Exactly Enough Time

I love to learn and share about human flourishing and today on the podcast, I'm talking toys, creativity and the genius of play with my guest Anna Yudina, the Senior Director of Marketing Initiatives for The Toy Association. Anna is amazingly energetic, smart and generous and I know you'll enjoy our conversation. Listen to learn more about … The Toy Association, its history and role in researching and providing for the needs of manufacturers, retailers and consumers of toys and entertainment. How toys help meet the needs of trending demographics, like kidults and tweens/teens. An interaction I had with my 3 year old granddaughter, Audrey that illustrates the role of imagination in healthy development. The Genius of Play, a robust initiative to promote the benefits of play for all people. I hope you'll visit The Genius of Play and take advantage of the resources curated there. I know you'll walk away feeling more playful and better prepared to encourage and support playful activities that enhance emotional wellbeing. During our conversation Anna shared about the Emotional Wellness Playbook—but there is so much more, including a YouTube channel and a NEW podcast, Once Upon a Playtime. You can also follow along on Instagram and explore their Pinterest boards. The stated Toy Association's mission is: to provide families with the information and inspiration they need to make play an important part of their child's day. Through our website and social media channels, parents can find facts, useful tips and expert advice on how toys and play can help kids build confidence, creativity, critical thinking and other skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Plus, you can get ideas on how to keep playtime fun and fresh!

I sat down recently with Jon Ogden, one of the founders at Uplift Kids to talk about the impressive and very helpful resource they've created to help parents teach their children values. Our children are growing up with access to global influences—for good and evil—and they are witnessing much division and contentious behavior. FREE Two Week Trial HERE A recent Uplift Kids Instagram post read, We're too often walled off — from nature, from each other, from our inner compass. At Uplift Kids, we believe that one of the best ways to combat disconnection is through fostering connection at home. I know you'll enjoy our conversation and that you'll be eager to learn more Uplift Kids. As I've poked around the website, I'm super impressed with the variety and quality of lesson materials. Jon and I talked through one of the many lessons that are available to members of Uplift Kids—one on Emotional Well Being, brimming color and easy-to-use ideas and illustrations. You'll see here in the show notes, a chart of emotions, illustrated for children to understand and relate to. It's clear that much thought and intention goes into these amazing resources. Click HERE to visit Uplift Kids and learn more! For example, to help kids better manage a range of emotions, you can teach them the acronym, F-E-E-L, where F: is Find the emotion, E: is for Engage with the emotion (name and locate it in your body) the second E: to help you Express the emotion in a healthy way and finally, L: Love the emotion or consider what it is teaching or how it is blessing you. I am so grateful for my faith in Jesus Christ—a sure and solid foundation from which I have taught my children and encouraged qualities like kindness, honesty, forgiveness and charity—but many today are walking away from religious faith, which can leave parents and children feeling untethered. Thank goodness the team at Uplift Kids has created something for these families to turn to as a way to strengthen relationships and to navigate challenging times. You can follow Uplift Kids on Instagram and on Facebook

This week I have the privilege of visiting with my good friend, Shaun Brown who has just authored a children's book, titled, The Best Ideas Come From God. Shaun writes about real people who have acted on heavenly inspiration to do important and historic things, and her much-needed message to the next generation is God loves you and wants to send his best ideas to help you!I know you'll enjoy hearing about Shaun's creative process and that you'll take encouragement to do the things you feel called to do! Children need to know that God will help them in every part of their life. Learning how to listen for guidance from God is so important for safety and peace. Using examples from the lives of Harriet Tubman, George Washington, and others, this book illustrates how God has always helped his children and teaches children how to recognize when God is helping them. “Ideas come from God. You cannot command the idea to come, it will come when it's good and ready.” — Albert Einstein I'm all in on helping Shaun promote this book and its important message!In Shaun's own words: Since I was 14, I have known I would one day write books for children. As a full-time mother, I read a lot of books to children, but never tried to write. A few ideas came to mind over the years, and I stored them for the future.Eventually, with my own children grown and starting their families, I found I had time to write. But where to begin. I made lists, I prayed, I bought books, and I prayed some more – looking for inspiration. Finally, into my mind came the title of my first children's book “The Best Ideas Come from God.” Once I had the title, I searched for ways to tell a story that would help children realize God does love us and he wants to help us. I wanted children to know how to recognize when God is sending ideas. Some of my favorite people in history trusted God to guide them, so I decided telling their stories would be a great way to teach the truths I hoped to share … once I started writing, I found I needed someone to illustrate the book. I learned about the site called Upwork – an online marketplace for illustrators, graphic designers, and other very talented people. I began reviewing the portfolios of different illustrators and found Sonja, from Serbia. She was amazing to work with, so fast, and so responsive. I would send ideas and she would create the image I was envisioning. It was a treat to work with her and I am so grateful for her talents in helping make the book a reality. I chose to self-publish with Amazon because the only investment was $10 for the ISBN code on the back of the book—plus my time in the writing, layout, and cover design of course!Perhaps one day I will pursue a more traditional path to publishing, but for now I enjoy the process of bringing my books to life myself. There is incredible satisfaction in holding a book in your hands, that you know you created from beginning to end, with God's help and the help of people he helped you find along the way. Purchase a copy of The Best Ideas Come From God HERELearn more about Shaun and the community newspaper she founded. Thanks for listening!

A few months back I received an interesting email that resulted in an opportunity to interview Lovre Soric, who is creating an awesome solution set to help us in uniting families across time and miles. Lovre hails from Croatia and works in California. On a trip home he sensed a disconcerting disconnection developing between him and his distant family members. He knew there had to be something better than social media or email to stay connected and to share information and stories with his aging grandparents, mother, father and siblings. So with his degrees in engineering and business he decided to get to work. Today you get to hear his story and perhaps even help him in his efforts to create a super-cool solution. Click on this image or visit https://myroots.io to get started! To learn more and help Lovre, click HERE and visit the Roots Family Newsletter homepage. Enter your email AND then let them know that Stacy sent you, or that you heard about them on Exactly Enough Time. This will result in a three month trial for FREE, so that you can create and personalize a family newsletter experience that works for YOU. I'm going to give this a try with my Hall side. I talk regularly with my sisters, but don't do a great job staying connected with my brothers AND as the nieces and nephews launch, I definitely want to hear what's going on in their lives. I'm excited to take this newsletter solution for a test drive and share important feedback. ➡️ IF you have questions, you can email stacy@stacyulian.com OR lovre_soric@berkeley.edu I opened today's episode with the song, Uniting that was performed by Adessa, Chad Truman and the One Voice Children's Choir at the 2023 RootsTech conference.

My friend, Jessica Vincent is on the podcast with me today and I'm super excited for YOU because what she has created is quite literally a game changer. Jessica is the founder of Positive Sports Communities and is right now hosting a super cool event, called Travel with Your Team Summit that features trainings from a panel of experts on everything from mental toughness and anger management to better sleep and saving on travel. ⚽️

It's been just over six months—28 weeks to be exact and I've missed YOU—but, I'm back! Today, June 8th, 2023 is Comeback Day.

My friend Marla is a memory keeper, podcaster, self-connection coach and overall champion of living with intention and I'm tickled she is on my show today. Marla does many things, but the thing she feels most called to do right now is to teach tools of self care and improvement and she does this in an experience called Camp Connection. Marla helps women put together a first aid kit for life—and I love how each item in this visual kit represents powerful concepts and practices. Listen for how a compass, binoculars, a magnifying glass and a field notebook can help you create the life you want and then show up as your best self to live it!AND, be sure to download your FREE Connection Planner at hunkeedori.com/stacy and you can also save 50% off any class that Marla offers at Hunkeedori.com/courses—just use code STACY at checkout! To learn more about and from Marla, you can listen to her podcast: Overburdened No More (I'm her guest with her in episode 71) and follow her on Instagram.

Why do you think genealogy and family history are so popular? My guest today is Janine Adams and her answer is that it's so much FUN, plus it connects us to past history in general and it invites you to play detective! Yes to all of that. Janine is a professional organizer, family historian and podcaster and we're talking today about how to get started and stay organized when it comes to discovering and documenting family stories! Here are my BIG take aways from our conversation. I can't wait to hear what you learn …Talk to your oldest living relatives. Ask them anything and press record on your smart phone. Use FamilySearch.org or other online resources to verify the dates and information they share with you. When you find verifying documents, download a copy to your computer. Name these file in a way that YOU can easily find it again. Consider purchasing genealogy software designed for your computer's operating system, so that you can keep, collect and organize all that you are learning and gathering. Janine uses Reunion, which is designed for use on a Mac. Mine the documents you find for stories—there are MORE stories available than you might think and their lurking in all sorts of documents!The important thing—even if you just dabble in this effort—is to be accurate. After our conversation, Janine wrote a blog post, called Sharing with Confidence.Track and record your sources and then generously share what you find, as often as you can! But don't just share, share with confidence

I can't wait for YOU to hear how I met Colette Hokanson, because it was a truly memorable moment. Colette is an absolute JOY to know AND, she can help you find and connect to your roots—because she is an expert when it comes to research, records and roots! If the word genealogy just feels overwhelming to you then the next 30 minutes could change your life. Truly.You and me and everyone on this planet wants to know how they belong and it's people like Colette than can help get you started on an amazing adventure to a more vibrant family tree and a deeper sense of knowing who you really are. What if you learned that your great, great grandfather didn't want to help build the wall around the church—a decision that ultimately led him to die in prison, leaving his (pregnant with twins) wife at home to raise their family. Trust me, there are stories available to you that are better than any Netflix series and they are your stories. Stories that will create in you and your kids resilience to keep doing your own version of hard. Find, Follow & Connect Colette's website is Find My Genealogy and you can follow her on Instagram HERE. I would sign up for her newsletter and schedule a FREE consultation. You've got nothing to lose and LOTS of family to find! Colette also recommended …A FREE account at FamilySearch.org and the opportunity of using and helping Billion Graves As a podcast listener, you're invited to experience your first month as a Live Your Story member at no charge. Use the code LISTEN and come and be a part of us.

