Stroke It Guide Podcast

Join me as I chat with a long-time friend, Ashley Stapleton. Ashley is a wife, mom, and entrepreneur, who completely turned her story and her life around. We talk today about the exact steps she took to stroke herself, her marriage, and her business.

“I can’t imagine going back to that place now” she related when she thought about how different her mindset was five years prior, as she cared for her infant daughter suffering from Kidney disease. “I couldn't be happy for anyone else” I was so wrapped up in a “poor me mentality.” Ashley shares her struggles at her lowest point, and how she decided to make a change. Starting with just 20 minutes a day as time just for herself.

“I listened to Tony Robbins. I have listened to You Are a Badass. I love that.” This made “a world of difference. I can't imagine going back to that place now.” By carving out 20 minutes for herself at the beginning of the day she was able to move throughout the day happier and the results showed in her personal life, her marriage, and her professional life.

When it comes to marriage, her advice, “always assume that [your partner is] coming from a good place” Sometimes this means asking questions like “Did you mean to say it that way?” We all make mistakes when communicating and if you address it kindly from the start you can avoid a larger blow-up later. After 10 years of marriage, she also reminds us that relationships are “not always going to be 50-50. It's not always going to be balanced.” In some seasons you may have to step up and shoulder more responsibility at other times your partner will be taking care of you.

When it comes to stroking it in the workplace, Ashley reminds us to simply listen, and not view questions in the workplace as “Problems” that you’re expected to solve.

“You get so much more when you look at them (employees) as a person and really come at it from how are they doing and making sure they're fulfilled and all their boxes are checked too.”

Her final advice is “just be honest” with yourself, your spouse, and in the workplace, Be honest about what you want and need.

About Ashley: I am a mom, work in corporate America, and an entrepreneur chasing my dreams of building a health and wellness business where I get to help moms tone up and build confidence post kids in under 30 minutes a day and without dieting!

https://www.instagram.com/ashley.n.stapleton/

Books mentioned in the podcast:

You Are a Badass Series 4 Books Collection Set by Jen Sincero 

Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical & Financial Destiny! Tony Robbins

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Are you looking for encouragement, knowledge, and community, go to jennysfreegift.com and join the PAC for FREE fro 30 days. We meet bi-weekly, discuss goals, and struggles, and learn from leaders and special guests.

Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!

Attract positive people, environments, and feelings. You will notice the more positive you are the more positive the entire situation will become. Having a positive mindset will allow you to overcome, move on and forgive.

Attract the right people by surrounding yourself with those that speak highly of themselves. Also find individuals that are actively boosting their mental, physical and emotional health. You can find these individuals are local gyms, support groups, free outdoor events, and classes.

I attended the following therapy, classes and/or workshops to become more positive and attract positivity in my life.

I began giving gratitude each morning and listening to podcasts or youtube videos titled Words of Affirmation.

I also took a sheet of paper and wrote down all things I bring to the table.

I suggest you doing that too. It will encourage you to be positive and grateful. You will also begin to value yourself more.

Journaling will also help you.

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Join my community. I offer professional and personal coaching for women in a group setting. The goal is to encourage, support and teach.

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Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!

Today's guest is Tara McClean. Tara is a yoga instructor and dog mom, and today's episode is a heartfelt chat about happiness, confidence, and making friends.

Of course, I start by asking for some advice about getting into yoga. It has so many benefits, and yet it’s so intimidating. Tara advises, to go into yoga seeking a  mindful experience. When she's teaching, she encourages her students to “remember when we're in the classroom the journey is within. Don't look at other people's mats…we're not going to hold ourselves to any standard of anyone else.”

We then dive into how important listening is, and how it's a skill we’ve both learned. There are so many distractions, social media, our phones, and even our smartwatches. But if we’re not willing to put those things away and engage and listen to someone, then we won’t be able to have an authentic connection.

“If you're listening and you're taking the time to process what you've heard, you're either going to ask a question to engage more, or you're going to comment to let the person know I've heard what you've said, I care about what you're saying.”

We dive into the reality of making friends as “off-campus” adults who have jobs, families, and endless responsibilities. Tara reminds us making friends will come down to “What's your buy-in? What's your commonality?” It's also probably going to require discomfort, especially if you’re shy, but putting yourself out there is the best way to find an authentic worthwhile connection.

Tara reminds us to, take ownership of our happiness by “engaging in the moment you're in.” Be happy for others, listen with your whole self, and cheer on your friends and loved ones with joy and enthusiasm.

About Tara:

Jack of many trades with multiple advanced degrees, I fled the proper workforce I was raised to join in 2021. Defying all professional expectations of family and some friends, I became a yoga teacher. Currently working on being certified in QiGong and Motivational & Inspirational Speaking. Hardcore dog Mom to 4 beautiful mutts. Believe in having uncomfortable conversations.

https://www.instagram.com/thegarageyogi

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrokeitguide/

Facebook:

The Stroke It Guide

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting www.jennyalwaytownsend.com

All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend

Are you looking for encouragement, knowledge, and community, go to jennysfreegift.com and join the PAC for FREE fro 30 days. We meet bi-weekly, discuss goals, and struggles, and learn from leaders and special guests.

