Welcome to Finding the Floor! In this episode you will get to know a little bit about Camille and why she decided to start doing this podcast. Plus she will share a little bit on what to expect with life as a midlife mom. So glad to have you here!
Clean up 90% of your room in 10% of the time. In this episode, Camille describes this cleaning principle thought up by her husband as well as the box of wonders of other cleaning methods used to get company ready. It's amazing how many other things the 90/10 can be used in real life. Steven Covey and other have used this principle too.
You have 5 children? Oh no, I have 5 children and coming to work is a break for me. As a mom it can be hard to slow down and rest when you get sick. Years ago when Camille's kids were a lot smaller, she shares a story of how she got really sick and the story of her visit to one of the nicest Doctors.
Wait, what?!?! You won the science fair? In this episode, Camille share her stories of getting through the struggle of picking a project, keeping your kid motivated and then getting it all done and to school on time. She would much rather do without all this but hey if you need a project idea there is a few here that just might work.
While listening to the Book Matilda by Roald Dahl with her kids Camille realized she hadn't read any of those books that Matilda read before she even started going to school albeit fiction. Reading David Copperfield was a distant high school memory and staying awake to read A Tale a Two Cities was almost impossible at the end of a busy day. She decided to listen to some of the books on Matilda'st list. In this episode, Camille shares how she went about her "Matilda Project", what she learned and her 3 favorite Charles Dickens books.
Mary rowed across the Mississippi in November with a baby! On a Sunday a few years ago, Camille stumble across this story of Mary Young and her courageous life. In this episode, Camille shares a little bit of the life of this extraordinary women from the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One particular part of Mary's story helped her gain a new perspective as to how to serve and be supportive to her husband as he serves as the Stake President.
"I believe we can change the world but first we have got to stop living in fear of being judged for who we are." Rachel Hollis - Girl Stop Apologizing.
In the episode Camille shares how this book helped her drop her excuses and start doing. From small projects and goals to big dreams, Camille shares her 3 big excuses that held her back and also her favorite strategies offered by Rachel Hollis to get dreaming again and turning her dreams into actionable goals. If you have felt stuck this podcast will help you see how this book can motivate you beyond all the excuses and help you make your dreams into a reality.
Happy Mother’s day! Camille’s mother attended church all by herself when she was young. In this episode, Camille shares a little bit of her mom’s history and willingness to stand strong in her faith despite obstacles in her way.
“Social Media should be fun!” Camille and her daughter Izzy have a conversation about social media, the good, the bad and the ugly or should we say the too perfect. In this episode, Izzy shares her 3 favorite social media apps, Instagram, Snap Chat and Tik Toc. She shares what she likes and dislikes about each app and also gives a few tips she has learned as she has navigated social media as a teenager.
Have you ever thought about how birds were faring during a severe rainstorm? In this episode Camille shares her stories of birds, and how she really doesn’t like them keeping her from getting sleep. She also shares two stories of how her family had a little too close encounter with trying to save the birds that she hates. Nature loving or not, join Camille as she shares her stories of learning from the birds.
I can’t get my stuff out of your garage, if I get that stuff, then I have to find a place for it and I have no where to put it right now, you know, trickle down messonomics. In this episode Camille shares this new term coined by her friend Kris Ford, former rapper turned contractor. Kris has helped with a handful of projects: her den, her deck and her kitchen. She talks with Kris about construction, changing your space and the challenges that go along with it. Come listen and help Camille make trickle-down messonomics, a new household word.
“Go home and love your family” - Mother Theresa. In this episode Camille shares how her family has been talking about the death of George Floyd, the protests, and the riots this week. She loves the above quote from Mother Theresa which was an answer to the question of how to achieve world peace after she won the Nobel Peace Prize. Camille shares how she has gone from feeling overwhelmed by it all to coming to remember it begins by building relationships and turning to Jesus Christ to change our hearts.
“You can honor someone without putting them on a pedestal. You can honor them without it meaning that they were perfect or an endorsement of everything they did. You can just celebrate them.” In honor of father’s day, Camille shares in this episode some memories of 4 men who have made a difference in her family’s lives. A few recollections by children, aunts and uncles of each of these men and calls it a short preview of their lives. 2 grandfathers, Henry and Neal and two fathers, Leo and Roger.
“Oh no! It’s the Grim!” In this episode Camille shares the story of a dog named Rusty who they were watching for only 10 days. She shares two specific walks around their block that ended up being a little bit scary and dramatic and yet funny at the same time.
“My parents helped me understand that I have been given a gift and I had a responsibility to develop that gift.” Camille had the great pleasure of talking with American’s Violinists’s Jenny Oaks Baker. In this episode Camille catches up with Jenny, a friend from highschool, and learns more of her journey to become a premier concert violinist. They talk about Jenny’s work ethic, her time at the National Symphony and her decision to leave that position to be home more with her children. She shares how that decision became a true blessing as she has been helping them grow in their talent and is able to play with her children now as Jenny Oaks Baker and Family Four. She talks about her faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and staying true to her beliefs and developing her gift that she feels has been given to her by God. Camille is so grateful Jenny had the time to share a little piece of her life with her and hopes you enjoy learning more of Jenny's journey.
“Don’t over think the drive. Just get on the road and you might be surprised at how much fun you can have.” In this episode, Camille shares some tips for getting your family on the Road this summer. From pre planning your route and amount of travel time each day, packing for the day, to audio books and the co co pilot. Hopefully you are already planning on getting on the road this summer or any time and if not, Camille challenges you to take a drive, big or small, and go on an adventure.
Our most favorite audiobook is Harry Potter, the whole series. Are you looking for some audiobook ideas for your trip? In this follow up episode to the road trip tips, Camille shares her family's favorite audiobooks they have enjoyed in the car over the years. She begins with her children’s #1 favorite Harry Potter, then followed by other favorites such as the Penderwicks, The Kane Chronicles, the BFG, and Winnie the Pooh. Listen and you will get a a fun list of books that has entertained Camille's kids while on the road.
“God revealed it to them, and they understood it, and no power on earth could turn them from what they knew to be that truth.” In this episode, Camille had the great pleasure of having guest, Karl Rick Anderson share some stories. Karl also known as “Mr. Kirtland” is an expert in history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1830 - 1837. Camille asked Karl to share 2 accounts of pioneer women who came from Kirtland and made their way to the Salt Lake Valley. First account is of Amanda Barnes Smith experience at Hans Mill and the miraculous healing of her son’s hip. The second is of Mary Fielding Smith and the story of her trek from winter quarters to the Salt Lake Valley. Be inspired by these stories of faith and perseverance in times of trial and Happy Pioneer Day!