Today on the podcast I get to tell the story of how I discovered Compendium products—amazing, inspirational books, cards, and products. Far more important than that, I get to share with you the story of how Kobi Yamada—the President and CEO of Compendium—discovered and helped build into Compendium the inspiration that we all need and love. YES.For reals. Kobi Yamada is on my show today!As I listened to Kobi, I was reminded that idea people are super curious. They aren't afraid of questions—in reality they put questions at the very center of what they do. Kobi clearly works hard, but I didn't sense that he has a master plan as much as he chooses to live in gratitude with the constant reminder that we need each other. What is clear is that he and his company prioritize people, relationships and authentic connection and out of these values grows a whole lot of FUN and new ideas. “As much as you can blend what it looks like to work and play; That's going to be a wonderful place to spend your time. ” — Kobi Yamada I've always been intrigued with inspiration and ideas and Kobi deals in both—on the daily. One of my take aways is that inspiration is fuel for aspiration. Powerful words create new thoughts and new ways of thinking about the world and our potential in it. Here's another … practice doesn't make perfect. Practice makes progress (so true.) I know you're going to enjoy listening and learning from my conversation with Kobi. I also believe you will feel encouraged to do something with your ideas. We spend too much energy wondering and worrying about what will happen to the idea when our true opportunity is to simply let our ideas go and watch at how they can and do change the world. Please thank Kobi for sharing his wisdom by visiting live-inspired.com and learning more about books he has authored, co-authored or published. What Do You Do With an Idea? She Five “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” — Ever Wonder, Kobi Yamada Additional mentions and resources:Illustrator, Mae BesomIllustrator, Elise Hurst Kobi on Instagram @livethegoodstuff Make sure you're getting the Live-Inspired Newsletter, so that you won't miss the release of Noticing and every other new book, gift or greeting card collection. I completely love my quote of the week emails from Kobi and his team!I opened today's episode with words from How To Get Ideas, by Jack Foster Listeners of Exactly Enough Time can experience the Live Your Story Membership for 30 days at no charge. Use promo code: LISTEN

This month in Live Your Story we are asking, “How can I be more present with time?” Time to truly ponder such a question seems as rare as the quest it proposes and yet if we don't at least try to better understand where and how we spend time, we fail to fully experience life. I'll tell you one thing I know for sure: The world with its cacophony of noise isn't going to help us slow down and be quiet without our choosing those things and I want the ability to do both, frequently. In today's episode I want to dip my toe into the topic of time and the possibility that we can speed up or slow down our perception of it, that we can—even in a very noisy world—seek moments of quiet reflection and greater sensory awareness to more fully immerse ourselves in present moments. I'm asking whether a “good time” is really the goal, or is it a “mindful time” that would allow us to experience and remember moments with greater enjoyment. Join me for July or the full Summer season in Live Your Story! Use code LISTEN at checkout and you won't be charged for the first 30 days. Come see what we're all about. Here are some LINKS to explore:The Fluidity of Time Scientists Uncover How Emotions Alter Time PerceptionGordon Hempton, The Sound TrackerMindful Adventure Travel with RecalThe Quietest Parks in the U.S.

Read Julia's past columns at The Full Suburban I've been reading a column in our local newspaper, The Spokesman Review for over a year now and I LOVE it. The column, The Full Suburban is created weekly by Julia Ditto. Every time I read I think, “I want to learn to write more like Julia” and so, finally I did the thing that might actually help me achieve that goal. I invited her on my podcast. I know. Brilliant!I think you'll really enjoy our conversation and be able to take away encouragement to notice and report your daily life with more confidence and humor! “Finding the funny is better than crying all the time.” — Julia Ditto In our conversation, Julia and I mention a few of her columns. Here are the link to these …Home is always tuned to the Chaos Channel Selfless cowboy rancher comes with the territoryIf mothers were in charge, would wars ever happen?Refocusing on family time in honor of Adam England You can read Julia's bio on her about page!I recorded a follow-up interview with Julia for May in the Live Your Story membership. You can learn more about my membership HERE.

In episode 130 I am telling you ALL about my new membership, Live Your Story. My word for 2022 is IMAGINE and what I have been imagining has now come to life. My idea now belongs to so many others too—and I'm beside myself with anticipation for what we will build together. I'm inviting you to come build with us. Come help. Be a part of a new community of people who want to intentionally infuse life with more JOY and color. People who need support for the telling of personal stories—people who also want to lend that same support to others. Live Your Story already has my heart and I'm so excited to share it with YOU! Please don't close the book on the light you have to share. Choose to live and SHARE your story—you are important and worth the effort. I promise The short story, White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky which is decidedly melancholy, introduces us to characters that in spite of disappointment are real and honest and willing to honor the needs and wants of others and to search for the meaning in sadness because without it we cannot experience JOY. I LOVE the very famous quote … “But how could you live and have no story to tell?” — Fyodor Dostoevsky And, here's the link to Julie Beck's article in The Atlantic: Life Stories. I think you'll also love learning more about Jonathan Adler, professor of psychology at Olin. His work is fascinating! I opened today's episode with Andy Grammer singing Masterpiece from his album Magazines or Novels.

It's your lucky day—not only because it's March 17th, but because TODAY I'm sharing with you my brand NEW idea. But first, St. Patrick's Day …

I'm in Disneyland this week. I'm here with my favorite Star Wars nerd (my son, Chase). We've officially experienced the planet Batuu and helped the Resistance in their rise against The First Order. In other words, we have had an amazing time—just as I imagined we would. I thought last week—since this was my planned destination—that I would talk about this one-of-a-kind place and share a few things I have learned. I am NOT a Disney expert or even really an aficionado. I don't own a single pair of ears. I couldn't bring myself to spend the money for a T-shirt, and haven't been here—in Anaheim, CA—for 8 years. But, I do love coming and I love what Disney stands for. Imagineer, John Hench says it this way … “What's our success formula? It's attention to infinite detail, the little things, the minor picky points that others just don't want to take the time, money or effort to do” Disney is in the details. Nearly twelve years ago, my friend (and former business partner), Kayce and I attended The Disney Institute and for three days, we learned all about the history, vision and leadership behind this “most admired company in the world” and the 50+ years of magic that brings people back again and again. Walt and Mortimer! No, wait … it's Mickey, ha! Have a listen as I share a few behind the scenes. then let me hear from you. What are your best Disney memories?What FUN and fascinating facts do you know?Where are my true Disney Addicts? Talk to me!And, speaking of Disney, cue the pixie dust, because I decided that my 2022 word of the year is IMAGINE. I'm super excited to explore and then better practice my personal imagining. And, how serendipitous that I've been walking around for two full days—some 26,000 steps—in the still unfolding details of what Walt imagined and began all those years ago. ““Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.”” — Walt Disney It's easy to imagine details we know will be noticed, but as I think about my family, my home and my work, I want to also imagine the kind of details that will make a difference in less obvious ways … A magical scene. A magical clean! “Give the people everything you can give them. Keep the place as clean as you can!” — Walt Disney

Today I'm sharing my New Year Nine! In a pandemic-stricken world that has wrecked our sense of control, it's nice to know that we are very much in charge of LOTS of life-extending and life-enhancing factors. Today I'm exploring a list of “control centers” A few years ago I listened frequently to podcasts from Peter Attia—a medical doctor who specializes in longevity. In one particular episode (that I haven't been able to locate) he shared a list of 8 things humans have control of that directly effect their vitality and longevity. I still have this list in my Notes app. I like the simplicity of his list and the reminder that we make choices every single day that influence our well being. Dr. Attia inspired me to make my own list, that I'll now be calling my New Year NINE — as I head into 2022—there are nine areas of my life that I have total, empowering and liberating control over. Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish!” — Steve Jobs Think about the things you are “in control” of and then make small efforts—or micro goals—in those areas. I hope that what I share may encourage you to consider your own list along with thoughts about what you can and want to change or improve. My MORNINGWhat I EATHow I MOVEHow I SLEEPHow I REST How I TALK to myself (mindset)How CONNECTED I feel to othersMy Sense of PURPOSEMy EFFORT Thanks for listening. I'd LOVE to hear your feedback. Leave me a comment or a SpeakPipe message and Happy New Year

I decided I have exactly enough time for a podcast episode this week. AND, it's great to be back because I had a recent experience that is shaping how I will approach this 2021 holiday season and I can't wait to share it with you, I'm certain you've and probably followed a large vehicle bearing an Oversize Load banner before. Imagine if as we moved through our days and interacted with people if we could see an indication of what kind of load they were carrying? I was invited this year to participate as an influencer with the Light the World campaign and since this is one of my FAVORITE ways to celebrate December it wasn't hard for me to decide! Click HERE to download A Bonner Family Christmas (Amazon affiliate link) Listen to Let's Light The World.Learn more about The Bonner Family on their Facebook page.