Struggling in your marriage, join the End or Mend your Marriage Course and gain clarity and community as you face this difficult decision.

Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!

86 Toxic people, places, and triggers.

It’s time to 86 those that do not serve your inner peace, long term goals, or future self. Enough is enough. You can do it.

Let’s talk about people. Do you have friend, relative or significant other that needs to be eliminated from your life?

Do they trigger you?

Are they holding you back?

Do they make you feel anxiety?

If so, consider eliminating or reducing time with that person immediately. You deserve to be respected. When we say yes to others we are saying no to ourselves. Consider giving yourself that time and energy.

When it comes to places…Do you feel guilty or have anxiety? or does a place trigger you to make toxic decisions? If so, find a new place. There are lots of great parks, gyms, communities, and hubs with positive offerings.

It can be challenging at first but you can do it and will thank yourself for it.

Become confident, happy, and positive.

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrokeitguide/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Join me in the future for one of these awesome offerings.
Fridge Focused Workshop
To End or Mend a Marriage?
Or join my community. We meet two days a month on zoom. We learn, encourage, and support each other.

Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!

On today's episode of  The Stroke It Guide, I sit down with life coach and best-selling author Nancy Pickard. At 67 years young Nancy is a spitfire who lives life to the fullest, and her passion is to teach others to do the same. Today's episode is a great listen for anyone in a relationship or anyone who struggles with their self-worth and confidence. Nancy brings her wit and wisdom to the table making for an informative and thought-provoking episode.

We start with how we can stroke our partners and care for our relationships. If you’ve ever found yourself upset and arguing with your spouse Nancy reminds us “That's not actually the wise adult part of your brain, it's the adaptive child part.” So when we respond in the heat of the moment we’re responding like a child. Instead, we should take time away from the situation until we can respond as adults. She shares several helpful techniques for this including taking timeouts, following a boundary script, or a feedback wheel. Each of these techniques allows you to separate your feelings and emotions from your partner's action (or in some cases inaction), yet still fully express how it makes you feel. We also touch on the concept of relational generosity. “Relational generosity is about communication. It's about giving your partner what they want whenever you can because they're your partner.”

Today's episode isn’t just about our significant others. Nancy advocates that our happiness ultimately comes from within and that we decide our worthiness.

Nancy shared, “My self-worth was a direct correlation to how my husband saw me or how other people saw me. Now my self-worth is based on how I see myself…I know I'm worthy. I stand in my worth. I ask for what I want. I do the things that I want.”

Nancy’s tip for finding that confidence in yourself is embracing self-care, and spending time with yourself. Don’t forget to cultivate friendships and live in gratitude. Her closing advice is “Ask for what you need.” No one can read your mind, so you need to get clear about what you need and want so that you can ask for it specifically.

About Nancy Pickard

Splitting her time between Aspen, Colorado, and Marin, California, Nancy is a certified Master Integrative Life Coach with a myriad of coaching certifications specializing in shadow work, boundaries, marriage and relationship, healing your heart, reinvention, and parenting. She is the author of the international best-selling book, Bigger Better Braver: Conquer your fears, Embrace your courage, Transform your life. Coaching others to step out of fear and into bigger versions of themselves is her passion.

https://nancypickardlifecoach.com/

Nancy Instagram

Nancy Facebook

Nancy’s Book- Bigger Better Braver

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrokeitguide/

Facebook:

The Stroke It Guide

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Please share this episode with three friends, a close friend, someone in a relationship, and perhaps a friend who may not realize just how special they are.

Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!

This quickie is less than 8 minutes but packed with value. I share a few “A Ha” moments I had this past weekend with Gary Barnes in Denver.

I encourage you to take a break, sit back, and listen.
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Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrokeitguide/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting www.jennyalwaytownsend.com

Join me in the future for one of these awesome offerings.
Fridge Focused Workshop
To End or Mend a Marriage?
Or join my community. We meet two days a month on zoom. We learn, encourage, and support each other.

Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!

How do you show up as your authentic self? My guest today is a licensed authenticity coach and she shares some real gems when it comes to stroking yourself and your partner. This is the perfect episode for those trying to grow personally, in their relationship, and in the bedroom. ;)

Have you ever asked yourself, “What is my recipe for fulfillment? What is it that I need to show up as my best self?” Mindy shares some great tips so you can get started doing just that.

Whether you are single or committed to a partner, we’re reminded today that our happiness is our responsibility, no one elses. So, how do we observe where we are in our day-to-day life now to make impactful positive change? As Mindy says “ You have to give yourself the time and love that you deserve.”

