The Highest Self Project

The Highest Self Project

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The Highest Self Project episodes

  • 19. Speak Your Reality into Being | Unlocking the Power of Words

    In today's episode, we dive deep into the magic and energy behind the words we speak. We’ll explore how words can create beauty or build invisible barriers around us.


    Key Segments:

    1. The Energy and Impact of Words

      • Words carry energy. Using Dr. Masaru Emoto's water crystal experiments, we see how positive words create harmony, while negative ones bring chaos. We are 60% water—so what kind of energy are we allowing into our lives?

      • How Words Shape Growth in Our Lives

        • Positive language impacts everything from plants to babies, showing how our words foster growth or stagnation. Even music lyrics influence our thoughts and emotions, according to studies on violent music's effect on aggression.

        • Personal Story: Navigating Hurtful Words

          • A reminder to give more weight to your self-talk than external voices.

          • Reflection and Engagement Moment

            • Listeners are invited to pause, reflect, and consider the words they’ve been telling themselves lately. Are they lifting you up or holding you back?

            • Practical Tips for Shifting Your Words

              • Morning affirmations
              • Checking your self-talk throughout the day
              • Curating empowering content (music, media, conversations)
              • Speaking love into others
              • Key Takeaways:

                • Words have power. They shape our reality, impacting everything from our emotional growth to our physical health.
                • We can choose to speak love, gratitude, and possibility into our lives, or let negativity hold us back.
                • Being mindful of the words we allow into our space can transform our energy, mindset, and future.

                • Call to Action:
                  Reflect on your language this week. What kind of reality are you creating with your words? Share this episode with someone who needs this reminder and be sure to subscribe for more soul-aligned conversations.


                  Let's connect!

                  You can find me here on ig

                  fernandabertrand.com

                  30 min
                • 18. From Hustle to Purpose | Why We Feel Empty After Hitting Our Goals

                  In this episode, I’m diving deep into the "achievement trap"—that constant pressure we all feel to hustle and achieve more. Whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder, hitting a follower milestone on Instagram, or trying to fit into a pair of jeans from years ago, we’re told that achieving these goals will bring us happiness.


                  I’ll talk about the emotional and psychological toll hustle culture takes on us, how social media comparison fuels this trap, and why titles, money, and followers can’t fill the void.

                  We’ll also break down some key studies, like the Easterlin Paradox, to show that once our basic needs are met, more money doesn’t equal more happiness. If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck on a hamster wheel of achievement but still feel unfulfilled, this episode is for you.


                  Key Takeaways:

                  1. The Achievement Trap: Society constantly tells us that the more we achieve, the happier we’ll be—but that’s not the full story.
                  2. The Comparison Game: Social media makes it easy to compare ourselves to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and achievement addiction.
                  3. The Easterlin Paradox: Once our basic needs are met, more money doesn’t necessarily lead to more happiness.
                  4. The Purpose Gap: Without a deeper sense of purpose, our external achievements can start to feel hollow.
                  5. Finding Meaning: Purpose is what keeps us grounded through life’s ups and downs, and it’s the key to lasting fulfillment.
                  6. Call to Action:

                    This week, I challenge you to take a step back and ask yourself: What am I really chasing? Is it external success, or is it something deeper, like purpose? Start with small steps—look for the things that make you feel connected and alive.

                    And if this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who might need to hear this message, and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations about finding meaning and purpose in our everyday lives.


                    Sign up here to be notified for my upcoming Free 3 day live event and Mastermind.

                    Let's connect on Instagram

                    28 min
                  7. 17. The Rise and Fall of Civilizations | What It Teaches Us About Our Own Spiritual Journey

                    In this episode, I’m sharing my recent deep dive into the fascinating history of great civilizations and how their rise and fall parallels what we’re experiencing in today’s world.


                    I’ve been captivated by how empires throughout history have crumbled after becoming too focused on wealth and decadence. As heavy as this topic might seem, there’s something valuable in reflecting on it, especially when we think about our own spiritual journey and how much we’re tied to the material world.


                    I talk about my own “rabbit hole” of learning and how it’s made me question society’s obsession with material success. Despite having more technology and wealth than ever before, many of us still feel disconnected and unfulfilled. My takeaway from all this? We need to reconnect with our spiritual side and remember that our energy and spirit are eternal. True fulfillment comes from that deeper connection, not from the things we accumulate in this life.