Today I'm sharing a few changes in my life—new opportunities—that have and will require a shift in priorities. I have actually loved —for a LONG time—the idea of understanding values, creating priorities and using both to improve personal productivity. I often say that this podcast isn't about productivity, but it is about being present in your life because you create the time you need to do and share what you LOVE most of all. In a way, Exactly Enough Time is about prioritizing what matters! Way back in 2007-ish, inspired by Todd Henry, I created a personal 6-word bio:Teaching Awareness and Gratitude—sprinkled with FUN! It's interesting how what I wanted to be known for then is still true today. These six words are in fact closely aligned with my top priorities. And now, as I am choosing to take on new teaching roles I'm working to remind myself of principles that have guided me in the past. I'm always curious what people “Google” about different topics. I'm sharing here a screen shot of the most popular queries around priorities. I like the first one: What are your top 3 priorities in life?That does seem like something you might want to know and stick to doesn't it? I hope as I ramble on today with some recent personal experiences that you might feel inspired to think carefully about how you are investing your …Time & attentionMoney & resourcesEnergy & focus “I can tell by looking at your bank account and your calendar what you care about. Because that's where you spend your time and your money.” — Dave Ramsey You can learn more Dave Ramsey and his philosophies on prioritization and solutions HERE and HERE. Learn more about the Eisenhower Principle and how it has become one of the most popular and powerful time management tools in organizations and business. ⏰ You've likely seen this principle set up in a matrix—or quadrant—where you can visually see or list items on your to-do list as important and urgent (do these first), not urgent but important (plan to do these things), urgent but not important (delegate as many of these things as possible) and not urgent and not important (eliminate these things) “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe I will still be producing this podcast, but not weekly. If you want to know when new episodes are available, you can subscribe on iTunes, follow me on Instagram or sign-up for my newsletter—just go to my homepage and scroll down. LOOK for this box and enter your email address! Please stay in touch!

One of the main reasons I started a podcast is to share ideas. Sometimes these ideas just happen to also be products and today I have an amazing idea and story-based product to share with you. I am chatting with Drew Vernon, marketing director for Tonies, USA, but this is not a sponsored episode. Drew and I have similar passions for creative play and screen-free storytelling that develops a young person's imagination. We both love inspiring creativity in kids and adults and of course for me, it's always about stories and connection. I think you're really going to enjoy this conversation and the chance to learn about a product that should be championed and shared. So, what exactly is this product that promotes ALL of these things? It's a Toniebox. In simple terms it is a box that even young child can learn to use (and not destroy) that plays audio when you attach a small figure, called a Tonie. There are content Tonies for dozens of beloved characters from classic literature to Disney movies and more on the way. In fact, Winnie the Pooh was just added! And Tonies is continually partnering with companies—like Go Noodle and expert personalities—like LeVar Burton—to provide top notch content and an inspiring and elevating listening experience. Even with all of this amazing content, I am still a BIGGER fan of the Creative Tonies (little pointy-eared figures) that work with a FREE app to allow a grandparent (or any other loved one) to send messages and stories to a child. The Creative Tonie also allows kids to create their own content. Drew talked about giving his kids some creative parameters that unleashed 45 minutes of imaginative play—so cool. And, I can just imagine recording my voice sharing a personal, family or family history story in my app and having that instantly made available and enticing to my granddaughter and future grandkids! “Audio stories take children on a journey from consuming to creating. First they create active listeners and then they turn those listeners into authors. ” — Drew Vernon IF you're a teacher, learn more about Tonies for Teachers and sign up to be in the loop moving forward!Marketing from Tonies: Childhood is a sacred, precious time in life. Even long after we've grown, the memories we make in childhood have the power to transport us back to a time or place or person to re-experience what we felt in that moment long ago. The stories we fall in love with in the early days and years of our lives transcend simple entertainment, they seed powerful memories and spark nostalgia. They teach us about the world and about each other. They become a part of a narrative we carry with us throughout our lives. Meet the FoundersWe are Patric Faßbender and Marcus Stahl and we created tonies with one thing in mind: our kids. Childhood should be a magical time full of big adventures and loveable memories. We wanted to create a way for kids to experience storytelling in a digital age, that stimulates their imagination in ways that a screen can't. We made the Toniebox for kids (and parents) who want to feel good about their entertainment at home and to bring back imagination in its purest form.We built tonies to be an immersive, wondrous experience you can feel good about, but more importantly a community you can be part of now and for many years to come.With quality screen-free audio, we can help our kids become active learners and enable them to develop the imagination they will need to become the thought leaders driving innovation in the future. AND, to that end, I have one Toniebox to give away!To make yourself eligible for a random drawing, please leave a comment below. Feel free to tell me who you are excited to share this idea and product with …

I descend from pioneer stock. This means almost ALL of my ancestors on both sides of my family emigrated to this country as it was expanding west from colonies into territories and eventually states. Many of these ancestors were early converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and came to America in an effort to gather with other saints (or members). They came by ship and by train and then they worked their way across the west by covered wagon and handcart—they from Denmark, Scotland, England and Germany to the unsettled areas beyond the Rocky Mountains. July 24th is Pioneer Day. The day that the first group of “saints” reach what is today, Salt Lake City. In Utah, Pioneer Day is a BIG deal. It is also a day that members of my church love to celebrate—regardless of where we live. Today I'm going to tell you the story of Ann Temperance George—one of these pioneers. I'm also going to tell you about a local Trek event that my daughter and other teens participated in last weekend. I will also share a poem that one youth wrote. 16 Miles, 233 SmilesGretchen CarterMy feet sending up thick clouds of dust. Flanked by my family who held my trust. Sweat beading on my forehead, my tired legs feeling like lead. Muscles aching from pushing along. But the help of God has made me strong. The Spirit bonding us in unity, the youth of Zion a strong community. A powerful love for the pioneers, with their faith in God chasing all fears. Lifting my chin as I pushed the handcart, I felt the Spirit speaking to my heart. Women's Pull singing "There is Peace in Christ.” Tears in my eyes thinking of His sacrifice. Times when I thought I just might quit, I was reminded that I could do it. My ancestor's hand was on my back. Proof that He's there, keeping me on track. I strive to let go of all my doubt, all the times I thought of backing out. I realized I needed Christ to feel peace. I decided my doubt would now cease. Never in my life has God left my side, I must not leave Him, I complied. Trek has been full of great faith and great fun. Even through the dirt and dust and hot sun. In the place of my ancestor made me realize, the faith of the pioneers never dies. It sings in our hearts as we walk the trail. To our ancestors and Christ do we hail. Never forget the experiences we faced, don't let the Spirit we felt go to waste. Not after we trekked sixteen miles, angels watching our 233 smiles.After sharing my story, I have 3 take aways for YOU:Tell your story. Everything I know about Ann George Doney I know because of someone else. I have Ann's story (gratefully) through other people, who knew her or shared experiences with her. I think often how amazing it would be to have even a few lines that she herself wrote. Do some family history. Who are your pioneers? Who pushed ahead to change the course of your family line's story and future. Who was your first ancestor to get a college education or to travel for work or run for political office or serve in a war? Share the why behind your faith. A personal story based in WHY is always a powerful thing. People can question or criticize what you choose to believe, but they cannot argue with personal conviction or feelings that motivate your faith-based choices. Share your faith-filled why—especially with youth who are making their way in the world. Just for FUN and because I found it on YouTube, here is a short video that highlights statistics of early Mormon pioneers mixed with images that depict modern pioneers. It's true that we all pioneer in our own unique ways and that is something to recognize and document!

