idea into something I can actually start creating.

          • Why “I’ll believe it when I see it” might be keeping you stuck
          • What manifestation actually looks like in real life
          • How your brain starts noticing opportunities you may have overlooked before
          • The simple story that perfectly demonstrates how intention can change what you do
          • 5 practical steps I use when I want to turn something I’ve imagined into reality
          • Why taking action is one of the biggest pieces of manifestation people leave out
          • If you’re curious about manifestation but struggle to believe you can simply “think something into existence,” this episode offers a different way to look at creating your reality.

            Because manifestation isn’t just wishful thinking. It's participation.

            01:12 From "I'll Believe It When.." To Belief
            02:10 What Manifestation Actually Is
            04:32 When Delusional Becomes Possible
            06:33 The Science Behind Manifestation
            09:31 How Zanden Manifested $3K
            11:27 Five Steps to Manifest What You Want
            15:45 Does "Acting As If" Work?
            18:20 Why Gratitude Changes Your Energy
            20:00 What Are You Manifesting?

            Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/

            Connect with me!

            https://www.starlitsuccess.com/

            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess

            Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

            22 min
          • #34: Being a Mom Isn't Holding You Back - It's Your Superpower

            Have you ever told yourself that maybe you'll go after your dreams or goals when the kids are older, life slows down, or you finally have more time?

            As moms, it's easy to look at everything parenting requires - our time, energy, attention, money, and responsibility - and assume that having kids makes pursuing something for ourselves harder, unrealistic, or even selfish.

            But what if we've been looking at it completely backwards?

            What if being a mom hasn't made you LESS capable of chasing your dreams…what if it's actually been preparing you for them?

            In this episode, I'm sharing a realization I've had after 18 years of raising kids and pursuing something more for myself - and why I now believe being a mom might be one of your greatest superpowers.

            Why so many moms put their dreams and goals on hold
            The mindset shift that changed how I view motherhood and pursuing something for myself
            What raising kids teaches you about doing things you've never done before
            Why having LESS time might actually work in your favor
            The surprising skills you've developed as a parent without even realizing it
            What your kids are learning when they watch you pursue something that matters to you

            If you're a working mom who wants something more but keeps wondering how you're supposed to find the time, energy, or confidence to actually go after it, this episode might completely change the way you see what you're capable of.

            Because being a mom isn't the reason you should give up on your dreams.

            It might be the exact reason you're ready for them.

            00:08 Are Your Kids Holding You Back?
            03:01 Why Moms Put Dreams on Hold
            06:24 You Don't Need More Time
            07:31 What if Parenting Prepared You?
            09:08 Superpower #1
            11:31 Superpower #2
            16:27 Superpower #3
            19:12 Superpower #4
            23:24 Your Turn to Dream


            Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/

            Connect with me!

            https://www.starlitsuccess.com/

            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess

            Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

            24 min
          • #33: Talking to a Wall? 3 Communication Tips That Actually Work

            Have you ever tried to explain yourself to someone and felt like you were literally talking to a wall?

            The more you try to get your point across, the more they defend theirs. Nobody feels heard, frustration builds, and what should have been a simple conversation turns into a battle over who can prove their point.

            I recently found myself in one of those conversations—and as frustrating as it was, it made me realize how easily we can get communication completely backwards.

            Because good communication isn't just about saying the right thing. There’s something else happening during difficult conversations that can determine whether the other person actually hears you…or immediately puts their guard up.

            So in this episode, we're talking about what makes communication actually WORK—and three simple shifts that can completely change the way a conversation unfolds.

            • Why trying harder to make your point can actually backfire
            • What might really be happening when someone “isn't listening”
            • The communication mistake that can instantly put someone on the defensive
            • Why feeling heard can matter just as much as finding a solution
            • How to navigate difficult conversations without turning them into arguments
            • 3 communication tips you can use at work, in relationships, with your kids, or anytime you're dealing with another human
            • If you've ever struggled with difficult conversations, conflict resolution, feeling unheard, communicating with difficult people, or simply wished you could communicate more effectively, this episode will give you a completely different way to approach the conversation.

              Because sometimes getting someone to listen has less to do with what you're saying…and more to do with what happens before they’re willing to hear it.

              00:44 What Started It
              01:49 The Frustrating Phone Call
              04:26 Why Communication Breaks Down
              10:32 Human First Message Second
              16:13 Three Keys to Connect
              21:00 Are You Making This Mistake?
              21:56 How The Conversation Completely Changed

              Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/

              Connect with me!

              https://www.starlitsuccess.com/

              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess

              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

              24 min
            • #32: The Messy Middle (#5) - Let Them See the Mess (Being Real Makes You Relatable)

              Have you ever hidden a part of yourself or your life because you were worried about what other people might think? 

              Maybe it's an insecurity, a mistake, something you don't know, an unpopular opinion, or literally the mess in the background of your life.

              In this episode of The Messy Middle, I'm sharing why I'm learning to stop trying to control how I'm perceived and let people see more of the real me. Because the things we're most tempted to hide might actually be the things that make us the most relatable.

              • Why fear of judgment keeps us from being ourselves
              • How hiding our flaws and insecurities can hold us back
              • Why authenticity and vulnerability make you more relatable
              • What happens when you stop worrying so much about what other people think
              • How embracing your imperfections can build confidence
              • Why the goal shouldn't be to impress
              • If you've ever felt pressure to have it all together, worried about being judged, or held back because you weren't sure how people would perceive you, this episode is your reminder to show up anyway.