                    Key Takeaways:

                    • Civilizations tend to fall when they become too focused on wealth and lose sight of their deeper purpose.
                    • We’re facing similar issues today—plenty of material success but a growing sense of discontent.
                    • The importance of reconnecting with our spiritual essence for lasting peace and fulfillment.
                    • True success isn’t about material wealth, but about living in alignment with a higher purpose and being of service to others.
                    • I end the episode with a reflection on Matthew 6:19-21, encouraging us to focus on what really matters and “store up treasures in heaven.”

                      Let's Connect:

                      If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear this message. Don’t forget to leave a 5-star review, and connect with me on Instagram @Fernanda.Bertrand or visit my website FernandaBertrand.com to learn more about my offerings.

                      25 min
                    • 16. Growing Together | Embracing Our Highest Selves with Creighton Bertrand

                      In this off-the-cuff episode, I sit down with my husband, Creighton, on the beach to reflect on our 16-year journey together and how we’ve grown into more authentic versions of ourselves.


                      We talk about shedding old layers, aligning with our highest selves, and the freedom that comes with it. Creighton shares his approach to patience, love, and detaching from expectations, while I discuss my daily practices that help me stay connected to my highest self.


                      This episode is perfect for anyone feeling weighed down by expectations, striving for perfection, or wanting to live with more authenticity and ease.


                      Key Takeaways:

                      • Authenticity Brings Freedom: Living in alignment with your true self creates ease and peace.
                      • Detachment from Expectations: Creighton talks about how letting go of expectations and practicing love helps him stay grounded.
                      • Daily Alignment Practices: For me, meditation, movement, and mindfulness are essential to feeling connected and aligned.
                      • Forgiveness Heals: We share a powerful story of forgiveness and how it transforms lives.
                      • Progress Over Perfection: It’s about showing up daily and giving yourself grace as you grow.

                      • If this conversation spoke to you, reflect on where you might be holding on to inauthenticity.

                        What small shift could you make today to align with your highest self?

                        Share this episode with someone who might need to hear it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more real, honest conversations.

                        • Follow me on Instagram: @Fernanda.Bertrand
                        • Connect with Creighton: @Creighton_Bertrand

                        • 36 min
                        • 15. Living in the Now | How Presence Unlocks Alignment and Balance

                          Hey everyone!

                          In this episode, I’m reflecting on my first year back in business and what it’s taught me about being present. My prayer lately has been: “Lord, help me wake up to the dream of my life today.” It’s a continuation of last week’s conversation about the cycle of forgetting and remembering on our spiritual journey.

                          I realized that even though so many of my dreams have come true, there’s still a part of me that longs for the future, always chasing the next version of myself. But the real growth has been learning to be content in the now, in this moment.

                          Here’s what I’ve learned:

                          • The Power of Presence: Peace and fulfillment can only be found in the present moment.
                          • The Cycle of Longing: No matter what we achieve, the mind always looks for the next thing, but we can find happiness by being fully present.
                          • Surrendering to the Now: Accepting where we are now, rather than always looking ahead, allows us to find true peace.
                            • Pause and Be Present: Find small moments throughout your day to just be here, in the now.
                            • Acknowledge the Longing: It’s okay to desire more, but also find joy in where you are right now.
                            • Embrace the Journey: Life is a cycle of remembering and forgetting. Keep coming back to the present moment.
                            • If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who might need some encouragement, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insights on living a purposeful life.


                              Let's Connect:

                              • Follow me on Instagram
                              • Book a discovery call
                              • Visit my website

                              • 30 min
                              • 14. The Cycle of Remembering and Forgetting | A Spiritual Journey

                                Hey everyone!

                                In this episode, I’m diving into the cycle of remembering and forgetting on our spiritual journey. You know, those moments when you’re deeply connected to yourself, and everything feels aligned, and then… you drift away, caught up in the noise of daily life. It’s something I’ve been reflecting on after a recent somatic therapy session that helped me reconnect with my inner self.


                                During the session, I visualized this beautiful garden with a lemon tree, which felt like home inside my heart. It was a powerful reminder that when we’re caught up in the world’s chaos, we can always come back to that place of peace within ourselves.