“Teach your family that human value is the same all the time.” Camille has been grateful for a little bit of respite due to COVID-19 from playing sports and dealing with losing with her kids. In this episode, Camille talks about being a loser and having conversations about losing with your kids. She gives some tips on helping your kids understand where their value comes from which can help bring a healthy perspective when playing a sports. Since practicing for some sports are up and running again and as Camille reenters the world of sports with her kids she hopes this new perspective will be helpful whether kids are on a winning or losing team. Come listen as she shares stories of years of being on losing teams with her kids and the lessons they have learned.
“Those who do not know how to fight worry, die young.” Alexis Carol. In this 2nd book review, Camille shares a few things she has learned from the book by Dale Carnegie, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. Written over 70 years ago this book still is totally relevant for us today as it was then. This book shares practical advice about banishing worry and as the book preface states, “kicks you in the shins so you will do something about it.” Come and listen as Camille shares her own stories of worry and ways she has tried to use the many strategies from this book.
“Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God.” Camille has been feeling in the blahs lately with all of the things going on with COVID-19. A favorite book she read reminded her of a way to get out of the blahs: showing and practicing gratitude. During her research she finds that there are a ton of benefits to our mind and our body as we learn to appreciate our life and overcome our negative bias. Camille tells of different ways to start a gratitude practice, such as gratitude journals and gratitude jars. She also found some fun games you can play as a family to help them see the good things in their life. Hopefully this episode will help many of you as we learn to live with all the “new normals” of life during COVID-19 or anything else life may throw your way.
“Can I just fast forward to the part where I am fluent in Spanish?” Camille's daughter shared this quote which inspired this episode. When things are feeling hard it is all too easy to want to get through the hard stuff and move on. In this episode, Camille shares some ways that we can strive to find joy in our lives despite it being a stinky or not so great part. She shares some ideas such as celebrating success, reflecting how far you have some, appreciating others in your life and more to find joy as we journey through this new reality of COVID-19. So come down this road, listen up and celebrate each new step along the journey.
“Our cat learned a pretty great trick, he could open our back door!” Pets sure makes life interesting. In this episode Camille shares some stories about her funny and smart cat named Emmo. At the beginning of the episode she looks back to where she was the morning of Sept. 11 2001. Keeping a little more light she shares the first part of a two part series in her life so far with pets. As a kid, Camille thought for sure she would have a dog but as she began to have kids she did not like the idea of taking care of one more thing. Seven years into her marriage she is convinced to get a cat and their adventures with Emmo began. Come and listen to the first part of Pet Stories, this one about Emmo the Cat.
“Maybe it would be good for my girls to have a dog?” After 19 years of married life Camille was finally willing to get a dog. What took her that long? In this episode she shares her thought process and then literal journey as they looked at a few dogs to find one that worked for her family. It took her a willingness to be brave, let go of her fears and admit that maybe she could be wrong and a dog might be good for her kids and family. Learn what surprised her most of all. So come listen to this journey, part two of the pet stories and Beanie the dog.
“When I married him, I didn’t expect much, so I was never disappointed.” When Camille read this quote from Dantzel Nelson she just could not understand how this could even be. How can you not have expectations? It took her awhile to realize that letting go of expectations can truly help with your happiness. In this episode she shares her experience first reading this quote and then trying to grapple with the idea slowly. She tells a few ideas, such as the invitation and the manual to help get a better understanding of how expectations affect how we see and treat others. Come listen as Camille tells us how she has found ways to let go of her expectations.
“What makes something cool?” We need things but why is it we start to give things meaning. Why is it in middle school having the right pair of jeans or in elementary having the most awesome Michael Jackson folder. In episode 25, Camille explores the idea of what makes something you buy cool. Why are we attracted to buy certain things or feel like we need certain things? When her children were younger Camille loved looking at the Pottery Barn catalog, however when she had some money to purchase the items she had been admiring she found she had an unexpected feeling. She also shares a few other stories of purchases she made that surprised her in a different way. She discovered things like Robert Loewy and the MAYA effect as well as learning why things are cool. Join Camille as she explores the cool factor and the expectation of things.
“When you sit with a nice girl for two hours you think it’s only a minute, but when you sit on a hot stove for a minute you think it’s two hours. That’s relativity.” - Albert Einstein In this episode, Camille shares her thoughts about time. She has been reflecting on time as her son has just finished serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. How has two years gone by already? She talks about the reason it feels like time for us goes by fast or slow and shares some stories. Which brings her to Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, and the idea of our head clock and the earth clock. She also talks about perceptions and expectations of time and how that can affect us. Finally she mentions the idea of time scarcity vs time abundance. We all have the same amount of time and it can be viewed as a gift if we let it. Come spend some time with Camille and she shares her own thoughts about time.
“Expectation Hangovers is not about changing your reality, but about changing your reaction and responses to it so that true transformation occurs.” In the final series of Expectation Camille talks about how you can deal with what is called an Expectation Hangover. She shares info learned from the Book Expectation Hangover written by Christine Hassler. Hassler’s book has great ideas and tools to make sure you have a whole self recovery when confronted with some expectations gone awry. Emotional, mental, behavioral and spiritual recovery is the goal of this book and Camille relates a few of the ideas she thinks helpful as we learn to manage and deal with many of the unexpected realities in our lives.
“Are you sure you want to take the bus on your first day of school?” Camille shares in this episode how nervous she was to send her first child to school on a bus. She also shares how their family has been doing well in what the state of Ohio deemed a low performing or “failing school district.” She confesses a few of her assumptions and fears before she even sent her oldest to school. With wonderful teachers and administrators Camille shares some of her family’s experience in her school district and that maybe the rankings or ratings does not give the whole picture of what is happening in the schools.
“I am not telling you what you need to have on your belief window I am just telling you that you have one.” Camille has become a little obsessed with this idea of a belief window. In the episode she shares the reality model and that we all have beliefs on our belief window that drives our behaviors. From the a talk she heard by Hyrum W. Smith and then also from his book You Are What You Believe, Camille shares a little bit of both. Are the results in your life meeting your needs? If not, do we need to change a belief or principle on our belief window? Listen and hopefully you can become excited about this idea too.