                You don't need to look like you have it all together to make an impact. Sometimes letting people see the mess is exactly what makes you human.


                02:43 Are You Focused on Your Image or Your Impact?
                04:32 When Ego & Fear Hold You Back
                05:57 Why Being Real Makes You More Relatable
                08:29 Why We Trust Imperfection
                09:12 Give Yourself Permission to Be New
                10:04 It Takes Confidence to Show Up Messy
                12:51 Done Is Better Than Perfect
                14:16 Stop Trying to Impress. Start Connecting.
                15:23 Ask the "Dumb" Question
                17:35 Challenge: Practice Showing Up Messy
                18:42 Final Thoughts

                Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/

                Connect with me!

                https://www.starlitsuccess.com/

                YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess

                Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en 

                19 min
              • #31: We Made It To Florida! (A Quick Life Update)

                We made it! 🌴

                After months of planning, packing, emotional goodbyes, and a 20+ hour drive, my family and I have officially made it to Florida.

                This week, I'm giving you a quick life update from our new home (boxes, clutter, and all) and sharing why I'll be taking a short break from the podcast as we get settled into this exciting new chapter.

                More importantly, I want to remind you of something I needed to hear myself:

                Dreams are rarely easy, but they're always worth pursuing.

                In this episode, I share what this move has taught me about following your dreams, giving yourself credit instead of beating yourself up, protecting your mental health, and choosing what matters most in different seasons of life.

                If you've been waiting for the "perfect" time to chase a dream, I hope this episode reminds you that every dream starts as nothing more than an idea, and the only way it becomes reality is by taking that first step.

                Thank you for being part of this journey. I'll be back in a few weeks after we've unpacked a few more boxes, helped the boys get settled into school, and had a chance to soak in this new adventure.

                Until then... don't be afraid to do hard things. They just might lead you to the life you've been dreaming about. 💙

                01:00 Travel Chaos Confession
                02:32 Settling In Gratitude
                03:18 You Can Do Hard Things
                04:21 Give Yourself Credit
                05:30 Family First
                06:26 Short Break

                Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/

                Connect with me!

                https://www.starlitsuccess.com/

                YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess

                Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

                8 min
              • #30: The Messy Middle (#4) - Scared Doesn't Mean Stop

                Have you ever felt excited about making a big change... only to question everything once it became hard?

                Whether you're changing careers, starting a business, moving, ending a relationship, or finally following a dream, it's easy to mistake feelings like fear, stress, sadness, or uncertainty as signs you're making the wrong decision.

                But what if they're not?

                In this episode of The Messy Middle, I'm sharing one of the biggest mindset shifts I've experienced during our family's move to Florida, and why the difficult emotions that show up during change don't necessarily mean you should stop.

                ✨ Why big life changes bring conflicting emotions
                ✨ The mistake that causes so many people to give up on their dreams
                ✨ How to tell the difference between fear and genuine intuition
                ✨ Why remembering why you started changes everything
                ✨ How to stay connected to your vision when the journey gets hard

                If you're navigating a major life transition or questioning a decision that once felt exciting, this episode will help you reconnect with the reason you started in the first place.

                Because scared doesn't mean stop. Sometimes it simply means you're growing.

                01:36 Why Change Feels So Hard
                03:52 Which Emotion Should You Trust?
                04:52 The Renovation Lesson
                06:37 Remember Why You Started
                10:02 Scared Doesn't Mean Stop
                10:45 Your Challenge

                Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/

                Connect with me!

                https://www.starlitsuccess.com/

                YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess

                Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

                12 min
              • #29: The Messy Middle (#3) - Not Everyone Will Understand

                Have you ever wanted to make a big change in your life but worried about what everyone else would think?

                Whether you're changing careers, starting a business, moving, setting boundaries, or finally following a dream that's been on your heart for years, one thing is almost guaranteed:

                Not everyone will understand.

                In this episode of The Messy Middle, I'm sharing what I've been learning during one of the biggest transitions of my life, and why other people's reactions don't have to determine your direction.

                ✨ Why seeking approval and people-pleasing can keep you stuck
                ✨ How fear of judgment quietly holds you back
                ✨ Why the people who love you may still question your decisions
                ✨ The mindset shift that's helping me move forward with confidence

                If you've ever felt misunderstood, questioned your own decisions because of someone else's opinion, or worried that pursuing your dreams might disappoint the people around you, this episode is for you.

                Because not everyone has to understand your journey... for it to be the right one.

                00:14 Messy Middle Move
                02:36 Telling Everyone
                03:28 Excited Reactions
                05:06 Fear Projectors
                07:47 The Non Responders
                09:40 Not Wrong, Just Human
                11:38 My Own Lesson
                13:09 Live Your Life
                14:50 Trust Yourself

                Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/

                Connect with me!

                https://www.starlitsuccess.com/

                YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess

                Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

                 

                17 min

              About Starlit Success

              From the publisher's feed

              The Starlit Success podcast is a show designed for those feeling unfulfilled with the daily grind of life. Hosted by Certified NLP and Success Coach, Jessica Gaines blends practical self-development tools, mindset shifts and spiritual principles to help you recognize your limitless potential, discover your true purpose and align with your passion to create your ultimate dream life.