Mindy reminds you to “not hold your partner in a box.” We are always changing, you aren’t who you were yesterday and neither are they. Start the morning by asking, “Who are [they] today.” Mindy reminds us that everything we want in life requires “attention and intention” *Think Love Languages meets Stroke it. #Preach

Finally, the topic gets a little spicy as we explore the concept of authentic sexuality. We’re reminded that we aren’t taught about our sexuality. We may learn about the birds and the bees, but not about our sexuality. Mindy shares some tips for further exploring this and communicating it with your partner.

Mindy’s closing advice “The best way to get good at something is to suck at it with enthusiasm.”

So what are you going to enthusiastically fail at?

Want to learn more about Mindy?

Mindy Aisling is a professionally trained, board-certified authenticity coach and licensed mediator. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of human potential, Mindy guides clients on their journeys toward authentic personal and professional fulfillment with a unique coaching style of expertise, experience, and fierce support. Mindy offers remote 1:1 Coaching, DIY Coaching Courses, and Live Group Authenticity Empowerment Courses. In her free time, you can find Mindy backpacking in the wilderness, hunting epiphanies, or working in her garden.

Website: https://www.mindyaisling.com/

Instagram: mindyamitaaisling

Facebook: Mindy Amita Aisling

Book Recommendations from the episode:

Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom

Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones 

The Buddha and the Badass: The Secret Spiritual Art of Succeeding at Work

Podcast Recommendations from the episode:

We can do hard things

Sex with Emily

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thestrokeitguide/

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

Check out my website jennyaldaytownsend.com, we have new courses starting next month, and a membership option that gives you access to weekly coaching and networking.

Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!

Are you wanting to pull your hair out, B!tch slap someone, or throw in the towel? I get it. It’s called Mercury Retrograde. I’m here to warn you. Don’t make any big decisions till 9/15. Right now, we all feel pressure, stressed, and tested. Technology failing or not working. Blame it on MR not you, your spouse or anyone else. Take a chill pill, embrace, journal, consider options and become clear on what you want during this time. However, don’t make a move till 9/15. #mercuryretrograde #falling #universe #mindset #itsnotyou #friyay #riseup #newday #solutionsadvisor

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrokeitguide/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Join my community if your looking to grow personally and professionally. Each month features education, video calls, and connection with others.

If looking to become an opportunist, join my Fridge Class.

https://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com/product-page/fridge-model

Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!

On today’s episode of  Stroke It Guide, we are joined by Gina Riley. Gina is an HR professional, executive search recruiter turned career coach who created her own career transition program, Career Velocity. Gina holds a master’s degree and is a certified YouMap® coach. Beyond her impressive resume, Gina took time away from her career to raise her two boys, is a breast cancer survivor, and has been married for 31 years. Gina is vivacious and endearing and offers some appreciable advice that we can start applying in our lives today.

When it comes to stroking our spouses Gina shares several personal antidotes, but the real bombshell is that Gina teaches us to remove the word YOU from our spousal communication. Instead of casting blame with “you”, use the word I, then observe, think, feel, and request. How does that work exactly? Listen to the interview to find out!

If we’re working with colleagues, friends, or loved ones Gina reminds us to “listen without judgment coming out of our mouths.” That means we need to keep some of those opinions to ourselves and to “check our assumptions” before we respond. Once again, Gina was ready with some great examples of what that might sound like and also offers some great alternative open-ended questions for all aspects of our life.

Do you always ask your middle-shool aged son how was your day? Why not try, what made you laugh at lunch today?

Is your husband tired of talking about his mundane job? Ask him what he’d like to do this weekend instead!

Ultimately, though one theme constantly reappeared in the interview and that was,  to really show up in your life and relationships “you need to know yourself so that you can show up in the world authentically”. Gina recommends reading the book YOUMAP, and if that's something you’re ready to dive more into you can connect with Gina who is a certified YouMap® coach.

Connect with Gina here:

Gina Riley Consulting

Or at LinkedIn - *be sure to send a personal message so you don’t get overlooked.

Books mentioned in the episode:

YouMap: Find Yourself. Blaze Your Path. Show the World!

Men are from Mars Women are from Venus

Becoming Your Spouse's Better Half: Why Differences Make a Marriage Great

The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thestrokeitguide/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you enjoy today’s episode? Please leave us a 5-star review, and share it with 3 friends.

1. A friend dedicated to improving their marriage.
2. A friend dedicated to communicating with their children.
3. A friend who is a leader at work.

Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!

This quickie puts time into perspective for you. Before you begin listening, answer these two questions:

Where do you spend most of your time?

How do you spend more of your time?

We have all heard the saying “time heals all wounds” or “timing is everything”. It’s very true.

In this episode, I share how time impacts the following:

The healing process

Can lead to forgiveness

Growth

Building relationships

Professionally speaking - Promotions and pay increases

Making decisions

The value of your time

Time can not be returned, refunded, or rewound. You have one life to live. We are all given the same amount of time. Make the most of each minute, hour, day, month, and year. Choose what you want to do and with whom.

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Interested in turning your vision and goals into reality. I can help you. I am hosting a 3 hour class. Register today. Starts on 9/7. Not a fit, join my online community with other women.

Fridge Model

Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

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

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!