STOPTIME: Live in the Moment.

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

What happens when a 12-year-old decides to stop living a lie and pursue her true passion? For Broadway dancer Valeria Yamin, it was the moment that changed everything.

In this captivating conversation, Valeria takes us on her journey from Venezuela to Broadway, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped her remarkable career. From tearfully confessing to her father that she wanted to be a performer (not an eye doctor), to facing rejection from her dream school only to find her way there through an unexpected encounter – Valeria's story is a masterclass in resilience and authenticity.

Currently performing in the original Broadway cast of "Just In Time" after four seasons as a Radio City Rockette, Valeria speaks candidly about battling impostor syndrome, particularly when transitioning from dance to singing. "I don't have as much singing experience and training as I do with my dancing," she admits. "When I'm singing, I feel a lack of tools." Yet rather than letting this hold her back, she embraced vulnerability and gradual growth, showing how even accomplished performers continue to evolve.

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as Valeria, now 25, reflects on gaining perspective in her career – moving from being "on the train" of non-stop performing to seeing her life from a "bird's eye view." This shift allows her to appreciate her journey while considering what colors and textures she wants to add next. Her approach to setbacks is equally enlightening: "Not now, maybe not ever, but not now, but maybe someday."

Throughout the episode, Valeria's definition of living in the moment shines through – being "out of your head and in the world." Her story reminds us that authentic living requires courage, resilience, and the willingness to embrace both successes and redirections as part of our growth.

Have you been putting your true passions on hold? Listen to this episode and find the courage to follow your heart, just as Valeria did when she decided to live her truth.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

Have you ever achieved something impressive only to discover it didn't bring the fulfillment you expected? This episode shares the powerful journey of a client (called "Jessie" for privacy) who found herself in exactly this position – working on the most prestigious project of her career yet feeling profoundly unhappy.

The story begins with an unexpected phone call after a podcast recording. Despite being among the most accomplished, confident, and creative people I know, Jessie reached out in a moment of vulnerability to share her struggle. Though externally successful, she was miserable, and her prestigious position was negatively affecting both her performance and personal life. This moment of courage – what Brené Brown would describe as "the willingness to show up and be seen, even when vulnerable and afraid" – became the catalyst for profound transformation.

Our work together centered around a simple but powerful insight: Jessie already knew the answers she needed but hadn't been asking herself the right questions. Through our sessions, she redefined what success truly meant to her, recognizing that her strengths were tools to be used intentionally rather than defaults that should dictate her path. Three months later, Jessie made the bold decision to walk away from the prestigious project, creating a life of her own design that brought genuine happiness and fulfillment.

This episode reminds us that success is deeply personal. The very achievements we chase can sometimes stand in the way of becoming who we truly want to be. As you listen, I encourage you to reflect on your own definition of success. Are you living in alignment with your values, or letting external expectations guide your choices? You know the answers – you just need to start asking the right questions.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

What truly separates high performers from everyone else? Contrary to popular belief, it's not just raw talent or relentless positivity—it's their ability to identify and manage the specific influencers that affect their performance.

During our enlightening conversation, we dive deep into the six critical influencers that shape our ability to perform consistently at high levels: spiritual, mental, environmental, emotional, physical, and social. These factors create a complex web that either supports or undermines our performance capabilities. The fascinating revelation is that for most high performers, it's not their mindset itself that threatens their success, but rather the various elements that knock them out of alignment.

We explore how creating your personalized "success formula" works as a practical tool—almost like having your own technical rider that travels with you through challenges. This formula helps you anticipate potential disruptions to your rhythm and make accommodations before they derail you. Instead of maintaining a restrictive tunnel vision of forced positivity, this approach encourages you to stay open while developing familiarity with your specific detractors.

The most powerful moment comes when we discuss how recognizing these patterns transforms your relationship with obstacles. When challenges arise, you can meet them with calm recognition: "I've felt this before. I've seen this before. It's not going to kill me." This perspective shift turns potential threats into opportunities for growth and learning, maintaining your consistency even when outside stressors threaten to shake your foundation.