                                Here’s what I’ve learned:

                                • The Power of Stillness: Taking a moment to pause and reconnect with ourselves brings us back to center, even when life feels overwhelming.
                                • Navigating the Ego: When we’re not grounded, the ego takes over, and we start comparing ourselves to others or chasing things that don’t truly matter. But when we remember who we are, that inner voice gets quieter.
                                • Inner Child Work: I share how nurturing our inner child helps us get closer to our highest self. When we take care of those parts of us that feel small or scared, we step into our full potential.
                                • Key Takeaways:

                                  • Create Space for Stillness: Whether it’s through meditation, a walk in nature, or simply breathing deeply, find time to reconnect with yourself.
                                  • Nurture Your Inner Child: When we heal those younger parts of ourselves, we make room for more peace, creativity, and confidence.
                                  • Trust the Process: Life is a constant cycle of remembering and forgetting, and that’s okay. It’s about showing up, again and again, for yourself.
                                  • Let’s Connect:

                                    If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who might need some encouragement, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insights on living a purposeful life.

                                    ⁠Follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠
                                    Book a ⁠discovery call with me ⁠
                                    fernandabertrand.com

                                    30 min
                                  • 13. Using Self-Doubt as a Guide | Navigating the Push-Pull of Motivation

                                    Hey everyone!

                                    In this episode I talk about balancing the drive to conquer the world with those days when even hitting snooze feels like a major achievement.


                                    Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a pattern: my energy and motivation fluctuate, especially during the summer months. I’ve struggled to find a balance between working hard and allowing myself to relax. There were times when work consumed me entirely, making me miserable, and other times when I felt a void because work wasn’t a big part of my life.


                                    The big question I’m exploring now is how to find that sweet spot where I’m fully present and not lost in some future fantasy.


                                    Here’s what I’ve learned:

                                    The Power of Awareness: It’s all about noticing the stories we tell ourselves. When I stop treating my thoughts as reality and see them for what they are—like watching a movie without suspension of disbelief—I can focus on the present. This helps me recognize that many of my worries are about things that haven’t happened yet.


                                    Understanding Self-Doubt: I dive into why we experience self-doubt and where it comes from. The root of “doubt” comes from the Latin word "dubitare," meaning “to hesitate,” which reflects being caught between two options or decisions. I explore how this duality shows up in our lives—whether it’s conflicting desires or battling inner critics.


                                    Evolutionary Perspective: From an evolutionary standpoint, self-doubt might have helped our ancestors fit in and avoid danger. For us today, it’s more about personal growth and making thoughtful decisions. Self-doubt can be a guide, pushing us to reflect on where we need to grow next.


                                    Key Takeaways:

                                    • Embrace the Dualities: Recognize that it’s okay to have conflicting feelings and experiences. They’re part of the journey.
                                    • Focus on Growth: Use self-doubt as a tool for self-discovery and growth. Ask yourself what it’s trying to teach you.
                                    • Be Present: Strive to be fully engaged in the now, rather than getting lost in worries about the future.

                                    • Let’s Connect:

                                      If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need a bit of encouragement. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes.


                                      Until next time, stay true to yourself and keep evolving.

                                      ⁠Follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠

                                      Book a ⁠discovery call with me ⁠

                                      ⁠fernandabertrand.com ⁠

                                      20 min
                                    • 12. One Year Alcohol-Free | What This Last Year Taught Me and My Journey of Getting Here

                                      In this episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on a significant milestone—one year since I decided to stop drinking alcohol. From the outside, it might have seemed like a sudden choice, but the truth is, it was a long and challenging journey to get here.


                                      I share my story to offer a bit of light and hope for those who might be struggling with alcohol or feeling stuck. It’s not about alcohol being the sole path to self-discovery, but about the broader journey of becoming our true selves and rewriting our stories.


                                      In This Episode, We Explore:

                                      • My First Encounter with Alcohol
                                      • The Progression of My Relationship with Alcohol
                                      • A Turning Point
                                      • What Shifted for me
                                      • Key Takeaways:

                                        • Authenticity Over Inauthenticity: The importance of being honest with ourselves and others about our struggles, rather than hiding behind a facade.
                                        • Redefining Freedom: Understanding that true freedom and self-expression don’t need to come from substances but from within.
                                        • Rewriting Your Story: It’s never too late to change paths and become the person you want to be, regardless of your starting point.

                                        • Let’s Connect More:

                                          If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might find it helpful, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast to stay updated with each episode.

                                          Remember, you have the power to transform your life and step into your highest self, one choice at a time.

                                          Until next time, stay true to yourself and keep evolving.

                                          ⁠Follow me on Instagram ⁠

                                          ⁠Visit my website for more info about coaching

                                          36 min
                                        • 11. How to Live your Dream Life Today

                                          In this episode, I share some real, raw insights from my own journey—how I built a business that consumed me to the point where I had nothing left to give to my family. I was chasing success, thinking that one day I’d have the time and space to be truly present for my loved ones. But the reality is, if we don’t make time for what matters now, no amount of success or money will fill the void we leave in the hearts of those we love.