I recently stayed at my brother's house and picked up an issue of National Geographic and read an article titled, Are We Born to Wander? By author and speaker, Eric Weiner. I loved reading his thoughts on travel and decided I wanted to share some of my own go-see-do AND learn experiences in today's episode. I started by opening my Notes app and adding to list I started last year of ALL the places I've been. Next to each I want to briefly describe an experience or take away from my time there. Of course anyone can do this, but most people never will. I get it. We're busy. But I also believe there are ways to document—even personal ways—that can be worked into the busiest of days. At the end of the episode I'm inviting you to join me for a NEW online class, called Quick Trip Travel (so stay tuned). So, as I was doing a little digging for an opening song, I came across Brenda Tharp, her photography and blog. I loved this from her …Changes in latitude, changes in attitude … I have always loved that phrase in Jimmy Buffet's popular song. When we move about the country or world, the changes in our latitude bring about changes in our attitude. How could they not? We are experiencing new scenery, new ways the light illuminates the land, possibly new birds and animals. We are meeting new people, having fresh experiences, and I don't know about you, but this always opens my heart and soul to see and appreciate the places I visit.Look more about Brenda and her work here:Outdoor Photographer & BloggerMy opportunities to travel a bit—both inside the United States and abroad—have changed me. What I have seen has amazed me and often challenged my thinking. People and cities and museums and historical sites help me shape new thoughts and beliefs. I've stood in Trafalgar Square and at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial. I've sat in the shade of the Golden Temple in Kyoto, Japan and I've been in Nelson Mandela's house in Soweto, South Africa. I've floated a river in Belize that winds through dark caves and jungle. It doesn't really matter where I go or what I do. Each time and in every place I understand more clearly all that I do NOT know, and as counterintuitive as it sounds, I really like that. This is the main reason I still want to go. Especially after a pandemic that has threatened our wanderings. I've admired too many people and cultures that I had previously only known in text books or on Wikipedia pages and I'm simply not done learning about and exploring this BIG, strange, beautiful and inspiring world that we live in. “Travel is not a rational activity. It makes no sense to squeeze yourself into an alleged seat only to be hurled at frightening speed to a distant place where you don't speak the language or know the customs. All at great expense. If we stopped to do the cost-benefit analysis, we'd never go anywhere. And yet we do. ” — Eric Weiner My hope is that something I share today will inspire you to plan a trip—to the lake, to a national monument or park or to a new country halfway across the world.

I have a new friend to share with you today. She is Chanelle Neilson and she is a life coach who helps women and particularly moms with a side hustle who want to organize their day and find balance between family and personal goals. As a mom of 5 kids, Chanelle knows that motherhood has its challenges—that's why she is passionate about helping moms simplify so they can prioritize what matters and define success for themselves. She is the former host and creator of the popular Moms Who Know Podcast and the author of Parents Who Know, which has been translated into Chinese. LOOK! I arrived home and found a small package from Chanelle. She sent me her favorite dark chocolate bar. You can learn more here. When I got home today from a long drive and found a package from Chanelle—with dark chocolate inside—I knew that I had done a very good thing in bringing her on the show, ha! But, in all seriousness, I'm a BIG champion of the recommendations that Chanelle makes during our conversation. Here are a few that really jumped out at me …You must begin any endeavor—especially where balance is important to you—with your own declaration and definition of what success looks like!Get rid of distraction. When you are working, work. When you are with your family, be with your family. Chanelle uses the Facebook News Eradicator which replaces your entire news feed with an inspiring quote—how cool and freeing is that? Create memorable moments with children and family members. No one can realistically be available to others 24-7, but you can in very intentionally ways create focused moments that send the message, “YOU matter to me!” “When juggling as much as you are, remember that some balls are glass and some are rubber. You can't drop the glass balls. ” — Nora Roberts Of course the main take away—that I can't seem to take away enough is that I need to take care of me first. Always. Not in a selfish way, but in a way that actually always and empowers me to be more generous and giving and better equipped to do the things I've been called to do. The things that I'm passionate about. I think after listening you're going to want to get to know Chanelle even more and you can do that best over on her Facebook page, Chanelle Neilson Coaching. Chanelle also mentioned Jessica Jackson's podcast, Thriving in Motherhood which I will be checking out very soon!

I have this cute air freshener that hangs in my car that says, “Do more of what makes you forget to look at your phone!” The other day I was thinking how absolutely absurd that would have sounded to someone living before the year 2000. I mean why on earth would they be looking at their phone or perhaps not wanting to look at it too much?As we daily navigate this constantly evolving and advancing digital and media-rich world, we are witnesses to unprecedented technological changes AND change is always the genesis for story. Today's micro show is an opportunity for you to think about your personal tech story. What are the moments, events, purchases and interactions that are most memorable looking back now and what are the details you don't want to forget in the future?

In truth this episode is about so much MORE than summer reading. What memories do you have of your local library? Who taught you to hold a book and how to read? Think about the way you use reading, writing, listening and learning to engage with the world? Would you like to more easily find books for your child/teen and help them fall in love with reading? Have you ever wanted to just pick the librarian's brain?

My friend Paige happens to LOVE paper—a LOT—and that will make more sense after you listen to my intro, but truly, you are in for a huge treat today because I am sitting down with Paige Taylor Evans to talk about her journey to here and her amazing and distinctive memory keeping style. Paige Evans has been scrapbooking since she was 16 years old when she got her very first job at a local scrapbook store in Redmond, Washington. It's now been 20 years and she loves what she does as much today as she did back then. Known as Paige Taylor Evans across social channels, she has 12 signature scrapbooking collections with American Crafts and a 13th in the works. She has taught classes in 7 states and 9 countries. In her own words, her “jam” is teaching others how to create eye-catching & colorful layouts as well as mini album and coptic bookbinding classes. Paige resides in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado with her husband of 14 years, their son Fox, and daughter Jane. The Evans boast a menagerie of pets, including Joey the dog, Rachel the cat, and ambunny named Phoebe. Paige is dedicated to living her dream of creating something every day!Please explore the following resources for connecting with and learning from Paige: Website: http://www.paigetaylorevans.com/instagram: https://instagram.com/paigetaylorevansYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PaigeTaylorEvansFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/happyscrappyplace/Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/pagebypaigePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/paigeevans/✂️ If you're looking to purchase products in Paige's collections, check out Scrapbook.com ✂️GREAT NEWS: Paige will be releasing her next collection—next week on June 16th—so make sure after you listen that you're following her so you don't miss anything. You can sign up for her newsletter HERE.

Who wants to have ✨MORE FUN✨ with photos this summer? Awesome. This listen is for YOU! I have FIVE ideas to share. Let’s go! Create a Re-TakeThis is my number ONE idea because it is EASY and can be entirely hilarious. Your kids or friends and family members are almost always “game” because it feels like a game. Start by looking back through older summer photos—your favorites—and find one or two or ten that you could “re-take” this year. Then when the time or location presents itself see how close you can get to recreating what once was!The photo here is a 2016 re-take that celebrates a much earlier version taken in 1994. I’ll scan and add that original when I find it! Click to enlarge Dear Photograph This idea is to return a photo to its original setting and take another photo. The original photo here was taken on the 4th of July in 2007 at my parent’s home and then just before they moved in 2016, I printed that photo, took it with us and on the 4th of July lifted it up in that original setting and took another picture—this concept, website and book are the brain child of Taylor Jones. You can buy the book HERE. Click to enlarge Make it MonochromaticHere’s the gist: Let everyone know what COLOR you’ll be wearing and then add in props that match! We did this last summer in my FIVE happiest colors of Red, Turquoise, Yellow, Orange and Green and it was oh so silly and exactly what we needed.

Today’s show invites exploration of the awareness and authentic happiness found in things that don’t make sense. The next time you think, this will take too long or I really shouldn’t spend my money on that, or this isn’t the best use of my time—stop and ask yourself WHY you think those things? “I fear we sometimes forgo immediate, positive results in exchange for sensibilities based on eventualities that may not even occur. ” — Me (I said that!) I’m not saying we shouldn’t be thoughtful and intelligently investigate options when it’s very important. I am saying that it simply cannot be very important ALL the time, so let go (sometimes) and decide to leverage present JOY by losing track of time, being a little silly or relishing the ordinary. I will specifically talk about the following efforts:Homemade MayonaisePotting FlowersUsing Decorative Napkins (all the time!)Cleaning Under the SinkPainting the Stairs (Pinterest style)

I’ve always felt like memory keeping is more of a lifestyle than a hobby. Today’s micro show is about easy things you can do to support your desire to document life even as you are living it. “Life is nothing more than a stream of experiences, the more widely and deeply you swim in it, the richer your life will be. ” — Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi I’ll share FIVE things I’ve done recently that are “scrapbook-y” …Engage intentionally with children, family members and friends in small pockets of time. While driving last week, Addie and I paired words to a familiar tune to create a song for our little Audrey. Since then, Addie has been practicing on the piano. ✂️ TIP: When running errands in the car, split the drive time up so that you have time to interact with fellow passengers AND relax while listening to music or podcasts. Kids will learn to anticipate both aspects of drive time and you’ll create memorable moments together. Use a Notes app to capture details and descriptions about the things you’ve been experiencing. I did this on a morning walk last week when I used the built-in microphone to dictate my first-ever experience with rolled ice-cream! ✂️TIP: Use technology and tools on the go as often as you can to capture—not only photos—but names, dates and sensory details that help you write about experiences so they can become memories in your scrapbooks. Digitize older prints and documents with your smart phone in small batches. Most of us have boxes of older prints and memorabilia that need our attention and that feels overwhelming, but tackling these collections a little here and a little there is the answer! ✂️TIP: Place an older print or document on a flat surface in natural (indirect) light and take a photo. Then use an editing app—like PicTapGo—to straighten, crop and restore color. You won’t believe how EASY it is to bring precious bits of your past into your current digital library. Take photos of YOU doing the things you enjoy doing. It’s so important to notice tasks, activities and daily efforts that you enjoy or excel at and THEN ask someone to photograph you. If you’re the memory keeper you’re likely not used to being in front of the camera and yet the story you are most qualified to tell is your story and you’re going to need great images to work with. ✂️TIP: Ask a spouse, child, friend or even a neighbor to take your photo OR (again) take advantage of technology that we so often underutilize. Did you know that you can use the Camera Remote app on an Apple Watch to capture photos of you at a distance? Here are the step-by-step directions! Start using unique hashtags in your social sharing to tag photos and posts for easy search. Anytime you publish details about a person, place or thing you care about on Facebook or Instagram add a unique hashtag in the caption. ✂️TIP: I simply string full names together (first name + middle or maiden name + last name) as a like #stacyhalljulian and add these to posts. Then you can either click on these personal tags to pull up additional content OR use the search tool to find all instances in your social sharing when these tags have been applied. Just make sure your tags are unique to you!My guess is that YOU are already doing some of these things and that more than anything you need to recognize daily efforts as being essential and important in your process. You are likely doing better than you think you are. Let go of crazy expectations and celebrate ALL that you do to more fully experience and appreciate life. ❤️ I share a SpeakPipe message that Allison Horn sent, so she’ll be receiving a StoryStarter kit from the Story by Stacy line at Close To My Heart.

