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We all reach breaking points that force us to reassess our priorities. Last summer, I learned this lesson the hard way when attempting to work from home while simultaneously caring for my three energetic children. By August, what started as a cost-saving measure had spiraled into a near-nervous breakdown that affected every aspect of my life—my job performance, my marriage, and most significantly, my mental health.

Fast forward to this summer, where I made the conscious decision to prioritize my sanity over savings by enrolling my children in camp. This choice—while financially significant—has been transformative for my wellbeing. For those listening who might not have the financial flexibility to make similar choices, my message is simple but crucial: the mistake I made during leaner times wasn't the inability to afford childcare, but rather my reluctance to ask for help or create even small moments of self-care.

The power of these small moments became abundantly clear recently when my husband encouraged me to enjoy our pool alone after the children were settled for the evening. This simple gesture—"just go back in the pool"—felt more meaningful than any grand romantic display because it actively prioritized my needs. Those few minutes of swimming laps not only refreshed my mind but provided unexpected relief for my chronic back pain. It's a powerful reminder that self-care doesn't require expensive solutions; even ten dedicated minutes can be transformative when we fully commit to honoring ourselves.

Whether you're struggling with work-life balance, caregiver fatigue, or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, I encourage you to find small ways to prioritize yourself. When we choose our sanity, everyone around us benefits. If you've found effective strategies for incorporating self-care into busy schedules, I'd love to hear about them! Share your thoughts using the feedback link in this episode's description.

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The endless cycle of wanting more—better cars, bigger houses, luxury vacations—has become our society's default setting. But what if we're chasing a future that promises exactly what we already have in the present?

Through the powerful parable of a content Mexican fisherman and an ambitious investment banker, this episode challenges our assumptions about success and fulfillment. The fisherman, already living the simple life of family time and doing what he loves, is presented with a 15-year plan to build a fishing empire. The punchline? After all that work, he could finally retire to enjoy fishing and spending time with family—exactly what he already had from the beginning.

This story resonates deeply because so many of us sacrifice present joy for future promises. As we explore the concept that "less is more," we discover that our presence—not our presents—creates the most meaningful impact in our loved ones' lives. Rather than hustling toward some distant goal, what if we recognized the value in what we already possess?

The episode takes a powerful turn toward kindness and perspective as we discuss the practice of paying it forward. Those small moments when we ease someone else's burden—even briefly—create ripples of positivity that return tenfold. When we later reflect on the devastating Texas floods, we're reminded how quickly life's everyday frustrations fade in comparison to genuine tragedy, offering a sobering perspective on what truly matters.

Ready to shift your perspective from scarcity to abundance? Listen now and discover how acknowledging what you already have might be the greatest wealth of all. What small joy in your life deserves more appreciation today?

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The unpredictable physical and emotional changes of perimenopause can disrupt even the most organized lives, as fatigue suddenly hits "like trudging through lava." Sharing a personal journal entry reveals the reality of these symptoms and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy during this transitional life phase.

• Fatigue during perimenopause can strike without warning, forcing immediate prioritization of essential tasks
• Personal journal excerpt details experiencing sudden, debilitating exhaustion that feels like "dragging double and triple my weight"
• Standard menopause symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, and significant mood swings
• Helpful supplements include vitamin D, B complex, fish oil for cognitive function, and magnesium glycinate for hormonal balance
• The importance of being your own health advocate and researching options when symptoms affect quality of life
• Women shouldn't accept feeling terrible for most of the month as normal or inevitable

If you're experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms, please explore online resources and consult with healthcare professionals to find the right support for your journey.

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I've been wrestling with whether to continue this podcast due to overwhelming demand and my busy schedule, but I've decided to commit to three or more mini-episodes per week this summer. Success isn't static—we all grow and change constantly, as evidenced by how different I am at 41 compared to who I was at 26.

• Committing to a summer series of three mini-episodes per week
• Reflecting on personal growth and how we change over time 
• Managing anxiety from hundreds of potential podcast guests waiting in queue
• Embracing the philosophy of "do it messy" instead of seeking perfection
• Learning from creators like The Chic Natural who started with unpolished content
• Encouraging listeners to start now—not waiting for the "perfect" time
• Finding what inspires you enough to keep going when things get tough

Email me at [email protected] with topics or quotes you'd like me to discuss on future episodes. You can also find me on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

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Being in tune with my body has helped me identify hormone shifts that affect my moods, allowing me to communicate honestly with my family and manage stressful moments better. After returning from vacation, I'm implementing small but meaningful health changes that make a significant difference in daily life.

• Recognizing triggers and mood shifts connected to monthly hormone cycles
• Practicing transparency with children about women's health issues
• Dreaming of creating financial support systems specifically for struggling mothers
• Implementing post-vacation health resets for the entire family
• Benefits of short 15-minute daily workouts, including improved mood and bone density
• The power of walking to raise serotonin and lower cortisol
• Fitting exercise into busy schedules without needing hour-long sessions
• July challenge to commit to 15 minutes of movement daily

Join me for the July Steel Roses challenge - 15 minutes of movement every single day! Let's try to make this happen together. Whether it's walking, yoga, or anything that moves your body, commit to daily movement for better physical and mental health.