“Ultimately, the goal here is to have inner peace.” In the part 2 of the belief window, Camille shares how to apply the ideas from the Reality Model and learn to find the incorrect principles that are on your belief window. Camille shares a surprising thought that helped her with one pain point in her life. And she goes through her path to finding a new belief (or actually a few) on her belief window.
“Receiving is actually harder to do than giving.” Camille shares in this episode how their kids have been not so gracious receivers, to put it nicely. She mentions a game she tried with her kids to help them practice being more grateful no matter what gift they got. After hearing a talk about being a good receiver she shares how she has really tried to examine how she receives and has been working on being a better gift receiver herself. As this giving season approaches Camille shares some advice on how to practice being a good receiver.
“That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, I’ll never forsake.” Camille had the opportunity to talk with Rebecca Vineyard who is a direct descendant of Amanda Barnes Smith (see also to episode 17) Rebecca shares what it was like having an ancestor who had such a miraculous story and how that story and the faith of Amanda helped her family and her own faith.
“What would it be like if we all allowed her to be grumpy?” That thought, spurred a search for ways for Camille to help her family develop a little more compassion for each other. As a first step, she shares a few ideas about the brain from a Jody Moore coaching family home evening lesson. The lesson talks about 3 main functions of the brain. Camille tells about teaching that to her kids and how that knowledge has helped her to have more compassion for her family.
”Your job is not to fix their problems that is Jesus'. Your job is to breath hope into the situation so that they can solve their own problems.” In a follow up to episode 33, Camille continues to find ways to show more compassion for her family and to help them do the same. Learning the 5th myths of helping others really helped Camille to rethink how she helps her children solve their problems. Finding perspective from the short video It’s not about the nail, and learning about the righting reflex Camille shares her ideas of learning to help others by providing a sense of hope and letting them solve their own problems. It really isn’t about the nail.
I was asked to be a guest on Carly Robison's podcast A Light in the Darkness to share some thoughts on gratitude during trials. As I reflected on this I realized how gratitude helped me see all the little miracles through my mom's illness. A light in the Darkness podcast is on your favorite podcasting app or available here. https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-axtia-f29808
Camille was asked to be a guest on A Light in the Darkness podcast just before Thanksgiving and this part is from that episode. In it Camille shares how she was able to see the blessings and find things to be grateful for during her mom's battle with cancer. The full episode can be found at https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-axtia-f29808 or search for A light in the Darkness podcast episode 24.
“LL my daughter would say, it's a life lesson.” This week I share some of my favorite things I have learned this year because of doing this podcast. From my favorite, most of helpful thing of keeping a gratitude journal to my most surprising thing of learning what makes things cool. A little look back on this past year's life lessons. Thank you new and returning listeners for tuning in!
“You can’t measure your worth by someone else’s results. That is powerless. What my kids ultimately choose is really out of my control.” What does it mean to be a good mom? It is a question many moms and parents ask all the time myself included. In this episode I share some thoughts and new revelations I have learned about how you even measure that idea. I also tell some stories of when I think I have been a good mom or bad mom depending on what my kids have done. Ultimately my message is that your worth as a mom should depend on what you do, not what your kids decide to do.
“Your grades absolutely don’t define you.” Reflecting back on my education, I talk this week about my grades and how one certain grade started to define me. The dreaded B+. I share stories of grades I remember and that have stuck with me even now some over 30+ years ago. I confess about failing algebra tests and not passing AP exams and still being able to be happy. But what about that B+, come listen and find out how I finally got over thinking it meant I was just not quite good enough.
“I miss my mom’s encouragement to do significant and impactful things.” Since my Mom’s birthday is coming up I am indulging a bit and sharing 10 things that I (as well as some of my family too) miss about my mom. Things like, going on walks or going shopping to having her come and clean my house. It is funny the things I miss and today I appreciate a lot of the things she did that I probably didn’t before. So bear with me today as I feel some feels and share some thoughts about my mom and a few things I miss about her now that it’s been 6 months since she passed away.
“Self-love is dynamic; it grows through actions that mature us.” For the rest of the month of February I am going to explore this idea of self love. In this episode I talk about developing more self - love and trust through keeping commitments we make to ourselves. I share some ideas on ways we can take small steps and really decide what we want, not what we think we should be doing. Finally at the end making sure we put our own twist on the commitment, goal or habit so we can really take ownership of what we want to accomplish. It's amazing how the little things can make all the difference.
“Your contest is not with him but with yourself.” In part two of the Self-love series I am going to talk about how to stop comparisons or even better how to let comparisons we make have less effect on us. I share why comparisons are not helpful for us and then suggest 5 things we can do to help us become more aware of this very natural tendency to compare ourselves to others.
"The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile universe." This is the 3rd part of my exploration and research into what it means to have self-love. I had a question about what it means to put positive energy out there and what I found was the Law of Attraction. This idea that our thoughts can give off and attract energy. This week I explore this law and how you can use it in a real sense in our lives.
“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities” Have you ever thought to rejoice in your weakness? In this episode we are going to explore this idea of making peace with our weaknesses or flaws. Ultimately they are there to help us to be humble and rely more about God. I have 6 different ways we can learn to be ok with our weaknesses and slowly work on them so that they don’t bother us so much.
“The less you are attached to compliments, the less you will also be attached to criticism.” The 5th of the self love series; that what other people think of me is none of my business. It is easier said than done, but in the podcast I share a few tips that I have learned and experienced to help as we learn to overcome this tendency to worry about what other people might be thinking about us.
“Remember the worth of your soul is great.” In this final episode in the self love series, I share some of my thoughts of all of the things I have learned and then tried to apply throughout this self love series. I share how my decluttering goal is going, my struggles with comparisons, my attempt at using the law of attraction, a pleasant surprise from one particular skill I thought was a weakness as a mother, and then applying the idea of what you think of me is none of my business. In the end this series has helped me not only begin to apply the thought that the worth of my soul is great but I also can see it more in others as well.
“Bear with us, while we think.” I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with keeping up with all the things I am learning and sharing. And there were some things I was forgetting to do. I felt like I needed a little more time to process and think. In the episode I share what I did to get through the overwhelm. Things like writing down my thoughts and making a plan helped me to get through and find more energy. Hopefully this episode can help you work through your overwhelm as well.