I’ve known of and loved my guest today for years—she is Kolette Hall and she made a BIG splash in the memory keeping world several years ago and then she was a sought after instructor at Big Picture Classes. You’ll be glad to know she is still here and continues to move forward!Kolette oozes inspiration. She is warm and interested and brave—AND—she is a widow. We are going to talk about that and we’re going to talk about her latest accomplishment—published author. Kolette has just written a book, Messy Victories and my copy is on its way. I’ve already read a couple of chapters and it’s so good. Filled with personal experiences, struggles, stories and sound advice, from her life and that of her late husband. Trust me, Kolette’s example of blazing a path for her and her son, following the unexpected death of her sweetheart, Jason* will give you courage to endure your own challenges and turn them into the next right thing. Kolette has also just finished certifying as a life coach—she is The Purpose Creating and Decision-Making Coach for Women. She helps women discover their purpose as they decide, “What’s next for me?”*Kolette’s husband, Jason, broke his neck when he was 15 years old and lived the rest of his life in a wheelchair. They were married for 27 years and were working on a book when he died unexpectedly in the middle of the project. Kolette wrote the book instead. It’s called Messy Victories and it has all of the struggles of real life—AND the joys, laughter and overcoming as well.Learn more about Kolette on her website. Follow her on Facebook and/or Instagram

Today’s micro show is an invitation to be amazed. Turns out it’s actually good for you—to experience a sense of wonder and awe. How interesting right? So, I decided a few weeks back to make the effort to feel awe a personal emphasis for the coming year. I have started a list on my phone where I will document experiences and moments—the new and novel, the unbelievable or the simply beautiful things—in short, anything else that I choose to see or recognize or remember as truly remarkable. In other words, I will be amazed. My goal is to document 57 such things—before I turn 57—Yes, today is my BIRTHDAY

I’m going to tell you TWO stories today—I’m publishing this episode right in the middle of National Tell a Story Day and National Scrapbook Day—so though I had another topic planned, I decided to tell stories and talk about stories—which you hopefully recognize as a recurring theme! I am often asked, “How do I tell—this usually means write—personal stories? and”Where do the ideas come from?” or “How do I begin?” or “How do I make my stories interesting?”Countless books have been written and many classes taught on this very subject, but for me, just 4 basic elements or requirements of a story are needed. But first, today’s show opens with the voice of renowned storyteller, Donald Davis—who I met when I took his 5-day Storytelling Seminar back in 2012. In addition to my 4 elements, I’m also going to share ONE of the many mind shifts about storytelling that I picked up during my week with Mr. Davis. “A good storyteller doesn’t tell you something, he “shows” it to you. ” — Donald Davis In other words, when you do sit down to write, think less about the words you’re writing and more about the movie you’re directing. What specific details and descriptions will your audience need so that they can SEE what you need them to see. In my opinion, the basic parts or elements to remember are so simple that we sometimes forget to make sure we are including them …The beginning. This is the who and where—how will you set stage and who will be important to introduce?The messy middle. What will go wrong? If you don’t have a problem or at least some tension, you don’t have a story. You can absolutely relate an experience—and doing so is still a worthy endeavor—but stories require drama—even in small doses. This messy middle does not have to be something really big or crazy. It can be a simple everyday-ish concern—as long as it needs to be solved. The end. What happens? How is the challenge resolved. Who wins and what is learned? Will there be more? The 4th element (for me) is actually TIME. It takes time to write. Most scrapbookers allow themselves time to design a page, but then oddly expect a first-draft perfection when it comes to recording the story.

Today’s micro episode is about spring and cold sores and the opportunity we have to be more present and more appreciative as things change. Life is full of contrasts and even when we don’t always anticipate or welcome them, they teach us and can help us focus on what’s most essential and important. “Put light against light — you have nothing. Put dark against dark — you have nothing. It’s the contrast of light and dark that each give the other one meaning.” — Bob Ross Honestly, two more days and this would have come together better—but remember that episode on perfectly imperfect? Here we go again. I’m off to Utah later this week, so I’ve been primarily focused on preparations for that trip. I’m filming a Story by Stacy class about documenting this pandemic and I’m so grateful for this assignment at this time, because as I’ve looked back and remembered I’m more aware of the subtle ways that life is moving to a new normal and I don’t want to miss it. I don’t want this experience to escape my personal examination—I want to make sense of a few more things in my own head and that requires paying attention to and exploring to understand the many contrasts we’ve been a part of over the last 12 months. I walk away from my first-ever pandemic not with just facts and stories, but also with some wisdom. And I know from scripture that kind of progression requires contrast (or opposition). Contrast improves art and it enhances life. ❤️ A huge shout out and Story Starter goes out to Olivia Sharp for sending my a SpeakPipe. I’m grateful for Close To My Heart who sponsors me in this way!

My guest today is Judy Weiser who is the founder and director of the PhotoTherapy Centre in Vancouver, Canada—she is a licensed Psychologist and registered Art Therapist who has pioneered PhotoTheraphy, the use of photo-based techniques as tools for herself and other professionals. I sat down with Judy for the first time back in Episode 93 and today I’m finally publishing part 2 of that conversation.Judy is going to introduce us (and more particularly me) to Therapeutic Photography—which is using these same photo-based techniques and questions (outside of therapy) in a focused way to more deeply explore our own past. Memory keepers may even practice some Therapeutic Photography techniques without even knowing it. While Therapeutic Photography is much more than simply taking pictures, it does use photos to facilitate the communication of deep feelings. If you teach or have worked in some way to help others better understand themselves and improve their well being through pictures and storytelling you may have unofficially experienced the therapeutic benefits of photography! “Every photo is the beginning of a very LONG story!” — Judy Weiser One of my main take aways from this session with Judy is the reminder that a photo doesn’t possess or hold a story. It is rather the person looking at the photo that may remember or create a story—the stories we tell are our stories. The meaning and memory that photos hold are different depending on who is viewing and interacting with them. Stories are in YOU and me! To begin our discussion, Judy asked me to select five personal photos and then briefly describe them. She then shares details that she saw that I either emphasized or left out all together—so even before I knew what she was doing, she was doing it!Here’s a sampling of the type of questions Judy often asks of someone about their photos. Of course there are no right or wrong responses …How did you select these photos? Was that process difficult or easy? Is there any other photo that you want to share?If this photo could talk to you, what would it say?How would you title this photo if you could?Is there something in this photo you would change to make it better?Who would you like to give this photo to? Who can’t have it?What is the story of the photo?Judy’s favorite follow up question—and it makes perfect therapy sense—is WHY. Why? Because why answers always help us understand! The five photos I selected to share with Judy. At one point in our conversation Judy walks me through an exercise in decisive action about my five photos. She tells me I have only 15 seconds to choose just one photo to take with me and that I’ll never see the others again. I have often done a similar thing in classes that I teach to help students begin to trust their instincts AND it is as Judy explains very helpful in getting to what’s most important for someone. Finally and at my request—Judy let’s me explore my feelings for two of my five photos—and yes, as you might assume, I get emotional pretty quickly! If you enjoy photography or work with photos in any way, I think you’ll find what Judy teaches fascinating. NOTE: Judy has written a book for therapists but with information that photographers and those who love photos can also learn a great deal from—the first chapter of her book is dedicated to this idea of projecting meaning onto a photo and recognizing the questions you can ask to learn more of that meaning.

