Freedom Life Journey Podcast

"The higher you want to climb the more leadership you need." John Maxwell. In today's episode, Jamie and Ruthie discuss leadership.  

What is the Upper Limit challenge?  Ruthie and Jamie explain the concept of the upper limit challenge and how we sabotage future success we desire. We have limiting beliefs and other issues that hold us back.  Get clarity on your limits and get ready to make the big leap! Resource of the week  Gay Hendrick   The big leap.

What You Can Do About Your Fear of Failure   "Our greatest glory is not in never falling; but in rising every time we fall." ~Confucius   What if falling was a nature part of the success in life?   How do you define failure? We need to know what failure is to us.    "You miss 100% of the shots you never take." Wayne Gretzky   Brian Tracy says instead of failure let's call it feedback.   Coach Ruthie Facebook Page Video https://www.facebook.com/270572966626914/videos/468134273537448   We have a Fear of a Negative Evaluation of Others. If you're surrounded by people that support you, this is just an experiment. It's not a judgement on you as a person.    Risk is a part of life. What risks are you taking that seem scary? What's it gonna be like if you reframed it? Tell us at ruthie@freedomlifejourney.com   Let's let our results inform us and not paralyze us. What if your results were feedback and not failure?   Quote: "Take risks: If you win, you will be happy. If you lose, you will be wise." ~Anonymous   Go forth. Risk and Learn!

If you don't believe in yourself, how are you going to be a qualified candidate? Having confidence in yourself is what grows into the character you need to move up.   Jamie at Benders before doing MBA studies & switching careers.     The American Abolitionist Frederick Douglas was "Committed to freedom, Douglass dedicated his life to achieving justice for all Americans, in particular African-Americans, women, and minority groups. He envisioned America as an inclusive nation strengthened by diversity and free of discrimination."   This is so appropriate for the season we're currently in.   Quote: "I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs."     What keeps us on the sidelines? What paralyzes us?   Examples of what picking yourself looks like:   Choosing to set aside time to work out Researching a new career Scheduling an interview Taking a risk     There's a time to wait and there is a time to ACT.   A--Allow yourself to practice C--Confidence is believing you are capable to learn what's needed to grow T--Transition out of the passive approach to life   Resource of the Week: Book by Seth Godin    What to do when it's your turn (And it's always your turn.   [Freedom Life Journey, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com at no additional cost to you].  

We've all heard it said there is no better investment than in yourself. In today's episode, Jamie and Ruthie talk about how only 25% of people actually do this. Are you in the percentage of people who invest in themselves or in the majority of the 75% that don't? If you not investing in yourself don't worry it's never too late to start. Jamie and Ruthie share ways to start investing in your personal development today. Resource of the episode.    Jeff Olsen  The slight edge  

In this episode, Jamie and Ruthie share a process of 5 simple steps to achieving a goal. Instead of calling this goal-setting, they  call it "going after what you want" Step 1: identify what you want. This first step is crucial. Be specific and define it. Example. I want to lose 10 lbs by September 1st, or I want to sell my car by next week.     Step 2: Research/resources A. Learn about the topic B. learn about the Obstacles  C. Time & Investment. (What is the cost of pursuing your goal) D. Who's done this well? Find the others and mentors that will help you on the journey. Step 3 Commit to the plan. At this point, you can choose to step back or commit.   If you are committed then you're all in! Use the words "I commit" Those words are powerful. Congratulations! Jim Rohn says " If you really want  to do something you'll find a way or you'll find an excuse."   Step 4  Work the plan- Trust the process you built intentionally.  This is the step where the work is done. Don't overthink the outcome. Yes, it's ok to desire the goal but focus more on what you can control. Work on the daily and weekly tasks in the plan. You can't guarantee the results but you can control what you do now! Walk in integrity and do the simple small tasks you put in your plan.   Step 5 Evaluate & Celebrate Course correct the plan as you learn what works. Iterate  your daily and weekly tasks.  Also celebrate!  Reward yourself as you move through the process. 