“Because of Him all men will be raised from the grave.” Happy Good Friday. Today I take some time to contemplate what Easter really means and how we truly don’t understand all the things that Jesus Christ has done for us. Spending a study abroad in Jerusalem 25 years ago, I share a few experiences that really have helped my belief and testimony of Jesus Christ. I hope you can take some time to think and ponder this special gift of this Easter Season.
“Habits, scientists say, emerge because the brain is constantly looking for ways to save effort.” In this episode I am doing another book review and recommendation on The Power of Habits, Why we do what we do in life and in business by Charles Duhigg. This book has so many fascinating stories and goes very in depth into habit creation and also how we can learn to change our habits. I share a few of the stories from this book as well as some of the tips on ways to change your own habits. It is a great book so come and listen as I share just a small part of the things I learned.
“I am a spiritual being having a human experience.” I am getting a bit philosophical as I explore this idea of we are not our bodies or our minds or our job, ect. I get into how we can learn to drop labels we give ourselves and see ourselves as the dynamic individuals that we are. I share how we are having a mortal experience but that we are so much more than all of it. I refer to some great articles and videos that helped me understand maybe a little bit more this idea of not being all of the many things that can easily define us. Come get philosophical with me and explore this topic.
“Our brain likes to make up stories, especially when we don’t have all the facts.” How many times have you thought that someone was mad at you or they didn't like you and it turned out not to be true? Stormy first drafts are stories our brains tell us that are not necessarily true, such as so and so does not like me. In this episode, I will explain a little more about this idea as I read about it in a few of Brené Brown’s books. I share a story that really helped me see how I can be wrong about something and then I share a little bit on what Brené Brown suggests we do when we notice our brains doing this.
“What we do is nothing but a drop in the ocean. But if we didn’t do it, the ocean would be one drop less.” Celebrate with me as I have now reached episode 50!!! As part of a celebration I share how this one principle of small, simple steps has helped me be able to bring this podcast to life. I share how I have been training for a half marathon with a simple training program that slowly gets my running minutes up along with my miles. In addition I share all the other things in my life that have improved or I have been able to slowly tackle with this idea of small steps. Come listen and celebrate along as I reflect on this great principle. And if you haven’t already, help me celebrate, will you please share this podcast with one other person or write a review on the app in which you listen? I appreciate all of you who are listening!!
“Our moms and our children usually teach us alot things we need to learn and grow in this life.”
As we get to celebrate Mom’s this week I am going to share 10 things I have learned from my kids over the years. Things like learning to love re-reading books to seeing life more abundantly when my girls put on a lemonade stand. As you reflect on lessons learned from your mom or being a mom this weekend take a moment to think of a few things you have learned from your kids over the years.
“Stress is what happens when demands exceeds capacity.” To say that this has been a stressful year is an understatement and in this episode I am taking a look at stress and if we can make it our friend. I found some great information, that it is not necessarily the stress itself but whether we believe that stress is good or bad. I share the idea of a stress mindset which can really help us as we react to our daily stresses or the bigger challenges in life. The best part of all this, is that I learned that our bodies are totally designed to deal with stress. Come and listen to find out if stress really can be your friend.
”This one I will never forget because I was the epic rescuer here.” Two stories this week from early on in my family’s life where I made a rescue. One I share from an experience at the zoo and the other which took place in the parking lot of our city Library. So one may not be a total fail but the other one I considered one of my favorite moments as a mom.
“I have learned to have so much empathy for students (and their parents) who struggle academically or behaviorally.” This week I will share a few stories about my son Simeon and his struggle in 3rd grade. Simeon has never really liked school. Having my child suspended during that year is not something I expected. I share a few things that I learned from going through that year with him. So if this year has been a struggle, come and listen and be reassured that in the end it will all be ok.
“Since being married and having kids that summer has become even more meaningful and rejuvenating for me.” I love summer and in this episode I share the reasons why. I love going to the pool with my kids which is one of the reasons I love summer so much. I also share how this going to the pool helped revitalize me after a very long winter after having my second child. It is a love of long relaxed days, the water, the sun, and having time with family and friends. Come and listen and celebrate summer with me.
“Things are way more dramatic in your head than in real life.” I made it and survived the Beast! The Spartan Race! So excited to be done and to share some of the lessons I learned from this race. The 4 things I share in this episode are 1) Do something big even if it freaks you out, 2) Things are way more dramatic in our heads 3) preparation builds confidence and 4) Your mindset and attitude make all the difference. Come celebrate this accomplishment with me while I share a few lessons learned along the way.
"Want to hear a potassium joke? K." I grew up with a Dad who loved to tell “dad jokes.” In this episode I talk about Dad jokes and how humor really has so many benefits. Humor can help us be more creative, have better health and improve connections with others. I share all of this and some of the dad jokes that both my dad and my husband love to tell. Plus I learned that there is a whole science about the benefits of humor, called gelotology. If you want a little reset, listen up and learn all about how humor really can benefit your life.
“We as a nation obsessed with talent” In the episode I talk about the book I recently listened to titled Grit the power of passion and perseverance by Angela Duckworth. A few things I share about this book that I enjoyed is understanding talent and effort. I really loved this idea of deliberate practice and a growth mindset. The other thing I love is this idea that we can grow our grit. Come get a little taste of this book and then add it to your summer or really anytime reading list.
“The basic aim of organization is to know where things are and to be able to retrieve these things with minimal to no fuss. “ My kids are back to school and I wanted to get more organized, hoping this is the year the kids actually hang up their backpacks. The only problem is I don’t like traditional approaches to organization. Thanks to a little HGTV bingeing I found the show Hot Mess House and some new philosophies. The Clutterbug and the PixiesDidIt who share that organization are definitely not one size fits all. It is all about your personality and organizing that fits your lifestyle. Well I can definitely try this. If you have struggled with organization and want to start fresh with this school year listen up and while I share a few things I have learned to tackle this school year.
“Applaud the effort even if it fails in the end.” Fall sports and games are full swing. In this episode I am sharing 8 tips that can help us as parents be good sportsmen and offer great support and help for our children who are on the field. Beginning with tips like applauding effort no matter the outcome to remember that kids are just kids and they are learning on the field. So if you have found yourself, like me, sometimes not behaving or getting too intense in a game. Take a step back and listen to the ideas to help get you through the season with your kids while supporting them in the stands.