                                          We explore a powerful exercise together: What if a magic genie could grant you any wish? Most people would ask for more money, but if we dig deeper, what we really want is the feeling we believe money will bring—peace, worthiness, love, freedom. And the truth is, those feelings are available to us right now.

                                          I walk you through how I’ve started living my dream life today, even before reaching all my big goals. Whether it’s creating a beautiful space in the home you already have, bonding with your kids in ways that don’t cost a thing, or simply choosing peace over hustle—these are steps you can take right now to start embodying your highest self.

                                          Key Takeaways:

                                          1. Take Stock of Your Time: Start by examining how you spend your time each week. Highlight activities that bring you joy in green, neutral ones in yellow, and those you dislike in red. This can help you see where you can make adjustments, like outsourcing tasks that drain you, to create more space for what truly matters.

                                          2. Start Small: Remember, to achieve big dreams, you start with one small step. Whether it's reaching millions or just transforming one life—start today. What’s one thing you can do right now to get closer to your ultimate goals?

                                          3. Daily Reminders: Life can pull us away from our core desires. Set up reminders—like a vision board, bracelets with meaningful words, or an app like Triple Flame—to stay connected to who you truly are and the life you want to create.

                                          4. I’ll also guide you through a special visualization exercise that helps you imagine your perfect day using everything you already have. This isn't about waiting for the future—it's about realizing that your dream life is within reach right now.


                                            Let's Connect More:

                                            If this episode resonated with you, I invite you to take the first step today. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message, and let’s start a ripple effect of transformation, one person at a time. And if you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

                                            Remember, your happiness isn’t something you need to earn—it’s your birthright. Let’s start living our dream lives today, with everything we already have.

                                            Until next time, stay true to yourself, and keep shining.


                                            Follow me on instagram

                                            Visit my website for more info about coaching

                                            37 min
                                          5. 10. The Messy Middle | How I Got Through the Toughest Part of Change

                                            Hey everyone!

                                            In this episode, I'm opening up about the deep personal work I've done to build my business authentically and how it all started with healing myself first. I share my journey of self-discovery through different therapeutic modalities and the transformative power of journaling.


                                            This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered how to move past limiting beliefs, connect with their inner child, or visualize their highest self. I believe in sharing the real, unfiltered journey, so if you're curious about the inner work that goes into truly living your dreams, stick around!


                                            1. Walking the Talk:
                                            I dive into how my commitment to self-healing directly impacts the way I guide my clients. Every practice I share with others is something I've personally experienced and found valuable in my own journey.


                                            2. Finding the Right ‘Who’ for Your Journey:
                                            Inspired by the book “Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan, I talk about the importance of seeking out experts and mentors who can help you move your vision forward, rather than trying to do everything on your own.


                                            3. Deep Dive into Therapeutic Modalities:
                                            I discuss how psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and somatic therapy have each played a unique role in my healing process—from connecting with my inner child to trusting my body’s signals. I explain how these therapies have helped me uncover and transform deep-seated beliefs.


                                            4. The Power of Journaling:
                                            Journaling has been a cornerstone of my self-discovery. I share the different categories of journaling I use, like Higher Self Dialogue and Inner Child Dialogue, and how these practices have helped me reframe limiting beliefs and manifest my dream life.


                                            5. Visualization and Manifestation:
                                            I reflect on how a detailed visualization exercise I did in 2017 has led to many of my dreams becoming reality today, including my marriage, business success, and personal growth. I emphasize the importance of writing down your visions as a tool for manifestation.


                                            6. Embracing Your Unique Path to Healing:
                                            Whether it's through professional help or guidance from a trusted mentor, I believe the universe connects us with the right people at the right time. I encourage you to be open to this process and choose the healing practices that resonate most with you.


                                            Book resources:

                                            The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

                                            Who Not How by Dan Sullivan


                                            If you've made it this far, thank you for listening! I'd love to connect with you and hear your thoughts. How do you connect with your highest self? Let’s keep the conversation going!


                                            You can find me on Instagram @Fernanda.Bertrand, on YouTube at The Highest Self Project, or visit my website fernandabertrand.com.

                                            36 min

                                          About The Highest Self Project

                                          From the publisher's feed

                                          In this episode, I get real about how perfectionism almost stopped me from sharing my message with the world. We all know that voice in our heads telling us to wait until everything is perfect, but…