Are You a Victim or are you a Person of Action?    Exploring Our Post-Pandemic Mindset and Changing it for Good   "Something bad happened to me!" We can process the emotion in the best possible way.   We all have a person of action and a victim inside of us. When a problem comes, we can blame others.  But if we choose to become a person of action we decide this is OUR problem.    Making the shift out of the default victim to the transforming Person of Action.   Notice when you're taking the victim role. The clues can show up in your body: tensed jaw, tight shoulders, upset stomach, etc. Coping with stress can also show up in eating junk food and treats. Maybe you're looking outside of yourself for a solution or begin blaming others. Instead ask yourself "How can I move forward?" Be vulnerable. Share how you're feeling with a significant other. "What am I going through right now?" Ask better questions. "What does this make possible?" "What would someone I admire do in this situation?'   What are we responsible for? There are things outside of our control but we have control over a lot if we change our perspective. We can take some action and take a different approach.   Our Amazon products were deemed non-essential and our income was on hold as a result of Covid-19.    Example of unhelpful, victim questions: "Why? Why me? Why is this happening? Why is this happening to us?"   We had to accept our situation because there was nothing we could do about it.   Our Airbnb was also shut down as U.S. travel came to a halt.    We were victims of the pandemic, losing our livelihood.    Maybe you too are in the middle of a trying, difficult circumstance. It's still possible to make progress while frustrated. Grieve with personal responsibility. Acknowledge the emotion and also ask "What's my next step?"   Bad things happen in life and we respond to it in the most honoring way to yourself and the people around you.   Resources:    Change your Questions, Change Your life by Marilee Adams https://amzn.to/31csOLi Mastering the 7 Decisions by Andy Andrews https://amzn.to/30tS7cR   We'd love to hear from you!    How have YOU overcome a victim mentality? How have you been a person of action?    Email us at ruthie@freedomlifejourney.com   Overcome difficult circumstances. Choose to be grateful. Take positive action.

On today's show, Jamie & Ruthie Slingerland talk about the opportunities found in the short term rental market.   In this episode, you're invited to: Get over the hesitation to test out short term rentals for yourself Explore the options available as a host/guest Tap into a new stream of income using what you already have Be curious about what's possible Connect with your deeper desires through hospitality/generosity Release your space to benefit & bless others   Connect with us about coaching or consulting: ruthiesling@gmail.com jamieslingerland@gmail.com www.freedomlifejourney.com   Thank you to our 'AirBnb' friends and family mentioned in today's episode: Jim Lyons (Buffalo, NY), Jordan Slingerland (Buffalo, NY), Jonathan & Linda Slingerland (Buffalo, NY), Sheryl & Ray Slingerland (Williamsville, NY), Michael & Lydia McGreevy (Buffalo, NY), Tom & Sharon England (Bald Head Island, North Carolina), Drew McCluskey (Rolla, MO), Chad Jeffers (Nashville Area), Leigh & Olin Funderburk (Franklin, TN). 

A year from now you will either be celebrating newfound freedom or feeling stuck. Where phase are you in?  1-Dream & Design Phase: What's possible? Creative process as you imagine what your life could look like? Allow yourself to be playful. Open yourself up to new resources. 2-Demo Phase: Executing phase. Saying yes to move toward a new life means tearing down walls and removing the unnecessary junk. Purging & pruning. 3-Difficulty Phase: Hitting a wall. This is where a couple might call it quicks. Dealing with conflict. Running out of steam. Needing the support of others and God's help. Dan Miller calls it "the sick chicken phase." Kirk Franklin song "My Life is In Your Hands" 4-The Determined Phase: Homestretch. Almost done. Mini-celebration. We see the light. 5-Done Phase. Celebrate completion. Accomplished project. Galatians 5: 13-15 The Message      

On this episode, Jamie and Ruthie share their interview with Teresa McCloy on her podcast The Enneagram in your Realife Podcast. Interested in taking the Enneagram Assessment? Contact Ruthie at ruthie@freedomlifejourney.com. Connect with us on social media: Facebook Instagram Jamie on LinkedIn Ruthie on LinkedIn

On this episode, Jamie and Ruthie share 2 steps to help you start living your dream. 

Ever have a slump or get caught in a Funk? On this episode, Jamie and Ruthie talk about 2 simple ways that work to help get you out of a funk.   Interested in being coached by either  Jamie or Ruthie?   Call or text Jamie at 615-801-6577 Call or text Ruthie at 615-972-0051

Anyone who wants a better relationship must have healthy boundaries around their devices. In this episode, Jamie and Ruthie discuss three negative consequences that result from not having limits around our smart devices. Don't miss this powerful episode. You will learn: The high cost of overusing our devices The unconscious choice we're making The effect it has on our mind It's in your hands to get wise about using your device proactively. Resources mentioned in this episode: Simon Sinek on the destructive effects of imbalanced cellphone usage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0xYCy2eft8 Michael Hyatt's Best Year Ever Live Event Connect with us on Facebook @FreedomLifeJourneyPodcast. For coaching, visit https://freedomlifejourney.com/  

In this episode, Jamie & Ruthie share how to start a budget and begin taking charge of your money together. They share their personal struggle with money before they finally got on the same page. Don't lose track of what you're making and let's have a conversation about money. Resources mentioned in this episode: Everydollar: Spend Less Time Budgeting; Budgeting App by Ramsey Solutions Mint Budget Tracker & Planner Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss   Continue the conversation with us on our Facebook page. Find us at http://freedomlifejourney.com/