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Summer brings changes to the podcast schedule with mini-episodes replacing the weekly Sunday format, allowing for more flexible content delivery throughout the week.

• First-ever family cruise vacation with husband, three children, stepchildren and their families 
• Reality of family vacation differed dramatically from expectations of being "fun mom" without responsibilities
• Breaking routine proved challenging—no morning meditation, limited personal time, confined spaces, restricted internet access
• Emotional breakdown on day two after children complained despite all the preparation work
• First excursion disappointments including misleading descriptions and limited food options
• Cocoa Beach Club excursion marked a turning point in enjoyment 
• Unexpected realization that coming home was more meaningful than the vacation itself
• Profound gratitude for home, family, stable job, and the life built with her husband
• Meditation recommended as a path to recognizing and appreciating your current life

I encourage everyone to start meditating—it's truly life-changing. If you're new to meditation, check out Kathy Heller's guided meditations at kathyheller.com, where I started my journey.

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I share my journey of soul-searching while balancing a fulfilling new job with podcast hosting and family responsibilities. After years of using the podcast as a lifeline during professional unhappiness, I now face the challenge of dividing my passion between multiple loves in my life.

• Used the glass ball/rubber ball method to identify priorities during a busy April work period
• Cleared my calendar of podcast commitments to maintain sanity—something I never would have done before
• Prepared my family for the difficult month ahead by communicating openly
• Considered ending the podcast but realized it would leave a "gaping hole" in my life
• Announcing a modified summer series with minisodes while taking my first big family vacation
• Fall lineup is already forming, with guest opportunities still available
• Committed to being part of the small percentage of women who maintain podcasts

Feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected] if you're interested in being a guest on the podcast.

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Stacey Ray shares the transformative journey that led her to create Sisterhood Travels, a travel company focused on building community and empowering women over 50 who often feel invisible. What began as a way to process grief following her husband's passing has grown into a vibrant community of nearly 45,000 women who support each other's journeys of self-discovery.

• From healthcare professional to travel entrepreneur after experiencing the paralyzing grief of losing her husband
• Fighting society's expectation that women should "shrink and disappear" after 50
• Building a travel company with a mission focused on community rather than just destinations
• Creating safe spaces where women can authentically connect without "mean girl syndrome"
• The concept of a "me-moon" - time women dedicate to themselves without guilt
• How travel teaches women not just about other cultures but about themselves
• Women developing confidence to tackle challenges beyond travel after their experiences
• The transformation that happens when women prioritize themselves after decades of putting others first
• Helping women rediscover their authentic selves apart from roles as mothers, wives, and caregivers

Visit SisterhoodTravels.com or join their Facebook community to learn more about how women are supporting each other through life-changing travel experiences.

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Emma's journey with Inkitt has revolutionized digital publishing by creating Galatea and Candy Jar, platforms that remove traditional gatekeepers and let reader engagement determine which stories succeed. Her team launched Galatea with a "start messy" approach, challenging conventional wisdom and creating new pathways for unknown authors to reach audiences.

• Joined Inkitt eight years ago, transitioning from publishing manager to Chief Innovation Officer
• Created Galatea after finding Amazon's publishing model limited their ability to connect with readers
• Built the initial Galatea app in just two weeks using screenshots of Google Sheets
• Galatea uses data-driven story optimization including A/B testing different storylines
• Developed Candy Jar as a vertical video platform that adapts popular Galatea stories into TV series
• Designed the app as a guilt-free escape for busy women seeking 30 minutes of enjoyment
• Emma crafted her unconventional career path by saying "yes" to opportunities and advocating for a role that matches her strengths
• The platform allows authors to publish chapter by chapter and get immediate reader feedback

Download Galatea on the App Store or Google Play Store today and discover stories that will captivate you.

Looking for more?

https://www.inkitt.com/

https://www.instagram.com/inkittbooks/

https://galatea.com/

https://www.instagram.com/galatea.stories/

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Melissa Bennett-Heinz shares how Gestalt psychotherapy transformed her life after traditional therapy left her stuck, guiding us through a powerful conversation about women's struggle to prioritize themselves.

• Discussing the courage it takes for women to reschedule commitments and make space for themselves
• Exploring how work burnout affects mental health and family dynamics 
• Understanding Gestalt therapy as an embodied, relational approach focusing on present moment awareness
• Recognizing anxiety in the body as a guide rather than letting it control decisions
• Learning that small, consistent changes are more effective than attempting dramatic overhauls
• Breaking free from societal conditioning that rewards women for self-sacrifice
• Taking responsibility for ourselves while recognizing we're not meant to do everything alone
• Understanding that a healthy family requires parents to nurture their relationship first

Remember that your body will never lie to you - reconnecting with your physical sensations provides the guidance you need to make choices that truly support your wellbeing.

Looking for more?

https://www.melissabennettheinz.com/ 

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