“Is my child going to miss out if I let them give up on soccer or piano?” These are questions we as parents face sometimes when dealing with helping our kids grow and develop. It is an interesting balance of when to push them to do something or when they are the driving force. So in this episode I explain and define push and pull motivation and then share some of my experiences with my kids and the factors that can make it harder or easier to help your kids.
“Praise the process and embrace challenges.” I am excited to share what I learned from the book The Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck in this episode. I learned so many things about changing your mindset. From fixed, this idea that your intelligence or personality or really anything is fixed to growth where with practice, proper methods, feedback, and persistence and guidance you can grow your intelligence or personality or in other ways. It was eye opening to me to see how I need to be aware of how I praise my children so that I can help them develop their own sense of a growth mindset as well. So listen and grow with me as we learn together how to develop a growth mindset.
“I see you.” After watching the show The Chosen I was struck with a poignant scene between Eden and Jesus. I share my thoughts on how Christ will ease burdens and tell of some times throughout my life where He has tried to make things just a little bit easier. It is a more spiritual episode and hopefully it inspires you to look and see ways that your burdens have been made light.
“Unhealthy guilt is disproportionate, misplaced and irrational.” In this episode I am going to talk about the feeling I have been having lately which is unhealthy guilt. This bad feeling we can have when we haven’t done anything wrong or broken our standards but are feeling bad. Most times this feeling is misplaced. Some similar feelings like mom guilt and for me it has been a feeling like I need to do more, but do I? So bear with me as I try to explain my thoughts and some solutions on ways to help overcome this easy tendency.
“Transition is slow and involves an emotional adjustment, which is internal, invisible, and intangible.” Change can happen very fast and can be expected or unexpected but we then have to go through a time of transition which is the difficult emotional part as we get used to a new normal after the change. This week I share my thoughts of going through transitions and it is helping me to understand what this uncomfortable feeling I have been dealing with lately. I share a lot of tips to help you through whatever transition you are going through that I found through a few different sources. There are a lot of them so pick a few that might help you as you navigate through change.
“Skills? What skills can I put on my resume?” This is the question I had a few years ago when getting back into the workforce. I am grateful to my husband who helped me see a lot of the skills I have developed while taking time to be home with them. And put in the right context and wording these skills can be transferred to your resume as well. For this episode I share 7 skills that I know I have been developing and I am sure you have too, from raising kids and managing your home and family. Come listen and see how many more skills you can add to your resume you didn’t know you already had.
“Always have something to do when your guests arrive at the party.” It was fun going down memory lane and remembering some of my favorite birthday parties that I have thrown over the years for my kids. I really do love a good party! In this episode I share 5 different birthday parties, the Princess mother-daughter party, the Pokemon party, the Quidditch Party, the Wild Kratt party and the Harry Potter party (which is different from the quidditch party. Can you tell we love Harry Potter at our house?) I also share a few tips that I learned from the Alison Show to think about when you are planning a party. Come down memory lane with me as I reminisce about my favorite birthday parties.
“How can I drink water without ice?” After having my ice maker go out for a few weeks it really made me think about how much I love ice and really I do. I decided to then focus an episode on 6 of my favorite things I can’t live without. I mean I can live without them but I would rather not. Ice is number one on that list. Do you have 6 things that you can’t live without? To find out the other 5 on my list, listen up and maybe we have one in common.
“Instead of worrying about being impressive, what are ways I can make a connection?” The Serendipity Mindset challenges us to learn to create our own good luck. In his book, Christian Busch talks about a lot of different ways that we can harness and learn to see good luck or serendipity in unexpected situations. In today’s episode I share a few of the things from this book along with some stories of my own serendipity and some missed serendipitous opportunities as well. If you are looking for a little more luck in your life, come and listen and find out what The Serendipity Mindset is about.
“Are you willing to be uncomfortable and still do what you need to do?” I was all pumped up from last week's episode on the Serendipity Mindset to be better at reaching out, being open and making connections. However I noticed that at my first opportunity (a ward trunk or treat activity) I did the same thing I always did. So I thought well maybe I just need some prompts and some practice. But then after listening to a coaching call I also realized that I need to be ok feeling the discomfort and awkwardness of talking to people I don’t know very well and that is not really going to go away. I need to instead be willing to be uncomfortable and do what I want to do anyway, like getting to know more people. So that is what this week’s episode is all about. I also share a few conversation starting tips to also give you a few tools to practice and help you start making more connections.
“Make the world a bit more human in the process.” After last week I have thought a lot about starting conversations and that led me to explore the power of introductions. Introductions are helpful both in writing and when meeting someone new and I share how they both can relate. I also share how being willing to take the time to make introductions can really help everyone feel a little more at ease and comfortable, something I realized I needed to work on in my Gospel Doctrine class. So this episode is really more of a help for me seeing the purpose of an introduction and then a few things to think about whether you are introducing yourself or two friends.
“Much of our time and energy is spent pursuing things we currently don’t have. Gratitude reverses our priorities to help us appreciate the people and things we do” I have been keeping a gratitude journal now for almost 18 months. So I decided to look back on all the benefits that experts have said come out of practicing gratitude and see if I had seen them in my life over the past 18 months. I go through many of the promises and share how it has helped me and I also share my favorite thing about keeping a gratitude journal. So as we are entering this holiday season and with Thanksgiving coming up next week I wanted to reflect on and share with you my results.
“Parents remain part of our identities for life.” This year has been a big foundation change after the passing of my mother. And now there is one more thing that has been added on to that, a remarriage. So in this episode I share a bit why this change can be such a foundation shift for all of us whether we are kids or adults. Then I share how learning and really understanding that we are a child of God can help us recover and lead us to a lasting foundation despite a change in our parents' relational status through death, divorce or remarriage.
“Teach them to look for Christ's return as they look for mine each year.” In this episode I share about 12 different symbols of Christmas. Did you know the meaning behind the bow on top of a Christmas present? I share about the symbols of red, green, the Christmas tree, Candy Cane, Gifts, Santa Clause and a few more. It is easy to get frustrated by the commercialization and busy-ness of Christmas. However as I learned more and more about all the symbols of Christmas I am grateful for these reminders that are all around me throughout the season.
“Doesn’t matter how small the improvement.” This week I am sharing a bit about the British cycling team and the story of their rise to greatness after 76 years of not doing much. It is with that context that I thought it would be helpful to go into the new year as we think about any new year's resolutions. So I share the ideas that helped the British team rise to excellence, this idea of 1 percent improvement, aggregate of marginal gains or small improvement each day. I also share the story of Namaan, from the Old Testament, who was asked to do a very small thing that then healed him. It is amazing how sometimes the small things really can make all the difference.