Today’s micro show is a reminder to aim lower. Sounds crazy and counterintuitive for sure, but it the secret (in my opinion) to showing up as a creative in a noisy and competitive world. The minute you begin to intentionally practice imperfection is the minute you can start doing the work you were meant to do with expectations that produce results! Oxford defines imperfection as the state of being faulty or incomplete. I don't like that definition, so I’d like to submit one of my own … Imperfection is state of being free to grow towards a higher or more complete version of oneself. I have learned after years of practice that an expectation of imperfection is actually super healthy. I will share an early and more recent story to illustrate this. I’m also sharing wise words from Seth Godin and Lauren Sapala and my best tip on what to do when you make your next blunder! s ““If I can’t make it perfect, is it okay if I try to make it better?”When a project doesn’t come out precisely the way we hoped, when customer service isn’t 100%, when the reality doesn’t match the dream, then what?One option is to embrace your failure. To have your tantrum, to become bereft, to wallow in how unfair the world is. No sense messing up a perfect moment of imperfection.The other option is to put some effort into making an imperfect situation a little less imperfect. Perhaps, with some distance, it might even be a lot less imperfect, or even better than you were hoping for in the first place.Imperfect is a chance for contribution, connection and improvisation. It’s a chance to see the humanity behind the moment you were spending so much energy creating.The alternative to perfect might be better. ” — Seth Godin “Writing is actually supposed to be fun. It is something that is supposed to nourish you, support you, help you grow and expand, and help you connect more deeply with your own heart and mind. It’s not something you need to get an A+ or 100 percent on. It’s not a test or a way for everyone else to judge you and find you unworthy. Writing is an act of love toward yourself.That’s the thing I see writers forget the most often.If you see yourself in any of this, make a short list of three things you can do today to be more accepting and more loving of yourself as a writer, and then commit to doing them. Remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect, the goal is to be you. ” — Lauren Sapala Of course props to Pee Wee Herman for his outstanding example of owning imperfection! And finally, I pulled 2 additional quotes from 2 awesome General Conference talks I heard over this past Easter weekend. The first is this, “The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to His perfect power,” from this talk by Russel M. Nelson and the second is this, “We are all infants compared to the beings of glory and grandeur we are designed to become. No mortal being advances from crawling to walking to running without frequent stumbles, bumps, and bruises. That is how we learn,” from this talk by Dieter F. UchtdorfI’m so grateful YOU listen each week. Make sure you are subscribed so you don’t miss an episode and when you hear something that resonates, I’d love to hear from you!

Today’s micro show is about ASKING which I believe is one of the greatest ideas ever conceived. Do you want or need help? Ask! I promise, it’s easier than you might think and rather than “feeling stupid” there’s a good chance you’ll be richly rewarded. Asking improves our lives—it nurtures curiosity and invites exploration. Asking is how we elevate an intellect above genetic instincts to a more advanced and fulfilling pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Asking a simple question can spark a conversation. When we ask, we give ourselves the chance to become a better listener and we build bridges of understanding. Depending on the type of questions you have, you can ask a friend, your brother, Google or God. One of the most repeated phrases in scripture? Ask and ye shall receive. Listen and I’ll relate a few experiences I’ve had as a result of asking or being asked—as recently as two days ago. This is what I have learned: Eleven times out of ten, both the asker and the asked are blessed! “As a creative entrepreneur, everything is about asking. Asking myself to be willing to do the work, asking the Muse to come play with me, asking life to hold me as I try my wings. And the scary part: asking other people. Asking them to support my work, to share my work, to buy what I sell, to read my words, to come to my retreats and so on.” — Anna Lovind A couple of years ago I had a blast helping a friend redecorate her apartment. Why? Because she asked me to help her hang some family photos—and it turned into so much more!Here are the before/after pictures I promised … Soon we’ll begin gathering again and when we do, I will be eager to ask more questions—especially of my oldest family members—they have so much to share and their wisdom truly is FREE for the asking. Remember Geoff’s experience at his grandfather’s funeral AND click here to download your copy of The Family Information Sheet. All you have to do is print this sheet and hand it to someone you love—or put it in the mail. Either way, you’ll most likely discover priceless personal perspective!I hope you enjoy a Happy Easter weekend. I will be sharing my friend, Diane’s Seder plate as I learn together with family members about the symbolic and ritualistic foods important to Jewish Passover observance. I am able to do this, because I asked a casual question on an Instagram post. People are generally good and kind and very willing to show up, participate, help out and share their insights and stories. What a gift!And, don’t forget that I asked you a question and that I very much value your thoughts—so thank YOU in advance!

Courage and Kindness.

Today’s micro-show is an opportunity to recognize rituals in your life. Everybody who has watched the long-running children’s show, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood—at least twice—knows what Mr. Rogers does when he walks into his house. This is because what Mr. Rogers does is the SAME every single show. Have you ever wondered WHY? What Mr. Rogers does is a powerful example of a ritual … A ritual is a sequence of activities involving gestures, words, actions, or objects, performed in a sequestered place and according to a set sequence. Rituals may be prescribed by the traditions of a family, community, or religious observation or worship. Rituals are a feature of all known human societies. In exploring the whys and hows of rituals, I found and enjoyed this article by Penny Ward—and shared this portion in the show: Rituals are a meaningful and mindful way of connecting with your energy with focused attention and intention. Through rituals, you are giving yourself permission to create the time and space to connect the reality of life with your inner energy, your intuition, your passions and aspirations.Rituals can be powerful, meaningful and symbolic. In contrast to a routine which is a simple action. The primary difference is the mindset and attitude behind the action.I absolutely believe in the power of same—especially as we navigate an ever more hectic and frantic world. I have drawn so much strength and focus from my morning ritual and I love and enthusiastically recommend the commandment to observe and keep the Sabbath Day holy—as a day of rest and renewal. ✅ An rituals can be silly reminders and messages to our brains that help prepare us for necessary and important tasks—like with John Acuff dons his bright green running shoes to … sit down and write!IF you’re needing more from your daily routine, I invite you to approach even mundane tasks with ritualistic behaviors that will bring more intention and awareness to your day and your life—this is always a good thing!As always, I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts—and when you subscribe to Exactly Enough Time, the two of us could create a Thursday morning ritual ❤️A huge shout out to Stephanie Smokovich and Kim McArthur for sending me SpeakPipe messages. Both will be receiving a Story Starter kit from my Story by Stacy line of products produced in partnership with Close To My Heart.

Today’s micro show is a challenge for you to listen to the “I am …” statements you make this week. There’s a good chance you say “I am …” (followed by something—a LOT.) And, you think “I am …” (followed by something) even more frequently. But, have you ever really paid attention or examined up close these thoughts and words? Some of these “I am” statements you can’t do a darn thing about, but most—the ones that really matter to your future—you have absolute control over. Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash I subscribe to daily blog posts from Seth Godin. A recent post has stayed with me.

Click HERE to read more about Chari in her own words! My guest today is Chari Pack. She’s persnickety—a term that can be used to describe a particularly precise or careful approach—in this case with printing digital images and servicing customers. Chari is the owner of Persnickety Prints, based in Orem, Utah and she has developed a process for printing photos that produces beautiful and archival results. Chari has been a memory keeper and journal enthusiast for as long as she can remember and she is passionate about helping others print digital images in beautiful and lasting ways so that they can literally put their hands on their pictures and enjoy and share them. Click HERE to learn more about the Covid Journal I have long admired Chari, her passion and her drive as an entrepreneur and business owner, but the reason she is on my show today is because of what she has been working on (for years) that she is finally unveiling and celebrating in a public way. It’s called Persnickety Box and for me—and many others—it’s a much needed (subscription based) print solution that can help you routinely print AND then do something with some of your photos. I am using and currently promoting the Persnickety Box app to hundreds of students in my Photo Freedom 2021 course. I’ve even created a workflow pad that suggests Persnickety Box as a recommended step in an effective digital workflow. “A photo that isn’t printed is like a script that is never performed, or a musical composition that is never played. There is still value in the digital photo, just as there is value in a script or musical composition. But the value is mainly the hope that one day the digital photo will be printed and share a bodily life with us – to inspire us, cheer us, and remind us.” — Mat Coker I’m so excited for YOU to learn more about and from Chari and for you to consider Persnickety Box as an ongoing way for you to print and preserve some of your most favorite memories. Download Persnickety Box on the App Store or on Google Play.NOTE: The official Persnickety Box launch party is happening on Sunday, March 7th at 6:00PM MST, you can learn more about it and RSVP here. AND, Yes … 4x4 prints that come in Persnickety Box are perfect for my Story Starter albums with Close To My Heart! In fact, Close To My Heart has created two additional 4x4 albums especially for Persnickety Box prints—in white and blue! IDEA: I am using this album to create an easy print archive for important events in my family history. For example, I used Persnickety Box to print 30 images from my son’s wedding. I then slipped these prints into a white 4x4 album and added a small photo to the front and one page of identifying information to the inside. Super SIMPLE, accessible documenting done right! I LOVE Persnickety Box so much I printed it on the workflow pad that I teach (and sell here!) I opened today’s show with a snippet of Kodachrome, by Neil SimonThe Mat Coker quote is from this article at The Digital Photography SchoolThanks for listening. Comments or questions? Post them below and I will reply—and don’t forget to subscribe to Exactly Enough Time!

Well hello. It’s been a minute, but I’m back with something new: My version of a micro-show and today’s episode is the very first one. ⏰

Today I sit down with my husband, Geoff to share memories and talk marriage. We celebrated 31 years on December 28th. Episode 101 is our anniversary celebration this year and we’re sharing it with YOU. We prepared for this episode by coming up with three questions—each—and then choosing three questions (of the six) to answer. Here are the questions we had to choose from …➡️ When did you know this was something different?➡️ What did you get (with me) that you didn’t anticipate?➡️ What do you want our kids to know about marriage? ➡️ What did you imagine marriage and family would look like when you were in your early 20s and how does it compare now in your mid 50s?➡️ We know each other better than anyone on earth, flaws and all. How have we continued to strengthen our relationship over time?➡️ What do you want from me as your husband moving forward? What will allow you to feel supported and equally yoked in the challenges that lie ahead? We opened with Randy Travis, Forever and Ever, AmenGeoff also shared some wisdom from the band, 38 Special in their hit, Hold On Loosely As Geoff and I wrapped up, I shared the sad, but right-for-me decision to take a break from podcasting for a few weeks. I will definitely be back, in February— ready to go for another year!