Ready to discover your own performance influencers and create a success formula tailored specifically to you? Listen now and learn how to stay in your power, even when circumstances try to take you offline.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

What drives you forward when you’re already succeeding?
When everyone around you thinks you’re doing great, how do you reconnect with that inner knowing that there’s more—more growth, more potential, more purpose?

This episode explores the growth mindset of high performers and challenges the idea that success means stopping. While many of us achieve mastery in our chosen fields, we often reach a plateau—coasting on competence, collecting praise, yet quietly wondering what else we’re capable of.

The real challenge isn’t always climbing higher. Sometimes it’s having the courage to challenge your comfort zone—to admit where you’re not living up to your own standard, even if the world thinks you’ve already made it.

As high performers, our fear often stems not from doubt, but from the magnitude of what we know we’re capable of. This episode invites you to reframe the choice: what if the space between comfort and transformation isn’t a leap, but a middle ground—a space to honor all you’ve done while reaching for what’s next?

Whether you’re thriving, coasting, or just beginning to stretch, ask yourself:

• Where am I unconsciously competent?
• When was the last time I truly felt challenged?
• What untapped potential is waiting for me?

These aren’t questions of inadequacy—they’re invitations to step into deeper self-leadership, to expand into growth on your own terms.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

Finding that sweet spot between a busy day and restful sleep can feel impossible when your nervous system hasn't gotten the memo that it's time to power down. This meditation meets you exactly where you are – still buzzing with the day's energy, mind racing, body unable to settle – and guides you gently toward deep rest.

The journey begins with permission to release the mental and physical performance energy that may have served you well during the day but now stands between you and restorative sleep. Through intentional breathwork, we create the first signals to your nervous system that it's safe to downshift. Those sighing exhales aren't just satisfying – they're physiologically designed to activate your parasympathetic system, your body's built-in relaxation response.

Moving from breath to body, we'll guide you through a comprehensive scan that identifies areas where you might still be holding tension or alertness. From your forehead to your toes, each part receives attention and an invitation to soften. This meditation acknowledges the reality that sometimes our bodies stay braced long after the need has passed, and offers concrete techniques to release that physical holding pattern.

Beyond the physical practice, this meditation addresses the psychological barriers to rest that many of us face. The constant pressure to perform, respond, achieve, and please others doesn't always disappear just because we've turned off the lights. We create a mental sanctuary where there's "nothing left to hold onto" – no emails demanding answers, no performances needed, nothing to prove. The visualization of descending a staircase away from your day provides a concrete pathway for your mind to follow as you transition into deeper states of calm.

Whether you've been center stage or supporting from behind the scenes, this practice honors the efforts of your day while giving you full permission to set it all down. The simple, profound affirmation "You did enough, you are enough" addresses the worry that often keeps us vigilant when we need rest. Join us in this journey from doing to being, and rediscover the peace of simply existing, exactly as you are.

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

A Buddhist parable tells the story of Fudo, a young falcon who learns that true freedom comes from understanding that the sky isn't a boundary to overcome but a reflection of his own limitless nature. This ancient wisdom teaches us that our perception of limitations often creates the very constraints we struggle against.

• Fudo, a talented young falcon, feels restless when flying and wonders what lies beyond the sky's apparent boundaries
• He seeks wisdom from Shouhai, an ancient turtle known for his patience and deep insights
• Shouhai explains that the sky has no limits—it's Fudo's conception of it as something to conquer that creates his feelings of limitation
• The turtle teaches that the sky simply "leaves room" and mirrors Fudo's own unlimited nature
• When Fudo shifts his perspective, he experiences the sky differently and finds the freedom and contentment he sought
• The parable illustrates how our perceptions shape our reality and how letting go of the need to conquer can lead to true freedom

Stay safe and healthy, everyone, and remember to live in the moment.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

Experience a nine-minute walking meditation journey focused on presence, noticing, and gratitude. This mindful practice transforms ordinary walking into a conscious act of coming home to yourself while deepening your awareness of the world around you.