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” Happy New Year all and I am so glad to be back after a few weeks break. In this episode I share some thoughts from James Clear’s book Atomic Habits on identity. I talk about how identifying with your goal or habit you want to start or even stop can help you with your follow through. I comment about his suggestion to think about who you want to become before you make the decision of habits you might want to change or goals you want to achieve. I also divulge how I wasn’t all that ready to really think deep about this topic and that’s ok too. Lots of great thought provoking ideas, so come and listen!
“Why am I not doing the things I say I want to do?” In this episode I continue talking about the Book Atomic Habits by James Clear. I share the 4 laws of habit change as well as my favorite tips from each one. These laws help you start to understand why it might be hard for you to follow through on a habit or goal that you want to start or stop. They go right along with the habit loop and understanding how the brain forms habits. Come and learn things like habit stacking, temptation bundling and the 2 minute rule.
“Establish a system of review and reflection.” This is my last installment sharing my takeaways from the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. I finish off by sharing a few things that James Clear says can be not so good about habits. I talk about some of the downsides of habits, like getting stuck in a rut, getting off course, or having your fundamentals become lazy which can put off all the other things. I share the tips that will help you become more aware. Such things as a system of reflection and review. Also the Goldilocks rule and ironically not holding on to your identity too tightly. Hang in there for this final episode that can help you with your follow through on your new year’s resolutions.
“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.” In this episode I talk about what I am calling the 4Cs - create, contribute, cultivate and consume. I share this new theory of mine in regards to helping my children be more aware of how they spend their time, but it really relates to everyone. I also mention how long it takes to create different things, like a fancy birthday cake, a book, or even an amazing musical versus how long it takes for us to consume that thing. It is my theory that if you have more of the first 3 - create, contribute and cultivate then your overall well being is so much better. Listen up to the theory and you will also find out my “aha” moment as well.
“Even just showing up for 2 minutes make a vote towards who you want to become.“ In this episode I share a few of my thoughts on the progress I am making with some of the things that I learned from the Atomic habits and how some of that knowledge and advice has affected the goals and things I want to do and become. I report on a few things that I am doing well and some that I am struggling with. And hopefully by the end of the podcast you find a way to stay committed to your goals even when it feels hard to be motivated as we approach the middle of February.
“The inner critic only wants what’s best for you, but lets you know in an ineffective way. So reason with it. Tell it how strong you are. And remind it that kindness trumps criticism.” In this episode I share some tools from the book by Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D., How to Be Yourself - quiet your inner critic and rise above social anxiety. This is part 1 in a 2 part series. I reveal the big worry or the why of social anxiety. I also tell you about two tools, replace and embrace, as ways to challenge your inner critic. Good practical stuff to help yourself, your kids, or anyone you might know who struggles with social anxiety, a lot or even a little.
“You have to earn being comfortable.” This week I will be talking more about the Book - How to be Yourself by Ellen Hendriksen and a lot of it will be about facing our fears. There are some great stories of someone who talked to 10,000 strangers in New York City or another person’s 100 days of rejection. I share this idea of safety behaviors that actually could be making it harder for you to connect with people by putting off the wrong vibe. After listening, can you make your own challenge list? What would you be doing if you weren’t anxious or afraid?
“Friendship is a process not a ready made discovery.” This episode will finish the discussion of the Book by Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D. How to be your - quiet your inner critic and rise above social anxiety. I break down the process of making friends which Dr. Hendriksen describes in her book. I begin by sharing the idea of repetition. Then go on with the process of disclosure. Sharing a study done about 36 questions that can bring you closer to someone. And finally showing you like them by inviting them to do something. It all seems so easy but when you are lonely or new at school, at work or in a new location, having this process broken down shows you that friends can be made anywhere. This will help you and can also help your children if they are struggling finding friends too.
“...at its core, procrastination is about emotions, not productivity.” Procrastination is what I am talking about today and boy do I need to figure this out. The most helpful thing I learned and shared in this episode is that procrastination is more about avoiding unpleasant emotions that come up when you think about doing a certain task. I share how this relates to social anxiety, sometimes making things a bigger deal than they really are. Plus I give a few tips to help you and myself on our emotional journey to less procrastination. Because usually when you finally do the things you have been putting off it really isn’t that bad. We can do this!!
“...a pet peeve is an annoyance that’s nurtured like a pet — it's something someone can never resist complaining about.” This week’s topic came from me noticing a pet peeve of my own, hand towels not getting hung back on their hook. I wanted to figure out the reason behind these little but big annoyances. I share some of the things I found. I talk about a few of the reasons why we might have a pet peace in the first place. I share one experience our family had with spills at dinner and being able to change that from a big annoyance to an expected and celebrated part of the meal. I also then share a few other ideas to help in the ways to cope.
“By managing what we want instead of what we have, we give ourselves a chance to lead more satisfied lives.” The reverse bucket list is a term that has at least two meanings, and in the episode I will explain both of them but mostly the one given by Arthur Brooks, who is an author and social scientist. In the episode I share how learning to manage your wants can increase your sense of satisfaction and happiness. I tell a story of me, HGTV shows and feeling a sense of dissatisfaction with my home. I also share how Mr. Brooks suggests you look at a bucket list in an entirely different way. An intriguing topic which hopefully gets you thinking about your own wants or bucket list items.
“Go see the washing of the lions.” Happy April Fools’ Day! I am going to share a little bit of the history of where this tradition is thought to have originated. I talk about some old stories from back in the 1500s and 1600s of what people used to do. I am also going to give you a few ideas for the day. Now I know this comes out on April Fools’ day but maybe you can squeeze in a few harmless pranks before the day is over.
“ “If something can be changed, work to change it. If it cannot, why worry, be upset, and complain?” Complaining has been especially easy this past two years with all of the hard things that have been happening in the world. (I mean gas prices lately, ugh?!?!) In this episode I take a look at the why behind the complaining. Then explore a little bit of what that says about us. I will also talk about the detrimental effects of complaining on ourselves and others. Finally I share a few ideas of what we can do to decrease our complaining.