When I realized that my 100th episode would fall on Christmas Eve, I wondered what topic I could share that might both celebrate my favorite holiday and this podcasting milestone. I decided to give you the gift of words and music—to create a short mash-up if you will that combines some of my favorite words in quotes and scripture mingled with (in my opinion) some of the BEST Christmas music available. I hope as you wrap up details for the big day tomorrow, this will be cause for smiling, singing or both! For 100 hundred consecutive weeks I’ve managed to show up for myself and this effort to put something light and happy into the world. I’m not podcasting to grow a massive audience or become rich and famous. I’m podcasting simply because God gave me a voice and because I am curious about people and ideas. I love the work that I’ve been blessed to do in the memory keeping space for so many years and I’m truly thankful for YOU (anyone and everyone) that has participated with me in recognizing the importance of personal stories and the opportunity we all have to celebrate life by lending some permanence to a few of the moments we experience and treasure. I’ve created a handful of shareable images that you can use to multiply my message today (in the show notes at stacyjulian.com) Feel free to grab anyone of these to keep, use or pass on in any way you choose. And, THANK YOU for listening. ❤️ I LOVE hearing from you, via comments here, on social media or through SpeakPipe messages. Let me know what you’d enjoy hearing more of in the next 100 episodes of Exactly Enough Time and please enjoy a Merry Christmas!

My guest today wants words for Christmas. How cool is that? She is Wendy Smedley and I’m so eager for you to get to know her better, because she is one of my most favorite people on the planet and a fabulous conversationalist. Wendy is the Marketing Manager at FamilySearch International. She is also mother to five (yes, 5) adult sons and just happens to also be the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Scrapbooking . We talk about all those things and a whole LOT more … Photo by henry perks on Unsplash Photo by lay L on Unsplash A couple of years ago, Wendy found herself in the middle of an unanticipated divorce. For a women who poured herself into nurturing her family, this was a devastating shock. Her divorce among other challenges has invited serious soul searching, deep learning and new levels of self-care. Because of how Wendy chose to respond to unwelcome circumstances, she is now in a position to impart some serious insight and wisdom. Wendy seeks to be open hearted and always learning. She is curious and asks thought provoking questions—in fact, she sparked this episode for me when she related her almost daily observation of tower cranes near her downtown Salt Lake City home. What she discovered about these massive heavy-lifting machines is 100% applicable to anyone who is feeling discouraged or overwhelmed by life and trials. I know you’re going to relate to and come away grateful for Wendy’s positivity, vulnerability and sense of humor! Ok, you want links to all of the goodness Wendy shared? Here we go …FamilySearch FREE Global family history event online, RootsTech Connect Learn more @rootstechofficial on InstagramFacebook Live with Wendy and Dave Isay (founder of StoryCorps)IG Live Stream with Wendy and me (family history home tour)The Second Mountain, by David BrooksIt Didn’t Start with You, by Mark WolynnWendy’s new favorite podcast, Poetry Unbound. Martin Seligman's 3 Ps can determine to a large extent someone’s ability to navigate hardship. Wendy discussed the danger of personalization, pervasiveness and permanence in your mental approach. Wendy boldly declared that she has enough time for poetry and Billy Collins is one of her favorites … Speaking of poetry, we both agreed talking that much of what Wendy has experienced is reflected in this well-known poem from The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran …On Joy & Sorrow “Then a woman said, Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow.And he answered:Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.And how else can it be?The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven?And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.”But I say unto you, they are inseparable.Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy. Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced. When the reassure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.” — Kahlil Gibran And, finally … in case you want to learn more about the amazing tower cranes, here the video I shared a portion of in my introduction …

My guest today leans into the left side of her brain, so that she can more fully enjoy the right-brained aspects of her craft. She is Jennifer Wilson and she is the creator of the Simple Scrapper membership—which launched in 2008 to better explore in a community setting how modern memory keeping can fill you up and fit your busy life. Through Simple Scrapper, Jennifer helps thousands not get stuck doing what they love AND in 2019, Jennifer launched the Scrapbook Your Way podcast to extend the conversation about breaking the rules and documenting in your own way. ➡️ If you’ve been thinking about documenting more or differently next year, go to simplescrapper.com/stacy to get in on what’s called a Planning Party. This is a unique page that Jennifer set up just for my listeners—and it’s the kind of guidance you can expect with Simple Scrapper membership. I have great respect for Jennifer and the work she does in the memory keeping space. She brings people together and does a fantastic job of encouraging, inspiring and supporting them as they pursue their own version of scrapbooking success. She is a true storyteller and always willing to share her process. Check out one of her recent videos—a story about a beloved pillow!You can see much more like this over on the Simple Scrapper YouTube channel. Back in 2013, Jennifer and I team taught a BPC class called, The Art + Science of Scrapbooking, which was such kick in the pants. We both enjoy whole brains—obviously—but for this class, we led out with our creative preferences to give each other (and everyone else) assignments that would be challenging and prove to move us out of our individual comfort zones. Pages that I made in response of Jennifer’s challenges remain some of my most favorite! I LOVED hearing Jennifer’s response to my People, Places & Things question. She shared about her transformative experience traveling to Sweden earlier this year and being introduced to people who shared a scrapbook of her ancestors. What an amazing treasure that speaks to the power and importance of family history in our scrapbooking. And finally, Jennifer and I talk about how she has adapted principles I wrote about in my book, Photo Freedom. Since I am refreshing this content for an online course for 2021, I wanted to catch up and hear her thoughts and some details about her current organizational approach when it comes to both storytelling and storing or displaying finished pages. We are both big believers in sharing what works, but doing it in a way that can be readily customized. Don’t forget you can SAVE $30 on registration for Photo Freedom when you use promo code ENOUGHTIME Topics for this podcast are definitely varied, but I regularly circle back around to my passion for storytelling and this is one of those episodes. I know you’ll enjoy learning more about Jennifer’s journey and the work she does to help others.I played ABBA’s Slipping Through My Fingers song as my intro—not only because it represents a desire to slow time but also because ABBA is a Swedish pop group. Both this song and Jennifer have Swedish roots!

Monica Wihongi is president of the Utah-based, papercrafting company, Close To My Heart AND a mother of seven—need I say more? For reals though, you’re in for a treat today—I adore Monica. We’ve known each other for nearly 30 years and she is the real deal—she is family and future focused and dedicated to doing what’s right in business and life. I love my history with CTMH, so I’m tickled that you have this opportunity to get to know Monica and her work a bit better. You’ll get to hear first-hand what its been like to be at the helm of a direct sales company with thousands of independent contractors in the middle of a pandemic. What has changed? What hasn’t? How is Close To My Heart staying relevant and robust? Monica will also share some exciting changes at CTMH. You’ll get to learn about at the name change for CTMH independent contractors, from consultants to makers and about a new VIP customer appreciation and incentive program. Follow these links to learn more:1. Love CTMH? Take advantage of VIP Special Pricing through December, 20202. Join a community of Makers and you can operate your own paper crafting business with products you love and all the support you need. Also, here’s the blog post that outlines my Story Starter Covid style. There’s a link about half way down to the class I taught with CTMH on Facebook. Since recording this episode with Monica, she has welcomed grandson #2 and announced the imminent arrival of grand baby #3. She has a beautiful and growing family! I think you’ll leave feeling inspired by Monica’s story, her open heart and her commitment to seeing founder, Jeanette Lynton’s vision honored and upheld. I’m truly grateful for the gateway into memory keeping that I experienced because of Jeanette and (now) Close To My Heart. I have LOVED partnering with them on my Story by Stacy line of products. In fact, I played a SpeakPipe message from Kim, who will be receiving a Story Starter kit!I opened today’s episode with Rise Up, from Andra Day’s debut album, Cheers to the Fall. When I Googled Andra to learn more, I found this commercial for Apple TV that beautifully showcases Andra talent and welcomes in the holiday season. Thanks (as always) for listening. I’ve got exciting plans for 2021, so make sure you’re on my email list and that you’re following along on Instagram, @stacyjulianAND, remember that podcast listeners can save $30 off Photo Freedom with code ENOUGHTIMERegister here.