Are you being intentional with your money or is your money drifting away? What do you think about budgeting? Is it almost like a bad word in your house? People often have a visceral reaction to the word Budget. We know because we felt the same! Uninterested at first followed closely by: "Ugh!" But, after a few budget meetings we finally got the hang of living on a budget. We where hooked!  More cash for the things that really matter? Sign me up! On this episode, Jamie and Ruthie talk about why doing a budget can is not only important but essential to moving toward the life of freedom you want to live and the future we desire.   Budgets don't have to be boring and sterile. Budgets can help you get more of what you want in life. Budgets and spending reveal what you value regardless if you're conscious of it or not. Budgets keep us accountable to ourselves and each other. Everyone has a budget. Some people just don't know what it is. Where you spend your money should go toward the things we value. A budget will maximize your options and opportunities. You need to be intentional with money no matter where you are on the financial journey. Don't fear starting a budget! A budget gives you control over your money. It doesn't take control away. Are you looking to build your life of financial freedom and relationship freedom? We would love to help.  To schedule a call with us go to www.freedomlifejourney.com

As we walk through life we will face adversity and obstacles. We might as well accept them as benefits. Everyone should learn from their obstacles because they are a necessary part of life. Accepting obstacles as a part of our 'life training' can allow for a tremendous value in our marriages and families.   In this episode we share: three obstacles we faced while paying off our debt the opportunity we saw in each obstacle the two benefits of accepting obstacles that come while we build a life of freedom. Connect with us on Facebook at Freedom Life Journey Podcast. Visit us at www.freedomlifejourney.com  

On this Valentine's Day episode, Jamie and Ruthie share why it's vital to the health of marriage to date on a regular basis. Together they discuss:  Why important things, like dating your spouse, gets pushed aside.  The excuses we tell about dating. Zig Ziglar's quote on teeth reminds us that just like we undervalue our teeth, we may be undervaluing our marriages: "Only brush the ones you wanna keep." Jamie says: "Only date the wife you wanna keep." Stop right now and make an appointment with your spouse to talk about what dating can look like for you two. "What gets scheduled gets done." -Michael Hyatt. Start where you are. Make it as important as physical health. Resources mentioned: Andrea & Joel Higgenbotham: Dating Deck Cards Connect with us on: http://freedomlifejourney.com Check out our Facebook Podcast Page

You know what it feels like to walk in the dark? How trekking through a new forest at night without a flashlight can send a chill down your spine?  You hear shaking in the trees or a howl in the distance. Not to mention, you don’t know where your headed and can’t see where you’re going. This is how it feels to go through life without a mentor. A few weeks ago, we read a “Create your own Adventure” book to our four children. It was all about this group of young hikers going up Mount Everest. They were skilled at hiking but new to Everest. If they hiked alone, death was inevitable. So they needed a guide, a mentor. In mountain climbing, it’s called a Sherpa. Mentors can serve as guides or sherpas in any area of our life. In this week’s podcast, we talk about how important is it to seek out mentors. In our life, we’ve had all types of mentors.  Just to give you an idea, here’s a list of a few: Marriage Parenting Business Finances Homeschooling Spiritual Physical Health Sports or Hobbies If you feel like you’re walking through life in the dark and alone, listen to this week’s episode The Value of Mentorship.  You’ll learn why finding a mentor is not only important but a must if you’re looking to build a strong foundation for your family and business.  

Changing your life can start today. Jamie and Ruthie share how they turned their life around by taking control of their finances, being honest about debt and working together toward financial freedom. Listen to Jamie speak to a live audience, a group of men, how every man can change their life. What's next for you in 2019? In this new year, what can you and your spouse do to turn your life around? Be inspired to take your own steps toward change and financial freedom. The Entrepreneurial Family Man Podcast on iTunes. Find their website at www.efmlife.com Book resource: The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey Audio Clip from The Dave Ramsey Show, February 2012.

Many people come up with a New Years resolution the last week of the year. Ruthie and Jamie explain that 8/10 people never accomplish their goal and accept failure by valentines' day. Step away from the the masses and join the 20% of people who are truly committed to to a year of success.

Jamie and Ruthie know from experience what burnout looks like. In this episode they share how  saying no to the crazy is so worth it. 

In this episode, Jamie and Ruthie discuss the messages sent through marketing, the meaning behind the advertisements during the most magical time of the year. What's Christmas really about? It's definitely not about retail therapy. Gain insight and encouragement to do Christmas differently this year.   