"For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me?" Happy Good Friday. In this episode I share a quick Easter Message about two things, both of which come from the Old Testament. The first idea is from the quote which is from Genesis 37:34 where Judah is trying to take the place of Benjamin in the Story of Joseph and Egypt. I also share a new term I learned about called Kinsman Redeemer which was an ancient near eastern term and tradition of the oldest male relative to care for those of his family. All of these terms relate back to Jesus Christ and his atonement for us. My hope is that these simple messages can help your thoughts this Easter Weekend and appreciate all our Savior has done for us.
“Feel free to mishandle” This message would be something you can put on a moving box of something that is antifragile. In this episode I explore the term of antifragile. I also share a few things I learned from the book named after the term Antifragile, things that gain from disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. I talk about things like nature and our muscles being antifragile. There are a few other nuances to the term however I love thinking about this that we are designed to get stronger in the midst of chaos.
“Singing bonds you more than any other group. It acts as an ice breaker and somehow can connect you faster than other types of activity.” For this episode I share a little bit about my journey into getting into my acapella group in college and what that meant for really the rest of my life. It was also delightful to discover that there was research behind the feelings of closeness and bonding that I felt with the group that is created by singing and making music together. I have a few quotes from some of the studies that I found which basically reveal that singing can really create a great bond with a large amount of people quickly due to the hormones that are released when we are singing So listen as I share my story and research about the impact singing has at being the best ice breaker.
“Don’t tell them that they have lost their purpose.” I am so excited my daughter is coming home from her 18 month mission. She has been teaching and serving full time for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This episode is really mostly advice for me to help prepare as we welcome her home. First I share a few of the things that I am worried about. Then I tell you of a few warnings and advice that I learned this week that I think will be really helpful this summer. For example, a warning not to mirror her emotions. Another admonition is that she hasn’t lost her purpose. And a big tip is to make sure to be excited to listen to all of her mission experiences. I learned a lot of great ideas and am feeling confident and calm to welcome her back home.
“At some point in a story our brain waves can connect together.” Who doesn’t love a good story? I gave a talk in church and spoke about gathering to tell stories and wanted to really figure out why storytelling can be so compelling. And what I found out related back to my episode about my singing group(ep.91), a good story can release the same hormones, oxytocin and dopamine plus add to that some endorphins. I also share a couple of stories, both about dogs, as an example. So if you love stories as much as I do, listen and learn a little more as to why we can’t resist a good story.
“It is the paradigm that there is plenty out there and enough to spare for everybody.” This week I am exploring the idea or outlook of abundance. I have loved learning more deeply about this topic. So in the podcast I share a few different points on this outlook. First is that God created this world with plenty and more to spare. The second is to think about moving beyond gratitude to thoughts where you actually want the things, ideas or people that you are grateful for. And I also share a few stories that relate to these ideas, about a Gecko and a yard sale. Join me as I share what I have learned about this mindset.
“We saw our natural role to affirm, enjoy, and value him.” This summer I am going to be discussing the best selling book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. In this first part of the 8 part series I share the beginning of the book, or part I. Mr. Covey’s explanation of the need for understanding paradigms which he can refer to as a map. How we see the world around us. I share his story about his son who was struggling and how ultimately Stephen Covey and his wife had to look more at their motivations and perceptions instead of thinking that something needed to change with their son. It is an explanation of the inside out approach. I share a story of my own and a need to really think of what my motivations are as well. So go check out or buy the book and read along with me this summer as we all learn to really apply these 7 Habits of Highly Effective people.
“Response - ability” the ability to choose your response. This week I talk about habit 1 - to be proactive from the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. Being proactive has many different facets. First I cover the unique human capability to have self-awareness. Then thanks to the work of Victor Frankl the idea that between stimulus and response we have the ability to choose. I share this idea that to be proactive includes being responsible - the ability to choose our response. Then there are lots of other little ideas and ways we can think of being proactive. First I mention being aware of our language. The other concept within this habit I discuss is our circle of influence versus our circle of concern. Then I briefly share the idea of the have’s and the be’s as well as moving toward being more proactive by keeping commitments to ourselves and to others. With this concept we can learn to be led by our values and character rather than our moods. Come and listen as I share some stories about my calendar, my mom circle of influence and a walk a thon.
“If you were at your own funeral, what would you want people to say?” Habit two, from 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, is to begin with the end in mind. Like picturing what your family or friend might say at your funeral. Stephen R. Covey helps to explain this concept by also explaining about everything having two creations, a mental and a physical. I explain those two ideas and then get into the notion of writing your own mission statement. With that concept there is a need to get to a deeper level to understand your center and what drives your security, guidance, wisdom and power. As I try to share these concepts I also share a situation I had with my daughter this week in which I wished I had begun with the end in mind.
“Manage from the left; lead from the right” This week, I go over Habit 3 - put first things first from 7 Habits of highly effective people by Stephen R. Covey. Habit 3 really gets into how you can practically put your two other habits into practice. This Habit is about self-management which is a lot easier when you have your own mission statement and philosophy to follow. There are a lot of very good practical tips to help organize and plan your week, especially thinking about your week in terms of your roles in life. Habit 3 really helps pull habit 1 and 2 together in a very applicable way.
“... our most constant relationships - like marriage, require our most constant deposits.” This week we take a pause from learning more about another Habit from 7 habits of highly effective people as I share a concept that is important for the remaining 3 habits. It is the metaphor of the emotional bank account. We build trust with others as we make deposits like kindness, honesty, and keeping our promises to name a few and make withdrawals when we act unkindness, dishonestly or fail to keep our commitments and promises. This episode share 6 major deposits that Stephen R. Covey lists in the book that can help us to build better relationships.
“I am still making my bed, well most days.” Hooray!! This podcast has hit triple digits! Wahoo!!! This episode I reflect back and see how far this podcast has come from the early days. I talk about the things that I have learned and how I have grown. Going back and looking at questions that I found from episode 21, Joy in the journey. I also share some of the favorite things that I have learned over the past 100 episodes. I also share the things I am still working on as well as the things I really have begun to get better with, like making my bed, my gratitude journal and keeping small commitments to myself. Come celebrate with me as I look back on the life of this podcast and episode 100!!!!
“But win/win is nice… and tough.” In this episode I discuss Habit 4 - The Win-win principle from 7 habits of highly effective people by Stephen R. Covey. This principle involves the abundance mentality as well as integrity and maturity. I also go over the other different principles we see a lot in our lives, like win-lose. The purpose of learning more about this is to help everyone learn to develop high trust with others and for everyone to realize that they can have success along with anyone else. You will also hear me talk about some of the 5 dimensions of the Win-win principle and share a few stories along the way. One hard part for me is making sure I have good agreements and systems in place to make it all work. So join me to learn more about this new way to think about life.