My guest today understands media. He has been working with it his whole career, so when he retired to spend time organizing and archiving his private collection of photos and home movies AND couldn’t find what he was looking for, he created it. I’m excited for you to listen and learn about Collectionaire a virtual hub or gathering of links to ALL of your digitized stuff. All of it. You know the idiom, a place for everything and everything in its place—that’s what Stanley (Stan) Kinsey has built and it is a remarkable solution for family connection and sharing. I discovered Collectionaire this past winter at RootsTech and I knew immediately that it was exactly what I didn’t know I could be looking for—it was the best kind of exhibition hall surprise—and I signed up on the spot. Now I enthusiastically recommend it for anyone and everyone who feels overwhelmed by all the content they’ve digitized and are storing in the cloud—or maybe yet on thumb drives—because this is how we are going to organize it all and curate it to become a beautiful and sharable legacy collection.After listening, you can begin your personal exploration by watching one of these introductory videos—but then you’ll want to head to Collectionaire.com for additional getting started guidance. Don’t go without the Exactly Enough Time PROMO code that will save you 50% on the first two years of a subscription. That code is EET2020 and it expires on December 31st—so you’ll want to act fast. An index in the cloud to content in the cloud is my favorite explanation (to date) of what Collectionaire does. Pictured here are some of the cloud-based services that provide share links that can be gathered together in your personal of collection. If you’re familiar with the structure of a family tree then you’ll find the organization at Collectionaire to be very intuitive. Each person on your tree can have their own collection—the number of links noted just below their photo—and family collections are accessed by clicking the link icon between a couple. This feature is one of my personal favorites, because there are so many aspects of my story that I actually share with my family—and now I have a way to show and share that!I’m so excited for you to give Collectionaire a try—as I’ve gotten to know its features more, I’m convinced it is the future of memory keeping (archiving) especially for families. My children and grandchildren are already most comfortable consuming media on mobile devices and now with my growing collections, they can view family media in that same, familiar and super accessible way. NOTE: Stan talked briefly about creating a digitized “flip book” of a physical scrapbook. This is done by photographing or scanning scrapbook pages and creating a digital PDF version. This is something I will teach in Photo Freedom 2021, but there are also services that will do the scanning for you. EverPresent is one such company. Scanning is quite pricy—about $2.99—per scrapbook page. For an interesting read on ALL that Stan has done in his long and storied career, read his wikipedia page.

My guest today is an esteemed pioneer in the world of PhotoTherapy. Judy Weiser is a psychologist, an art therapist, consultant, educator, trainer, university adjunct faculty, international lecturer, and author — she is the founder and director of the PhotoTherapy Centre in Vancouver, Canada, she is considered the world authority on the emotional significance of personal photographs. WOW. Right? If you are a memory keeper and/or lover of photography and personal pictures I think you’ll find our conversation especially relevant. Once we get to know Judy a little better, she will introduce us to 5 PhotoTherapy techniques which explore the various relationships that we can and do have with pictures and the process of capturing images with a camera or smart phone. As we got deeper into our discussion I knew that I was going to need a part 2 with Judy, so you can look forward to that in coming weeks. If I’m lucky, she’ll will actually walk me through some of her techniques using a handful of my personal photos. But for today, listen and learn and see how many similarities you recognize between insights Judy shares and the reasons you choose to scrapbook or tell stories using pictures. What we do when we interact with photography and the results of these efforts can have a powerful influence on how we see and choose to see our lives, our challenges and our future selves. This is good stuff. Photo by sarandy westfall on Unsplash Judy was recently interviewed for an article on featureshoot.com so clicking on this link will give you yet one more way to dive into this fascinating topic of using photography as a tool for self-discovery and even therapy. How to learn more with Judy Weiser …Visit her website, PhotoTherapy & Therapeutic Photography Techniques Purchase her book, PhotoTherapy Techniques —my copy is due to arrive on Friday this week. IF you want to dip your toe into this book, you can download the first chapter HERE. Note: I am sharing this with Judy’s permission. Request to join her Facebook Group, PhotoTherapy, Therapeutic Photography, Photo-Art-Therapy and VideoTherapy. Here’s the first paragraph from this group’s introduction: Welcome! This Group is about discussing how photographs (and creating and discussing them) can be used to help people make positive changes in their lives or the lives of others. Group discussions focus on the "why" parts of photos, not the "what" or "how" parts (the "heart" part of photographs rather than their "art" parts). LOVE this!Photo Freedom is open for registration. You can learn and register by clicking HERE. Podcast listeners can save $30 off registration with code ENOUGHTIME. I would LOVE to help you reign in your thousands of photos (prints and digital images) and tell more personal stories.

My guest today is so interesting because she is so interested—in just about anything and everything—except maybe pursuing a career in law (listen to hear that story!) You will immediately feel Malia Karlinsky’s energy for life and people which is exactly what she shares as an Emmy-award winning Lifestyle Reporter and Producer for Seattle Refined. Like me, Malia grew up in Seattle so we begin with a short love fest for the PNC, but then I get to pick her brain and her years of experience and I know you’ll walk away feeling inspired and encouraged in your own storytelling. When I asked Malia about a very recent story, she shared with me Uzziah’s—a young man who rather than feeling defeated by Covid-19 or racial unrest decided to start creating candles to bring more calm to the world. His company, which he founded just last spring is Calm & Cure Candle Company and he is already making a difference. Oh yeah, did I mention he is eleven? You can follow Uziah on Instagram at @calmandcure_candles Two of the most memorable Seattle Refined segments for Malia have been those of Jordan Nicholson and Danny Bonaduce. There posted below for easy watching, but you’ll want to experience many more amazing stories by visiting Malia’s website: maliakarlinsky.com (click on TV segments). I think for me, this episode will be most memorable because of the way Malia described how we all carry stories—a library of stories—with us, some in our heart, some on our backs and some in our hands—and when we want to remember that we are far more alike than different, we just need to encourage story sharing. “We can all LOVE and respect each other” — Malia Karlinsky After you watch this, you’re going to want to follow Jordan on IG, @jordanloves.life I think what Malia has really learned about people and life through her work as a journalist is how attractive (in the literal sense) it is to be vulnerable and authentic and to willingly share not just the high points, but also your personal moments of overcoming. These are the stories we can all appreciate and learn from. And, you can follow Danny too @dannykzok ➡️ AND, I was totally WOWed (and humbled) when Malia praised the work I have done in scrapbooking, especially my Photo Freedom book. What’s COOL is that I just launched (this week) registration for my soon-to-be BRAND NEW Photo Freedom 2021 class. You can learn all about it by clicking HERE. Podcast listeners can save $30 off registration with code ENOUGHTIME because I’d LOVE to help you reign in your thousands of photos (prints and digital images) and tell more personal stories.

Something exciting is just around the corner. October! And not just because of pumpkins and candy but also because October is Family History Month—yes, it’s official—and my guests today have created a brilliant experiment all about family history and forging family connections. This very FUN and interactive effort takes just 21 days and can have you focusing on several different aspect of family connection—culture, food, stories and pictures—just to name a few. And Gen Z? Turns out with a little nudge they are all in, so trust me when I say this is NOT your grandma’s genealogy. THIS is powerful insight and energy for life. Home base for this experience is HERE (connections-experiment.com). This is where you’ll want to go to get started. Once you’re in, you can meet up virtually with others on Facebook and Instagram. And you can report your efforts and results on any social media, using hashtags:#21dayexperiment and #familyconnections Taralyn Parker and Olivia Jewel are two of the founders of the 21-Day Family Connections Experiment and they are full of enthusiasm and a desire to see you succeed. Both of these women are busy mothers, but also educated and so excited to help others take advantage of easy opportunity to create family memories and connections—during a time that can otherwise be overwhelming, discouraging, confusing and exhausting. This isn’t just one more thing to do, this is an effort that will center you and help you discover JOY in your closest relationships. So, how does this work? We’ll talk about that in our conversation, but the process of getting involved couldn’t be easier. There are 3 primary goals, 1. JOIN 2. CONNECT and 3. REPORT and there are so many great, specific plans to help you take confident action. If you want to learn more ABOUT my two guests and the other team members behind this experiment, go HERE. I opened this episode with the audio that accompanies this video. FamilySearch is a FREE and fantastic resource that allows you to dive into your past—and to become the voice of your personal pictures and stories. Connect with me: Instagram @stacyjulianFacebook Stacy Julian LLC

Do you know why Richard Dawson, long time host of the American game show, Family Feud, kissed all those women? Do you know why he ultimately stopped? In today’s episode I’m sharing some of the results from a survey I initiated at the beginning of this year, for my 20in20 online course. I’m also sharing two productivity hacks that will go a long way in addressing some of the very common themes that arise from this survey (and I’m certain) others around memory keeping trends. Three questions I’ll share with a few actual results are …Why did you sign up for this course?What do you most want to accomplish?What will be your biggest challenge?I’m definitely not a professional statistician, but with some basic analysis, I can see there are some nearly universal aspirations and obstacles captured in my survey and so I’m going to share two productivity hacks that I believe can change someone’s ability to spend time doing what they love. The first has to do with getting super specific and the second with making yourself unavailable—to everyone and everything else—when it’s time to work. Definitely not new ideas, but ones for which I can personally witness as effective. “Time not set aside on your calendar will always be negotiable.” — Todd Henry And finally—for Richard Dawson—some thoughts on simplifying with a “KISS”— the keep it super simple kind. Make sure you’re having the mental conversations (with yourself) that encourage positive results. With almost everything else in life, mindset matters in a big way. You are NOT a survey result. You are a living, breathing human being full of potential and highly prone to derailment, but YOU get to set and pursue any goal important to you. I hope today’s episode gives you some gas for that journey.