Jamie and Ruthie talk about the importance of thanksgiving and share insights on practicing an attitude of gratitude. Resources mentioned in this podcast: Brene Brown "The Gifts of Imperfection"  

Is money evil? Is the topic of money something you struggle with? Would you like to change the way you think about money?    In this episode, Jamie and Ruthie uncover the reasons why money is a resource and a tool and how you can start creating a positive perspective around money.    Recommended resources:  The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki The Millionaire Next Door by Stanley & Danko

TV Therapy: How screen time is stealing life out of your years   Jamie and Ruthie Slingerland share insights on the opportunities missed by filling our life with unlimited screen time, help you identify if this is an obstacle, and how to start change.    The Nielson Research Group says the average American watches an average of 4.5 hours of tv a day. A couple could be spending over 60 hours a week on tv and missing out on the potential of making $1500 a week if you were paid $25 an hour. As a culture, we numb ourselves with shows and fill the silence of our homes with tv.   What's the opportunity cost of tv watching? What could you do with the hours? What business idea, dream or skill are we not investing in because of the time we're spending on tv?   Jim Rohn talks about what our tv cost us. Rohn says: "What did your tv cost you?" "$500." Rohn responds: "I think your tv is costing you a lot more than that."   You have the choice to establish your own culture. TV therapy is not the kind of therapy you need. You're looking for love, peace, comfort. Go to God.  This is the shift that is going to be worth the pain.

Why Travel: In this episode. we talk about the value of travel.    Why is travel a part of a freedom-filled life?    Travel is important to us as a couple and as a top value for our family.   Before we were married, travel was an important thing for us as individuals. Once we were married travel was more difficult but we cleaned up our consumer debt and slowly started to travel.   We began traveling regularly in 2013. Before they knew how to travel as a family, Ruthie took her father to Israel for his 80th Birthday and Jamie went to Spain with his uncle and walked The Camino de Santiago.  Now we have taken over 50 family trips in the last 5 years.   Roger Whitney, The Retirement Answer Man Podcast: The number one thing people want to do when they retire is travel.   bob goff’s book “Love Does”.    Speaking to your spouse about how important travel is for you:  What are the reasons you’d like to travel? Why would you want to travel?   We travel to connect with people in a deeper way. We travel to enhance our children's education as we homeschool. We travel to live our dream, live out of our heart and be true to what God's placed in us.   Where does travel lie on your list of values? If travel is more important to you, how can you make it happen? We can do this in 35 years or we can get creative and do it now with our children as a family.   Featured Resource: How to have your best family trip ever! Guide. To download go to  www.freedomlifejourney.com/resources      

Would you like to start a business while raising a family? Working from home with young children can be a challenge but it's possible and it's worth it!    Join Jamie and Ruthie Slingerland as they share what they've learned from working from home with young children. Listen to this conversation to discover how to enjoy being together as a family AND still get some work done.   This episode will help you:  Accept the challenges when working from home with children. Tap into your network for support.  Be strategic when delegating care. Include the children in your work. Discover ways to support each other as husband and wife. Know when to step back. Approach this as an experiment.     

If your marriage doesn’t experience conflict you may be headed for trouble. This sounds like an oxymoron. Avoiding conflict or dealing with disagreements may lead to resentment and deeper hurt. Patrick Lencioni says "Great relationships are built on the ability to disagree". He speaks about doing conflict well in his presentation of The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team:  https://youtu.be/inftqUOLFaM When share our struggle or our issue with our spouse in a healthy way, we allow the relationship to grow. The healthiest and strongest relationships disagree, argue or maybe even have a bad day of tension with limited communication. But they make an effort of preserving the marriage by taking through the issues and keeping them from growing roots of resentment. Here are 5 steps to dealing with conflict: 1-Take ownership. It’s easy to point the finger and find fault. The least you can do is begin by accepting your feelings. For example: “I feel sad/disappointed/ confused, etc. about what happened earlier today.” 2-Don’t fester. Get it out in the open as soon as possible. This may mean talking with your spouse but we’ve had days where it’s been very hard to have even a small window to speak. If so, here are other options to getting the issue out of your head: pray, journal, call a trusted friend or mentor. Text or leave a note- with caution. 3-Let it go- Now that you’ve taken responsibility and some action, it’s time to move on and let it go. Forgive your spouse. The way to make conflict a natural part of your marriage is by taking it seriously but dealing with it swiftly and casually if possible. This is called normalizing. Good marriages have conflict regularly and in a healthy way.

In this episode, we're introducing ourselves and sharing what values anchor the Freedom Life Journey Podcast, who we are for and what topics to expect in upcoming episodes. This show is about helping you discover what freedom looks like for your family. Are you looking to build more financial freedom into your life? Maybe you want to work from home so you can spend more time with your family. How about adding more margin into your life?  Topics to be discussed in future episodes: ways to leverage talent you already have agreeing with your spouse on a compelling vision getting rid of debt and building wealth working remotely how to travel with kids becoming location independent This is the podcast where we peel back the layers on what it takes to build a life of freedom and flexibility so that you can begin on your own journey.