“In empathic listening, you listen with your ears, but you also, and more important, listen with your eyes and with your heart.” This week I am talking about Habit 5 from 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. Habit 5 is to seek to understand then to be understood and I believe can really make a big difference with your family. In this episode I share what Stephen R. Covey defines as empathic listening. I also share a bit about his example of using our own autobiography as we listen and the helpful example of using the skills of rephrasing content as well as stating the feeling around the content. I also really love what this habit does to help give people psychological air. Super grateful for this new skill to practice and have already been seeking to understand first before I begin to spew out my own thoughts about things. It is great to be back after a little break and continue on with this 7 Habits series.
“Is it logical that two people can disagree and that both can be right? It’s not logical: it’s psychological.” Episode 103, I share my thoughts about Habit 6 from 7 Habits of highly effective people by Stephen R. Covey. Habit 6 is synergy and it combines habits 4 & 5 but it also includes a belief in the value of differences. In addition it includes the idea that the whole is stronger than the sum of its parts. I talk of a synergistic fireside that I was involved with years ago. I also share how this being a habit means it is something we can try to expect regularly if we strive to have high trust, think win/win and seek to understand then be understood. Synergy can relate both interpersonally as well as within ourselves.
“This is the single most powerful investment we can ever make in life — investment in ourselves, in the only instrument we have with which to deal with life and to contribute.” We have made it to Habit 7 - Sharpening the saw or Renewal from the book 7 habits of highly effective people by Stephen R. Covey. In this episode I share the 4 different areas that we should take time to renew everyday: physical, spiritual, mental and social/emotional. Stephen Covey calls it the “Daily Private Victory” and I get into all four parts of what he calls the four natures or dimensions of our lives. I share about my own practice of my daily private victory as well as a few things I need to work on. I also share what he means by intrinsic security and the importance of using this habit to develop that within ourselves. A lot of good stuff and things to think, learn and then do.
“Anytime you start thinking the problem is out there, that very thought is the problem.” In the last chapter of 7 Habits for highly effective people, Stephen Covey shares some great stories and this impactful statement, there is a gap between stimulus and response. I share a few of those stories as well as a review of all of the 7 Habits. I share the 21 effective practices that are used in the FranklinCovey workshops as well as highlight after each habit things that have really been working for me or have made a significant impact. I share how thinking about a simple change in my language can change the way I look at what I am doing and how simply learning empathic listening has really helped me understand my kids a little better. It is a great review of all of the 7 Habits.
“You cannot hold people responsible for results if you micromanage either them or their methods.” In this episode I go back to Habit 4, Win/Win, from 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, and am trying to understand agreements better especially in regards to making them with my children. I break down the 5 parts of an effective win/win agreement. I also spend some time really looking into the “Green and Clean Story” from the book. How did Stephen Covey and his son make the agreement and how did it end up becoming effective? I also share 2 additional examples of win/win agreements with children. I share how I am doing with a few of my own agreements with my kids, what tweaks I need to make and things I really need to work on. So if you need a little bit of help making effective win/win agreements with you kids I hope this can help make sense of it a little bit more.
“Decide what you stand for. And then stand for it all of the time.” This week I really worked on writing my mission statement. I share in this episode a few things that helped me get writing. I also share a few tips left at the end of the Habit 2 chapter from Sean Covey and a great story he told about Clayton Christensen. If you haven’t taken the time to sit down and figure it out, hopefully this episode will help get you going.
“Expressing gratitude to others helps counteract all of the annoying things you may think about them.” I have been writing in my journal a paragraph almost each day about things I am grateful for. It really has been helping me but lately I have felt like I needed to make sure to express that gratitude more regularly. In this episode I share how you can build an upward spiral of positive emotion with someone and reciprocity as you express your appreciation for them. They in turn will be more likely to do the same. I also mention the importance of counteracting our negativity bias. It is too easy to nit pick all the things people do wrong and as we get better at expressing gratitude we have a way to think at least a little more on the things the other person that you appreciate rather than what they do to annoy you. I also share the idea of first to reflect, then to express. I am definitely going to work on this.
“We should treat the commitments we make to ourselves as seriously as those we make to the most important people in our lives.” I have been thinking a lot about how important it is to keep promises that we make to ourselves and found some great info for us and especially for our youth and children to help them build their own personal emotional bank account. There are 6 things listed in 7 habits for highly effective Teens by Sean Covey that are super simple yet very profound. I talk about all of them - keeping a promise, small acts of kindness, being honest, being gentle with ourselves, renewal and developing talents. I share how all of these things can help us build strength of character. So if you or one of your kids feels a bit out of sorts, listen up and then work on keeping a promise to yourself.
“The one thing I just love about Halloween is to let your creative juices flow and not feel like it has to be perfect.” Halloween is one of my families’ favorite times of the year. We all love to dress up and be creative and then get some candy along the way. In this episode I share a few of my favorite costumes that we have done as a family and some also individually. I love being creative as well as helping my kids fulfill an idea of a dream and then also getting out into our neighborhood on Halloween. So sit back, relax and enjoy a few of my favorite Halloween memories.
“ … all it takes to reach a big goal is doing a bunch of little tasks all together.” Last week none of my kids helped with the dishes. I sure am noticing how I am struggling a bit to follow through with the agreements I have made with them. So this episode includes 10 tips on ways to be better at following through, with either great ideas or goals. A few of the tips include, breaking it down into smaller, realistic steps, having fun and incentivizing it somehow. I really want to help my youth develop and work on their personal strength and keeping commitments and following through can help with that. So if you are struggling with remembering to follow through, hopefully this episode can give you a few ideas to keep you going.
“Trust is the highest form of human motivation” In this episode I am going to discuss the topic of Trust. I found this book written by Stephen M.R. Covey, (Stephen R. Covey’s son) titled The Speed of Trust. I first go over 9 myths that Stephen M.R. Covey mentions in the book and how the book shows us the real truths about trust. I use the first half of the book to then talk about the 4 core elements of trust. You can think of it like a Tree - roots, trunk, branches and fruit which are compared to integrity, intent, capabilities and results. Trust is so important and it’s been fun to think about it in a little different way.