• Standing still to ground yourself before beginning the walk
• Setting an intention to make the walk an act of remembering rather than escaping
• Cultivating gratitude for your body's ability to move
• Noticing the mechanics and rhythm of your walking
• Opening your attention to surroundings with soft, gentle observation
• Identifying something you hadn't noticed before
• Practicing gratitude with each step
• Allowing emotions to walk beside you without judgment
• Returning to your space with renewed awareness
• Finding something new in familiar environments

Take this awareness with you as you step into the rest of your day. Namaste.

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

🌿 A reflection on creative worth, momentum, and sharing what still matters.

Have you ever created something you're proud of, only to let it fade into the background? That moment when you decide your work has passed its prime—even though its value remains unchanged?

Summer mornings by the lake have become my sacred ritual. I wake with the sun, tiptoeing past sleeping pets before donning my protective "moon boots" against the morning dew and perhaps Gary the garden snake. With green tea in hand and books tucked into my basket, I step outside to breathe in gratitude for this beautiful, safe place. These solitary moments connect me with both the natural world and the wisdom of authors whose words accompany me each day.

While reflecting on my dock this morning, I realized it's been exactly one year since I published my book. Though the writing process never felt like work—I sometimes miss it—I've stopped promoting it, telling myself the momentum is gone. But why? Has the value of those words diminished, or am I simply afraid of how they'll be received? When we create art of any kind, we engage in a vulnerable act. Yet keeping our work hidden might actually be selfish. If I worry about what others think of my creation, that's just ego talking. I can't control whether you like my book, but I can offer it wholeheartedly, aligned with my values.

This morning brought clarity: there is no shelf life for insight. Good ideas don't expire. They remain valuable whether discovered today or years from now. I invite you to consider what you've created that deserves to be celebrated and shared again. What wisdom have you kept to yourself that others might benefit from? Join me in honoring our creations without fear of judgment, because authentic expression never goes stale.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

Ever found yourself exhausted from battling negative thoughts? You're not alone. What if those pesky inner critics weren't actually your enemies, but misguided protectors you could transform into powerful allies?

Throughout this episode, I dive into the counterintuitive approach to handling the negative voices in our heads—what I playfully call our "gremlins." These aren't malevolent forces conspiring against us, but outdated protection mechanisms trying to keep us safe in the only way they know how. Drawing from personal experiences and professional coaching insights, I share why fighting against these thoughts actually amplifies their power and drains our precious energy.

The transformation begins with a simple yet profound shift: instead of resisting your gremlin, invite it in. Acknowledge its message, thank it for its protective intentions, and then offer it a new role in your life story. This ritual of recognition and redirection doesn't reject the gremlin's energy but repurposes it for your benefit. As one client beautifully described after practicing this approach, "My gremlin has become my greatest ally—checking in regularly to ask how it can support me today."

Whether you're facing important decisions, stepping into new challenges, or simply tired of the energy drain from negative self-talk, this episode offers a practical framework to shift your relationship with your inner critic. Take a moment today to tune into that voice—what outdated message is it repeating, and how might you thank it and rewrite its script? Your transformed ally is waiting to support you in ways you never imagined possible.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

This guided meditation helps you release the mental weight of hopes, dreams, and expectations that keep you awake, teaching you to temporarily set aside both worries and positive anticipations to make space for restful sleep.

• Identifying how hope itself can sometimes become a burden that prevents present-moment awareness and sleep
• Using breath work and body relaxation to prepare the mind for release
• Visualizing thoughts as paper lanterns on boats drifting across a lake
• Understanding that temporarily letting go of hopes doesn't mean abandoning them
• Recognizing that rest is an essential part of becoming and achieving what we want
• Creating a mental image of being supported under a starry night sky
• Learning to trust the natural unfolding of life without constant mental management
• Embracing the permission to rest before everything is resolved or completed

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg