#132: From Roadblocks to Runways: Using Life’s Challenges as a Launchpad

In this solo episode, I’m getting personal—reflecting on lessons from my dad’s sermons, moments of stuckness, and the kind of wisdom that shows up when life hands you both roadblocks and revelations.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to push forward or pull back, this one's for you. I talk about how to tune into what you truly need—whether it’s a little tough love or a softer landing—and how to use your life’s challenges as fuel instead of friction.

Every obstacle you’ve faced has paved a path beneath you. This episode is your invitation to see your story as a runway, not a reason to stop. You’re more ready than you think.

✨ Your Takeaways:

• Learn when to push and when to pause
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• Reframe your past as a launchpad, not a limitation
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• Harness your inner strength with more grace and less grind
• 
  

Quote to Remember:

“Use your life as a runway. You’ve paved it with passion, heartbreak, and devotion—now it’s time to take flight.”

🎧 Tune in now on The Robyn Ivy Podcast

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Coach, artist,podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth. 

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998. 

Connect with Robyn Ivy here:

https://robynivy.com      https://www.instagram.com/robynivy

This week we are going one step deeper into exploring confidence and why it's such an essential component of personal growth and happiness.

Throughout the episode, I reflect on my personal experiences with confidence, both as a skill nurtured in my upbringing and as an evolving practice in my adult life. I candidly share how confidence allows for better decision-making and offer insights from my journal. 

Imagine what a boost of confidence could change in your life right now? I encourage you to join my upcoming workshop, "Calm, Confident, and Unstoppable," on Thurs March 27th at Noon est. I will be teaching how to trust yourself more deeply and shut down the overthinking.

Learn how true confidence not only enhances your own life but also contributes positively to the world. I invite you to examine your own confidence levels and consider what it means to you. 

Whether it's taking bold actions or practicing restraint, I suggest that confidence can be the key to living a life that's truly aligned with who you are.

3 Main Takeaways for the Listener:

1. Confidence as an Attractive Force: Confidence is more than swagger or bravado; it's a presence and energy that fosters trust and ease in decision-making. It empowers you to own your choices and face challenges with resilience.
2. The Dual Nature of Confidence: True confidence can manifest as bold action or as quiet restraint. It's not just about taking risks but also about knowing when to hold back and protect your peace.
3. Confidence and Personal Growth: By examining and reshaping our stories, we can uncover new possibilities and increase our confidence. This, in turn, enhances our contribution to the world and strengthens our ability to set boundaries and maintain personal sovereignty.

You’re ready to dive deeper, so join me for the FREE workshop "Calm, Confident, and Unstoppable" this Thursday at noon EST. Let’s kick overthinking to the curb together! Register at RobynIvy.com/confident.

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Coach, artist,podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth. 

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998. 

Connect with Robyn Ivy here:

https://robynivy.com      https://www.instagram.com/robynivy

In this heartfelt episode, we're diving into the topic of owning our gifts and embracing the wholeness of who we are. 

If you've ever found yourself downplaying your talents or focusing more on what you need to improve rather than celebrating your strengths, this episode is for you.

If you hear yourself saying a whole lot more of “I am working on or I am trying to” instead of “I am doing x or creating x so that I have, become, brought into life y result (internal win patience or external win new house) 

Try it with one of your own stories of not doing.

Fill in your favorite action verb + a specific outcome.  For example “I am trying to figure out how I can get paid to write” vs “I am drafting 3 pitches to sell a 250 word essay for $250 to these named online media outlets”.

Through sharing anecdotes from personal coaching experiences and a recent women’s group gathering, I explore how crucial it is to acknowledge the balance between our light and shadow sides. Together, we ponder why it often feels safer to play small and how empowering it can be to unapologetically own our strengths.

Main Takeaways:

1. Embrace Your Whole Self: True growth comes from honoring both your strengths and the areas where you’re still evolving. You were born whole—light and shadow together—and when you acknowledge and accept both, you step into your fullest, most authentic power.
2. Own Your Gifts, Celebrate Your Strengths: Too often, we downplay what makes us extraordinary. This episode challenges you to fully acknowledge your talents and contributions, embracing them as essential parts of who you are. When you truly see your brilliance, you transform not just your self-perception, but your impact on the world.
3. Shift Focus for Growth: By consciously directing our attention toward progress and potential rather than shortcomings, we elevate our sense of worth and open doors to new possibilities.

Thank you for listening to this episode! We appreciate you being part of our journey in exploring the world of creativity and transformation. Sign up now for my FREE Training “Calm, Confident & Unstoppable: How to Trust Yourself & Step Boldly Into What’s Next.

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Coach, artist,podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth. 

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998. 

Connect with Robyn Ivy here:

https://robynivy.com      https://www.instagram.com/robynivy

Join me this week for an incredible conversation with the talented Julie Schumer, a seasoned abstract artist with a vibrant and inspiring journey. 

We dive into the world of the unseen, discuss abstract art and discover how Julie transitioned from a structured career in law to the dynamic and unpredictable realm of creative expression. 

Through relatable stories and heartfelt insights, you'll learn about the power of embracing the unknown and how art can be a transformative tool for personal growth.

Julie shares her personal path to becoming a successful artist, emphasizing the importance of intuition and the liberation found in artistic freedom. 

Together, we share about overcoming fear, taking bold steps, and the courage it takes to jump into the unknown—whether it’s in art or in life itself. Whether you’re an artist, a creative thinker, or someone seeking inspiration, this conversation is sure to enlighten and motivate you.

Main Takeaways:

1. Embrace the Unknown: Julie highlights the importance of stepping into the unknown as a vital part of both artistic expression and personal growth. It's about taking risks and trusting the unfolding process.
2. Intuition is Key: Allowing intuition to guide your creative and life choices can lead to authentic and meaningful experiences. Julie emphasizes how intuition plays a crucial role in her abstract art and decision-making.
3. It's Never Too Late to Begin: Discover the empowering message that it's never too late to start anew. Julie's life is a testament to the idea that bold moves and new beginnings can happen at any stage.

Thank you for listening to this episode! We appreciate you being part of our journey in exploring the world of creativity and transformation. Consider subscribing for more enlightening conversations and insights.

MORE ABOUT JULIE SCHUMER

Julie Schumer was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.  As a very young girl she covered herself in Kelly green paint one day, luxuriating in the sensuous feel of paint, thus beginning her infatuation with painting.  At age 5 she adopted an abstract expressionist style, continuing in this vein through high school. 

Julie ultimately became a criminal defense lawyer, returning to her art practice in her mid-forties.  She relocated to Santa Fe, NM from the Northern California area in 2002 where she has dedicated herself to her painting process. She began her painting career with very colorful and energetic abstract work that has over time evolved into work that is more introspective and contemplative. 

Over the past 20 years Julie has shown her work in various Santa Fe galleries as well as galleries and other venues across the nation. Her paintings are in numerous private collections as well as the public collection maintained by the Tucson airport and have been featured in numerous publications.

https://julieschumer.com/

Connect with Robyn Ivy

• Website:: https://robynivy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynivy/

Quick note, I just want to say thank you for listening to this episode. I know it means a lot to myself and my guests. 

If you enjoyed this episode, you will also like:

Episode #43: Mimi Sammis: The Art of Peace

Episode #55: Jerry Colonna: Leading with Kindness

Episode #79: Susannah Conway: Creating Joy

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Artist, coach, podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth. 

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998. robynivy.com

Welcome to episode 127 of the Robyn Ivy Podcast! This week I cover how scheduling your life around the things and people you truly care about can lead to more confidence, joy, and intentional living. 

I share my journey from being a planning rebel to a calendar enthusiast and offer insights into how you can turn your dreams into reality or at the very least make your life more meaningful- with the right scheduling tools. 

Whether you're filling your year with adventures, commitments, or micro-moments of joy, I guide you through the process of making your calendar your life's root system to be sure you stand strong and protect your peace, people and vision for what’s possible. 

Who knew scheduling could be an empowering reality check of what truly matters to you? Now you do.

Main Takeaways:

1. Discover the Power of a Calendar: Transform your calendar into a tool for reality-checking your life. It's not about filling obligations but rather protecting what matters most to you.
2. The Big Rocks Concept: Learn to prioritize 'big rocks' in your life first. These are significant projects or commitments that bring fulfillment and need space in your calendar before adding smaller tasks.
3. Build Lasting Memories and Adventure: Inspired by Jesse Itzler's methods, explore how building in micro-adventures every two months and focusing on making meaningful memories can enhance your life experience.

Thank you for listening to this episode! We appreciate you being part of our journey in exploring the world of creativity and transformation. Sign up now for my FREE Training “Calm, Confident & Unstoppable: How to Trust Yourself & Step Boldly Into What’s Next.

robynivy.com/confident

Also mentioned:

jesseitzler.com

https://www.productiveflourishing.shop/pages/momentum-planning

https://store.franklinplanner.com/

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Coach, artist,podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth. 

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998. 

Connect with Robyn Ivy here:

https://robynivy.com   https://www.instagram.com/robynivy

Are you ready to unlock the transformative potential of self-compassion and understand the vital role of nervous system regulation in personal thriving? 

In this episode, Victoria Albina, respected wellness expert, joins me for an insightful discussion that guides us through the intricate ecosystem of our bodies and minds. 

She sheds light on the impact of powerful societal blueprints, ancestral lineages, and trauma that may be hindering your personal growth and health.

Explore nervous system regulation and self-compassion with us as Victoria shares her wisdom and some trusted somatic practices, rooted in her own experiences that invite you to consider a profound shift in perspective.

From managing chronic health concerns to fostering self-love and resilience, this conversation is a journey into the power of holistic well-being. 

Learn practical and helpful advice to regulate your nervous system as you uncover the keys to understanding and nurturing your body’s natural responses for a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Victoria shares simple techniques for grounding and awareness, including breath work and tapping and she explains the differences between interoception, exteroception, and proprioception.

Here are three key takeaways from the episode:

1.Cultivating Personal Thriving: Unpack the unintentional ecosystem hindering personal thriving and the need for self-compassion in navigating life’s complexities.

2. Management of the Nervous System: Gain insights into the impact of societal expectations, food, and substances on our nervous system and explore somatic practices for regulation.

3. Self-Love and Somatic Wisdom: Discover practical techniques for fostering personal growth, well-being, and self-care through understanding and regulating our biological responses.

This episode is packed with insights and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, so buckle up and get ready to soak it all in!

Connect with Victoria Albina

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriaalbinawellness
• Web: https://victoriaalbina.com/
• Listen to “The Feminine Wellness Podcast” here

Quick note, I just want to say thank you for listening to this episode. I know it means a lot to myself and my guests. 

If you enjoyed this episode, you will also like:

Episode #28: Sandra Biskind: Shift Energy and Clear Unconscious Blocks to Unconditional Love

Episode #67: Danielle Laporte: How to Be Loving

Episode #79: Susannah Conway: Creating Joy

MORE ABOUT Maria-Victoria Albina

María-Victoria Albina (she/her) is a Master Certified Somatic Life Coach, UCSF-trained Family Nurse Practitioner and Breathwork Meditation Guide with a passion for helping humans socialized as women realize that they are their own best healers by reconnecting with their bodies and minds, so they can break free from codependency, perfectionism and people-pleasing and reclaim their joy.

She is the host of the Feminist Wellness Podcast, holds a Masters degree in Public Health from Boston University School of Public Health and a BA in Latin American Studies from Oberlin College. Victoria has been working in health & wellness for over 20 years and lives on occupied Munsee Lenape territory in New York’s Hudson Valley.

Discover how a thousand-piece puzzle can become an unexpected challenge and an enlightening experiment in understanding your personal growth, commitment, and the stories you tell yourself when faced with difficulties.

Explore the art of witnessing your own behavior, the power of embracing challenges, and the importance of modifying your approach rather than abandoning your goals. 

Get ready to learn how seemingly mundane activities can reveal deep insights into your approach to life's challenges, fostering creativity, resourcefulness, and a sense of wholeness. 

Whether you're tackling a literal puzzle or the metaphorical puzzles of life, this episode will inspire you to stay curious and embrace the process of becoming.

Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:

1. Witness Yourself: Learn to become a witness to your actions and emotions, especially when faced with challenges. Observing how you respond can reveal valuable insights into your habits and thought processes.
2. Commit and Modify: It’s important to make time commitments to your goals, but remember, you can modify your approach along the way rather than abandoning ship. What truly matters is staying engaged.
3. Cultivate Resilience: By understanding and refining your own approach to problem-solving and challenge, you can cultivate resilience and become more equipped to handle life's ups and downs.

Thank you for tuning in! I hope this episode inspires you to embrace and explore your own challenges with a fresh perspective. If you enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with a friend who might need a little push to tackle their own life puzzles. Much love, much light, and happy problem-solving!

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Artist, coach, podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth. 

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998. 

Connect with Robyn Ivy here:

https://robynivy.com      https://www.instagram.com/robynivy

Imagine starting each day with gratitude, thanking God, Creator, Universe for its blessings, and walking through your day with your spiritual intuition as your compass.

"Intuition," Grandmother Esperanza explained, "is like a spiritual whisper guiding us toward our truth." This simple yet powerful teaching resonates deeply with my belief that trusting our inner voices can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.

Today I am sharing a conversation I recently had with my own spiritual teacher, 90 year old Grandmother Esperanza, a wise, Indigenous elder and healer who has profoundly impacted my life.

We were on a private Zoom call- just between us- but it was getting so juicy that I decided to record it for you too.

See, I am about to teach a new Intuition course called Awakening Your Inner Compass and wanted to run some ideas by her when the following conversation ensued. 

We spoke about the beauty and significance of intuition as a guiding force in our lives.

 Here are three important takeaways for you:

• Power of Intuition: Discover how tuning into your intuition can guide your journey and how faith and love play pivotal roles in spiritual understanding.
• Spreading Love and Positivity: Esperanza highlights the power of blessing others and how this practice can profoundly impact our own well-being, paving the way for a life filled with love and light.
• A Spirit of Hope: Explore Esperanza’s plans to shine her light of healing and hope in Germany this coming June, inviting you to have faith and to participate in this journey of spiritual enrichment.

Check out my new 6 Week Course >>> Intuition 101: Awaken Your Inner Compass

Connect with Grandmother Esperanza

• Website:: https://restoringhopenow.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, you will also like:

Episode #92: Robyn Ivy: Part 1 of My Miami Road Trip

Episode #93: Robyn Ivy:Part 2 of My Miami Road Trip

Episode #95:Robyn Ivy:Wisdom From Our Elders

Episode #96: Grandmother Flordemayo:Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living

MORE ABOUT ESPERANZA

Grandmother Esperanza is a revered spiritual healer and elder, deeply connected to the divine and rooted in the indigenous wisdom of Central America. Born into a lineage of Mayan healers in the highlands of Nicaragua, she has dedicated her life to guiding others through spiritual healing, using her gifts as an intuitive, dream interpreter, and “limpia” master to restore balance and clarity.

Esperanza’s talents extend beyond healing; she is also a master artisan who has been sewing since she was three, crafting every piece of clothing for her sister, Grandmother Flordemayo, a world-renowned Curandera Espiritu. Together, the sisters share a rare ability to perceive and heal imbalances in a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual energy.

With the love, kindness, and strength of a true Latina Abuelita, Grandmother Esperanza offers teachings that resonate deeply with those seeking spiritual growth and healing. Her retreats provide a nurturing environment for profound transformation, where participants can reconnect with their true selves and experience lasting renewal.

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Welcome to the latest episode of The Robyn Ivy Podcast!

Today, I'm inviting you to explore how to become the grounding rod in your life—embracing stability, resilience, and flexibility to meet life where it is. 

As you navigate through swirling thoughts and tilted circumstances, I'm sharing insights on how you can transition from chaos to groundedness in our modern world.

This episode delves into a myriad of topics, including creativity, spirituality, mental health, and the significance of community and connection.

I'm also introducing you to upcoming opportunities for gathering, such as the "Fellowship of Women" events and the "Emerge" program starting in March. 

Join me as I encourage you to embrace your inner strengths, explore your intuition, and cultivate joy in your everyday life. 

Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:

1. Embrace Flexibility and Resilience: Robyn emphasizes the importance of becoming a grounding rod in your life—a source of stability and resilience while being flexible enough to meet life where it is.
2. Connect with Nature and Creativity: Discover how connecting with nature and engaging in creative activities can ground you and open you up to new possibilities, enhancing your overall well-being.
3. Finding Balance Amidst Overwhelm: Robyn offers insights into navigating the swirl of emotions and overwhelming thoughts, providing practical ways to find peace and balance in everyday life.

Listening to this episode could be the first step in a transformative journey. Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss these ideas further or explore how coaching can support you in achieving your goals.

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Artist, coach, podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth. 

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998. 

Connect with Robyn Ivy here:

https://robynivy.com      https://www.instagram.com/robynivy